Tadej Pogačar dominated the Males’s Strade Bianche and Lotte Kopecky received the ladies’s ‘White Roads’ race. We’ve got all of the motion from Italy plus Paris-Good stage 1, the Grand Prix Criquielion and the Grote Prijs Jean-Pierre Monseré – All with rider quotes, stories, outcomes and video.
UCI opens investigation into security of hookless rims and tubeless tyres – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Arnaud De Lie begins Paris-Good after his Le Samyn crash, Movistar’s Oier Lazkano retains choices open for 2025, Lennert Van Eetvelt will begin the Vuelta a España with GC ambitions, Tom Gloag out for months, Andreas Kron anticipated to return in Catalonia, Belgian police establish spectator who threw drink at Marianne Vos and 18 year-old rider of the Alejandro Valverde devo workforce died after coaching accident.
Workforce Information: Bahrain Victorious, Soudal Fast-Step and dsm-firmenich PostNL to Tirreno-Adriatico, Bahrain Victorious welcomes Łukasz Wisniowski, Mewael Girmay joins Wanty-ReUz-Technord, Crimson Bull junior brothers returns for 2024 and Škoda Belgium accomplice of Alpecin-Deceuninck & Fenix-Deceuninck.
Race information: Paris-Good features a workforce time trial with completely different guidelines, 2024 Paris–Roubaix: Cobbles galore and Danilith Nokere Koerse has some modifications to the route.
Monday EUROTRASH espresso time.
TOP STORY: UCI opens Investigation into Security of Hookless Rims and Tubeless Tires
The UCI has introduced that it’s launching an investigation into the protection of hookless rims and tubeless tyres, this is because of current accidents involving this wheel and tyre mixture.
It was Thomas de Gendt’s crash within the UAE Tour that introduced the highlight on the issue. It was stated to have been attributable to a tubeless tyre bursting off a hookless rim. This rim doesn’t have the ‘hook’ or ridge on the within which give the beed of the tyre one thing to grip. The hookless rim is simpler to fabricate and is lighter, so the rim firms are pushing using them.
Adam Hansen, chairman of the CPA riders’ union, was clear in his evaluation of the crash. “If you happen to have a look at photos of Thomas de Gendt’s bike, you’ll be able to see that his tyre got here off, the protection foam acquired caught between his fork and this stopped his entrance wheel. Some groups trip with hookless rims. This crash is why the CPA is 100% towards hookless rims. Tyres mustn’t come off rims. This can sooner or later lead to an enormous crash,” he stated to Vélo.
The UCI will now examine whether or not the protection of the peloton is definitely in danger attributable to hookless rims and tubeless tyres. “Resulting from current incidents in skilled street biking involving hookless rims and tubeless tyres, the UCI has determined to research that matter as a matter of urgency, with a view to speedy decision-making for the protection of riders.”
Urgency is subsequently required on this investigation. “These penalties might be communicated as quickly as potential. The UCI is working with biking stakeholders and element producers to make sure that the best measures are taken in each the brief and long run. This investigation and the selections that comply with are a part of the UCI’s coverage to advertise rider security, one of many UCI’s biggest pursuits.”
Tyre producer Vittoria additionally responded to the incident. In a press release, the corporate acknowledged that the crash was not attributable to tubeless tyres or by wheels with hookless rims. “It’s essential to make clear that the rim failure is attributable to the affect of an object, on this case a stone, and isn’t associated to the design of the rim. The depth of the affect precipitated the wheel to interrupt in such a means that the tire might now not stay securely in place. The strain was so excessive that the tyre insert tore. The accident was subsequently not the results of an incorrect mixture of wheels and tires.”
Tubeless tyres have a most strain on hookless rims, which is pretty low and there was circumstances of tyres blowing off the rim because of the warmth underneath vibrant sunshine.
Thomas de Gendt on the UAE Tour after his crash due a tyre coming off a hookless rim:
Strade Bianche 2024
UAE Workforce Emirates’ Tadej Pogačar was the favorite to win the 2024 Strade Bianche, however nobody guessed he would assault with 80 kilometres to go and solo to the end in Siena. The Slovenian champion quickly had a lead of 4 minutes and the others behind him have been racing for the rostrum. Toms Skujiņš was second and Maxim Van Gils third, each at practically 3 minutes. Final 12 months’s winner, Tom Pidcock took fourth place.
The previous six editions of the Strade Bianche have been fought over 186 kilometres, this 12 months the route was 215 kilometres, with now fifteen gravel sections, an additional 4, giving the riders 71.5 kilometres of white roads.
After a number of early motion, a breakaway of 5 fashioned. Dion Smith (Intermarché-Wanty), Mark Donovan (Q36.5), Lawson Craddock (Jayco AlUla), Nils Brun (Tudor) and Anders Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility) constructed up a lead of two:30. UAE Workforce Emirates and EF Training-EasyPost didn’t let the break get any extra time and began to tug them again.
After Craddock and Brun needed to let go attributable to mechanical issues, the others within the lead group have been additionally caught 100 kilometres from the end. Quinn Simmons and Magnus Cort then jumped off the entrance of the already thinned out peloton. When the 2 have been introduced again, the American champion attacked once more by way of the heavy rain. All the things got here collectively once more on Monte Sante Marie, an 11.5 kilometre lengthy gravel part. Fairly just a few riders had been dropped, together with former winner Julian Alaphilippe, who had crashed earlier and deserted. Tim Wellens led the peloton on Monte Sante Marie for Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian champion attacked kilometres from the end and nobody might comply with him, though Vuelta winner, Sepp Kuss, tried at first. Pogačar left the race behind him and shortly had a big lead. On the finish of that gravel part he had 1:15 on Maxim Van Gils, the primary chaser. Round 30 seconds behind the Belgian, there was a gaggle of about 20 riders. This included 4 riders from Visma | Lease a Bike: Attila Valter, Ben Tulett, Christophe Laporte and Sepp Kuss, plus Ben Healy, Matej Mohorič and Tom Pidcock. The British rider had Magnus Sheffield and Thymen Arensman with him. The Dutchman rode arduous on the entrance for his chief, however Pogačar simply gained time.
Whereas Pogačar acquired to over three minutes, Van Gils dropped again to Pidcock group. Healy tried a number of instances to get away from the chasers, however he couldn’t get away alone and had no assist. The group, which was now competing for a podium place, had thinned out extra because of the Irishman’s assaults. Simply earlier than the primary passage of the Le Tolfe, Healy crashed, simply because the Lotto Dstny riders; Van Gils and Lennert Van Eetvelt pushed on, on this four-star part and Van Gils managed to take a niche. Van Gils couldn’t get nearer to Pogačar, however he was taking time on the chase group. Skujins additionally attacked at the moment. The Latvian, who had beforehand crashed collectively along with his teammate Simmons, joined Van Gils 20 kilometres from the end. It appeared like these two could be becoming a member of Pogačar on the rostrum, as they quickly gained 1:30 on the group with Pidcock. Pidcock additionally counter-attacked on the Colle Pinzuto, the penultimate gravel part of the day, however he could be racing for fourth place. This was all happening effectively behind Tadej Pogačar. The UAE Workforce Emirates chief, who was using his first race of the season, stored his result in solo to victory. He had loads of time to rejoice his victory on the Piazza del Campo in Siena lengthy earlier than some other rider was in sight. That is the second time that Pogačar has received the Strade Bianche, he additionally soloed to the win two years in the past. Behind Pogačar, Skujins and Van Gils fought it out for second place on the By way of Santa Caterina, the final climb of the day. It was the Latvian who got here out on high to take second place. Van Gils completed third. Tom Pidcock and Matej Mohorič took fourth and fifth.
# See the total PEZ ‘Race Report’ HERE for heaps extra nice pictures. #
2024 Strade Bianche winner, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Workforce Emirates): “It was not the plan to assault from to date out however I discovered myself in a more durable state of affairs than anticipated. There was a storm with hails, the climate was horrible and never many riders have been left at Sante Marie. I knew it could be arduous to get away solo later, as the next climbs didn’t go well with me so effectively. I made a decision to push. No one got here from behind, I had two team-mates, Tim Wellens and Isaac Del Toro within the chasing group in case I’d run out of fuel. I can’t say it’s my most stunning victory as a result of I’m so soiled on the finish… However the environment on the street was unbelievable. I’ve not seen so many individuals at a race in Italy earlier than. I really like Italy, not just for the great pasta and pizza. I’ve raced right here all of my life and this win boosts my confidence for the Giro. I hope I’ve an excellent Italian 12 months forward of me, beginning with Milano-Sanremo in two weeks. I acquired affirmation at the moment that the implications of my crash final 12 months are behind me. I’m not the one to determine if I’ve made Strade Bianche the following Monument on the calendar, it’s undoubtedly one of the in style races in the mean time. It’s one of many largest on this planet.”
2nd, Toms Skujins (Lidl-Trek): “It’s not a win however second to Tadej Pogacar is sort of good. If somebody had stated I’d come second at the moment I’d not have believed however ending on the rostrum is one thing I’ve been considering of for a very long time so I’m actually glad. That is undoubtedly a really particular race with the end right here in Siena, with the folks, the gang, the noise… there’s no race that comes near Strade Bianche. My legs have been screaming however with the folks on the street helped at the moment. It sort of blocked the ache.”
third, Maxim Van Gils (Lotto Dstny): “I used to be so nervous to start with of the race. We went so arduous. At first, I attempted to comply with Tadej, then I might have stayed in his wheel. However there have been another riders earlier than me they usually didn’t have a solution to the assault. Tadej took off and was gone. He was simply too sturdy. I hoped to take some others with me, however nobody was following. I knew Strade Bianche suited me, however that is the affirmation that I can compete with the large boys. It feels actually good to know that I’ve taken a brand new step right here. I’m utterly exhausted now, however I’m tremendous pleased with this efficiency.”
4th, Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers): “Even earlier than Tadej attacked it was full fuel, when he attacked it felt like we have been within the grupetto, there have been simply useless our bodies all over the place and I waited too lengthy, it was a case of too little too late. If I’d performed it a bit higher I might have been second so I don’t actually have any phrases for that. It’s like we have been racing prefer it was nonetheless on the outdated parcours, and it could have been positive, however if you add 40km on then everyone seems to be dying, though I don’t suppose it could have modified the consequence. It was continuous consuming all through the race, it was key at the moment, I don’t really feel like consuming any extra at the moment. While you’re already going full fuel for the primary 80km you’re already consuming full fuel prefer it’s the ultimate after which it’s a must to proceed it to the tip. It’s fairly tough. I used to be simply ready and ready attempting with everybody else, there have been a number of assaults and folks attempting to leap, however I left it too late. Nicely no (anticipate Pogačar to assault), actually everybody was taking a look at one another and we have been all simply considering what the hell, it felt like we have been within the grupetto. I don’t actually know what to say to be sincere. I used to be good at the moment, however I waited too lengthy. When Tadej went I believed there was no actual level in going then, as a result of there was nonetheless 80km to go and I used to be not wanting to enter the pink, folks have been simply going off prefer it was the outdated circuit, I waited too lengthy in the long run. If the race was elevated by an additional 30km and it’s flat then okay, however if you add 30km extra of the identical kind of racing then you definately’re not likely racing anymore it feels extra attritional.”
fifth, Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious): “Pogačar is the primary in biking. Sadly, there was an absence of collaboration within the chasing group, and the chance slipped away. Nonetheless, fifth place is a optimistic consequence, boosting my confidence for the upcoming Belgian marketing campaign, and earlier than that Milano-Sanremo.”
sixth, Benoît Cosnefroy (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale): “I’m pleased with my efficiency, and I’m delighted to have performed a number one position in a WorldTour race. There’s a sure pleasure in coming again to play the primary positions on the highest world stage. The workforce’s work was nice, Jaakko (Hänninen) and Paul (Lapeira) protected me from the beginning of the race. We have been unfortunate at instances, however that’s what this race is all about. I believe that collectively we will be happy with what we’ve carried out.”
14th, Francesco Busatto (Intermarché-Wanty): “My goal at the moment was to push myself to the utmost of my capabilities, to see how far this might carry me. And we will say it’s mission achieved. Being current between all these champions, in my favorite race and my first one within the World Tour, that’s unbelievable. I needed to remain within the entrance within the strategy in the direction of the sectors to spend minimal power chasing and to keep away from being positioned behind a niche. Once I managed to comply with the group of twenty riders on the sector of Monte Santa Marie, I began believing {that a} good consequence was potential. Having the ability to depend on skilled teammates corresponding to Lorenzo Rota or Simone Petilli has been valuable. With some additional maturity I can return the following years with the purpose of even doing higher.”
Strade Bianche End result:
1. Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Workforce Emirates in 5:19:45
2. Toms Skujiņš (Lat) Lidl-Trek at 2:46
3. Maxim Van Gils (Bel) Lotto Dstny at 2:50
4. Thomas Pidcock (GB) INEOS Grenadiers at 3:50
5. Matej Mohorič (Slo) Bahrain Victorious at 4:26
6. Benoît Cosnefroy (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 4:39
7. Davide Formolo (Ita) Movistar at 4:41
8. Lenny Martinez (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 4:48
9. Filippo Zana (Ita) Jayco AlUla at 4:49
10. Christophe Laporte (Fra) Visma | Lease a Bike at 5:17.
Strade Bianche’24:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdzG0WOaw-U
Strade Bianche Ladies 2024
Lotte Kopecky received the ladies’s Strade Bianche on Saturday. The SD Worx-Protime rider received the dash towards Elisa Longo Borghini on the end in Siena. Demi Vollering was third. This was Kopecky’s second Strade Bianche Donne win.
This 12 months’s Strade Bianche for ladies was raced over 137 kilometres, only one kilometre greater than final 12 months, however there was extra climbing this 12 months. There was 12 sections of gravel, about 40 kilometres. The rain of the previous few days made the gravel sections moist and heavy.
There wasn’t an early break as Fenix-Deceuninck, Lidl-Trek and Uno-X Mobility took management. The primary assaults got here 60 kilometres from the end. A bunch of 11 escaped. Their lead elevated to 1 minute, however the peloton additionally didn’t decelerate. Kraak, Markus and Alena Amialiusik appeared to have the perfect legs within the main group and broke away. SD Worx-Protime took the lead within the peloton along with Lidl-Trek. There have been accelerations, however the thinned peloton stayed collectively for fairly just a few kilometres. The final hole was ultimately closed, 21 kilometres from the end, by Elizabeth Deignan and Amanda Spratt. Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini shook issues up for the primary time with 18 kilometres to go, inflicting the main group to skinny out additional. Marianne Vos and Katarzyna Niewiadoma adopted, however the foursome have been pulled again. Niewiadoma put in an assault on Le Tolfde. The gravel World champion pushed arduous and solely Vollering, Kopecky, Longo Borghini and Shirin van Anrooij might go together with her. The 4 didn’t work effectively, however the chasers wouldn’t catch them.
Van Anrooij was dropped after a leap from Vollering. The opposite three have been in a position to comply with, after which Kopecky tried once more. This time Longo Borghini jumped on the wheel and Niewiadoma, with Vollering in her wheel, needed to shut the hole. Niewiadoma failed to shut the hole, permitting Longo Borghini and Kopecky to battle for the victory. The lead was by no means greater than 20 seconds. The duo rode collectively to the final kilometre. Longo Borghini set the tempo, however Kopecky jumped off her wheel with 500 metres to go. The World champion was clearly the strongest and soloed to victory. Longo Borghini needed to accept second place. Vollering beat Niewiadoma 11 seconds later within the dash for third place.
2024 Strade Bianche winner, Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime): “We had extra management than final week in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. The entire workforce did a unbelievable job. On Le Tolfe, Demi Vollering and I have been within the entrance, which allowed us to play the workforce sport completely. Demi went on, however was caught again. I used to be truly virtually on the restrict, however I needed to assault. It was my flip to go. I truly didn’t have the perfect day. I suffered the entire race. Once I left this morning, I instantly felt I didn’t have the perfect legs. However I typically have that in a race and normally they don’t actually worsen because the race progresses. Once more, my legs felt the identical all through the race. So I attempted to not panic. On the By way of Santa Catarina it was necessary to not assault too early. Once I attacked, I went full pace till the final nook. Then I knew this win was in and that I might triumph in a really particular means as world champion within the Piazza del Campo.”
2nd, Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek): “The standard of at the moment’s race is unbelievable. The extent was very excessive. We performed our playing cards the perfect we might and we find yourself with the second place. We will be glad. Second to the world champion just isn’t unhealthy, we labored to beat her and I’ve honoured the tricolour jersey [of Italian champion] in my favorite race however one way or the other we have now to work it out the right way to beat her within the subsequent races. We all the time attempt to go for the win and something might have occurred till we crossed the road. It was a giant battle with Lotte [Kopecky] and once more she received the race, that’s biking. I’m glad about how we fought at the moment.”
third, Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime): “It’s been a really good race once more, a tough race, completely completely different from earlier 12 months. It was arduous however not tremendous arduous. There was nonetheless a reasonably large group and it took time earlier than the actual closing began. It was a 3 gravel sections fireworks and all people was terrified of what was coming. With Lotte [Kopecky] on the entrance, I didn’t have any strain any extra. I knew Lotte might end it off.”
Strade Bianche Ladies End result:
1. Lotte Kopecky (Bel) SD Worx-Protime in 3:55:43
2. Elisa Longo Borghini (Ita) Lidl-Trek at 0:04
3. Demi Vollering (Ned) SD Worx-Protime at 0:26
4. Katarzyna Niewiadoma (Pol) Canyon//SRAM
5. Shirin van Anrooij (Ned) Lidl-Trek at 0:40
6. Kristen Faulkner (USA) EF Training-Cannondale at 0:41
7. Riejanne Markus (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:01
8. Elise Chabbey (Sui) Canyon//SRAM at 1:54
9. Marianne Vos (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
10. Évita Muzic (Fra) FDJ-SUEZ.
Strade Bianche’24:
Paris-Good 2024
Olav Kooij received Stage 1 of Paris-Good after a dash battle with Mads Pedersen. The younger sprinter of Visma | Lease a Bike received after a hilly finale, the place Remco Evenepoel and Primož Roglič have been exhibiting their kind. Kooij beat the Dane on the marginally uphill end by half a wheel. Kooij can also be the primary general chief.
After the undulating early a part of the stage, there have been three climbs within the final 60 kilometres: the Côte d’Herbeville (2.6km at 5.1%), the Côte de Bazemont (1.7km at 6.6%) and the Côte d’Herbeville for the second time. There was additionally an uncategorised climb to Montainville with a most of 10% gradient. After the final climb, there have been 12 kilometres to the uphill end.
Three riders attacked early: Jonas Rutsch and Stefan Bissegger (EF Training-EasyPost) have been joined by Mathieu Burgeaudeau (TotalEnergies). They quickly had a 3 minute lead, however their benefit was lower by Lidl-Trek, Soudal Fast-Step and Lotto Dstny. These groups have been in search of a stage win with Mads Pedersen and Arnaud De Lie. On the first passage of the end in Les Mureaux, with a 55 kilometre loop to the end, the hole was all the way down to 50 seconds. The escapees then began to assault one another. Bissegger was the primary to be dropped, then Rutsch and Burgeaudeau have been additionally caught by the peloton on the Côte de Bazemont. Rutsch managed to take the KOM factors earlier than he was caught and he would put on the primary mountain’s jersey.
The race was quiet because it headed in the direction of the hilly finale. On the climb to Montainville, Matteo Jorgenson of Visma | Lease a Bike took the 6 seconds bonus forward of Remco Evenepoel, who took 4 seconds and Egan Bernal, 2. It appeared just like the race was on, however the peloton got here again collectively once more. On the final time up the Côte d’Herbeville (2.6km at 5.1%) it was Bernal who attacked. He was joined by a gaggle together with Evenepoel and the Belgian champion noticed his probability. Primoz Roglič noticed the transfer and needed to chase down Evenepoel. On the summit there wasn’t any gaps and so there was round 50 riders collectively, together with some sprinters, with 10 kilometres to go.
Turgis tried to shock the sprinters, however his try was shut down 2 kilometres from the end. Within the final kilometre it was a battle between Visma | Lease a Bike and Lidl-Trek to place Olav Kooij and Mads Pedersen in the absolute best positions. Stuyven led-out Pedersen on the uphill end, with Kooij on his wheel. Pedersen was the primary onto the ultimate straight, however Kooij had the quickest dash within the final 125 metres. On the line Kooij received by half a wheel from the Dane. Laurence Pithie (Groupama-FDJ) was third, simply forward of Nils Eekhoff (dsm-firmenich PostNL). Kooij leads the general classification, 4 seconds forward of Pedersen and teammate Jorgenson. Remco Evenepoel is at 6 seconds and Egan Bernal at 8 seconds, attributable to their bonus seconds.
Stage winner and general chief, Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike): “It was robust, however we actually needed to go for it. I used to be in an excellent place due to the boys, however then it was robust on the climbs. Then we knew it could be concerning the stage victory. Ultimately it was tough, however I’m very glad to win. We knew this end suited Mads Pedersen and he’s doing effectively this 12 months. We additionally had nice duels right here final 12 months and once more now, however I’m particularly glad that I can win now. My victory final 12 months in Paris-Good was very good and I’m glad to return again right here. Tomorrow’s stage additionally fits me within the dash, so it is vitally good to have the ability to trip within the yellow jersey. We goal for the very best potential each day.”
fifth general, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Fast-Step): “We did what we needed to do. The intention was to get bonus seconds, which we succeeded. There was one a bit smarter (Matteo Jorgenson). Plan A was to proceed on the high, however they have been all of the domestiques of the sprinters who have been there they usually didn’t wish to take part. Which is their proper. Roglič is normally glued to my wheel, however I didn’t prefer it. That was why I pushed so arduous. Just some seconds, that’s one thing. No crashes, that’s one thing. The workforce is there, in order that’s good for morale. This was most likely essentially the most harmful stage of this Paris-Good purely when it comes to hectic tempo and we survived it effectively.”
Paris-Good Stage 1 End result:
1. Olav Kooij (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike in 3:36:28
2. Mads Pedersen (Den) Lidl-Trek
3. Laurence Pithie (NZ) Groupama-FDJ
4. Nils Eekhoff (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
5. Madis Mihkels (Est) Intermarché-Wanty
6. Michael Matthews (Aus) Jayco AlUla
7. Matteo Trentin (Ita) Tudor
8. Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek
9. Sandy Dujardin (Fra) TotalEnergies
10. Kaden Groves (Aus) Alpecin-Deceuninck.
Paris-Good Stage 1 End result:
1. Olav Kooij (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike in 3:36:18
2. Mads Pedersen (Den) Lidl-Trek at 0:04
3. Matteo Jorgenson (USA) Visma | Lease a Bike
4. Laurence Pithie (NZ) Groupama-FDJ at 0:06
5. Remco Evenepoel (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
6. Egan Bernal (Col) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:08
7. Nils Eekhoff (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:10
8. Madis Mihkels (Est) Intermarché-Wanty
9. Michael Matthews (Aus) Jayco AlUla
10. Matteo Trentin (Ita) Tudor.
Paris-Good’24 stage 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtSRfd6OZyM
Grand Prix Criquielion 2024
Alec Segaert received the Criquielion Grand Prix on Saturday. The younger rider of Lotto Dstny simply held off the sprinting peloton. The Czech rider, Pavel Bittner (dsm-firmenich PostNL) was second and Jenthe Biermans (Arkéa-Samsic) was third.
within the Grand Place of Ath, Walloon, the peloton began the 200 kilometre race. The GP Criquielion takes place largely within the Lessines space, a city within the province of Hainaut near the Flemish border with Geraardsbergen. Lessines was the house of the late Claude Criquielion.
From the beginning, there have been 5 comparatively flat circuits of 24 kilometres, there have been two cobbled sections in every passage; the Rue Saint Géréon, solely 100 metres, and the Rue de la Blanche which is 500 metres of barely uphill cobbles. For the finale, the organisers had two circuits of 35 kilometres, every containing the Côte du Mont (2.2km at 2.5%) and the Côte des Planchettes (1km at 5.8%). The primary try at forming the break of the day succeeded. Intermarché-Wanty took management of the peloton. When the race hit the hilly circuit, the main group cut up. Azparren of Q36.5 dropped the others within the break. Going into the ultimate lap, his lead was solely 30 seconds as heavy rain began to fall.
The final time on the Côte du Mont, Azparren was handed by Stan Van Tricht (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Fabio Christen (Q36.5). They quickly had 35 seconds, however that lead shortly shrank to 10 seconds on the ultimate climb. There was some panic within the peloton, however ultimately Intermarché-Wanty and Arkéa-B&B Resorts took on the work. With 4.5 kilometres to go it was all collectively. The race was uncontrolled within the closing kilometres. First Axel Huens (Tour de Tietema-Unibet) took his probability, and firstly of the ultimate 2 kilometres it was Henri Uhlig (Alpecin-Deceuninck) who tried his luck. Alec Segaert (Lotto Dstny) adopted, however refused to work, as a result of he had his chief Milan Menten behind. Uhlig continued to trip arduous, with Segaert on his wheel. The Belgian put in his effort on the proper time, simply sufficient to remain forward of the peloton.
Race winner, Alec Segaert (Lotto Dstny): “It was fairly a closed race. The peloton managed the breakaway, so the lead stayed round 3 minutes. At 70 kilometres from the end, there have been just a few climbs. Though typically the race broke open, the variations remained small. Till about 15 kilometres from the end, two riders had a small hole. The plan initially was to go for Milan Menten within the dash. I’d carry him into the perfect place or react to late assaults, as was occurring now. Somebody from Alpecin-Deceuninck jumped away after the cobbles. I used to be in a position to react and play the sport. He took me to the final uphill straight. I needed to begin early to remain forward, so at 500 meters I attacked. I went full to the end and didn’t look again. Fortunately, that was sufficient for the victory. This exhibits that we have been prepared for this race. We had a number of methods to win the race. This was sturdy work from the workforce.”
Grand Prix Criquielion End result:
1. Alec Segaert (Bel) Lotto Dstny in 4:40:27
2. Pavel Bittner (CZ) dsm-firmenich PostNL
3. Jenthe Biermans (Bel) Arkéa-B&B Resorts
4. Pierre Barbier (Fra) Philippe Wagner/Bazin
5. Milan Menten (Bel) Lotto Dstny
6. Arne Marit (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty
7. Luca Mozzato (Ita) Arkéa-B&B Resorts
8. Jensen Plowright (Aus) Alpecin-Deceuninck
9. James Fouché (NZ) Euskaltel-Euskadi
10. Pau Miquel (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma.
GP Criquielion’24:
Grote Prijs Jean-Pierre Monseré 2024
Jarne Van de Paar received the GP Monseré on Sunday. In a really moist version of the Lotto Biking Cup Collection, the 23 year-old of Lotto Dstny was the quickest sprinter from a thinned out peloton. He held off Timothy Dupont (Tarteletto-Isorex) and David Dekker (Arkéa-B&B Resorts).
After the beginning in Ichtegem, the peloton rode 25 kilometres to the circuit in Roeselare, there they’d three laps of 57.8 kilometres to cowl. On every circuit there was the Hoogledeberg (600 meters at 3.2%), the Ruidenbergstraat (1km at 2.1%), the Lookhuisstraat (1.2km at 1.5%) and the cobbles of the Gitsberg (400 meters at 3.2%).
The primary break of the day consisted of Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise), Mathias Vanoverberghe (Philippe Wagner-Bazin), Tom Bohli (Tudor) and Gianni Marchand (Tarteletto-Isorex), they have been joined by Dutchman Meindert Weulink of Parkhotel Valkenburg. Their lead was by no means greater than 3 minutes, primarily because of the work of Intermarché-Wanty and dsm-firmenich PostNL. There have been assaults from the peloton with greater than 80 kilometres to go. Baptiste Planckaert and Pierre Thierry jumped away when the early break was caught, however their try didn’t final lengthy both. The following assault got here from Hartthijs de Vries (TDT-Unibet), who had crashed earlier within the race. He took a lead of 45 seconds on the peloton, the place Uno-X Mobility had taken the management.
The climate didn’t make the race any simpler and there have been many crashes on the slim and moist roads. Pre-race favorite, Arne Marit dropped out early within the finale, partly attributable to hypothermia. De Vries’ assault try failed 23 kilometres from the end, attributable to Arkéa-B&B Resorts. Along with Uno-X Mobility, the French workforce needed a dash end. There have been no assaults the final time on the Gitsberg, so there could be a dash by a thinned peloton. Jarne Van de Paar had the quickest legs on the end. After his stage victory final 12 months within the Tour of Taihu Lake, it’s the second skilled victory of his profession.
Race winner, Jarne Van de Paar (Lotto Dstny): “That is loopy. I actually needed to win in Belgium this 12 months. It’s my first race right here and I received it immediately. Most of them have been extraordinarily chilly, however I felt good. It wasn’t too unhealthy. It was additionally a troublesome race, with many falls and slides. It was actually a spectacle. It turned out fantastically, we have been all the time on the entrance with Joshua Giddins and Lionel Taminiaux. Within the closing we needed to wait and see how the race went. The dash was hectic. I primarily needed to attend, stay calm and belief my teammates. I couldn’t get a greater lead-out.”
2nd, Timothy Dupont (Tarteletto-Isorex): “The situations have been actually appalling. I had a foul fall to start with, on my hip and knee, however I used to be in a position to proceed and I’m glad with my second place. Van de Paar had the right lead-out from Taminiaux. I used to be on his wheel and was crushed on worth, that’s why I’m glad.”
third, David Dekker (Arkéa-B&B Resorts): “I felt so sturdy at the moment, however within the dash I used to be behind the crash. That’s why I’m disillusioned, as a result of the workforce was so sturdy. We rode so effectively collectively. We have been collectively very sturdy and determined to make use of this on one of many hardest cobblestone sections. Within the dash I misplaced the boys a bit after which in addition they rode for me. That’s primarily attributable to myself.”
Grote prijs Jean-Pierre Monseré End result:
1. Jarne Van de Paar (Bel) Lotto Dstny in 4:51:09
2. Timothy Dupont (Bel) Tarteletto-Isorex
3. David Dekker (Ned) Arkéa-B&B Resorts
4. Francisco Galván (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma
5. Emilien Jeannière (Fra) TotalEnergies
6. Lionel Taminiaux (Bel) Lotto Dstny
7. Henri Uhlig (Ger) Alpecin-Deceuninck
8. Jenthe Biermans (Bel) Arkéa-B&B Resorts
9. Thimo Willems (Bel) VolkerWessels Biking Workforce
10. Vito Braet (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty.
GP Monseré’24:
Arnaud De Lie Begins Paris-Good After his Le Samyn Crash
Arnaud De Lie has resumed racing after his crash and abandonment in Le Samyn. He stated he’s pain-free. “However for me additionally it is a query concerning the situation and feeling on the bike,” the Lotto Dstny sprinter informed Het Nieuwsblad.
“I now not have any ache, however it’s actually not a pleasant feeling to trip after a crash,” De Lie stated earlier than the beginning of the hilly first stage. “With out my crash I may be one of many high favourites, however we’ll see how the race goes. If I really feel 100%, I’ll dash, however at 90% I can’t take any dangers.”
De Lie does have a number of confidence for Paris-Good. “It might be a reduction to get my first win of the season right here. Within the Omloop I used to be already one of many stronger riders within the race,” he stated. “There’s a number of strain on me, however I don’t lose sleep over whether or not I win at the moment or some other day. The situation is there, so the primary victory will comply with quickly.”
De Lie earlier than he crashed out of Le Samyn:
Movistar’s Oier Lazkano Retains Choices Open for 2025
Oier Lazkanko is now one in all Movistar’s most necessary riders, however will he be racing for the Spanish workforce in 2025? The nationwide champion’s contract ends this 12 months and, in accordance with the Spanish sports-paper AS, he’s protecting his choices open.
Lazkano began his skilled profession in 2020 with Caja Rural-Seguros RGA and moved to Movistar after two seasons. In his first 12 months with the WorldTour workforce, he received a stage within the Tour de Wallonie and got here second on the Spanish time trial championship. A 12 months later, the 24 year-old rider received the Boucles de la Mayenne, a stage within the Tour of Burgos and the Spanish street champion. Lazkano additionally completed second in Dwars door Vlaanderen, after a day on the assault. This season he took the win within the gravel Clásica Jaén race and a 3rd place in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne.
Lazkano is the brand new chief that Movistar wants, however his contract expires this 12 months and in accordance with AS there’s a number of curiosity within the Spaniard. Lazkano has not but decided on his future, however is alleged to be protecting his choices open.
The place will Oier Lazkano be in 2025?
Lennert Van Eetvelt Will Begin the Vuelta a España with GC Ambitions
Lennert Van Eetvelt impressed final week along with his first WorldTour victory within the UAE Tour. A efficiency that was not anticipated and now his Lotto Dstny workforce is trying to the longer term. Sports activities supervisor Kurt Van de Wouwer spoke with WielerFlits.
The Flemish media have been already saying he ought to trip the Tour de France. Van Eetvelt had the Vuelta on his schedule earlier than the beginning of the season. “You may make a plan upfront, however throughout the 12 months circumstances typically come up that make you wish to regulate that plan. Particularly if evolution goes quicker,” Van de Wouwer defined.
“Presently the plan with Lennert is to trip the Vuelta this autumn. At the start of the 12 months we weren’t positive but whether or not we’d go there to compete in a classification or not. That relied on his evolution. Now we’re just a few weeks additional, and I believe we have now to dare to say: we have now to go to the Vuelta with classification ambitions with Van Eetvelt. We wish to see how he does in a three-week stage competitors. We are going to consider this additional within the coming weeks.”
The 2023 Vuelta was the primary Grand Tour for the 22-year-old climber. He had a robust closing week, together with a 3rd place on stage 14 behind Remco Evenepoel and Romain Bardet. Initially of the season he indicated that he wouldn’t goal for an general place in 2024, however now possibly has to alter his thoughts.
What subsequent for Van Eetvelt?
Tom Gloag May Not be In a position to Return to the Peloton for Months
It is going to be a very long time earlier than we see Tom Gloag in motion once more for Visma | Lease a Bike. The 22 year-old British rider was hit by a automobile whereas coaching on the finish of August 2023, sustaining a critical knee damage. He was operated on instantly, however since then there was no information about Gloag and he might be ‘on the bench’ for a while.
His return to competitors must wait no less than three months, the workforce confirmed to WielerFlits. In the course of the workforce planning, it was proposed that he would goal for a return in June. The French media outlet, Cyclism’Actu wrote final week that the British climber will return on the earliest within the Tour of Switzerland (9 to 16 June). His workforce says that that is in accordance with the winter plan. This brings Gloag’s absence to virtually ten months.
Visma | Lease a Bike makes no statements concerning the damage suffered by the British expertise. “Fortuitously, Tom is getting higher and is on his means again,” a workforce spokesperson stated. He solely rode six races for the workforce in 2023: He took a sixth place within the Tour of Valencia and an eleventh place within the Tour de Romandie. He then was a final minute addition to the Giro d’Italia workforce.
When will we see Tom Gloag?
Andreas Kron Can’t Race Resulting from Concussion, Anticipated to Return in Catalonia
Andreas Kron was lacking from the Lotto Dstny workforce for the Strade Bianche. The 25 year-old Dane would have been one of many workforce leaders on the white roads. The workforce spoke on X (Twitter) a few ‘minor damage’, however that requires some clarification. Particularly since Kron has not raced all season.
“Andreas suffered a gentle concussion whereas coaching and isn’t allowed to race in the meanwhile. His debut has been postponed till the Tour of Catalonia,” defined the workforce’s sports activities supervisor, Kurt Van de Wouwer to WielerFlits.
“Usually, Andreas would begin his season on the weekend of the Faune-Ardèche and Drôme Traditional. For instance, he needed to work in the direction of the Strade Bianche through the Trofeo Laigueglia. We’ve got to postpone that, as a result of he was not able to race but. We needed to re-examine his program and despatched him again for an altitude coaching interval. There he can put together himself to be totally wholesome once more in Catalonia.”
Kron was tenth within the Strade Bianche final 12 months and took 4th place within the Amstel Gold Race, plus a stage victory within the Vuelta, which was the primary WorldTour victory of the 12 months for the Belgian ProTeam.
Kron nonetheless out of motion:
Belgian Police Determine Spectator who Threw Drink at Marianne Vos
The spectator who threw drink and the cup on the winner of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Marianne Vos, throughout the climb of the Muur van Geraardsbergen has been recognized and has been requested to return for questioning, in accordance with the native police in Geraardsbergen/Lierde.
A video on X (what was Twitter), confirmed that the riders didn’t appear bothered a lot, however the incident has a damaging affect on the ‘cup thrower’. After the incident, the police determined to attract up a report for assault and battery. “Sadly, this excellent sporting occasion was overshadowed by an incident by which Marianne Vos had a cup of drink thrown in her face by a spectator,” the native police stated. “This incident sparked outrage inside the biking neighborhood. Instantly after the incident, we took all mandatory steps and acted decisively,” added Chief of Police Patrice De Mets. “The perpetrator has now been recognized. We’ve got invited this individual for questioning to take duty for his behaviour.” The legal evaluation might be made after the interrogation by the general public prosecutor’s workplace, the police acknowledged.
Earlier this 12 months there was additionally unhealthy behaviour of supporters in cyclo-cross. Mathieu van der Poel needed to take care of provocative supporters a number of instances, after which he spat at them within the Hulst World Cup.
It didn’t appear to trouble Marianne Vos an excessive amount of, nevertheless it’s not what we wish to see:
18 Yr-Previous Rider of the Alejandro Valverde Devo Workforce Died After Coaching Accident
18 year-old bike owner, Juan Pujalte, died on Wednesday on account of a coaching accident, his workforce introduced. Pujalte rode for Valverde Workforce-Ricardo Fuentes, the Alejandro Valverde growth workforce.
Pujalte was discovered critically injured and unconscious by a passer-by on Wednesday. The bike owner, who was in his first 12 months as an U23, was taken to hospital, however died from his accidents. The Guardia Civil has opened an investigation to make clear what occurred and decide whether or not Pujalte had been hit by a automobile, who then left the scene.
“I’m devastated by the demise of Juan, a younger man who was in love with biking and was a part of our workforce since final winter,” stated Alejandro Valverde, who additionally works as sports activities director for his personal workforce, on social media. “A giant hug and my deepest condolences to household and buddies in these tough instances.”
Juan Pujalte – Taken too younger RIP:
Bahrain Victorious to Tirreno-Adriatico
Bahrain Victorious eagerly anticipates per week of intense racing, the place they may tackle two prestigious WorldTour stage races. With Paris-Good already underway, the workforce is poised to sort out the Tirreno-Adriatico, from March 4th to March tenth on the Italian roads.
Often called the “Race of the Two Seas,” Tirreno-Adriatico spans the varied landscapes of Italian areas, from the Tyrrhenian to the Adriatic Sea. The race opens with the normal time trial in Lido di Camaiore, tailored for specialists, and poised to set the tone for the week forward, with each second essential within the battle for the coveted Trident trophy.
The flat 10km TT, is adopted by phases designed to check the mettle of each sprinters and climbers. The standard dash stage from Camaiore to Follonica units the stage for a bunch dash, whereas the next day’s route from Volterra to Gualdo Tadino, spanning 220km, provides alternatives for daring attackers with its undulating terrain and uphill end.
The joy continues with phases that includes difficult climbs, together with the wavy course round Siena and a mountainous spectacle in Torricella Sicura-Valle Castellana. Nonetheless, the actual battleground for the GC is anticipated on the penultimate day throughout the queen stage, Sasso Ferrato-Monte Petrano, which guarantees a mountainous showdown with demanding climbs.
Bahrain Victorious, approaches the race with a lineup to sort out the varied terrain, led by the point trial specialist Antonio Tiberi, supported by street captain Damiano Caruso and climbing star Wout Poels, with the goal to make a major affect on the GC. Phil Bauhaus, a confirmed sprinter with a earlier Tirreno-Adriatico victory, leads the cost on dash phases, supported by Nikias Arndt and Andrea Pasqualon for the lead-out. Furthermore, useful and robust help might be as all the time supplied by Yukiya Arashiro.
Gorazd Stangelj, TBV Sports activities Director, acknowledges the importance of the opening time trial, recognising its potential to affect the general standings, and remarks, “The Normal Classification will doubtless unfold on the penultimate day, however the opening time trial might set the tone. Our workforce is well-equipped for the challenges, with a watch on each GC and dash victories. The bonus seconds will play a vital position, and we’re ready to grab each alternative.”
Soudal Fast-Step to Tirreno-Adriatico
Tim Merlier makes his first European outing of the season in Italy
It’s one of the necessary races of the season, an occasion the place our workforce has received a complete of 18 phases, the overall classification as soon as and a number of other jerseys. This 12 months, for its 59th version, Tirreno-Adriatico will placed on the desk a parcours with one thing for everybody, however particularly for the climbers, who on the finish of the day ought to be those preventing for normal classification glory.
A brief particular person time trial on the opening day in Lido di Camaiore will set up an preliminary pecking order, and issues are more likely to stay kind of the identical till the fifth stage, when a visit up the San Giacomo climb might carry vital modifications. However it will likely be the arduous ascent of Monte Petrano – which returns in a race 15 years after that includes on the Giro d’Italia – that ought to play a decisive position within the closing consequence, because it comes on the finish of the penultimate stage, simply earlier than the peloton makes its means again to the coast for a flat end on the streets of San Benedetto del Tronto.
Soudal Fast-Step will journey to the beginning within the province to Lucca with a robust workforce able to going for an excellent consequence on all terrains: Julian Alaphilippe – essentially the most profitable Frenchman within the historical past of Tirreno-Adriatico – Kasper Asgreen, Josef Cerny, Fausto Masnada, Tim Merlier, Bert Van Lerberghe and Jordi Warlop.
“It is a race we like and the place we had many good victories previously, and likewise this 12 months we’d prefer to get one thing out of it. Our most important focus might be on Tim – who’s had a wonderful begin to the season and can depend on a robust lead-out – to go for a stage victory. For the remainder, we’ll simply take it day-to-day and see the way it goes”, stated sports activities director Davide Bramati.
04.03–10.03 Tirreno-Adriatico (ITA) 2.UWT
Riders:
Julian Alaphilippe (FRA)
Kasper Asgreen (DEN)
Josef Cerny (CZE)
Fausto Masnada (ITA)
Tim Merlier (BEL)
Bert Van Lerberghe (BEL)
Jordi Warlop (BEL).
Sports activities Director: Davide Bramati (ITA), Dries Devenyns (BEL) and Wilfried Peeters (BEL).
Tim Merlier in search of stage wins:
Tirreno-Adriatico – Mar 4
Matt Winston – Workforce dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “The “Race between the 2 Seas” will provide a number of completely different challenges for us. All the things will kick off with the normal time trial, the place we are going to begin targeted, to guarantee that we have now an excellent begin to the week. We can even see a few dash finishes and we are going to look to arrange Casper, who has confirmed to be in good kind this season. For the GC we are going to take care of Romain and Max as our finishers, with some good help round them.”
Line-up:
Romain Bardet (FRA)
John Degenkolb (GER)
Chris Hamilton (AUS)
Max Poole (GBR)
Casper van Uden (NED)
Kevin Vermaerke (USA)
Bram Welten (NED).
Bardet to Tirreno:
Bahrain Victorious Welcomes Łukasz Wisniowski
Bahrain Victorious is delighted to announce the most recent addition to our biking workforce, Łukasz Wiśniowski. The 32-year-old Polish rider brings a wealth of expertise forward of the cobbled classics after 9 seasons of racing within the WorldTour.
Wiśniowski, who is about to debut with the workforce within the Belgian classics, can even play a pivotal position in dash lead-outs.
Wiśniowski commented, “I’m delighted to affix this workforce, and I actually like the best way this workforce races. I hope to be useful throughout the classics and assist with the lead-outs. It is going to be an thrilling new problem, and I’m trying ahead to assembly all my teammates and the workers members.”
Mewael Girmay Joins Wanty-ReUz-Technord
Wanty-ReUz-Technord welcomes a brand new African expertise with the arrival of Mewael Girmay. The 18 12 months outdated Eritrean rider joins the Continental Growth workforce directed by Kévin Van Melsen, for which he’ll make his debut in competitors on Sunday third of March.
Mewael Girmay is without doubt one of the youthful brothers of Biniam Girmay, member of Intermarché-Wanty World Workforce since 2021 and first Sub Saharan African rider to win a traditional in Ghent-Wevelgem 2022 and a Grand Tour stage within the Giro d’Italia of 2022. He thus turns into the fourth African rider of the Walloon construction, alongside his compatriot and teammate Aklilu Arefayne, his brother Biniam Girmay and South-African climber Louis Meintjes.
The tall rider, grown up in Asmara, has a profile for the dash and the classics. He participated in his first race in Europe final Saturday within the GP Raygeo in Villers-le-Temple. This Sunday third of March, he’ll be a part of his teammates of Wanty-ReUz-Technord for the primary time on the event of the GP de Lillers, a UCI 1.2 occasion.
Mewael Girmay: “I began biking round three years in the past, impressed by my brother Biniam and the Tour de France. Since then, I attempt to watch as many races as potential on tv and I hoped to comply with Biniam to the European biking scene. Final week I arrived in Belgium and my dream got here true. I used to be instantly invited to accompany the professional riders of Intermarché-Wanty throughout their recon of Omloop het Nieuwsblad. It was a heat welcome and I actually appreciated discovering the Flemish cobbles. I then met the workers and my teammates of Wanty-ReUz-Technord in Brussels-Opwijk, the place I witnesses the second place of Zeno Moonen from the sports activities director’s automobile. By leaving my nation for the primary time, I instantly understood that the variation to life in Belgium would comprise many challenges. I must adapt to the chilly and moist climate circumstances, for instance. I went hypothermic throughout my first race. However I’m very motivated to succeed and I can depend on the help of the workforce to get there. I’ve each day contact with my coach Christophe Prémont and Kévin Van Melsen. In the meantime, I already did some high quality coaching classes with my teammates Willam Graff and Tim Rex. I’m additionally trying ahead to the arrival of my housemate Aklilu Arefayne in Belgium. My goal is to study as a lot as potential this season, hoping to acquire outcomes for Wanty-ReUz-Technord from subsequent 12 months.”
Kévin Van Melsen (Sports activities Director): “Mewael Girmay has an fascinating profile for the classics and he’s acquired quick legs within the dash, he has precisely the identical bodily traits as his brother Biniam. Rein Taaramäe had the chance to coach loads with him the previous month in Asmara, he was clearly impressed by his capabilities. So I can’t wait to see him racing with the workforce for the primary time this Sunday after which outline the steps that should be taken in his growth. Considering that that is the primary time he’s staying out of his nation, he logically has loads to study and can want time to adapt. I’m considering of the climate, with temperatures he isn’t used to in any respect. Similar to for Aklilu Arefayne, we’ll provide him the perfect situations to assist him adapt to Europe. He’s welcomed by the identical household, carefully surrounded by a number of workforce members. By providing an excellent construction to a number of younger African skills, we want to contribute to the event of biking on this continent, which has a lot to supply. Aklilu Arefayne shortly obtained outcomes with Wanty-ReUz-Technord one 12 months in the past and I’m satisfied that Mewael Girmay will be capable of do the identical on the long run.”
Crimson Bull Junior Brothers – Returns for 2024
International street expertise scouting program launched by Crimson Bull and BORA – hansgrohe units the stage for future biking stars
Crimson Bull Junior Brothers, the worldwide street expertise scouting program launched by Crimson Bull and BORA – hansgrohe, proclaims its extremely anticipated return for the 2024 season. Following the success of its inaugural 12 months, this system continues in its seek for the longer term stars {of professional} street biking, with purposes opening on March 1st till April thirtieth.
Initiated in 2023, Crimson Bull Junior Brothers provides a pathway for younger, unsigned expertise to take their subsequent step of their biking profession. In collaboration with BORA – hansgrohe’s U19 workforce, GRENKE – Auto Eder, this system offers alternatives for promising cyclists to understand their goals. The 2023 season concluded with the collection of two skills, Patrick Casey from Eire and Anatol Friedl from Austria, who’ve since secured contracts with BORA – hansgrohe’s U19 workforce, GRENKE – Auto Eder, together with Crimson Bull athlete partnership offers.
Each Patrick and Anatol have began their journey with Workforce GRENKE – Auto Eder and attended their first coaching camp with their teammates at Lake Garda in February.
Reflecting on his choice, Patrick Casey stated, “It’s arduous to consider how a lot has modified since final 12 months after I first heard concerning the Crimson Bull Junior Brothers scheme. A purpose of mine has all the time been to show professional, however I by no means fairly knew the right way to get there. Becoming a member of GRENKE – Auto Eder and embarking on this journey feels surreal nevertheless it’s the end result of years of arduous work. I can’t wait to see what this season has in retailer for me”.
Anatol Friedl echoed related sentiments, remarking, “I’ve dreamed of this second since I first hopped on a motorcycle as a child. I’m past excited to study from the perfect, push my limits, and chase my goals on the most important phases of biking. Successful Crimson Bull Junior Brother is just the start, and I can’t wait to see the place this path takes me”.
Ralph Denk, founder and workforce supervisor of BORA – hansgrohe, feedback: “Creating biking skills has all the time been of nice significance to us at BORA – hansgrohe. Final 12 months, we launched into a really revolutionary path with the Crimson Bull Junior Brothers Program to seek out the perfect biking skills worldwide. By casting a large internet, we make sure that each aspiring junior bike owner, no matter location, can showcase their skills. Thus, after this system’s profitable launch in 2023, relaunching it this 12 months was a logical step. I’m trying ahead to the end result.”
Because the seek for the following technology of biking stars continues, Crimson Bull Junior Brothers invitations aspiring younger cyclists to take part within the 2024 version of this system. Open to people born between 2007 and 2008, this system encourages individuals to compete for a coveted spot on GRENKE – Auto Eder by signing up at redbull.com/juniorbrothers and using on this system’s devoted Zwift work out.
To take part, go to redbull.com/juniorbrothers and start logging rides between March 1st to April thirtieth, 2024. High performers will then be invited to the efficiency camp, the place chosen riders will bear intensive testing in June. Finally, two profitable candidates might be chosen to affix Workforce GRENKE – Auto Eder and obtain unique Crimson Bull athlete contracts.
For detailed entry info and updates, please go to redbull.com/juniorbrothers.
Škoda Belgium Accomplice of Alpecin-Deceuninck & Fenix-Deceuninck
Alpecin-Deceuninck and Fenix-Deceuninck are proud to announce their partnership with Škoda Belgium. The Belgian importer helps each our males’s and ladies’s workforce.
Biking is in Škoda’s genes. The model of Václav Laurin and Václav Klement began producing Slavia bicycles in 1895 however switched to automobile manufacturing as early as 1901. 123 years later, that zeal for two- and four-wheelers continues to be alive and kicking, which has promoted Škoda Auto to the engine of the pack. The inexperienced wing (which stands for technical progress) and the arrow of the Škoda emblem (which symbolises progressive manufacturing strategies) is unimaginable to think about the biking world with out in 2024, and with the brand new partnership between Škoda Belgium and Alpecin-Deceuninck & Fenix-Deceuninck, it will get an additional increase on the nationwide and worldwide biking stage.
Philip Roodhooft, workforce supervisor of Alpecin-Deceuninck, sees an ideal match within the partnership with Škoda. “Their high-quality and dependable autos will play a vital position within the logistical help of our workforce and the steering of our riders. The model constructed a wonderful repute on this planet of biking. Furthermore, Škoda’s traits -technical progress and progression- are additionally issues which can be in our DNA.”
The brand new partnership offers no fewer than 35 fleet vehicles: 22 Škoda Very good Combi’s, 8 Octavia Combi’s and 5 Kamiqs delivered by way of automobile rental firm LuxAuto, our long-standing accomplice. With their fuel-efficient engines, beneficiant inside house and in depth biking equipment, all fashions are lower out for the job.
“Working with a high Belgian workforce like Alpecin-Deceuninck & Fenix-Deceuninck is a dream come true for us,” says Thierry De Vleeschouwer as Director of Škoda Belgium. “It’s a new chapter in our Škoda We Love Biking story, which ties in completely with our model’s wealthy historical past inside biking. As well as, the partnership additionally ties in with our bike-loving goal group in addition to our ambition to encourage multi-modal mobility (the automobile mixed with the bike). That Alpecin-Deceuninck & Fenix-Deceuninck can also be identified for its glorious youth work and the alternatives it provides to younger riders to develop, is simply Merely Intelligent – similar to their revolutionary race ways and feet-on-the-ground mentality.”
Paris-Good Features a Workforce Time Trial with Totally different Guidelines
This 12 months there’ll once more be a workforce time trial in Paris-Good (March 3-10). And it guarantees to be a particular chrono take a look at. Similar to final 12 months, the organisation opts for various guidelines than we’re used to.
The 26.9 kilometre Paris-Good workforce time trial, beginning and ending in Auxerre, is scheduled for the third day. The time won’t be taken on the fourth ending rider, as is common, however that every rider will get his personal time. A workforce chief who nonetheless has some power left within the final kilometres, can trip away from his teammates can acquire a while.
Article 2.5.014 within the UCI rules signifies that this methodology of timekeeping just isn’t permitted in workforce time trials, however in particular circumstances it’s allowed, so long as it’s clearly indicated upfront which rider’s time might be taken.
Final 12 months, ASO experimented with these guidelines for the primary time in Paris-Good. It was a 32.2 kilometre TTT, which began and completed in Dampierre-en-Burly. Visma | Lease a Bike took the day’s victory, however the distinction to EF Training-EasyPost was only one second. Chief Jonas Vingegaard’s victory over his main competitor and eventual winner Tadej Pogačar was 23 seconds.
Vingegaard completed along with two teammates, Jan Tratnik and Nathan Van Hooydonck, whereas Pogačar crossed the road alone. The Slovenian had gone solo within the closing kilometre and misplaced time to Visma | Lease a Bike.
Pogačar completed solo within the Paris-Good TTT final 12 months:
2024 Paris–Roubaix: Cobbles Galore
They are going to be shaking on the mere considered it, specifically the programme reserved for the riders on Paris-Roubaix after 100 kilometres, when they may encounter the primary cobbled part of the day on exiting the village of Troisvilles (# 29, after 96.3 km). It’s a conventional starter to the day’s menu of cobbles, however its familiarity makes it no much less dreaded, typically giving the riders a fright, or typically worse: Peter Sagan can testify to this, having seen his profession on the race come to an finish final 12 months at this very spot. This sequence on which the race toughens up continues on the entrance to Quievy on one of many longest sections (3.7 km), adopted this 12 months by one other tough portion measuring 3 kilometres (# 26, Viesly Briastre), which has not featured because the 2019 version. Somewhat additional on is the place the race makes its return to the upwardly inclined part of Le Hameau du Buat (# 24, Capelle Ruesnes), which is the second change made by Thierry Gouvenou this 12 months: “The affect on the race situation won’t be instant, however having lengthy and tough sections to begin with makes the race tiring and the implications could also be felt afterward”. Certainly, it’s vital to remain as recent as potential for so long as potential earlier than tackling the trickiest cobbled sections, together with earlier than the Trouée d’Arenberg (# 19, after 164.6 km), as a result of the sorting of the wheat from the chaff acquired off to a really robust begin final 12 months on the part at Haveluy (# 20, after 156.4 km) attributable to an acceleration by Wout van Aert. The Queen of the Classics can also be the one with the longest finale, as a result of the pretenders for the crown must battle and wrestle over virtually 100 kilometres for individuals who have gotten previous the Trouée d’Arenberg in an excellent place. They are going to nonetheless have 18 sections to cowl (and why not a number of parts of tarmac to check one another?), together with the “five-star” sections at Mons-en-Pèvèle (# 11, after 211.3 km) and Le Carrefour de l’Arbre (# 4, after 242.8 km), on which the decisive second of the 2023 version passed off with a puncture for Van Aert, permitting Mathieu Van der Poel to say victory alone on the velodrome.
2024 Ladies’s Paris Roubaix map:
The route that the ladies’s pack might be tackling has not undergone any main alterations, however bypassing a bit deemed too dangerous has elevated the entire distance by greater than three kilometres with out disrupting the day’s necessities. It seems that the half previous to the cobbles is normally utilized by daring riders to interrupt away from the remainder, a tactic which bore fruit for Alison Jackson in 2023. The attackers could possibly be underneath a lot tighter management this time, as it’s dangerous to depend on a regrouping or a counterattack when going through a sequence of cobbled sections. For the fourth time, or extra merely because the creation of Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift, the ladies riders might be tackling the final 17 sections of the lads’s race, over a complete of 29.2 kilometres of cobbles, together with the sections at Mons-en-Pévèle and Le Carrefour de l’Arbre.
Key factors:
- The 121st version of Paris-Roubaix, scheduled for Sunday seventh April, will begin in Compiègne and canopy a distance of 259.9 km to the velodrome in Roubaix. Within the meantime, the return to the sections at Briastre (after 111.5 km) and Le Hameau du Buat (after 129.5 km) will enhance the quantity of cobbles to 55.7 km (in contrast with 54.5 km in 2023), the very best complete on the race for the final 30 years.
- The 4th version of Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift will happen the day earlier than, on Saturday sixth April, on a really barely modified route which is able to now complete 148.5 kilometres. Nonetheless, the quantity of cobbles stays unchanged, accounting for 29.2 km of the space, unfold over 17 sections that correspond to the finale of the lads’s race.
- The weekend’s grand competition of cobbles contains 5 races, as a result of on Saturday, beginner riders will be capable of select from three distances as a part of the Paris-Roubaix Problem. It’ll additionally witness fierce contests amongst younger riders. On Sunday, the U18s will do battle over 111 kilometres from the beginning in Lécelles, whereas, for the primary time, the U22s might be using on the identical day as their elite counterparts, over a distance of 163 kilometres between Le Cateau-Cambrésis and Roubaix.
2024 Males’s Paris Roubaix map:
Danilith Nokere Koerse has Some Adjustments to the Race
Danilith Nokere Koerse’s route for 2024 has been revealed. The race begins in Deinze and finishes at Nokereberg, as regular, however there are ‘some novelties’ on the route, the organisers introduced in a press launch.
On March 13, the lads will trip 188.1 kilometres and the ladies 127 kilometres. After the beginning within the Markt in Deinze, the lads will go to Nokere through a 94.2 kilometre loop. Whereas the Wolvenberg and Tiegemberg have been on the route final 12 months, there at the moment are joined by another climbs and cobbles. After 25 kilometres there’s the Lange Munte, the primary cobblestone part of the day. Fifteen kilometres later, the Kattenberg, adopted by the Holleweg and Jagerij. The cobbles of the Varent and the climbs of the Hellestraat, Holstraat and Petegemberg (500m at 7.6%) are additionally included within the route. That is adopted by a brand new climb: the Fabriekstraat (600m at 5.4%).
After 13 climbs, the riders hit the Nokereberg (350m at 5.7%, most 7%). After they’ve climbed it for the primary time, there are 3 extra native circuits of 31.1 kilometres. The circuit comprises many cobbled sections: the Herlegemstraat, the Lange Aststraat, the Kloosterstraat, the newly renovated Doorn, Lededorp and the Huisepontweg.
The ladies trip this circuit twice, with a complete of 24 cobbled sections, protecting 17 kilometres. For the lads there are 26 kilometres of cobbles, over 31 strips.
Danilith Nokere Koerse’s organisers may have a robust area for each the women and men’s races. For the lads, Jasper Philipsen, former winner Fabio Jakobsen (2018) and two-time winner Tim Merlier (2022 and 2023) might be firstly and will grow to be the primary rider to win the one-day race three years in a row. Within the girls’s occasion; final 12 months’s winner, Lotte Kopecky might be there, as will her teammate Lorena Wiebes, who received the Danilith Nokere Koerse in 2019 and 2022.
Danilith Nokere Koerse 2023 – Final 10K:
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