The UAE Tour is battling via the desert – All of the race reviews, outcomes, what the riders say and video.
Patrick Lefevere on Julian Alaphilippe: “Too many events, an excessive amount of alcohol” – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Not many UCI factors for Maxim Van Gils, Eddie Dunbar broke his hand within the first stage of the UAE Tour, Attila Valter accidents not too dangerous, Mads Pedersen not using the ‘Opening Weekend’ in Belgium, not many Classics for Anthony Turgis in 2024, truck driver who killed Rebellin: “I’m very sorry”, Gaia Realini extends contract with Lidl-Trek and Lotte Kopecky extends contract with SD Worx-Protime via 2028.
Group information: Soudal Fast-Step and Bahrain Victorious to the ‘Opening Weekend’ and subsequent races for dsm-firmenich PostNL.
Race information: La Vuelta Femenina is considering of a summit end on l’Angliru, groups for Paris-Good and E3 Saxo Basic has a brand new poster.
Espresso time EUROTRASH Thursday.
TOP STORY: Patrick Lefevere on Julian Alaphilippe: “Too many events, an excessive amount of alcohol”
Julian Alaphilippe was probably the most profitable riders underneath the wing of Patrick Lefevere, however the outcomes have been pretty much as good within the current seasons. The 31 year-old Frenchman faces a vital yr; his contract with Soudal Fast-Step expires on the finish of the season. Group boss Patrick Lefevere has been speaking in his regular forthright method within the run-up to the Flemish opening weekend.
In a interview in HUMO with José De Cauwer, Lefevere has been arduous on his French chief. “Julian is an effective man, however after he signed his mega contract, he now not carried out. I like my riders, but it surely should stay truthful. As you grow old, it’s important to take extra care, it’s important to practice tougher and you’ll’t throw your hat at it. He now has to make the press and battle for it,” he stated, not pulling any punches.
Alaphilippe has struggled with accidents in recent times, however based on Lefevere there’s extra to it. “Too many events, an excessive amount of alcohol… Julian is significantly underneath the spell of Marion Rousse (his companion). Possibly an excessive amount of. Julian is a younger canine stuffed with power, you need to let him cross within the yard every so often. And you will need to additionally say: this far and no additional. There’s nonetheless a foul boy inside him.”
“I spoke to him in November final yr, within the presence of Marion and his supervisor Dries Smets. I stated: ‘It can not proceed like this. When you mess one thing up yet one more time, I’ll fireplace you on the spot.’ The message has been obtained. He’s getting again collectively.”
It’s not the primary time that Lefevere has referred to as the two-time World champion to order. In December 2022 he was already dissatisfied with the efficiency of the traditional specialist and stated “he owes me a revenge”.
Marion Rousse not happy with Lefevere
Marion Rousse Reacts to Patrick Lefevere’s Phrases
Marion Rousse has launched a press release after Patrick Lefevere talked about Rousse and Julian Alaphilippe’s relationship in an interview. Rousse finds it unacceptable that Lefevere simply talks about their personal life within the press. “Present respect and sophistication,” she wrote on social media.
“No matter Mr Lefevere thinks of me, it’s unacceptable to assault our personal lives as he has executed. No, I don’t drink alcohol, by no means have. I additionally missed loads of events, as a result of with a 3-year-old we desire to be contemporary within the morning. You’ll not succeed, as you stated, in stopping me from working to maintain myself occupied and to stick with Julian throughout his profession. I’m passionate concerning the work I do and I nonetheless have many plans,” stated Rousse, who’s a director of the Tour de France Femmes. “However I inform you, on no account will I allow you to into my personal life. So please cease speaking out of flip and present extra respect and… class.”
Patrick Lefevere has his say
Patrick Lefevere Backs Down, a Little: “My Phrases Sound too Heavy”
Patrick Lefevere has responded to his harsh statements towards Julian Alaphilippe. Based on the CEO of Soudal Fast-Step, these phrases are incorrect. “José De Cauwer is my witness: not final yr, however in November 2022, I took Alaphilippe apart,” Het Nieuwsblad quotes.
After the statements by the Belgian supervisor, Rousse felt attacked and responded on social media together with her assertion. Lefevere now feels compelled to reply himself. He qualifies his statements. “I’m contemplating making a press release on Twitter, as a result of as soon as once more my phrases in English – with out the context of the interview – sound heavier than I stated them in Dutch.”
“What did I say? José De Cauwer is my witness: not final yr, however in November 2022 I took Julian Alaphilippe apart in Diegem. To say: issues can not proceed like this. Both I allow you to go, or we’re going to do issues in another way any further. My message was: ‘expertise alone will now not work. You grow old and need to dwell in another way. Julian has carried out huge numbers within the Tour, however on the time there have been no or much less pronounced prime performers reminiscent of Mathieu Van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Primoz Roglič that he’s now competing towards.”
“There was a interval with too many events, however I’ve to say: he hasn’t had a drink since our dialog in November 2022. Not inside the staff and never exterior the staff. I’ve spoken to individuals who have been with him on the coaching camp in Sierra Nevada: not a drop extra. And coaching has by no means been an issue, he has all the time continued to take action.”
Is Alaphilippe’s finest years behind him?
The UAE Tour 2024
Tim Merlier gained the Stage 1 of the UAE Tour. The Belgian was the quickest in a bunch print, the place there was a giant crash. Arvid de Kleijn completed in second place, Jakub Mareczko was third and Fabio Jakobsen fourth.
The opening stage of the UAE Tour was a day for the sprinters, as there have been no categorised climbs. The stage would have the issue of wind and echelons have been anticipated.
Nothing occurred within the early kilometres. Solely after half an hour of racing did anybody assault. Mark Stewart (Corratec-Vini Fantini) went solo for some time, after which his teammate Marco Murgano joined him. The British and the Italian rider had a most lead of just about 4 minutes. On the entrance of the platoon, Visma | Lease a Bike, Alpecin-Deceuninck and BORA-hansgrohe had their males management the hole. All of them had a fast-finisher: Olav Kooij, Kaden Groves and Sam Welsford. These groups lowered the result in 1 minute with 30 kilometres to go. The wind induced some nervousness within the peloton, but it surely by no means actually induced a giant upset. Simply earlier than the final intermediate dash, 24 kilometres from the end, Stewart continued alone once more. Murgano dropped again to the peloton. He completed second within the intermediate dash, the place Pello Bilbao grabbed a bonus second from the peloton. Stewart gave up not a lot later. Twenty kilometres from the end it was apparent that the stage would end in a bunch dash.
Thomas De Gendt tried to get away, however Soudal Fast-Step and BORA-hansgrohe instantly jumped on his wheel. The run-up to the dash was comparatively simple, solely within the final 10 kilometres did the race come alive. No staff actually had management and in the beginning of the ultimate kilometre a number of groups rode on the entrance collectively. The lead-out trains cut up and there was then a chaotic dash. There was a crash about 200 metres from the end. This delayed among the sprinters, however Fernando Gaviria was in entrance and launched his dash. The Colombian was handed by a number of riders, together with Tim Merlier. The Belgian gained the dash, his third victory of the season. Arvid de Kleijn completed second, a motorcycle size behind Merlier, and Jakub Mareczko completed in third place. Fabio Jakobsen and Sam Welsford accomplished the highest 5.
Stage winner and Crimson jersey, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “Bert [Van Lerberghe] introduced me as soon as once more in a very good place. With 1km to go, I discovered the wheel of Jordi [Warlop] then I discovered my very own house and went my very own method. I went a bit too early within the wind however I needed to as a result of Gaviria and Molano went from far out. I made a mistake in selecting the gear however the end was far sufficient to come back again. It’s good to win on the UAE Tour once more. Virtually all of the world’s prime sprinters are right here, apart from Jasper Philipsen and Caleb Ewan, so I’m proud of this win. I might be pleased additionally with this third victory of the season already. Final yr I rode the staff time trial with the race chief’s jersey and I suffered lots. Tomorrow in a person time trial I’ll be capable to experience my very own tempo and I’ll lose the jersey once more. Then again, I hope to win the factors classification once more and that may include one other stage win, which is my subsequent goal. Racing within the sand like right here shouldn’t be my speciality in cyclo-cross however right here the sand is gentle so I’m positive with it. The warmth impacts me extra. I desire to race with decrease temperatures however with the victory, I’m pleased anyway.”
seventh total and White jersey, Loe Van Belle (Visma | Lease a Bike): “I heard on the radio that with two riders away, there was nonetheless one second of time bonus left at one intermediate dash so I grabbed my likelihood after I noticed that no person was going for it. It’s very good to put on the white jersey in a WorldTour race. It’s my first season within the WorldTour so it feels nice to race right here with all the large names.”
third total and Black jersey, Mark Stewart (Corratec-Vini Fantini): “It felt from the beginning that the wind helped us. It was a quick day! We have been two on the entrance as a result of if now we have seven riders per staff right here, so as an alternative of dealing with the entire stage alone on the entrance, the distinction between having one rider or two riders within the breakaway is huge, so it was for making our life a bit simpler. I feel I’ll defend the Black Jersey. I got here to this race with respect. This can be a sprinters’ race however that’s to not say that we are able to’t attempt. If we don’t win a stage, the comfort worth is unquestionably the intermediate dash jersey.”
UAE Tour Stage 1 Consequence:
1. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step in 3:09:55
2. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor
3. Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Corratec-Vini Fantini
4. Fabio Jakobsen (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
5. Sam Welsford (Aus) BORA-hansgrohe
6. Fernando Gaviria (Col) Movistar
7. Juan Sebastián Molano (Col) UAE Group Emirates
8. Simone Consonni (Ita) Lidl-Trek
9. Phil Bauhaus (Ger) Bahrain Victorious
10. Jarne Van de Paar (Bel) Lotto Dstny.
UAE Tour Total After Stage 1:
1. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal-Fast Step in 3:09:45
2. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor at 0:04
3. Mark Stewart (GB) Corratec-Vini Fantini
4. Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Corratec-Vini Fantini at 0:06
5. Marco Murgano (Ita) Corratec-Vini Fantini
6. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious at 0:09
7. Loe van Belle (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
8. Fabio Jakobsen (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:10
9. Sam Welsford (Aus) BORA-hansgrohe
10. Fernando Gaviria (Col) Movistar.
UAE Tour’24 stage 1:
UAE Group Emirates dominated the Stage 2 time trial of the UAE Tour. The victory went to Brandon McNulty, who additionally took over the chief’s jersey from Tim Merlier. His teammates Jay Vine and Mikkel Bjerg completed in second and third locations.
Final yr the UAE Tour included a staff time trial, this yr it was a person time trial. Some favourites for the general victory began early. Amongst them was Brandon McNulty, who lined the 12.1 kilometre, flat course at a median of just about 54 kph. He had a very long time within the ‘Sizzling Seat’ forward of him.
At first nobody actually got here near the American. Pello Bilbao, one of many total contenders, was 19 seconds slower and was in second place for some time. Prime favorite and former winner Adam Yates misplaced 28 seconds to his teammate McNulty. It was then primarily different UAE Group Emirates riders who got here near McNulty. Mikkel Bjerg was 4 seconds in need of his teammate McNulty, whereas Jay Vine was solely 2 seconds too sluggish. McNulty didn’t have to fret about the remainder of the riders and the highest 5 didn’t change for a very long time. Rainer Kepplinger (Bahrain Victorious) and Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Fast-Step) have been fourth and fifth.
The hazard might come from Tobias Foss. The previous World time trial champion, who rode with a 68 entrance chainring, misplaced 14 seconds on the first intermediate level. The wind had elevated in the course of the day, so he managed to cut back his deficit by one second within the second a part of the stage with the wind at his again. However that also left him 14 seconds behind McNulty. The UAE Group Emirates podium additionally remained the identical and there was no change for the remainder of the stage. McNulty gained the time trial, forward of Vine and Bjerg. It was a double for McNulty, as he additionally took the chief’s jersey from Tim Merlier.
Stage winner and Crimson jersey, Brandon McNulty (UAE Group Emirates): “It’s actually good to win this stage. As for myself, I form of exceeded the place I wished to be, plus the staff has executed nice. I might see throughout my race the velocity was actually good, so I adopted the plan for pacing. I used to be positively nervous on scorching seat, actually anxious I can say but it surely pays off. We knew some good riders have been coming on the finish, so it’s been a aid when it was throughout and I’m tremendous pleased. The staff has put loads of efforts in creating the fabric, not just for the TT, it’s good to see that it pays of within the time trial. At present’s consequence offers me loads of confidence forward of the Olympics. After some good outcomes final yr, I’ve been attempting to focus extra on TT taking a look at Paris. Having three wins already this yr places me tremendous excessive however that is one other degree than Valencia. It’s big to make the highest 3 as a staff, it’s a very good efficiency and present for our sponsors. I don’t assume it adjustments out plans an excessive amount of. Adam [Yates] continues to be our greatest climber, it’s a very good place for all of us.”
sixth on the stage, total and White jersey Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Fast-Step): “I didn’t actually count on to be within the white jersey right this moment. I simply wished to do a very good TT on this quick course and I’m proud of the efficiency. I didn’t take a look at the occasions of the opposite younger riders. It was nearly my very own experience. I usually assist Remco Evenepoel however I even have private ambitions, particularly in uphill finishes. Right here now we have a powerful staff with Jan Hirt and Mauri [Vansevenant]. We are able to play some playing cards. That is UAE Group Emirates residence race so they’re robust and tremendous motivated right here however we’ll attempt to make it troublesome for them.”
UAE Tour Stage 2 Consequence:
1. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Group Emirates in 13:27
2. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Group Emirates at 0:02
3. Mikkel Bjerg (Den) UAE Group Emirates at 0:04
4. Tobias Foss (Nor) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:14
5. Rainer Kepplinger (Aust) Bahrain Victorious at 0:16
6. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:17
7. Johan Worth-Pejtersen (Den) Bahrain Victorious at 0:19
8. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious
9. Bruno Armirail (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:20
10. Iván Romeo (Spa) Movistar at 0:21.
UAE Tour Total After Stage 2:
1. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Group Emirates in 3:23:22
2. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Group Emirates at 0:02
3. Mikkel Bjerg (Den) UAE Group Emirates at 0:04
4. Tobias Foss (Nor) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:14
5. Rainer Kepplinger (Aust) Bahrain Victorious at 0:16
6. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:17
7. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious at 0:18
8. Johan Worth-Pejtersen (Den) Bahrain Victorious at 0:19
9. Bruno Armirail (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:20
10. Iván Romeo (Spa) Movistar at 0:21.
UAE Tour’24 stage 2:
Stage 3 of the UAE Tour was gained by Ben O’Connor. The Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale climber was the primary to cross the road on Jebel Jais, after his teammate, Valentin Paret-Peintre, had laid the foundations for his victory. An one other Australian, Jay Vine, completed second and is now the brand new total chief.
The third stage was for the climbers, that they had their likelihood to make a primary actual assault on the GC on the climb to Jebel Jais. The ultimate 20 kilometres have been all uphill at round 5% to the end at Jebel Jais. The final 2 kilometres of the climb had a bit of 9%.
There wasn’t a lot enthusiasm to assault, however two riders determined to attempt their luck and once more it was Mark Stewart. The 28 year-old British rider of Group Corratec-Vini Fantini was joined by Swiss rider Silvan Dillier of Alpecin-Deceuninck. The peloton allow them to go, realizing that they may simply be managed, and so the lead of Stewart and Dillier enhance to three minutes. The race rumbled on within the first hours, however 90 kilometres from the end there was some panic within the peloton. The crosswind induced some echelons, however this turned out to be short-lived. The dropped riders managed to reconnect with the again of the primary group, after which all of it calmed down once more. Early escapees Stewart and Dillier had now been caught, however Stewart wasn’t completed and went on the assault once more, and it was one other Alpecin-Deceuninck rider who joined him. This time it was Jonas Rickaert. The peloton let the hole elevated to nearly 3 minutes. Right now there was a crash by Adam Yates, who began the UAE Tour as prime favorite. He suffered a tough fall, however was in a position to proceed and rejoin the peloton.
The lead of the entrance group had now been halved. Stewart left Rickaert and continued solo, on the lookout for intermediate dash factors. The British rider took all of the factors, all for his mom on her birthday. Stewart eased off and was caught earlier than the foot of the ultimate climb. Within the first kilometres the peloton didn’t push too arduous. Movistar tried to play a shock once more, like final yr, with Einer Rubio. The Colombian gained at Jebel Jais final yr and confirmed himself once more, however this time he was not given any house. Within the group of favourites one rider after one other was distanced. The principle sufferer was Adam Yates, who was in bother resulting from his crash and needed to abandon. Mikkel Bjerg took care of the vast majority of the work for his UAE staff leaders, and managed to skinny the group to about 40. With simply over 4 kilometres to go, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale took over for Ben O’Connor, however the French staff quickly had to surrender. Bjerg took the lead once more for a final robust activate the entrance.
AG2R weren’t completed and Valentin Paret-Peintre put in a powerful acceleration with O’Connor on his wheel, this was the right lead-out for the Australian, who held off Jay Vine and Lennert Van Eetvelt. This was O’Connor’s second victory of the season, after the Vuelta a Murcia. Vine crossed the end line in second place, this was sufficient to take over the chief’s jersey from his teammate Brandon McNulty, who struggled within the ultimate kilometre.
stage winner and 2nd total, Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale): “I requested Valentin Paret-Peintre to simply go full fuel. I didn’t actually thought of what we have been doing. I didn’t wish to go for the dash. I needed to go earlier. We obtained a niche and I needed to maintain on. My preparation for the season has been nice. I gained my first race in Murcia with echelons and we have been three within the entrance group. At present was the primary mountain check and it couldn’t go any higher. To come back right here for racing is basically actually good. It’s good to race for a sprinter (Sam Bennett) as nicely. All of us get alongside right here. It’s a WorldTour win and that’s the place we’ve set the bar. I wished to win a giant stage”.
Crimson Jersey and 2nd on the stage, Jay Vine (UAE Group Emirates): “My sights are all the time on successful. A surge got here, I appeared for Brandon, he began turning again and I heard on the radio ‘Jay you’ve obtained to tug’. I carried to the entrance and I saved going flat out. The plan was for the staff to take the purple jersey residence on the finish of the week. We did fairly nicely to come back away with me within the purple jersey on the finish of the day. Mikkel Bjerg rode a implausible race preserving Brandon and myself on the entrance. Within the final kilometre it was simply giving every part until the end. Adam Yates’ crash was a little bit of a bizarre one, not on a reasonably annoying half. I didn’t see it occur. However sadly he can’t bear in mind hitting the bottom. Hopefully he’s OK. The plan now’s to retain the purple jersey until the tip with a rider from UAE Group Emirates it doesn’t matter who, however I’m positive there are hundred guys on the market who’ve a special concept. It’s unbelievable that at my first race of the yr I’m sporting a WorldTour chief jersey”.
White Jersey, fifth on the stage and 4th total, Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Fast-Step): “I’m glad to maneuver two spots up on GC to fourth now. It was a pleasant truly. I used to be up entrance within the echelons because of my team-mates additionally. I attempted to go for the victory however I exploded a bit after I tried to go within the wheel of Jay Vine. I’d wish to make the ultimate podium however even on the flat levels I’ll have to remain very attentive.”
Inexperienced Jersey and Black Jersey, Mark Stewart (Corratec-Vini Fantini): “It’s fairly particular to get the inexperienced jersey after three levels. I knew it was potential but it surely’s not usually that issues truly go your method. There have been just a few guys within the inexperienced jersey competitors and I wasn’t positive in the event that they’d let me get within the breakaway. The preliminary breakaway was fairly simple with myself and Silvan Dillier. I picked up the primary factors then the crosswinds occurred. I needed to keep within the entrance group and battle arduous for the second intermediate dash. For a small staff and even a small rider like myself, to be introduced with the Inexperienced Jersey and be capable to compete with these prime riders, it’s an important honour.”
Dr.Adrian Rotunno (UAE Group Emirates Medical Director): “Sadly Adam Yates has been recognized with a concussion after his crash right this moment on the UAE Tour. He’s secure with different superficial accidents. For the sake of Adam’s well being, and as per concussion protocols, he was withdrawn from racing. He’ll want restoration and the medical staff will proceed with neurological monitoring and rehab going ahead.”
UAE Tour Stage 3 Consequence:
1. Ben O’Connor (Aus) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale in 4:16:21
2. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Group Emirates at 0:05
3. Lennert Van Eetvelt (Bel) Lotto Dstny
4. Max Poole (GB) dsm-firmenich PostNL
5. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
6. Attila Valter (Hun) Visma | Lease a Bike
7. Matthew Riccitello (USA) Israel-Premier Tech
8. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious
9. Einer Rubio (Col) Movistar
10. Simon Carr (GB) EF Training-EasyPost.
UAE Tour Total After Stage 3:
1. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Group Emirates in 7:39:44
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 3:
Not Many UCI Factors for Maxim Van Gils
Maxim Van Gils obtained solely 20 UCI factors for his time trial victory within the Ruta del Sol. At first it appeared just like the Belgian would obtain 220 factors, as a result of the five-kilometre time-trial was the one remaining stage of the shortened race, which might additionally make Van Gils the general winner. The UCI has determined to not have a ultimate GC and solely award factors for the stage victory.
The Ruta del Sol was supposed to start out final Wednesday, however the opening stage needed to be canceled as a result of there wasn’t sufficient police or Guardia Civil to protect the occasion resulting from a farmers’ protests. The cancellation of the second stage adopted. The plan B was a shortened three-day occasion, which might begin on Friday with the person time trial. Shortly earlier than the beginning of the TT stage of just about 5 kilometres in Alcaudete, the information was that the remainder of the race would even be canceled.
The Ruta del Sol would got here right down to the 5 kilometres of racing towards the clock. Maxim Van Gils gained with a time of 8:17. He took the stage victory, which earned him 20 UCI factors. As a result of there aren’t any extra levels, Van Gils the general winner of the two.Professional race, that may earn him an additional 200 UCI factors. This may have introduced the full factors to 220, 10 extra factors than a Tour de France stage winner. The UCI has determined towards the GC factors, so Van Gils is simply the winner of the stage and solely the 20 UCI factors.
Solely 20 factors for Van Gils:
Eddie Dunbar Broke his Hand within the First Stage of the UAE Tour
The UAE Tour began and ended on stage 1 for Eddie Dunbar. The Irishman didn’t begin the person time trial after he crashed within the opening stage. He broke his hand within the crash, his Jayco AlUla staff wrote on social media. Milan Fretin (Cofidis) additionally needed to abandon.
Dunbar was one of many victims of a giant crash within the run-up to the bunch dash gained by Tim Merlier. The 27 year-old crossed the end line, however was badly injured. It now seems that he has damaged his hand and couldn’t proceed. It’s not but identified how lengthy the Irishman will probably be out of motion. Dunbar additionally needed to go away the Tour of Valencia early, he couldn’t begin the third stage due a crash.
Along with Dunbar, Milan Fretin additionally deserted the race. The Belgian Cofidis sprinter was additionally concerned within the crash within the ultimate kilometre. “It’s a disgrace that I’ve to depart the UAE Tour after simply at some point, however I’m pleased that I come away with solely a dislocated shoulder,” he wrote on social media. The connected photograph reveals that Fretin additionally suffered fairly just a few abrasions.
Dunbar out of the UAE Tour:
Attila Valter Accidents Not Too Unhealthy
The primary stage of the UAE Tour was marred by a serious crash within the final kilometre. A number of riders crashed at excessive velocity, together with Attila Valter. Nonetheless, the harm to the Hungarian champion appears to not be too dangerous.
Sports activities director Maarten Wynants spoke on the Visma | Lease a Bike web site. “Attila obtained concerned and is at the moment a bit battered. At first look the harm seems to be minor. He has some abrasions. That may be a main setback, however we’re pleased that for now it seems like he can proceed on his method.”
Valter began the second stage of the UAE Tour on Tuesday. The 25 year-old rider seems to be the staff co-leader with Bart Lemmen within the United Arab Emirates stage race. A BORA-hansgrohe rider the primary to crash within the run-up to the dash. Harold Tejada (Astana Qazaqstan), Max Poole and Timo Roosen (dsm-firmenich PostNL), Ivo Oliveira (UAE Group Emirates) and riders from Lidl-Trek and Cofidis additionally crashed.
Unhealthy dash crash in UAE:
Mads Pedersen Not Racing the Opening Weekend in Belgium
Mads Pedersen has already had six wins this season. The Danish former World champion began his season with a bang, however Pedersen won’t be pining on a race quantity for the Flemish Opening Weekend.
Lidl-Trek staff supervisor, Kim Andersen, defined to Het Nieuwsblad why the Dane won’t be in the beginning of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, a race he gained previously. A wierd alternative, contemplating Pedersen is in good kind in the meanwhile. “However it’s actually not the case that Mads is already in prime kind,” Andersen defined.
“Now we have raced in many various locations in current weeks. The highest riders have been very unfold out. Profitable is after all by no means simple, however it’s actually not the case that Mads is all of the sudden far forward of schedule or one thing. Everybody now says: ‘He has already gained six occasions, he has to experience the opening weekend.’ No, we’re sticking to our plan.”
Pedersen is getting ready with a coaching block for Paris-Good (March 3-10), adopted by the Classics. “Mads has at the moment been on a coaching camp in Mallorca for ten days. He’ll keep there till Paris-Good. It’s the strategy we additionally had on the time with Fabian Cancellara. Fabian rode the Opening Weekend just a few occasions in very dangerous climate circumstances, with the danger of getting sick. Therefore the choice to not race anymore. That labored nicely for Fabian and it now works nicely for Mads. We simply know that it is extremely troublesome to be on the identical degree from the Omloop to Paris-Roubaix.”
No ‘Opening Weekend’ for Pedersen:
Not Many Classics for Anthony Turgis in 2024
Anthony Turgis has been a daily within the spring classics for a few years, however he won’t be seen a lot this yr. His TotalEnergies staff has not obtained an invite for the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Milano-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders and different races this yr.
The French staff was in the beginning of the spring Classics final yr, however has not be included this yr. This can be a significantly arduous blow for Anthony Turgis, the Basic’s chief of TotalEnergies. The 29 year-old Frenchman has carried out nicely within the spring in recent times, with second locations in Milan-San Remo, E3 Saxo Basic and Dwars door Vlaanderen and a fourth within the Tour of Flanders.
“Milan-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders are maybe the 2 largest races, so I’m disillusioned about that,” Turgis stated in an interview with DirectVelo. “I knew we needed to take such a situation into consideration, however I nonetheless had excessive hopes for wildcards. It’s simply the way it works and now we have to simply accept this.”
“It does damage and it additionally feels unusual to say that we are going to not be collaborating in a very powerful Classics. Nonetheless, it’s now vital to look forward once more. For instance, I’ll now be using Le Samyn (February 27). That was often an excessive amount of of a race after the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, however now I will probably be there. And but: Milan-San Remo and the de Ronde stay irreplaceable competitions.”
This spring, Turgis will nonetheless experience Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Le Samyn, E3 Saxo Basic, Gent-Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix. “Up to now I’ve been much less profitable in Roubaix than in San Remo or Flanders, though you by no means know. Paris-Roubaix is a lottery, however I consider that something is feasible. I’ve additionally competed for victory in Kuurne a number of occasions,” he stated.
A quiet spring for Anthony Turgis:
Truck Driver who Killed Rebellin: “I’m Very Sorry”
Wolfgang R., the truck driver who killed Davide Rebellin, has reached a settlement with the general public prosecutor, Cyclingnews reviews. The 63 year-old German will obtain a sentence of three years and 11 months, however has submitted a request to serve home arrest as an alternative of jail.
The accident that killed Rebellin came about on November 30, 2022. Wolfgang fled after the collision, however was tracked down via a collaboration between the Vicenza Public Prosecutor’s Workplace and the German police. He was initially not arrested as a result of the crime in query shouldn’t be lined by the German felony code. He was later arrested and extradited to Italy, the place he was charged with involuntary manslaughter and failure to supply help to an individual in want.
Wolfgang’s attorneys then made an preliminary plea supply: a sentence of two years and eleven months. Nonetheless, the general public prosecutor rejected this proposal. An settlement has now been reached on a sentence of three years and eleven months. Wolfgang, who’s at the moment in Vicenza jail, additionally spoke throughout a listening to. “It was a mistake, a tragedy. I’m very, very, very sorry. I repent and settle for my punishment,” he stated.
Based on the ANSA information company, the choose will make a ruling on the agreements made on March 11, however it’s also potential that it will occur earlier. ANSA additionally reviews that Rebellin’s household has obtained compensation of €825,000 from an insurer.
RIP David Rebellin:
Gaia Realini Extends Contract with Lidl-Trek
Gaia Realini will race for the Lidl-Trek staff for at the least 4 extra seasons. The 22 year-old Italian, who has turn into the most effective climbers within the girls’s peloton, has prolonged her contract till the tip of 2027.
Realini began her profession in 2021 with the Italian Isolmant-Premac-Vittoria biking staff, however was quickly noticed by the large groups. In her first yr she completed eleventh within the ultimate classification of the Giro Donne and in 2022 she additionally confirmed nicely a number of occasions within the mountain levels. This earned her a contract with Trek-Segafredo, now Lidl-Trek.
Because it turned out, Realini was a giant climbing revelation in 2023. She had a second place within the ultimate classification of the UAE Tour, gained the Trofeo Oro, got here third within the Flèche Wallonne, seventh in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and third in La Vuelta Femenina with a stage win, Giro d’Italia Donne and the Tour de l’Avenir Femmes. She began 2024 with prime 5 finishes within the UAE Tour and Tour of Valencia.
These achievements now earn her a good longer contract with Lidl-Trek, till the tip of 2027. “My first season with the staff exceeded my wildest expectations,” stated Realini. “Expectations at the moment are even larger: we wish to tackle this main problem. By extending my contract, I present that I actually take pleasure in racing for this staff. And likewise that I really feel extraordinarily appreciated.”
“The largest lesson I realized at Lidl-Trek is to by no means surrender, even in essentially the most troublesome conditions. With this staff I’ve realised that biking is a staff sport. I’ve by no means felt alone. I’ve all the time been in a position to depend on a powerful staff by my facet, which allowed me to achieve my full potential and acquire much more self-confidence. I’ll now proceed the journey to push my limits even additional.”
Lengthy contract for Gaia Realini:
Lotte Kopecky Extends Contract with Group SD Worx-Protime Via 2028
World champion Lotte Kopecky has opened up her contract with Group SD Worx – Protime and prolonged it via 2028. Within the negotiations, the staff and rider reached an settlement pretty shortly. Over the previous two seasons, Kopecky, within the colors of Group SD Worx – Protime, achieved implausible successes together with the world street title in Glasgow, the Ronde van Vlaanderen twice, Strade Bianche, the factors classification and a stage within the Tour de France Femmes and a number of world and European titles on the observe.
Kopecky (28) nonetheless had a contract till the tip of 2024. The world champion indicated that she would like to stick with Group SD Worx-Protime for the subsequent few years. The staff is satisfied that Kopecky can nonetheless make strides within the quick and long-term. At present, she is 2nd within the UCI rating. This season she already managed to win the queen stage and the general classification of the UAE Tour.
Lotte Kopecky: “I’m very pleased to stick with Group SD Worx-Protime till 2028. I really feel good with this staff, and most significantly, I might be myself on this setting. Group SD Worx-Protime is the most effective staff within the girls’s peloton when it comes to outcomes. The interplay on this staff may be very human. We’re actually not seen as robots. After all we’re anticipated to carry out, however not at any price. There’s clear communication inside the staff, so we instantly know the place we stand. Each when it’s constructive sounds and demanding notes, you get to listen to it. I can admire that. At Group SD Worx-Protime, I’ve already skilled loads of nice moments with each my teammates and the employees over the previous two years. After I take a look at the report I’ve constructed up right here and the way I’ve grown as a rider and individual, it’s a logical alternative that I’ve now opened up my contract and prolonged it via 2028.”
Erwin Janssen, staff supervisor Group SD Worx-Protime: “We’re very pleased that now we have been in a position to break open the contract with Lotte Kopecky and have secured her via 2028. Particularly in Belgium, Lotte Kopecky actually put girls’s biking on the map. She joined our staff in 2022 as a serious expertise. She was in a position to fulfil that promise within the colors of Group SD Worx – Protime and has since turn into an excellent champion. One of many huge stars of girls’s biking. Prior to now two years Lotte has gained good victories for our staff with the Ronde van Vlaanderen two occasions, Strade Bianche, factors classification and stage win within the Tour de France Femmes, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Nokere Koerse, 4 world titles on the observe and naturally her good world title on the street in Glasgow. We look ahead to persevering with to work together with her within the coming years and preserving her on the prime. Particularly with our Belgian primary sponsors SD Worx and Protime, it’s great for us to have the Belgian world star of girls’s biking on our staff.”
Danny Stam, sports activities supervisor Group SD Worx – Protime: “Lotte is without doubt one of the strongest riders within the peloton. Over the previous two years in our staff she has made big strides and constructed a pleasant report. She is a straightforward individual to work with and has turn into one of many leaders of the staff that everybody pulls as much as. She understands the staff’s pursuits nicely and is an individual everybody will get alongside nicely with. I’m assured that she will develop even additional and am happy that we’re preserving her with the staff via 2028.”
Kobe Verdonck, CEO SD Worx: “With the contract extension of Lotte Kopecky, Group SD Worx-Protime additionally assures itself of an absolute world-class rider inside the staff within the coming years. Lotte has already made SD Worx well-known because of her distinctive biking performances. As a prime Belgian bicycle owner, she is attaining worldwide success, which is strictly what we as an HR and payroll firm aspire to. Furthermore, the world champion all the time insists that she excels because of the staff behind her. That is a vital parallel to the enterprise world: you may solely carry out exceptionally because of good teamwork. Lastly, Lotte makes loads of younger expertise enthusiastic concerning the sport. It has been our acutely aware alternative from the start to assist girls’s biking in its additional growth and to commit ourselves in the long term.”
Lotte Kopecky extends with SD Worx-Protime:
Soudal Fast-Step to the Opening Weekend
Julian Alaphilippe, Kasper Asgreen and Yves Lampaert will all pin a quantity for the 2 Classics
It’s nonetheless February, however spring is already right here, and the primary cause for that is that we’re simply a few days away from the most effective weekends of the season and the beginning of six weeks of thrilling and spectacular racing on the cobbles.
Ranging from Gent and ending in Ninove, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad kicks issues off with a 202.2km course that includes loads of pavé sections and a dozen hills, together with Muur-Kapelmuur and the Bosberg. The enduring combo that after was synonymous with the Ronde van Vlaanderen ought to be decisive on Saturday, particularly as the highest of the final climb is separated from the end by simply 12 kilometres. Sooner or later later, the riders will deal with Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, the place regardless of the ultimate actual problem of the day coming with greater than 60 kilometers remaining, the attackers have their probabilities of prevailing, as proven by Kasper Asgreen in 2020.
The highly effective Dane will begin his seventh professional season on the Opening Weekend, the place he’s set to compete in each occasions. One other Monument winner in the beginning will probably be Julian Alaphilippe, the double World Champion who put in a strong show final month on the Tour Down Underneath and who returns to racing after a block of coaching at altitude. Additionally in motion for Soudal Fast-Step on the finish of the week will probably be Josef Cerny, Yves Lampaert, neo-pro Luke Lamperti – who made fairly the impression in his first races with the staff – Gianni Moscon, Casper Pedersen, Martin Svrcek and Warre Vangheluwe.
“We’re excited concerning the upcoming weekend, in the beginning of which we’ll go together with a powerful squad and loads of confidence and dedication. Many of the guys did a very good altitude coaching camp in Sierra Nevada and can now resume competitors, and 5 of our guys will do each races. We are able to’t say these races have any extra secrets and techniques, it will likely be principally about discovering out the place we’re at this second. For Omloop now we have a few riders who might get a very good consequence, whereas for Kuurne, if it comes right down to a bunch dash, we’ll be curious to see what Luke can do”, stated Soudal Fast-Step sports activities director Wilfried Peeters.
24.02 Omloop Nieuwsblad (BEL) 1.UWT
Riders:
Julian Alaphilippe (FRA)
Kasper Asgreen (DEN)
Josef Cerny (CZE)
Yves Lampaert (BEL)
Gianni Moscon (ITA)
Casper Phillip Pedersen (DEN)
Warre Vangheluwe (BEL)
Sports activities Director: Iljo Keisse (BEL), Wilfried Peeters (BEL) and Tom Steels (BEL).
25.02 Kuurne – Brussel – Kuurne (BEL) 1.Professional
Riders:
Julian Alaphilippe (FRA)
Kasper Asgreen (DEN)
Josef Cerny (CZE)
Yves Lampaert (BEL)
Luke Lamperti (USA)
Casper Phillip Pedersen (DEN)
Martin Svrcek (SVK)
Sports activities Director: Iljo Keisse (BEL), Wilfried Peeters (BEL) and Tom Steels (BEL).
Julian Alaphilippe to steer Soudal Fast-Step within the opening weekend:
Mohorič Leads Bahrain Victorious within the Opening Weekend
The anticipation is constructing for the primary cobblestone races of the season because the Opening Weekend approaches this Saturday, twenty fourth February, and Sunday, twenty fifth February, as “Omloop Het Nieuwsblad” and “Kuurne Brussels Kuurne” unfold on Belgian roads, marking the beginning of the Flemish racing season.
Usually thought of warm-ups for the much-anticipated spring Classics, these races are removed from simple. Beginning with the difficult “Omloop,” the primary WorldTour race on European soil in 2024, riders will face a gruelling course that includes 12 climbs and 9 cobbles sectors, overlaying 202km and ascending 1850m from Ghent to Ninove. Key moments embrace the enduring Muur van Geraadsbergen and the Bosberg, each enjoying pivotal roles in shaping the result. Different crucial factors embrace the Haaghoek and the Leberg, setting the stage for the center selective part that includes the important thing climbs Wolvenberg, Molenberg, and Berendries.
The race concludes with a quick 12km stretch in the direction of the standard end in Elisabethlaan in Ninove, the place a lowered bunch dash is anticipated.
Following the spectacular staff presentation within the Kuipke in Ghent, the main focus shifts to the Grote Markt in Kortrijk for the brand new begin location of the Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne the subsequent day. The 196.4KM course, that includes 1800 meters of climbing and 4 cobble sectors, maintains its difficult nature, with main climbs such because the Kruisberg, Hotond, Cote de Trieu, and Kluisberg within the ultimate part. The final 60km current flat but typically slim and uncovered roads, resulting in the standard end in Brugsesteenweg in Kuurne, usually leading to a restricted bunch dash.
Bahrain Victorious has outlined a transparent technique for the Opening Weekend, with Sports activities Director Michal Golas expressing confidence within the staff’s efficiency. “Matej Mohorič will lead each races in an effort to safe the very best consequence – victory,” says Golas.
Final yr, the Slovenian expertise was in a position to take a superb third place in Kuurne. Now he arrives in Belgium, coming off an excellent victory on the Vuelta Valenciana, and a satisfying block of coaching: “I felt nice in coaching within the final couple of days. I already gained this yr, and it offers me additional motivation to go chase my goals beginning already on this weekend in Omloop and Kuurne. Furthermore the staff spirit is excessive, everybody is basically excited to return racing on the cobbles right here in Belgium.”
If Mohorič is called as one of many favourites, the staff additionally boasts the presence of co-leader Fred Wright, the UK Nationwide Champion, aiming for fulfillment within the Belgian marketing campaign this yr.
Golas emphasises the staff’s ambition, stating, “We’re in Belgium with an bold staff. When you’ve got such a gifted rider like Matej, you all the time need to purpose for a victory. Moreover him, we consider in Fred’s good feeling with the cobbles and rising capability to get glorious outcomes. We can have a bunch of riders, together with him, who got here from a interval of excellent high quality coaching at Gran Canaria, like our street captain Andrea Pasqualon. Due to this fact, the entire staff is in excellent form to face these difficult programs, the place it will likely be important to guard the leaders at essential factors and arrive in the direction of the ultimate half with a number of boys supporting the leaders, particularly within the Kuurne. Among the many helpers, Matevž Govekar shouldn’t be solely in form but in addition motivated after his victory in Turkey and will probably be elementary within the ultimate specifically. Fran Miholjević, Kamil Gradek and Dušan Rajović spherical up our lineup for Omloop, whereas for Kuurne, Alberto Bruttomesso, at his debut on the cobbles, will change the Serbian rider. The staff is equipped for the anticipated outcomes and to make use of this opening style of cobbles as a precious check for the season forward.”
The Subsequent Races for Group dsm-firmenich PostNL
Faun-Ardèche Basic – FEB 24
Christian Guiberteau – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “We line up in France once more for 2 arduous one-day races, with the Faun-Ardèche Basic and the Faun Drome Basic. The Faun-Ardèche Basic is a tough race, that often sees the riders ending individually after a tricky battle to the road. Now we have two robust contenders with Romain [Bardet] and Warren for the ultimate; Romain will proceed his French marketing campaign right here and now we have Warren contemporary out of the Tour of Oman ending sixth on GC. To carry them into the ultimate in a great way would require slick teamwork from the start. We’ll want to remain sharp for harmful strikes, and take care of Romain and Warren nicely. If all of those items come collectively we might be within the combine within the difficult ultimate.”
Line-up:
Romain Bardet (FRA)
Warren Barguil (FRA)
Patrick Bevin (NZL)
Romain Combaud (FRA)
Chris Hamilton (AUS)
Martijn Tusveld (NED)
Kevin Vermaerke (USA)
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad – FEB 24
Kelvin Dekker – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Omloop Het Nieuwsblad marks the beginning of the traditional season for our Girls’s program. It’s all the time thrilling to race this huge Belgian traditional with all its challenges and hard circumstances. Now we have loads of confidence in our qualities as a staff and in Pfeiffer as our finisher. Our focus will probably be to carry her to the ultimate the place she will play out her strengths, however as all the time we’ll have our eyes open for alternatives earlier within the race.”
Line-up:
Francesca Barale (ITA)
Pfeiffer Georgi (GBR)
Daniek Hengeveld (NED)
Franziska Koch (GER)
Josie Nelson (GBR)
Elise Uijen (NED)
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad – FEB 24
Pim Ligthart – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “The Belgium opener of the season is all the time a race to look ahead to as we kick off our classics marketing campaign. That is all the time a difficult race, and this yr we’ll begin with a younger and bold staff the place we’ll search for any alternative to get ourselves within the entrance of the bike race. Because of this we can have an eye fixed on the breakaway or every other harmful transfer that may assist us to be within the combine when the motion begins. With an attacking mindset and good teamwork, I’m assured that we are going to be seen within the race.”
Line-up:
Pavel Bittner (CZE)
Frank van den Broek (NED)
Patrick Eddy (AUS)
Sean Flynn (GBR)
Emils Liepins (LAT)
Niklas Märkl (GER)
Tim Naberman (NED)
Omloop van het Hageland – FEB 25
Kelvin Dekker – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Subsequent up for our Girls’s program is Omloop Het Hageland. This race usually ends in a dash however that by no means comes simply because the route is demanding and brings alternatives for groups to open up the race. Now we have a squad who’re greater than able to taking a consequence right here and naturally with Charlotte on our line-up – who needed to delay her season begin at UAE Girls’s Tour resulting from illness – we’re bold to carry the race to a bunch dash the place we hope to take a pleasant consequence.”
Line-up:
Rachele Barbieri (ITA)
Pfeiffer Georgi (GBR)
Daniek Hengeveld (NED)
Franziska Koch (GER)
Charlotte Kool (NED)
Eglantine Rayer (FRA)
Faun Drome Basic – FEB 25
Christian Guiberteau – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Simply as on the day earlier than, we expect a tough on the bike, the place now we have to be sharp from the beginning at Faun Drome Basic. The race is a little more punchy, however nonetheless ought to swimsuit Romain [Bardet] and Warren very nicely, who will probably be our finishers once more. That is one other good alternative to point out our energy as a staff and play our playing cards within the ultimate.”
Line-up:
Romain Bardet (FRA)
Warren Barguil (FRA)
Patrick Bevin (NZL)
Romain Combaud (FRA)
Chris Hamilton (AUS)
Martijn Tusveld (NED)
Kevin Vermaerke (USA)
Kuurne – Brussel – Kuurne – FEB 25
Pim Ligthart – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Kuurne – Brussel – Kuurne would be the first day on the cobbles in Belgium for our classics specialists John and Nils. We see a pleasant alternative for them right here and hope to take some benefit of bringing them to the beginning line in a contemporary situation. With the staff now we have right here, we’ll carry them via the arduous center part of the race in the most effective form potential and consider that after we do this nicely, they will play their playing cards within the ultimate.”
Line-up:
Pavel Bittner (CZE)
Frank van den Broek (NED)
John Degenkolb (GER)
Nils Eekhoff (NED)
Sean Flynn (GBR)
Niklas Märkl (GER)
Bram Welten (NED)
Brussel Opwijk – FEB 25
Bennie Lambregts – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Brussel Opwijk would be the first race of the yr in cooperation with the Dutch Meals Valley Biking Group, which already culminated in Johan Dorussen making the step to our Growth program for this season. We’ll use this race to work on the fundamentals and good teamwork. If this all goes to plan, we can have Johan and Vlad as our finishers. After some good Group Camps collectively in Spain I consider now we have a well-gelled group and am assured that this generally is a actually constructive begin to the season for us.”
Line-up
Johan Dorussen (NED)
Vlad van Mechelen (BEL)
Frank Ragilo (EST)
Sean Flynn to experience the Omloop Het Hieuwsblad:
La Vuelta Femenina is Pondering of a Summit End on l’Angliru
This yr’s La Vuelta Femenina (April 29-Might 5) could also be selected the climb of the Alto de l’Angliru. Based on the Spanish web site Le Puncheur, the Spanish girls’s GT will most likely finish with a mountain stage once more this yr and the organisers are contemplating the monster climb in Asturias.
The primary ascent of the Alto de l’Angliru came about in 1999. In a seek for new roads to compete with the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, the Vuelta completed on the Angliru that yr. The then Vuelta director, Victor Cordero, appreciated a problem for the peloton.
The late José Maria Jiménez was the strongest climber 25 years in the past and a brand new climb entered biking historical past. Within the years that adopted, the Vuelta visited the Asturian monster eight extra occasions, with victories for Gilberto Simoni (2000), Roberto Heras (2002), Alberto Contador (2008 and 2017), Wout Poels (2011), Kenny Elissonde (2013), Hugh Carthy (2020) and Primož Roglič (2023). The feminine cyclists have by no means ridden up the Angliru, however possibly this yr. The ladies’s 2024 Vuelta route continues to be to be introduced.
The Alto de l’Angliru is 12.4 kilometres lengthy with a median gradient of 10.3%. The primary 5 kilometres have a median slope of 8%, after which the true work begins. The second half rises by a median of 15%, with peaks of as a lot as 24%. There’s then one other 2 kilometres to the summit at 1,558 meters altitude.
The ladies’s Vuelta to hit l’Angliru?
Roglič vs Evenepoel: Reunions and Nice Challenges
Primoz Roglič has already had an eventful Paris-Good profession regardless of solely having participated twice on this main European occasion. On his debut in 2021, he masterfully took command, successful three levels and rode within the chief’s jersey on the race’s ultimate day, when he misplaced all his benefit within the final 25 kilometres following a crash. However the Slovenian is an honourable loser. He returned the next yr and was nearly as imperious to get his revenge, with the valuable assist of Wout van Aert as his supreme deputy. This yr, the three-time Vuelta winner has chosen Paris-Good to debut his BORA-hansgrohe jersey and kick off his conquest of the Tour de France. The reunion with the Race to the Solar will even be a reunion with one among his closest rivals on the roads of Spain since Remco Evenepoel triumphed there in 2022, principally battling with him. The Belgian champion has set himself the identical problem as his closest rival with a view to July 2024 and, extra particularly, the end line in Good for the Tour’s ultimate end. The Soudal-Fast Step chief obtained a head begin by scheduling his first competitors in Portugal, the place he gained the Tour of the Algarve for the third time, with a present of energy within the Albufeira time trial that actually didn’t go unnoticed. And it could be in Auxerre, within the time trial format that was tried out in 2023 (contested by staff, timed individually), that the Olympic champion and the world champion within the speciality will pit their forces in a duel that would proceed simply till Good, with surprises to be anticipated on Mont Brouilly (stage 4) or on the way in which as much as the Auron resort (stage 7).
The match in query might see many different contenders, beginning with David Gaudu, who was as convincing as ever throughout his 2023 Paris-Good, ending in 2nd place between Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard. This yr, the UAE staff’s finest likelihood is Joāo Almeida and Brandon McNulty, whereas Visma | Lease a Bike will depend on its low season recruit Matteo Jorgenson. For Ineos Grenadiers, Carlos Rodríguez, fifth within the 2023 Tour de France, has been given the duty of taking up from Egan Bernal (winner of the 2019 Paris-Good) on the age of 23, with Joshua Tarling, the peloton’s most promising rouleur, offering precious assist within the time trial. Twenty-three-year-old Danish champion Mattias Skjelmose has already confirmed himself on the WorldTour degree by successful final yr’s Tour of Switzerland (forward of Ayuso and Evenepoel!) and can arrive within the Les Yvelines with lofty ambitions. It’s the identical story for Austrian Felix Gall with Decathlon-Ag2r, Ion Izagirre (third in 2021) with Cofidis or Pello Bilbao with Bahrain Victorious.
The stage chasers could not have the identical targets on the horizon for the end in Good. However in addition they have some correct prospects, with sprints of varied sorts conceivable in Les Mureaux (stage 1), Montargis (stage 2), Sisteron (stage 5), and why not in La Colle-sur-Loup (stage 6). Mads Pedersen, winner of the Etoile de Bessèges and the Tour de la Provence, might add to his small assortment of trophies gained on French roads, particularly Paris-Good, given his spectacular begin to the season. Arnaud De Lie has equal qualities, as do Michael Matthews and Bryan Coquard. However world-class sprinters Dylan Groenewegen, Olav Kooij, Fabio Jakobsen, Arnaud Démare, Sam Bennett and Kaden Groves will even be riders to be careful for.
Key factors:
- The 82nd version of Paris-Good takes on an unprecedented dimension because it kicks off the racing season, with one of many highlights enjoying out as soon as once more only a stone’s throw from the Promenade des Anglais, with the ultimate end of the Tour de France. 2022 Paris-Good winner, Primož Roglič goals to affix the membership of winners of the three main biking excursions this yr and kicks off his marketing campaign on the ‘Race to the Solar’, with Remco Evenepoel his primary rival. The Belgian champion will compete in his first French stage race from 3 to 10 March.
- A number of contenders are ready to affix the anticipated duel, together with David Gaudu, Carlos Rodríguez, João Almeida, Mattias Skjelmose and Matteo Jorgenson. They may all need to be on peak kind for the decisive levels of the Auxerre time trial, the centre-piece stage to the Auron resort and the ultimate stage, which is invariably indomitable, within the Good area.
- Quite a few sprinters have noticed the alternatives to be seized on the Race to the Solar, with quite a lot of profiles giving an opportunity to the likes of Mads Pedersen, Arnaud De Lie, Bryan Coquard, Dylan Groenewegen, Fabio Jakobsen, Arnaud Démare, Olav Kooij and Sam Bennett.
22 TEAMS, THE MAIN CONTENDERS:
Australia
Group Jayco AlUla: Plapp, Matthews (Aus), Groenewegen (Nld)
Bahrain
Bahrain Victorious: Bilbao (Esp), Buitrago (Col), Haig (Aus)
Belgium
Soudal Fast Step: Evenepoel (Bel), Cattaneo, Moscon (Ita)
Lotto Dstny: De Lie, Campenaerts (Bel)
Intermarché-Wanty: Calmejane, Petit (Fra), Zimmermann (Deu)
Alpecin-Deceuninck : Kragh Andersen (Den), Groves (Aus)
France
Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale: Gall (Aut), Bennett (Irl), A.Paret-Peintre (Fra)
Cofidis: Coquard, Thomas (Fra), I.Izagirre (Esp)
Groupama-FDJ: Gaudu (Fra), Bystrom (Nor)
TotalEnergies: Burgaudeau, Latour, Turgis (Fra)
Arkea-B&B Inns: Démare, Champoussin, Sénéchal (Fra)
Germany
BORA-hansgrohe: Roglič (Svn), Sobrero (Ita), Vlasov (Rus)
Israel
Israel-Premier Tech: Fuglsang (Dnk), Ackermann (Deu), Hofstetter (Fra)
Kazakhstan
Astana Qazaqstan Group: Lutsenko (Kaz), Charmig (Dnk)
Spain
Movistar Group: Lazkano (Esp), Cavagna (Fra)
Switzerland
Tudor Professional Biking Group: Storer (Aus), Trentin (Ita), De Kleijn (Nld)
The Netherlands
Group Visma | Lease a Bike: Jorgenson (Usa), Kooij, Kelderman (Nld)
Group dsm-firmenich PostNL: Jakobsen (Nld)
United Arab Emirates
UAE Group Emirates: Almeida (Prt), McNulty (USA), Fisher-Black (Nzl), Sivakov (Fra), Vine (Aus)
United Kingdom
Ineos Grenadiers: Rodriguez, Fraile (Esp), Tarling (Gbr)
United States
EF Training-Easypost: Uran (Col), Valgren (Dnk), Bisseger (Che)
Lidl-Trek: Pedersen, Skjelmose (Dnk)
Paris-Good:
E3 Saxo Basic Has a New Poster
The organisers of the E3 Saxo Basic (March 22) introduced a brand new poster for this yr. The race is often controversial, as it’s this yr. “Who has the nice legs?” is the slogan of the spring Basic.
The banner reveals two shaved legs, however the organisers of the E3 Saxo Basic usually are not saying in the meanwhile whether or not they’re girls’s or males’s legs. We’ll have to attend till Friday, March 22, after the race for the reply.
Jacques Coussens, the organiser of E3, may be very proud of the design. “I don’t wish to shock, however the UCI chairman got here to inform me final yr that I used to be turning into too good,” he advised Het Nieuwsblad with a smile. “I wish to carry enjoyable into biking, however these days not every part is feasible anymore. I all the time present the banner to my spouse first. And he or she thought it was lovely and no drawback in any respect.”
“Who’s on the poster? You’ll solely be capable to see that on stage. Then everybody all of the sudden is aware of. It’s a big day for us. The biking season all the time begins with the posters and we kick off the occasion. The poster was created primarily based on the expression of riders. Who lets the legs do the speaking? Nobody is aware of whether or not it’s a man or a girl on the poster. It’s as much as the followers to seek out out who it’s.”
After the Benidorm World Cup cyclo-cross, there was loads of criticism of the race organisers, due to their cartoon with Wout van Aert. The Belgian was depicted with the textual content: ‘LGBTQ neighborhood very enthusiastic’. With some LGBTQ supporters including: ‘About Van der Poel’s rainbow jersey, after all!’ Referring to the colors of the Delight flag.
Many individuals felt the drawing confirmed little respect in the direction of the LGBTQ neighborhood. The organisers eliminated the picture and apologised. It was not the primary time, beforehand the then E3 Prijs Vlaanderen and the E3 Harelbeke induced critisism. In 2019 the UCI then issued a press release regretted the organiser’s alternative and strongly disapproved of the poster resulting from its misogynistic nature. That controversial poster was subsequently withdrawn.
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