As we head into the ‘Hell of the North’ weekend, we’ve information from Paris-Roubaix and outcomes, stories and video from the Itzulia Basque Nation and the lads’s and ladies’s Scheldeprijs.
Adrie van der Poel talks concerning the beer throwers at de Ronde – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Confusion within the Basque Nation over the helmet sock, Christophe Laporte nonetheless unsure for Paris-Roubaix, David Gaudu needed to abandon the Itzulia Basque Nation, Wout van Aert nonetheless desires to journey the Giro d’Italia and takes his first stroll, Arnaud De Lie and Mark Cavendish would possibly return in April, Tom Pidcock taken to hospital earlier than the Basque Nation time path, Peter Sagan again on the bike after second coronary heart operation and UCI and Michael Rogers half methods.
Crew information: UAE Crew Emirates and dsm-firmenich PostNL groups for Paris-Roubaix, Sportive Director Merijn Zeeman will go away Visma | Lease a Bike on the finish of the season.
Race information: Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift information and Paris-Roubaix desires to stop crashes within the Forest of Wallers.
Massive EUROTRASH Thursday espresso time!
# You possibly can learn the PEZ ‘Paris-Roubaix Race Preview’ HERE. #
TOP STORY: Adrie van der Poel Talks Concerning the Beer Throwers at De Ronde
Not everybody was pleased with Mathieu van der Poel’s win in Sunday’s Tour of Flanders. Spectators threw beer on the World champion on the Oude Kwaremont and race organiser, Flanders Classics, is contemplating authorized proceedings. Father of Mathieu van der Poel, Adrie, thinks that enormous fines would cease the issue.
“I perceive that the police at the moment are searching for the perpetrators, however do you have to punish them? I’ll go away that open,” Adrie mentioned to Het Laatste Nieuws. “I additionally hear that Flanders Classics is submitting civil proceedings. That’s how they make their level. I believe we should be fast on the ball. A hefty fantastic would possibly damage some.”
The unhealthy behaviour doesn’t shock Adrie van der Poel. He factors out that some spectators had been consuming within the VIP tent all day. “It’s disrespectful. I don’t suppose these individuals realise what riders need to do to realize high efficiency. Not everybody must be a fan of Mathieu. Then I might say: flip round and don’t clap.” Adrie does emphasise that he thinks ‘99.5% of the viewers’ does come for the game. “Mathieu should have additionally heard the large quantity of encouragement. I believe that’s good.”
Adrie, there are at present some high riders who’ve raised the extent of biking to such a excessive degree that they entice sponsors to the game. “It will be a disgrace if sponsors dropped out due to the behaviour some confirmed on Sunday. Biking is an accessible sport and we should always maintain it that manner. We must always not flip a blind eye to the few individuals who throw beer. I additionally don’t suppose they take something away from Mathieu’s pleasure that he gained this Tour of Flanders.”
Not everybody was in favour of a Van der Poel win in Flanders:
Itzulia Basque Nation 2024
Primoz Roglič gained the Stage 1 time trial of the Itzulia Basque Nation. The BORA-hansgrohe rider really went the mistaken path simply earlier than the end, however nonetheless gained. Remco Evenepoel crashed and completed 4th, Jay Vine and Mattias Skjelmose had been second and third.
The Itzulia Basque Nation needs to be a battle between Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglič, three of the 4 favourites for this yr’s Tour de France. Stage 1 was a person time trial of 10 kilometres round Irun. The route had brief climb within the center, the Olaberria (1,7km at 5.2%), there was additionally a brief part of 10% in the beginning and end. Tom Pidcock was unable to start out as a consequence of a crash whereas trying out the course.
The primary good time was set by Pello Bilbao of Bahrain Victorious with a time of 12:59. His time didn’t final too lengthy as Juan Ayuso beat him by 9 seconds, with a time of 12:50. Primoz Roglič was additionally an early starter and the general winner within the Basque Nation in 2018 and 2021, posted the quickest time of 12:34, 16 seconds quicker than Ayuso, this included him taking the mistaken route. Vingegaard got here in 15 seconds slower than his former teammate, Roglič, on the end. Evenepoel misplaced loads of time in an early crash, however managed he nonetheless managed to take 4th place at 11 seconds.
As soon as the highest males had completed, there was nonetheless some good TT specialists on the highway. Kévin Vauquelin of Arkéa-B&B Lodges took the second quickest time on the intermediate level, 8 seconds behind Roglič, however needed to accept sixth on the end, 16 seconds slower. Jay Vine moved into 2nd place, 7 seconds behind the Slovenian. Rain began to fall and the course grew to become very slippery and so the later starters needed to decelerate. Ethan Hayter was just one second slower than Roglič on the intermediate level on the climb, however was slowed within the last kilometres due to the climate situations and dropped to ninth place.
Stage winner and total chief, Primož Roglič (BORA-hansgrohe): “I’m actually pleased with this victory. It’s all the time nice to race the Tour of the Basque Nation. I actually just like the ambiance and the enthusiastic spectators right here. My legs are good and I felt sturdy immediately. I took a mistaken flip simply earlier than the end line, however that fortunately didn’t value me the victory ultimately. Nevertheless, there are definitely many powerful days forward of us and we are going to do our greatest to construct upon immediately’s efficiency.”
2nd, Jay Vine UAE Crew Emirates): “I’m actually pleased with the journey, it was a late addition to my schedule to return right here and I’m all the time completely satisfied to get the chance to race a pleasant TT. I’m wanting ahead to the remainder of the week and see what I can do because the week goes on. It’s a tricky week on paper with some heavy climbing days however me and the boys are prepared and motivated for it.”
third, Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek): “General I’m pleased with my consequence and with what I did. The hole of 10” to Roglic, contemplating he additionally misplaced some seconds on the end line, is definitely not that small contemplating the expectations I had in the beginning, however a 3rd place with these contenders it’s positively not unhealthy. For my ambition on this race, that’s to struggle for a podium place within the GC, it’s an excellent begin. In such a busy race, while you go all-in for the GC the possibilities to struggle for the win come naturally. I actually stay up for racing within the subsequent days. It was a busy time trial and I actually adopted my emotions. Ultimately, it was all about intuition. I did a recon three weeks in the past and it helped so much to method it in one of the simplest ways, particularly the half downwards, after the intermediate level. I confronted it with a number of confidence and that made the distinction to keep away from threat and maintain the velocity quick.”
4th, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Fast-Step): “Every little thing went nicely immediately, apart from the error I made 200 meters into the race. It was slippery there, nevertheless it was my fault. I hoped to be forward of the others, however now I’m a bit behind. However, the gaps are small, I’m assured in myself and my staff, and the actual race begins tomorrow, and with it, fairly the battle between the yellow jersey contenders.”
Itzulia Basque Nation Stage 1 Outcome:
1. Primož Roglič (Slo) BORA-hansgrohe in 12:34
2. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Crew Emirates at 0:07
3. Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek at 0:10
4. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:11
5. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:15
6. Kévin Vauquelin (Fra) Arkéa-B&B Lodges at 0:16
7. Juan Ayuso (Spa) UAE Crew Emirates
8. Maximilian Schachmann (Ger) BORA-hansgrohe
9. Ethan Hayter (GB) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:19
10. Ion Izagirre (Spa) Cofidis at 0:21.
Itzulia Basque Nation General After Stage 1:
1. Primož Roglič (Slo) BORA-hansgrohe in 12:34
2. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Crew Emirates at 0:07
3. Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek at 0:10
4. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:11
5. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:15
6. Kévin Vauquelin (Fra) Arkéa-B&B Lodges at 0:16
7. Juan Ayuso (Spa) UAE Crew Emirates
8. Maximilian Schachmann (Ger) BORA-hansgrohe
9. Ethan Hayter (GB)INEOS Grenadiers at 0:19
10. Ion Izagirre (Spa) Cofidis at 0:21.
Basque Nation’24 stage 1:
Paul Lapeira (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) gained the Second Stage of the Tour of the Basque Nation. After a chaotic last, Lapeira was the quickest within the dash. Samuele Battistella (Astana Qazaqstan) was second and Louis Vervaeke (Soudal Fast-Step) third. Primož Roglič (BORA-hansgrohe) held the general lead.
The primary highway stage was set within the French Basque Nation. The stage of 160 kilometres had 2,300 metres of climbing, from Irun to Kanbo. There was just one categorised climb on the menu, nevertheless it went up and down all day.
5 riders broke away early: Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH), Alexis Vuillermoz (TotalEnergies), Iván Cobo (Equipo Kern Pharma), Enekoitz Azparren (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Xabier Mikel Azparren (Q36.5), the Azparren brothers. The peloton allow them to take greater than 4 minutes. The one climb of the stage got here just below 20 kilometres. On the Col de Saint-Ignace (2.7km at 5.2%), the main group fought for the KOM factors. Bol was first, beating Cobo and Vuillermoz, the Dutch rider was now degree with Roglič within the KOM competitors, however as a result of the Slovenian has the yellow jersey, the Burgos-BH rider will put on the KOM jersey on Wednesday. The lead continued to fluctuate round 3 minutes for a very long time, however break by no means had an opportunity of victory. With 90 kilometres to go, Cobo was dropped. The Spaniard was pulled in by BORA-hansgrohe led peloton.
With 20 kilometres to go, the 4 solely had 30 seconds, and 5 kilometres later they had been caught. As a result of heavy rainfall, the peloton needed to be cautious within the last, however there was nonetheless crashes within the peloton, Tao Geoghegan Hart was concerned in one in every of them. Thankfully he was in a position to proceed. The unhealthy climate prompted a chaotic run-up to the dash as no staff may management the bunch or arrange a correct lead-out. Paul Lapeira of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale was nicely positioned to start out his dash and stored Samuele Battistella and Louis Vervaeke at bay. He took his third victory of the season. Primoz Roglič continues to be within the total chief.
Stage winner, Paul Lapeira (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale): “Three weeks in the past I already gained two races. However it is a WorldTour race, so it’s of a a lot increased degree. The truth that I win right here is absolutely nice. With 1.5 kilometres to go I attempted to interrupt away from the peloton, nevertheless it didn’t work. I then determined to give attention to the dash and stored my legs nonetheless. Bruno (Armirail) seized his second and introduced me inside 200 meters of the end. Then I launched my dash and it turned out to be sufficient to win.”
Itzulia Basque Nation Stage 2 Outcome:
1. Paul Lapeira (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale in 3:42:28
2. Samuele Battistella (Ita) Astana Qazaqstan
3. Louis Vervaeke (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
4. Pau Miquel (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma
5. Alex Aranburu (Spa) Movistar
6. Guillermo Thomas Silva (Uru) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
7. Valentin Retailleau (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
8. Gonzalo Serrano (Spa) Movistar
9. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Crew Emirates
10. Quinten Hermans (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck.
Itzulia Basque Nation General After Stage 2:
1. Primož Roglič (Slo) BORA-hansgrohe in 3:55:02
2. Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek at 0:10
3. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
4. Juan Ayuso (Spa) UAE Crew Emirates at 0:14
5. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:15
6. Kévin Vauquelin (Fra) Arkéa-B&B Lodges at 0:16
7. Maximilian Schachmann (Ger) BORA-hansgrohe
8. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Crew Emirates at 0:23
9. Bruno Armirail (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:24
10. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain-Victorious at 0:25.
Basque Nation’24 stage 2:
Quinten Hermans gained Stage 3 of the Itzulia Basque Nation. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider was the quickest in a bunch dash. Edoardo Zambanini (Bahrain-Victorious) and Alex Aranburu (Movistar) had been second and third on the stage. Primoz Roglič had a nasty crash, however was in a position to return to the peloton and retained the general lead. Remco Evenepoel moved as much as second total. Juan Ayuso additionally crashed within the last kilometres.
The third stage of the Tour of the Basque Nation began in Ezpeleta and completed in Altsasu after 191 kilometres. there have been six categorised climbs. The summit of the ultimate climb, the Lizarrusti (6.4km at 4.7%), was 18 flat kilometres from the end.
There have been loads of early assaults and some teams escaped, however the peloton all the time pulled them again. Alan Jousseaume (TotalEnergies) went solo after 50 kilometres. The Frenchman was joined by Tom Paquot (Intermarché-Wanty) and Eric Antonio Fagundez (Burgos-BH). After an extended chase, James Fouché (Euskaltel-Euskadi) received with them. The 4 took a most lead of 4 minutes. Sixty kilometres from the end, BORA-hansgrohe, for total chief Primoz Roglic, had diminished the result in 1 minute. Then INEOS Grenadiers took over. The British formation had closed the final hole when there was a giant crash with 40 kilometres to go. Primoz Roglič was one of many fallers and regarded badly injured, primarily his hip. He ultimately remounted and two teammates, Emanuel Buchmann and Matteo Sobrero, waited for him to carry him again to the peloton, however the yellow jersey was greater than 2 minutes down, 36 kilometres from the end. The peloton slowed down somewhat and one other teammate dropped again for Roglič, so the chief was in a position to rejoin the entrance of the race on the climb to Lizarrusti. The favourites didn’t strive any assaults on the climb, nevertheless it wasn’t gradual. Two kilometres from the highest, Louis Meintjes attacked. The South African of Intermarché-Wanty was the primary excessive, however he solely had a small lead and was quickly caught.
There was an intermediate dash 8 kilometres from the end. Remco Evenepoel took the bonus, forward of Isaac Del Toro and Jonas Vingegeaard, taking 3, 2 and 1 second. After the dash, Marc Soler noticed his likelihood and attacked. Nelson Oliveira (Movistar) and Gorka Izagirre (Cofidis) crossed to him. The three had an excellent hole, however BORA-hansgrohe, Alpecin-Deceuninck and dsm-firmenich PostNL chased them down. Later, Lidl-Trek additionally helped. Oliveira, Izagirre and Soler had been caught 3 three kilometres out, the stage would finish in a bunch dash. Within the run-up to the dash there was a crash involving Brandon McNulty, Mattias Skjelmose and Juan Ayuso. The Spaniard appeared to be the worst affected, however he journey to the end and because it was within the last 3 kilometres he didn’t lose any time. Michał Kwiatkowski stored the velocity excessive for Ethan Hayter, nevertheless it was Quinten Hermans who had the quickest end, beating Edoardo Zambanini and Alex Aranburu.
Stage winner, Quinten Hermans (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “It was unbelievable within the run-up to the end. The staff actually did a fantastic job. They actually believed in me that I may end immediately. I wish to thank them very a lot, as a result of I did the dash, however they put me within the good place. We got here from a important highway and made a proper flip. For me it was an ideal dash as a result of it was a bit uphill. Then it’s greatest to show it on. And like I mentioned, they positioned me completely. Stan (Van Tricht) did a fantastic job within the final 600 metres. Then I needed to place myself a bit, however I grabbed Aranburu’s wheel. Then I knew: I’ve the proper wheel. If in case you have the proper legs within the final 200 metres, you may win. It’s superior.”
2nd on the stage, Edoardo Zambanini (Bahrain-Victorious): “From the final climb we had been in an excellent place. From 5 km to go the entire bunch was a »machine.« We had been fairly nicely positioned, all the time within the entrance, and there was additionally a crash within the again. After which within the final km, we had been once more within the combine. I used to be on the nook in about tenth place and at the moment Nikias was extra proper and additional ahead. I went left, I used to be fairly nicely positioned after which I attempted to dash.”
Itzulia Basque Nation Stage 3 Outcome:
1. Quinten Hermans (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 4:40:59
2. Edoardo Zambanini (Ita) Bahrain-Victorious
3. Alex Aranburu (Spa) Movistar
4. Davide De Pretto (Ita) Jayco AlUla
5. Nikias Arndt (Ger) Bahrain-Victorious
6. Ethan Hayter (GB) INEOS Grenadiers
7. Romain Grégoire (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
8. Kévin Vauquelin (Fra) Arkéa-B&B Lodges
9. Vito Braet (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty
10. Valentin Retailleau (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale.
Itzulia Basque Nation General After Stage 3:
1. Primož Roglič (Slo) BORA-hansgrohe in 8:36:01
2. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:07
3. Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek at 0:10
4. Juan Ayuso (Spa) UAE Crew Emirates at 0:14
5. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma | Lease a Bike
6. Kévin Vauquelin (Fra) Arkéa-B&B Lodges at 0:16
7. Maximilian Schachmann (Ger) BORA-hansgrohe
8. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Crew Emirates at 0:23
9. Bruno Armirail (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:24
10. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain-Victorious at 0:25.
Basque Nation’24 stage 3:
Scheldeprijs 2024
Tim Merlier gained the 112th Scheldeprijs on Wednesday. The Belgian sprinter of Soudal Fast-Step was the quickest in a chaotic last kilometre. Final yr’s winner, Jasper Philipsen, completed in second place, with Dylan Groenewegen in third.
The Scheldeprijs on Wednesday was set to be one other dash battle. Final yr’s winner and high favorite Jasper Philipsen would have Tim Merlier, Dylan Groenewegen, Arvid de Kleijn, Sam Welsford, Gerben Thijssen to beat over the 200 kilometres between Terneuzen and Schoten.
The course of the Scheldeprijs is completely flat and made for a dash end, however the wind and rain may trigger issues. 5 riders attacked early: Liam Slock (Lotto-Dstny), Daniel Arnes (Uno-X Mobility), Mirko Bozzola (Q36.5), Bram Dissel (BEAT Biking) and Peder Dahl Strand (Tarteletto-Isorex). Within the peloton there was a crash involving Arne Marit and Gerben Thijssen, Intermarché-Wanty two quick finishers. Marit tried to proceed, however had to surrender. Thijssen deserted and needed to be taken to hospital. The peloton break up into a number of elements because of the crash and the wind, there was a primary echelon of about fifty riders. The lads of Soudal Fast-Step had been nicely represented on this first group. The Belgian staff took management of the race for his or her sprinter Merlier, they usually stored the tempo excessive. BORA-hansgrohe for Welsford, had missed the transfer and needed to work laborious within the second group.
It was all palms on deck for some time, nevertheless it didn’t final. After the very windy passage on Zeeland, all of it got here collectively once more and dropped riders may return to the peloton. After this regrouping, 5 riders jumped away. Liam Slock was there once more, he was joined by Baptiste Planckaert (Intermarché-Wanty), Vincent Van Hemelen (Flanders-Baloise), Alex Huens (Tour de Tietema-Unibet) and Stijn Appel (BEAT Biking). These 5 had an excellent lead, however BORA-hansgrohe and Alpecin-Deceuninck stored the hole manageable. Slock didn’t wish to wait to be caught and attacked once more, Planckaert managed to take his wheel, nevertheless it was too quick for Huens, Appel and Van Hemelen. They had been shortly caught by the peloton, however Slock and Planckaert managed to carry out longer. Initially of the final lap, 17 kilometres from the end, they solely had 20 seconds. Slock wasn’t going to surrender. The 23-year-old dropped Planckaert and went solo with 15 kilometres to go. Within the peloton, Merlier needed to change bikes, however there was no panic and he was quickly again within the peloton. With 8 kilometres to go, Slock was first to hit the final cobbled part, however the Belgian was quickly caught. Within the subsequent kilometres, there was a giant battle between the lead-out trains to be in the very best positions to start out the ultimate kilometre.
At first Lidl-Trek had been in cost for Edward Theuns, however Alpecin-Deceuninck took over, however failed of their job. A busy dash was the consequence, however Merlier got here via the chaos and was in a position to journey his personal dash. The Soudal Fast-Step rider had essentially the most energy and velocity. Philipsen got here from behind, however was simply not quick sufficient. Dylan Groenewegen completed third behind the 2 Belgians. Cees Bol was 4th and Hugo Hofstetter fifth.
Race winner, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “It was not the plan to take a seat that far, however that was as a consequence of circumstances. Some riders had been nearly crashing into one another. That’s how we misplaced one another, however I knew that Bert (Van Lerberghe) was nonetheless coming. Bert then is aware of precisely what to do. I misplaced monitor of the indicators for some time, however I discovered from my dash within the Basic Brugge-De Panne. That’s why I simply began from far-off. You’re racing at about 70 to 75 kilometres per hour after which it goes quick. It was a really hectic begin with the wind, however you already know that. We raced on slender roads. The wind was at a drawback for echelons, however there was nonetheless loads of nervousness. I’m glad I stayed up. At a sure level you already know that it’ll turn into much less harmful, however I’m not involved with that. It’s simply vital for me to have the ability to dash and win each race. I’m completely satisfied that I used to be in a position to obtain my seventh victory right here. I already felt within the Tour of Flanders that my type was good. I’ve additionally recovered nicely from the efforts. I look ahead. I hope luck is on my facet.”
2nd, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “I don’t really feel like speaking shit about Sunday. Possibly I ought to have been somewhat extra aggressive, however simply on the finish we misplaced one another, so I grew to become a bit trapped and couldn’t select the proper wheel. I’m glad with the emotions and that I stayed straight, however after all I might have most popular to win. Though I didn’t really feel like making huge errors with a view to Sunday. Possibly I ought to have been somewhat extra aggressive, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a pleasant dash. I’ll positively come again to win this race within the coming years.”
third, Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla): “I had some chain issues a kilometre from the end. I misplaced my lead-out, however we discovered one another once more about 500 metres from the end. Then I adopted him. That was good work, however due to that I began the dash somewhat too early, within the wind. Merlier was simply out of the wind and had that further gear that I not had. Philipsen clapped over it. I believe that is only a proper podium. Actually within the Scheldeprijs. There was one other crash now, so let’s hope everyone seems to be okay. Aside from that we simply noticed a pleasant dash. You’re all the time a bit caught on the left, as a result of they arrive over them on the proper at velocity. Merlier was already a bit forward and I needed to catch some slipstream, so Philipsen was a bit boxed-in. However he got here out shortly on the finish. That’s sprinting, that’s a part of it. I’ve been slowing down a bit for a few week now. Then I’ll construct as much as the Tour of Hungary. I’ll go away for Spain on Tuesday to finish an excellent coaching camp there after which construct up in the direction of the Tour de France.”
Scheldeprijs Outcome:
1. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step in 4:16:59
2. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck
3. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) Jayco AlUla
4. Cees Bol (Ned) Astana Qazaqstan
5. Hugo Hofstetter (Fra) Israel-Premier Tech
6. Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility
7. Sam Welsford (Aus) BORA-hansgrohe
8. Matteo Moschetti (Ita) Q36.5 Professional Biking Crew
9. Madis Mihkels (Est) Intermarché-Wanty
10. Matteo Trentin (Ita) Tudor.
Scheldeprijs’24:
Scheldeprijs Ladies 2024
Lorena Wiebes gained the Scheldeprijs on Wednesday. The quick Dutchwoman of SD Worx-Protime took her fourth consecutive victory in Schoten. Charlotte Kool completed in second place and Martina Fidanza was third.
The Scheldeprijs is a race for the sprinters, 132 kilometres beginning and ending in Schoten. After victories in 2021, 2022 and 2023, everybody was Lorena Wiebes. The quickest sprinter within the ladies’s peloton was searching for her fourth consecutive victory within the Scheldeprijs, however was up towards Charlotte Kool, Elisa Balsamo and Chiara Consonni.
The route might need been flat, however there was rain and wind all day, making it very laborious. The primary assault took some time, however with 100 kilometres to go, Vittoria Grassi attacked. The Bepink-Bongioanni rider couldn’t maintain off the peloton and was caught, it was the identical for Leila Gschwentner (Liv-AlUla Jayco). An assault by Anneke Dijkstra had extra success. The Dutch rider of VolkerWessels constructed up a lead of 1:30. Within the peloton, the sprinter’s groups had the state of affairs underneath management. There have been fairly just a few crashes, the most important with 30 kilometres to go, however no one was badly injured. Wilma Aintila tried to cross to Dijkstra.
The 19-year-old Aintila managed to get throughout with 20 twenty kilometres remaining. The peloton was nonetheless at 1 minute, shut sufficient to shut down. Aintila and Dijkstra had been holding up nicely within the final 10 kilometres. The distinction fluctuated round 35 and 40 seconds for a very long time, however the sprinter’s groups pulled them in 1.5 kilometres from the end. Wiebes didn’t have her regular lead-out staff, however she was nonetheless in an excellent place, by taking the wheel of Kool. The others didn’t stand an opportunity and Wiebes took her fourth victory within the Scheldeprijs, and her sixth victory of 2024.
Race winner, Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime): “I believe it was a particularly reasonable dash on the finish. I noticed that Balsamo went to the left. At that second I additionally turned on. We had been preventing a bit for her wheel. I didn’t have Barbara (Guarischi) and Lotte (Kopecky) with me immediately, so I needed to discover my very own manner a bit. The ladies did nice. They chased laborious in order that I may dash. In such a dash every thing must be in place, particularly should you don’t have an actual final lead-out. The possibility of being trapped is just very excessive. It was a bit extra pushing and pulling, nevertheless it turned out fantastic. With the staff we’ve one thing with Jan Smit. Now I’ve to consider the subsequent one. The dash felt good and I’m already wanting ahead to Paris-Roubaix.”
2nd, Charlotte Kool (dsm-firmenich PostNL): “Disappointment is prevalent, however the staff did nicely and the lead-out was good, so I used to be truthfully defeated. We had been doing nicely. I’m very pleased with the ladies, how calm we stayed and the way nicely we did every thing. There was nothing to criticise about that. I attempted to catch her, nevertheless it didn’t fairly work. Possibly I waited just a bit too lengthy. However I don’t actually know, I haven’t regarded again on the pictures but. She was additionally simply quicker immediately. I assumed it wasn’t too unhealthy immediately. In fact the rain makes it troublesome, however we tried to be secure all over the place. That labored out fairly nicely.”
Scheldeprijs Ladies Outcome:
1. Lorena Wiebes (Ned) SD Worx-Protime in 3:16:47
2. Charlotte Kool (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
3. Martina Fidanza (Ita) CERATIZIT-WNT
4. Sofie van Rooijen (Ned) VolkerWessels Ladies’s Professional Biking Crew
5. Mirre Knaven (Ned) AG Insurance coverage-Soudal NXTG
6. Marthe Truyen (Bel) Fenix-Deceuninck
7. Elisa Balsamo (Ita) Lidl-Trek
8. Chiara Consonni (Ita) UAE Crew ADQ
9. Katrijn de Clercq (Bel) Lotto Dstny
10. Nienke Veenhoven (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike.
Scheldeprijs’24:
Confusion within the Basque Nation Over the Helmet Sock
The UCI beforehand determined to ban the Specialised helmet sock from April 2, from that day on the helmet and sock mixture is not going to be allowed in UCI occasions. Remco Evenepoel rode the stage time trial of the Itzulia Basque Nation with out the sock on April 1. The stage winner, Primoz Roglič, did use it.
Evenepoel and his Soudal Fast-Step teammates had obtained an e-mail from the UCI saying that the ban on the top sock took impact on April 1, whereas the UCI web site states April 2. “No, we had been not allowed to journey with the sock,” Evenepoel informed Het Nieuwsblad after the time trial. “These from BORA-hansgrohe (Roglic’s staff) did race in it.”
“That the UCI web site states that it’s prohibited from April 2? We obtained an e-mail confirming that the ban took impact from April 1. As a result of in Paris-Good they’d already mentioned that it was the final time we had been allowed to race it. They don’t understand it themselves, I believe,” Evenepoel will not be pleased with the way it occurred.
“In the event that they inform us that it’s not allowed from April 1, then we expect that it’s not allowed from April 1. After which they put it in a different way on the web site. We don’t wish to take the danger. It’s bizarre, they do what they need. They begin pondering of every kind of issues. This morning they got here two hours earlier than the begin to say that the radios needs to be put again on the again.” Riders had been sporting the radios on the entrance, as a result of this gave an aerodynamic benefit over it on the again, this additionally now banned.
No ‘head condom’ for Remco:
Christophe Laporte Nonetheless Unsure for Paris-Roubaix
It’s nonetheless not sure whether or not European champion Christophe Laporte will begin Paris-Roubaix on Sunday. The 31-year-old Frenchman has been sick since Milano-Sanremo and needed to miss the E3 Saxo Basic, Gent-Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders. At this time (Thursday), Visma | Lease a Bike will decide, sports activities director Arthur van Dongen informed WielerFlits.
The Dutch staff can also be lacking Wout van Aert and Jan Tratnik are each injured, Dylan van Baarle missed Dwars door Vlaanderen as a consequence of sickness and Tiesj Benoot thinks he has damaged ribs. Laporte has had abdomen flu and saddle ache since La Primavera. The European champion was meant to be one of many leaders of the staff, however in the intervening time nothing is for certain.
“We are going to know on Thursday whether or not Christophe drives or not,” mentioned Van Dongen. “Within the coming days we must resolve who precisely will journey Paris-Roubaix. Julien Vermote and Tosh Van der Sande are on the reserve checklist, whereas Mick van Dijke replaces the injured Wout van Aert. We are able to resolve precisely who will race by Thursday on the newest. Solely then will we try this. We are going to meet once more that day and we are going to discover. In any case, Christophe will not be there but.”
Along with Van Baarle and Mick van Dijke, the provisional begin checklist for the Hell of the North consists of his twin brother Tim, Matteo Jorgenson and Per Strand Hagenes, who a has a damaged nostril. These 5 riders will likely be joined by two of both Laporte, Van der Sande or Vermote.
Laporte would possibly journey Roubaix:
David Gaudu Needed to Abandon the Itzulia Basque Nation
David Gaudu couldn’t begin stage 3 of the Itzulia Basque Tour on Wednesday. The Groupama-FDJ rider needed to go away Paris-Good as a consequence of a crash and now he has needed to abandon the Basque race. He crashed on Tuesday’s second stage, he managed to complete, however his accidents weren’t evident till later.
“Every little thing went nicely till 5 kilometres earlier than the end, after which there was that blow,” sports activities director Benoît Vaugrenard defined to Kanbo. “There have been a number of crashes within the final descent and our two leaders had been amongst them. David was on the first fall with 4 kilometres to go. He shortly received on the bike, nevertheless it was in the course of the ultimate.”
Gaudu misplaced 23 seconds on the peloton, however the harm turned out to be worse than anticipated as he had suffered a severe hand damage. “That appears unhealthy. He has ten stitches and can’t brake or shift gears. He needed to proceed final evening, however this morning the hand mentioned no. That’s painful for David, however he has to struggle on, however luck will not be on his facet. This can be a new setback.”
Crew physician Jacky Maillot defined Gaudu damage: “Severe accidents to his proper hand that required surgical procedure late final evening. He now must take just a few days of relaxation, after which his program must be adjusted.”
No luck for Gaudu:
Wout van Aert Nonetheless Desires to Journey the Giro d’Italia
Wout van Aert’s restoration is alleged to be going nicely, in keeping with Het Laatste Nieuws. Additionally that the Giro d’Italia continues to be a ‘severe possibility’ for Van Aert.
Van Aert crashed laborious in Dwars door Vlaanderen and broke his sternum, collarbone and 7 ribs, ending his spring marketing campaign. In the intervening time the Belgian is affected by the burns and abrasions he sustained throughout his fall, HLN writes. The ache from his damaged bones is alleged to have subsided. If the fractures proceed to heal nicely and the rehabilitation continues and Van Aert can ‘full a minimal of coaching’, the Giro d’Italia stays a ‘severe possibility’, in keeping with HLN. The Giro begins on Might 4th.
Van Aert nonetheless has a month to prepare for the Italian tour, however he’ll most likely not be in high type. In accordance with HLN, the intention is for him to enhance throughout the race, as he did throughout the 2021 Tour de France as a consequence of appendicitis, however he nonetheless gained three levels: Mont Ventoux, the Saint-Émilion time trial and the stage to Paris. Van Aert was not planning on using Tour de France and doesn’t wish to change from his preparation for the Olympic Video games and an altitude coaching camp throughout the Tour was deliberate.
Wout van Aert Has Been for a Stroll
Per week after his crash in Dwars door Vlaanderen, Wout van Aert has taken a stroll for the primary time. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider broke his sternum, collarbone and a number of other ribs, however he recorded a stroll on Strava.
Van Aert has began his restoration after surgical procedure the morning after his high-speed crash and has since been at house. Final week he posted some pictures on Instagram, together with an Easter breakfast on the morning of the Tour of Flanders. With the heading: ‘to face nonetheless is to go backwards’, he recoded a 3.9 kilometre stroll in 55 minutes on Wednesday morning close to his house in Herentals. He can’t begin biking but.
Will Van Aert make the Giro?
Arnaud De Lie May Return as Early because the Finish of April
Arnaud De Lie would possibly make his return to the peloton on the finish of April. Stéphane Heulot, the staff supervisor of Lotto Dstny informed RTBF. 22-year-old De Lie is fighting Lyme illness and has been struggling along with his type in current weeks. Lyme illness is attributable to a chunk from a tick that’s contaminated with a bacterium. This infectious illness is managed with an antibiotic therapy for at the least ten days. “However we should put the seriousness of the illness in the proper perspective. There are totally different levels and Arnaud appears to be within the first stage,” Heulot mentioned. “We’re fully reassured by the docs.”
And so Heulot is already cautiously waiting for a doable return of his golden boy. “The top of April might be a sensible goal for his return. We hope that his return will happen in the very best circumstances.” De Lie has not had an excellent begin to the season. In the intervening time, the chief of the Belgian staff has had high 5 finishes within the Clásica de Almería, GP de Denain and the Bredene Koksijde Basic. He was additionally tenth within the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
An early return for Arnaud De Lie?
Mark Cavendish Needs to be Again within the Peloton by the Finish of April
Mark Cavendish has needed to change his program after being sick for a number of weeks. He missed the Scheldeprijs and is predicted to return to racing on the finish of April within the Tour of Turkey (21-28 April).
Cavendish began the season with a stage win within the Tour Colombia. He was unable to proceed the great type within the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico. He then needed to drop out of Milan-Turin with a chilly and didn’t begin the Basic Brugge-De Panne. “After a number of weeks of sickness following Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan-Turin, Cavendish has resumed coaching and can proceed making ready for the most important targets of the season,” mentioned Vasilis Anastopoulous, Head of Efficiency with Astana Qazaqstan.
“The staff has adjusted its race program. Consequently, Mark will miss the Scheldeprijs. As an alternative, he’ll go to a coaching camp. Afterwards the plan is to race within the Tour of Turkey after which the Tour of Hungary.” The Tour of Hungary is from Might 8 to 12.
Cavendish again quickly:
Tom Pidcock Taken to Hospital after Crashing Earlier than the Basque Nation Time Path
Tom Pidcock has to desert the Itzulia Basque Nation earlier than beginning. The Briton crashed throughout a reconnaissance of the opening time trial in Irun, in keeping with his INEOS Grenadiers staff on social media.
“After session between our staff physician and the medical workers of the Tour of the Basque Nation, Tom was taken to a neighborhood hospital for additional analysis,” wrote INEOS Grenadiers on ‘X’ (Twitter). Pidcock was one of many favourites for INEOS Grenadiers. For Pidcock, the Basque Nation tour was to be an vital preparation race for the hilly Classics: Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
It was later introduced that Tom Pidcock didn’t suffered any severe accidents from his crash. “I wish to thank everybody for the messages,” Pidcock mentioned in a video message. “Sadly I couldn’t begin within the Tour of the Basque Nation after a fall throughout reconnaissance. I used to be shocked by a gust of wind. Scans haven’t revealed any fractures, however we must wait and see within the coming days. I don’t really feel so good proper now.” Pidcock is having issues along with his hip. “It was hit laborious. I can hardly lean on it now. I’m now going house, the place I’ll give attention to my restoration.”
Tom Pidcock out of the Itzulia Basque Nation:
Peter Sagan Again on the Bike After Second Coronary heart Operation
Peter Sagan has been informed by docs that he can cycle once more. The 34-year-old Slovak had began coaching after his first coronary heart operation, however needed to endure one other operation about two weeks in the past.
Sagan ended his highway profession on the finish of final yr, however turned his hand (again) to the mountain bike. Then in February he was recognized with coronary heart issues. The three-time World highway champion underwent cardiac ablation and was then allowed to renew coaching. Throughout a coaching journey in Marseille his cardiac arrhythmias confirmed up once more and one other coronary heart operation was crucial. Now, two weeks after his operation, Sagan put a video on ‘X’ (Twitter) with this message: “Fast replace everyone! It’s time to go within the saddle for my first coaching journey after my surgical procedure a few weeks in the past. As soon as once more, many thanks for all of the messages of help I obtained from all around the world. You guys rock!!”
Sagan again on the bike:
UCI and Michael Rogers Half Methods
Michael Rogers has left the UCI. the Australian confirmed to Het Nieuwsblad. Rogers held the place of innovation supervisor on the UCI. The information was introduced on the day that the ‘helmet sock’ was banned by the UCI.
Michael Rogers began working on the UCI on the finish of 2020. As an innovation supervisor, the previous skilled was concerned in technological developments, similar to the information of cyclists throughout competitions, new know-how for biking occasions and the event of digital biking.
On the finish of March, after simply over three years of employment, Rogers resigned from his duties on the UCI. This occurred at a time when there was so much occurring within the area of know-how and innovation. For instance, on Monday there was nonetheless loads of buzz about Specialised’s so-called ‘helmet sock’.
On March 5, when Rogers was nonetheless innovation supervisor, the UCI introduced that the sock can be banned from April 1. However BORA-hansgrohe nonetheless rode it within the time trial of the Tour of the Basque Nation, as a result of the UCI website states that the ban is not going to take impact till April 2. Remco Evenepoel was not pleased with this communication. The chief of Soudal Fast-Step and his teammates rode with no helmet sock, as a result of they assumed that this is able to be prohibited from April 1. It isn’t identified why Rogers left the UCI and whether or not it needed to do with a disagreement concerning the laws surrounding time trial helmets. Earlier than he began working on the UCI, Rogers labored on the then NTT Professional Biking as liable for time trial gear and time trial testing. As a result of the Australian not works for the UCI, he didn’t wish to touch upon the dialogue concerning the ‘helmet sock’ with Het Nieuwsblad.
Rogers, who raced for Fast-Step, HTC, Sky and Tinkoff, was World time trial champion 3 times throughout his profession. The Australian gained the gold medal in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Rogers needed to retire in 2016 as a consequence of coronary heart issues.
Michael Rogers leaves the UCI:
Politt Leads in Paris-Roubaix – Spring Classics Proceed on the ‘Hell of the North’
UAE Crew Emirates proceed their spring classics marketing campaign with the third ‘monument’ of the season : Paris-Roubaix on Sunday (seventh April).
The squad will likely be lead by the energy and expertise of Nils Politt who comes into the staff after a top-3 at Flanders final weekend and as a former podium rider at Roubaix up to now. Tim Wellens will even make his debut within the race.
Nils Politt: “I used to be tremendous pleased with final weeks podium in Flanders and the outcomes of the entire staff who rode rather well with 3 guys within the top-5. The sensations had been actually good and as a staff we performed our playing cards nearly as good as we may. I’m pleased with my situation and might be up there within the last so it’s optimistic for the goals forward. Clearly Paris-Roubaix is a really totally different race with totally different traits however we’re targeted and motivated to go for an excellent consequence.”
The staff will likely be guided by Sports activities Administrators Fabio Baldato (Ita), Marco Marcato (Ita) and Tomas Gil (Ven).
Paris-Roubaix [1.UWT] – 07-Apr-2024:
Mikkel Bjerg (Den)
Alvaro Hodeg (Col)
Sebastian Molano (Col)
Antonio Morgado (Por)
Nils Politt (Ger)
Michael Vink (NZ)
Tim Wellens (Bel).
Paris-Roubaix Femmes – APR 06
Kelvin Dekker – Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Paris-Roubaix is a one-of-a-kind race that’s all the time massively anticipated on the calendar. We now have a robust line-up with a transparent finisher in Pfeiffer, however we do consider that our whole staff can go far on this race and we are going to attempt to use this to our benefit. The day will likely be hectic and, in these moments, it is going to be vital to take care of an summary and give attention to our teamwork. If we do that nicely, so much will likely be doable for us.”
Line-up:
Rachele Barbieri (ITA)
Pfeiffer Georgi (GBR)
Daniek Hengeveld (NED)
Franziska Koch (GER)
Charlotte Kool (NED)
Josie Nelson (GBR).
Paris-Roubaix Males – APR 07
Pim Ligthart – Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Paris-Roubaix, also referred to as the ‘Hell of the North,’ would be the third Monument of the season and the ultimate cobbled traditional of the yr. John and Nils will likely be our finishers who might want to give attention to being in place on the first sector after which each subsequent sector. John confirmed final yr that he can compete on this spectacular race, and Nils has had a stable classics marketing campaign thus far. With this in thoughts, we’re assured that we’ll be within the combine this yr as nicely.”
Line-up:
Pavel Bittner (CZE)
John Degenkolb (GER)
Patrick Eddy (AUS)
Alex Edmondson (AUS)
Nils Eekhoff (NED)
Niklas Märkl (GER)
Tim Naberman (NED).
Degenkolb again to Roubaix:
Sportive Director Merijn Zeeman Will Go away Crew Visma | Lease a Bike on the Finish of the Season
Merijn Zeeman, lively for the staff since 2012 and sportive director of Crew Visma | Lease a Bike since 2017, is leaving the staff on the finish of this season. After nearly 13 years of being collectively liable for the profitable rebuilding of the staff, Zeeman is now choosing a brand new step in his profession.
Merijn Zeeman: “This can be a troublesome determination, which I additionally take with ache in my coronary heart. Exactly as a result of I’ve this nice organisation so near my coronary heart. We now have come a great distance and collectively we’ve made positive that we’ve turn into one of the profitable groups lately. I’m extremely pleased with that. Our tradition with our individuals and our progressive method has created a tremendous improvement by which we had been in a position to make historical past collectively, with the success yr 2023 as absolutely the spotlight. Crew Visma | Lease a Bike is my household, which I’ve lovingly put my coronary heart and soul into for 13 years. However I additionally consider that it’s good for everybody’s improvement to tackle new challenges over time. Persevering with my profession at soccer membership AZ is my subsequent step and I dare to take that step as a result of I go away this sturdy skilled organisation, led by my good pal Richard Plugge, within the succesful palms of my colleagues. However first we wish to write historical past collectively, additionally in 2024. We’re totally engaged in that with a really good begin to the yr, and we wish to comply with that up strongly within the coming months.”
Richard Plugge, CEO of Crew Visma | Lease a Bike: “To start with, I’m extraordinarily sorry that Merijn, pal and expensive colleague, is leaving our organisation. I perceive his rationale and respect his troublesome determination. We now have constructed the staff collectively, supported by a robust and constant group of individuals, and Merijn has been of inestimable worth along with his imaginative and prescient and management qualities. Along with his concepts, drive and data he and the proper individuals round him have taken the game typically and our staff particularly to the next degree. For that we’re enormously grateful to him! We now have created a really sturdy skilled organisation with a nicely thought-out efficiency program based mostly on a tradition of broad involvement and a excessive diploma of particular person possession. At all times and in each space based mostly on the concept no particular person is extra vital than the collective. Merijn’s departure hurts on the one hand, however on the identical time we’ve nice confidence in our organisation, which is stable as a rock. Within the coming months we are going to make clear how our organisation will likely be additional structured in the direction of the long run and, as all the time, we are going to begin internally. In fact we will even do every thing collectively to make 2024 a profitable yr. We at the moment are wanting ahead to that much more.”
Zeeman off to work in soccer:
Paris-Roubaix: MVDP: A Energetic Problem
Twelve totally different riders have gained the final twelve editions of Paris-Roubaix. The Queen of the Classics could also be untameable. Nonetheless, it’s laborious to not designate the defending champion because the overwhelming favorite for Sunday’s race, which concludes the cobbled classics’ marketing campaign by which the large weapons have additionally suffered accidents on the asphalt. Amid this hecatomb, Mathieu Van der Poel has maintained a dignified and stable posture on all terrains and imposed his energy on the proper second to go for a 3rd victory within the De Ronde, which places him on a par with the six different record-holders. When the time comes for him to don the #1 jersey in Compiègne, the world champion will likely be as assured as ever and can ship a picture to his rivals of a rider in full management, calm and invulnerable. None of them can be ashamed of a runner-up end, even when far behind Van der Poel, however they’ll all attempt to get forward of him: with energy or without warning, a stroke of luck or an inconceivable mistake. Though unexpected occasions have thinned the ranks, the crash on Dwars door Vlaanderen that has sidelined Wout van Aert has additionally put a damper on Mads Pedersen’s convincing season. The Dane is the one rider to have crushed the person to beat this yr of their duel at Ghent-Wevelgem. And it’s definitely the previous world champion that the brand new champion is most cautious of.
Along with his bodily prowess, immediately’s most effective traditional rider additionally has a major strategic benefit within the firm of Jasper Philipsen, who completed runner-up on the velodrome final yr and with whom he has loved a very profitable partnership on the roads of each the Tour de France and Milan-Sanremo, the place the Belgian additionally grew to become a traditional’s winner. The partnership works completely and opens up quite a few choices for the Alpecin-Deceuninck staff. For Visma | Lease a Bike, Matteo Jorgenson’s expertise has been on full show: within the wake of his victory in Paris-Good, the younger American’s energy made all of the distinction on the roads of Dwars door Vlaanderen. He, too, can depend on a reassuring staff, with former winner Dylan van Baarle and European champion Christophe Laporte. Likewise, UAE Emirates had a robust line-up for De Ronde, with Nils Politt, Mikkel Bjerg and Antonio Morgado taking third, 4th and fifth place, respectively. Soudal-Fast Step will possible have a robust squad with Kasper Asgreen, Yves Lampaert, Tim Merlier and Gianni Moscon. The checklist of contenders additionally consists of regulars within the locations of honour, similar to Stefan Küng (third in 2022) or Matej Mohorič (fifth in 2022). Nonetheless, it may additionally make room for on-form riders similar to Oliver Naesen and Alberto Bettiol, Luca Mozzato, the runner-up to MVDP final Sunday, and even Norwegian Jonas Abrahamsen.
25 groups, the primary contenders:
Australia
Crew Jayco AlUla: Durbridge (Aus), Walscheid (Ger)
Bahrain
Bahrain-Victorious: Mohoric (Slo), Wright (Gbr)
Belgium
Soudal-Fast Step: Merlier, Lampaert (Bel), Asgreen (Den), Moscon (Ita)
Lotto Dstny: Van Moer (Bel), Guarnieri (Ita)
Alpecin-Deceuninck: Van der Poel (Ned), Philipsen (Bel), Groves (Aus)
Intermarché-Wanty: Girmay (Eri), Petit (Fra), Teunissen (Ned), Rex (Bel)
Bingoal WB: Desal (Bel)
Crew Flanders-Baloise: Hesters, Vandenstorme (Bel)
France
Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale Crew: O. Naesen (Bel), Gautherat (Fra), Boasson Hagen (Nor), Bennett (Irl)
Cofidis Allegaert (Bel)
Groupama-FDJ: Küng (Swi), Bystrom (Nor)
TotalEnergies: A.Turgis, Dujardin (Fra), Van Gestel (Bel)
Arkea-B&B Lodges: Mozzato (Fra), McLay (Gbr)
Germany
Bora-Hansgrohe: Meeus (Bel), Herzog (Ger)
Nice Britain
Ineos Grenadiers: Tarling, Rowe (Gbr), Viviani (Ita)
Israel
Israel-Premier Tech: Hofstetter (Fra), Sheehan (Usa), Van Asbroeck (Bel)
Kazakhstan
Astana Qazaqstan Crew: Bol (Ned)
The Netherlands
Visma | Lease a Bike: Jorgenson (Usa), Laporte (Fra), Van Baarle (Ned)
Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL: Degenkolb (Ger), Eekhoff (Ned)
Norway
Uno-X Mobility: Abrahamsen, Kristoff, Tiller, Waerenskjold (Nor)
Spain
Movistar Crew: Garcia Cortina, Lazkano (Spa), Norsgaard (Dan), Cavagna (Fra)
Switzerland
Q36.5 Professional Biking Crew: Townsend (Irl)
United Arab Emirates
UAE Crew Emirates: Bjerg (Dan), Politt (Ger), Wellens (Bel), Morgado (Por)
United States
EF Schooling-Easypost: Bissegger (Swi), Bettiol (Ita), Van den Berg (Ned)
Lidl-Trek: M.Pedersen (Den), Milan (Ita).
Key factors:
- For the 121st version of Paris-Roubaix, set to start out from Compiègne on Sunday, 7 April, spectators and riders alike will give attention to Mathieu Van der Poel, who will try and retain his title and succeed the final winner within the rainbow jersey, Peter Sagan, in 2018. After his spectacular displaying within the Tour of Flanders, everybody is aware of he can do it.
- Nevertheless, the Queen of the Classics usually holds surprises that might permit a number of candidates to make their mark and, why not, threaten the prohibitive favorite. That’s what contenders like Mads Pedersen, Matteo Jorgenson, Nils Politt, Kasper Asgreen, Stefan Küng, Matej Mohorič, and others be mindful.
2024 Paris-Roubaix route map:
Paris-Roubaix Femmes Avec Zwift 2024 – Stars Tackle the Delusion
The primary three editions of Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift topped three very totally different winners, via reverse eventualities. What is going to the winner of the fourth version invent in an effort to succeed Elizabeth Deignan (2021), Elisa Longo Borghini (2022) and Alison Jackson (2023) ? A star studded peloton is gearing in Denain forward of Saturday’s battles over the cobbles resulting in the André-Pétrieux velodrome the place desires come true.
Icons similar to Marianne Vos (Crew Visma | Lease a Bike) and the UCI World Champion Lotte Kopecky (Crew SD Worx-Protime) are among the many larger names but to lift aloft the long-lasting winner’s cobble on the finish of the Hell of the North. The Dutch queen and her Belgian successor are lower for the parable, as highlighted by their locations of 2nd in Roubaix (in 2021 for Vos, 2022 for Kopecky), however the triumph has escaped them thus far, might or not it’s as a consequence of ways or unhealthy luck.
In 2024, Kopecky heads an influence duo alongside Lorena Wiebes (who retains impressing along with her progress within the Classics, underlined by her victory in Gent-Wevelgem) whereas Vos stays Visma | Lease a Bike’s important (and sole?) reference. Latest weeks have proven how sturdy they head into Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift…
Robust sufficient to tame the cobblestones in addition to their rivals? The terrain is well-known, with 17 sections (including as much as 29.2km of cobbles) to beat. And the opposition is spectacular as nicely.
After they gained and positioned two riders on the podiums of the primary two editions of Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift, Lidl-Trek comes with energy in numbers once more. Lucinda Model got here third within the velodrome in 2022. Ellen van Dijk is firing on all cylinders since she returned to competitors early March, after giving start. And though Elisa Balsamo hasn’t been profitable in her first makes an attempt within the Hell of the North, she proved in current weeks she’s again to her best possible with again to again victories in Cittiglio and De Panne.
Her compatriot Chiara Consonni (UAE Crew ADQ) is on a powerful roll as nicely however victory eludes her in the intervening time… Anybody coming to the velodrome along with her needs to be cautious of her velocity and her stellar previous as a monitor rider. Quick ladies similar to Charlotte Kool (Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL) and Emma Norsgaard (Movistar Crew) also can depend on their sprints, whereas rising skills similar to Pfeiffer Georgi (Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL) and Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon//Sram Racing) have the talents to animate the race.
In spite of everything, attacking usually pays its dividends in Roubaix. Final yr, six riders from the early breakaway narrowly resisted the peloton, and most of them will likely be again this week-end, within the wake of Alison Jackson (EF Schooling-Cannondale): Katia Ragusa (Human Powered Well being), Marthe Truyen (Fenix-Deceuninck), Marion Borras (St Michel-Mavic-Auber93) and Marta Lach (Ceratizit-WNT Professional Biking Crew). How will they flip the race the other way up this time?
24 groups, the primary contenders:
Australia
Liv-AlUla-Jayco: Amber Pate (Aus), Letizia Paternoster (Ita)
Belgium
AG Insurance coverage-Soudal Crew: Kim Le Courtroom (Mri), Ilse Pluimers (Ned)
Fenix-Deceuninck: Christina Schweinberger (Aut), Marthe Trugen (Bel)
France
Arkéa-B&B Lodges Ladies: Emilia Fahlin (Swe)
Cofidis Ladies Crew: Victoire Berteau (Fra)
FDJ-Suez: Grace Brown (Aus), Amber Kraak (Ned)
St Michel-Mavic-Auber93: Marion Borras (Fra), Roxane Fournier (Fra)
Crew Komugi-Grand Est: Chloé Charpentier (Fra)
Winspace: Constance Valentin (Fra)
Germany
Canyon//Sram Racing: Zoe Bäckstedt (Gbr), Elise Chabbey (Sui)
Ceratizit-WNT Professional Biking Crew: Nina Berton (Lux), Marta Lach (Pol)
Nice Britain
Lifeplus Wahoo: Eluned King (Gbr)
The Netherlands
Crew DSM-Firmenich PostNL: Pfeiffer Georgi (Gbr), Charlotte Kool (Ned)
Crew SD Worx-Protime: Lotte Kopecky (Bel), Lorena Wiebes (Ned)
Crew Visma | Lease a Bike: Marianne Vos (Ned)
VolkerWessels Ladies’s Professional Biking Crew: Anneke Dijkstra (Ned)
Norway
Crew Coop-Repsol: April Tacey (Gbr)
Uno-X Mobility: Anniina Ahtosalo (Fin), Maria Giulia Confalonieri (Ita)
Spain
Movistar Crew: Emma Norsgaard Bjerg (Den), Arlenis Sierra (Cub)
Switzerland
Roland: Maggie Coles-Lyster (Can)
The UAE
UAE Crew ADQ: Chiara Consonni (Ita)
The USA
EF Schooling-Cannondale: Alison Jackson (Can)
Human Powered Well being: Audrey Cordon-Ragot (Fra), Katia Ragusa (Ita)
Lidl-Trek: Elisa Balsamo (Ita), Lucinda Model (Ned), Ellen van Dijk (Ned).
Key factors:
- The 4th version of Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift calls 24 groups of 6 riders to battle via the Hell of the North on Saturday 6 April.
- Defending champion Alison Jackson (EF Schooling-Cannondale) leads the attackers prepared to show the race the other way up.
- The larger weapons, led by Lotte Kopecky (Crew SD Worx-Protime), Marianne Vos (Crew Visma | Lease a Bike) and Lidl-Trek’s collective energy, will purpose to regulate the chaos over 29.2km of cobblestones.
2024 Paris-Roubaix Femmes Avec Zwift route map:
The Paris-Roubaix Organiser Desires to Forestall Crashes within the Forest of Wallers
The 121st version of Paris-Roubaix for males is scheduled for subsequent Sunday. This can be a course with some harmful passages. Considered one of these is the scary Forest of Wallers, the place many falls happen yearly. But when it had been as much as the riders’ union CPA, that might be a factor of the previous.
The riders’ union has submitted a request to the organisation of Paris-Roubaix: the thought is so as to add just a few chicanes within the run-up to the Forest of Wallers, a sort of bend community, in an effort to cut back the velocity of the riders within the run-up to the dreaded cobblestone part of an excellent two kilometres discount.
Course builder Thierry Gouvenou understands the want. “The thought is to search out bends within the run-up to the Forest of Wallers, in an effort to decelerate the peloton and pull it collectively,” he informed the French sports activities newspaper L’Équipe on Tuesday throughout the official presentation of the race. “It’s a bit similar to the chicane system on automotive circuits.”
“Presently they’re arriving at a velocity of about 60 km/h. If we may gradual the riders all the way down to 30 to 35 km/h, that might be much less dangerous. And that might additional emphasise the issue of the stretch, as a result of the drivers would then have to start out it with out velocity and momentum.”
It stays to be seen whether or not such a chicane system will really be carried out: Gouvenou continues to be in discussions with the native authorities. The proposal does elevate questions for the authorities. They suppose that the hazard is then shifted from on to earlier than the well-known cobbled part.
“I additionally offered this to the riders they usually most popular to brake laborious with the danger of falling on the asphalt, than to journey into the Forest at 60 km/h,” counters Gouvenou.
Chicanes to cease crashes in Wallers:
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