The ‘actual’ 2024 highway season has began with males’s and ladies’s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne. We even have the UAE Tour, O Gran Camiño, Faun-Ardèche Basic and Faun Drôme Basic – All with video, race studies, rider quotes and outcomes.
Wout van Aert completely satisfied along with his new coaching: “However essential to get even higher” – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Mathieu van der Poel’s spring Classics: From Milano-Sanremo to Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Lefevere/Alaphilippe ‘cleaning soap opera’ rumbles on, Domenico Pozzovivo indicators for VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè and Victor Campenaerts has an thought to get his garments again.
Group information: Patrick Lefevere gave Gianni Moscon a minimal contract and Yana Seel joins the ladies’s UAE Group ADQ.
Race information: Subsidence issues for the Paterberg.
Espresso time!
TOP STORY: Wout van Aert Proud of His New Coaching: “However Essential to Get Even Higher”
Wout van Aert needs to be completely satisfied along with his Opening Weekend. Third within the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, first in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, however the Visma | Lease a Bike chief believes it might probably get even higher. “That’s essential, as a result of de Ronde is way tougher than this,” Van Aert stated on the press second.
Why did you go from to this point out?
“The plan was to attempt from far-off. These climbs throughout the border are actually troublesome. As a group we have been capable of make it troublesome for the remaining. The race actually exploded there. It wasn’t essentially my intention to get away with 4, however the legs have been good. It truly got here naturally. It might have been totally different, with extra teammates, however this was a superb scenario.”
Have been they the proper guys to sit down up entrance with after that?
“Sure, I need to say that Tim Wellens was very robust. And at Oier Lazkano it’s important to throw a coin in and it’ll maintain transferring. So that they have been certainly the very best companions.”
Did you had any doubts about attempting to do away with one of many two?
“No, they have been very robust companions and it was good to remain collectively. Within the hilly zone we climbed the climbs laborious. We have been capable of take an enormous lead there. The tailwind additionally made it helpful to only maintain driving collectively. Laurence Pithie was a unique scenario. He wasn’t turning correctly. At that second it’s troublesome to estimate whether or not he actually couldn’t have performed higher or whether or not he was taking part in catch-up. So I needed to let him go.”
You’re the first group ever to dominate Opening Weekend two years in a row. What does that say about your group?
“It’s a very good begin like final 12 months, the place we additionally obtained off to an ideal begin. On the finish you naturally really feel some strain to complete it. That makes me proud that it was truly profitable. I’m very completely satisfied to see that everybody is reaching a superb stage. That offers confidence for the approaching weeks.”
And do you now really feel some peace, now that you have already got a basic underneath your belt?
“I’m simply very proud of this victory. It’s a pleasant victory. It additionally appears good on my palmarès. And I’m certainly already wanting additional forward to attempt to get one other 1% higher.”
Did you anticipate to be this good at this level within the season?
“No, not. In the present day I’m particularly completely satisfied that I actually recovered nicely from yesterday. I would even have higher legs than I had yesterday. That’s at all times a superb signal. Which means that the form is OK should you do it two days in a row.”
Are you satisfied that your strategy will work to be in even higher form within the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix?
“I used to be good as we speak, my physique recovered nicely and was even higher than yesterday. That feeling is essential. And sure, my preparation. It’s totally different. I’ve already performed a couple of occasions this season. It’s the primary time I’ve performed it like this. Now I’m going to Tenerife for 3 weeks and we’ll attempt to discover that final % there.”
How rather more must be added in direction of de Ronde and Roubaix?
“I believe I can get even higher. However that’s at all times relative and troublesome to specific. The coaching strategy is designed in such a method that we are able to enhance just a bit bit. The Tour of Flanders is way more durable than these races. So it is very important get a bit of higher.”
Received’t it provide you with a contradictory feeling if it’s important to watch Strade Bianche and Milan-Sanremo from the sofa with these good legs?
“Sure and no. Once I have a look at the race later, it is going to definitely… harm, that’s saying quite a bit. However I’ll mechanically suppose ‘perhaps this or perhaps that’. However I even have the expertise that coaching at all times makes me higher. Not many races per se. I need to do this new strategy. We’ll see if it pays off. I’ll definitely be held accountable for it too. However we imagine in it. The Giro can be coming after the spring. So we’ll simply persist with our plan after which we hope that it’ll repay.”
Wout needs to get higher:
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2024
Jan Tratnik gained the 2024 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. For a very long time, a number one group of six, with three males from Visma | Lease a Bike, seemed to be combating for victory, however a big group got here again to the entrance within the finale. Tratnik escaped with Nils Politt and beat the German within the dash. Wout van Aert sprinted to 3rd place.
Not lengthy after the beginning, a number one group of 9 shaped. Lars Boven (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Frank van den Broek & Sean Flynn (each dsm-firmenich PostNL), Jelle Vermoote (Bingoal-WB), Sander De Pestel (Decathlon-AG2R), Elias Maris (Flanders-Baloise), Samuele Battistella (Astana), Alexis Gougeard (Cofidis) and Manlio Moro (Movistar) constructed up a lead of 5 minutes. As a result of excessive pace set by Visma | Lease a Bike’s males the peloton obtained nearer to the 9 escapees and a few riders have been in bother. A gaggle of 23 riders break up within the chase for the main group. At 130 kilometres from the end, there have been 32 riders within the lead, together with Arnaud De Lie, Kasper Asgreen, Jonathan Milan, Jasper Philipsen, Tom Pidcock and Wout van Aert. Wout had 4 teammates with him: Eduardo Affini, Matteo Jorgenson, Christophe Laporte and Tiesj Benoot, however Dylan van Baarle had missed the transfer. Matej Mohorič, Julian Alaphilippe, Tim Wellens and Stefan Küng have been additionally no within the entrance group. Küng’s Groupama-FDJ group led the chase, however they couldn’t cease the hole from steadily rising. Seventy kilometres from the end, the main group, Affini had a puncture and was now lacking, had 40 seconds. The lead elevated even additional, earlier than the motion on the Wolvenberg.
It was Matteo Jorgenson who attacked, which triggered fairly a couple of issues. It was then Laporte’s flip to placed on the strain. There was now solely Pidcock, Toms Skujiņš, Gianni Moscon, De Lie and Van Aert off the entrance with Jorgenson and Laporte. Van Aert made it laborious on the Jagerij and it was Moscon who was dropped. He dropped again to the second group, which included Asgreen, Philipsen and Milan, however they have been ultimately swallowed up by the peloton. There have been extra accelerations from the Visma | Lease a Bike males on the entrance. Simply after the Molenberg, 40 kilometres from the end, Laporte escaped with Pidcock. It was Skujiņš who closed the hole with the opposite three on his wheel. There was additionally some assaults within the peloton. First Victor Campenaerts tried to get away, then Mike Teunissen had a go. Neither might get away. The distinction to the leaders had elevated to greater than 1 minute.
When the leaders began to climb the Berendries, it was Skujiņš who made a transfer. Van Aert tried to leap with him, however couldn’t catch the Latvian and dropped again to Laporte, Jorgenson, De Lie and struggling Pidcock. Skujiņš had 30 kilometres to go to the end. The Lidl-Trek rider will need to have determined it was an excessive amount of and eased again on the prime of the Berendries. The 5 pursuers joined him and the six of crossed the summit of the Vossenhol collectively. Laporte briefly tried once more with Skujiņš, however Pidcock pulled them again. Van Aert was subsequent. As soon as once more it was Skujiņš who was instantly on the wheel of van Aert. Twenty-one kilometres from the end, there was a crash within the peloton with Florian Sénechal, Asgreen and Alaphilippe. On the entrance, Matteo Jorgenson attacked from the rear of the group and Pidcock, Skujiņš and De Lie have been all too gradual to react. Jorgenson opened an enormous hole very quickly. He had practically 30 seconds at first of the Muur van Geraardsbergen.
Simply behind the leaders, the peloton, led a powerful Tim Wellens, virtually caught the escape group. Pidcock at that time was being dropped. On the foot of the Bosberg, the final climb of the day, Jorgenson had a 15 second lead over Van Aert, Laporte, De Lie, Skujiņš and Wellens. The peloton adopted lower than 10 seconds. From the peloton, Iván García Cortina was the primary to hitch Van Aert’s group and it was additionally the Spaniard who closed the hole to Jorgenson. Van Aert then tried to get away, however he couldn’t. An try by Wellens additionally failed because of Laporte’s chase work. Tratnik, who returned with a gaggle of riders, together with Van Baarle, jumped away with Nils Politt. Behind them there was no instant chase and the 2 pulled away with a pleasant lead. Lotto Dstny returned to the chase group to take the lead for De Lie. At 3 kilometres from the end the lead was 15 seconds. That 15 seconds turned out to be sufficient and it was Politt pulled the pair away within the last kilometres. He had Tratnik on his wheel into the ultimate straight. The Slovenian took full benefit and sprinted to victory by 3 full seconds. Politt settled for second place. Behind; it was Wout van Aert who gained the dash within the peloton for Visma | Lease a Bike to take first and third.
Race winner, Jan Tratnik (Visma | Lease a Bike): “This was most likely the largest win of my profession. Up to now, I didn’t typically compete within the classics, so I didn’t have a lot expertise in these form of races. Given our robust group for the classics, I took the function of domestique as we speak. So I used to be stunned to finish up within the lead within the last. This was a win for the entire group. We saved believing all through the race. It was a type of races that by no means fell into its fold and something might occur. At first of the race I missed the nice breakaway of Wout, Christophe and Matteo. Because of good group play on the entrance, I had little to fret about within the chasing group. When all of it lastly got here collectively on the Bosberg, I made a decision to launch my assault. I felt that could be the second of the race. I used to be a bit anxious about my sprinting means, however Politt launched early, which gave me the chance to move him.”
2nd, Nils Politt (UAE Group Emirates): “I knew there was some robust sprinters within the group so I used to be completely satisfied to be out entrance and take 2nd place. Our plan was that Wellens would do one thing on the Muur and I’d cowl behind and the plan labored fairly nicely. Within the dash I went from the entrance and was already fairly empty but it surely was higher to take 2nd than nothing from as we speak so I’m completely satisfied. Then when his group got here again I adopted Tratnik and went with him. It’s good to start out the season like this within the first large race for me of the 12 months.”
third, Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike): “We knew we might depend on a number of riders of ours on this race. We dared to take initiative and that was rewarded. Earlier than the Kapelmuur, we tried to play out our surplus within the main group by having Matteo assault. Behind us, the peloton additionally got here very shut, however we knew Jan and Dylan have been additionally in there. That gave me peace of thoughts. We truly had the benefit all through the race. This was a really nice win.”
sixth, Laurenz Rex (Intermarché-Wanty): “We have been current on the decisive moments to start with of the race, till a gaggle stunned us with greater than 100 kilometre to go. Regardless of this setback, we stayed calm and united. We might depend on the expertise of Adrien Petit or Mike Teunissen and the recommendation from our sports activities administrators to deal with this troublesome second and to by no means surrender. And the group was distinctive to shut the hole to the main group. We most likely additionally had this little bit of luck you typically want within the unpredictable races just like the Flemish classics. The encouragements from the sports activities administrators by the radio, once I thought we have been in a misplaced place, pushed us to make a final effort to make the junction with the favourites and race for the rostrum. This sixth place in a World Tour basic bodes nicely for the subsequent races, beginning with Le Samyn on Tuesday, a race that fits me nicely.”
# Extra pictures in the total PEZ ‘Race Report’ HERE. #
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Outcome:
1. Jan Tratnik (Slo) Visma | Lease a Bike in 4:31:37
2. Nils Politt (Ger) UAE Group Emirates at 0:03
3. Wout van Aert (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:08
4. Oliver Naesen (Bel) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
5. Christophe Laporte (Fra) Visma | Lease a Bike
6. Laurenz Rex (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty
7. Jasper Stuyven (Bel) Lidl-Trek
8. Thomas Pidcock (GB) INEOS Grenadiers
9. Matteo Trentin (Ita) Tudor
10. Arnaud De Lie (Bel) Lotto Dstny.
Omloop’24:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQSibNE26qg
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Girls 2024
Marianne Vos gained the ladies’s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on Saturday. The chief of Visma | Lease a Bike was too quick in a dash from a gaggle of 4, beating Lotte Kopecky, Elisa Longo Borghini and Shirin van Anrooij.
After the boys’s race, the ladies’s race adopted. Lotte Kopecky was the highest favorite, but additionally Demi Vollering, Lorena Wiebes, Elisa Balsamo and Marianne Vos have been there.
It took some time for a lead group to kind, it consisted of three riders: Marieke de Groot (Proximus Cyclis CT), Ana Vitória Magalhães (Bepink-Bongioanni) and Rotem Gafinovitz (Hess Biking Group). Later, Marieke Meert (VolkerWessels) and Maaike Coljé (Arkéa-B&B Lodges) additionally joined them. The 5 early escapees constructed up a lead of just about 7 minutes. The 5 held on for a very long time, however 30 kilometres from the end the lead began to lower. At 27 kilometres from the end they nonetheless had 30 seconds. Behind; Lotte Kopecky began to speed up after which Elisa Longo Borghini went into motion. The Italian champion handed the early escapees and rode 10 seconds forward of the peloton for a very long time. There SD Worx checked for Lotte Kopecky. Longo Borghini began to climb the Muur van Geraardsbergen with a small lead, however on the prime she was joined by Kopecky, Marianne Vos and her teammate Shirin van Anrooij. A quartet obtained collectively behind with Demi Vollering, Puck Pieterse, Thalita de Jong and Kasia Niewiadoma. They have been 20 seconds behind on the foot of the Bosberg and it took a very long time earlier than there was an assault.
Ultimately it was Kopecky who accelerated. Vos obtained on her wheel, whereas Van Anrooij was at a small hole, whereas Longo Borghini was a bit additional again. Excessive, Van Anrooij returned, adopted a bit of later by Longo Borghini. There was 4 leaders till Longo Borghini missed out. Kopecky closed the hole, then Vos and Van Anrooij adopted after which made an try about 6 kilometres from the end, however Vos was watching. The Lidl-Trek riders tried to tire their opponents and instantly after Longo Borghini returned, she went once more. It was Van Anrooij who bumped into bother. Ultimately she did return and attacked once more. Vos managed to observe, whereas Kopecky appeared to have problem in bringing again the 2 Dutchwomen. The ladies of Lidl-Trek continued to assault for some time, however after they began the final kilometre, there was nonetheless 4 riders left. Van Anrooij tried a late assault, however Kopecky and Vos have been on the wheel and would combat it out collectively. Vos proved to be the quickest within the dash. The Dutch lady gained convincingly, in her first participation within the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, by a number of lengths over Kopecky. Longo Borghini got here third.
Race winner, Marianne Vos (Visma | Lease a Bike): “This victory means quite a bit to me. To have the ability to begin the brand new season like this, I by no means dared to dream beforehand. That it was additionally my debut in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad made it much more stunning. It was a really robust race, everybody knew how robust Kopecky was. On the highway she confirmed she had a set of excellent legs. It was clear she was going to attempt to assault on the Kapelmuur and on the Bosberg. So it was all arms on deck to observe her there. Ultimately, I hoped I’d have an additional gear within the dash. Fortuitously, that was the case. It’s very good to see how my household, my girlfriend and my mates sympathised with this story. It was an extended highway to be again right here, however I used to be capable of put together optimally for this begin of the season. I’m very completely satisfied.”
2nd, Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime): “I did every thing I might and rode fairly a superb race, however Marianne was simply sooner ultimately. I’ve reached some extent the place I’m not glad with second place. I did every thing I might to make the distinction. Lidl-Trek performed it nicely by attacking in turns. I repeatedly needed to pull the chestnuts out of the hearth. If I don’t try this, I’m driving for second place anyway. I rode fairly a superb race, however I had hoped for extra after all. Marianne was simply sooner within the dash. She was robust after which it’s going to be robust to drop her. As a rider, I’m completely satisfied for her that she is appearing at this stage once more. I’ve plenty of respect for her. This was the primary basic of the season. We rode a superb race. There’ll usually be some extra percentages additional within the coming time. I’ll give my greatest within the Strade Bianche and hope to do yet another place higher.”
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Girls Outcome:
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike in 3:27:15
2. Lotte Kopecky (Bel) SD Worx-Protime
3. Elisa Longo Borghini (Ita) Lidl-Trek
4. Shirin van Anrooij (Ned) Lidl-Trek
5. Thalita de Jong (Ned) Lotto Dstny in 1:08
6. Demi Vollering (Ned) SD Worx-Protime
7. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Pol) Canyon//SRAM
8. Puck Pieterse (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck
9. Lorena Wiebes (Ned) SD Worx-Protime at 1:53
10. Elisa Balsamo (Ita) Lidl-Trek at 2:08.
Omloop’24:
Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne 2024
Wout van Aert has taken his first Basic victory of the 2024 season. The chief of Visma | Lease a Bike defeated Tim Wellens and Oier Lazkano in a three-man dash within the last of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. The three had raced for greater than 80 kilometres off the entrance.
On the second day of the ‘opening weekend’ all eyes have been on Kortrijk (Kuurne) for the beginning of Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne and the end on the Brugsesteenweg. There was 196 robust kilometres to race with a complete of 13 climbs on the menu, the final 7 in 30 kilometres.
As a result of robust headwind within the first 2 hours of the race, an early break took a very long time coming. The wind didn’t invite assaults, however on the fourth climb of the day, Dries De Bondt (Decathlon-AG2R), Jasper De Buyst (Lotto Dstny), Fran Miholjevič (Bahrain Victorious), Luke Rowe (INEOS Grenadiers) took their likelihood. They quickly had a lead of three minutes. The primary hours of racing have been very nervous and there have been many crashes, together with favourites Gerben Thijssen and Biniam Girmay, Jordi Meeus and Per Strand Hagenes. They have been all capable of proceed, however Thijssen wasn’t wanting too good. Within the peloton Visma | Lease a Bike had taken management. Would they make first climb of the day, the Hameau des Papins, troublesome. The Visma males held again till the subsequent climb, Le Bourliquet, to essentially put down the ability. It was Wout van Aert who began the battle, because of his acceleration the peloton break up into a number of items. Riders on the again, together with Jasper Stuyven (Lidl-Trek) and Luke Lamperti (Soudal Fast-Step) have been in bother.
On the entrance Visma | Lease a Bike was the perfect represented. Along with Van Aert, additionally they had European champion Christophe Laporte, Dutch champion Dylan van Baarle and Matteo Jorgenson. There was additionally Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Fast-Step), Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty), Toms Skujins (Lidl-Trek), Victor Campenaerts (Lotto Dstny), Pierre Gautherat (Decathlon-AG2R), Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious), Dylan Teuns (Israel-Premier Tech), Oier Lazkano (Movistar), Tim Wellens (UAE Group Emirates) and Laurence Pithie (Groupama-FDJ). This was a strong group of favourites. On the cobbles of the Mont Saint-Laurent, Van Aert determined that that group was nonetheless too massive. Within the gutter, solely Lazkano, Wellens and Pithie managed to go along with the Belgian. On the prime of the climb, Van Aert wasn’t positive if this was the perfect scenario and sat on the again of the group for a second. The opposite three have been prepared and prepared to work. The 20 seconds lead that they had on the cobbles, quickly expanded. Van Aert will need to have determined it was a superb transfer and began to work. On the ultimate climb of the day, the Côte de Trieu, the Visma | Lease a Bike chief put in an assault. This was an excessive amount of for Pithie, who was distanced and Lazkano was additionally in bother, however the Spanish champion fought his method again. This left three on the entrance with 69 flat kilometres to race to Kuurne.
The lead continued to extend. Behind there was a counter-attack by Jorgenson and Mohorič, who have been later joined by the dropped Pithie, however they have been caught at just below 2 minutes. The chase group was at between 3 and 4 minutes. It regarded very very like the winner would come from the Wellens-Lazkano-Van Aert trio. The main three labored collectively for a very long time. The tailwind within the last made positive the pace was excessive. Lazkano, who was most likely the weakest on paper, continued to take his turns, on the recommendation of his Movistar DS, Jürgen Roelandts. Wellens attacked stealthily on the left facet of the highway 4 kilometres from the end did issues get a bit messy. Nevertheless, tried an assault on the within of a bit of road furnishings, however Van Aert was capable of reply, whereas it took Lazkano a bit longer to combat his method again to the opposite two. Attributable to Wellens Van Aert, Lazkano was again in with a (slim) likelihood. Simply after the final bend, the Spanish champion made his anticipated assault. He began the dash for Wout van Aert, who rapidly caught Lazkano’s wheel. Van Aert then made a pointy last leap and Wellens couldn’t come previous him earlier than the road. After Jan Tratnik’s victory in Saturday’s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Van Aert topped off an ideal ‘opening weekend’ for the Visma | Lease a Bike group. Additionally Jonas Vingegaard and Marianne Vos added their victories to the group’s profitable weekend.
Kuurne winner, Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike): “It’s a good victory, it is extremely rewarding. It was a tough race, however I had two good companions. Once I felt we had a tailwind within the last I knew there was a superb likelihood that the strongest would survive after the hilly zone. The tempo was tremendous excessive, I felt it was going to separate. It was the logical tactic for us. After we took the lead with 4 I knew we had a superb likelihood to remain forward. With three males it’s troublesome to shock, it was a superb scenario. I used to be assured that I might reply to assaults and end within the dash. I’m very proud of our efficiency this weekend. It’s nice to start out the Classics like this. We did nicely as a group. It’s good for my confidence, however the upcoming Classics will probably be very totally different.”
2nd, Tim Wellens (UAE Group Emirates): “It was an excellent race for me. We rode away within the hilly space after which we at all times saved working. I used to be interested by how I might win the race in opposition to Wout, however I didn’t see many eventualities. That facet (of the highway island) was not essentially sooner. Quite the opposite, I believe it was even a bit of longer. But it surely was harder to sit down on the wheel right away. Then again, beating Wout on the flat will not be simple. So second was the best potential. It was an excellent weekend for the group, with Nils (Pollit) ending second yesterday and me as we speak. I didn’t anticipate to be in such fine condition, as a result of I hadn’t educated very intensively. In accordance with my coach, I’m not in prime form but, but it surely definitely felt that method throughout the race. That offers confidence for what’s but to come back. It was a powerful headwind. So I knew that I shouldn’t begin the dash first, however now it isn’t the case that I’m stranded on half a wheel.”
third, Oier Lazkano (Movistar): “I attempted to go for the win, however Wout and Tim have been very robust. They simply saved accelerating. It was additionally unlikely for me to be on the highway with these champions. Usually you solely see them on tv. I needed to proceed working collectively. You possibly can’t try this, not take part. Then they begin attacking you. It’s higher to not play your playing cards till the top. However there was nothing left in my legs. These are stunning races that I at all times needed to journey. I additionally needed to do nicely right here. Fortuitously I had the help of sports activities director Jürgen Roelandts. He is aware of the roads right here greatest and was one of many strongest riders of his era. He makes you’re feeling a bit at residence right here.”
# Extra pictures in the total PEZ ‘Race Report’ HERE. #
Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne Outcome:
1. Wout van Aert (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike in 4:21:01
2. Tim Wellens (Bel) UAE Group Emirates
3. Oier Lazkano (Spa) Movistar
4. Christophe Laporte (Fra) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:23
5. Nils Eekhoff (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
6. Emilien Jeannière (Fra) TotalEnergies
7. Luke Lamperti (USA) Soudal Fast-Step
8. Lionel Taminiaux (Bel) Lotto Dstny
9. Marius Mayrhofer (Ger) Tudor
10. Jasper Stuyven (Bel) Lidl-Trek.
Kuurne’24:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=res19YRnTk0
UAE Tour 2024
The Fourth Stage of the UAE Tour, ending in Dubai Harbour, was gained by Tim Merlier. The Belgian of Soudal Fast-Step was the quickest once more within the bunch dash. Arvid de Kleijn completed second and Olav Kooij was third.
For the fourth stage, the UAE Tour was within the Metropolis of Dubai. The route was principally run between the excessive buildings, however the peloton additionally went into the desert to the Al Qudra Cycle Monitor. The wind might presumably trigger chaos and echelons throughout the stage, however a bunch dash was very doubtless. The stage didn’t have any climbs.
The break of the day shaped early and it was Mark Stewart once more. The British Group Corratec-Vini Fantini rider, who’s main the dash and intermediate dash classifications, was joined by Hurt Vanhoucke from Lotto Dstny. This suited the sprinter’s groups and the distinction rapidly elevated to greater than 4 minutes. Stewart and Vanhoucke by no means actually had an opportunity of a stage victory. Stewart was there to take factors for the dash and intermediate dash classification. He had no issues with the intermediate sprints after which dropped again to the peloton after a superb days work. Vanhoucke rode on by himself earlier than he was caught 50 kilometres from the end by Alpecin-Deceuninck, Jayco AlUla and dsm-firmenich PostNL. The sprinter’s groups didn’t should make an excessive amount of effort to catch Vanhoucke. The tempo within the peloton was not too excessive and a dash after 168 kilometres was assured.
Within the final 10 kilometres, the dash trains tried to regulate the peloton. Within the final 3 kilometres there was a crash within the peloton, involving 10 riders, with Pascal Ackermann as probably the most well-known sufferer. The German of Israel-Premier Tech wouldn’t have the ability to dash for victory. The boys of Alpecin-Deceuninck began dash preparation, however their meant sprinter, Kaden Groves, didn’t seem. Kooij determined to be the primary to start out early, however he was quickly handed by Merlier, who managed to maintain De Kleijn behind him. Kooij completed third. Fabio Jakobsen was once more not likely concerned and completed sixth. Dylan Groenewegen, Sam Bennett and Mark Cavendish have been nowhere.
Stage winner, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “It might be good to win all 4 flat phases however the different sprinters will make it laborious for me. However I already gained two phases right here. I’m wanting ahead to extra but it surely’s not simple. My team-mate Ilan Van Wilder crashed however I prevented it. My team-mates put me in a great place. It appears just like the prepare is on the rails. As a result of the wind was co)ming from the left facet, I noticed Olav [Kooij] going and by chance I discovered my method and from there it was straight ahead to the road. We rode yesterday for Ilan and we present day by day that we’re a really robust group. Bert Van Lerberghe and I do know one another since we have been 12 years outdated. It’s a pleasant story. Final 12 months we got here collectively on this group. I’m completely satisfied to have a god lead out man.”
Crimson jersey, Jay Vine (UAE Group Emirates): “Nothing actually modified since we set the technique for this race. It’s just a bit bit totally different for me to be the rider within the lead. It’s fairly particular and Dubai is a particular place to be in for this. Throughout the first a part of the stage, it was fairly relaxed so I took time to take a look at the buildings however additional on, I stayed centered with my team-mates to stay collectively as a group. I at all times have Vegard [Stake Laengen] near me in case one thing mistaken occurs. As soon as we reached the final kilometres, I felt relieved and stress free. It’s a really good race to be on this place. It’s a disgrace to not win the bunch dash in Dubai like final 12 months however our precedence stays to win the general.”
UAE Tour Stage 4 Outcome:
1. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step in 4:01:47
2. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor
3. Olav Kooij (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
4. Stanisław Aniołkowski (Pol) Cofidis
5. Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Corratec-Vini Fantini
6. Fabio Jakobsen (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
7. Jarne Van de Paar (Bel) Lotto Dstny
8. Phil Bauhaus (Ger) Bahrain Victorious
9. Fernando Gaviria (Col) Movistar
10. Oded Kogut (Isr) Israel-Premier Tech.
UAE Tour Total After Stage 4:
1. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Group Emirates in 11:41:31
2. Ben O’Connor (Aus) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:11
3. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Group Emirates at 0:13
4. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:21
5. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious at 0:22
6. Max Poole (GB) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:31
7. Tobias Foss (Nor) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:33
8. Simon Carr (GB) EF Training-EasyPost at 0:36
9. Mikkel Bjerg (Den) UAE Group Emirates at 0:37
10. Attila Valter (Hun) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:39.
UAE Tour’24 stage 4:
Stage 5 of the UAE Tour was gained by Olav Kooij. The 22 year-old Visma | Lease a Bike Dutch sprinter was the quickest within the bunch dash in Umm Al Quwain. He beat Tim Merlier, who had a gradual puncture, and Sam Welsford. Jay Vine retained the crimson chief’s jersey.
From the beginning in Al Aqah, there was nothing to separate the peloton within the fifth stage of the UAE Tour. There was a climb early within the stage, however the robust headwind held again any attackers. Three riders nonetheless tried to get away: Jacopo Mosca (Lidl-Trek) and Lennert Van Eetvelt and Hurt Vanhoucke (each Lotto Dstny), took a lead of 6 minutes.
Van Eetvelt was the perfect positioned total and was capable of accumulate bonus seconds throughout the stage and was digital chief earlier than they have been caught A bunch dash was going to determine the stage, though Mosca tried to win solo. There was plenty of headwind on the broad end, however Kooij gained after a photograph end. Merlier was quick, however was sprinting on a delicate tyre.
Stage winner, Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike): “It’s by no means simple to get it proper. I got here out of the final roundabout fairly nicely. When Mark [Cavdendish] launched the dash, I hoped to seek out a bit of hole and I did. On the road I didn’t know as a result of Tim [Merlier] was very shut and on the opposite facet of the highway. I needed to wait a bit to know. I’ve made good base to my situation within the winter. I didn’t get any illness or damage. I had a win at Clasica de Almeria to come back right here within the UAE with confidence. That is the group the place I began within the growth group. I really feel very snug right here. The efficiency stage of this group could be very excessive. In races like this, we include the group dedicated to sprints and we’ll do it on the Giro d’Italia additionally this 12 months.”
Crimson jersey, Jay Vine (UAE Group Emirates): “I got here to the UAE Tour with plenty of coaching within the legs. In the present day it wasn’t tremendous traumatic however at all times one thing can occur. Previous the final nook, everybody was speeding to the entrance. I loved being within the lead as we speak much more than yesterday. Driving on the entrance within the final ten kilometres is the much less scary place and it’s at all times thrilling to race forward of bunch sprints. I used to be attempting to maintain myself protected and me being protected, it additionally helped our two riders set to go for the dash. It’s good to be within the Crimson Jersey for one more day.”
Inexperienced jersey and 2nd on the stage, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “It was a really shut one like final 12 months with Caleb Ewan. My again tyre was a bit flat on the finish. With 6km to go, I felt the strain was gone. We don’t journey tubeless so we needed to decide, change bike or attempt like that. On the finish, I attempted however I informed the blokes I’d solely attempt to get some factors for the Inexperienced Jersey however with 200 metres to go, I noticed I would as nicely win and I went all out. The Inexperienced Jersey was a objective, we’ll attempt to defend it. Final 12 months I had the inexperienced jersey to win the final dash stage and I hope it’ll be simply the identical tomorrow.”
UAE Tour Stage 5 Outcome:
1. Olav Kooij (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike in 4:08:38
2. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
3. Sam Welsford (Aus) BORA-hansgrohe
4. Simone Consonni (Ita) Lidl-Trek
5. Milan Fretin (Bel) Cofidis
6. Phil Bauhaus (Ger) Bahrain Victorious
7. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) Jayco AlUla
8. Tim van Dijke (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
9. Kaden Groves (Aus) Alpecin-Deceuninck
10. Fabio Jakobsen (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL.
UAE Tour Total After Stage 5:
1. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Group Emirates in 15:50:09
2. Ben O’Connor (Aus) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:11
3. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Group Emirates at 0:13
4. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:21
5. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious at 0:22
6. Max Poole (GB) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:31
7. Tobias Foss (Nor) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:33
8. Simon Carr (GB) EF Training-EasyPost at 0:36
9. Lennert Van Eetvelt (Bel) Lotto Dstny at 0:37
10. Mikkel Bjerg (Den) UAE Group Emirates.
UAE Tour’24 stage 5:
Tim Merlier gained the Sixth Stage of the UAE Tour. The fast-finisher of Soudal Fast-Step beat Arvid de Kleijn and Phil Bauhaus in a bunch dash. For Merlier it’s his third victory this week. Jay Vine stays the chief.
Day six of the UAE Tour was one other one for the sprinters. The peloton needed to race from the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum to Abu Dhabi Breakwater, a stage of 138 kilometres.
There was an early break of three. Juan Pedro López (Lidl-Trek), Eddy Finé (Cofidis) and Marco Murgano (Corratec-Vini Fantini) escaped quickly after the beginning. A bit later Alpecin-Deceuninck selected to chase the escapees. Jonas Rickaert and Henri Uhlig rode on the head of the race collectively and the lead decreased to 1 minute. They held on to that lead for some time, however the final escapees have been caught 12 kilometres from the end. Within the final kilometres a number of groups introduced their sprinters ahead. Jayco AlUla, Astana Qazaqstan, who needed to do with out Mark Cavendish, and Soudal Fast-Step have been current. It ended up being a chaotic dash, with none actual lead-outs. Gleb Syritsa was one of many fast-men who began an extended dash, however he couldn’t keep his pace. Tim Merlier as soon as once more timed his dash completely and took his third victory within the UAE Tour. Arvid de Kleijn once more took second place. Phil Bauhaus completed third.
Stage winner and Inexperienced jersey, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “The fellows introduced me in good place when the highway was a bit slender. From there it went actually quick. I used to be a bit stunned to see that we have been already within the final kilometre. There was a little bit of area to maneuver up with 700 metres to go. Bert [Van Lerberghe] delivered me simply on time. I didn’t discover his slipstream anymore however I went all in as we have been coming to the correct. It’s good to complete it off. It’s a really good feeling to be the primary man to win three phases in a single UAE Tour, all of the sprinters who have been right here up to now and now. It makes me actually proud.”
Crimson jersey, Jay Vine (UAE Group Emirates): “I didn’t see any harmful level as we speak actually. It jogged my memory of not so way back once I was commuting by bike to go to work in Australia. You bought that feeling of driving by crimson lights it was very cool to take a look on the buildings and stuff. In the present day was not tremendous laborious, but it surely’s going to be an enormous day tomorrow. I’ll should eat about 4000 energy, perhaps a bit extra, so I needed to do fuelling as we speak for tomorrow, on the bike, after race and this night, simply to maintain my abdomen okay. I don’t know if we’ll should set a defensive tempo tomorrow. Taking a look at this stage in earlier years, it’s actually as much as individuals who should make up time that haver to make the race laborious, so I anticipate Decathlon-Ag2r and Soudal Fast-Step to hurry up from the decrease slopes. It shouldn’t be all as much as us. We’ve got some good riders. Mikkel [Bjerg] is basically robust. To have him so far as potential up the climb with us will probably be helpful. It’s additionally most likely going to be the most well liked day of the week tomorrow. It’ll be about responding, not shedding time. So long as I maintain McNulty’s wheel in entrance of mine, it needs to be nice.”
third on the stage, Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious): “Day-after-day we made enchancment with our lead out and as we speak was the perfect group effort and I’m additionally completely satisfied I might deliver a podium residence. I imply, it was troublesome to win right here, and likewise, I’ve to say I used to be lacking the pace a bit of bit ultimately to have the kick for the dash and was drained from the final days. However sure, I believe we might be proud of the rostrum, I imply, Merlier was once more the strongest as we speak, and so I’m completely satisfied to complete third. It’s additionally a superb morale enhance for tomorrow, as we’ve got Pello in a superb place for the GC, so I hope he could make a podium as nicely.”
UAE Tour Stage 6 Outcome:
1. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step in 3:02:14
2. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor
3. Phil Bauhaus (Ger) Bahrain Victorious
4. Milan Fretin (Bel) Cofidis
5. Gleb Syritsa (-) Astana Qazaqstan
6. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) Jayco AlUla
7. Jarne Van de Paar (Bel) Lotto Dstny
8. Fernando Gaviria (Col) Movistar
9. Juan Sebastián Molano (Col) UAE Group Emirates
10. Simone Consonni (Ita) Lidl-Trek.
UAE Tour Total After Stage 6:
1. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Group Emirates in 18:52:23
2. Ben O’Connor (Aus) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:11
3. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Group Emirates at 0:13
4. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:21
5. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious at 0:22
6. Max Poole (GB) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:31
7. Tobias Foss (Nor) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:33
8. Simon Carr (GB) EF Training-EasyPost at 0:36
9. Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto Dstny at 0:37
10. Mikkel Bjerg Den) UAE Group Emirates.
UAE Tour’24 stage 6:
Lennert Van Eetvelt is the ultimate winner of the 2024 UAE Tour. The younger Belgian of Lotto Dstny gained the Last Stage 7 on the climb of the Jebel Hafeet and likewise took the ultimate total by 2 seconds from Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) who was third on the stage. Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) completed second on the stage and was third total.
The UAE Tour end line of the seventh and last stage was on the prime of Jebel Hafeet, within the inside of Abu Dhabi. The race can be determined there on Sunday. The ultimate climb was just below 11 kilometres lengthy and rises at a median of seven%, with some ramps at over 10%. Up to now, Tadej Pogačar (thrice), Adam Yates (twice) and Alejandro Valverde have gained right here.
4 riders needed to start out the decisive climb with a lead and shaped the break of the day. Mark Stewart Corratec-Vini Fantini) was there once more and Silvan Dillier and Jonas Rickaert (each Alpecin-Deceuninck) joined him. German climber Emanuel Buchmann (BORA-hansgrohe) was the fourth rider. The peloton allow them to achieve a lead of 6 minutes. Within the peloton, the tempo was set by UAE Group Emirates for total chief Jay Vine and third total Brandon McNulty. The lead of Stewart, Dillier, Rickaert and Buchmann obtained smaller and smaller as a result of crosswind. The wind break up the peloton into a number of echelons greater than as soon as. Sixty kilometres from the end, an preliminary elite group of about 30 riders managed to flee, however the dropped riders have been capable of get again to the entrance group. A bit additional into the finale there was one other promising try, however this was additionally nipped within the bud.
It was an virtually full peloton on the foot of Jebel Hafeet. The early escapees began the primary sections 1 minute forward and this was the sign for the perfect climber within the main group, Buchmann, to go. He joined by Dillier for some time, however he ultimately cracked and proceed at his personal tempo. Within the peloton riders have been being dropped. Ben O’Connor beforehand gained the primary mountain stage to Jebel Jais and made no secret of his ambitions. He informed his teammates of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to skinny issues out and this turned out to be the dying blow for the 2 leaders of UAE Group Emirates. McNulty let go very early and with simply over 7 kilometres to go it was additionally too quick for Vine. The Australian crimson jersey wearer was dropped from a gaggle of about 30 riders. Ben O’Connor, 2nd total was nicely positioned for the win, however Ilan Van Wilder, Pello Bilbao and Max Poole have been nonetheless there. Buchmann set a very good tempo and held up nicely. 5 kilometres from the end, his lead was nonetheless 1 minute.
We needed to watch for an assault from O’Connor, but it surely was Bilbao who took the lead. This impressed different riders to assault, however the higher climbers saved an eye fixed on one another. As a result of many accelerations within the group of favourites, Buchmann’s lead disappeared. The German was caught with just below 3 kilometres to go. Bilbao, who had jumped away, was the primary to move Buchmann. It regarded just like the Spaniard was on his approach to victory, however Lennert Van Eetvelt, Ilan Van Wilder and Michael Storer closed the hole. Within the flatter penultimate kilometre, the pursuers returned, however Van Eetvelt had different plans. The younger Belgian of Lotto Dstny had one thing left and jumped away from Van Wilder and Storer and this turned out to be the decisive transfer. Van Eetvelt not solely gained the stage, but additionally managed to achieve sufficient lead within the last kilometre to overhaul O’Connor on the GC. The Australian pulled himself inside out within the last metres to restrict the injury, however he misplaced 22 seconds on the end to stage winner Van Eetvelt, who additionally took 10 bonus seconds. This turned out to be sufficient for a double. The distinction between Van Eetvelt and O’Connor after seven phases was barely 2 seconds.
Stage winner, total and greatest younger rider winner, Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto Dstny): “Earlier than the climb there have been echelons and I obtained caught in a second group. I had the sensation I misplaced the race there, however fortunately we got here again into the primary group simply earlier than the Jebel Hafeet. I felt I had good legs on the climb and I actually needed to take out the utmost. I attacked with two kilometres to go, as I didn’t need to have any regrets afterwards. I actually couldn’t imagine it once I noticed the hole was rising. Taking residence the victory is unbelievable. After the end I additionally heard I gained the final classification with solely two seconds, it’s simply unbelievable.”
2nd on the stage and third total, Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious): ”It was a very unusual day, tremendous intense racing, and perhaps I used to be too excited within the final climb. I used to be feeling actually robust, I needed to go for the victory, for my Birthday for my teammates. They did an unimaginable job as we speak. I destroyed all of the group simply to save lots of my a**, simply to try to comeback, they did an unimaginable job. I needed to dedicate the victory as we speak for them, to my child and likewise for me on my birthday. But it surely was not potential, no, I raced with my coronary heart and never a lot with my head. Ultimately, within the crucial second, I couldn’t observe the perfect wheel. I simply wanted to be focussed, keep second within the stage, take the bonus and combat for the choices of the rostrum. Okay, after an intense seven days of racing, we’re on the rostrum. Yesterday was additionally a superb stage with Phil. So it’s not unhealthy, no?. I’m proud of the perspective the group confirmed throughout all of the race and particularly as we speak they have been unimaginable. I loved racing right here as soon as once more and I hope the spectators additionally loved the extraordinary race.”
Inexperienced jersey, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “I didn’t anticipate Lennert Van Eetveld to win the UAE Tour. However we knew that echelons might dictate the situation of the race and a few riders paid the worth. As for myself, I’m actually completely satisfied and happy with what I’ve achieved right here with three stage wins and the Inexperienced Jersey for the second 12 months in a row. I’d like to come back again to the UAE Tour for positive.”
Black jersey, Mark Stewart (Corratec-Vini Fantini): “I actually loved the UAE Tour so I didn’t need to end it with out having fun with one final breakaway though I didn’t want to attain any extra factors for the black jersey. I needed to go up the highway and have some enjoyable. With 7’ lead, I knew the dynamics and what was happening behind with a lot of wind. However in some unspecified time in the future I believed we might go for the stage win. However that was too laborious. I’ve made plenty of mates within the bunch this week. To make a breakaway someday is perhaps simple however to do for 4 days with a few of the greatest riders on the earth is fairly particular.”
UAE Tour Stage 7 Outcome:
1. Lennert Van Eetvelt (Bel) Lotto Dstny in 3:38:28
2. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious at 0:22
3. Ben O’Connor (Aus) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
4. Michael Storer (Aus) Tudor
5. Attila Valter (Hun) Visma | Lease a Bike
6. Carlos Verona (Spa) Lidl-Trek
7. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:27
8. Brandon Smith Rivera (Col) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:38
9. Einer Rubio (Col) Movistar
10. Bart Lemmen (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:47.
UAE Tour Last Total Outcome:
1. Lennert Van Eetvelt (Bel) Lotto Dstny in 22:31:18
2. Ben O’Connor (Aus) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:02
3. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious at 0:11
4. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:21
5. Attila Valter (Hun) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:34
6. Michael Storer (Aus) Tudor at 0:36
7. Max Poole (GB) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:55
8. Brandon Smith Rivera (Col) INEOS Grenadiers at 1:00
9. Carlos Verona (Spa) Lidl-Trek at 1:09
10. Bart Lemmen (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:13.
UAE Tour’24 stage 7:
O Gran Camiño 2024
Joshua Tarling gained the Stage 1 time trial of the O Gran Camiño 2024. The 20 year-old European TT champion beat Darren Rafferty and Pablo Castrillo, the INEOS Grenadiers rider additionally took the general chief’s jersey. There are not any time variations as a result of robust gusts of wind, solely the results of the time trial counts.
As a result of robust wind in Galicia, it was determined earlier than the beginning of the time trial, partly because of a crash by David Gaudu throughout the reconnaissance, that there can be no occasions taken for the general, the riders would solely journey for stage victory, so many determined to take it simple, particularly because the final a part of the route was treacherous. It was additionally determined that ordinary racing bikes can be used. The riders needed to cowl 14.8 kilometres from A Coruña, on primarily flat roads, there have been three quick climbs. Joey Rosskopf was the primary to set a critical time, though Ethan Hayter and Wilco Kelderman quickly beat him. The Dutchman was within the lead for a very long time.
Ultimately it was the stunning Xabier Mikel Azparren of Q36.5 who displaced the Visma | Lease a Bike rider. Tarling got here in practically a minute sooner than Azparren’s time. Rafferty took 2nd place, forward of the stunning 23 year-old Spaniard Pablo Castrillo (Equipo Kern Pharma), with Will Barta in 4th. Kelderman was now sixth. Egan Bernal, Carlos Rodríguez and defending champion Jonas Vingegaard took no dangers to complete down on Tarling. Everybody will probably be at first of stage two on the identical time.
Stage winner and total chief, Joshua Tarling (INEOS Grenadiers): “I’d have most popular to point out my new Pinarello time trial bike right here, however that will probably be for the subsequent one. I’m completely satisfied but additionally drained. It was an especially robust and difficult time trial as a result of wind. The final 4 kilometres specifically have been harder than throughout the reconnaissance. At first the wind was in opposition to us, but it surely was additionally very windy on the best way again. Even the descent was robust. There was no simple a part of the course, which makes it a really robust time trial. We’re extraordinarily robust. Everyone seems to be on hearth inside the group. Egan Bernal, Ethan Hayter, Carlos Rodríguez, we’re all nice and in good situation. So we’ve got good probabilities this week.”
O Gran Camiño Stage 1 Outcome:
1. Joshua Tarling (GB) INEOS Grenadiers in 18:21
2. Darren Rafferty (Irl) EF Training-EasyPost at 0:42
3. Pablo Castrillo (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma at 0:48
4. Will Barta (USA) Movistar at 0:55
5. Xabier Mikel Azparren (Spa) Q36.5 at 0:58
6. Wilco Kelderman (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:02
7. Raúl García Pierna (Spa) Arkéa-B&B Lodges at 1:05
8. Andrea Piccolo (Ita) EF Training-EasyPost at 1:09
9. Carlos Canal (Spa) Movistar
10. Michał Kwiatkowski (Pol) INEOS Grenadiers at 1:14.
O Gran Camiño Total After Stage 1:
1. Joshua Tarling (GB) INEOS Grenadiers in 18:21
2. Darren Rafferty (Irl) EF Training-EasyPost
3. Pablo Castrillo (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma
4. Will Barta (USA) Movistar
5. Xabier Mikel Azparren (Spa) Q36.5
6. Wilco Kelderman (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
7. Raúl García Pierna (Spa) Arkéa-B&B Lodges
8. Andrea Piccolo (Ita) EF Training-EasyPost
9. Carlos Canal (Spa) Movistar
10. Michał Kwiatkowski (Pol) INEOS Grenadiers.
O Gran Camiño’24 stage 1:
Jonas Vingegaard gained the primary highway stage of the O Gran Camiño. The Dane of Visma | Lease a Bike crossed the end line of Stage 2 solo and can be the general chief.
The opening time trial of O Gran Camiño was not a part of the general as a result of wind. Stage 2 from Taboada to Chantada (151.2 kilometres) was hit by heavy rain. The moist roads and showers have been an issue for the peloton all day. There have been additionally 4 climbs. The Alto Paradela and Alto Sonan, each Cat.3, then the Alto de San Pedro de Licora, Cat.2. climbed twice. It’s 5.2 kilometres lengthy at 6.1%, so not too troublesome.
It took 40 kilometres for a break to kind: Tiago Antunes (Efapel Biking), Jorge Arcas (Movistar), Enekoitz Azparren (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Xabier Azparren (Q36.5), Davide Bais and Andrea Pietrobon (Polti Kometa), Sebastian Berwick (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA), José Manuel Díaz (Burgos BH), Frederico Figueiredo (Sabgal/Anicolor), Alex Molenaar (Illes Balears Arabay Biking), Embret Svestad-Bardseng (Arkéa-B&B Lodges) and Davide Uriarte (Equipo Kern Pharma) made the escape, however they have been by no means given a lot of a lead. The younger Spaniard Xabier Azparren and Dutchman Molenaar had a lead of 45 seconds on the Alto de San Pedro de Licora (Cat.2), however Visma | Lease a Bike was setting a quick tempo within the peloton. Wilco Kelderman was working laborious on the entrance for Vingegaard.
Slightly below 4 kilometres from the highest, 6.7 kilometres from the end, Vingegaard took off his rain jacket and launched his assault. He quickly closed the hole to Molenaar, however the two-time Tour winner was unable to get away from all his opponents. A surprisingly robust Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers) and Jefferson Cepeda (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) joined him. The massive drawback for Vingegaard was that the highest of the climbs weren’t laborious sufficient to get away. Twenty seconds after the primary three, Groupama-FDJ and EF Training-EasyPost chased for leaders Richard Carapaz and David Gaudu. Lower than 1 kilometre from the highest, Cepeda and Bernal had let go. The 2 couldn’t reply when Vingegaard positioned an assault. On the prime of the climb he nonetheless had 3 kilometres to go to the end, however the highway was flat. Ex-Tour winner Bernal gained the dash for second place forward of Cepeda, and never far behind, Vingegaard’s teammate Cian Uijtdebroeks was 4th.
Stage winner and total chief, Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma | Lease a Bike): “I’m very glad with this win. Due to the chilly and the rain, it was something however nice as we speak. However, we nonetheless managed to place in a powerful group efficiency. The fellows rode very strongly, so I’m completely satisfied that I might reward their work with a win. They deserved it. I prefer to race in Galicia, though it wasn’t the perfect climate situations. This was my fourth stage win right here, though this one was undoubtedly not simple. With Bernal I had a tricky competitor for the stage win. By way of kind, I’m already the place I needed to be. I’m wanting ahead to the subsequent phases.”
eighth on the stage and tenth total, Matteo Fabbro (Polti Kometa): “The group needed us to be on the entrance of the breakaway, it was achieved with Davide and Pietrobon, and everybody else was serving to me, near me within the bunch. On the final two climbs they put me in an ideal place after which it was a matter of legs. I attempted to observe the perfect, I held with the favourites and I used to be capable of combat for the top-10 within the dash. I believe I might be proud of the outcome, in my first day of competitors actually with Group Polti Kometa.”
O Gran Camiño Stage 2 Outcome:
1. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma | Lease a Bike in 3:50:03
2. Egan Bernal (Col) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:24
3. Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (European) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
4. Cian Uijtdebroeks (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:40
5. Lenny Martinez (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
6. Alex Molenaar (Ned) Illes Balears Arabay Biking at 0:46
7. Quentin Pacher (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
8. Matteo Fabbro (Ita) Polti Kometa
9. Raúl García Pierna (Spa) Arkéa-B&B Lodges
10. Richard Carapaz (European) EF Training-EasyPost.
O Gran Camiño Total After Stage 2:
1. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma | Lease a Bike in 3:49:53
2. Egan Bernal (Col) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:20
3. Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (European) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 0:30
4. Cian Uijtdebroeks (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:50
5. Lenny Martinez (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
6. Ruben Guerreiro (Por) Movistar
7. Alex Molenaar (Ned) Illes Balears Arabay Biking
8. Raúl García Pierna (Spa) Arkéa-B&B Lodges
9. Quentin Pacher (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
10. Matteo Fabbro (Ita) Polti Kometa.
O Gran Camiño’24 stage 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt8WllOTXHo
Jonas Vingegaard additionally gained Stage 3 of the O Gran Camiño. After a loopy begin, during which he briefly went on the assault himself, he managed to catch the break within the finale and gained the stage. The Dane strengthened his lead within the race with one stage to go.
The third day was a hilly stage from Xinzo de Limia to Castelo de Ribadavia. There have been 4 climbs, three have been of third class and one second class. It was a wonderful stage for the attackers, because the fourth stage can be a battle between the GC males.
It was thought that Visma | Lease a Bike was going to regulate the stage. Jonas Vingegaard had the chief’s jersey and will save his energy for the ultimate stage. Nevertheless, this didn’t occur. On the Alto de Estivadas, the chief of the race attacked. The Dane managed to shock a few of his opponents and a gaggle of 10 obtained away. On this group, Vingegaard had assist from teammate Wilco Kelderman. David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ), Richard Carapaz, Neilson Powless (EF Training-EasyPost), Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers) and Jefferson Cepeda (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) have been all additionally there. The group of 10 had a niche of 30 seconds on the peloton. Within the run-up to the second climb of the day, the main group didn’t improve the hole. The peloton was capable of shut the hole little by little. On the foot of the Alto Albergueria they have been all collectively.
It was David de la Cruz (Q36.5) who tried to get away. The Spaniard managed to open a niche and waited to see if anybody would be part of him. Six different riders got here throughout. Andrea Piccolo (EF Training-EasyPost) chased the lone escapee and took Jokin Murguialday (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA), Pablo Castrillo (Equipo Kern Pharma), Victor Langelotti (Burgos-BH), Asier Etxeberria (Euskaltel-Euskadi) and Joaquim Silva (Efapel Biking) with him. At 80 kilometres from the end the lead was greater than 6 minutes, however this is able to not be sufficient to keep away from the peloton. On the foot of the final climb the lead had shrunk to only underneath 1 minute. Ultimately it was Jonas Vingegaard, who attacked on the final climb of the day. The Dane was on his personal and heading for the remaining escapee: Pablo Castrillo. The 2 joined forces and began the ultimate descent collectively. It was too troublesome for the Spaniard to carry the chief’s wheel. Vingegaard rode the final 10 kilometres solo to the end for his second victory in a row.
Stage winner and total chief, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike): “Carapaz was the one who began attacking after the mountain dash. We had a pleasant hole fairly rapidly and the collaboration was wonderful. I undoubtedly gave it an opportunity and would see what it will deliver ultimately. It was one other very robust day. The fellows did a wonderful job of preserving the main group inside shot. Then I took the chance to assault and by chance I used to be capable of maintain my lead till the end. It’s one other robust journey (stage 4). We must provide you with a superb plan to remain out of bother. It’s the final stage so we’ll do every thing we are able to to safe the jersey.”
O Gran Camiño Stage 3 Outcome:
1. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma | Lease a Bike in 4:03:14
2. Carlos Canal (Spa) Movistar at 0:29
3. Quentin Pacher (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
4. Gotzon Martín (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
5. Guillermo Thomas Silva (Uru) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
6. Joan Bou (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
7. David Gaudu (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
8. Gianluca Brambilla (Ita) Q36.5
9. Raúl García Pierna (Spa) Arkéa-B&B Lodges
10. Ruben Guerreiro (Por) Movistar.
O Gran Camiño Total After Stage 3:
1. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma | Lease a Bike in 7:52:51
2. Egan Bernal (Col) INEOS Grenadiers in 1:13
3. Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (European) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 1:15
4. Cian Uijtdebroeks (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:35
5. Lenny Martinez (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
6. Quentin Pacher (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 1:37
7. Ruben Guerreiro (Por) Movistar at 1:38
8. Raúl García Pierna (Spa) Arkéa-B&B Lodges at 1:40
9. Richard Carapaz (European) EF Training-EasyPost
10. David Gaudu (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 1:41.
O Gran Camiño’24 stage 3:
Jonas Vingegaard additionally gained the Last Fourth Stage of O Gran Camiño. The Dane of Visma | Lease a Bike additionally gained the primary two phases and is the ultimate total winner. Lenny Martinez (Groupama-FDJ) was 2nd on the stage and total. Hugh Carthy (EF Training-EasyPost) was third on the stage and Egan Bernal (INEOS Grenadiers) was 4th on the stage and third total.
Unhealthy climate situations continued to plague O Gran Camiño. After the neutralisation of the time trial, the fourth and last stage additionally needed to be shortened. The riders didn’t should climb the Alto de San Xiao as a result of the descent was on a slender highway and as a result of rain and wind, the organisers determined to not take any dangers. So after the Alto de San Cosme, the peloton needed to journey to the ultimate climb, Monte Aloia. This is identical climb because the Alto de San Xiao, solely now they rode to the summit end. The American Neilson Powless (EF Training-EasyPost), who misplaced his likelihood of a superb total place earlier within the race, lit the fuse early. On the primary climb of the day, the Alto Cruceiro do Monte, he attacked with Javier Romo (Movistar) and Wilco Kelderman (Visma | Lease a Bike). The group didn’t work, so Powless continued on his personal.
Eric Antonio Fagundez (Burgos-BH), Asier Etxeberria (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Joaquim Silva and Pedro Pinto (Efapel Biking), Rafael Reis (Sabgal/Anicolor) and Walter Calzoni (Q36.5) counter-attacked and closed the hole, that they had a lead of 4 minutes on the Visma managed peloton. Within the last the rain was tougher and so the TV protection was minimal. Within the run-up to the ultimate climb, solely Calzoni, Silva and Fagundez remained on the entrance, however Visma | Lease a Bike pulled them again. Within the final 3 kilometres all of the escapees have been caught and Vingegaard went on the assault. Lenny Martinez couldn’t bridge the hole, however he moved as much as 2nd place total and took the younger rider jersey from Cian Uijtdebroeks.
Stage winner and last total winner, Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike): “I’m very glad with the previous week. Everybody did a unbelievable job. With three stage wins and the general victory, we are able to converse of an virtually good O Gran Camino. The one much less constructive factor is the climate. Very unlucky that we needed to end in these robust climate situations,”
O Gran Camiño Stage 4 Outcome:
1. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma | Lease a Bike in 3:27:20
2. Lenny Martinez (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 0:16
3. Hugh Carthy (GB) EF Training-EasyPost at 0:45
4. Egan Bernal (Col) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:48
5. Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (European) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 0:49
6. Cian Uijtdebroeks (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:57
7. Javier Romo (Spa) Movistar at 1:04
8. Matteo Fabbro (Ita) Polti Kometa at 1:10
9. Quentin Pacher (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 1:11
10. Raúl García Pierna (Spa) Arkéa-B&B Lodges.
O Gran Camiño Last Total Outcome:
1. Jonas Vingegaard (Den) Visma | Lease a Bike in 11:20:01
2. Lenny Martinez (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 1:55
3. Egan Bernal (Col) INEOS Grenadiers at 2:11
4. Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (European) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 2:14
5. Cian Uijtdebroeks (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 2:42
6. Hugh Carthy (GB) EF Training-EasyPost at 2:48
7. Quentin Pacher (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 2:58
8. Ruben Guerreiro (Por) Movistar at 2:59
9. Raúl García Pierna (Spa) Arkéa-B&B Lodges at 3:01
10. Matteo Fabbro (Ita) Polti Kometa.
O Gran Camiño’24 stage 4:
Faun-Ardèche Basic 2024
Juan Ayuso gained the Faun-Ardèche Basic in France on Saturday. After a hilly last, the UAE Group Emirates rider was the strongest of a four-man group. Within the dash he beat Romain Grégoire and Mattias Skjelmose, who needed to accept second and third locations.
The Faun-Ardèche Basic had a pleasant subject of individuals at first with Juan Ayuso, Felix Gall, Romain Bardet, Mattias Skjelmose and Valentin Madouas. It was a hilly course of 169.5 kilometres with the Côte du Pin (9.9km at 4.3%) and the steep Val d’Enfer (1.6km at 10.3%) have been the 2 large obstacles. It wasn’t lengthy after the beginning in Guilherand-Granges for the break of the day to kind with Frenchman Antoine Hue (CIC U Nantes Atlantique) and the Norwegian Fredrik Dversnes (Uno-X Mobility).
Then one other Frenchman of the Continental group Good Métropole Côte d’Azur went on the assault. Melvin Crommelinck crossed and made it three within the main group. The utmost lead was virtually 7 minutes. After the primary crossing of the end line, the hole had come down to six minutes. Within the second lap, the favourites put their males pawns on the entrance and decreased the lead midway by the race to only over 2 minutes. Lidl-Trek, Groupama-FDJ, UAE Group Emirates and Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale took care of the chase.
The three escapees didn’t surrender and so they managed to raise the tempo a bit of and Antoine Hue was dropped and so they have been caught within the Val d’Enfer. With 40 kilometres to go, a gaggle of about 70 riders was nonetheless collectively. The riders needed to cross the Saint-Romain-de-Lerps and Val d’Enfer yet another time. On the Saint-Romain-de-Lerps it was Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) who took the lead. The Dane opened a small hole, however quickly had Juan Ayuso (UAE Group Emirates), Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) and Felix Gall (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) on his wheel. The 4 left the remainder of the peloton additional and additional behind them. On the Val d’enfer, the 4 have been nonetheless collectively. The 21 year-old Grégoire was distanced, however rapidly managed to attach once more. A number of assaults turned out to make no distinction and so it was going to be a dash in Guilherand-Granges. The peloton got here very shut, but it surely was Juan Ayuso who took the victory. Romain Grégoire and Mattias Skjelmose completed second and third.
Race winner, Juan Ayuso (UAE Group Emirates): “The race went very well. It was fairly a tough one and the group did an ideal job with Bax pulling the bunch all day after which Novak getting me in place for the climb. Arrieta coated nicely within the group behind additionally. I didn’t need to begin the dash from the entrance however I used to be listening to within the radio that they have been coming from behind so I opened it up early. The fellows got here previous me initially however fortunately I managed to haul them again and take the win. We’ll intention to go for one more good outcome tomorrow.”
Faun-Ardèche Basic Outcome:
1. Juan Ayuso (Spa) UAE Group Emirates in 4:23:34
2. Romain Grégoire (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 0:01
3. Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek
4. Felix Gall (Aust) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
5. Maxim Van Gils (Bel) Lotto Dstny at 0:08
6. Kevin Vermaerke (USA) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:07
7. Lorenzo Rota (Ita) Intermarché-Wanty at 0:06
8. Jordan Jegat (Fra) TotalEnergies at 0:05
9. Aurélien Paret-Peintre (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:04
10. Igor Arrieta (Spa) UAE Group Emirates at 0:03.
Faun-Ardèche’24:
Faun Drôme Basic 2024
Marc Hirschi of UAE Emirates gained the Drôme Basic on Sunday. The Swiss rider crossed the road solo, after breaking away from a number one group of six. His teammate Juan Ayuso took second place and Belgian Maxim Van Gils of Lotto Dstny completed third.
The peloton needed to cowl 189 kilometres. Within the finale there was the Côte des Roberts (1.6km at 8%) and the Côte de Grane (1.7km at 5.5%) have been the primary climbs. The final kilometre was additionally uphill.
After the beginning, a number one group of three rapidly escaped, consisting of Alexander Konijn of Good Métropole Côte d’Azur, Noah Detalle of Bingoal WB and Antoine Hue of CIC U Nantes Atlantique. With 56 kilometres to go, simply earlier than the ultimate began, the three have been caught by the peloton. Lidl-Trek elevated the tempo on the Col de la Grande Limite. Not a lot later, Skjelmose and Ayuso went on the assault, splitting the peloton. The pair have been joined by Van Gils on the descent. Behind this a trio there was Hirschi, Warren Barguil (dsm-Firmenich PostNL) and Bastien Tronchon (Decathlon AG2R).
On the Côte des Roberts, the pursuers joined the leaders, so there was a gaggle of six forward. The peloton’s deficit had now elevated to nicely over 1 minute. Throughout the climb of Plateau de Soulier, Skjelmose had a tough time and needed to let the main group go. Nevertheless, he managed to rejoin 10 kilometres from the end. With just below 5 kilometres to go, Hirschi attacked on the flat. The Swiss rider opened a pleasant hole and began the ultimate kilometre with a lead of greater than 10 seconds. The pursuers couldn’t do sufficient and Hirschi rode to victory. Ayuso accomplished the celebration for UAE Group Emirates by ending second. Behind them, Van Gils sprinted to 3rd place.
Race winner, Marc Hirschi (UAE Group Emirates): “I took my likelihood. This victory is nice for confidence. Yesterday the legs weren’t so good, however as we speak they have been quite a bit higher. It was a lovely race. This course is ideal for me. I don’t race in France typically so I used to be completely satisfied to be at first right here. He was the chief (Ayuso). He attacked very strongly. I needed to wait and see how the legs reacted to that acceleration. Ultimately I used to be capable of be part of the main group with out having to journey as a result of Ayuso was within the lead. Ayuso saved his legs nonetheless and Skjelmose was already very drained, so there have been truly solely three riders within the chase. I knew it was my likelihood. I instantly took a couple of seconds and that was sufficient.”
Faun Drôme Basic Outcome:
1. Marc Hirschi (Sui) UAE Group Emirates in 4:41:28
2. Juan Ayuso (Spa) UAE Group Emirates at 0:05
3. Maxim Van Gils (Bel) Lotto Dstny at 0:08
4. Warren Barguil (Fra) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:12
5. Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek at 0:15
6. Bastien Tronchon (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:25
7. Paul Lapeira (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 1:05
8. Corbin Sturdy (NZ) Israel-Premier Tech at 1:07
9. Benoît Cosnefroy (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 1:21
10. Dorian Godon (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale.
Faun Drôme’24:
Mathieu van der Poel’s Spring Classics: From Milano-Sanremo to Liège-Bastogne-Liège
Mathieu van der Poel has introduced his program for the spring Classics. The World champion will seem in virtually each prime Basic.
Van der Poel begins his highway season in Milan-Sanremo, so he’ll miss Strade Bianche once more. He has been coaching in Spain for a while now, to be good on the Classics and he begins with La Primavera, which he gained final 12 months. He’ll then journey all the foremost spring Classics on the weekend. Along with the E3 Saxo Basic, Gent-Wevelgem, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, MvdP returnS to the Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
It’s a large problem to be in prime kind in all of the monuments and the opposite main spring races, however it is extremely essential to Van der Poel to point out his rainbow jersey as typically as potential. He hopes to win his fourth monument in La Doyenne and the present last ought to swimsuit him. Nevertheless, he must cope with Remco Evenepoel and Tadej Pogačar. Van der Poel has repeated a number of occasions that he considers this unrealistic. His participation is at the moment ‘To Be Decided’, so it’s but to be formally confirmed.
Mathieu van der Poel Spring Race Schedule 2024:
Milan-Sanremo (Ita)
E3 Saxo Basic (Bel)
Gent-Wevelgem (Bel)
Tour of Flanders (Bel)
Paris-Roubaix (Fra)
Amstel Gold Race (Ned)
Liège-Bastogne-Liège (Bel).
All of the Classics for Mathieu:
Philippe Gilbert’s spouse Solutions Marion Rousse: “Patrick simply says what many individuals suppose”
Patrick Lefevere certified his harsh statements in opposition to Julian Alaphilippe, however that’s not the top of the story. Philippe Gilbert’s spouse, Bettina Pesce, is now additionally making herself heard on social media and lashing out, not at Lefevere, however at Rousse.
In a double interview in HUMO, Lefevere was laborious on Alaphilippe. “Too many events, an excessive amount of alcohol… Julian is severely underneath the spell of Marion Rousse (his accomplice). Perhaps an excessive amount of. Julian is a younger canine filled with power, you need to let him cross within the yard every so often. And it’s essential to additionally say: this far and no additional. There may be nonetheless a naughty little boy inside him,” he stated.
There was plenty of commotion after these statements by the Belgian supervisor. Rousse felt attacked and responded on social media with a press release. Lefevere felt compelled to reply himself and qualify his statements. That appeared to be the top of the matter, however Bettina Pesce, spouse of former Fast-Step rider Philippe Gilbert, feels she had to reply to Rousse’s tackle the scenario.
“That is what they name the opposite facet of the coin, Marion,” she begins her put up on Instagram. “After which Patrick solely tells a part of your husband’s story. It might be higher to maintain it a bit low profile… Patrick simply says out loud what he thinks and what many individuals round you suppose. He pays his rider a fortune after which he additionally owes his boss one thing. That’s simply the way it works.”
She added: “You reside to speak unhealthy about individuals from behind your microphone, when you can disguise within the studio. And if it’s important to take duty, you might be by no means on the appointment. Your message is an effective reflection of what actually affected you, and that’s your picture,” Pesce stated.
Bettina Pesce and Philippe Gilbert
Lefevere Regrets his Phrases about Alaphilippe: “Once I see what it triggered, that was not the intention”
Patrick Lefevere responded once more to his statements about Julian Alaphilippe and the difficulty that adopted. He spoke to VTM and admitted that he might have made a mistake. “Once I see what it triggered, that was definitely not the intention.”
In accordance with Lefevere, the intention was to not insult his chief: “It was an interview of two to 3 hours and that passage was two minutes.” Does he regretted his statements. “Remorse? Once I see what it triggered, sure. As a result of it definitely wasn’t the intention. It’s not like we had already drunk three bottles of wine, two or three glasses at most.”
In accordance with Lefevere, Alaphillipe and he evaluated on the finish of 2022. “Class alone is not sufficient, we additionally should work laborious. Up to now you didn’t have prime riders like Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar,” the conclusion of that dialog would have been in keeping with the director. The French puncheur is claimed to have promised Lefevere once more earlier than final winter that he would work laborious. “Give me yet another winter. Then I’m going to show that I can get again to plain. If that’s not the case, then I’ve to attract my very own conclusions,” the rider stated, in keeping with his group boss.
Relating to the accusation in opposition to Marion Rousse, Lefevere signifies that he might have used the mistaken phrases. “I didn’t say something particular about them. Quite the opposite, at that second it might need been a superb factor that she wasn’t there. However as at all times, it’s misunderstood.” In accordance with the group boss, the controversy is over. “I insisted on being right here (the Omloop press assembly) as a result of the ambiance was a bit tense. I can put all of it in place and I hope he (Julian Alaphilippe) can too.”
Marion Rousse and Julian Alaphilippe on the pre Omloop coaching journey:
Domenico Pozzovivo Indicators for VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
It took a very long time, however Domenico Pozzovivo has discovered a group for 2024. The 41 year-old Italian climber is returning to certainly one of his outdated groups, as he has signed for one 12 months with VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè.
Domenico Pozzovivo’s biking profession was hanging by a nail for a very long time and the Italian seemed to be completed. In October, in dialog with WielerFlits, he indicated that quitting was a critical possibility. “There aren’t many conversations. It’s undoubtedly potential that I’ll stop. Truthfully? I nonetheless have the legs and the motivation to proceed, but when that doesn’t work, I’ll cease.”
4 months additional on and it seems: Pozzovivo is definitely not able to cease being an expert bicycle owner. The pocket climber nonetheless has a twentieth skilled season, sporting the package of the group the place it began for him: VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè. Pozzovivo rode for the Italian group from 2005 to 2012 and had his first successes there.
Roberto Reverberi, the group supervisor of VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè, could be very obsessed with Pozzovivo’s return. “Domenico will play an important function as a mentor and information to the youthful riders inside the group. He’s extremely skilled and nonetheless races at a excessive stage in any case these years. We’re completely satisfied and proud that he can finish his profession for the group the place it began. The circle is spherical.”
“It appears like a film script, but it surely has lastly turn out to be actuality,” Pozzovivo himself is over the moon. “I’m returning to the group the place I took my first steps as an expert bicycle owner nineteen years in the past. This brings with it plenty of feelings, however I additionally really feel an infinite urge to move on my experiences. I’ve to thank Bruno and Roberto Reverberi for the chance they gave me.”
Pozzovivo again with Reverberi:
Victor Campenaerts has a Loopy Thought: “E mail to [email protected]”
Victor Campenaerts began the Opening Weekend with a loopy thought. The Belgian of Lotto Dstny has been in Spain in latest weeks and solely raced the person time trial of 5 kilometres within the Ruta del Sol, in Spanish spring sunshine, however he didn’t get that climate within the Opening weekend.
Rain and robust wind have been predicted and so the previous time trial specialist will most likely come residence to a impolite awakening. Het Laatste Nieuws writes a joke, as a result of Campenaerts has provide you with an thought: “I plan to put on 4 layers of clothes, which I’ll take off one after the other because the race progresses. Within the hustle and bustle it’s unimaginable at hand over every bit of clothes to the help car, so I’ll at all times throw my extra clothes to the followers.”
However the Belgian want to have the clothes again after the race. He’s afraid that he’ll run out of winter clothes earlier than the actually large races on the calendar, on the finish of March and the start of April. So, Campenaerts has provide you with a plan for his misplaced garments.
“I’ll have a ticket sewn into all my garments with this electronic mail deal with: [email protected]. The individuals on the facet of the highway who choose up my garments can electronic mail me and we are able to agree how I’ll get the garments again. In alternate, they obtain a espresso and a voucher for a biking jersey with my signature on the finish of the season, once I not want that clothes.”
No luck for the followers with this jacket:
Patrick Lefevere Gave Gianni Moscon a Minimal Contract
Patrick Lefevere has spoken extra about Gianni Moscon becoming a member of his group in his weekly column in Het Nieuwsblad. The Soudal Fast-Step supervisor defined how Moscon was near the top of his profession and the way he managed to get the Italian into his group. “Specialised despatched an electronic mail with various considerations.”
“In any case the large tales of the previous week, can it’s about sports activities? Concerning the gamble I took on the switch market? Regardless of every thing, I’m a believer in Gianni Moscon and I’m definitely completely satisfied that he’s lastly driving for our group,” Lefevere began his column.
Lefevere first said that Moscon was supplied to him yearly, however there was by no means sufficient cash. “This fall Lombardi got here again with Gianni Moscon. That was truly a ‘no’ prematurely as a result of my finances was utterly gone. However Lombardi, as a superb salesman, informed an entire story: Gianni solely needed to race for our group. It was both that or stop as a rider and turn out to be an apple farmer in Italy.”
“Lengthy story quick: I made Lombardi an dishonourable proposition. I used to be capable of provide Moscon the contract of a newcomer. So the minimal. Nobody might imagine me, however I actually try this with crimson cheeks. It’s the identical story as with Mark Cavendish: that you don’t pay a rider what he’s intrinsically value.”
“After all: Moscon is a rider with a fame. A brief fuse on the bike, similar to I had. It was not an merchandise for me, sponsor Specialised did ship an electronic mail with various considerations. Nearly as good People, they have to after all guard their picture. We additionally mentioned behaviour throughout the consumption interview, however I’m not anxious. I’ve now come to know Gianni as an atypical Italian. By no means the large phrase on the desk, fairly a relaxed character subsequent to the bike.”
Lefevere additionally stated that if Moscon performs nicely, his wage will improve. “His first races of the season have been troublesome, however after two years of struggling, that’s not irregular. If Gianni finds his greatest kind once more with us, following the instance of Cav, I will probably be a cheerful supervisor. And the settlement has been made: if efficiency is nice, we may also do one thing concerning the minimal contract.”
Moscon on minimal wage:
Yana Seel Joins the Administration of the Girls’s UAE Group ADQ
Yana Seel has discovered a brand new problem in biking. Till the top of 2023, she was Chief Enterprise Officer at Lotto Dstny, after first laying the inspiration for the brand new Astana-Premier Tech. She now brings her experience to the ladies’s peloton, the place the 39 year-old Belgian with Kazakh roots will work as Head of Enterprise and Communications at UAE Group ADQ.
She’s going to tackle a brand new place inside the group, the place her duties lie with enterprise growth, advertising and marketing and communication. “The choice to hitch this group was made after a lot thought and analysis. During the last six years I’ve been capable of construct up expertise in biking and show my qualities in all elements of creating the enterprise mannequin in biking.”
Seel is wanting ahead to her new problem, she says. “This group not solely has the ambition to be the perfect at what they do, they’re additionally strongly dedicated to attaining their targets in areas equivalent to integrity and respect. I additionally maintain these two values in excessive regard. I’m completely satisfied and proud that I can begin this new journey.”
Melissa Moncada is the boss behind UAE Group ADQ and he or she could be very proud of the arrival of Seel. “She is an ideal match for our core values and mission, which is devoted to strengthening management alternatives for girls. Yana’s years of expertise guarantee a big affect. Not simply inside girls’s biking, however throughout the business. The insights and techniques she has from males’s biking will take us to new heights.”
Yana Seel to UAE Group ADQ:
Subsidence Causes Issues for the Paterberg
Attributable to a subsidence, the highway to the Paterberg is at the moment closed to visitors. And this may occasionally even have penalties for the upcoming Flemish spring Classics. “We worry that vibrations might trigger much more floor subsidence,” Public Works Councilor Willem-Jan Baert informed Het Nieuwsblad.
Attributable to a subsidence on the prime of the Rampe, there’s a drawback for cycle races that go to the Paterberg. From that highway the riders descend the Middelloopstraat to the steep cobblestone-strewn slope. Nevertheless, because of floor subsidence, the highway is at the moment closed to visitors. The bottom has utterly disappeared on one facet for 50 metres.
“For now, solely the facet has slipped away,” Baert factors out. “The highway itself continues to be intact. However we’re closing the highway as a result of we worry that vibrations might trigger much more subsidence. The lock can be gone. It’s positioned meters decrease, so it isn’t protected. We’ve got acquired the contractor’s quote and he guarantees that every thing will probably be prepared when the E3 Saxo Basic passes right here. That’s on March 22. The Tour of Flanders is every week later.”
In the interim, plan A doesn’t seem like in jeopardy. “If every thing is safely restored, there isn’t any drawback. If the contractor will not be prepared, there’s a plan B. The course then continues to take the subsequent highway. A stroll across the block, so to talk. They then should take a pointy bend the place the earth has now disappeared as much as the asphalt. That’s the place issues should be put so as first, in order that the bend might be taken safely.”
“If there are nonetheless issues, the bend will probably be safely closed off with concrete blocks, as a result of that highway is the one approach to the foot of the Paterberg. However let’s assume that plan A succeeds. There’s a good likelihood that the riders will expertise inconvenience throughout E3 explorations. We already know that. We’ve got to imagine that every thing will probably be nice for the essential cycle races that can happen there. However it’s clear that there’s stress for everybody who has to cope with it.”
Subsidence issues for the Paterberg:
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