All the outcomes, experiences and video from the primary phases of the AlUla Tour and the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, plus rider quotes.
2024 Cyclo-Cross World Championships in Tábor – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Egan Bernal proud of His efficiency within the Colombian championships, Simon Yates goals for Tour podium, Rigoberto Urán may proceed for longer, dsm-firmenich PostNL and John Degenkolb proceed journey collectively, Shirin van Anrooij will begin her highway season quickly, a busy February for Lars van den Berg, German justice dismisses Michel Hessmann’s doping case and Lennard Hofstede has been busy since his retirement.
Workforce information: Attila Valter makes Visma | Lease a Bike Giro long-list and Eritrean Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier Will Stick with Lidl-Trek.
Race information: The good Strade Bianche weekend, groups for the 2024 version of the UAE Tour ladies are introduced and Milano-Torino: Who will host the beginning of the subsequent two editions?
Plus British Biking job drive suggestions to reinvigorate home highway racing.
Sit again for the EUROTRASH Thursday espresso!
TOP STORY: 2024 Cyclo-Cross World Championships in Tábor
Mathieu van der Poel has by no means been extra dominant than he has been this winter cross season. In Tábor, Czech Republic, he’s a useless certainty to take his sixth world title, barring an accident. In line with the person himself, it could full the circle, as a result of Van der Poel gained his first World title in Tábor in 2015.
There has beed strategies that there could possibly be snow at World championships this yr. Belgian nationwide coach Sven Vanthourenhout stated final week that these circumstances would enhance the possibilities of Mathieu van der Poel’s opponents. However a number of days earlier than the cross Worlds, temperatures have solely dropped under freezing at night time and there’s definitely no signal of snow. “It has typically been about 5 to 6 levels this week in Tábor,” defined Jakub Riman, a Czech World championships rider. Two weeks in the past he rode the nationwide championships on this circuit, he completed twelfth attributable to a puncture. “The circuit was nonetheless lined by a layer of ice, which made it slippery on the corners. However Tábor nonetheless remained a circuit through which each rider can use his strengths and be one of the best model of himself.”
“Given the altering circumstances, I anticipate a quick cross in Tábor on Sunday,” stated Riman. “It won’t be a muddy affair there. Will probably be a dry circuit. However however: technical passages, such because the excessive beams simply earlier than the tough climb and brief bends, will at all times make for an interval race. These beams have been at all times essential in Tábor, however I anticipate that one of the best rider will win on Sunday.”
Many riders already know the circuit. Mathieu van der Poel gained his first skilled World title in 2015 and his first European title in 2017. Additionally there’s normally a World Cup race there in the beginning of the season. “You possibly can evaluate the World Cup course with this one for about 80%. The one actual variations are that the sector on the again is ridden in a unique route and an additional loop has been added. Moreover, two extra bridges have been constructed,” concluded Riman.
Though the beams, which based on specialists are essentially the most notorious half on the course, deserve an additional phrase of clarification. Dutch rider Pim Ronhaar sees the hazard. “Usually there are World Cup beams and they’re simple to leap. However I’ve seen that there are different beams in it now. Those from a number of years in the past and they’re only a lot larger and really tough to leap. Furthermore, that part slopes upwards there. Usually when it’s flat, you keep your velocity on the beams. However right here it’s a must to hit that bar a lot tougher to take care of your velocity between the beams and that’s definitely doable with these World Cup beams. You possibly can put your entrance wheel on there, as a result of it’s a barely wider beam. However what’s there now could be only a plank. So you actually shouldn’t contact it, as a result of then you’ll fall over. Have a look again on the 2015 version. Then Mathieu crashed on these beams 4 occasions out of the seven rounds they rode there. So it’s a danger.”
High favorite for the girl’s race – Fem van Empel
High Favourites
Within the ladies’s race Fem van Empel is the favorite, bit don’t low cost her teammates; Lucinda Model, Manon Bakker, Annemarie Worst and Denise Betsema, the possibilities of an all Netherlands podium is kind of excessive. Of the non Dutch riders look out for Laura Verdonschot and Marion Norbert Riberolle of Belgium, native rider Kristyna Zemanova, Blanka Kata Vas of Hungary, Marie Schreiber of Luxembourg, USA’s Clara Honsinger, Canada’s Isabella Holmgren and naturally Britain’s Zoe Bäckstedt.
Within the males’s race there needs to be 52 riders from 18 nations, however Belgium and the Netherlands are by far the dominant nations. The Netherlands begins with seven riders and the Belgians have 9 males. There’s one massive favorite. Belgian nationwide coach Sven Vanthourenhout has stated that everybody in Tábor might be using for second place Mathieu van der Poel has been dominant this winter, solely shedding just one race he has began. He’ll wish to preserve his rainbow jersey, however you by no means know in cyclo-cross, issues can go flawed. If it does, the look out for: Joris Nieuwenhuis, Lars van der Haar, Pim Ronhaar all Netherlands. If Van der Poel places a foot flawed, then search for the Belgians to profit from it: Michael Vanthourenhout, Thibau Nys and Eli Iserbyt gained’t look ahead to anybody. Different Belgians; Joran Wyseure and Niels Vandeputte are additionally there. From different nations there are Britain’s Cameron Mason, Clément Venturini of France, Spain’s Felipe Orts and Swiss rider, Timon Rüegg.
High favorite has to Mathieu van der Poel:
AlUla Tour 2024
A bunch dash was anticipated on the finish of Stage 1 of the AlUla Tour and that’s what occurred on the opening day. In a busy ending straight with quite a lot of candidates to victory, Casper Van Uden (dsm-firmenich PostNL) was the quickest. The younger Dutchman solely simply took his first main success by beating countryman Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla) and Belgium’s Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step). Van Uden additionally took the lead of the overall classification and might be carrying the inexperienced jersey on stage 2.
After a spectacular opening ceremony staged on the Maraya Live performance Corridor on Tuesday night, the 126 riders of the 2024 version of the AlUla Tour all of the riders have been at begin line within the AlManshiyah Prepare station for the official begin of the stage: a 149 kilometre loop round AlUla with no main difficulties. Below a shiny sunshine, it solely took 1 kilometre for 5 males to get away from the peloton: Zubeldia (EUS), Bettles (ROI), Yamamoto (JCL) and two riders from the Saudi Arabia Nationwide workforce, Al Ibrahim and Al Shaikhamed.
The entrance group noticed their lead attain 3 minutes after 8 kilometres, earlier than the sprinters’ groups of Jayco Alula, Tudor and Soudal Fast-Step took command of the peloton. On the first Most Lively rider dash (81km) gained by Zubeldia forward of Bettles and Yamamoto, there have been solely 4 males left within the break, Al Ibrahim failing to maintain up with the tempo. In the meantime the hole had dropped to 2:30. At 104km, Bettles and Zubeldia powered away dropping their companions. Each males reached the 120km mark with a lead of 1:20. Bettles had a puncture and Zubeldia was left alone on the entrance. The Spaniard managed to achieve the second Most Lively rider dash (127km) clear from the pack incomes him the Orange Jersey. He was finally caught with just below 20kms to go.
Jayco AlUla and Soudal Fast-Step saved the bunch collectively. The bonus dash, on the second passage of the end line, with 10kms to go, with 3 bonus seconds, was claimed by Sobrero (BOH) forward of Wright (TBV) and Dversnes (UNO). It was then a query of being effectively positioned for the ultimate. Completely led out by his dsm-firmenich PostNL males, Casper Van Uden flew to the road solely simply out-sprinting Dylan Groenewegen and Tim Merlier. The 22 year-old sprinter from Schledam captured his first skilled success after a number of promising wins within the newbie ranks. Because of this stage 1 success, Van Uden leads the GC and might be carrying the Inexperienced Jersey on stage 2 between Winter Park and the Sharaan Nature Reserve. The Dutchman additionally leads the factors and greatest younger rider classifications.
Stage winner and total chief, Casper van Uden (dsm-firmenich PostNL): “All of the boys did a very good job in the present day. We had our personal plan. I feel it’s very nice that we have been capable of comply with our personal plan and give attention to ourselves, the blokes did an excellent job at that. Everybody across the race, these again at HQ, all did an excellent job, so I’m actually joyful to offer again the win to everybody and to thank all of them for believing in me.”
2nd on the stage and total, Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla): “The workforce did effectively in the present day, however I nearly crashed at 1.2 kilometres from the end. This prompted me to slip out my pedal and so I misplaced quite a lot of positions. In consequence, I used to be slightly too far to strategy the U-turn. Then I used to be too far for the final left bend once more. I managed to maneuver up a bit and end my dash, so I finally crossed the road in second place. That’s not adequate. I hope it gained’t be like that subsequent time. My velocity is sweet and I’m trying ahead to the subsequent dash alternative.”
third on the stage and total, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “At six kilometres from the end, Alessandro De Marchi hit my entrance wheel along with his pedal. My lead-out Bert Van Lerberghe then determined to make a fast change after the U-turn at 5 kilometres. That was effectively carried out by Bert. It was leaping on and off. I used to be instantly again in place, however with wider handlebars and a unique bike it took some looking out. Jordi Warlop introduced me once more, however I used to be fairly on the restrict. I bought into the wheel of Søren Wærenskjold, however that half second that I relieved the stress value me the victory.”
AlUla Tour Stage 1 Outcome:
1. Casper van Uden (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL in 3:18:55
2. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) Jayco AlUla
3. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
4. Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility
5. Dušan Rajović (Serb) Bahrain-Victorious
6. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor
7. Matteo Malucelli (Ita) JCL Workforce UKYO
8. Juan Sebastián Molano (Col) UAE Workforce Emirates
9. Gleb Syritsa (-) Astana Qazaqstan
10. Davide Cimolai (Ita) Movistar.
AlUla Tour General After Stage 1:
1. Casper van Uden (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL in 3:18:45
2. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) Jayco AlUla at 0:04
3. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:06
4. Matteo Sobrero (Ita) BORA-hansgrohe at 0:07
5. Fred Wright (GB) Bahrain-Victorious at 0:08
6. Fredrik Dversnes (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 0:09
7. Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 0:10
8. Dušan Rajović (Serb) Bahrain-Victorious
9. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor
10. Matteo Malucelli (Ita) JCL Workforce UKYO.
AlUla’24 stage 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q0EVr8T9GY
After a really eventful Stage 2 together with echelons within the wilderness round AlUla, stage victory was determined after a bunch dash for less than the strongest males of the occasion. Nicely led-out by his Uno X Mobility workforce, Soren Waerenskjold captured a second stage success within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after triumphing final yr. On the road the Norwegian beat Henok Mulubrhan (Astana Qazaqstan) and Nils Eekhoff (dsm-firmenich PostNL) and took the general lead.
A blue sky, shiny solar and enthusiastic spectators welcomed the beginning of day 2 of the AlUla Tour at Winter Park. A pleasant location to launch the 126 riders for the longest stage of the race: 199kms to the Sharaan Nature Reserve. It took fairly a battle for six males to interrupt away from the peloton in several teams.
Ultimately, after Azparren (Q36.5) gained the bonus dash (at 20km), he was caught by 4 different riders: Zubeldia (Euskatel-Euskadi), Pansaard (Roojai Insurance coverage), Koishi (JCL Workforce Ukyo) and Al Shaikhahmed (Saudi Nationwide Workforce) whereas Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility) who had claimed 2 bonus seconds, sat up and waited for the peloton. After 45kms of racing, the hole had reached 3:40 whereas dsm-firmenich PostNL, workforce of race chief Casper Van Uden, began chasing and took management of the escapees. At 67km, after a left hand flip, the actual motion began with workforce Uno-X Mobility making one of the best of the slight cross-wind. The pack broke into a number of echelons with riders like Latour (TotalEnergies), Majka (UAE Workforce Emirates), Waerenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) and Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla) struggling to comply with. After the entrance 5 have been caught by the primary echelon at 80km, the scenario calmed down after one other left flip right into a headwind. The peloton regrouped once more at 98km, shortly earlier than three males escaped: Azparren (Euskatel-Euskadi), Miltiadis (Terengganu Biking Workforce) and Oka (JCL Workforce Ukyo). They’d quickly to be caught by two riders from Roojai Insurance coverage: Batsaikhan and Tzortzakis. The entrance 5 noticed their lead develop to five:40 at 119km earlier than the sprinter’s groups moved as much as the entrance of the pack to start out chasing. On the second intermediate sprit (123km) claimed by Oka, the hole had dropped to 4:40. On the third intermediate dash (160km) gained once more by Oka, the peloton was at solely 30 seconds. The leaders have been lastly caught 4 kilometres later.
The pack remained collectively within the ultimate 20 kilometres beneath the management of a number of groups, together with Movistar and Cofidis. On the ultimate climb, whereas a sick Dylan Groenewegen was dropped, Pierre Latour (TotalEnergies) was the primary to make a transfer. The Frenchman stayed clear till the ultimate kilometre earlier than being caught. Led-out by his Uno-X Mobility squad, Søeren Warenskjold powered to the road. The Norwegian who had gained final yr’s stage 3 to Abu Rakah managed to assert his seventh professional success by beating Henok Mulubrhan (Astana Qazaqstan) and Nils Eekhoff (dsm-firmenich PostNL). Fourth on stage 1 and victorious on stage 2, the previous U23 time-trial World champion strikes as much as first total and might be carrying the Inexperienced chief’s jersey on stage 3 from the AlUla Worldwide Airport to the AlUla Camel Cup Monitor. Waerenskjold additionally leads the factors and youth standings whereas Atsushi Oka (JCL Workforce Ukyo) is main the Most Lively rider competitors.
Stage winner and total chief, Søren Waerenskjold (Uno-X Mobility): “I do effectively away from dwelling. We had a tailwind within the dash and that fits me higher as a tall rider. This was slightly simpler than final yr, which was very steep that point. This ultimate section suited me even higher. As a workforce we needed to remain effectively forward, however not take the lead too early. We did that completely. We met up after the highest of essentially the most tough half, after which we needed to maintain the moments within the final 500 metres. At that time you don’t wish to lose all of your energy, that went very effectively, however I knew I needed to keep calm. You don’t wish to go too deep in echelons, as a result of it would stick in your legs. We then had an extended stretch of headwind, in order that allowed me to take it simple. You must preserve believing and I particularly believed in my teammates on the finish. They needed to do it step by step, and by chance they succeeded. This can be a good begin to the season. You’re at all times curious how you’ll begin the yr, however fortunately it goes effectively. There are nonetheless a number of dash phases developing, so I’ve to be mentally prepared day-after-day. Fortuitously, there’s additionally a stage the place I can take it a bit simpler.”
third on the stage and 4th total, Nils Eekhoff (dsm-firmenich PostNL): “It was an extended day with quite a lot of nervousness attributable to threatening echelons. We bought by means of it effectively and have been at all times effectively positioned. Enzo Leijnse did an amazing job controlling the breakaway. Then Casper and I have been dropped off splendidly for the final climb, effectively forward, however out of the wind. After some assaults from classification riders, which we may comply with, our focus was Casper’s dash. Then I attempted to launch Casper 450 metres from the end, however sadly he may now not begin his dash. Nils nonetheless did a lead-out for Casper, however sadly the climb had value an excessive amount of power. All in all it was good to see us competing for the win once more. The legs in the end made the choice, and we’re proud of that. We’ll go for it once more tomorrow.”
AlUla Tour Stage 2 Outcome:
1. Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility in 4:42:04
2. Henok Mulubrhan (Eri) Astana Qazaqstan
3. Nils Eekhoff (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
4. Bryan Coquard (Fra) Cofidis
5. Casper van Uden (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
6. Jordi Warlop (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
7. Rick Pluimers (Ned) Tudor
8. Maikel Zijlaard (Ned) Tudor at 0:02
9. Pierre Latour (Fra) TotalEnergies
10. Iván Romeo (Spa) Movistar.
AlUla Tour General After Stage 2:
1. Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility in 8:00:49
2. Casper van Uden (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
3. Henok Mulubrhan (Eri) Astana Qazaqstan at 0:04
4. Nils Eekhoff (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:06
5. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:08
6. Matteo Sobrero (Ita) BORA-hansgrohe at 0:09
7. Xabier Mikel Azparren (Spa) Q36.5 Professional Biking Workforce
8. Bryan Coquard (Fra) Cofidis at 0:10
9. Rick Pluimers (Ned) Tudor
10. Anders Halland Johannessen (Nor) Uno-X Mobility.
AlUla’24 stage 2:
Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2024
Alessandro Tonelli is the shock first chief of the Tour of Valencia. The Italian of VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè gained the 167 kilometre opening Stage 1 to Castellón from the early break on Wednesday, after surviving with teammate Manuele Tarozzi after the hardest climb of the day.
The riders have been confronted with three climbs on the opening day, together with the Desierto de Las Palmas (7.7km at 5%), with the highest of the climb simply 15 kilometres from the end. Earlier within the day, La Bandereta and the Coll de la Basa have been additionally on the route.
The break of the day included: Alex Molenaar (Illes Balears Arabay), Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH), Gorka Sorarrain (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA), Iñigo Elosegui (Equipo Kern Pharma), Manuele Tarozzi & Alessandro Tonelli (each VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè) and Francisco Muñoz (Polti-Kometa). They have been allowed to take greater than 9 minutes on the peloton. The hole was nonetheless the identical midway by means of the stage and the peloton began to chase. Euskaltel-Euskadi, Bahrain Victorious, UAE Workforce Emirates and BORA-hansgrohe put a person on the entrance to chop the lead. That labored out fairly effectively, as a result of 30 kilometres from the end the distinction was solely 3 minutes. Simply earlier than the foot of the Desierto de Las Palmas, the duo of VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè went on the assault from the main group. Sorarrain was capable of be a part of them for some time, however finally needed to let Tarozzi and Tonelli go. It was additionally too quick for Molenaar and Bol, though Molenaar nonetheless chased the Italian duo on his personal, however he was at about half a minute on the prime.
The significantly thinned peloton had the best problem closing the hole. On the prime of the Desierto de Las Palmas the distinction was nonetheless 2 minutes, so Tarozzi and Tonelli had 17 kilometres of downhill and flat to the end in Castellón. The descent of the Desierto de Las Palmas was the sign for prime descender, Matej Mohorič, to assault. The Slovenian threw himself down and caught Bol and others of the remaining escape. Solely Tarozzi, Tonelli and Molenaar have been nonetheless forward of him. The peloton weren’t holding again now, as a result of UAE Workforce Emirates didn’t wish to give Mohorič an excessive amount of of a lead and pulled him again. The bunch was nonetheless greater than 1:30 from the main duo of VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè. Tarozzi and Tonelli took a flawed activate a roundabout and ended up within the barrier tape. They’d sufficient time in hand and crossed the end line collectively. Tonelli took the victory as a present from Tarozzi. Molenaar completed in fourth place, as a result of Oier Lazkano jumped from the peloton and handed the Dutchman within the finale. Eight seconds later, Jonathan Milan gained the dash for fifth place, forward of Michael Matthews and Mohorič.
Stage winner and total chief, Alessandro Tonelli (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè): “I knew we had sufficient lead. Within the ultimate I knew we had a two minute lead, so once we took the flawed flip I knew there was a margin. This was an actual workforce victory. With Manuele and the workforce we achieved a beautiful victory. When the hole grew to become 9 minutes, we realised that it was actually doable. I spoke to Manuele and he attacked first. I adopted him, after which I set a great tempo on the climb that we may each deal with effectively. I used to be stronger and determined to attend for Manuele. At that second he advised me that I may win. This can be a crucial victory, as a result of the Tour of Valencia is a really prestigious race.”
seventh on the stage and total, Matej Mohorič (Bahrain-Victorious): “It’s the primary day of racing for many riders, so most of them don’t actually have the arrogance but. You by no means know. We obtained little or no data. We knew we have been two minutes behind on the prime. You then by no means know, as a result of perhaps an attacker will get a cramp, or there might be a combat through which they have a look at one another. However I didn’t know they have been teammates, so sadly it didn’t work out. It’s tough to tackle the strain as a workforce. We now needed to do a lot of the work, however in the long run the break made it. That can also be good, as a result of it doesn’t occur fairly often in present biking that these riders can win a stage. It is usually a missed alternative for us, however we did what we needed to do. Possibly different groups must also assist in the event that they wish to go for the stage victory. I’m proud of my legs and I’m assured about the remainder of the week and no matter comes subsequent.”
Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana Stage Outcome:
1. Alessandro Tonelli (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè in 4:04:35
2. Manuele Tarozzi (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
3. Oier Lazkano (Spa) Movistar at 1:09
4. Alex Molenaar (Ned) Illes Balears Arabay Biking at 1:11
5. Jonathan Milan (Ita) Lidl-Trek at 1:19
6. Michael Matthews (Aus) Jayco AlUla
7. Matej Mohorič (Slo) Bahrain Victorious
8. Filippo Fiorelli (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
9. Pelayo Sánchez (Spa) Movistar at 1:20
10. Giovanni Aleotti (Ita) BORA-hansgrohe.
Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana General After Stage 1:
1. Alessandro Tonelli (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè in 4:04:23
2. Manuele Tarozzi (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè at 0:03
3. Oier Lazkano (Spa) Movistar at 1:17
4. Alex Molenaar (Ned) Illes Balears Arabay Biking at 1:19
5. Jonathan Milan (Ita) Lidl-Trek at 1:31
6. Michael Matthews (Aus) Jayco AlUla
7. Matej Mohorič (Slo) Bahrain Victorious
8. Filippo Fiorelli (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
9. Pelayo Sánchez (Spa) Movistar at 1:32
10. Giovanni Aleotti (Ita) BORA-hansgrohe.
Valenciana’24 stage 1:
Bernal Proud of His Efficiency within the Colombian Nationwide Championships
Egan Bernal was very near profitable the Colombian highway title final Sunday, however the INEOS Grenadiers rider couldn’t catch early escapee Alejandro Osorio. However Bernal was not upset after the end.
His third place was greater than a fine addition for Bernal after two tough years. The person who has gained the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France continues to be in search of his outdated legs after his coaching crash in January 2022. His comeback has had its ups and downs, however on Sunday he made his mark once more within the Colombian highway championship.
“I had nostalgic emotions in the course of the race, as a result of I felt just like the Egan of the previous once more. I assumed: I’m simply going to offer it my all now. I didn’t care if I used to be dropped. We simply pushed arduous on each climb. That’s how I at all times raced earlier than, with out worry. I feel I rode with out worry for the primary time once more,” he stated to Ciclismo Colombiano after the race.
Bernal made a bid for the Colombian title within the hilly race round Tunja, Boyaca division, however was crushed by early escapees Alejandro Osorio and Sergio Higuita. The 27 year-old Bernal was joyful along with his efficiency. “That was a very cool race. We labored very effectively collectively within the chase. We understood one another and nobody held again. No video games have been performed. That makes racing much more gratifying. It was simply all-in and I actually loved it.”
Bernal will take part within the Tour Colombia (6-11 February). This needs to be a particular race for Bernal, because the fourth stage finishes in his hometown of Zipaquirá. After a Colombian begin to the season, Bernal will fly to Europe.
Egan Bernal’s Race Schedule:
06-02 – 11-02 Tour Colombia
22-02 – 25-02 O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route
02-03 Strade Bianche
01-04 – 06-04 Itzulia Basque Nation
23-04 – 28-04 Tour de Romandie
17-08 – 08-09 Vuelta a España.
Egan Bernal feeling extra assured:
Simon Yates Goals for Tour Podium
Simon Yates completed fourth within the Tour de France final yr, however the British climber needs a greater end result. The 31 year-old Jayco AlUla rider is totally dedicated to the ultimate podium within the French tour this yr. “I wish to do higher than final yr,” he stated in an interview with GCN.
Final yr the British rider confirmed his greatest in La Grande Boucle and completed fourth behind his brother Adam Yates, Tadej Pogačar and total winner Jonas Vingegaard. “Final yr’s Tour was an amazing success, however I used to be additionally so near the rostrum. So it may have been even higher. I stay hungry and wish to do even higher within the Tour this yr. If I succeed, I’ll have been on the rostrum in each Grand Tour. There are usually not many riders within the peloton who can say that. That’s actually one thing to attempt for, it’s motivating. Final yr I solely had two comparatively dangerous days, which is fairly good for me. I’m attempting to enhance this even additional and hopefully I can take one other step.”
The winner of the 2018 Vuelta a España faces a tough job, given the dominance of Visma | Lease a Bike and UAE Workforce Emirates. “I see myself as an underdog, that’s what it needs to be. These tremendous groups not solely dominate the large races, however now additionally within the smaller races. Competitions that aren’t actually necessary, however it’s turning into more and more tough to be aggressive.”
Yates sees a change in biking. “After I was younger, I bought the required alternatives within the smaller competitions. I used to be given the chance to function as a pacesetter, however these days… The strongest groups are actually capable of dominate these kinds of races with 5 – 6 riders. That makes it more and more tough for the remainder.”
Yates is afraid of the competitors, however has religion in his personal talents. “Every part has to fall into place, however like I stated, I nonetheless have the motivation. I’m comparatively outdated now, I’ve been racing for Jayco AlUla for ten years and I’ve been competing for a very long time, however I nonetheless wish to enhance myself. I want to compete towards these tremendous groups, though it’s a very tough job.”
Simon Yates’ Race Schedule:
30-01 – 03-02 AlUla Tour
04-03 – 10-03 Tirreno-Adriatico
01-04 – 06-04 Itzulia Basque Nation
29-06 – 21-07 Tour de France
Simon Yates (left) to the Tour’24:
Rigoberto Urán May Proceed for Longer
Rigoberto Urán deliberate on retiring after the Olympic highway race in Paris. The now 37 year-old Colombian rider of EF Schooling-EasyPost introduced that he’ll retire from biking in 2024, however is now beginning to have doubts about this resolution.
Urán stated this in dialog with Canal RCN. “Every part in life involves an finish, however I’m very afraid of my retirement. Psychological assist is required, as prime athletes reside in a bubble. Every part is tailored and also you by no means actually get used to that life. Then again: I’m additionally very afraid of falling. It’s arduous to see my household endure. Truly, I’m already too outdated for the game.”
The second positioned rider within the 2017 Tour does have the chance to increase his profession. “I simply bought a proposal for 2 seasons. It’s a choice I simply can’t make alone. There are a variety of issues that I’ve to have a look at with my household and the workforce.”
It’s unclear which skilled workforce needs to maintain Urán within the peloton for an additional two years. It’s sure that the Colombian will compete for EF Schooling-EasyPost this yr. Urán has been racing for the American workforce since 2016, earlier than which he rode for Etixx-Fast-Step, Sky, Caisse d’Epargne and Unibet.
His most notable outcomes are his silver medal on the London 2012 Olympic Video games behind Alexander Vinokourov. Urán additionally gained phases within the Giro, Tour and the Vuelta, in addition to second within the 2027 Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia in 2013 and 2014.
Two extra years for Rigoberto Urán?
Workforce dsm-firmenich PostNL and John Degenkolb Proceed Journey Collectively
Workforce dsm-firmenich PostNL are delighted to disclose that the skilled John Degenkolb has prolonged his contract with the workforce by means of the 2025 marketing campaign, the place he’ll tackle his ninth season within the distinctive two-stripes.
Hailing from Gera in Germany, Degenkolb first joined the workforce now often known as Workforce dsm-firmenich PostNL again in 2012, happening to take two unimaginable Monument titles with the workforce in 2015 at Milano-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix, plus a large number of Grand Tour stage victories and lots of extra wins. Departing for pastures new in 2017, Degenkolb returned to the workforce in 2022, and has confirmed to be of worth to the squad each on and off the bike. Stable performances all through the current two seasons have seen Degenkolb declare a number of prime tens with the workforce, which in fact contains that heart-breaking version of Paris-Roubaix in 2023 the place he crashed out of the main group, happening to take seventh place. But, it isn’t solely his sturdy legs that Degenkolb brings to the workforce because the now 35-year-old has an unlimited quantity of expertise and information. With that, his position as a highway and workforce captain is essential in bringing collectively the totally different teams and riders because the workforce goals for extra success sooner or later.
Degenkolb stated: “I’ve spent most of my professional profession in what’s the now Workforce dsm-firmenich PostNL setting and it looks like household to me. It’s a dream to get the prospect to increase my contract with the workforce for an additional yr. After my 5 years away, once I returned to the workforce in 2022, we made the very aware resolution to tackle a brand new position. It’s a lot enjoyable to race alongside all these younger athletes, to share my expertise, and play a component within the progress and growth of their skills. I take motivation out of the earlier season normally, but additionally specifically from my favorite race, Paris-Roubaix. Greater than ever although I’m nonetheless pushed by my ardour for biking and all the things round it. My massive dream is to assist the younger riders to search out that very same ardour for racing that I’ve, and I wish to be an necessary piece within the puzzle for the workforce, serving to them to win the largest biking races on the calendar.”
Workforce dsm-firmenich PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna added: “John has been and is a crucial rider for us on the bike, and we’ve shared some nice moments collectively up to now, however he’s additionally extremely necessary off the bike too. He’s an actual tradition service and an skilled man, who’s at all times motivated and brings power, but additionally accountability, to the group. He has the proper mentality to assist convey these round him as much as the subsequent degree and that’s one thing we worth lots as a workforce. We’re trying ahead to persevering with with John for an additional season, and we’re excited for the place that may take us as a workforce.”
Degenkolb for 2 extra years:
Shirin van Anrooij Will Begin Her Highway Season Quickly
Shirin van Anrooij will begin her highway season within the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana in about two weeks. which may be very quickly, that is due to the early finish of her cyclo-cross season. “I discover it very tough and thrilling now, I don’t know the place I stand,” she advised WielerFlits.
On the finish of December, Van Anrooij suffered a painful coaching crash. She carried on cross racing, however after some time she realised that the ache was an excessive amount of. In the long run the decision was a damaged rib. In order that was the tip of her cyclo-cross season. “Fortuitously, issues are getting higher now,” stated Van Anrooij, who went to Hoogerheide as a fan. “However I’d somewhat be right here in racing garments, in fact.”
“Coaching goes in the proper route. I additionally really feel actually good. I feel that’s a disgrace, as a result of I now discover that the strategy would have labored. I’d have been good throughout this era. However for instance, I can’t raise issues but, so cyclo-cross would by no means have labored. That makes it simpler to simply accept that that isn’t doable. For the remainder, coaching is getting higher and I can actually stay up for the highway season.”
That highway season will begin for the younger Dutchwoman within the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana on February 15. “As well as, Strade Bianche has been added to my program. After my harm, I instantly made the selection to give attention to the highway season slightly earlier. I’ve additionally had a bit extra relaxation, so usually I can get straight into it. I’ll use these first competitions for the Classics.”
“I feel it is rather tough and thrilling now. I’ve by no means been on this scenario earlier than, the place I don’t know the place I truly stand. Usually, the cyclo-cross World Championships make me sure that I’m on the prime degree and that I’ve skilled all of the depth of the cross-country races. Now that isn’t the case and there’s subsequently some unknown. I don’t know what awaits me. I’m simply attempting to go about it freely after which I’ll quickly see how I’m doing.”
This coming weekend, Van Anrooij won’t be in Tábor, however as an skilled she did make a prediction. “Fem van Empel is the favorite, sure. However I feel it’s going to be a battle. Lucinda Model is basically prepared. That was clear in Hoogerheide, however I used to be additionally capable of see it up shut in the course of the coaching camp. I hope we will see an amazing battle.”
Shirin van Anrooij trying ahead to the highway season:
A Busy February for Lars van den Berg
Lars van den Berg is about to start out his season. The 25 year-old all-rounder is the one Dutchman with Groupama-FDJ. He hopes to take part within the Tour de France once more this yr, he was stunned when he obtained a call-up final summer season for the Tour. He begins his season subsequent weekend within the Tour de la Provence.
The French 2.1 stage race begins subsequent Thursday and ends on Sunday. After, Van den Berg will experience one other 5 races in February. Within the third weekend he’ll first experience the Traditional Var one-day race, instantly adopted by two days of Tour des Alpes-Maritimes. Within the final weekend of the month he rides ‘the Opening Weekend for the Ardennes Classics’, the Faun-Ardéche Traditional and the Faun-Drôme Traditional.
Each French races are 1.Professional races, similar to the Trofeo Laigueglia that he’ll experience the next Tuesday. It’s not but totally clear what his program will seem like after that. “Usually I experience the Ardennes Classics in April. We now have to attend and see for the Tour de France,” says Van den Berg, though he hopes to have the ability to experience La Grande Boucle once more.
Lars van den Berg’s Race Schedule:
08-02 – 11-02 Tour de la Provence
16-02 Traditional Var
17-02 – 18-02 Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var
24-02 Faun-Ardèche Traditional
25-02 Faun Drome Traditional
28-02 Trofeo Laigueglia
14-04 Amstel Gold Race
17-04 La Fléche Wallonne
21-04 Liége-Bastogne-Liége
A busy February for Lars van den Berg:
German Justice Dismisses Michel Hessmann’s Doping Case
The Freiburg Public Prosecutor’s Workplace has dismissed the prison investigation into Michel Hessmann’s doping case. In consequence, the case surrounding Hessmann won’t go to trial and he can’t be prosecuted additional. Nonetheless, this case is separate from the ruling that the German anti-doping company NADA has but to make. Which means that Hessmann can nonetheless be suspended.
The German rider of Visma | Lease a Bike examined constructive for a diuretic contained in a drugs throughout an out-of-competition test on June 14, 2023. The product detected was a diuretic drug. The ‘B’ take a look at confirmed the end result.
The Public Prosecution Service has dismissed the case as a result of, based on the justice division, there isn’t a or inadequate suspicion of a prison offence, sources across the investigation confirmed the information to WielerFlits. Hessmann can now not be prosecuted for this constructive doping take a look at, however he has to attend for the conclusions that NADA attracts from the analysis. His Visma | Lease a Bike workforce suspended him final yr.
Workforce supervisor Richard Plugge can’t say whether or not it’s a contaminated complement. Within the RadioCycling podcast he stated: “It appears to be like like one thing like contamination, however I’ve no certainty about that. We now have to attend for the official outcomes from NADA.”
Some excellent news for Michel Hessmann:
Lennard Hofstede Has Been Busy Since his Retirement
Lennard Hofstede hung up his bike on the finish of final season. The 29 year-old Dutchman had misplaced the pleasure of biking and had long-term bodily issues. “I used to be maybe slightly too good for skilled biking,” he advised the AD.
Regardless of his lesser current seasons, Hofstede appears to be like again on a profitable profession. “4 years as an U23 at Rabobank and 7 seasons as knowledgeable. And turning into knowledgeable was my dream. I’m grateful for the numerous fantastic experiences I’ve gained at each biking groups. I say goodbye to prime sport with a smile.”
One among his greatest recollections are Primož Roglič’s victories within the Vuelta a España, the place he was current as a loyal lieutenant and was important within the wins. Hofstede doesn’t have knowledgeable victory to his title. “I didn’t have that actual killer mentality. I used to be maybe slightly too good for skilled biking. The outcomes might need been even higher.”
Hofstede hasn’t taken it simple after his retirement. A world journey is deliberate along with his spouse after which he hopes to go to school. “In any case, I’ll go to the open days of the PABO. Being a instructor at a main faculty appears fascinating to me. Academics are desperately wanted, particularly as a result of many individuals will retire within the coming years. The open days are additionally a great alternative for me to see whether or not a job as a instructor fits me. And in any other case I’ll give attention to a unique vacation spot.”
Lennard Hofstede seeking to the longer term:
Assertion on the Partnership with Crimson Bull
The three way partnership between Crimson Bull and the working firm of Workforce Supervisor Ralph Denk is ready to be carried out as deliberate. The Austrian antitrust authority has no objections to the deliberate partnership with BORA – hansgrohe. Additional particulars might be offered in the course of the season.
Ralph Denk, Workforce Supervisor of BORA – hansgrohe: “With in the present day’s resolution, we’ve cleared an necessary hurdle. The foundations of our partnership with Crimson Bull are actually formally in place. That is the inexperienced gentle we’ve been ready for to go forward with the formalities and lots of particular components of the collaboration.”
“Everybody in biking is aware of how necessary the fundamentals and preparation are for achievement. So, we are actually taking this step with the required consideration and backbone. We are going to current the additional particulars of our partnership in the midst of the season.”
BORA – hansgrohe and Crimson Bull:
Attila Valter Makes Visma | Lease a Bike Giro Lengthy-Listing
Seven riders from the Visma | Lease a Bike have been named for the Giro d’Italia 2024. It was assumed that Johannes Staune-Mittet can be quantity eight, as a result of the 22 year-old Norwegian was introduced by organiser RCS Sport in the identical press launch as Tadej Pogačar, however Attila Valter goes to the Giro, WielerFlits confirmed.
Staune-Mittet took the general victory within the Giro Subsequent Gen (the U23 Giro d’Italia) final yr, by profitable the uphill end on the Stelvio. Nonetheless, inside the Dutch WorldTeam there has by no means been any query of the Norwegian skilled debutant collaborating within the Italian Grand Tour. The teen rode his first races for the Visma | Lease a Bike within the Tour Down Below.
Nonetheless, the Hungarian champion Valter is the final title within the provisional choice of Visma | Lease a Bike for the Giro. He’s in his second season with the Dutch workforce. He began 2023 effectively with a fourth place in O Gran Camiño and a fifth place in Strade Bianche. He additionally completed thirteenth within the Tour of the Basque Nation, eleventh within the Flèche Wallonne and fourth within the Tour of Norway.
After the double Hungarian title and a robust ultimate stage within the Vuelta a Burgos, with the end at Lagunas de Neila, he rode the Vuelta a España for the three leaders. Initially, the Hungarian was additionally going to experience the Giro final yr, however the workforce administration determined to take away him from the schedule. They needed to see Valter at work within the Ardennes Classics, the place he may take his personal probability.
Now that may occur within the Giro, as a result of Visma | Lease a Bike is betting on stage victories. Wout van Aert and Olav Kooij must deal with this within the flatter phases, whereas Jan Tratnik and Edoardo Affini, along with their work within the dash prepare, will sort out the transition phases. Robert Gesink, Wilco Kelderman, Cian Uijtdebroeks and Valter can take their possibilities within the mountain phases, though Kelderman and Uijtdebroeks are additionally chasing a great total classification.
Visma | Lease a Bike Giro d’Italia Lengthy-Listing:
Wout VAN AERT (Bel)
Olav KOOIJ (Ned)
Cian UIJTDEBROEKS (Bel) (Bel)
Wilco KELDERMAN (Ned)
Robert GESINK (Ned)
Edoardo AFFINI (Ita)
Jan TRATNIK (Slo)
Attila VALTER (Hun).
Valter to the Giro:
Eritrean Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier Will Stick with Lidl-Trek
Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier’s biking profession appeared to be over, however the 29 year-old Eritrean will compete once more for Lidl-Trek within the WorldTour this yr. The climber has prolonged his contract for one yr.
Lidl-Trek introduced in a press launch on Tuesday that Ghebreigzabhier will experience within the colors of the American workforce this yr. The Lidl-Trek choice consists of 29 riders and is now full for 2024. Ghebreigzabhier will primarily experience within the service of the leaders in his seventh season as knowledgeable. “I’m in fact very joyful that I’ve the chance to additional make the most of my expertise at Lidl-Trek. Over time I’ve at all times felt snug inside this workforce, along with my teammates and employees. It was a precedence for me to proceed my profession with this workforce. I’m very joyful that I lastly obtained a contract extension.”
Ghebreigzabhier hopes to point out his greatest this yr, after two poor seasons. “I really feel good and the need to make my mark is robust. I’ll use the expertise I’ve gained over time to get one of the best out of myself, display my expertise and show that I might be an necessary a part of the workforce.”
Workforce supervisor Luca Guercilena can also be joyful now that all the things has been accomplished. “Amanuel is a late however invaluable addition to our 2024 squad. He has already proven his dedication in recent times. We have been nonetheless in search of an additional climbing assistant and Amanuel was a logical alternative. We hope he’ll profit from this chance and make the workforce and its Eritrean followers proud.”
One other yr for Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier:
The Nice Strade Bianche Weekend
“Europe’s most southern northern basic”, scheduled for two March, will get a makeover by together with in each races a ultimate circuit to be repeated twice. The boys’s race exceeds 200 km for the primary time. There might be 12 sectors for girls and 15 for males. A document variety of registrations for the Gran Fondo on Sunday 3 March with over 7,000 members. The Journey Inexperienced venture in collaboration with Sei Toscana is confirmed
The good Strade Bianche weekend, which can open the season of the Italian UCI World Tour and UCI Girls’s World Tour races organised by RCS Sport on 2 March, is approaching with some necessary modifications. “Europe’s most southern northern basic” might be renewed by rising the mileage and sectors of gravel roads each within the ladies’s model (137 km with 12 sectors, totalling 40 km of Strade Bianche) and within the males’s model (215 km with 15 sectors, totalling 71 km of Strade Bianche) due to the addition of a ultimate circuit to be repeated twice that may permit the followers to see extra of each races. On Sunday, 3 March, the newbie cyclists will take to the streets, difficult themselves on the Crete Senesi raced by the Execs the day earlier than. Some of the eagerly awaited occasions of the yr for the class, the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche Enel Inexperienced Energy already has greater than 7,000 registered members.
From left to proper Daniele Bennati, Marta Bastianelli, Paolo Bellino, Nicoletta Fabio, Lorenzo Lorè, Moreno Moser and Mauro Vegni
Paolo Bellino, CEO and Managing Director at RCS Sport: “We confirmed the programme of a weekend that has turn out to be a standard occasion regardless of the current historical past. This can be a profitable format, as demonstrated by the ever-growing numbers generated. Yearly, Siena and its territories are flooded with followers from all around the world, who’re fascinated by the pictures of those locations which can be extensively broadcasted. Saturday’s races see the large stars of girls’s and males’s biking firstly, with begin lists which can be simply pretty much as good as those of Monument Classics. Two-wheel aces are more and more concentrating on this race as one among their seasonal targets, and we will solely be joyful about this. On Sunday, greater than 7,000 amateurs will participate in a contest that has already turn out to be an unmissable occasion for the class”.
Mauro Vegni, Biking Space Director at RCS Sport: “This yr we needed to make some modifications to the route, and so we created this double circuit, which can enhance the issue and mileage of each races, in addition to give the followers on the roadside the prospect to benefit from the present a number of occasions. Because of this resolution, for the primary time the lads’s race might be longer than 200 km. We are going to see how the race will develop. Yearly, this occasion offers us sturdy feelings and nice biking moments equivalent to in 2023 the photo-finish victory of the ladies’s race by Demi Vollering, or the profitable assault by Thomas Pidcock within the males’s race”.
Moreno Moser, 2013 Strade Bianche winner: “I’m significantly joyful and excited to be again right here the place I achieved essentially the most stunning victory of my profession. These are stunning locations, each when it comes to panorama and artwork. Over time the way in which of decoding the race has modified lots, there’s choice from additional away. With this new circuit there might be much more choice”.
Marta Bastianelli, 2007 World Champion: “The Strade Bianche is a world-class basic, each when it comes to members and spectators. I significantly respect the novelty of the double passage on the gravel roads, which additionally includes ladies, not like in races just like the Tour of Flanders. Whoever wins a selective race like this might be a protagonist all through the season”.
The Route of the Strade Bianche Crédit Agricole
The course is twisty and undulating, with no prolonged climbs however with fairly a number of punchy bits, particularly on the unpaved sections of the route. There are roughly 71 km of gravel roads, throughout 15 sectors, twelve of that are shared with the Girls Elite course. The race begins close to the Stadium/Fortezza Medicea in Siena. The primary undulating kilometres on tarmac result in the two.1 km-long gravel sector 1 at km 18, which is completely straight and barely downhill. Sector 2 (5.8 km) is only a few kilometres away; this would be the first difficult little bit of the race, with a brief descent adopted by an extended climb that includes sections over 10%. Upon reaching Radi, the route takes within the third gravel sector (4.4 km lengthy; particularly the second a part of the primary gravel highway stretch of the race’s first version) shortly adopted by sector 4 – named “La Piana” – one of many race’s basic gravel sectors (5.5 km in size, and featured within the course ever for the reason that first version) with no vital gradient, resulting in Buonconvento. The Montalcino climb, the second ascent of the day (4 km at 5%), is only a few kilometres away. Sectors 5 (11.9 km) and 6 (8 km) start simply previous Torrenieri, with just one km of tarmac in between. Each are arduous, hilly and really punchy, with many difficult bends, climbs and descents. After the second move by means of Buonconvento, the riders will attain the feed zone, situated round Ponte d’Arbia. Shortly after, the route reaches Monteroni d’Arbia, which marks the start of sector 7 of San Martino in Grania (9.5 km) in the midst of the Crete Senesi. It’s an extended sector marked by a sequence of light undulations within the first half, and ending with a twisting climb that leads again to paved highway. Sector 8 begins in Ponte del Garbo (Asciano). At 11.5 km, it’s the toughest of the race, largely uphill and marked by main slopes, particularly close to Monte Sante Marie, with steep gradients on each climbs and descents over brief distances. Previous Castelnuovo Berardenga there’s a really brief, flat unpaved part (300 m) adopted by the ninth dust highway sector, after Monteaperti. At solely 800 m in size, it greets the riders with double-digit gradients. The route goes again on tarmac in Vico d’Arbia the place the 30 km circuit begins. Previous Pieve a Bozzone, sector 10 (2.4 km) comes subsequent, on the climb towards Colle Pinzuto, with gradients peaking as excessive as 15%. After a number of kilometres, the route options the eleventh sector, Le Tolfe, (1.1 km), marked by a fast-running descent adopted by a really punchy climb (with a most gradient of 18%). Shortly after Le Tolfe, upon the primary passage, the route takes a first-ever experience on the Strada del Castagno (twelfth sector, 1.3 km), which results in some difficult passes on tarmac all the way in which to Pontignano, Ponte a Bozzone and San Giovanni a Cerreto, the place we enter the thirteenth sector (Montechiaro 3.3km), which was lined within the first editions of the race. The circuit ends on the finish of this sector, in Vico d’Arbia. The sectors of Colle Pinzuto (14th) and Le Tolfe (fifteenth) might be repeated earlier than the route turns in direction of Siena with slightly over 10 km left to the end.
Closing kilometres
The demanding ultimate kilometres strategy the town of Siena alongside extensive and straight roads, linked by sweeping curves, initially downhill, and additional on barely uphill. With 2 km to go to the end, the route takes the Through Esterna di Fontebranda; right here the gradient touches 9%. The stone pavement begins 900 m earlier than the end line, simply previous the Fontebranda Gate. The gradient is over 10% till 500 m from the end, reaching its steepest gradient of 16% alongside Through Santa Caterina. A pointy right-hand flip results in Through delle Terme, after which to Through Banchi di Sotto. Beginning 300 m to the end onwards, the highway is a slight, steady ascent. With 150 m to go, a proper flip leads into Through Rinaldini. The route enters the Piazza del Campo simply 70 m from the end line. The ultimate 30 m descend at a gradient of seven% to the end line, which is on degree highway.
The Route of the Strade Bianche Girls Elite Crédit Agricole
The course is twisty and undulating, with no prolonged climbs however with fairly a number of punchy bits, particularly on the unpaved components. There are greater than 40 km of gravel roads throughout twelve sectors (all shared with the Males’s course). The race begins close to the Stadium/Fortezza Medicea in Siena. The primary undulating kilometres on tarmac result in the two.1 km-long gravel sector 1 at km 18, which is completely straight and barely downhill. Sector 2 (5.8 km) is only a few kilometres away; this would be the first difficult little bit of the race, with a brief descent adopted by an extended climb that includes sections over 10%. Upon reaching Radi, the route takes within the third gravel sector (4.4 km), shortly adopted by sector 4 – named “La Piana” – that may lead the riders to Ponte d’Arbia. Shortly after, the route reaches Monteroni d’Arbia, which marks the start of sector 5 of San Martino in Grania (9.5 km) in the midst of the Crete Senesi. It’s an extended sector marked by a sequence of light undulations within the first half, and ending with a twisting climb that leads again to paved highway. The sixth dust highway sector, Montaperti, is simply 800 m in size, nevertheless it greets the riders with double-digit gradients. The route goes again on tarmac in Vico d’Arbia the place the 30 km circuit will start.
Closing kilometres
The ultimate kilometres are the identical as the lads’s course.
Mud or mud within the 2024 Strade Bianche?
Groups for the 2024 Version of the UAE Tour Girls are Introduced
13 UCI Girls’s WorldTeams and seven UCI Girls’s Continental Groups will compete within the second version of the one and solely UCI Girls’s WorldTour race within the Center East. Among the many massive names anticipated firstly are the winner of the 2023 version Elisa Longo Borghini, the World Champion Lotte Kopecky and the Spanish Nationwide Champion Mavi Garcia.
Abu Dhabi Sports activities Council, organisers of the UAE Tour Girls, are happy to substantiate the complete record of groups collaborating within the second version of the one and solely UCI Girls’s World Tour race within the Center East. From 8 to 12 February, 20 groups of six riders every (13 UCI Girls’s World Groups and 7 UCI Girls’s Continental Groups) will come collectively to race on the roads of the Center East.
Lots of the world’s greatest riders are anticipated to return to the UAE to experience the 4 phases beginning with the 2023 version winner Elisa Longo Borghini. 2nd and third positioned Gaia Realini and Silvia Persico are additionally anticipated firstly. Workforce SD Worx, winner of the workforce rating for the 2023 Girls’s World Tour, has introduced the participation of the World Champion Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes, winner of 11 races up to now season together with stage 2 of the UAE Tour Girls. Spanish nationwide champion Mavi Garcia, third positioned on the Giro d’Italia 2022, will make her debut on this race and might be among the many contenders for the Crimson Jersey. Among the many prime sprinters might be Charlotte Kool, winner of stage 4 and Inexperienced Jersey in 2023, and Chiara Consonni. A full record of riders might be introduced in the end.
UCI Girls’s WorldTeams.
CANYON//SRAM RACING
CERATIZIT – WNT PRO CYCLING TEAM
FDJ-SUEZ
FENIX-DECEUNINCK
HUMAN POWERED HEALTH
LIDL – TREK
LIV-ALULA-JAYCO
MOVISTAR TEAM
ROLAND
TEAM DSM-FIRMENICH POSTNL
TEAM SD WORX
UAE TEAM ADQ
UNO-X MOBILITY
UCI Girls’s Continental Groups
COFIDIS WOMEN TEAM
EF EDUCATION – CANNONDALE
LABORAL KUTXA – FUNDACION EUSKADI
ST MICHEL – MAVIC – AUBER 93
TASHKENT CITY WOMEN PROFESSIONAL CYCLING TEAM
TEAM COOP-REPSOL
TOP GIRLS FASSA BORTOLO
The Route of the 2nd UAE Tour Girls
08.02.2024 Stage 1 Dubai Miracle Backyard-Dubai Harbour, 122 KM
09.02.2024 Stage 2 Al Mirfa Bab Al Nojoum-Madinat Zayed, 113 KM
10.02.2024 Stage 3 Al Ain Police Museum-Jebel Hafeet, 128 KM
11.02.2024 Stage 4 Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum-Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 105 KM
Milano-Torino: Who will Host the Begin of the Subsequent Two Editions?
The world’s oldest Traditional, now in its one hundred and fifth version, will kick off from the town on the outskirts of Milan
The world’s oldest Traditional – the primary version dates again to 1876 – will begin from Rho in 2024 and 2025. After kicking off final yr’s Milano-Torino offered by Crédit Agricole, the Municipality determined to run as host metropolis as soon as extra. The settlement was sealed in the present day at a press convention within the presence of the Mayor, Andrea Orlandi, the Councillor for Sport, Alessandra Borghetti, and Mauro Vegni, Biking Space Director at RCS Sport.
Mauro Vegni, Biking Space Director at RCS Sport: “This settlement with Rho may be very vital as a result of it establishes a form of continuity desired by each events. In reality, the native administration tremendously appreciated the 2023 expertise, through which the general public welcomed the beginning of the race with enthusiasm and nice participation. From our facet, it’s nice to have the ability to create a base for the longer term as effectively and to create an much more strong bond”.
Andrea Orlandi, Mayor of Rho: “The happiness that followers of all ages gave us final March prompted us to proceed our collaboration with RCS Sport. The Milano-Torino biking basic is an occasion to not be missed, and Rho has been capable of expertise it as a very nice celebration of sport, a sport made up of tenacity, sweat, and braveness. I hope that we are going to be gathered within the metropolis centre as soon as once more to expertise one other festive event with grownup followers and kids alike”.
Alessandra Borghetti, Councillor for sport of the Municipality of Rho: “This biking basic, a lot cherished by all followers, has entered the hearts of the folks of Rho. We’re joyful to host the beginning once more and able to collaborate on new sporting occasions. The wealthy programme accompanying the occasion on 13 March is the results of the sturdy hyperlink that Rho has with the world of biking, due to the golf equipment which have been working right here for a few years”.
Statistics:
- The Milano-Torino is the world’s oldest Traditional race: the primary version passed off in 1876 with solely 8 members: Paolo Magretti gained, at a mean velocity of 14.7 km/h.
- The a number of winner of the Milano-Torino is Costante Girardengo with 5 victories (1914, 1915, 1919, 1920, 1923), adopted by Pierino Favalli at 3 (consecutive: 1938, 1939, 1940).
- Italy dominates the rating of victories per nation with 73 wins in comparison with 5 for Switzerland and Spain.
- In complete, athletes from 14 totally different nations have gained the Milano-Torino. Within the final 3 editions, there have been 3 new entries: Slovenia in 2021 (Primož Roglič), the UK in 2022 (Mark Cavendish) and the Netherlands in 2023 (Arvid de Kleijn).
- In 2023, Arvid de Kleijn set the document common velocity of the Milano-Torino: 48.194 km/h, beating Enrico Paolini’s 1976 document (47.351 km/h).
The beginning of the Milano-Torino offered by Crédit Agricole 2023. The gang gave a heat welcome to the riders:
British Biking Job Pressure Suggestions to Reinvigorate Home Highway Racing
The Elite Highway Racing Job Pressure, appointed by British Biking, has shared its suggestions for reinvigorating the home highway racing scene, concluding a 4 month course of which has engaged greater than 250 folks throughout the game. Experiences Daniel Blackham of bikebiz.
The duty drive has made 16 suggestions for British Biking to implement, masking each highway and circuit racing, along with long-term visions for the Nationwide Highway Sequence and Nationwide Circuit Sequence. The visions set out an ambition for a various, aggressive and sustainable Nationwide Highway Sequence, and a Nationwide Circuit Sequence tailor-made for mass audiences which can generate native financial and societal advantages. The suggestions comply with the publication of prolonged highway and circuit calendars for the 2024 season in December, and work is now underway inside the organisation to develop an motion plan to implement the suggestions and set the self-discipline on a path to sustainable progress sooner or later.
What’s the job drive?
The Elite Highway Racing Job Pressure was appointed in August to help British Biking’s work to innovate and energise the home scene. The group was given a focused remit to think about the composition of the elite nationwide calendar (together with highway and circuit), the challenges dealing with home groups, and alternatives to develop the attain and profile of home races. They’ve been assembly nearly and in individual over the previous 4 months, and the method additionally sought the views of tons of of individuals from throughout the group by means of a focused session. Recruited due to their breadth of expertise and information of the game, members of the duty drive included Ed Clancy (chair), Steve Fry, Monica Greenwood, John Herety, Phil Jones, Chris Lawrence, Jess Morgan and Jo Tindley.
Suggestions
The duty drive’s full report might be seen right here, which additionally contains full particulars of the event course of and their long-term visions for the highway and circuit calendars. In complete, the group have beneficial 40 actions for the organisation to take, which have been summarised into 16 suggestions:
1. Discover the creation of a centralised procurement operate.
2. Produce a brand new branding, advertising and communications framework.
3. Undertake a full evaluation of the digital technique.
4. Develop occasion organiser succession plans for all nationwide collection occasions.
5. Develop a ‘Successful Sample’ playbook primarily based on present profitable races.
6. Take into account a focused sponsorship settlement for the Nationwide Sequence.
7. Evaluate rider entry processes to stimulate early entries.
8. Develop greatest follow steering for groups.
9. Undertake a full evaluation of the Nationwide Circuit Sequence.
10. Prioritise Nationwide Circuit Sequence places by viewers dimension.
11. Evaluate the entry standards for WorldTour riders to enter the Nationwide Circuit Sequence.
12. Evaluate the nationwide highway calendar and guarantee extra races are outdoors of the north of England.
13. All efforts needs to be made to make sure supply of the Tour of Britain and a UCI Girls’s World Tour stage race in 2024.
14. Discover alternatives to extend the variety of UCI 1.2 and a pair of.2 races.
15. Undertake a full evaluation of race distances and rider qualification standards.
16. Take into account a brand new vary of jerseys for the Nationwide Highway Sequence and a capped most entry value.
Reflecting on the group’s work, chair Ed Clancy stated: “It’s been an actual privilege to steer the Elite Highway Racing Job Pressure by means of this course of and I hope that the suggestions printed in the present day can assist to galvanise the group and assist home highway racing to develop and flourish sooner or later. Whereas the duty drive members have carried out an enormous quantity of labor, our suggestions belong to the entire group. We’re massively grateful to everyone who took time to have interaction with us by means of the method, and their expertise and perception was important in enabling us to color a real image of the present alternatives and challenges they see. Although this now concludes our work, the duty drive will proceed to be a important and supportive buddy as British Biking strikes into its implementation section, and we stay up for seeing the plans take form.”
British Biking’s response
Having obtained the duty drive’s suggestions, work is now underway to construct a long-term motion plan for supply which builds on the constructive momentum of the 2024 nationwide calendars. The actions might be prioritised over the approaching years in shut coordination with the Highway Fee, and can sit intently alongside present work to develop the self-discipline in any respect ranges.
Responding to the suggestions, British Biking CEO Jon Dutton stated: “I’d prefer to thank Ed and the duty drive members for his or her dedication to the method over the previous 4 months as we collectively look to sort out a matter of actual significance for our sport and our membership. Whereas it’s clear from the report that there aren’t any simple solutions, we’ve taken constructive steps with our 2024 elite highway calendar, and now have a transparent long-term roadmap to propel our nationwide degree occasions in direction of sustainable progress sooner or later. This has been a brand new approach of working for British Biking, which demonstrates our dedication to openness and collaboration with our communities, and to discovering options to our most urgent challenges. We stay up for sharing our progress over the months and years forward.”
Can British Biking reinvigorate home highway racing?
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