One other load of race reviews, outcomes, video and rider quotes from Volta ao Algarve, Vuelta a Andalucia – Ruta Ciclista Del Sol, Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana, Traditional Var and the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes.
Patrick Lefevere thinks that Lotte Kopecky already has a brand new crew for 2025 – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Sir Chris Hoy has most cancers, Nairo Quintana to overlook O Gran Camiño attributable to covid and David Lappartient needs modifications to the race calendar.
Staff Information: Alpecin-Deceuninck unveils new race clothes and Chris Froome to begin his racing season as Israel – Premier Tech races with youth and expertise on the Tour du Rwanda.
Race information: Nice champions and RCS Sport-Crédit Agricole Italia spring races, La Vuelta 24: Groups choice, Tour of the Basque Nation groups, the Tour of Flanders route modifications for security causes, Vuelta a Cantabria might be a junior UCI race.
Plus Zweeler – Fantasy Spring Classics Sport is dwell.
Espresso time!
TOP STORY: Patrick Lefevere Thinks that Lotte Kopecky Already has a New Staff for 2025, Her Supervisor Denies
Lotte Kopecky is alleged to have already discovered a brand new crew for 2025. Patrick Lefevere alluded to this in dialog with Het Nieuwsblad. “Do I do know extra? Sure, I feel I do know extra,” mentioned the director of Soudal Fast-Step and the ladies’s crew of AG Insurance coverage-Soudal. However Kopecky’s administration denies it.
On the SD Worx-Protime crew presentation for the 2024 season, the transfer-free standing of World champion Kopecky after the 2024 season was mentioned. The Flemish rider mentioned that there’s appreciable curiosity from different groups. “Simply so that you perceive: I actually get pleasure from being right here, I don’t essentially have to go away. However perhaps it wouldn’t be a foul concept to get some recent air,” she mentioned on the time.
Because the proprietor of a Belgian girls’s crew, Lefevere is in fact focused on Kopecky’s providers, however he signifies that AG Insurance coverage-Soudal won’t turn into the subsequent crew of the World champion. “It was a aim to get Lotte to affix our crew, however I don’t imagine that Lotte has reached the top of her contract,” he mentioned, grinning, in accordance with Het Nieuwsblad. “Do I do know extra? Sure, I feel I do know extra. However as a rider you’re all the time on the finish of your contract.”
Lotte Kopecky’s supervisor Dries Smets denies this in dialog with the Belgian newspaper. “She has nonetheless not signed a contract for subsequent season and is subsequently nonetheless free. And virtually each crew within the girls’s peloton has already proven curiosity,” mentioned Smets.
The potential curiosity of UAE Staff ADQ in Demi Vollering was additionally just lately mentioned, the place an annual wage of 1 million euros is alleged to be on the desk. Lefevere doesn’t suppose it is a good improvement. “If somebody has extra money, then he may also spend extra money,” he mentioned.
“Do I feel it’s going too quick for ladies’s biking? I’ve already had your entire peloton assault me as a result of I mentioned that I didn’t need to work for OCMW (municipal social welfare) by paying 250 euros per 30 days to a rider. Now we have already got an honest minimal wage. However to reply the query: it’s going a bit too quick, sure.”
Does Kopecky have a brand new crew for 2025?
Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2024
Daniel Felipe Martínez received the Second Stage of the Volta ao Algarve. On the Alto da Foía the Colombian was quicker than Remco Evenepoel, who crossed the road in second place. Sepp Kuss, whose teammate Wout van Aert was dropped within the ultimate kilometre, sprinted to 3rd place, 6 seconds behind Martínez.
On the second day of the Volta ao Algarve there can be a battle for the GC. The end was on the climb to the Alto da Foía (7.5km at 7.3%). A troublesome ultimate climb that hasn’t prompted massive variations in previous races. And that you simply don’t must be a pure climber to win there.
The early breakaway consisted of 8 riders, together with Max Walker (Astana Qazaqstan), Oliver Rees (Sabgal/Anicolor), Martin Urianstad Bugge (Uno-X Mobility), Aleksandr Grigorev (Efapel), Rúben Simão (APHotels & Resorts/Tavira/SC Farensede), Pedro Silva (ABTF Betão-Feirense), César Martingil and Gonçalo Amado (each Tavfer-Ovos Matinados-Mortágua). They took a most lead of 5 minutes. Behind, it was primarily Remco Evenepoel’s Soudal Fast-Step that managed the peloton. They’d lowered the distinction when Uno-X Mobility launched a counter-attack. With two riders, Jonas Abrahamsen and Andreas Leknessund, they tried to shut the hole to the early break. Sixty kilometres from the end, they caught the main group, the place they’d a 3rd man with Bugge. The peloton was then 2:30. Because of the work by Abrahamsen and Bugge, the main group, which had thinned out, remained just about intact till the climb to Alferce (3km at 7.1%). The ultimate began there, 35 kilometres from the end. The peloton elevated the tempo and slowly they acquired nearer. On the foot of the Pomba (3.6km at 8.2%), the penultimate climb of the day, the attackers nonetheless had a lead of 1:30. Leknessund then solely had Walker, Rees and his teammate Bugge with them.
On the Pomba, Leknessund attacked. The 24 year-old Norwegian, left his fellow escapees and had a lead of just below 1 minute over the peloton on the summit. That peloton was all the way down to about 40 males as a result of work of Soudal Fast-Step. Filippo Ganna, who was second within the ultimate rankings final 12 months, was one of many riders in hassle. Geraint Thomas tried to carry him again to the primary group, however there was no probability and Ganna might neglect a few high ultimate place. Wout van Aert mentioned he had no GC ambitions, however simply earlier than the Alto da Foía he took 4 bonus seconds in an intermediate dash. Leknessund was the primary on the dash, however within the first kilometre of the climb the break was caught. The race can be between the GC riders within the first mountain stage of the Volta ao Algarve.
James Knox set the tempo within the first kilometres of the climb. That tempo was fairly excessive regardless of the headwind, as Milan Vader, Andrea Bagioli, Isaac Del Toro, Marc Hirschi and Magnus Sheffield had been dropped. Slightly below 2 kilometres from the end, Jan Christen attacked, nevertheless it was Sepp Kuss who jumped on the wheel of the UAE Staff Emirates rider, after which Knox dropped again. Mikel Landa took over from the Brit and elevated the tempo. This was too quick for Wout van Aert and he needed to go away a niche in fifth place. His teammates Kuss and Jan Tratnik had been nonetheless close to the entrance within the final a whole bunch of metres. Final 12 months’s general winner, Daniel Felipe Martínez. Evenepoel additionally began to dash on the similar time and appeared to have the higher hand over the Colombian. However Martínez took the lead earlier than the final nook and held on. He took the stage victory and the chief’s jersey. Within the high ten there was Tom Pidcock, Tao Geoghegan Hart and Thymen Arensman. Wout van Aert completed sixteenth, 26 seconds behind Martínez.
Stage winner and general chief, Dani Martínez (BORA-hansgrohe): “We aren’t the favourites on this race. We have now some robust opponents. However right this moment was an essential day and we needed to take our possibilities. The entire crew labored very effectively, and we took benefit of that. In the long run, I had the required legs within the dash.”
2nd on the stage and general, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Fast-Step): “I need to shock the others and I went a bit early, which in the long run was a mistake. The wind modified route from what we knew initially of the day and that stunned us a bit. Alternatively, I didn’t lose any time on the highway, which was essential. The crew did an awesome job, and I’d have needed the victory for them, however you may’t all the time get what you need. I’m happy with my teammates and of how we managed the stage by ourselves, and in the long run, I feel it’s a very good outcome.”
Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta Stage 2 Consequence:
1. Daniel Felipe Martínez (Col) BORA-hansgrohe in 4:40:20
2. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
3. Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:06
4. Sergio Higuita (Col) BORA-hansgrohe
5. Jan Tratnik (Slo) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:08
6. Thomas Pidcock (GB) INEOS Grenadiers
7. Tao Geoghegan Hart (GB) Lidl-Trek
8. Thymen Arensman (Ned) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:13
9. Mikel Landa (Spa) Soudal Fast-Step
10. Christian Scaroni (Ita) Astana Qazaqstan at 0:18.
Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta Total After Stage 2:
1. Daniel Felipe Martínez (Col) BORA-hansgrohe in 9:32:14
2. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:04
3. Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:12
4. Sergio Higuita (Col) BORA-hansgrohe at 0:16
5. Jan Tratnik (Slo) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:18
6. Tao Geoghegan Hart (GB) Lidl-Trek
7. Thomas Pidcock (GB) INEOS Grenadiers
8. Thymen Arensman (Ned) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:23
9. Mikel Landa (Spa) Soudal Fast-Step
10. Christian Scaroni Ita) Astana Qazaqstan at 0:28.
Algarve’24 stage 2:
Wout van Aert took his first victory of the 2024 highway season. The Belgian of Visma | Lease a Bike was the quickest in a bunch dash on the finish of Stage 3 of the Volta ao Algarve. He beat Rui Oliveira, Marius Mayrhofer and Gerben Thijssen to the road.
A day after the primary uphill end, the riders within the Volta ao Algarve had a comparatively straightforward stage. They confronted two climbs, however Alcaria (2.3km at 6.9%) and Faz Fato (4.7km at 3.%) weren’t troublesome and fairly removed from the end. So it was anticipated that after 192 kilometres there can be a bunch dash in Tavira.
There have been many Portuguese riders within the break of the day. The Argentinian German Nicolás Tivani (Aviludo-Louletano-Loulé Concelho) and the Spaniard Raúl Rota (Rádio Fashionable-Paredes-Boavista) had been with dwelling riders: Afonso Eulálio (ABTF Betão-Feirense), Carlos Miguel Salgueiro (APHotels & Resorts/Tavira/SC Farense), António Ferreira (Efapel), Frederico Figueiredo (Sabgal/Anicolor) and Francisco Morais (Tavfer-Ovos Matinados-Mortágua). They’d a most lead of about 5 minutes. Within the peloton, Arkéa-B&B Inns, BORA-hansgrohe, Intermarché-Wanty and EF Schooling-EasyPost shared the work. EF Schooling-EasyPost had a foul day about midway by way of the stage. Each Rui Costa and Marijn van den Berg each crashed 80 kilometres from the end. The Dutchman was in a position to proceed, together with Thymen Arensman and Filippo Ganna, who additionally crashed, however Rui Costa needed to abandon. He was taken to hospital for additional examination.
With out Costa, the peloton continued to chase the main group, which fell aside 40 kilometres from the end. Solely Tivani, Figueiredo and Salgueiro stayed off the entrance. In the long run, Salgueiro would maintain out the longest. He rode one other 5 kilometres solo, till it was over for him 14 kilometres out and there was going to be a bunch dash. Within the run-up to that dash, Wout van Aert settled himself close to the entrance of the peloton. He saved out of hazard of a crash, which prompted about 15 riders to separate within the final kilometre. Coming into the final nook, the Visma | Lease a Bike rider was sat in sixth place. Gerben Thijssen begin the dash from far out, but additionally stall a bit. Van Aert, with Rui Oliveira and Marius Mayrhofer, was in a position to go and take the victory. This was his first victory on the highway this season. In January he received the World Cup cyclo-cross in Benidorm.
Stage winner, and seventh general, Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike): “I made a decision to go for the dash with ten kilometres to go. The run-up to the dash was secure, and I used to be well-positioned with the crew after the ultimate intermediate dash. It was straightforward to remain in entrance, and the end was barely uphill, which fits me. I felt my legs had been good, and I believed: I’d higher go for it. It’s good to begin the season with a win. The Volta ao Algarve is a prestigious race, and it’s not straightforward to win a dash right here. It offers me a number of confidence. I needed to take a bit danger. I used to be fairly far again within the final kilometre, however I ended up within the slipstream of the fellows who got here into the wind too early. I haven’t touched my time trial bike all winter, so I don’t count on an excessive amount of from it. Anyway, it will likely be powerful to beat Remco Evenepoel, however in fact, I’ll do all the things I can to have a very good time trial.”
2nd on the stage, Rui Oliveira (UAE Staff Emirates): “To lose to somebody like Van Aert you may’t be too upset. I almost transformed the prospect to dash for the win so I will be happy with that. I had a very good race and knew I simply needed to wait as late as potential to open up the dash. I couldn’t have executed anything so no regrets right this moment.”
Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta Stage 3 Consequence:
1. Wout van Aert (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike in 4:50:57
2. Rui Oliveira (Por) UAE Staff Emirates
3. Marius Mayrhofer (Ger) Tudor
4. Gerben Thijssen (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty
5. Stefan Bissegger (Sui) EF Schooling-EasyPost
6. Rasmus Tiller (Nor) Uno-X Mobility
7. Jasper Stuyven (Bel) Lidl-Trek
8. Magnus Cort (Den) Uno-X Mobility
9. Yevgeniy Fedorov (Kaz) Astana Qazaqstan
10. Santiago Mesa (Col) Efapel Biking.
Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta Total After Stage 3:
1. Daniel Felipe Martínez (Col) BORA-hansgrohe in 14:23:11
2. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:04
3. Sepp Kuss (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:12
4. Sergio Higuita (Col) BORA-hansgrohe at 0:16
5. Jan Tratnik (Slo) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:18
6. Thomas Pidcock (GB) INEOS Grenadiers
7. Wout van Aert (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:22
8. Thymen Arensman (Ned) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:23
9. Mikel Landa (Spa) Soudal Fast-Step
10. Christian Scaroni (Ita) Astana Qazaqstan at 0:28.
Algarve’24 stage 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0Um1zXY8nw
Remco Evenepoel had an excellent time trial within the Volta ao Algarve Stage 4. The World time trial champion received the chrono and took over the chief’s jersey from Daniel Felipe Martínez. Magnus Sheffield completed second, Stefan Küng was third.
The fourth stage of the Volta ao Algarve might be a very powerful of the Portuguese race. The 22 kilometre time trial, to and from the seaside resort of Albufeira was undulating and contained one part of 800 metres at about 8%. The opposite components of the course weren’t flat, however the energy riders would do effectively. The ultimate kilometres had been extra technical.
Of the early starters, Edward Theuns, Julien Vermote and Matteo Trentin had been on the recent seat for some time. Time trial specialist Stefan Bissegger was 3 seconds wanting dethroning Trentin, but it surely was his personal teammate, Arthur Klucker who did. The following to document the highest time was Isaac Del Toro. Filippo Ganna did higher than the younger Mexican on the intermediate factors, however on the end he fell wanting taking the lead. Magnus Sheffield, Ganna’s American teammate clocked a brand new high time. Different time trial riders similar to Stefan Küng, Thymen Arensman, Ben Healy and Wout van Aert couldn’t compete. Van Aert misplaced virtually 45 seconds to Sheffield and would finally end eleventh.
There was solely Remco Evenepoel who would do higher than Sheffield. The World champion was one of the best in any respect intermediate factors and was additionally 16 seconds quicker than Sheffield on the end. He was additionally a lot quicker than Daniel Felipe Martínez, who was at 52 seconds. The Colombian misplaced his chief’s jersey to the Belgian. With one stage to go, Evenepoel has a lead of 48 seconds on GC.
Stage winner and general chief, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Fast-Step): “I used to be very motivated for this time trial, the primary of the 12 months in my lovely rainbow jersey. There have been a number of robust guys initially, however I instantly discovered my rhythm on the bike and produced a strong trip. The truth that I completed forward of all of them makes me actually proud. It’s good to have already got two victories from 5 days of racing. We have now a really robust crew and we’ll attempt to defend our place. I feel that this outcome and what we confirmed two days in the past function affirmation that we’re prepared. I like Portugal and it could be nice to take this jersey dwelling.”
2nd on the stage and eighth general, Magnus Sheffield (INEOS Grenadiers): “I’m upset, however I feel it’s a very good type of disappointment. I simply must hold working exhausting and attempt to beat him (Evenepoel) subsequent time. I feel this was a novel time path, with a number of up and down. It was not a time trial that suited one kind particularly. You noticed a lot stronger time trialists right here, but it surely was a powerful trip by Remco. I actually get pleasure from it. Of the method, not less than. There’s a number of struggling on the bike itself, so I don’t essentially get pleasure from that. However it is extremely satisfying to give attention to one thing, fine-tune one thing and be busy with the method. I put a number of work into the time trial coaching, so I needed to carry out right here. I used to be shut, however nonetheless not adequate. The World champs in Zurich is actually a giant aim for me, however particularly the Olympic Video games. I need to trip for the American crew. The Video games solely occur as soon as each 4 years, so it is a very, very massive aim for me. This additionally applies to the 2028 Olympic Video games in Los Angeles. It offers a very good type of competitors. We inspire one another and push one another. A couple of weeks in the past we had been in Denía, the place we did coaching collectively. Even a man like Tom (Pidcock), a classification rider, it is extremely essential to give attention to time trials. So it isn’t solely essential for pure time trialists.”
4th on the stage and eighth general, Isaac del Toro (UAE Staff Emirates): “For the primary TT of the 12 months I’m actually proud of it. There was robust rivals right here and a few massive names so it feels good and motivating to be amongst them. That is the most important TT I’ve executed in my profession thus far so it’s good that it went effectively. I’m nonetheless studying and taking all of it on this new expertise and I’m actually having fun with it thus far.”
Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta Stage 4 Consequence:
1. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step in 27:09
2. Magnus Sheffield (USA) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:16
3. Stefan Küng (Sui) Groupama-FDJ at 0:29
4. Isaac del Toro (Mex) UAE Staff Emirates at 0:37
5. Mattia Cattaneo (Ita) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:46
6. Filippo Ganna (Ita) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:47
7. Ben Healy (Irl) EF Schooling-EasyPost at 0:48
8. Daniel Felipe Martínez (Col) BORA-hansgrohe at 0:51
9. Rune Herregodts (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty at 0:58
10. Jan Tratnik (Slo) Staff Visma | Lease a Bike.
Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta Total After Stage 4:
1. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step in 14:50:24
2. Daniel Felipe Martínez (Col) BORA-hansgrohe at 0:47
3. Jan Tratnik (Slo) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:12
4. Wout van Aert (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:18
5. Stefan Küng (Sui) Groupama-FDJ
6. Ben Healy (Irl) EF Schooling-EasyPost at 1:20
7. Thymen Arensman (Ned) INEOS Grenadiers at 1:23
8. Magnus Sheffield (USA) INEOS Grenadiers at 1:34
9. António Morgado (Por) UAE Staff Emirates at 1:39
10. Thomas Pidcock (GB) INEOS Grenadiers at 1:44.
Algarve’24 stage 4:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9N_5s6abNM
Remco Evenepoel received the Volta ao Algarve 2024 general. Within the troublesome Ultimate Stage 5, ending on the Alto do Malhão, the Belgian of Soudal Fast-Step secured his general victory. Evenepoel might even have received the stage, however was overwhelmed by Daniel Felipe Martínez in a ultimate dash. Wout van Aert opened the ultimate early and was solely caught on the ultimate climb.
The ultimate stage of the Volta ao Algarve included 5 categorised climbs: The Picota and Vermelhos had been fairly removed from the end, however 40 kilometres from the end, there was the climb to Alte (2.4km at 6.2%). After that, the Alto do Malhão (2.6km at 9.2%) got here quickly after. This powerful climb was to be climbed twice; first after round 25 kilometres from the top after which as the ultimate a part of the stage.
After his stage win in Saturday’s time trial and taking the general lead, Remco Evenepoel had a snug lead of 47 seconds over Daniel Felipe Martínez. Behind him, the duo of Jan Tratnik and Wout van Aert adopted at greater than 1 minute. So there was nonetheless loads to battle for on the ultimate day. Tratnik took 4 seconds within the first intermediate dash, as a result of the break of the day shaped later. That occurred about 100 kilometres earlier than the end, when about 20 riders escaped. James Shaw was the best-placed at 3:57, he was joined by Mike Teunissen, Gijs Leemreize, Per Strand Hagenes, Filippo Ganna, Valentin Madouas, Jasper Stuyven, Mattia Cattaneo, Nils Politt and Andreas Leknessund. This group took greater than 3 minutes, however Soudal Fast-Step and BORA-hansgrohe closed the hole. The ultimate began on the climb of Alte. It was Wout van Aert who attacked and joined Hagenes from the early escapee on the high. Solely Ben Healy might be a part of Van Aert. The Irishman was sixth general and van Aert was 4th.
Van Aert, Hagenes and Healy joined the break and the lead was 1:20 on the foot. Healy, Van Aert and Leemreize had been finally on their very own. Within the favourites group, Evenepoel needed to depend on Landa, Knox and Cattaneo. On the part earlier than the ultimate climb, INEOS Grenadiers and BORA-hansgrohe helped to chase, as a result of the distinction was nonetheless above a minute. The exhausting work shortly lowered the lead, after which Van Aert, Healy and Leemreize had been caught just below 3 kilometres from the end on the Alto do Malhão (2.6km at 9.2%). The stage winner was going to return from a small elite group. Martínez was the primary to assault, however Evenepoel was instantly on his wheel. Cristian Scaroni and Sepp Kuss tried to get away, however neither succeeded. Evenepoel was the primary to begin the dash, however was unable to proceed the trouble. Martínez had a extra explosive dash in his legs and beat the Belgian, identical to on the second day. Afterwards, Evenepoel mentioned that attributable to a gear downside within the ultimate and was unable to remain forward of Martínez. The Belgian completed second on the stage, forward of Tom Pidcock. Tratnik completed fifth and secured his podium place within the ultimate general, behind Evenepoel and Martínez. Thymen Arensman completed in fifth place within the ultimate general. He moved up one spot on the ultimate day, on the expense of Wout van Aert, who dropped out on the ultimate climb after his lengthy assault.
Stage winner and 2nd general, Dani Martínez (BORA-hansgrohe): “This was undoubtedly the toughest stage of the Volta ao Algarve. There have been a number of assaults right this moment. I knew that there was nonetheless a protracted approach to go till the finale and I stayed calm. Additionally, I’ve to say the crew did an awesome job. I completed second right here two years in the past, and to win once more now’s actually one thing particular for me.”
Ultimate general winner and 2nd on the stage, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Fast-Step): “I’m very proud of my win! I felt good right this moment, I had an awesome crew round me, robust legs, and I’m delighted I might carry it dwelling. It means quite a bit to have such an awesome begin to the season, with three victories within the house of per week. It was a very good week for us and we will be content material with how issues went. I’m happy with the fellows, as a result of they remained calm always and confirmed how robust we’re mentally. We by no means panicked, whatever the state of affairs, and knew the way to deal with all issues. To have three general victories right here it’s good and I hope to return again right here at some point and attempt to go for a fourth win.”
seventh general, Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike): “It regarded good at a sure level, however I felt that Ben Healy was a bit higher. So I had an issue in that space. After they got here nearer and nearer, I attempted to do one thing on the restrict, however that turned out to not be actually potential. We had additionally hoped to have a bit extra chaos beforehand, in order that just a few extra domestiques had been dropped. Now there was nonetheless an excessive amount of management behind me and that’s a disgrace. It gave my assault much less probability of success. It’s been a very good week. I additionally received a stage, that’s good. As well as, I used to be in a position to present myself in two troublesome levels. The terrain was a bit too powerful for me to win, but it surely was lovely. Immediately was additionally a typical conflict day and that was all the time included as a coaching incentive. This additionally makes me higher.”
Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta Stage 5 Consequence:
1. Daniel Felipe Martínez (Col) BORA-hansgrohe in 3:55:35
2. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
3. Thomas Pidcock (GB) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:03
4. Christian Scaroni (Ita) Astana Qazaqstan at 0:07
5. Jan Tratnik (Slo) Visma | Lease a Bike
6. Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma | Lease a Bike
7. Tao Geoghegan Hart (GB) Lidl-Trek at 0:16
8. Ben Healy (Irl) EF Schooling-EasyPost
9. Thymen Arensman (Ned) INEOS Grenadiers
10. António Morgado (Por) UAE Staff Emirates at 0:24.
Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta Total After Stage 5:
1. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step in 18:45:53
2. Daniel Felipe Martínez (Col) BORA-hansgrohe at 0:43
3. Jan Tratnik (Slo) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:21
4. Ben Healy (Irl) EF Schooling-EasyPost at 1:42
5. Thymen Arensman (Ned) INEOS Grenadiers at 1:45
6. Thomas Pidcock (GB) INEOS Grenadiers at 1:49
7. Wout van Aert (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:57
8. Sepp Kuss (USA) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:59
9. Stefan Küng (Sui) Groupama-FDJ at 2:06
10. António Morgado (Por) UAE Staff Emirates at 2:09.
Algarve’24 stage 5:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8BMtu8g3fc
Vuelta a Andalucia – Ruta Ciclista Del Sol 2024
It was a horrible version of Vuelta a Andalucia, however the Ruta de Sol did have a winner: Maxim Van Gils. The Belgian was by far one of the best in Friday’s time trial, the one stage left after the opposite levels needed to be canceled. Juan Ayuso was second, Antonio Tiberi third.
The five-day Ruta del Sol was initially going to be shortened to a three-day occasion, after the primary two levels needed to be canceled attributable to farmer protests. However in the long run the ultimate weekend needed to even be scrapped. This left solely a time trial of 5 kilometres on Friday. These time trial kilometres had been barely uphill, at a median of three.5%. The final metres had been on cobblestones.
Climber Rafał Majka was within the scorching seat for a very long time. He clocked a time of 8:44, good for a median velocity of simply lower than 34 kph. Many riders beat the Pole’s time, together with Antonio Tiberi. The Bahrain Victorious rider was 17 seconds quicker than Majka to take the lead. A high time for Tiberi, however Sylvain Moniquet (Lotto Dstny) was shut, simply 4 seconds slower. He needed to await his teammate Maxim Van Gils earlier than Tiberi was overwhelmed. The Belgian improved the Italian’s time by 10 seconds. He set the highest time giving Tim Wellens, Wout Poels and Juan Ayuso no probability.
The hazard appeared to return from one other Lotto Dstny rider: Victor Campenaerts. The 32 year-old rider was the final starter of the day and had his sights on victory. He fell wanting the victory, which went to Van Gils. The Belgian, who’s simply getting back from a 25-day suspension for a punching one other rider within the 2023 Japan Cup, received by at least 10 seconds forward of Ayuso and Tiberi.
Stage winner and general chief, Maxim Van Gils (Lotto Dstny): “Firstly I didn’t need to lose an excessive amount of time, with the stage of tomorrow. Throughout the recon I heard that the stage wouldn’t happen tomorrow both, which in fact wasn’t good to listen to, however I used to be motivated to offer it my all and such a brief uphill time trial fits me. I instantly felt that I had good legs, however I by no means anticipated that I’d win. I additionally instantly rode to the bus after the time trial, then I heard that I had received and needed to go to the rostrum, so it was nice, it’s nonetheless the Ruta del Sol. I felt good after the altitude coaching camp in Tenerife, it’s a pity that the opposite levels have been cancelled now, however it’s what it’s. This was truly corresponding to a ten minute check on coaching camp, it’s a very good signal that I might win and it offers me confidence for what comes subsequent.”
2nd on the stage and general, Juan Ayuso (UAE Staff Emirates): “It was all the time going to be tight with the TT so brief, however I will be proud of 2nd place. Clearly we wish to have executed extra racing this week however sadly the state of affairs is out of our fingers. I assume I should wait a bit longer to finish my first Vuelta Andalucia. I’m excited to tackle the subsequent races on the Ardeche classics in France subsequent weekend.”
Vuelta a Andalucia – Ruta Ciclista Del Sol Stage 3 Consequence:
1. Maxim Van Gils (Bel) Lotto Dstny in 8:17
2. Juan Ayuso (Spa) UAE Staff Emirates at 0:10
3. Antonio Tiberi (Ita) Bahrain Victorious at 0:11
4. Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (European) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 0:14
5. Tim Wellens (Bel) UAE Staff Emirates
6. Sylvain Moniquet (Bel) Lotto Dstny at 0:15
7. Santiago Buitrago (Col) Bahrain Victorious at 0:16
8. Alex Baudin (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:22
9. Marc Soler (Spa) UAE Staff Emirates at 0:23
10. Gonzalo Serrano (Spa) Movistar at 0:24.
Vuelta a Andalucia – Ruta Ciclista Del Sol Ultimate Total Consequence:
1. Maxim Van Gils (Bel) Lotto Dstny in 8:17
2. Juan Ayuso (Spa) UAE Staff Emirates at 0:10
3. Antonio Tiberi (Ita) Bahrain Victorious
4. Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (European) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 0:13
5. Tim Wellens (Bel) UAE Staff Emirates at 0:14
6. Sylvain Moniquet (Bel) Lotto Dstny
7. Santiago Buitrago (Col) Bahrain Victorious at 0:16
8. Alex Baudin Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:21
9. Marc Soler (Spa) UAE Staff Emirates at 0:23
10. Gonzalo Serrano (Spa) Movistar at 0:24.
Andalucia’24 stage 3:
Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana 2024
The Setmana Ciclista Valenciana began with a victory for Elisa Balsamo. After early escapee Victoire Berteau was caught within the finale of the opening stage, it got here all the way down to a dash in Gandia. The Italian was the quickest. Marianne Vos, who had surgical procedure on her femoral artery in August 2023 and made her return, was second.
The opening stage of the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana began with a 115 kilometre stage from Tavernes De La Valldigna to Gandia. The primary a part of the stage was comparatively flat, however within the final 30 kilometres the riders had two powerful climbs. First there was the Alto de Barxeta (2km at 5%), then the Alto de Barx (6.4km at 4.8%). From the highest of the final climb, there was nonetheless 15 kilometres to the end.
Early within the stage we shortly noticed one rider alone within the lead: Marjolein van ‘t Geloof. The rider of the Hess Biking Staff achieved a lead of 1:45 seconds on the peloton. Laura Molenaar (VolkerWessels) tried to cross and was finally in a position to join. However the state of affairs quickly modified once more. There was an acceleration from behind, in order that with 60 kilometres to go, the peloton was all collectively once more. Instantly afterwards, one other two riders escaped. It was Molenaar’s teammate Anneke Dijkstra and French champion Victoire Berteau. Daniela Campos (Eneicat-CMTeam) additionally needed to affix in, however was too late. She finally needed to drop again into the peloton.
Dijkstra and Berteau constructed up a pleasant lead. Thirty kilometres from the end they’d greater than 4 minutes. Initially of the Alto de Barx the margin had decreased to 2:30 and on the climb Lidl-Trek took management, inflicting the result in shrink additional. Berteau then went solo, simply earlier than the highest she dropped Dijkstra. The 26 year-old Dijkstra didn’t hand over, however was unable to get again to Berteau. The Dutch rider dropped again to the thinned peloton, the place Visma | Lease a Bike, Lidl-Trek and SD Worx had been chasing Berteau. The Frenchwoman held on for a very long time, however when she began the ultimate kilometre her solo was over. Elisa Balsamo attacked from far out and managed to keep up her effort and received convincingly. Marianne Vos got here up within the ultimate meters, however needed to accept second place, forward of Noemi Rüegg.
Stage winner and general chief, Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek): “It was an actual crew effort, an actual crew victory: I’m so grateful to you! We knew the course and anticipated a tricky trip. On the final climb, with the highest fourteen kilometres from the end, totally different eventualities arose. An especially hectic finale adopted. Berteau (the final of the break) was very robust, however we saved religion within the peloton till the top. It was a direct confrontation between the sprinters, as a result of all groups had executed all the things they may to shut the hole. Consequently, there was no actual lead-out anymore. I selected to take the wheel of Marianne Vos, who for me stays one of the best in such conditions. I make no secret of the truth that I feared being overwhelmed, however I knew I needed to comply with her. And my instincts rewarded me. It feels excellent to begin the season like this. Profitable the primary race of the 12 months offers an essential increase to self-confidence and is one thing I’ve executed for 3 years in a row now. However for me it additionally issues how a victory comes about, the efficiency behind it. It’s affirmation that we now have executed a very good job. Now let’s get going!”
Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana Stage 1 Consequence:
1. Elisa Balsamo (Ita) Lidl-Trek in 2:54:45
2. Marianne Vos (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
3. Noemi Rüegg (Sui) EF Schooling-Cannondale
4. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Pol) Canyon//SRAM
5. Marta Lach (Pol) CERATIZIT-WNT
6. Olivia Baril (Can) Movistar
7. Christine Majerus (Lux) SD Worx-Protime
8. Arlenis Sierra (Cub) Movistar
9. Elena Cecchini (Ita) SD Worx-Protime
10. Amalie Dideriksen (Den) Uno-X Mobility.
Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana Total After Stage 1:
1. Elisa Balsamo (Ita) Lidl-Trek in 2:54:35
2. Marianne Vos (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:04
3. Noemi Rüegg (Sui) EF Schooling-Cannondale at 0:06
4. Anneke Dijkstra (Ned) VolkerWessels Girls’s Professional Biking Staff at 0:07
5. Victoire Berteau (Fra) Cofidis at 0:08
6. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Pol) Canyon//SRAM at 0:10
7. Marta Lach (Pol) CERATIZIT-WNT
8. Olivia Baril (Can) Movistar
9. Christine Majerus (Lux) SD Worx-Protime
10. Arlenis Sierra (Cub) Movistar.
Valencia’24 stage 1:
Marlen Reusser received Stage 2 of the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana. The SD Worx rider rode away from a small group within the ultimate and managed to solo to victory. Behind the Swiss rider, Marianne Vos sprinted to second place, the identical as the primary stage.
A dash in La Vall d’Uixó might have been anticipated on the second day, however within the final 40 kilometres there have been two climbs: Alto Ahín (14.6km at 2.7%) and Alto Eslida (4.9km at 6.9%). The summit of the Alto Eslida was 20 kilometres from the end.
The VolkerWessels crew had been on the assault once more. It was Margot Vanpachtenbeke who went into battle within the first hour of the race, along with Imogen Cotter (Hess Biking Staff). The 2 had been forward of the peloton for some time, however earlier than midway by way of the stage, their break was over. After that the peloton stayed collectively for a very long time. Within the run-up to the Alto Eslida there have been some assaults. Two riders managed to open a niche and began the climb with a lead. As a result of excessive tempo that dsm-firmenich PostNL was setting, they had been quickly caught on the climb. Not lengthy after there was just a few accelerations, together with from Kasia Niewiadoma. The elite group consisted of 10 to fifteen riders. Simply earlier than the highest, some riders had been dropped.
Marianne Vos was in a very good place, as was Mischa Bredewold, Shirin van Anrooij, Gaia Realini and Marlen Reusser. Reusser noticed her probability to flee, 7 kilometres from the end. She made a niche and as soon as Reusser has a lead, she then it’s typically inconceivable to drag again. The Swiss rider soloed to stage victory and the general lead. The chasers might solely dash for second place. Marianne Vos was one of the best within the peloton, making her runner-up once more. On Thursday she completed behind Elisa Balsamo in a bunch dash. Évita Muzic (FDJ-SUEZ) completed in third place, forward of Shirin van Anrooij.
Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana Stage 2 Consequence:
1. Marlen Reusser (Sui) SD Worx-Protime in 3:01:19
2. Marianne Vos (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:29
3. Évita Muzic (Fra) FDJ-SUEZ
4. Shirin van Anrooij (Ned) Lidl-Trek
5. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Pol) Canyon//SRAM
6. Nikola Nosková (CZ) Cofidis
7. Elise Chabbey (Sui) Canyon//SRAM
8. Juliette Labous (Fra) dsm-firmenich PostNL
9. Thalita de Jong (Ned) Lotto Dstny at 1:02
10. Kristen Faulkner (USA) EF Schooling-Cannondale.
Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana Total After Stage 2:
1. Marlen Reusser (Sui) SD Worx-Protime in 5:55:54
2. Marianne Vos (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:27
3. Évita Muzic (Fra) FDJ-SUEZ at 0:35
4. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Pol) Canyon//SRAM at 0:39
5. Juliette Labous (Fra) dsm-firmenich PostNL
6. Shirin van Anrooij (Ned) Lidl-Trek
7. Elise Chabbey (Sui) Canyon//SRAM
8. Nikola Nosková (CZ) Cofidis
9. Olivia Baril (Can) Movistar at 1:11
10. Thalita de Jong (Ned) Lotto Dstny at 1:12.
Valencia’24 stage 2:
The Queen Stage 3 of the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana was received by Niamh Fisher-Black. On the Xorret de Catí, the executioner of the day, she rode away along with Gaia Realini. After a brief descent she managed to take the day’s victory.
The third stage of the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana completed on the climb of Xorret de Catí. Simply earlier than the end, the exhausting climb of Xorret de Catí (3.8km at 11.4%) awaited them, a widely known summit end within the Vuelta a España. The race would most certainly be selected this stage.
We noticed little motion within the first hour. The peloton, the place Canyon//SRAM and Visma | Lease a Bike saved it collectively for a very long time. The race lastly took off on the Puerto de la Carrasqueta (11km at 4.6%). A number one group of 8 shaped, together with: Mischa Bredewold (SD Worx), Amber Kraak (FDJ-SUEZ), Maud Oudeman (Visma | Lease a Bike), Amanda Spratt (Lidl-Trek), Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon//SRAM), Olha Kulynych (Fenix-Deceuninck Growth), Caroline Andersson (Liv AlUla Jayco) and Magdeleine Vallieres (EF Schooling-Cannondale). The eight took 1 minute on the peloton, the place dsm-firmenich PostNL led the chase.
The Dutch crew slowly introduced the peloton nearer, in order that the 8 on the foot of the Xorret de Catí had been caught. Total chief Marlen Reusser then took management herself, till an assault from Kasia Niewiadoma. The Polish rider had a small hole, however Niamh Fisher-Black closed it after which went on the assault. Solely Gaia Realini managed to leap on her wheel on the steep sections. Reusser initially saved near the 2 lightweights at her personal tempo, whereas Niewiadoma paid for her earlier effort. Finally the Swiss rider misplaced extra floor and there can be a duel between Realini and Fisher-Black. The 2 stayed collectively till the highest, after which they plunged into the quick descent to the end line. Fisher-Black put stress on Realini, distanced himself from the Italian and took the win. Realini completed second, forward of Niewiadoma. Reusser completed fifth behind Juliette Labous and remained the chief by 8 seconds on Niewiadoma.
Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana Stage 3 Consequence:
1. Niamh Fisher-Black (NZ) SD Worx-Protime in 3:50:04
2. Gaia Realini (Ita) Lidl-Trek at 0:13
3. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Pol) Canyon//SRAM at 0:23
4. Juliette Labous (Fra) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:41
5. Marlen Reusser (Sui) SD Worx-Protime at 0:50
6. Kristen Faulkner (USA) EF Schooling-Cannondale at 0:59
7. Thalita de Jong (Ned) Lotto Dstny at 1:01
8. Solbjørk Minke Anderson (Ned) Uno-X Mobility
9. Elise Chabbey (Sui) Canyon//SRAM
10. Léa Curinier (Fra) FDJ-SUEZ at 1:03.
Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana Total After Stage 3:
1. Marlen Reusser (Sui) SD Worx-Protime in 9:46:48
2. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Pol) Canyon//SRAM at 0:08
3. Niamh Fisher-Black (NZ) SD Worx-Protime at 0:12
4. Juliette Labous (Fra) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:25
5. Gaia Realini (Ita) Lidl-Trek at 0:37
6. Marianne Vos (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:50
7. Elise Chabbey (Sui) Canyon//SRAM
8. Nikola Nosková (CZ) Cofidis at 1:19
9. Shirin van Anrooij (Ned) Lidl-Trek at 1:22
10. Thalita de Jong (Ned) Lotto Dstny at 1:23.
Valencia’24 stage 3:
Elisa Balsamo received the Ultimate Stage 4 of the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana on Sunday. The Lidl-Trek sprinter received within the streets of Valencia after 118 kilometres. Balsamo additionally received the opening stage. The general lead of Marlen Reusser (SD Worx-Protime) was not at risk.
The ultimate stage was between Sagunt and the Metropolis of Valencia was pretty flat, aside from L’Oronet (5.7km at 4.5%, most 10%), a second class climb. The highest of the climb was simply over 20 kilometres from the end.
Earlier than the beginning, Marlen Reusser regarded prone to maintain his lead, though the distinction between second and third was shut: Katarzyna Niewiadoma at 8 seconds and Niamh Fisher-Black at 12 seconds. There was not a lot to do within the first hour of the race, however two riders finally managed to interrupt away from the peloton. The Ukrainian Olha Kulynych and Aileen Schweikart from Germany had 30 seconds on the pack for some time, however Kulynych disappeared from the entrance. Schweikart managed to final a bit longer. The Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi rider was joined by two counter-attackers: the Colombian Andrea Alzate (Eneicat-CMTeam) and the British rider, Alice Wooden (Human Powered Well being). This assault didn’t final lengthy. Schweikart, Alzate and Wooden had been caught earlier than the foot of L’Oronet (5.7km at 4.5%).
On this climb, the final within the race, Mavi García threw her playing cards on the desk. The toughest climb of the day was not powerful sufficient and a big group of favourites got here excessive collectively. There was no management, so a number of riders rode away. This resulted within the different riders taking a look at one another, as a result of no crew took the initiative. Valerie Demey made a niche on the lengthy, extensive highway to Valencia, however the Belgian of VolkerWessels didn’t get away. Visma | Lease a Bike went on the offensive just a few extra occasions, in order that Marianne Vos might cover within the peloton and the opposite groups needed to get to work. Kristen Faulkner tried to keep away from a bunch dash, however the American was introduced again within the final kilometre. Within the dash that adopted, Elisa Balsamo was in a category of her personal. The Italian of Lidl-Trek received by a number of bike lengths, forward of Arlenis Sierra (Movistar) and Nadia Quagliotto (Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi).
Ultimate general winner, Marlen Reusser (SD Worx-Protime): “This race was a chief instance of teamwork. I’m tremendous proud of this, I’m very glad with this win. My kind is superb. These had been some very steep climbs. This will not be a WorldTour race, however the stage was excessive and the levels had been powerful. I used to be curious to see how it could go. I’m tremendous glad that it turned out this fashion. To win this classification, you had to have the ability to do some little bit of all the things. Within the second stage you had to have the ability to develop energy on the relatively ‘flat’ terrain. Whereas the ultimate climb within the third stage was very steep. I climbed quick sufficient for the general win. I used to be comfortable that Niamh received this stage. It meant quite a bit to her and to me. It’s excellent for her confidence. That is what I take from this race to the classics. The crew did a brilliant job. We wanted a while to seek out one another. Nevertheless it acquired higher day-after-day. This was incredible teamwork, from one of the best I’ve skilled. This actually touched me. We gave all the things and the outcome was very good. The nice kind is unquestionably there. The crew can be at a really excessive stage. However this race isn’t an indicator for the classics. It’s very totally different. The climber’s peloton is a better peloton to trip in than the basic ‘conflict’ peloton. I’m not focusing particularly on the spring classics this season as a result of my greatest targets are in the summertime, however in fact it could be very good to win one or two races. I’m all the time a bit scared of those sorts of races. They’re actually massive. I’ve a number of respect for the classics and I hope I will be profitable.”
Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana Stage 4 Consequence:
1. Elisa Balsamo (Ita) Lidl-Trek in 3:13:40
2. Arlenis Sierra (Cub) Movistar
3. Nadia Quagliotto (Ita) Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi
4. Josie Nelson (GB) dsm-firmenich PostNL
5. Lily Williams (USA) Human Powered Well being
6. Elena Cecchini (Ita) SD Worx-Protime
7. Eline Jansen (Ned) VolkerWessels Girls’s Professional Biking Staff
8. Karolina Kumiega (Pol) UAE Staff ADQ
9. Marianne Vos (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
10. Noemi Rüegg (Sui) EF Schooling-Cannondale.
Setmana Ciclista Volta Femenina de la Comunitat Valenciana Ultimate Total Consequence:
1. Marlen Reusser (Sui) SD Worx-Protime in 24:52:20
2. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Pol) Canyon//SRAM at 0:08
3. Niamh Fisher-Black (NZ) SD Worx-Protime at 0:12
4. Juliette Labous (Fra) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:30
5. Gaia Realini (Ita) Lidl-Trek at 0:45
6. Marianne Vos (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:50
7. Elise Chabbey (Sui) Canyon//SRAM
8. Nikola Nosková (CZ) Cofidis at 1:19
9. Thalita de Jong (Ned) Lotto Dstny at 1:21
10. Shirin van Anrooij (Ned) Lidl-Trek at 1:22.
Valencia’24 stage 4:
Traditional Var 2024
Lenny Martinez received the Traditional Var on Friday. Tobias Halland Johannessen thought he had received the race on Mont Faron and was celebrating when Martinez handed him.
The Traditional Var is a brand new race this 12 months. The one-day occasion, which comes earlier than the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var, completed on Mont Faron. This climb, which has been a part of many races up to now, is 5.7 kilometres and has a median gradient of 8.4%, so fairly troublesome. The run-up was not straightforward both, as the ultimate of the Traditional Var has two climbs: one Cat. 3 and a Cat. 2 climb.
Early within the race, one of many favourites, Kévin Vauquelin, crashed and needed to abandon. The peloton let the 6 go. Maël Guégan (CIC U Nantes Atlantique), Alessandro Iacchi (Corratec-Vini Fantini), Noah Knecht (Good Métropole Côte d’Azur), Valentin Tablelion (Van Rysel-Roubaix), Morné van Niekerk (St Michel-Mavic-Auber93) and Victor Vaneeckhoutte (Lotto Dstny Growth Staff) constructed a lead of greater than 4 minutes. Behind the break, Groupama-FDJ and Israel-Premier Tech had been in management. As Mont Faron acquired nearer, the lead shrunk. Van Niekerk held off the peloton the longest, however 14 kilometres from the end the South African was additionally caught, close to the highest of the penultimate climb of the day. The peloton had already thinned out fairly a bit at that time and the tempo additionally remained excessive on the descent.
On the foot of Mont Faron there was a significantly lowered group. Guillaume Martin, who had unhealthy luck within the run-up to the climb, was not on the entrance. Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale and Groupama-FDJ had been driving exhausting. It heralded an assault by Romain Grégoire, who was quickly joined by Bastien Tronchon and Tobias Halland Johannessen. Later, a bunch returned, led by Michael Woods. Additionally Kevin Vermaerke and Romain Bardet from dsm-firmenich. The American took the lead from his French teammate and tried to do away with the others. It was not quick sufficient for high favourites Woods and David Gaudu. First Gaudu attacked, then Woods, then Gaudu once more after which Woods once more. Nonetheless, each appeared to have one thing left, as six riders stayed collectively till the ultimate kilometres. Along with Gaudu and Woods, there was Johannessen, Bardet, Lenny Martinez and Aurélien Paret-Peintre.
Gaudu tried once more at this level, however with out success. Into the final kilometre; Johannessen put in an assault. No one broke. One other transfer from Gaudu additionally had no penalties, however an acceleration from Romain Bardet had extra impact. The dsm-firmenich rider was unable to interrupt Johannessen and the Norwegian had sufficient juice in his legs to go Bardet. He regarded to have the win. Johannessen did put his fingers within the air, but it surely was too quickly and he virtually got here to a cease. Lenny Martinez, who had additionally handed Bardet, noticed the Norwegian gradual up earlier than the road and saved going. this was sufficient for the younger Frenchman of Groupama-FDJ to go Johannessen within the final metre and take the victory.
Race winner, Lenny Martinez (Groupama-FDJ): “I’m very comfortable to win right here, in entrance of my household, near dwelling, in a race that I had made a aim of. I attempted to not explode, just like the others boys attacked. Although I used to be on the restrict, I needed to hold going as a result of it might come to a standstill. The slender highway made it even tougher, as a result of everybody fought for his or her spot. I needed to assault on the finish and make the most of David’s presence (David Gaudu), however others had been already going. That’s why I advised myself I’d wait till the ultimate. It was an instinctive choice. I used to be fully exhausted. My imaginative and prescient was blurry from the trouble, I solely regarded in direction of the end line. I noticed him (Johannessen) throw his arms within the air and thought I might nonetheless go him. That labored, and that’s biking. It’s a particular victory, as a result of 300 meters earlier than the end I believed it was over as a result of I used to be launched. However I gave it my all till the top and that was the correct factor to do.”
2nd, Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility): “I used to be the primary one to succeed in the metallic bow earlier than the end line, nobody can take that away from me… No, I really feel sorry for my teammates doing an ideal job the entire day simply to see me do the factor i actually believed I used to be by no means going to do. However I actually thought I celebrated after crossing the road.. Simply to be clear, the end line is the blue small factor that you simply see on the finish…”
Traditional Var Consequence:
1. Lenny Martinez (Fra) Groupama-FDJ in 4:09:43
2. Tobias Halland Johannessen (Nor) Uno-X Mobility
3. Romain Bardet (Fra) dsm-firmenich PostNL
4. Michael Woods (Can) Israel-Premier Tech at 0:01
5. Aurélien Paret-Peintre (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:10
6. David Gaudu (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 0:17
7. Bastien Tronchon (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:28
8. Kevin Vermaerke (USA) dsm-firmenich PostNL
9. Simon Dalby (Den) Uno-X Mobility
10. Romain Grégoire (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 0:41.
Traditional Var’24:
Tour des Alpes-Maritimes 2024
Ethan Vernon received Stage 1 of the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var. The British rider of Israel-Premier Tech was the quickest in a bunch dash. Sean Flynn (dsm-firmenich PostNL) was second, Vincenzo Albanese (Arkéa-B&B Inns) third.
Stage one of many Tour des Alpes-Maritimes went from Levens to Antibes over 165 kilometre. The route had no flat roads, however as a result of there was no actual climbing, so a dash was anticipated.
It took some time, however after about 60 kilometres there was an early break. This consisted of two riders: Andrea Mifsud (Good Métropole Côte d’Azur) and Morné Van Niekerk (St Michel-Mavic-Auber93). The South African was additionally within the break within the Traditional Var on Friday. Though with 17 kilometres to go, Van Niekerk was dropped by Mifsud.
Mifsud held off the peloton for a really very long time, which was ripping it up within the ultimate 20 kilometres. There have been assaults by Kévin Vauquelin and Guillaume Martin and there have been gaps within the peloton as a number of sprinter’s groups hit the entrance. Israel-Premier Tech was particularly busy. Primarily due to the Israeli ProTeam, Mifsud was finally introduced again. He had held on till inside just a few kilometres of the end. The work of Israel-Premier Tech turned out to achieve success as their sprinter, Ethan Vernon, was the quickest. The British rider beat Sean Flynn and Vincenzo Albanese.
Stage winner and general chief, Ethan Vernon (Israel-Premier Tech): “We weren’t certain how exhausting it was going to be however in the long run it was exhausting however I had good legs. I’ve simply come off a very good coaching camp so it was a little bit of an unknown however like final 12 months, I all the time begin the season fairly robust so I’m comfortable. It was a very good day. I knew a man was nonetheless forward and I used to be so centered on the race I wasn’t certain if we had caught him or not so simply in case I didn’t have a good time however now I want I had. Within the final lap my legs had been good and I knew we might win. The fellows had been actually robust and we lined it out within the final 5 to 6 kilometres and I believed we had gone too early to be sincere however I used to be actually impressed with how robust the fellows had been right this moment. I feel tomorrow might be too exhausting for me however we are going to see. The legs had been good right this moment however our two targets had been to win the stage right this moment and keep in rivalry for the GC with the fellows and we did each. So we have to see how tomorrow performs out. Now that I’ve received right this moment there isn’t any stress for me and I can assist the fellows. We have now a few playing cards to play. Israel-Premier Tech supplied me a extremely good alternative to turn into a frontrunner and trip the larger Classics and construct a dash practice round me and I feel I can already say I made the correct choice.”
Tour des Alpes-Maritimes Stage 1 Consequence:
1. Ethan Vernon (GB) Israel-Premier Tech in 3:55:37
2. Sean Flynn (GB) dsm-firmenich PostNL
3. Vincenzo Albanese (Ita) Arkéa-B&B Inns
4. Tobias Halland Johannessen (Nor) Uno-X Mobility
5. Guillaume Boivin (Can) Israel-Premier Tech
6. Fabian Lienhard (Sui) Groupama-FDJ
7. Romain Bardet (Fra) dsm-firmenich PostNL
8. Benoît Cosnefroy (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
9. Kevin Vermaerke (USA) dsm-firmenich PostNL
10. Matys Grisel (Fra) Lotto Dstny Growth Staff.
Tour des Alpes-Maritimes Total After Stage 1:
1. Ethan Vernon (GB) Israel-Premier Tech in 3:55:27
2. Sean Flynn (GB) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:04
3. Vincenzo Albanese (Ita) Arkéa-B&B Inns at 0:06
4. Aurélien Paret-Peintre (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:09
5. Jordan Labrosse (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
6. Tobias Halland Johannessen (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 0:10
7. Guillaume Boivin (Can) Israel-Premier Tech
8. Fabian Lienhard (Sui) Groupama-FDJ
9. Romain Bardet (Fra) dsm-firmenich PostNL
10. Benoît Cosnefroy (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale.
Alpes-Maritimes’24 stage 1:
The Tour des Alpes-Maritimes was received on Sunday by Benoît Cosnefroy. The Frenchman of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale was the quickest sprinter of a giant group of favourites within the Ultimate Stage 2, which remained after the climb of the Montée de la Sine within the ultimate. Aurélien Paret-Peintre, Cosnefroy’s teammate, completed second within the stage and Vincenzo Albanese (Arkéa-B&B Inns) third. Because of the bonuses, Cosnefroy additionally received the ultimate general.
After the dash victory of Ethan Vernon on Saturday, the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes ended on Sunday with a hilly stage. Final 12 months’s ultimate stage was received by Aurélien Paret-Peintre after an assault on the Montée de la Sine (4.2km at 4.5%), the final climb of the day. There was additionally a number of climbing earlier within the stage, together with the Col d’Eze early within the day.
The main group of the day emerged in two teams. First Maxime Jarnet (Van Rysel-Roubaix), Noah Detalle (Bingoal WB) and Axel Narbonne Zuccarelli (Good Métropole Côte d’Azur) escaped, adopted by Matteo Milan (Lidl-Trek Future Racing) and Melvin Crommelinck (Good Métropole Côte d’ Azur) who crossed. Groupama-FDJ didn’t let the 5 get too distant and, along with dsm-firmenich PostNL, closed the hole greater than 70 kilometres from the end. This was adopted by the Carros (5.3km at 5.2%) and the ultimate climb of Montée de la Sine. Ewen Costiou attacked earlier than the ultimate, however the Frenchman was caught by a thinned peloton on the ultimate climb. Jakob Fuglsang and Tobias Halland Johannessen and had been eradicated attributable to a crash brought on by parked vehicles alongside the aspect of the highway.
The remaining favourites checked out one another within the ultimate and Costiou took benefit of a quiet second and attacked once more. This try by the Arkéa-B&B Inns rider additionally failed, after which Kevin Vermaerke accelerated, not for the primary time. When the American was caught, his teammate Romain Bardet selected to assault, however the chief of dsm-firmenich PostNL additionally did not get away. Within the final kilometres, which had been virtually flat, the race shaped right into a dash by a big group of favourites. There have been no actual sprinters left. Benoît Cosnefroy discovered house on the left aspect of the highway and received by a large margin. The bonuses on the end additionally gave Cosnefroy the general victory, forward of Albanese and Paret-Peintre.
Total and stage winner, Benoit Cosnefroy (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale): “It was a really shut dash, however I had confidence in myself, I felt good within the ultimate stretch. I used to be behind the pack, and Aurélien Paret-Peintre did an awesome job getting me to the entrance, and we completed first and second. I believed in it till the top, I didn’t again down. Plus, I received the general classification, so it’s an ideal day. We all the time handle to do nice issues with an awesome crew effort.”
2nd general and third on the stage, Vicenzo Albanese (Arkéa-B&B Inns): “I’m comfortable however not fully glad. On this second stage we hoped to win the overall classification of the Tour of the Alpes-Maritimes. I completed third within the stage. Benoît Cosnefroy was very robust. He received the stage and the general. I completed second, which is an effective place, however I’d have most popular to win to thank your entire Arkéa crew. All of the boys had an awesome race. I hope to ascertain myself shortly within the subsequent races in France or Italy.”
fifth on the stage and seventh general, Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ): “I didn’t count on such a race. It was lastly on the subsequent plateau when some assaults opened a niche. About ten males broke away from the peloton and caught up with the escapee, together with Lars van den Berg, and the bunch stopped pursuing for a number of minutes. When Lars got here out, issues turned very tactical. We knew it earlier than coming right here, and we needed to play good. Clearly, I’m upset and annoyed. I wasn’t anticipating this sort of race in any respect this morning. We aren’t used to working like juniors. In the long run, all of it comes all the way down to small particulars and it hasn’t essentially labored in our favour. That mentioned, I don’t know what else we might have executed tactically. Given the circumstances of the race, we couldn’t do far more. We simply needed to be affected person and have the aim and/or the success to maneuver ahead and win. There have been nonetheless lots of people on the ultimate, since there wasn’t as a lot racing as different years. We had been there, however it’s nonetheless a high-level race and it was troublesome to make room. Immediately we needed to go quick within the dash. We’re upset, as a result of we now have not come right here to complete within the high 10.”
eighth general, Guillaume Martin (Cofidis): “Clearly, it’s a disappointment as a result of we got here to win. The race has been unusual, very expectant, which is unusual given the format of the stage. We have now tried to complicate the state of affairs after which we now have tried to assault. In the long run it got here all the way down to the final climb and the dash was fairly chaotic. We have now labored very effectively as a crew, Anthony (Pérez) has not been removed from victory, Thomas (Champion) and Simon (Geschke) have sacrificed themselves for the crew… The temper was good and we now have to proceed like this. Personally, I used to be within the combine, so it bodes effectively for the longer term.”
4th on the stage, Anthony Pérez (Cofidis): “We anticipated a more durable race like final 12 months, once we arrived with a small group. Immediately we took the initiative and toughened the race on the Châteauneuf climb with Thomas (Champion). After that, Gorka (Izagirre) gave us a foothold, and Axel (Mariault) and Guillaume (Martin) had been additionally within the combine. I began the dash at 200 metres, but it surely wasn’t sufficient. I’m very upset as a result of the crew has executed an awesome job. We’d have preferred to win to begin a brand new cycle of victories. Generally we lack a bit luck. We’re going to regroup and attempt to do effectively subsequent weekend.”
thirtieth general, Floris De Tier (Bingoal WB): “I’m proud of my first race, the Tour of the Valencian Group, the place I carried out at a very good stage (twenty second). I had good emotions within the bumps of the totally different levels. We additionally delivered excellent group work in Spain. I’ve labored effectively in coaching since Valencia, however I don’t but think about myself to be in 100% situation; I nonetheless want competitors to progress additional. The three days of racing within the Var will enable me to take a brand new step and, additionally, to carry out personally and with the crew. The course and its profile go well with me effectively. We’re coming to the south of France with an excellent group who will be capable of intention for locations of honour.”
Tour des Alpes-Maritimes Stage 2 Consequence:
1. Benoît Cosnefroy (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale in 3:13:45
2. Aurélien Paret-Peintre (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
3. Vincenzo Albanese (Ita) Arkéa-B&B Inns
4. Anthony Perez (Fra) Cofidis
5. Romain Grégoire (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
6. Jordan Jegat (Fra) TotalEnergies
7. Bastien Tronchon (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
8. Rémi Capron (Fra) Van Rysel-Roubaix
9. Jonathan Lastra (Spa) Cofidis
10. Alexandre Delettre (Fra) St Michel-Mavic-Auber93.
Tour des Alpes-Maritimes Total After Stage 1:
1. Benoît Cosnefroy (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Staff 7:09:12
2. Vincenzo Albanese (Ita) Arkéa-B&B Inns at 0:02
3. Aurélien Paret-Peintre (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:03
4. Alexandre Delettre (Fra) St Michel-Mavic-Auber93 at 0:10
5. Bastien Tronchon (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
6. Kevin Vermaerke (USA) dsm-firmenich PostNL
7. Romain Grégoire (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
8. Guillaume Martin (Fra) Cofidis
9. Quentin Pacher (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
10. Michael Woods (Can) Israel-Premier Tech.
Alpes-Maritimes’24 stage 2:
Observe Star Sir Chris Hoy has Most cancers
Six-time Olympic observe champion Sir Chris Hoy has been identified with most cancers. The 47 year-old British observe sprinter is present process chemotherapy remedy, he introduced on Instagram.
“Final 12 months I used to be identified with most cancers. That got here as a giant shock, as a result of at the moment I had no signs but,” Hoy explains. “Happily the chemo remedy goes effectively. I’ll proceed to work, cycle and dwell my life as I all the time have.”
Though Hoy would have most popular to not share this information with the surface world. “I’d have most popular to maintain this info non-public, however felt compelled to share it anyway. I wish to cope with this privately, however my ideas exit to others who’re dealing with comparable challenges.”
Hoy hopes to have the ability to work as an analyst on the British tv channel BBC this summer season. “An fascinating working 12 months is arising. Not least with the Paris Olympic Video games. I can’t wait to have enjoyable there.”
Unhappy information kind Chris Hoy:
Nairo Quintana to Miss O Gran Camiño attributable to Covid An infection
Nairo Quintana won’t begin the Spanish stage race O Gran Camiño from 22 to 25 February. The meant GC chief is battling a covid an infection and should postpone the European begin to his season.
In O Gran Camiño, a four-day stage race in Galicia, the 34 year-old Colombian would race on European soil for the primary time for the reason that 2022 Tour de France. Quintana has the corona virus and won’t be slot in time for the Spanish race. The winner of the Giro d’Italia (2014) and Vuelta a España (2016), will now have to attend a bit longer for his European begin to the season. It’s presently unclear when Quintana will race once more. Movistar will announce at a later date when the climber can return to the peloton.
Quintana has already raced in his personal nation this season. He began his comeback 12 months with the Colombian Championships after which rode the six-day Tour Colombia, the place Quintana completed twenty first within the general standings. The lack of Nairo Quintana is a blow for the organisers of O Gran Camiño, however there are nonetheless fairly just a few high riders: defending champion Jonas Vingegaard, Egan Bernal, Carlos Rodríguez, Richard Carapaz, Rigoberto Urán, David Gaudu and Lenny Martinez are on the provisional begin checklist.
Delay to Quintana’s Euro season attributable to covid:
Lappartient Needs Adjustments to the Race Calendar
It has been clear for a while that we might see main modifications within the UCI WorldTour calendar in 2026. Nonetheless, in accordance with UCI boss David Lappartient, they aren’t going to vary for the sake of change. “We try for internationalisation and fewer overlaps,” mentioned the Frenchman in dialog with Het Nieuwsblad.
In accordance with Lappartient, it is a reform. “Not a revolution, however an evolution. From 2026 onwards, we need to implement modifications for the interval as much as and together with 2028. Essential? We need to keep away from as a lot overlap as potential between totally different WorldTour races. I examine it to girls’s biking. Once we began the UCI Girls’s WorldTour there in 2016, we said from the beginning that we didn’t need any overlap within the calendar. We have now had loads of alternatives to deviate from this, and requests to affix the World Tour are pouring in. However we now have all the time caught to our precept. Within the curiosity of the groups, of the viewers, and of readability.”
Though the UCI boss guarantees to respect the lengthy custom of males’s biking. “In girls’s biking we began from a clean slate. That’s much more troublesome with the boys, the place you’re looking at 130 years of historical past. I’m the primary to grasp that the Tour de France will all the time be ridden in July. Identical to the Classics will in fact happen within the spring or autumn. Or that the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix will all the time be ridden shut to one another, just because that’s higher for the riders. It’s important to respect that. I imagine that custom and evolution can go collectively.”
That’s the reason Lappartient is not eager about cobbled Classics within the autumn, one thing he has typically steered up to now. “Each change should be an enchancment. Till additional discover, I see no purpose to vary the place of the Belgian spring competitions on the calendar. Until somebody can present good arguments and alter my thoughts.”
The Frenchman remains to be in favour of the internationalisation of the game. “If we alter the WorldTour circuit, it won’t be stronger in France, Belgium or Italy. There are many requests from these nations. However I don’t imagine in a sport that takes place in two or three nations. It’s important to have a worldwide imaginative and prescient right this moment. Why not organise a ‘slot’ in South America in February? There are already competitions in Colombia and biking is extraordinarily fashionable. Simply as there’s nonetheless room in Asia, and even in Europe. Denmark is an actual biking nation. Nevertheless it doesn’t have a single high competitors in the meanwhile.”
Lappartient has but to see whether or not such a change can go hand in hand with the One Biking mission. “Because the UCI, we assist each initiative that desires to enhance the monetary state of affairs {of professional} biking. However I’ll all the time emphasise the significance of cooperation and the main position of the UCI in shifting the game ahead collectively.” Additionally with a Saudi investor? “Sports activities should not political. You should hold these items separate, because the Olympic philosophy prescribes. I particularly see that Saudi Arabia needs to play a number one position within the sports activities business, with a number of consideration to sports activities that concentrate on a big and younger viewers. For me, this is a chance to develop biking on this a part of the world, and that can even assist us progress internationally as a sport.”
Lappartient needs modifications:
Alpecin-Deceuninck Unveils Eye-Catching New Race Clothes as from UAE Tour
Alpecin-Deceuninck is proud to unveil its brand-new outfit and new crew brand. It’s a placing design, characterised by a contemporary denim look. The jersey is designed by KALAS, the clothes provider we now have been working with for years.
The trendy design might be seen in competitors for the primary time on the UAE Tour, the place Kaden Groves is our chief.
The denim package is representing our crew’s perspective for 2024: daring to face out, whereas conserving our ft on the bottom. Working exhausting collectively, whereas having enjoyable collectively. As a result of denims are nice for any event, no?
Test it out on our official Instagram account.
Chris Froome to Begin his Racing Season as Israel – Premier Tech Races with Youth and Expertise on the Tour du Rwanda
An brisk mixture of younger and expertise, together with Chris Froome in his first race of the 2024 season, will line up for Israel – Premier Tech on the eight-day Tour of Rwanda, which begins on Sunday.
This 12 months marks IPT’s sixth participation on the race, an involvement that’s now much more symbolic than earlier than. Twelve months in the past, the crew inaugurated its Discipline of Desires biking centre within the district of Bugesera, a game-changing mission that has already helped numerous native kids uncover the enjoyment of biking. The crew returned to this inspiring biking facility on Friday to expertise the impression it has already had on the local people.
The 2024 version of the race is notably brief, clocking in at 718.9 kilometres for the eight days. The parcours consists of the Tour’s first-ever crew time trial on day one (18.3 kilometres), happening across the capital metropolis of Kigali, and a 13-kilometre uphill particular person check towards the clock between Musanze and Kinigi Kwita Izina.
Friday’s sixth stage, the near-annual end atop Mont Kigali, can even play an element in shaping the GC.
Froome might be joined by fellow Brit Joe Blackmore, a first-year rider from the IPT Academy, who recorded 4 top-10 stage outcomes en path to sixth general final 12 months racing for a GB nationwide crew. Israeli riders Man Sagiv and Itamar Einhorn, together with German under-23 highway race champion and one other new Academy recruit Moritz Kretschy, full the line-up.
“It is a essential race for us due to the connection the crew has with the nation and what we’re doing to develop biking in Rwanda with the Discipline of Desires mission,” says Sports activities Director Ruben Plaza.
“It’s a particular race, which is why we now have a robust crew right here. Our first goal is to win the TTT in Kigali on stage one. We have now choices with Itamar on stage two, and after this we might be combating for the GC with Joe and Chris.
“It’s troublesome to foretell how the racing will unfold – though a lot of the levels are fairly brief, the groups are made up of simply 5 riders, which suggests it will likely be troublesome to regulate. It will likely be a really nervous race, so we now have to be prepared from KM0 of the primary highway stage.”
Froome helped inaugurate the Discipline of Desires 12 months in the past, and is already enthusiastic about his return to Rwanda and the beginning of his 2024 season.
“I like any alternative to get again to Africa, it seems like dwelling,” he says. “Everyone seems to be all the time so heat and welcoming, it’s an awesome feeling.
“It was actually superb to be again on the Discipline of Desires once more, one 12 months on, and seeing how far the mission has come alongside. It’s one factor to have delivered the pump observe and highway circuit, however seeing how the neighborhood has embraced it – not simply with folks driving, but additionally teaching – is superb.
“The last word aim over the subsequent decade is to have someone from Bugesera attain the highest stage {of professional} biking. If that had been to occur, that will be a dream come true, and I imagine it’s potential. Seeing first-hand how the Discipline of Desires has modified so many lives is fairly exhausting to understand. I can’t wait to return in future years to see the progress!”
Blackmore and Krestchy will race in Rwanda days after ending a highly-productive IPT Academy camp in Alicante, Spain. Reigning British Gravel champion Blackmore turns 21 on the day of the Mont Kigali stage, making him the identical age as Krestchy, and Froome is trying ahead to the expertise of competing with them subsequent week.
He says: “I all the time get pleasure from racing and doing coaching camp with youthful riders who’re in that part of determining the way to get one of the best out of themselves. I don’t have all of the solutions however I can not less than share my experiences and what has helped me to realize what I’ve achieved.”
IPT on the Tour du Rwanda
Riders:
Joe Blackmore (GBR), Itamar Einhorn (ISR), Chris Froome (GBR), Moritz Kretschy (GER), Man Sagiv (ISR)
Sports activities Administrators: Ruben Plaza, Lahav Davidzon
Froome begins 2024 in Rwanda:
Nice Champions and RCS Sport-Crédit Agricole Italia Spring Races
Giuseppe Saronni, Vincenzo Nibali, Filippo Pozzato, Moreno Moser and Marta Bastianelli interacted with Giampiero Maioli, CEO and Senior Nation Officer of Crédit Agricole Italia, and Urbano Cairo, President of RCS MediaGroup, speaking about Strade Bianche men and women, Tirreno-Adriatico, Milano-Torino and Milano-Sanremo (the opening Monument Traditional of the season). Crédit Agricole is the title sponsor of all RCS Sport classics for the second 12 months.
(From left to proper Moreno Moser, Marta Bastianelli, Giampiero Maioli, Vincenzo Nibali, Filippo Pozzato, Urbano Cairo and Giuseppe Saronni with the trophies of Milano-Torino, Strade Bianche, Milano-Sanremo, Strade Bianche Girls Elite e Tirreno-Adriatico)
The nice spring biking classics advised within the phrases of the champions who raced and received them. Tales, anecdotes and enjoyable details had been the weather of a chat present held on the stage of Le Village by Crédit Agricole within the centre of Milan. Giuseppe Saronni, Vincenzo Nibali, Filippo Pozzato, Moreno Moser and Marta Bastianelli talked and interacted with the CEO and Senior Nation Officer of Crédit Agricole Italia, Giampiero Maioli, and the President of RCS MediaGroup, Urbano Cairo.
Giampiero Maioli, CEO and Senior Nation Officer of Crédit Agricole Italia: “A historic ardour that has all the time concerned and excited thousands and thousands of Italians. Biking goes far past the definition of a easy sport, it embodies values through which, as Crédit Agricole, we imagine and concretely make investments: inclusion, take care of the atmosphere, innovation, closeness to the brand new generations. The message we additionally need to convey, by accompanying the Italian Biking Classics on Italian roads, is the elemental significance of the transition in direction of an more and more sustainable society. After final 12 months’s success, we proceed this partnership with RCS, and collectively we proceed with our dedication to reinforce the territories by way of occasions of worldwide significance”.
Urbano Cairo, President of RCS MediaGroup: “The Classics are key occasions within the racing calendar that we organise. Having an essential sponsor like Crédit Agricole supporting us is an added worth. Biking is a sport that’s rising quite a bit. Races with a particular attraction such because the Strade Bianche, which in just some years has turn into a worldwide phenomenon, or the Milano-Sanremo, which I all the time went to see as a toddler, exhibit the immense potential that this sport has”.
Giuseppe Saronni: “I’ve received three of those races however I need to admit that I remorse not having had a race just like the Strade Bianche in my time. The victory I liked probably the most is the Milano-Sanremo received within the World Champion’s jersey. I used to be shut a number of occasions, and that 12 months I made a decision that I needed to assault by anticipating the quickest males. It’s not straightforward to make the hole, I succeeded, as did Van der Poel final 12 months. I even have good reminiscences of Milano-Torino. The addition of Superga within the route was decisive as a result of it allowed us to make choice by reducing out the large sprinters of the time”.
Vincenzo Nibali: “These historic occasions are extremely coveted and appeal to a giant crowd. The 2 consecutive Tirreno-Adriatico wins gave me confidence for the Grand Excursions I received within the following years. Then in 2018 got here the large day of Milano-Sanremo. It was a race that I had beforehand solely touched and to which I had introduced myself in one of the best situation ever. Plus it was a wet and chilly day, which suited me. Within the finale I needed to go for it. Profitable was an emotion corresponding to these I skilled once I received the Giro and the Tour”.
Filippo Pozzato: “The Tirreno-Adriatico is a race that has modified quite a bit through the years, in 2003 it had extra levels devoted to puncheurs and fewer uphill finishes. Even right this moment it stays an excellent springboard for the classics. Profitable Milano-Sanremo was the realisation of a dream, it was a race I had been following since I used to be a toddler. I all the time interpreted the finale in another way, and managed to hit the large goal in 2006”.
Moreno Moser: “I used to be an outsider once I received the Strade Bianche. I attacked forward of the large favourites and likewise took benefit of the presence of Peter Sagan within the small group behind me. It was undoubtedly my most lovely victory. I actually admire the choice to extend the size, after so a few years it permits the race to enhance its standing. The ultimate circuit can even be a draw for the followers, who will be capable of see extra passages on iconic sections similar to Le Tolfe and Colle Pinzuto”.
Marta Bastianelli: “The Strade Bianche is an interesting race that represents the fantastic thing about our nation. It’s a world-loved Traditional and the introduction of the ultimate circuit this 12 months will make it look much more just like the Classics of the North. I’ve raced it for the reason that first version and 12 months after 12 months it has improved quite a bit in high quality, turning into a serious appointment additionally for all the large names in girls’s biking”.
The Spring Biking Classics
2 March – tenth Strade Bianche Girls Elite Crédit Agricole
tenth version of the ladies’s Strade Bianche: the primary one was held on the seventh March 2015, with victory going to Megan Guarnier. Elizabeth Armitstead received the next 12 months, whereas in 2017 Elisa Longo Borghini turned the one victorious Italian on her dwelling roads and the youngest at 25 years 2 months and 22 days – a document she nonetheless holds.
Marta Bastianelli: a 4th place in 2019 as greatest outcome
2 March – 18th Strade Bianche Crédit Agricole
18th version of the Strade Bianche: the journey started on the ninth October 2007 with Alexander Kolobnev opening the roll of honour. The a number of winner of the Strade Bianche is Fabian Cancellara, with 3 victories: in 2008, 2012 and 2016. Michal Kwiatkowski stands at 2. Described as ‘Europe’s most Southern Northern basic’, the Strade Bianche has solely had winners born north of Tuscany, the race’s host area.
Moreno Moser: 2013 winner on Peter Sagan and Rinaldo Nocentini.
4 -10 March – 59th Tirreno – Adriatico Crédit Agricole
The historical past of Tirreno – Adriatico started in March 1966: from the eleventh to the thirteenth three levels had been held from Rome to Pescara; the winner was Dino Zandegù. With 58 editions, the Tirreno – Adriatico is the second longest-running Italian stage race after the Giro d’Italia.
Giuseppe Saronni: 2 occasions GC winner (1978, 1982), 8 stage wins
Vincenzo Nibali: 2 occasions GC winner (2012, 2013), 1 stage winner (Prati di Tivo 2012)
Filippo Pozzato: 2003 winner, 1 stage win (Tarquinia 2003).
13 March – one hundred and fifth Milano – Torino introduced by Crédit Agricole
Milano-Torino is the oldest bike race on the planet: the primary version was held on 25 Could 1876, with victory going to Paolo Magretti, who was born in 1854 in Milan, the then capital of the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia. The ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’, Italy’s largest sports activities each day, would solely be based 20 years later.
Giuseppe Saronni: 1982 winner on Noel Dejonckheere and Rik Van Linden.
16 March – one hundred and fifteenth Milano – Sanremo introduced by Crédit Agricole
Milano – Sanremo, the Classicissima, noticed the sunshine in 1907: the primary winner was Frenchman Lucien Petit-Breton. Milano – Sanremo is the longest skilled highway race on the calendar, the one one which has commonly exceeded 280 km on this century. The a number of winner is Eddy Merckx, with 7 victories from 1966 to 1976.
Giuseppe Saronni: 1983 winner, runner-up in 1978, 1979, 1980.
Vincenzo Nibali: 2018 winner, third positioned in 2012.
Filippo Pozzato: 2006 winner, runner-up in 2008.
La Vuelta 24: Groups Choice
The organisers of La Vuelta have chosen the groups that may participate within the 79th version of the Spanish Grand Tour. La Vuelta 24 will begin on Saturday the seventeenth of August and end on Sunday the eighth of September.
In accordance with UCI guidelines, the next 18 UCI WorldTeams are robotically invited to the race:
ALPECIN – DECEUNINCK (BEL)
ARKÉA – B&B HOTELS (FRA)
ASTANA QAZAQSTAN TEAM (KAZ)
BAHRAIN VICTORIOUS (BRN)
BORA – HANSGROHE (GER)
COFIDIS (FRA)
DECATHLON AG2R LA MONDIALE TEAM (FRA)
EF EDUCATION – EASYPOST (USA)
GROUPAMA – FDJ (FRA)
INEOS GRENADIERS (GBR)
INTERMARCHÉ – WANTY (BEL)
LIDL – TREK (USA)
MOVISTAR TEAM (ESP)
SOUDAL – QUICK STEP (BEL)
TEAM DSM-FIRMENICH POSTNL (NED)
TEAM JAYCO ALULA (AUS)
TEAM VISMA | LEASE A BIKE (NED)
UAE TEAM EMIRATES (UAE).
Moreover, LOTTO DSTNY (BEL) and ISRAEL PREMIER TECH (ISR), leaders within the 2023 classification of UCI ProTeams will participate by proper in La Vuelta 24.
Along with these 20 groups, the organizers have awarded the next wildcards:
EQUIPO KERN PHARMA (ESP)
EUSKALTEL-EUSKADI (ESP).
Extra details about La Vuelta 24: www.lavuelta.es
Israel-Premier Tech Will Not Journey the Tour of the Basque Nation – Q36.5 Will
The Tour of the Basque Nation has introduced the collaborating groups for this 12 months’s version. The organisers can have the eighteen WorldTeams and 6 ProTeams. Lotto Dstny and Israel-Premier Tech had been sure of participation, however are lacking from the beginning checklist.
It has been recognized for a while that Lotto Dstny would miss the Tour of the Basque Nation this 12 months. It now additionally seems that Israel-Premier Tech can be not going to race within the Basque Nation. The 2 groups can begin in any WorldTour competitors in 2024, as a result of they completed first and second within the ProTeam UCI rankings final 12 months.
Two extra wildcards have turn into out there. The race organiser was in a position to invite six groups of its alternative and Euskaltel-Euskadi, Equipo Kern-Pharma, Caja Rural Seguros RGA and Burgos-BH, plus the French crew TotalEnergies and the Swiss Q36.5 had been invited.
The 63rd version of the Tour of the Basque Nation might be held from April 1 to six. The race begins with a time trial in Irun, the end will happen within the Eibar space. Final 12 months the general victory went to Jonas Vingegaard and the Dane can even be initially this 12 months.
Vingegaarrd to win in 2024?
The Tour of Flanders Path to Change for Security Causes
The organisers of the Ronde van Vlaanderen has introduced the route for the boys’s and girls’s races. The course will endure some modifications for security causes, however the ultimate with the Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont stays the identical in each occasions.
The 108th version of the Tour of Flanders for males will happen on March 31. The beginning location modifications yearly between Bruges and Antwerp, this 12 months it’s Antwerp. The neutralised zone has modified barely. This 12 months the peloton will trip about 5 kilometres by way of the town centre of Antwerp. Because of this transformation, the official begin can be on Antwerp territory, on the Galgenweel on the Left Financial institution.
The run-up to the Flemish Ardennes additionally appears to be like barely totally different than in 2022, when De Ronde final began in Antwerp and Mathieu van der Poel took victory. “The modifications within the first 100 km are decisions based mostly on security,” defined race director Scott Sunderland. “We’re in search of the principle roads much more in order that the peloton has room to hurry up. The version from Bruges, the place we did an analogous train earlier than the opening hours of the race, confirmed how these extensive roads additionally led to excessive averages within the opening hours. That velocity in the end decided the course of the race and the strategic decisions of the groups.”
One other change: This 12 months the boys will trip to the Koppenberg in the identical means as the ladies did. “We have now chosen to vary the run-up for the boys and align it with that for the ladies. A alternative for equality, however particularly when it comes to security. In concrete phrases, this transformation signifies that after the primary climb of the Paterberg, the riders will trip on roads the place it will likely be a lot simpler to maintain an summary. We make the run-up to the Koppenberg extra easy and remove the descent and sharp flip simply earlier than the climb.”
This variation permits the vehicles within the girls’s race to comply with the identical diversion as the boys’s and crew DS’s can help their riders as much as the foot of the Koppenberg. As well as, with this transformation, the organisers additionally deletes a number of factors at which the competitors has threatened to return to a standstill lately. “These turned too harmful conditions,” Sunderland continues, “and security is our high precedence.”
“We additionally need to adapt our course to the way in which the peloton races. We need to anticipate and proceed to develop the Tour based mostly on the riders. That’s what we’re doing with this transformation, which signifies that each the Kortekeer and the Kanarieberg won’t be included within the route this 12 months. We’ll add the Kapelleberg.”
From the Koppenberg, the peloton for each women and men have an equivalent ultimate to Oudenaarde. The normal sequence of Mariaborrestraat, Steenbeekdries, Stationsberg and the Traaiberg. Then it goes through the Oude Kruisberg/Hotond in direction of the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg. The end is 13 kilometres additional on the Minderbroedersstraat in Oudenaarde. Final 12 months, Tadej Pogačar was the primary to cross the road solo in 2024, however will miss De Ronde 2024.
No Pogačar in De Ronde in 2024:
Vuelta a Cantabria Might be a Junior Race at UCI stage
The Vuelta a Cantabria, a extremely regarded U23 race in Spain, will from this 12 months be a junior race at UCI stage. The multi-day race by way of the Cantabria area used to even be knowledgeable race.
For the primary version of the Vuelta a Cantabria we now have to return to 1925. Spaniard Teodoro Monteys was topped the primary winner of the race virtually 100 years in the past. A 12 months later there was a widely known title on the celebration with Mariano Cañardo. The Spaniard, who died in 1987, received the Tour of Catalonia seven occasions in his profession and recorded stage victories within the Tour and Vuelta.
The competitors was solely organised thrice between 1927 and 1963, however subsequently turned a everlasting fixture on the calendar as knowledgeable race. Within the sixties, seventies and eighties, Domingo Perurena, Francisco Galdós (document holder with three victories), Jesús Manzaneque, Vicente Belda and Reimund Dietzen had been winners.
After the 1990 version, the race disappeared from the calendar for an extended time period, however the Vuelta a Cantabria had a 3rd life in 2003. Since then, the race has been on this system yearly, aside from 2007, however as an beginner and later a U23 race. Two riders who presently compete within the skilled peloton, Francisco Galván and Movistar rider Vinicius Rangel, are previous winners. This season the race might be on the calendar as a UCI junior race. This 12 months the competitors might be held from September 1st to third.
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