A race overload in immediately’s EUROTRASH Thursday. Tadej Pogačar is doing what he desires within the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya and Milano-Sanremo winner Jasper Philipsen wins once more within the Traditional Brugge-De Panne, plus the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali all with outcomes and video.
Giro TT helmet provisionally permitted by the UCI – TOP STORY.
Rider information: 5 extra years with Alpecin-Deceuninck and ten extra years on a Canyon bike for Mathieu van der Poel, Tour de Romandie reveals Alexandre Balmer’s new staff by chance, five-time Olympic champion Laura Kenny retires, Aleksandr Vlasov extends contract with BORA-hansgrohe for 3 years, Sebastian Kolze Changizi extends with Tudor, Marc Hirschi to depart UAE Staff Emirates for Tudor and Mauri Vansevenant meets the Vuelta winner he’s named after.
Staff information: Bahrain Victorious set for Spring Classics in Belgium, dsm-firmenich PostNL subsequent races, Bahrain Victorious desires Lenny Martinez, Maxim Van Gils extends his contract with Lotto Dstny till 2026 and Neilson Powless to renew full coaching after damage.
Race information: Lidl turns into title sponsor of the Deutschland Tour.
EUROTRASH espresso time.
TOP STORY: Visma | Lease a Bike’s Giro TT Helmet has Been Provisionally Authorized by the UCI
The Giro time trial helmet utilized by Visma | Lease a Bike first in Tirreno-Adriatico has been permitted by the UCI for at the very least one yr, Sporza studies. The Worldwide Biking Union began an investigation after there was lots of commotion concerning the new helmet.
Following the sight of the helmet throughout the person time trial in Tirreno-Adriatico, the UCI introduced that it could study the brand new tools. The UCI was referring to the brand new Giro Aerohead 2.0 helmet and in addition the Rudy Mission Windgream HL 85 helmet and the POC Tempor helmet. The UCI additionally determined to ban the ‘helmet sock’ made by Specialised from April 2.
In line with the UCI, the main focus is on the event of those helmets just isn’t their protecting perform, however on selling efficiency. The UCI additionally raised the problem of business availability. The helmets should be obtainable on the market to the general public, in accordance with the rules.
The Visma | Lease a Bike staff can now use the helmet for the remainder of this yr. The UCI has permitted the prototype for the interval from January 18, 2024 to January 17, 2025. “After that interval, the prototype should be obtainable on the market to everybody beneath the relevant situations,” the UCI emphasised its guidelines to Sporza. The helmets could also be used on the highway.
Sure, it’s authorized:
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya 2024
Stage 1 of the 2024 Tour of Catalunya was received by Nick Schultz on the end in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Tadej Pogačar was the favorite, however the Australian, Schultz, of Israel-Premier Tech shocked everybody with a late assault. Pogačar began his dash a too late and completed second. Schultz’s Israel-Premier Tech teammate, Stephen Williams, was third.
The 174 kilometre opening stage to and from Sant Feliu de Guíxols had 2,677 metres of climbing with three categorised climbs. The highest of the final climb was 20 kilometres from the end. The Alt de Sant Grau is 8.1km at a mean gradient of 4%.
The early break of 5 shaped after the primary climb of the day, the Alt de la Ganga: Simone Petilli (Intermarché-Wanty), Kenny Elissonde (Cofidis), Alex Baudin (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Ådne Holter (Uno-X Mobility) and Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi). After 25 kilometres the lead was 3 minutes, his was probably the most they might get. UAE Staff Emirates had been on the entrance of the peloton to maintain the break shut. Bizkarra was the primary to be caught and, 30 kilometres from the end, Petilli, Elissonde, Baudin and Holter had been additionally pulled in, simply earlier than the final climb of the day, the Alt de Sant Grau. Earlier than the climb there was a dash for bonus seconds. Three seconds went to Egan Bernal, after some sturdy work by his INEOS Grenadiers staff. Pogačar was second and took 2 seconds. On the Alt de Sant Grau, the tempo was set by UAE Staff Emirates and Visma | Lease a Bike, this removed the fast-finishers, like Bryan Coquard, however the GC males held on with out amy drawback. Simply earlier than the highest, Marc Soler attacked with Pogačar on his wheel.
This was a UAE Staff Emirates plan to separate the race on the descent. This didn’t swimsuit Mauri Vansevenant of Soudal Fast-Step and he attacked within the final kilometres of the descent, however was quickly pulled in by the UAE males, who then stored the velocity excessive to the robust uphill dash. Simply earlier than the final kilometre there was a shock assault from Nick Schultz. The Australian had hole because the others checked out one another to do the chase work. Pogačar noticed the hazard and jumped away from the peloton, however was simply too late to catch Schultz earlier than the end line. This was Schultz third skilled victory in his profession. Pogačar needed to accept second place. Stephen Williams, additionally Israel-Premi Tech, crossed the road in third. There was a crash within the final kilometre involving a number of riders, together with Egan Bernal.
Stage winner and general chief, Nick Schultz (Israel-Premier Tech): “I believe I used to be on the ending line asking ‘what occurred?’ This was an enormous shock for me. I believe it was fairly clear what my goal was immediately – my job was to take Stevie down the final descent and thru the ultimate corners. I by no means as soon as thought of profitable the stage immediately, I used to be solely fascinated about the staff. He was on my wheel simply earlier than the ultimate nook and he yelled at me to maintain going. He let the hole go. In that second, I used to be going to go as laborious as I may to impress someone to come back after me, however I bought a fairly hole and knew I needed to maintain going as laborious as doable. In the end, I by no means thought it could come to fruition, however I’m actually grateful to Stevie for letting that hole go as a result of he may have received that stage in his personal proper. Possibly that was the fantastic thing about not being the massive chief: I had nothing to lose. In my head, I wasn’t racing for the win, I used to be racing to assist Stevie. I believe that in the end meant I may go away all of it on the market – if I got here fifth or thirtieth immediately, it wouldn’t have modified something. There’s such environment within the staff. We’ve bought nice personnel, wonderful employees, and a fantastic group of riders, and that is simply the laborious work of everyone paying off. I believe it’s clear that issues are going so properly when somebody like me wins the stage. I’m not a man who wins fairly often, if in any respect. I’m real looking – I’m not driving GC right here at this race. I simply had the largest victory of my profession, I’m going to get pleasure from it. I believe one of the simplest ways to try this will likely be to do what I really like doing and serving to out the blokes tomorrow.”
2nd on the stage and general, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Staff Emirates): Pogačar: “I actually loved the day to be trustworthy, it was a tough day within the saddle with tempo all day and our guys did a fantastic job. I messed it up a bit within the closing, I ought to have tried to shut the hole to Schultz instantly however he was sturdy additionally and deserved the win after how he attacked within the final kilometre. I did dash and I wished a win for all of the work the staff did. Tomorrow on paper appears laborious with a tricky end on Vallter 2000. We now have a powerful staff right here and we need to make it laborious as doable.”
third on the stage and general, Stephen Williams (Israel-Premier Tech): “I’m actually happy with Nick, he’s a selfless helper and a fantastic teammate. I’m actually completely satisfied and proud to see him take his first WorldTour victory right here. It’s an exquisite begin to this race for our staff. We rode nice as a staff all day. We knew that it was going to be key to get to the highest of the ultimate climb in place for the descent into the end, because it was greater than doubtless there have been going to be splits. We bought onto the coast for the ultimate time, and we had been properly positioned. I went into the ultimate nook one-two with Nick, and I believed I’d let the wheel go to see what would occur. He bought a spot instantly and there was a lull behind. Inevitably, it was all the time going to exit, as a result of no person had any teammates to chase. I hoped he would be capable of maintain on, which he did. Behind, I used to be additionally in a position to open my dash, and spherical out the rostrum.”
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya Stage 1 Consequence:
1. Nick Schultz (Aus) Israel-Premier Tech in 4:11:38
2. Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Staff Emirates
3. Stephen Williams (GB) Israel-Premier Tech
4. Dorian Godon (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:02
5. Axel Laurance (Fra) Alpecin-Deceuninck
6. Rémy Rochas (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
7. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
8. Aleksandr Vlasov (-) BORA-hansgrohe
9. Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma | Lease a Bike
10. Harold Tejada (Col) Astana Qazaqstan.
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya General After Stage 1:
1. Nick Schultz (Aus) Israel-Premier Tech in 4:11:28
2. Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Staff Emirates at 0:02
3. Stephen Williams (GB) Israel-Premier Tech at 0:06
4. Laurens De Plus (Bel) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:09
5. Dorian Godon (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:10
6. Axel Laurance (Fra) Alpecin-Deceuninck
7. Rémy Rochas (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
8. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
9. Aleksandr Vlasov (-) BORA-hansgrohe
10. Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma | Lease a Bike.
Catalunya’24 stage 1:
Tadej Pogačar received the primary mountain stage of the Tour of Catalonia. The Slovenian of UAE Staff Emirates rode away from the others on the ultimate climb of Stage 2 to the Vallter 2000 ski resort and crossed the road with a lead of practically one and a half minutes. Mikel Landa completed second, simply forward of Aleksandr Vlasov.
Within the second stage of the Tour of Catalonia, the climbers had their likelihood. The end was on high of the Vallter (11.4km at 7.4%), at 2,135 metres altitude. The climb within the Pyrenees has a mean gradient of over 7%, however there have been sections of as much as 10%.
The break went 2 kilometres from the beginning: Jimmy Janssens (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Samuel Fernández (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA), Álex Jaime (Equipo Kern Pharma), Xabier Isasa (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Kevin Colleoni (Intermarché-Wanty) and Jambaljamts Sainbayar (Burgos-BH). They managed a most lead of 6 minutes. Surprisingly it was high favorite, Pogačar who tried to cross to the break. Along with his teammate, Domen Novak, the UAE Staff Emirates chief was between the peloton and the main group, however he noticed this plan wasn’t going to work and sat up and waited for the peloton.
Janssens, Fernández, Jaime, Isasa, Colleoni and Sainbayar hit the primary categorised climb of the day: the Coll de Coubet. They began the ten kilometre 5.4% climb with a lead of slightly below 3 minutes. Within the break Janssens pushed on and solely Fernández was in a position to go together with him, it was too quick for the opposite escapees. Fernández took the ten KOM factors on the high of the Coll de Coubet and the digital mountains jersey, however the closing climb to Vallter 2000 was nonetheless to come back. As a result of acceleration of Janssens and Fernández, the lead on the peloton elevated to three minutes once more, however this was not sufficient to carry off the higher climbers. On the descent of the Coll de Coubet, Janssens needed to let Fernández go, however the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider managed to catch him once more later. Pogačar dropped the peloton once more with different riders of his staff, however once more they had been allowed themselves to be swallowed up by the peloton.
UAE Staff Emirates took the lead once more, chasing the remaining leaders Janssens and Fernández. The 2 escapees held out by way of the laborious rain and the lead fluctuated round 2 minutes. Earlier than the ultimate climb, Janssens attacked and began the ultimate climb on his personal. His lead of simply over 1 minute was not sufficient for the stage victory. Janssens was handed by the entrance group, together with Pogačar, 8 kilometres from the highest. The Slovenian had his teammates skinny the group down. With 6 kilometres to go, the Slovenian champion attacked and nobody may comply with. Pogačar prolonged his lead over the subsequent kilometres, whereas Mikel Landa, Aleksandr Vlasov, Lenny Martinez, Egan Bernal and Chris Harper tried to restrict the harm. Pogačar completed properly over a minute forward of his chasers for the stage win and the general lead.
Stage winner and general chief, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Staff Emirates): “We began with virtually summer time climate however the clouds chased us and the rain fell ranging from the penultimate climb. Regardless of the adversarial climate situations and the altitude, I felt good, testing my legs already within the final descent after which going at my tempo till the top with out trying again.”
2nd on the stage and general, Mikel Landa (Soudal Fast-Step): “I’m very happy, particularly as a result of I had not raced for some time. I truly wished to take it day-to-day, however I’m higher than anticipated. It was actually chilly immediately. I had issues with my fingers within the closing. It’s clear that Pogačar is the strongest. In fact I want to win a stage and end on the rostrum. However you will need to take it sooner or later at a time.”
fifth on the stage and general, Lenny Martinez (Groupama-FDJ): “I’ve by no means been so chilly, however I felt actually good on the ultimate climb. When Pogačar began, I used to be actually at my restrict. As soon as it began raining once more, the legs got here again. When Pogačar accelerated, I made a decision to maintain my very own tempo. I first needed to shut a spot to the pursuers, however then I attempted to assault a number of occasions. We had been roughly on the similar degree. Mikel Landa was additionally sturdy and when he attacked in the direction of the highest I used to be now not in a position to comply with. Then I simply drove full velocity in the direction of the end.”
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya Stage 2 Consequence:
1. Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Staff Emirates in 4:52:37
2. Mikel Landa (Spa) Soudal Fast-Step at 1:23
3. Aleksandr Vlasov (-) BORA-hansgrohe at 1:24
4. João Almeida (Por) UAE Staff Emirates at 1:38
5. Lenny Martinez (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 1:43
6. Chris Harper (Aus) Jayco AlUla at 1:44
7. Egan Bernal (Col) INEOS Grenadiers at 1:47
8. Enric Mas (Spa) Movistar at 1:49
9. Wout Poels (Ned) Bahrain Victorious at 2:03
10. José Manuel Díaz (Spa) Burgos-BH.
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya General After Stage 2:
1. Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Staff Emirates in 9:03:57
2. Mikel Landa (Spa) Soudal Fast-Step at 1:35
3. Aleksandr Vlasov (-) BORA-hansgrohe at 1:38
4. João Almeida (Por) UAE Staff Emirates at 1:56
5. Lenny Martinez (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 2:01
6. Chris Harper (Aus) Jayco AlUla at 2:02
7. Egan Bernal (Col) INEOS Grenadiers
8. Enric Mas (Spa) Movistar at 2:07
9. Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma | Lease a Bike at 2:21
10. José Manuel Díaz (Spa) Burgos-BH.
Catalunya’24 stage 2:
Tadej Pogačar received stage 2 of the Volta a Catalunya on Tuesday and repeated the trick on Wednesday within the Queen Stage 3 to Port Ainé. After a solo of seven kilometres, Pogačar crossed the end line solo so as to add one other 48 plus seconds to his general lead. Mikel Landa was second and Wout Poels completed fourth.
With one Cat.1 climb and two different laborious climbs, this was a stage of 4,000 meters of climbing. The peloton was confronted with the Port de Toses (4km at 9%), the Port de Cantó (25.5km at 4.2%, max. 10%) and the ultimate climb to the Port Ainé ski space (18.5km at 6.8%).
Bauke Mollema was one of many first attackers, together with Steven Kruijswijk, however the skilled Dutchmen couldn’t get away. Simply earlier than the Port de Toses, a number one group of 6 shaped, together with Mauri Vansevenant, Hugh Carthy, Juan Pedro López and Andreas Kron. A gaggle together with Herald Tejada, Iván Ramiro Sosa and Andreas Leknessund and others joined them. This was a powerful group with many climbers, so UAE Staff Emirates made certain that the break didn’t get too distant. The lead fluctuated round 1:30 for a very long time, however on the lengthy climb of Port de Cantó the hole was closed to the final early attackers. At that time, Visma | Lease a Bike had moved up within the peloton for Sepp Kuss and Cian Uijtdebroeks. The tempo was excessive, however not excessive sufficient to skinny out the peloton an excessive amount of. A big group, together with all of the favourites, headed in the direction of the ultimate climb of the Port Ainé (18.5 km at 6.8%) led by Pogačar’s males. Mikel Landa additionally had his males on the entrance, inflicting the group to grow to be smaller and smaller.
This was the beginning of an assault by Landa 7.4 kilometres from the end. The one rider who may comply with him was Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian didn’t comply with for lengthy, as a result of he instantly attacked the Basque rider. There was nothing holding Pogačar, who rapidly opened a spot of 20 seconds on Landa, Sepp Kuss and Chris Harper, who managed to cross to them. Behind, a bunch shaped with Aleksandr Vlasov, however this was all properly behind Pogačar, who was driving additional and additional away. His lead over Landa elevated to 45 seconds. The Spaniard dropped the others within the Kuss and Harper group. The Slovenian had time to have fun his victory and strengthened his general lead. Landa completed second, 48 seconds behind Pogačar, adopted by Antonio Tiberi and Wout Poels of Bahrain Victorous. Sepp Kuss was fifth.
Stage winner and general chief, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Staff Emirates): “It was a really robust closing climb and it was additionally at altitude. I felt that it was chilly and there wasn’t a lot humidity both. That made it very tough. However it was stage for us as a staff. I’m completely satisfied to win, as a result of my teammates labored laborious for this. It was Mikel Landa who was the primary to assault. Then I went over him, after I noticed that he instantly made a spot. Possibly it was too early, however I discovered rhythm and till the final two kilometres I used to be in a position to push. After that I felt it turned harder, however fortunately I used to be nonetheless in a position to end it.”
third on the stage and general, Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious): “At the moment was actually laborious from the start. Additionally particularly after the stage of yesterday with the rain and the chilly. Additionally, yesterday was actually laborious for me till 200m to the end. Yesterday I used to be virtually there however I completed my gasoline. At the moment I used to be consuming extra from the beginning, and the sensation was higher than yesterday. The final climb was actually laborious and I attempted to comply with the very best guys with Landa, and Pogačar, who like all the time had been sturdy. On the finish, I completed third and I’m tremendous completely satisfied.”
4th on the stage and eighth general, Wout Poels (Bahrain Victorious): ”I believe we had a extremely good day as a staff, and I believe we had been sensible to not attempt comply with Pogačar as a result of that’s subsequent degree. And I believe Antonio rode maturely too, and simply comply with and never go too early and blow up, which was the case for these we introduced again in the long run. So general I believe we did properly. I really feel that my situation is sweet, and so I’m trying ahead to transferring up within the GC.”
fifth on the stage and seventh general, Sepp Kuss (Visma | Lease a Bike): “In any case, I felt okay on the ultimate climb. That’s why I’ve feeling about immediately. This consequence makes me happy. It’s primarily the best way during which it will probably attraction to me. We took the initiative with the staff immediately. Everybody contributed and it appeared like we had been all in place. The main focus is now on the approaching days, during which we are going to see what remains to be doable with a view to the rankings. Pogačar was by far the very best, however behind him lots of males are evenly matched. That gives potentialities for the approaching days. After yesterday’s barely unhealthy day, we are able to now search for once more.”
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya Stage 3 Consequence:
1. Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Staff Emirates in 4:34:25
2. Mikel Landa (Spa) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:48
3. Antonio Tiberi (Ita) Bahrain Victorious at 1:03
4. Wout Poels (Ned) Bahrain Victorious
5. Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma | Lease a Bike
6. Aleksandr Vlasov (-) BORA-hansgrohe at 1:10
7. Cristián Rodríguez (Spa) Arkéa-B&B Lodges
8. Chris Harper (Aus) Jayco AlUla
9. Lenny Martinez (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
10. Enric Mas (Spa) Movistar.
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya General After Stage 3:
1. Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Staff Emirates in 13:38:12
2. Mikel Landa (Spa) Soudal Fast-Step at 2:27
3. Aleksandr Vlasov (-) BORA-hansgrohe at 2:55
4. Lenny Martinez (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 3:21
5. Chris Harper (Aus) Jayco AlUla at 3:22
6. Enric Mas (Spa) Movistar at 3:27
7. Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma | Lease a Bike at 3:34
8. Wout Poels (Ned) Bahrain Victorious
9. Egan Bernal (Col) INEOS Grenadiers at 3:50
10. João Almeida (Por) UAE Staff Emirates at 3:52.
Catalunya’24 stage 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVt5wQ-rymU
Traditional Brugge-De Panne 2024
Jasper Philipsen received a bunch dash end within the Traditional Brugge-De Panne. On the finish of virtually 200 kilometres of racing, the winner of Milano-Sanremo was the quickest in a difficult closing. Within the final metres he was in a position to beat Tim Marlier and Danny van Poppel.
The Traditional Brugge-De Panne is a sprinters race with an virtually flat profile. A very powerful a part of the 43.9 kilometre circuit is De Moeren, which needs to be ridden 3 times. The Moeren may break up the race whether it is windy, however the climate is predicted to be good and no wind.
Quickly after the beginning the break of the day shaped. There have been three ProTeams riders: Luca De Meester (Bingoal WB), Thomas Gachignard (TotalEnergies) and Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise). They quickly had a 3 minute lead, which they elevated to over 8 minutes earlier than the sprinter’s groups began to chase. When the peloton hit the ending circuit, BORA-hansgrohe, Tudor, Soudal Fast-Step, Jayco AlUla, Alpecin-Deceuninck, Bahrain Victorious and dsm-firmenich PostNL all put a person on the entrance. The hole was closed to De Meester, Vercouillie and Gachignard. The Frenchman of TotalEnergies held out the longest, however Gachignard was caught the final time by way of the Moeren.
The primary lead-out trains had already bought organised. The roads had been slender and stuffed with road furnishings on the best way to De Panne, which made issues extra nervous. Everybody was taking a look at Milano-Sanremo winner Jasper Philipsen and Tim Merlier, however all of the groups had a fast-finisher. BORA-hansgrohe had Danny van Poppel, as a consequence of their sprinter Welsford not going for the dash. Van Poppel went too early and was handed by Philipsen and Merlier on the final minute. This was not straightforward for Philipsen as he had began the final kilometre in a nasty place. He was introduced ahead by Ramon Sinkeldam and hit the ultimate straight in round fifteenth place. He then bought on Merlier’s wheel, who bumped with Philipsen behind Van Poppel. They managed to remain up-right and Philipsen pushed forward of Merlier. Van Poppel completed third behind them.
Race winner, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “That is maybe my finest type. All the pieces has to go properly, however I’m completely satisfied that we succeeded once more immediately. It was good teamwork, as a result of everybody was recent within the closing. Typically it’s a lottery, however luckily we succeeded along with the staff. I used to be in a position to make up positions and was on Merlier’s wheel. That’s virtually the very best wheel you possibly can have. Van Poppel then took the lead and I wished to go on the left, however there I got here into contact with Tim Merlier. That was a disgrace, however luckily we had been nonetheless in a position to do dash. I noticed house on the left, however couldn’t estimate what Van Poppel was going to do. Fortunately I used to be in a position to maintain my legs nonetheless in time earlier than one thing occurred. That’s why I’m completely satisfied that we had been in a position to experience a pleasant dash. In such a dash it’s a must to maintain your head cool and make the appropriate determination. If you’re recent, issues will go higher. I hope to realize a pleasant victory this spring, as a result of there are solely necessary races arising. It’s already a fantastic success, so all the pieces that comes with it’s simply icing on the cake On Saturday I had my finest legs ever, however right here you don’t should be 110% to win. You additionally want luck and good legs.”
2nd, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “Once I need to begin my dash, I get a push from behind. I sat with my wheel to the left of Danny van Poppel, so I had no room left. That’s why I caught with it. If I push by way of there, Jasper will go over the guardrail and I might have been the responsible one. That meant I couldn’t do my dash… However sure, sprinting is a threat.” “At first I didn’t even comprehend it was Jasper. It was primarily disappointment. Possibly I’m too good, however I don’t need to kill anybody. It was a busy end, so sprinting just isn’t straightforward. Positioning is all the time essential, however with out wind there isn’t any spectacle. Regardless of that, it was nonetheless fairly traumatic.”
third, Danny van Poppel (BORA-hansgrohe): “That was a bit surprising. I went again to Welsford, as a result of we pulled his card. However then Welsford mentioned I may dash. At first I believed ‘let it go’… However I additionally wished to reward the boys, even when it was with a spot within the high 10. Ultimately I even noticed the end and thought of profitable. I took the quickest route, which was on the left. That’s the place Jasper and Tim come collectively. Ultimately it was just a few meters too lengthy for me, however they’re world class. I’m a lead-out and generally a sprinter as a aspect job. That’s the reason I’m happy with this, particularly for the staff. We now have labored laborious, so you possibly can’t simply let it slide.”
Fabio Jakobsen (dsm-firmenich PostNL): “I’m not happy. Look, as a sprinter you need to win. I didn’t try this. We now have discovered so much, however you need to win. We’re doing lots of good issues, however aside from Nokere Koerse (Jakobsen was 2nd) we have now not been near victory. That needs to be improved and that’s one thing that everybody is working laborious for. Me too. We are going to now proceed with that. We focus on that, how we are able to do it in communication. Simply earlier than the ultimate we’re within the wind too early and we lose one another. Everyone seems to be racing collectively for the primary time. It’s not that we rode collectively for 40 or 50 racing days. That is a part of it, however I don’t thoughts it. It was mistake after mistake after mistake. I used to be simply too far into the final nook, so I’m behind the crash. That’s my fault, however Bram Welten and I weren’t in a dropping place. Solely due to that fall. I stood utterly nonetheless, with my chain off. Then it’s over. That may occur, it is usually a race. I don’t get annoyed, however I’ve to do higher. I will likely be engaged on that within the coming interval in the direction of the Tour of Turkey and the Giro, as a result of I’m not doing it for the rostrum or these outcomes. I’m near high type, we nonetheless have to take a look at that with trainers. I’ll proceed to construct from right here, now I’ll prepare for a month.”
Traditional Brugge-De Panne Consequence:
1. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 4:22:42
2. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
3. Danny van Poppel (Ned) BORA-hansgrohe
4. Jason Tesson (Fra) TotalEnergies
5. Simone Consonni (Ita) Lidl-Trek
6. Stian Fredheim (Nor) Uno-X Mobility
7. Juan Sebastián Molano (Col) UAE Staff Emirates
8. Phil Bauhaus (Ger) Bahrain Victorious
9. Emilien Jeannière (Fra) TotalEnergies
10. Luca Mozzato (Ita) Arkéa-B&B Lodges.
Brugge-De Panne’24:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BER2qgW23gA
Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali 2024
The First Stage of the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali was received by Marco Brenner. The German rider of Tudor Professional Biking, held off a chase group after a late assault. Brenner additionally took the primary general chief’s jersey. Matteo Malucelli (JCL Staff UKYO) and Jenno Berckmoes (Lotto Dstny) had been second and third at 1 second.
The opening stage of the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali began and completed in Pesaro. The stage was fairly hilly with the final climb coming 20 kilometres from the end. It was a brief stage of slightly below 110 kilometres, giving climbers and attackers an opportunity.
James Whelan (Q36.5), Erik Fetter (Polti-Kometa), Luc Wirtgen (Tudor) and Manuele Tarozzi (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè) made up the break of the day. These 4 took a most lead of two minutes. Within the peloton it was EF Schooling-EasyPost and UAE Staff Emirates who set the tempo. The American staff wished to make it laborious within the closing. With 20 kilometres to go, Jefferson Alexander Cepeda (EF Schooling-EasyPost) attacked from the peloton, however the Ecuadorian was given any house and was quickly caught. Paul Double was subsequent to attempt with a bit of extra success.
The British climber of Polti-Kometa crossed solo to the remaining leaders Whelan, Wirtgen and Tarozzi. These 4 held off the peloton for some time, however had been caught with 15 kilometres to go. It now regarded like Visma | Lease a Bike wished the stage to complete in a dash, however Marco Brenner of Tudor put in a late assault. The German climber picked the right second to leap away and construct up a large enough result in take his first skilled victory. Brenner held off the sprinting peloton, led in by Matteo Malucelli and Jenno Berckmoes. Brenner is the primary general chief.
Stage winner and general chief, Marco Brenner (Tudor): “The staff was unbelievable immediately. They did such job in protecting me in good place particularly within the chaotic finale, in order that I may save my legs. After making an attempt the descent two occasions and discussing within the pre race assembly, we knew I wanted to be in high 5 place to start out the downhill. Hannes (Wilksch) did an excellent good final pull for me, after which I may take the wheel of a Visma rider, earlier than inserting my assault. What was mentioned within the assembly labored out precisely to perfection.”
Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali Stage 1 Consequence:
1. Marco Brenner (Ger) Tudor in 2:30:38
2. Matteo Malucelli (Ita) JCL Staff UKYO at 0:01
3. Jenno Berckmoes (Bel) Lotto Dstny
4. Koen Bouwman (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
5. Hartthijs de Vries (Ned) TDT-Unibet
6. Davide De Pretto (Ita) Jayco AlUla
7. Diego Ulissi (Ita) UAE Staff Emirates
8. Kristian Sbaragli (Ita) Corratec-Vini Fantini
9. Diego Pablo Sevilla (Spa) Polti Kometa
10. Gianluca Brambilla (Ita) Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff.
Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali General After Stage 1:
1. Marco Brenner Ger) Tudor in 2:30:28
2. Matteo Malucelli (Ita) JCL Staff UKYO at 0:05
3. Jenno Berckmoes (Bel) Lotto Dstny at 0:07
4. Koen Bouwman (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:11
5. Hartthijs de Vries (Ned) TDT-Unibet
6. Davide De Pretto (Ita) Jayco AlUla
7. Diego Ulissi (Ita) UAE Staff Emirates
8. Kristian Sbaragli (Ita) Corratec-Vini Fantini
9. Diego Pablo Sevilla (Spa) Polti Kometa
10. Gianluca Brambilla (Ita) Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff.
Coppi e Bartali’24 stage 1:
Diego Ulissi took the victory on the Second Stage of the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali on Wednesday. The Italian of UAE Staff Emirates had the quickest dash on the uphill end within the slender streets of Sogliano al Rubicone, catching and passing Archie Ryan and Davide De Pretto, the rest of the break, within the closing meters. Sylvain Moniquet and Menno Huising had been fourth and fifth.
The second stage of the Coppi and Bartali was a tricky mountain stage with greater than 3,000 metres of climbing. After greater than 60 kilometres the peloton crossed the end line in Sogliano al Rubicone, to start out 4 circuits of 24 kilometres with a climb of three.3 kilometres at 6.2% on the finish of every lap.
Brenner’s Tudor staff took management of the peloton early within the stage. The Swiss staff despatched Mathys Rondel within the escape of the day. He was joined by Carl Fredrik Hagen (Q36.5), Lennert Teugels (Bingoal-WB), Manuele Tarozzi (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè), Giosuè Epis (Arkéa-B&B Lodges Conti), Davide Bauce (Mg .Okay Vis-Colours for Peace), Jeferson Ruiz Acuña (GW Erco Shimano) and Nicolò Garibbo (Staff Technipes). They didn’t bought greater than a 5 minute lead, as a result of Tudor and Visma | Lease a Bike set the tempo within the peloton. Teugels, Tarozzi and Garibbo held out the longest and began the final two laps with a lead of two minutes. They had been caught 30 kilometres from the end.
On the penultimate climb to Sogliano al Rubicone, Johannes Staune-Mettet of Visma | Lease a Bike put in an assault, however he was caught. From the thinned out peloton, the subsequent assault got here from Hartthijs de Vries (Tour de Tietema-Unibet). He managed to get away from an elite group and began the ultimate climb solo, however was pulled in 4 kilometres from the end. Giulio Pellizzari was subsequent to attempt, after which Archie Ryan made a really sturdy assault that solely Davide De Pretto may comply with. They began the final 300 metres collectively within the previous centre of Sogliano al Rubicone, however had been slowed by the final steep metres. From behind it was Diego Ulissi who flew previous Ryan and De Pretto with 100 metres to go to take the victory. Ulissi crossed the end line solo, De Pretto and Ryan managed to carry off the peloton to take second and third. Ulissi additionally too the general lead.
Stage winner and general chief, Diego Ulissi (UAE Staff Emirates): “Victory all the time offers nice emotions. My first a part of the season has been good till now, acquiring good ends in Oman and in Milano-Torino. I additionally needed to overcome some illness, however I arrived to Coppi e Bartali in good type. At the moment I hadn’t good sensations till the ultimate a part of the race, however on the final climb my legs had been nice. My congrats to my teammates: a lot of them are very younger riders from our improvement staff, immediately they supported me in a tremendous method.”
Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali Stage 2 Consequence:
1. Diego Ulissi (Ita) UAE Staff Emirates in 3:55:31
2. Davide De Pretto (Ita) Jayco AlUla
3. Archie Ryan (Irl) EF Schooling-EasyPost
4. Sylvain Moniquet (Bel) Lotto Dstny
5. Milan Vader (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
6. Koen Bouwman (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
7. Gianluca Brambilla (Ita) Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff
8. Adam Ťoupalík (CZ) TDT-Unibet
9. Domenico Pozzovivo (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
10. Giovanni Carboni (Ita) JCL Staff UKYO.
Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali General After Stage 2:
1. Diego Ulissi (Ita) UAE Staff Emirates in 6:26:00
2. Davide De Pretto (Ita) Jayco AlUla at 0:07
3. Archie Ryan (Irl) EF Schooling-EasyPost at 0:09
4. Koen Bouwman (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:13
5. Gianluca Brambilla (Ita) Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff
6. Sylvain Moniquet (Bel) Lotto Dstny
7. Milan Vader (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
8. Adam Ťoupalík (CZ) TDT-Unibet at 0:17
9. Jenno Berckmoes (Bel) Lotto Dstny at 0:18
10. Domenico Pozzovivo (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè.
Coppi e Bartali’24 stage 2:
Mathieu van der Poel 5 Extra Years at Alpecin-Deceuninck
Mathieu van der Poel (29) has prolonged his settlement with Alpecin-Deceuninck till the top of 2028. The reigning world champion will then have cycled a minimum of 18 years beneath the wings of the Roodhooft brothers. Distinctive!
These are memorable days for Alpecin-Deceuninck. Not solely are we having fun with the distinctive staff efficiency in Milan-San Remo, earlier immediately Mathieu van der Poel put his signature on a 10-year settlement as ambassador for our biking accomplice Canyon.
On high of that, Alpecin-Deceuninck and Mathieu van der Poel additionally dissolved their current contract till the top of 2025 and prolonged it till a minimum of the top of 2028. This new five-year settlement creates a singular scenario in biking: Mathieu, who took his first steps with the brothers in 2011, will then have cycled beneath their wings for at least 18 years.
After 2028, Mathieu can/will determine yr by yr whether or not to proceed as knowledgeable highway rider or not.
In a separate deal, Alpecin-Deceuninck and Canyon prolonged its cooperation, persevering with the profitable relationship that began in late-2017.
“Logical selection”
Mathieu van der Poel: “This extension is a logical selection for me. I’ve felt significantly comfy within the constructions of Philip and Christoph Roodhooft from the start. I’ve grown along with the staff and I nonetheless really feel that we’re making progress. And though we have now already achieved many successes collectively, I’m nonetheless hungry for extra. Not unimportant within the reality is that Alpecin-Deceuninck can be multi-disciplinary. That is the right staff to proceed to mix highway, mountain bike and cyclocross.”
Philip and Christoph Roodhooft: “There isn’t any doubt that we’re delighted with Mathieu van der Poel’s prolonged settlement. We had a long-term plan with him from the start. The multidisciplinary imaginative and prescient was an necessary side of this. We rapidly discovered one another in that as properly. Through the years we have now confirmed that our construction and imaginative and prescient works. It feels significantly good that we are able to additionally proceed within the coming years. Similar to Mathieu, we as a staff are nonetheless hungry for extra successes, and the world champion performs an necessary function in that, together with quite a lot of different abilities we have now on board, each within the males’s and ladies’s groups.”
5 extra years for Van der Poel with the Roodhooft brothers:
Strap Yourselves In – TENAC10US MVDP
MVDP indicators with Canyon for 10 extra years
If the final 8 years are something to go by, we’re in for fairly the experience. 163 victories throughout three disciplines speaks for itself, however the method during which he rides is what retains us all on the sting of our seats.
Tenacious.
Learn the MVDP story HERE.
Sturdy bond of belief
“This can be a collaboration rooted in a mutual want to repeatedly push boundaries and attain the subsequent degree.”
Relentless velocity
Riders like Mathieu van der Poel solely come round as soon as in a era. His legendary standing is matched solely by the bikes he rides: Aeroad, Inflite, Lux.
Ten extra years on a Canyon bike for Van der Poel:
Tour de Romandie Organisers Reveal Alexandre Balmer’s New Staff by Accident
It appears like Alexandre Balmer will likely be racing with the Corratec-Vini Fantini staff this yr. Neither the rider nor the staff have mentioned something about it, however the organisers of the Tour de Romandie names Balmer in a press launch among the many riders of Corratec-Vini Fantini. The staff obtained a wildcard for the Swiss race.
Balmer rode for BikeExchange-Jayco/Jayco AlUla in 2022 and 2023, however was not given a brand new contract with the Australian WorldTeam. In the intervening time he’s formally and not using a contract. Nonetheless, on his personal social media he reveals that he’s nonetheless in full coaching and writes that regardless of all the pieces he has had winter.
When Balmer was an U23 he completed third within the Giro del Belvedere (1.2U), which was received by Juan Ayuso. With the professionals, he completed high ten twice within the Maryland Traditional (ninth in 2022, eighth in 2023) and completed ninth within the Giro del Veneto (2022).
Alexandre Balmer to Corratec?
5-Time Olympic Champion Laura Kenny Retires
The 31 year-old monitor bicycle owner, Laura Kenny, introduced through Instagram that she has ended her skilled profession. The British rider received 5 Olympic gold medals.
Kenny, who was often known as Trott till 2016, received gold twice at each the London and Rio de Janeiro Olympic Video games, each within the omnium and the staff pursuit. In Tokyo (2021), she additionally received gold within the staff pursuit along with Katie Archibald. Along with her successes on the Olympic Video games, Kenny was additionally World champion seven occasions and European champion fourteen occasions.
Laura Kenny is married to the profitable monitor bicycle owner Jason Kenny. After the Olympic Video games in Rio de Janeiro, the place they received 5 gold medals collectively, they had been the ‘golden couple’. After the 2 had a son in 2017, Laura made a comeback and managed to win a gold medal in Tokyo.
Laura (Trott) Kenny retires:
Aleksandr Vlasov Extends Contract with BORA-hansgrohe for Three Years
Aleksandr Vlasov’s contract with BORA-hansgrohe was to run out on the finish of this season. Nonetheless, in accordance with GCN, the Russian has re-signed with the German staff for 3 extra years.
Astana Qazaqstan and different staff had been Vlasov, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported. He rode for the Kazakh staff in 2020 and 2021 It now appears sure that Vlasov will stick with BORA-hansgrohe. He would have dedicated himself to the staff till the top of 2027. Vlasov is at present in his third season with BORA-hansgrohe. The 27 year-old achieved three podium finishes within the Problem Mallorca this yr and received the penultimate stage of Paris-Good in March. He has additionally received the Giro dell’Emilia (2020), Tour of Valencia (2022) and Tour de Romandie (2022).
Three extra years for Vlasov:
Sebastian Kolze Changizi Extends with Tudor
Sebastian Kolze Changizi has prolonged his contract with Tudor Professional Biking. The Dane, who’s a part of Arvid de Kleijn’s dash prepare, will stay with the Swiss staff till at the very least the top of 2026. Petr Kelemen has additionally signed with Tudor, his new contract runs till the top of 2027.
Kolze Changizi turned skilled with Tudor in 2023. The yr earlier than, he sprinted to a stage win within the Peace Race and was second twice in a stage of the Tour de l’Avenir, however with the Swiss staff he has primarily been an necessary member of the lead-out prepare of Arvid de Kleijn. “It feels nice to signal with this staff for 2 extra years,” mentioned Kolze Changizi. “I’m happy to have reached this settlement so early within the yr. This reveals that issues are going nice.”
The 23-year-old Dane desires to be necessary for Tudor as a domestique and winner. “My dream is to lift my arms within the air, cross the road with the Tudor crest on my chest and take my first skilled victory. As well as, I need to proceed to work as a employee in Arvid de Kleijn’s dash prepare to assist the staff obtain much more successes.”
Kelemen (23), will make his debut within the Flemish spring Classics this yr. The Czech rider hopes to additional develop in that space and in time trials within the coming years. “I’m very completely satisfied to stick with Tudor Professional Biking for one more three years. To me it looks like a household since I joined the staff in 2022, even earlier than the massive mission began. I’m trying ahead to profitable massive races with the staff, gaining expertise and performing, but in addition having enjoyable! As all the time.”
Sebastian Kolze Changizi to stick with Tudor:
Marc Hirschi to Depart UAE Staff Emirates for Tudor?
Marc Hirschi would possibly experience for Tudor Professional Biking subsequent yr. The hearsay has been going round for a while, however in accordance with Het Laatste Nieuws the deal has now been finalised and the Swiss rider will change groups on the finish of the yr.
The 25 year-old Hirschi was first seen in 2020 when he received Flèche Wallonne and a stage victory within the Tour de France. In January of the subsequent yr, he left Staff DSM early and signed for UAE Staff Emirates. As a result of accidents, he didn’t actually present his early promise, however improved final autumn and received the Faun Drôme Traditional in February. Hirschi’s contract with UAE Staff Emirates finishes on the finish of this yr. It’s no shock that he has been linked to the Tudor staff, as he’s Swiss as is the staff’s founder, Fabian Cancellara, who can be Hirschi’s supervisor.
Hirschi to Tudor?
Mauri Vansevenant Meets the Vuelta Winner he’s Named After
A particular assembly for the opening stage of the Tour of Catalonia. Mauri Vansevenant met Melchor Mauri, the previous rider he’s named after. The 2 shake fingers in entrance of the Soudal Fast-Step staff bus
The now 57 year-old Mauri was knowledgeable from 1987 to 2003. The Spaniard’s greatest success was in 1991, when he received the Vuelta a España. He additionally received three time trials in that version of his residence tour. He additionally received two extra levels within the Vuelta. His palmarès additionally embrace the Vuelta ao Algarve, Tour of Valencia (x2) and Vuelta a Murcia (x2).
Wim Vansevenant, Mauri Vansevenant’s father, defined to Sporza in 2019 why he and his spouse got here up with the identify Mauri. “My spouse’s grandfather was known as Mauritz. In West Flanders, Mauritz turns into Maurice. I raced in the course of the ONCE interval and Melchor Mauri rode there. So we made a compromise and selected Mauri,” mentioned Wim Vansevenant.
Mauri Vansevenant and Melchor Mauri:
Bahrain Victorious Set for Spring Classics in Belgium
The upcoming 4 races won’t solely function a warm-up for the second Monument of the season (the Tour of Flanders), however may also be a chance so as to add one other good consequence to our 2024 tally. Final yr Matej Mohorič and Andrea Pasqualon scored high 10 outcomes at E3 and Dwars respectively, and this yr we’re aiming for even higher.
The primary race is the Traditional Brugge – De Panne: 201 utterly flat kilometres. The route is similar to final yr and hits the North Sea coastal city of Nieuwpoort after 40km. Rain, and particularly excessive winds, may break the race into echelons from that time on for the reason that race stays very near the shore.
From all flats we go to virtually no flat in any respect at E3 Saxo, which is the very best warm-up for Flanders with lots of the paved “bergs” that characteristic within the second monument. This race is for “puncheurs” so count on lots of early splits within the peloton, with a number of assaults on the hills which might be a relentless all through the parcours.
After a day’s relaxation the staff will begin Gent – Wevelgem: the longest cobbled traditional of this set at 252km. The primary half is flat whereas within the second half, riders will face rolling hills the place the classics specialists will attempt to drop the sprinters. There are some gravel sectors thrown into the combo to make the race extra attention-grabbing, however the end result will probably be a diminished bunch dash.
The final (and the shortest) of this block is Dwars door Vlaanderen, at 188km. A mix of small hills and cobbled sectors will problem the peloton, with the hardest sectors all coming within the final 71km the place assaults will likely be launched.
Our Sports activities Director Enrico Poitschke analysed all 4 races: “First we begin with Brugge – De Panne, which needs to be a race for the sprinters, however final yr we noticed that when climate situations are excessive with wind and rain it turns into a tough race. In the intervening time the climate forecast appears good for Wednesday and from that aspect we have now a lineup that may help Phil Bauhaus. We noticed Phil is in good situation and we’ll attempt to deliver him into an excellent place for his dash. All the pieces is feasible, however our objective is high 5. Our staff has lots of expertise that will likely be wanted at this race. It’s Łukasz Wisniowski’s first race for our staff, and he has proven in previous years that he’s very motivated for Classics, so we hope he’ll be help to our guys within the crosswind conditions and in addition within the preparation for the dash, to be a lead out along with Govekar, Rajovic, and Bruttomesso who confirmed within the smaller races that he’s already on the highest degree and now beginning for the primary time a World Tour race.” Poitschke continued to speak about E3 Saxo: “This race is in its character utterly totally different from De Penne. It’s a very laborious race, one of many hardest of the Classics. We now have a transparent chief in Matej Mohorič. He’s in excellent form, he did very sturdy races at first of the season together with final weekend’s Milano – Sanremo. The entire staff will help Matej, however we even have Fred Wright who may also help within the closing or comply with some early strikes.”
2 days afterward Sunday twenty fourth is Gent – Wevelegem: “The race is superb for Matej, as he confirmed in previous few years that he’s able to struggle for the win there. The entire staff will help him. This race may also depend upon the climate situations to find out how laborious that race is.” After this race riders have a two-day break earlier than they begin Dwars door Vlaanderen: “Matej and Fred will take a break earlier than the Tour of Flanders. We’ll see within the upcoming races who’s in fine condition and we’ll give guys from “the second row” an opportunity for consequence at this race.” concluded Poitschke.
E3 Saxo Traditional – MAR 22
Pim Ligthart – Staff dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “We come to the E3 Saxo Traditional with a younger staff. We see this as a pleasant alternative for them to realize some useful expertise for the long run. We are going to search for early alternatives within the race to make a soar into the breakaway and perhaps be current within the closing by doing so. Everybody will get the prospect to race aggressively from the start and make sure that our staff colors are represented within the strikes.”
Line-up:
Tobias Lund Andresen (DEN)
Patrick Eddy (AUS)
Alex Edmondson (AUS)
Enzo Leijnse (NED)
Niklas Märkl (GER)
Timo Roosen (NED)
Julius van den Berg (NED).
Gent-Wevelgem Males – MAR 24
Rudi Kemna – Staff dsm-firmenich PostNL coach
“Gent-Wevelgem will kick off the ultimate week of the Flemish spring classics for this yr and can provide all the pieces that makes these races attention-grabbing – cobbles, steep hills, and the probabilities of echelons all through the race. We are going to begin with a pleasant mixture of younger and skilled riders to tackle this problem. As all the time, we should present good teamwork all through the day to be within the race when the ultimate kicks off. If that is in place, we have now John and Nils as our finishers to go for a pleasant consequence, and we need to go all in to take action.”
Line-up:
John Degenkolb (GER)
Patrick Eddy (AUS)
Alex Edmondson (AUS)
Nils Eekhoff (NED)
Enzo Leijnse (NED)
Niklas Märkl (GER)
Casper van Uden (NED).
Gent-Wevelgem Ladies – MAR 24
Kelvin Dekker – Staff dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Gent-Wevelgem is a race with a decent historical past the place the recipe for achievement is evident. You’ve the wind as a doable issue after which the passage in Heuvelland with the Kemmelberg as the largest problem. With Pfeiffer and Charlotte, we have now a number of playing cards to play relying on which course the race will go, and a powerful staff round them to direct the race in our favour.”
Line-up:
Rachele Barbieri (ITA)
Pfeiffer Georgi (GBR)
Franziska Koch (GER)
Charlotte Kool (NED)
Maeve Plouffe (AUS)
Abi Smith (GBR).
John Degenkolb again to Gent-Wevelgem:
Bahrain Victorious Needs Lenny Martinez
Lenny Martinez is likely to be with the Bahrain Victorious staff in 2025. The staff is exhibiting curiosity within the 20 year-old French climber. His contract with Groupama-FDJ expires on the finish of this season.
Milan Eržen, the staff supervisor of Bahrain Victorious, is trustworthy concerning the curiosity in Martinez. “I’ve been following Lenny for about 4 years now and I’m certain that he’ll develop into a brand new French biking star. I simply can’t affirm something but. We now have spoken to his agent, however not but to Lenny himself.”
Erzen can be real looking on the similar time. “No signatures have been signed but. He’s on the high of our listing, however we have now to compete with so many different, even richer groups. We can not compete with the insane quantities that at the moment are being supplied.”
Martinez is simply in his second season as knowledgeable, however has already achieved some excellent outcomes. He received the CIC-Mont Ventoux final yr and wore the chief’s purple jersey within the Vuelta a España. This yr he was profitable within the Var Traditional and the Trofeo Laigueglia. He additionally completed second behind Jonas Vingegaard in O Gran Camiño and eighth in Strade Bianche.
Bahrain Victorious focuses on a selected sort of latest rider. “We’re searching for drivers for the Grand Excursions. We will additionally depend on riders comparable to Pello Bilbao, Jack Haig, Antonio Tiberi and Damiano Caruso subsequent yr. We subsequently give attention to younger riders who can be part of this group. That’s now our principal objective.”
Lenny Martinez to Bahrain Victorious?
Maxim Van Gils Extends his Contract with Lotto Dstny Till 2026
Maxim Van Gils stays with Lotto Dstny. The 24-year-old third-place finisher on the Strade Bianche has put pen to paper on a brand new two-year contract.
Much more excellent news: following Lennert Van Eetvelt’s extension final week, Maxim Van Gils has now additionally extended his stick with Lotto Dstny, till 2026. Van Gils has been driving for the staff since 2018, making the transition from the younger improvement staff to the professional peloton in 2021. “Lotto Dstny looks like my second residence”, a cheerful Maxim Van Gils explains. “I all the time look ahead to heading again to the races to see my teammates and employees once more. I’ve been right here for over 5 years now, and everybody has grow to be like household.”
Van Gils has began the yr exceptionally sturdy. Because the starting of the season, he hasn’t completed exterior the highest seven, with a third-place end on the Strade Bianche, a victory within the time trial on the Ruta del Sol, and a seventh place in Milano-Sanremo final weekend as highlights. “The Ardennes classics are arising quickly, and I hope to carry out properly there too. It might be nice if I may proceed to lift my degree over the subsequent two years and assist Lotto Dstny return to the WorldTour.”
Lotto Dstny’s CEO Stéphane Heulot is delighted that Van Gils has re-signed. “After Lennert Van Eetvelt, Maxim Van Gils additionally staying with Lotto Dstny for the subsequent two years pleases us. We now have sturdy perception in Maxim and his possibilities to proceed shining in races. He can additional develop with us and proceed growing his expertise.”
Maxim Van Gils to stick with Lotto Dstny:
Neilson Powless to Resume Full Coaching after Harm
Powless recovering from knee ache that compelled exit from Tirreno-Adriatico
Neilson Powless expects to return to full coaching quickly after abandoning stage six of Tirreno-Adriatico as a consequence of knee ache.
The American skilled ache round his proper knee cap when he left the Italian stage race. The ache got here from a mix of things, doubtless together with the chilly climate and a crash at O Gran Camiño. Neilson took just a few days off of coaching earlier than he and the staff’s medical employees had been happy he was able to resume mild coaching. He continues to do focused mobility work round his decrease again, hips, and toes.
Matt Rabin, head of athlete care and staff chiropractor, has been in touch with Neilson every day.
“The ache got here on fairly aggressively,” Rabin mentioned. “We’ve been engaged on placing him proper. He had one thing related in his left knee final yr, which is why he was so aware about leaving the race as a result of he didn’t need to irritate it.”
“This occurs in any given yr, after all,” mentioned staff CEO Jonathan Vaughters. “One rider is having issues and one other certainly one of your actually proficient riders is on high of his sport. Proper now, Neilson is having issues and Alberto is on high of his sport. Final yr, it was the precise reverse. In fact I might like it if each of them had been on high of their video games on the similar time, however that’s not the case. The precedence is to let Neilson relaxation up and ensure his damage is totally healed and that he’s utterly wholesome and able to go. And that’s when he’ll come again to racing.”
Neilson has made certain to reap the benefits of the time on his fingers when he wasn’t coaching.
“It’s been so good to have Frances and Charlotte,” he mentioned of his spouse and toddler daughter, respectively. “Having the ability to spend additional time with him has helped me deal with the scenario. Usually, this might most likely be probably the most intense coaching and racing interval of the yr aside from the Tour de France. My household has been supporting me rather well.”
Although he misses racing, he additionally recognises that resting his knee has been useful.
“It was positively laborious to simply watch Milano-Sanremo. I used to be screaming for Bettiol and, on the similar time, I simply wished to be there so badly. However I do know we’ve made the appropriate determination with me not racing there. It’s fairly just a few fingers on deck on the staff to get me wholesome and that’s made me really feel like I’ve been getting properly sorted. I’ve lots of good folks taking good care of me and searching for me, so I’m assured we’ve been making the appropriate calls thus far,” Neilson mentioned.
Now that the irritation has died down, Neilson has accomplished just a few days of coaching at round ninety % of his traditional depth and has been pain-free.
“I’m actually completely satisfied that he’s making progress,” Rabin mentioned. “We count on he’ll resume his regular coaching on Tuesday. He’s on the appropriate path.”
The staff has but to find out when Neilson will return to racing.
“As long as I can do a full week’s coaching or so with none issues, then we’ll begin to determine on a return race,” Neilson mentioned. “I’m simply itching for it however I’ve lots of people searching for me and I recognize that.”
Powless coaching once more:
Lidl Turns into Title Sponsor of the Deutschland Tour
The Deutschland Tour is the Germany’s most necessary biking race. Since its comeback in 2018, the occasion has been inspiring enthusiasm for biking throughout the nation. The aim is to deliver high worldwide sport as shut as doable to the German followers and to mix it with many aspect occasions open to all and selling biking in all its types.
“Biking, whether or not as an bold sport or as a part of on a regular basis life, is a perfect constructing block for an lively life-style. Lidl can be specializing in this concept, as a result of along with train, a wholesome and acutely aware food plan promotes well-being. Selling this and getting much more folks enthusiastic about biking is what connects Lidl and the Deutschland Tour. We need to make professional biking accessible to the lots and encourage folks to guide an lively and wholesome life as a part of our social duty. To this finish, we have now deliberate quite a few actions for followers alongside the course and spectators at residence,” says Maciej Magdziarz, Managing Director Advertising and marketing at Lidl Dienstleistung GmbH und Co KG.
“At the moment is a milestone for the Deutschland Tour. We’re delighted to welcome Lidl, who cares as a lot about selling biking as we do, as a title accomplice for the Deutschland Tour.. Along with Lidl, we goal to enthuse and encourage much more folks about biking, selling its apply all through Germany.” says Matthias Pietsch, Managing Director of the Gesellschaft zur Förderung des Radsports (A.S.O. Germany).
Because the organiser of the Lidl Deutschland Tour, the Gesellschaft zur Förderung des Radsports (a subsidiary of the Tour de France organiser A.S.O.) has entered right into a multi-year partnership with Lidl in Germany. Along with its current worldwide partnerships, with the UCI WorldTeam and UCI Ladies’s WorldTeam Lidl-Trek, Lidl is now additionally specializing in biking in its German residence market.
Final summer time, 750,000 followers alongside the route and 6 million TV viewers skilled the five-day stage race. The Deutschland Tour additionally gathered over 6,000 lively cyclists who took half within the aspect occasions surrounding the skilled race: from the youngsters of the “kinder Pleasure of Shifting mini tour” to the ladies juniors of the “Newcomer Tour” and the beginner riders of the “Biking Tour”.
This yr, the Lidl Deutschland Tour runs from Schweinfurt to Saarbrücken between August twenty first and twenty fifth. Along with the Tour de France stars, the very best German biking abilities may also be presenting themselves to their residence followers.
Key factors:
- Germany’s most necessary biking race will get a brand new identify: Lidl Deutschland Tour.
- The grocery retailer chain is additional increasing its involvement in skilled biking and can grow to be the title sponsor and “Official Contemporary Meals Accomplice” of the Deutschland Tour.
- Lidl additionally presents the purple jersey of the general chief of the overall classification.
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