It’s all go…. The primary two phases of the Tour Colombia 2.1 and cyclo-cross isn’t completed but, we even have the Precise Cross in Maldegem – Movies, outcomes, experiences and rider quotes.
New developments within the Nairo Quintana doping case: Colombian’s physician investigated – TOP STORY.
Rider information: New proof within the Miguel Ángel López doping case, Wout van Aert and Olav Kooij nonetheless ready for Tour of Britain prize cash, Chantal van den Broek-Blaak to make her comeback, one other setback for Marta Cavalli, Giulio Ciccone postpones his season begin after surgical procedure, Antwan Tolhoek suspended after optimistic doping check and Franck Bonnamour provisionally suspended after discrepancies in organic passport.
Group information: Movistar’s Unzué Suggests: “Why don’t we permit substitutions in Grand Excursions?” – Patrick Lefevere says it’s ‘bullshit’, Good Métropole – Côte d’Azur riders needed to search for sneakers and pedals in Etoile de Bessèges, Max Walker joins Astana Qazaqstan Growth Group, Soudal Fast-Step to Figueira Champions Traditional and new sponsor for Astana Qazaqstan – The IT-Italian Trattoria Restaurant chain.
Race information: Saudi funding fund goals for 2026 to start out new biking collection, 2024 Arctic Race of Norway rescheduled and the Figueira Champions Traditional needs to be the spring Traditional of Portugal.
Espresso, espresso, espresso…
TOP STORY: New Developments within the Nairo Quintana Doping Case: The Colombian’s Physician Investigated
Nairo Quintana shall be again within the WorldTour peloton once more this season, however his doping case from 2020 continues to pull on. There are new developments. His former physician Fredy Alexander Gonzáles Torres should now seem in courtroom in connection together with his potential involvement within the case.
Gonzáles Torres is suspected of serving to Nairo Quintana and his brother and teammate Dayer dope in the course of the 2020 Tour de France, the French information company AFP experiences. “It has been determined to prosecute the Colombian physician,” authorities stated. The physician is suspected by prosecutors of “possession of a substances or strategies prohibited for sporting use with out medical justification.”
The physician dangers a jail sentence of 5 years and a high-quality of €75,000. French justice began the investigation in the course of the 2020 Tour, after suspicious substances have been discovered amongst medical provides of the Arkéa-Samsic crew. The riders have been then questioned, however have been capable of keep on the race. Quintana completed seventeenth within the ultimate general that 12 months. The case will go to trial on September 2.
This case is separate from his optimistic check for tramadol within the 2022 Tour. Quintana was faraway from the outcomes of the Tour de France in August 2022, wherein he completed sixth, after a optimistic check for tramadol. This painkiller is just not but on the WADA prohibited listing, however is banned by the UCI. Quintana appealed towards this disqualification, however this was rejected by the CAS. He then had an extended seek for a brand new crew.
The profession of the winner of the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España appeared to be completed, however Movistar determined to offer the climber one other likelihood. The now 34 year-old Quintana rode the Colombian championships and began the Tour Colombia this week.
Quintana case rumbles on:
Tour Colombia 2.1 2024
Fernando Gaviria has taken his first victory of 2024. The Movistar rider sprinted to victory within the Opening Stage 1 of the Tour Colombia. Gaviria was too quick for Davide Persico and Mark Cavendish within the dash end. Gaviria can be the primary general chief.
The Tour Colombia, a 2.1 race, not the Vuelta a Colombia, began its fourth version on Tuesday with fairly just a few large names. High riders comparable to Mark Cavendish, Fernando Gaviria, Egan Bernal, Nairo Quintana, Richard Carapaz and Alexey Lutsenko have been there for a straightforward first stage. The opening stage from Paipa to Duitama was at altitude, however there was hardly any climbing.
A bunch dash was anticipated, however there was nonetheless a variety of attacking. The house riders have been nicely represented within the break: David Santiago Gomez (Group Sistecredito), Diego Antonio Ochoa (Group Saitel), Brayan Sánchez (Group Medellín), Cristian Camilo Muñoz (Nu Colombia) and Ivan Arturo Ojeda (Colombia Potencia de la Vida-Strongman). Brazilian Lauro Cesar Chaman Moro (Swift Carbon Professional Biking Brasil) made up the break of six. At one level their lead was greater than 2 minutes, however the six leaders by no means actually had any likelihood. Within the peloton, Movistar and Astana Qazaqstan, the groups of prime favourites Fernando Gaviria and Mark Cavendish, stored a decent grip on the escape. With 30 kilometres to go, the lead was lower than 30 seconds.
Moro and Muñoz did their hardest to remain away for so long as potential, however with 9 kilometres to go, the peloton was all collectively. Fabio Duarte didn’t wish to look ahead to the dash, however he was shortly pulled again. A final minute soar by one of many Brazilian nationwide crew, additionally proved to be short-lived. Within the run-in to the dash, varied groups tried to get their lead-out practice going. Astana Qazaqstan had a pleasant lead-out for Cavendish, whereas Gaviria needed to do work his strategy to the entrance on his personal. The Colombian began the dash in an excellent place and convincingly beat the Italian neo-pro Davide Persico of Bingoal WB, who was not happy and Cavendish in third.
Stage winner and general chief, Fernando Gaviria (Movistar): “While you win, you’ll be able to all the time say it’s good… and we’re doing nice. A reasonably robust stage as a result of altitude and the velocity of your complete ultimate. In the long run, thankfully, we had power. I feel we did an excellent job as a crew and we needed to face robust rivals. Everybody needed to search for choices, however I feel we did nicely. From the second I launched the dash, I’ve appeared for the course of the boundaries and it’s true that each Persico and I’ve discovered ourselves there. I’ve apologised however my path was that, each of us needed to search for the hole and that hole typically doesn’t exist. Completely happy to start out the 12 months like this and grateful to my colleagues for the good work.”
2nd on the stage and general, Davide Persico (Bingoal WB): “I’m very joyful to complete second on this first stage between Fernando Gaviria and Mark Cavendish, which reveals me that I’m already in superb form at the start of the season. The primary stage of the Vuelta a Colombia was designed for the sprinters. The crew did a wonderful job to place me within the perfect place for the end and I wish to thank the entire group. Nonetheless, I feel I may have received. I took the wheels of Gaviria and Cavendish on the end. Then I attempted to go Gaviria on the left, however the door closed on me and I needed to accept 2nd place. Nonetheless, I’m very joyful to be on the rostrum alongside two of the world’s dash greats. This outcome reaffirms my perception in my potential and motivates me enormously for the remainder of my program.”
third on the stage and general, Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan): “Properly, the outcome may have been worse, nevertheless it may have been higher. That is my greatest debut race for just a few years and the power of our crew was evident, so we are able to take so many positives from the race and know that we’re working in the direction of profitable.”
Tour Colombia 2.1 Stage 1 Outcome:
1. Fernando Gaviria (Col) Movistar in 3:11:39
2. Davide Persico (Ita) Bingoal WB
3. Mark Cavendish (GB) Astana Qazaqstan
4. Nelson Andrés Soto (Col) Petrolike
5. Jhonatan Restrepo (Col) Colombia
6. Juan Diego Hoyos (Col) Group Sistecredito
7. Andrea Piccolo (Ita) EF Training-EasyPost
8. Niccolò Bonifazio (Ita) Corratec-Vini Fantini
9. Christofer Robín Jurado (Pan) Panamá es Cultura y Valores
10. Franklin Archibold (Pan) Panamá es Cultura y Valores.
Tour Colombia 2.1 Total after Stage 1:
1. Fernando Gaviria (Col) Movistar in 3:11:29
2. Davide Persico (Ita) Bingoal WB at 0:04
3. Mark Cavendish (GB) Astana Qazaqstan at 0:06
4. David Santiago Gomez (Col) Group Sistecredito
5. Lauro Cesar Chaman (Bra) Swift Carbon Professional Biking Brasil
6. Brayan Sánchez (Col) Group Medellín at 0:09
7. Nelson Andrés Soto (Col) Petrolike at 0:10
8. Jhonatan Restrepo (Col) Colombia
9. Juan Diego Hoyos (Col) Group Sistecredito
10. Andrea Piccolo (Ita) EF Training-EasyPost.
Tour Colombia 2.1’24 stage 1:
Harold Tejada received Stage 2 of the Tour Colombia. After a tough stage of just about 170 kilometres, the Colombian rider of Astana Qazaqstan was the perfect of a number one group of eight, which had been a part of a fair bigger group that held the peloton off. Andrea Piccolo (EF Training-EasyPost) completed second forward of Óscar Sevilla (Medellín-EPM).
After Fernando Gaviria’s dash victory in stage 1 on Tuesday, a climbing stage of 168 kilometres was subsequent on the menu for the second day of the Tour Colombia. There have been greater than 2,300 metres of climbing, probably the most decisive was the Alto Malterias Pinos (2.6km at 5.2%). The end was 4 kilometres after the highest of that climb. The early breakaway included Efrén Santos, Esteban Villarreal, Javier Jamaica, Bernardo Suaza, Daniel Méndez and Freddy Ávila, however that lead disappeared as a result of climbing and echelons. The peloton break up and a big group of greater than fifteen leaders acquired away. That group took a lead of greater than 2 minutes. The chase was primarily led by Movistar, nevertheless it wasn’t quick sufficient. The main group took a lead of two:30 with simply over 20 kilometres to go. The entrance group included: Andrea Piccolo (EF Training-EasyPost), Harold Tejada (Astana Qazaqstan), Aaron Van der Beken (Bingoal WB), Óscar Sevilla (Medellín-EPM) and Rodrigo Contreras (Nu Colombia).
On the intermediate dash on the foot of the Alto Malterias Pinos, the 47 year-old Sevilla sprinted for just a few bonus seconds. He then continued with 39 year-old Robinson Chalapud. Behind; they primarily checked out one another, permitting the 2 leaders to journey away. Sevilla and Chalapud have been nonetheless collectively on the summit, however finally a gaggle caught them. Within the final flat 3 kilometres earlier than the end in Santa Rosa de Viterbo, the battle was on. Eight extra riders, together with Piccolo and Tejada may additionally go for the win. Everybody was taking a look at Piccolo, who stored all the pieces collectively and began his dash 200 metres from the end line. Tejada had been retaining his powder dry and was the neatest and received the dash, he additionally took the general lead.
Stage winner and general chief, Harold Tejada (Astana Qazaqstan): “Lastly, I acquired it! I can’t imagine as I used to be ready for it for thus lengthy. In the previous few seasons I used to be feeling like I’m progressing and in 2023 the outcomes, lastly, arrived. And now I received. I’m so proud of the win and with the way in which I spent this present day. Really, we had a bit completely different plan for the stage, however after I noticed an enormous group breaking away, I adopted it simply to safe crew’s presence on this harmful transfer. We acquired an excellent group within the break and in the long run of the day we may construct a pleasant benefit, one thing like two minutes and a half, sufficient to play the stage. After so many kilometers spent in numerous breakaways, I knew I needed to save as a lot vitality as potential for probably the most decisive moments. It labored out and I nonetheless had some energy within the legs for the ultimate kilometers and for the dash. We spent some good weeks right here in Colombia along with my crew, we labored actually exhausting in the course of the coaching camp and now I’m feeling like the shape is rising up. Our most important purpose was to attempt to win a stage on this race, possibly with Mark Cavendish within the dash. However at this time I used to be capable of do it. And now along with the crew we’re wanting ahead to the subsequent phases right here on the Tour Colombia.”
Tour Colombia 2.1 Stage 2 Outcome:
1. Harold Tejada (Col) Astana Qazaqstan in 4:02:31
2. Andrea Piccolo (Ita) EF Training-EasyPost
3. Óscar Sevilla (Spa) Group Medellín
4. Rodrigo Contreras (Col) Nu Colombia
5. Robinson Chalapud (Col) Group Banco Guayaquil-Bianchi
6. Edgar Andres Pinzon (Col) GW Erco Shimano
7. Yeison Sebastian Reyes (Col) Group Sistecredito
8. Cesar David Guavita (Col) Colombia Potencia de la Vida-Strongman
9. Harold Martín López (European) Astana Qazaqstan at 0:23
10. Brandon Smith Rivera (Col) Colombia.
Tour Colombia 2.1 Total after Stage 2:
1. Harold Tejada (Col) Astana Qazaqstan in 7:13:35
2. Óscar Sevilla (Spa) Group Medellín at 0:01
3. Andrea Piccolo (Ita) EF Training-EasyPost at 0:05
4. Rodrigo Contreras (Col) Nu Colombia at 0:11
5. Cesar David Guavita (Col) Colombia Potencia de la Vida-Strongman
6. Yeison Sebastian Reyes (Col) Group Sistecredito
7. Edgar Andres Pinzon (Col) GW Erco Shimano
8. Robinson Chalapud (Col) Group Banco Guayaquil-Bianchi
9. Javier Ernesto Jamaica (Col) Group Medellín at 0:30
10. Cristian Camilo Muñoz (Col) Nu Colombia at 0:32.
Tour Colombia 2.1’24 stage 2:
Precise Cross Parkcross – Maldegem Males 2024
Eli Iserbyt received an thrilling Precise Cross in Maldegem on Wednesday. Within the first race after the World championships final weekend, Pim Ronhaar was within the battle for victory, however crashed on the ultimate lap whereas within the lead. Iserbyt took benefit, along with teammate Michael Vanthourenhout, after which received solo. Niels Vandeputte beat Lars van der Haar for third place.
The quickest begin went to Lars van der Haar, however the Dutchman light when he was hindered by Niels Vandeputte within the first sand part. Eli Iserbyt, who determined to start out on the final minute, then took over. Joran Wyseure, Michael Vanthourenhout, Ryan Kamp and Pim Ronhaar adopted. Nonetheless, they have been nonetheless shut.
On the second lap, six rode away, led by Ronhaar, with Iserbyt, Vanthourenhout, Vandeputte, Emiel Verstrynge and Felipe Orts. They caught collectively for a very long time, though Ronhaar tried to make it a tricky race within the mud and sand sections. Midway by way of the race, Verstrynge was dropped from the entrance, however his place was taken by Van der Haar. He was the one one capable of cross from the chase group and was capable of make contact resulting from teammate Ronhaar slowing down on the entrance. Six riders began the finale, however the Crelan-Fristads trio of Verstrynge, Wyseure and Laurens Sweeck caught the again of the group.
Three laps from the end, Iserbyt put in his first assault, nevertheless it had little impact. A severe assault from Ronhaar had the others in bother. Simply earlier than the beginning of the final lap, the Dutchman broke away and compelled Vanthourenhout, Iserbyt and Vandeputte to chase. There have been already some gaps behind him. Ronhaar took a variety of dangers for the victory and crashed exhausting within the ultimate lap, shedding any likelihood of the win. Iserbyt simply managed to keep away from him together with Vanthourenhout. They’d a small lead over Vandeputte, Van der Haar and Orts, nevertheless it was sufficient. Iserbyt took the lead and crossed the end line solo, forward of Vanthourenhout and Vandeputte.
Race winner, Eli Iserbyt (Bel): “It was a disgrace that Pim fell, however I used to be nearly to place in my assault. I used to be behind him and I used to be within the temper, I needed to offer all the pieces for it. Niels Vandeputte nonetheless got here again, so I needed so as to add an additional assault to make sure. I used to be simply capable of keep away from his bike, in any other case I’d have fallen too. I feel he was caught after his acceleration, after which you may make errors. We’re nonetheless driving an excellent race, this 1-2 is tremendous good. So it’s a very good day for our crew. I hope to take just a few extra victories, though it was actually not straightforward at this time. However I feel we are going to nonetheless have some good races.”
2nd, Michael Vanthourenhout (Bel): “Within the final lap I felt like I used to be operating on empty. I additionally noticed Niels coming, so it was higher that Eli handed by. First and second is actually good. The primary time I couldn’t parry, so I attempted to maintain the hole as small as potential. That’s how we acquired alongside nicely, then I let Eli go first, as a result of I felt it was over. And after that crash I acquired my morale again. Aside from that it was an thrilling cross, it’s nice that we have been capable of end it.”
Precise Cross Parkcross – Maldegem Males Outcome:
1. Eli Iserbyt (Bel) in 59:43
2. Michael Vanthourenhout (Bel) at 0:03
3. Niels Vandeputte (Bel) at 0:05
4. Lars van der Haar (Ned) at 0:08
5. Felipe Orts (Spa) at 0:18
6. Joran Wyseure (Bel) at 0:32
7. Emiel Verstrynge (Bel) at 0:55
8. Laurens Sweeck (Bel) at 1:10
9. Pim Ronhaar (Ned) at 1:38
10. Ryan Kamp (Ned) at 1:46.
Maldegem’24:
Precise Cross Parkcross – Maldegem Girls 2024
Laura Verdonschot adopted up her fifth place within the cyclo-cross World championships. On Wednesday, the Belgian rider of De Ceuster-Bonache was the perfect within the Precise Cross in Maldegem, the place she completed solo, beating Leonie Bentveld and Manon Bakker.
Solely three days after the Cyclo-Cross World Championships in Tábor, a small girls’s peloton lined-up in Maldegem, for a really muddy Parkcross within the rain. With no large names firstly, the favorite was Laura Verdonschot, fifth within the final World championships and in addition the Dutch U23, Leonie Bentveld.
After 5 minutes, Verdonschot was on the entrance of the race in a gaggle with Bentveld, Manon Bakker and Aniek van Alphen on her wheel. The Belgian favorite put the stress on to acquired away from her Dutch opponents within the second lap, however Bentveld didn’t’ wish to let that occur and introduced the foursome again collectively. There was a quick collision between Bentveld and Verdonschot once they got here into the pits, however in any other case the battle was truthful. Within the fifth lap, the chief of De Ceuster-Bonache lastly distanced herself from the others. Solely dangerous luck may preserve her from victory, however Verdonschot made no extra errors and crossed the end line solo. It’s the first time since 2019 that the now 27 year-old Verdonschot has received a cross in her personal nation. She was the perfect within the Zilvermeercross Mol. After that she solely received Spanish cross races, a cyclocross in Portugal and final December the Cyclocross Rucphen within the Netherlands.
Race winner, Laura Verdonschot (Bel): “I’m very joyful, however I didn’t really feel like I had my greatest legs. It was additionally a variety of twisting and turning, and it felt like one of many lesser races. It was additionally tough to make a distinction right here. At one level I had a niche and I rode full velocity by way of the greasy part. After that I by no means noticed them once more. You need to make a distinction right here on the tough sections. There I rode on the restrict, and after that I primarily raced a decent tempo. I used to be particularly fortunate that Bentveld was in third place throughout my assault and that Bakker then made a mistake. And after getting ten seconds, it’s time to verify and never make any errors. That’s what I did. A TV cross is all the time completely different from overseas, however profitable is profitable, so I depend it as my eighth victory. This competitors is in fact increased, the sphere of contributors can be stronger right here, so this victory means extra. And I hope my greatest days are but to come back.”
2nd, Leonie Bentveld (Ned): “The legs felt heavy earlier than the race, nevertheless it went higher than anticipated. It was exhausting towards exhausting. A troublesome race, however I’m joyful to complete second. It was a tactical cross, wherein all of us tried to be first or second. There was a variety of forwards and backwards, however that’s a part of it. However Laura was the higher one, she took on all of the main work and is the rightful winner. She selected the correct second.”
third, Manon Bakker (Ned): “Laura was the strongest and I used to be the dumbest. I used to be within the lead far too lengthy. It was an actual combat typically, overtaking one another to the demise. However Laura stored driving by way of it, that’s when it grew to become clear. I used to be within the lead an excessive amount of myself. Solely later did I discover that sitting on the wheel was quite a bit simpler. I ought to have executed that extra usually.”
Precise Cross Parkcross – Maldegem Girls Outcome:
1. Laura Verdonschot (Bel) in 47:50
2. Leonie Bentveld (Ned) at 10
3. Manon Bakker (Ned) at 21
4. Aniek van Alphen (Ned) at 0:34
5. Marion Norbert Riberolle (Bel) at 1:55
6. Alicia Franck (Bel) at 2:08
7. Julie Brouwers (Bel) at 2:28
8. Larissa Hartog (Ned) at 2:47
9. Francesca Baroni (Ita) at 3:24
10. Isa Nomden (Ned) at 3:28.
Maldegem’24:
New Proof within the Miguel Ángel López Doping Case
In July 2023, the UCI imposed a provisional suspension on Miguel Ángel López. Analysis by the Worldwide Testing Company pointed to a potential violation of anti-doping guidelines. The Colombian rider strongly denies this, however in keeping with the Spanish newspaper AS there may be now new proof that he has used the banned substance Menotropin. However it’s nonetheless unknown what this implies for López.
The UCI suspects López of potential possession and use of Menotropin within the weeks main as much as the 2022 Giro d’Italia. AS has obtained a report from the Guardia Civil, which is cooperating with the investigation, that will assist this cost. The Spanish newspaper has printed elements of the proof.
The report accommodates conversations intercepted by the UCO investigation company between López and physician Marcos Maynar. The physician is claimed to have prescribed the rider Menotropin. The drug is claimed to have ended up with López in Hungary, the place the 2022 Giro began, through masseur Vicente Belda García.
“I’ll ship you what you want for the Giro. Please verify fastidiously and when you have any questions, please ask. Vicente has the testis,” Maynar wrote to López on Might 1, per week earlier than the Grande Partenza. ‘Testis’ is a code title for Menotropin, claims UCO. This drug would have been administered intravenously to López on Might 4 and 6, however might have brought about irritation. The rider finally dropped out in the course of the fourth stage with an ‘damage to his hip’.
Regardless of the alleged proof towards López, the prosecutor plans to drop the case and potential acquittal of all concerned, in keeping with AS. There wouldn’t be ample proof to find out for which athlete the medicines have been meant, nor whether or not they have been truly consumed.
What subsequent for ‘Sooper’ López:
Wout van Aert and Olav Kooij are nonetheless ready for Tour of Britain prize cash
The way forward for the Tour of Britain appears assured now that British Biking will assist the organisation, however Biking Weekly introduced on Monday that the prize cash for the 2023 version has nonetheless not been paid.
Last general winner Wout van Aert and a number of stage winner Olav Kooij are nonetheless ready for his or her share of the prize cash. The web site of the Tour of Britain stated that there was a prize complete of €113,000 within the 2023 version. The ball is now within the courtroom of the riders’ union CPA to get the cash to the riders.
“The CPA is at the moment attempting to get its palms on the cash,” stated Adam Hansen, president of the CPA. “If after the chapter course of (of organiser SweetSpot) it’s concluded that there’s not sufficient monetary area from the assessor to pay the cash, the duty will shift to the nationwide federation. He then takes over the money owed.”
John Dutton, CEO of British Biking, confirms Hansen’s story. “The nationwide biking federation and the UCI should now discover a answer. It’s a part of some points that we inherit. It is very important restore belief between all events.”
After the unique organiser of the Tour of Britain and the Girls’s Tour, SweetSpot, went bankrupt, there was a variety of uncertainty about the way forward for these races. The contract with British Biking was terminated resulting from monetary issues, after which British Biking indicated that it needed to take management of the race organisation itself. INEOS Grenadiers was additionally prepared to assist.
Now British Biking has provide you with a plan to avoid wasting each stage races. The UCI has given the inexperienced mild to organise the Tour of Britain in September. Approval has additionally been obtained for the Girls’s Tour, however BC’s board wish to point out that that race is already deliberate for June and that it’s brief discover to get it off the bottom.
Van Aert nonetheless ready for his prise cash:
Chantal van den Broek-Blaak will Make her Comeback Subsequent Week
The 34 year-old rider with the SD Worx-Protime crew, Chantal van den Broek-Blaak, didn’t compete in 2023 as a result of delivery of her daughter Noa Brigitte, shall be firstly of the Tour of Valencia subsequent Thursday (15-18 February). It’s her first race since September 4, 2022.
“I’m going to journey Valencia with the purpose of getting again into the peloton, getting used to it, gaining competitors toughness and seeing the place I stand,” Van den Broek-Blaak stated on the SD Worx crew presentation to CyclingOnline. “It’s actually a race to get again into the peloton. We’ll see how I digest Valencia, but when progress goes as I count on, I’ll journey the Strade Bianche on March 2.”
The 2017 World champion says that she has slowly began coaching once more. “It has been eight months since Noa was born. I used to be not but at my outdated degree over the past coaching camp in January, however I’m already having fun with biking with the women. And should you can simply practice with this crew of robust ladies, you’ll be prepared for the season.”
Van den Broek-Blaak now actually needs to race once more, she says. “I’m nervous, however I’ve put in so many hours within the final month that I imagine I can attain the highest degree. Perhaps I’m not there but. It may very nicely be that I want a little bit longer time, however that’s high-quality too. I’ve the assumption that I can attain the highest degree.”
Chantal van den Broek-Blaak to return subsequent week:
One other Setback for Marta Cavalli
Issues haven’t been going nicely for Marta Cavalli. The 25 year-old Italian is as soon as once more out of motion. Cavalli fell throughout coaching close to Benidorm, Spain and suffered a contusion to her pelvis.
Cavalli, one of many prime girls’s climbers for a number of years, hoped to be prepared for the beginning of the street season with a coaching camp in Benidorm. “Marta is an distinctive athlete and an essential rider inside our crew. We at the moment are primarily fascinated by her well being and restoration. We totally assist Marta, and we are going to assist her on this tough time,” the FDJ-Suez crew stated in a press launch.
“Though Marta should now observe a interval of relaxation and restoration, she is in shut contact with the crew’s medical employees and along with her coaches to make sure a full return to the very best degree,” provides crew supervisor Stephen Delcourt. “The crew will assist Marta as greatest as potential. We want her a speedy and full restoration, and sit up for seeing her again on the bike.”
For Cavalli it’s not the primary time that she has needed to cope with damage. The Italian climber additionally had a severe crash within the 2022 Tour de France, leading to a number of fractures. After that crash the place she was hit by the inattentive Nicole Frain, Cavalli had problem getting again as much as full health, as she continued to undergo from the aftereffects of the crash. Not a lot bodily, however primarily mentally. Cavalli struggled with ‘peloton nervousness’ for some time.
After a tough begin to the season, issues went in the correct course for Cavalli within the final months of 2023. She was the strongest within the CIC-Tour Féminin Worldwide des Pyrénées in June 2023 and confirmed nicely within the Giro d’Italia Donne and Tour de France Femmes, though she wasn’t capable of compete for the general victory . She additionally received the Tour Cycliste Worldwide de l’Ardèche later that 12 months.
Marta Cavalli injured:
Giulio Ciccone Postpones his Season Begin after Surgical procedure
Giulio Ciccone will begin the 2024 season later than he had deliberate. The Lidl-Trek Italian had a cyst surgically eliminated on Monday and might’t journey his bike for just a few weeks. Ciccone not have the ability to go on an altitude coaching camp to Mount Teide and also will not begin in Tirreno-Adriatico.
“Attributable to a perineal cyst, Giulio Ciccone has to interrupt his preparation for his season,” Lidl-Trek stated in a press launch. “Attributable to severe irritation, the rider needed to bear surgical procedure final Monday to take away a cyst. The docs have imposed a biking ban on him for 4 weeks, though it depends upon developments after the operation.”
The 29 year-old rider will not journey to Mount Teide together with his teammates for an altitude coaching camp, and also will have to chop again on his competitors program. Ciccone was supposed to start out his season with the Tirreno-Adriatico, however not. Lidl-Trek will present additional updates on his restoration at a later date. Ciccone is the meant chief of Lidl-Trek within the Giro d’Italia (4-26 Might) this season.
Operation for Giulio Ciccone delays his season begin:
Antwan Tolhoek Suspended by UCI after Optimistic Doping Check
Antwan Tolhoek has been provisionally suspended by the UCI as a result of the Zeeland bike owner had a optimistic doping check. Traces of anabolic androgenic steroids have been discovered. The 29-year-old Tolhoek would race for the small Sabgal-Anicolor from Portugal in 2024, after he couldn’t stick with Lidl-Trek.
In line with the UCI, that is an Adversarial Analytical Discovering, the place traces of anabolic androgenic steroids have been discovered in the course of the check. These steroids are on the WADA prohibited listing. In line with the Worldwide Biking Union, the traces got here to mild throughout an out-of-competition verify on Monday, November 27, 2023. The doping check was carried out by the Worldwide Testing Company, on behalf of the UCI.
Tolhoek has been quickly suspended. That is executed as normal in accordance with the UCI anti-doping rules. De Zeeuw – who performed for Roompot-Oranje Peloton, Jumbo-Visma and Lidl-Trek between 2016 and 2023 – does have the correct to request the B pattern.
An Adversarial Analytical Discovering is a report from a WADA-accredited laboratory detecting the presence of a prohibited substance, its metabolites (chemical compounds produced throughout metabolism), markers or proof of using a prohibited technique.
An AAF doesn’t should result in an anti-doping rule violation, as a result of an athlete may have a therapeutic use exemption. That is additionally referred to as a certificates or TUE.
Antwan Tolhoek suspended:
Franck Bonnamour Provisionally Suspended after Discrepancies in Organic Passport
The UCI has provisionally suspended Franck Bonnamour. The French rider of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale has been discovered to have abnormalities (Adversarial Analytical Discovering) in his organic passport. The UCI doesn’t want to elaborate additional on particulars relating to the Bonnamour case presently.
The 28 year-old Bonnamour is in his second season for Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. Earlier than that he rode for B&B Motels-KTM and Arkéa-Samsic. He has one skilled victory. In 2022, the French all-rounder was the perfect in La Polynormande, a French one-day race.
An Adversarial Analytical Discovering is a report from a WADA-accredited laboratory figuring out the presence of a prohibited substance, its metabolites (chemical compounds produced throughout metabolism), markers or proof of using a prohibited technique. An AAF doesn’t should result in a violation of the anti-doping guidelines, as a result of an athlete may have an exemption for this substance for therapeutic use, a TUE.
The crew issued this press launch:
The DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE crew takes notice of the UCI’s resolution to quickly droop Franck Bonnamour.
This resolution relies on exams carried out earlier than he joined the crew on 1 January 2023.
On this context and whereas the UCI process is ongoing, the crew provisionally suspends Franck Bonnamour with speedy impact.
The DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE crew advocates the observe of biking in accordance with stringent moral guidelines.
Franck Bonnamour suspended:
Movistar’s Unzué Suggests: “Why don’t we permit substitutions in Grand Excursions?”
Eusebio Unzué, Movistar’s crew supervisor, recommended the concept of introducing a substitution system in biking throughout an interview with L’Équipe. Groups would have the ability to substitute a rider if he’s compelled to drop out within the first week of a Grand Tour, he recommended.
“Why shouldn’t we permit substitutions within the Grand Excursions, if somebody is compelled to surrender within the first week,” Unzué requested. “All groups put together with ten to eleven riders. So we all the time depart two or three at dwelling on the final minute. Aren’t you entitled to an answer if somebody drops out?”
“In fact you aren’t allowed to vary for technical or tactical causes,” Unzué continued. “However in soccer, substitution was not allowed for years… Why not strive, check? Let’s take a step ahead and see how everybody likes it. We want change.”
It commonly occurs that GC favourites crash within the first week of a Grand Tour. as Unzué is aware of personally. In final 12 months’s Tour de France, his chief Enric Mas crashed within the opening stage and needed to abandon with a fractured shoulder blade. Richard Carapaz, now with EF Training-EasyPost, completed the primary stage within the Tour of the Basque Nation after a crash, however couldn’t begin the subsequent day resulting from a fractured kneecap.
Eusebio Unzué need’s substitutes:
Patrick Lefevere on Unzué’s thought: “Bullshit, I’m already wanting ahead to VAR”
Eusebio Unzué, Movistar’s crew supervisor, recommended the concept of introducing a substitution system in biking (see above). His fellow crew boss Patrick Lefevere is just not so eager.
Patrick Lefevere doesn’t agree and explains why to Het Laatste Nieuws. “I’ve recognized Unzué for a very long time. He means nicely, however he’s typically too candy. On this case I disagree with him. With this rule you wipe away your complete historical past of the Grand Excursions. The problem is to stick with it for 3 weeks. The Tour, Giro and Vuelta final 21 days, not 17 or 15. I additionally assume it’s human, however we’re not going to make a fuss of it, are we?”
“Sadly, falling and getting sick are a part of it,” the Belgian crew boss believes. “A giant a part of your crew’s success is being resilient, having the ability to swap to a plan B. These are the moments when the good champions stand up, bounce again from a setback – that’s what folks wish to see. Racing is boxing: simply since you’re hanging within the ropes at a sure second doesn’t imply you lose the match.”
In line with Lefevere, additionally it is unattainable to create a watertight system. “Racing is just not soccer. Who will decide when an damage or sickness is actual? I’m already wanting ahead to the VAR. It is going to be completely neutral and can undoubtedly include French docs. No, that is going to offer us a headache. I’m not going to cease this, however I’m not going to assist it both. It is going to be for biking after Lefevere.”
Joxean Fernández Matxin, the sports activities supervisor of UAE Emirates, doesn’t reject Unzué’s thought. “It’s difficult. Who will consider whether or not a crash is large enough? How severe does an damage should be? Must you break your kneecap or is ache in your knee ample? And what about fatigue? After two weeks of racing, exhaustion is similar to being sick. Nonetheless, I feel the concept itself is completely superb. I’m in favour of a easy variant, with out medical standards: I’d give every crew the correct to vary one rider within the final week.”
‘It is going to be for biking after Lefevere’:
Riders Needed to Search for Sneakers and Pedals in Etoile de Bessèges
Earlier than the second stage of the Etoile de Besseges final week, riders of the Continental Good Métropole – Côte d’Azur crew needed to change pedals and sneakers on the final minute. The UCI had banned the crew’s Ekoï pedals simply earlier than the beginning, reported Matos Velo.
The riders of the French Conti crew have been prepared to start out the stage utilizing a prototype of the Ekoï PW8, a brand new pedal and shoe mixture by Ekoï. These pedals are anticipated to be on sale to the general public in September. The pedals are clearly completely different with a big platform space and a singular form. The system requires particular sneakers.
It was due to the completely different sneakers that brought about the most important issues. The UCI officers instructed the crew about an hour earlier than the beginning the second stage, the primary stage had been canceled resulting from a farmers’ protests, that they weren’t allowed to make use of the pedals. The riders needed to search for new pedals, but additionally for various sneakers. Sneakers that have been appropriate with Shimano or Look pedals have been nonetheless within the resort, a 30 minute drive from the beginning.
The riders of Good Métropole Côte d’Azur then borrowed pedals from different groups. Some fortunate riders have been additionally capable of borrow sneakers from different riders, others had to purchase sneakers from a stall firstly. All seven riders of the crew have been firstly they usually all completed the stage.
Ekoi pedals usually are not completely banned. An software for permission to make use of the pedals has been submitted to the UCI, however this software remains to be being processed. So it must be potential to make use of the pedals sooner or later.
Too early to make use of the Ekoi pedals:
Max Walker Joins Astana Qazaqstan Growth Group
The British rider Max Walker (22) goes to hitch the Astana Challenge in 2024, finishing the roster of Astana Qazaqstan Growth Group. It’s deliberate that alongside the Growth crew calendar Max Walker shall be racing in a number of races along with the UCI WorldTeam.
“I’m thrilled to be becoming a member of the Astana Challenge for the 2024 season. It’s an honour to hitch such a prestigious and well-established group. The Growth crew has a extremely strong racing program and the assist I want to assist me attain my full potential. On the similar time, I can’t wait to get an opportunity to race with the WorldTour crew, acquire expertise and study from a number of the most proficient riders on the earth. I’ll be giving it my absolute all to assist the crew obtain some wins. An unimaginable bonus and privilege for me about becoming a member of the Astana Challenge is to be given the possibility to coach and race alongside a fellow Manxman and somebody I’ve admired all of my biking profession, Mark Cavendish. I’ve grown up driving bikes and aspired to be a part of such a world class arrange since I first began biking on the Isle of Man. Once I began out aged 8 the very first biking outfit purchased for me by dad and mom was the Astana crew package! It’s simply wonderful to assume that I’m now a part of the Astana household. I spent a number of fantastic years in Trinity Racing crew and was set to proceed with Saint Piran in 2024, so I’d wish to thank this crew for letting me use this chance and make a step forward in my profession with Astana Challenge”, – stated Max Walker.
“Max impressed us quite a bit throughout our January coaching camp and now I’m happy to see him as a rider of the Growth crew. Right here we are able to check him within the races, to find his full potential. Additionally, it will be good to see him on a better degree so why to not strive the rider in some larger races along with Astana Qazaqstan Group. I’m actually wanting ahead to comply with Max Walker all through the season within the Growth but additionally the WorldTour crew”, – stated Alexandr Vinokurov, Astana Qazaqstan Group Normal Supervisor.
Max Walker:
Soudal Fast-Step to Figueira Champions Traditional
Remco Evenepoel begins his sixth season within the colors of Soudal Fast-Step this week, on the Portuguese one-day race
Finest Belgian Sportsman of the Yr for the third time in his profession, an award that got here after one other unimaginable marketing campaign, the 24-year-old Remco Evenepoel will lead the crew on the Figueira Champions Traditional, the place Basque climber Mikel Landa will make his debut for the Wolfpack. They are going to be joined by Mattia Cattaneo, James Knox, Pieter Serry, neo-pro Warre Vangheluwe, and Louis Vervaeke.
The profile of this weekend’s 220km race is a hilly one, and can include two elements, the second of which includes 4 leg-sapping circuits over the Rua Parque Forestal and Enforca Cães climbs. The final of those hurdles is about to be tackled inside the ultimate eight kilometres, and its double-digit gradients is the place the eventual winner may take off.
“Now we have nice reminiscences from final 12 months, once we received there with Casper Pedersen. Now we include a unique crew, and Remco, in fact, shall be our chief. It’s going to be his first race of the season, he’s desirous to race, as all the time, and we wish to do one thing good. The route is a bit longer than final 12 months, with a fairly demanding native lap that includes some steep climbing. The climate doesn’t look very promising, and will have an effect on the race, however we’ll simply have to attend for Saturday and see how issues go. One factor is for certain: we’re very motivated to do our greatest”, stated Soudal Fast-Step sports activities director Iljo Keisse.
10.02 Figueira Champions Traditional (POR) 1.Professional
Riders:
Mattia Cattaneo (ITA)
Remco Evenepoel (BEL)
James Knox (GBR)
Mikel Landa (ESP)
Pieter Serry (BEL)
Warre Vangheluwe (BEL)
Louis Vervaeke (BEL).
Sports activities Director: Iljo Keisse (BEL) and Tom Steels (BEL).
Evenepoel begins his season:
New Sponsor for Astana Qazaqstan – The IT-Italian Trattoria Restaurant Chain
Astana Qazaqstan has secured an extra sponsor with restaurant chain IT-Italian Trattoria. IT-Italian Trattoria will financially assist the Kazakh formation all year long, in keeping with a press launch.
Group supervisor Alexander Vinokourov is delighted now that the brand new sponsor has been introduced. “We’re happy to welcome IT-Italian Trattoria as a brand new sponsor, as a brand new member of our household. It’s a very good second for us, as a result of we predict we are able to enter into a really good collaboration.”
“Throughout our coaching internship within the winter months, we have been already visited by the administration of IT-Italian Trattoria. It was a extremely nice time. It’s all the time good for a crew to welcome a brand new sponsor. I imagine that we not solely have a brand new sponsor on board, but additionally a brand new buddy,” Vinokourov is enthusiastic.
Astana consuming Italian in 2024:
Saudi Funding Fund goals for 2026 to Begin New Biking Collection, Flanders Traditional Included
Since final week, a hearsay has been circulating that SRJ Sports activities Investments, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding Fund (PIF), needs to speculate roughly €250 million in a brand new biking collection. Het Laatste Nieuws now writes that the initiators hope to start out with the brand new method in 2026. The Flemish newspaper additionally experiences that race organiser Flanders Classics is collaborating within the undertaking.
In line with HLN, the selection to start out the competitors in 2026 is as a result of the present WorldTour licenses expire on the finish of 2025, which implies that they’ll begin with a clear slate. This might additionally imply that ProTeams that rating sufficient factors in the course of the present cycle for a spot within the WorldTour will nonetheless be neglected. Lotto Dstny is talked about as a potential sufferer.
There could be new discussions in London on Wednesday and Thursday in regards to the so-called ONE Biking undertaking. Reuters beforehand reported that Amaury Sports activities Organisation (ASO), the organiser of the Tour de France, and RCS Sports activities, the organiser of the Giro d’Italia, amongst others, usually are not concerned within the negotiations. HLN now writes that Flanders Traditional is collaborating. Flanders Traditional is accountable for the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Gent-Wevelgem, Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race and the Tour of Switzerland.
As for the WorldTour groups, in keeping with HLN, Visma | Lease a Bike, EF Training-EasyPost, Soudal Fast-Step, Alpecin-Deceuninck, Intermarché-Wanty, INEOS Grenadiers, Lidl-Trek and BORA-hansgrohe are current on the conferences. UAE Group Emirates is just not collaborating, however are watching developments.
In line with HLN, eight groups usually are not on board: Astana Qazaqstan, Movistar, Jayco AlUla, dsm-firmenich PostNL and the French groups Groupama-FDJ, Arkéa-B&B Motels, Cofidis and Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. Nonetheless, Movistar’s crew boss, Eusebio Unzué, stated to L’Équipe that he would take part in discussions. The place of Bahrain Victorious is just not talked about.
The Saudi backed ONE Biking taking form:
2024 Arctic Race of Norway Rescheduled
Attributable to a dense summer season biking season and a need to harmonise the calendar, the Arctic Race of Norway has been rescheduled for 4 to 7 August 2024. This transformation of some days locations the world’s most northern race after the street race of the Paris Olympic Video games.
The request to vary the dates was submitted to and authorized by the Worldwide Biking Union.
Phases of the 2024 Arctic Race of Norway:
Thursday, 4 August — stage 1: Bodø–Rognan (157km)
Friday, 5 August — stage 2: Beiarn–Fauske (175km)
Saturday, 6 August — stage 3: Tverlandet–Jakobsbakken (Sulitjelma) (155km)
Sunday, 7 August — stage 4: Glomfjord (Meløy) – Bodø (156km)
The Figueira Champions Traditional Desires to be the Spring Traditional of Portugal
Since 1960, the Volta ao Algarve has been an early season Portuguese race. In 2023, one other race was added within the spring: the Figueira Champions Traditional. This one-day race, which is held simply earlier than the beginning of the Volta ao Algarve, relies within the Coimbren metropolis of Figueira da Foz.
The race was held in 2023 because it was the jubilee 12 months for the residents of Figueira da Foz. Town, situated within the Coimbra district, celebrated its 250th anniversary. The coastal metropolis thought a cycle race was an ideal alternative to place the town on the map and so the Figueira Champions Traditional was born. The title of the town interprets as ‘Fig tree on the estuary’. Figueira da Foz was based 1 / 4 of a century in the past on the spot the place the Mondego River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The title of the town is a mixture of this estuary (Foz) and the wealthy quantity of fig timber (Figueira) across the Portuguese city.
A few years later, the town has turn out to be a preferred vacationer vacation spot. Figueira da Foz has seashores lots of of metres vast, which additionally supply a wonderful local weather for water sports activities. The On line casino Figueira is among the largest casinos in Europe. A vacationer gem surrounded by fig timber. These days these fig timber are additionally the namesake of the cycle race within the space. The Figueira Champions Traditional debuted in 2023 as a 1.1 race on the UCI calendar. Groups comparable to Soudal Fast-Step and Alpecin-Deceuninck rode the race together with the Algarve race. The Volta ao Algarve was held just a few days after the one-day race.
The Figueira Champions Traditional was a 1.1 race, now the UCI has upgraded the Portuguese one-day race to 1.Professional standing after the primary version. This brings the race to the identical degree as Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne or Paris-Excursions. The organisers of the ‘Fig Tree Race’ need the race to develop into an actual spring Traditional in Portugal within the coming years.
The Figueira Champions Traditional shall be held on Saturday February 10, 2024.
Casper Pedersen – 2023 Figueira Champions Traditional winner:
The PEZ INSTAGRAM
See our Instagram web page for a fast repair in your cellphone: https://www.instagram.com/pezcyclingnews
The PEZ NEWSWIRE!
Don’t neglect to verify the “NEWSWIRE” part, you will discover it on the homepage, simply above the PEZ Store part. The bits of stories that missed the EuroTrash deadline are in there, plus any information as-it-happens shall be added there too.
Any feedback drop me a line, at: [email protected] or Twitter. And verify the PezCyclingNews Twitter and Fb Web page. And say hello on Zwift if you go me.
Like PEZ? Why not subscribe to our weekly publication to obtain updates and reminders on what’s cool in street biking?
