On Saturday we had been handled to a most fun finale of Milano-Sanremo, we meet up with all of the motion and ‘what the riders thought’. Plus reviews, outcomes and video from the Trofeo Alfredo Binda – Comune di Cittiglio, Grand Prix de Denain – Porte du Hainaut and the Bredene Koksijde Basic.
The quickest ever Milan-Sanremo and Poggio climb – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Wout van Aert believes in his totally different strategy to the spring Classics, Sonny Colbrelli prevents Bahrain Victorious bike theft, Sepp Kuss completed the Giro’23 with covid, Giulio Ciccone again in coaching, however no Giro, three months off for Lars van den Berg, Filippo Baroncini breaks elbow within the Grand Prix de Denain, Jonas Rickaert breaks collarbone in Nokere Koerse, observe rider Christos Volikákis discovered responsible of doping on the 2016 Olympic Video games and the unhappy information of Jonas Bresseleers who died after collision with a truck.
Group information: Nairo Quintana makes his comeback within the Tour of Catalonia, Soudal Fast-Step to Volta a Catalunya, dsm-firmenich PostNL to Catalunya, Bahrain Victorious line-up for 103rd Volta a Catalunya, Tadej Pogačar to Lead UAE Group Emirates at Volta Catalunya, Lennert Van Eetvelt indicators with Lotto Dstny for 2 extra years, BORA-hansgrohe desires to signal Oier Lazkano and Jan Tratnik and UCI provides Patrick Lefevere a suspended effective for inappropriate feedback.
Race information: Stefan Küng skidded on the mud of GP Denain and Adam Hansen criticises the race organisers, Richard Plugge is not going to proceed as chairman of AIGCP and Group Polti Kometa has its official espresso espresso: SOLO Caffè Monorigine, the brand new model from Aroma Polti.
Sit again and luxuriate in EUROTRASH Monday.
TOP STORY: The Quickest Ever Milan-Sanremo and Poggio Climb
The 2024 Milan-Sanremo was the ridden on the quickest ever time and Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel set a file time up the climb of the Poggio.
Final 12 months, Mathieu van der Poel set a brand new file time on the Poggio di San Remo. This 12 months, there was not solely a brand new time set for the Poggio, but additionally for the entire Milano-Sanremo race. With a mean velocity of 45.99 kilometres per hour, the race was quicker than in 1990, at a velocity of 45.80 kilometres per hour, though the race was 6 kilometres shorter this 12 months.
The Poggio file was held by Mathieu van der Poel, who climbed it final 12 months in 5:40. This 12 months, in accordance with Dutch web site, WielerFlits, Pogačar and Van der Poel crested the Poggio summit in 5:39. Final 12 months the riders had a powerful tailwind of roughly 29kph on the climb, this 12 months there was a crosswind of 9kph. You’ll be able to take a look at Tadej Pogačar’s Strava, which he titled: ‘Straightforward spin with some pals’ right here, the place he appears to have taken fairly a couple of phase information.
Quickest Climbs of the Poggio
2024: Tadej Pogačar & Mathieu van der Poel in 5:39 (39.29km/h)
2023: Mathieu van der Poel in 5:40 (39.18km/h)
1995: Maurizio Fondriest & Laurent Jalabert in 5:46 (38.5km/h)
2019: Wout van Aert, Julian Alaphilippe, Michal Kwiatkowski, Oliver Naesen, Peter Sagan, Matteo Trentin & Alejandro Valverde in 5:50 (38.06km/h)
1998: Alberto Elli in 5:51 (37.95 km/h)
2020: Julian Alaphilippe in 5:55 (37.52km/h)
2017: Julian Alaphilippe, Michal Kwiatkowski & Peter Sagan in 5:55 (37.52km/h)
2000: Peter van Petegem, Davide Rebellin & Andrei Tchmil in 5:56 (37.42km/h)
1994: Giogio Furlan in 6:01 (36.90 km/h)
2001: Michele Bartoli, Gabriele Colombo, Peter van Petegem, Roberto Petito & Davide Rebbelin in 6:02 (36.80km/h)
Tadej Pogačar going for extra Strava segments:
Milano-Sanremo 2024
Jasper Philipsen out-sprinted the group of favourites to take the win after an in depth battle on the Poggio and down into the streets of Sanremo. Tadej Pogačar and final 12 months’s winner, Mathieu van der Poel cancelled one another out, however Alpecin-Deceuninck nonetheless took the win. Michael Matthews was second and Pogačar third.
The beginning of Milan-San Remo this 12 months was not in Milan, however in Pavia, simply south of Milan. This 12 months’s race was barely shorter at 288 kilometres. The ultimate climbs had been the identical as normal: The Tre Capi: Capo Mele, Capo Cervo and the Capo Berta. Adopted by the Cipressa and the Poggio di Sanremo.
We didn’t have to attend lengthy for the ‘break of the day’ to kind: Sergio Samitier (Movistar), Romain Combaud (dsm-firmenich PostNL), Davide Baldaccini, Valerio Conti & Kyrylo Tsarenko (Corratec-Vini Fantini), Davide Bais, Mirco Maestri & Andrea Pietrobon (Polti Kometa) and Alessandro Tonelli & Samuele Zoccorato (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè). The ten man escape weren’t given a lot of a bonus. Alpecin-Deceuninck and Lidl-Trek, with particularly Silvan Dillier and Jacopo Mosca, took the entrance of the peloton. They saved the main group inside three minutes all day. The 2 tams had been working for final 12 months’s winner Mathieu van der Poel and Mads Pedersen. Not an excessive amount of occurred on the Passo del Turchino, the primary climb of the day, however the race favourites; Van der Poel and Pogačar saved a watch on the motion. They had been properly positioned on the entrance, particularly for the descent. All of the favourites then disappeared from the entrance once more and the workforce work-horses took over. Would there be assaults on the Tre Capi? On Tre Capi; the Capo Mele, the Capo Cervo and the Capo Berta, it was UAE Group Emirates on the head of the peloton for the primary time. Chief Tadej Pogačar had given directions to begin to make the race onerous on these climbs. The main group misplaced a few of its benefit, however they had been capable of maintain out for fairly some time longer. Simply earlier than the Capo Berta, there was the primary crash. Tim van Dijke and Cedric Beullens with some others, all hit the deck. The sturdy tempo of UAE Group Emirates males additionally began to trigger riders to lose maintain behind the peloton. Surprisingly, European champion Christophe Laporte was amongst them. Far more was anticipated from the co-leader of Visma | Lease a Bike.
The tempo was now at ‘high velocity’ to the foot of the Cipressa. Many groups got here ahead which prompted nervousness within the peloton. The UAE Group Emirates riders misplaced their place on the entrance for some time within the run-up to the Cipressa, however after just a few hundred metres on the climb, they had been again on the entrance and once more there was an acceleration. It was Isaac del Toro who set the tempo, however he seemed to have carried out an excessive amount of and needed to drop again. The younger Mexican couldn’t keep his excessive tempo and it was left to Tim Wellens to take over. Pogačar had used up most of his ‘lead-out’ males by that time. Wellens put the stress on within the ultimate kilometre of the climb. This thinned out the peloton to about 30 riders on the high. Two of the remaining escapees crashed on the descent because the peloton caught them. This left Bais out entrance of the race. It took a while for the chase to get organised within the peloton. There was additionally a chasing group behind that got here along with the favourites. There was now fairly a big group heading the Poggio. It was the Tudor workforce for Matteo Trentin, who had been the primary to hit the Poggio. INEOS Grenadiers took over just a little later, however we needed to look forward to actual acceleration. It was Wellens once more, he got here via 2 kilometres from the highest and initiated an assault by Pogačar. The Slovenian jumped 900 metres from the summit. Van der Poel noticed it coming and was on the Slovenian’s wheel. As had been Alberto Bettiol and Filippo Ganna.
The Pogačar group didn’t proceed the transfer and loads riders managed to hitch them. Pogačar took benefit of the second and jumped away once more. Van der Poel needed to shut a spot, however was capable of shut the hole on the descent. A gaggle of about 10 different favourites had been additionally not far again and so they additionally rejoined on the descent. Simply earlier than the top of the descent it was the dare-devil, Matej Mohorič who shot away from the group and instantly took an enormous lead. It was an excessive amount of for the previous winner and he was caught with 1 kilometre to go. There was then makes an attempt from Matteo Sobrero and Tom Pidcock, the INEOS man seemed to have the race, however they couldn’t keep away. It was Van der Poel who was pulling the group collectively for Philipsen was nonetheless within the group. Van der Poel ensured that the Belgian was within the excellent place to dash for the win. Michael Matthews seemed like he would possibly take the large win that he has been attempting for all his profession, however Philipsen got here previous on his inside subsequent to the obstacles to win Milano-San Remo. Matthews needed to make do with second, Pogačar sprinted to 3rd place forward of Mads Pedersen who had been piloted properly by Jasper Stuyven. Bettiol completed fifth and a contented Mathieu van der Poel was tenth.
# You’ll be able to see extra pictures within the full PEZ ‘Race Report’ HERE. #
Race winner, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “I’m extraordinarily proud, additionally of what Mathieu did within the ultimate. What nice teamwork! It’s fantastic how we did this as a workforce. This is among the few monuments that I can win. I felt good all day and I had the sensation that it might be my day. Proper from the beginning I felt that I had good legs and I believed in it, however then I nonetheless must succeed. On the Poggio the favourites checked out one another a bit, however I used to be capable of return and Mathieu was there to assist me. I’ve to thank him very a lot. I used to be particularly afraid of Mads Pedersen, I didn’t count on Matthews to be so good. A dash after 300 kilometres is at all times unusual and totally different, however fortunately I nonetheless had 5 centimetres to finally beat everybody. It’s actually unbelievable. I nonetheless must let it sink in. I dreamed of this.”
2nd, Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla): “Clearly, I’m proud of the rostrum, however being so shut, it’s bittersweet. I feel tomorrow morning I’ll be proud of my efficiency, however on this second proper now, being this near a Monument after so many podiums, it’s onerous. I feel the best way I bounced again [from illness], I’m actually pleased with myself, Paris-Good clearly didn’t go to plan, however that is my favorite race of the 12 months. It’s at all times a race that I like to carry out at and it at all times places a smile on my face after I’m on the beginning line, so to be right here in Sanremo on the rostrum, it’s actually particular. Clearly they had been troublesome [the attacks on the Poggio], however I feel they in all probability weren’t as sturdy as all of us thought, however that suited me higher and I might get via the climbs with higher legs for the end. We rode our race and we got here away with a podium, so we may be completely happy.”
third, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Group Emirates): “This podium is among the most interesting I might think about. Michael and Jasper are good pals so I’m actually completely happy to have the ability to climb the rostrum with them. I had actually good legs and felt I might have received however right here everybody desires to win, so I may be happy with my podium. The workforce did a extremely nice job, nearly excellent I might say on the Cipressa and Poggio. I couldn’t open a spot on the ultimate climb regardless of how onerous I attempted so I attempted my luck within the dash. We’ll come again once more sooner or later and take a look at for the win.”
4th, Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek): “It’s very disappointing for myself. I’m by no means stunned by the results of at present’s race. I’m proud of the best way we rode as a workforce, however I’m sorry that I didn’t do a greater dash and didn’t attain the rostrum. I’m upset and I’m additionally sorry. It’s a monument and I’m not ending the workforce’s work. The best way we rode, and particularly with Jasper’s assist in the ultimate, I must be on the rostrum. That’s why it’s much more disappointing for me that I didn’t obtain that.”
seventh, Maxim Van Gils (Lotto Dstny): “We had been within the group with pure sprinters. I had predicted top-5 or top-10. Seventh, that’s excellent within the center, isn’t it. Possibly I’ll by no means be in such a superb place as at present. Milan-Sanremo is mostly a unusual race. Now the whole lot stayed collectively and there have been nonetheless quick males amongst us. Nonetheless, you hope that the whole lot will go properly on the end and which you can attempt for the shock. I really suppose it is a very good race. Very relaxed on the beginning, however immediately it turns into onerous towards onerous. Will I ever return to win? After all.”
ninth, Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Fast-Step): “I’m proud of my race. I felt good your complete day and had an unbelievable workforce by my facet, who protected me and made certain I used to be in the appropriate place when it mattered. It’s disappointing that I had that flat, as a result of with out it I’m certain I might have completed greater within the classification. Anyway, high ten within the first Monument of the 12 months isn’t a nasty consequence, particularly as I might function within the finale regardless of the whole lot. I can’t wait now for the Belgian races, the place I hope to proceed my upward trajectory.”
tenth, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “That was no shock (when UAE Group Emirates took management on the Tre Capi). In my view that was not the neatest transfer. We additionally noticed that they didn’t carry out very properly on the Cipressa, which we really anticipated. Lidl-Trek, who had the strongest workforce for that, did very properly. I then did the whole lot properly on the Poggio. I might have favored to journey to the end with Tadej Pogačar. I didn’t count on him to handle one other hole on the finish of the climb. I needed to go very deep to get him again. Jasper had already come to inform me that he had tremendous legs. In the long run it is vitally good. After all I’d slightly win myself, however I can take pleasure in this. We now have already helped one another loads. I want him the very best. I hope that I’ll enhance just a little within the coming weeks. I didn’t count on to be nearly as good as final 12 months. However I used to be positively effective at present.”
Late attacker, Matteo Sobrero (BORA-hansgrohe): “It’s at all times a particular race, particularly for me. To be there within the ultimate was already excellent. I attempted to shock the others. I hoped they’d have a look at one another, you by no means know. That makes Milan-San Remo so particular. Something can occur. I’m completely happy, I really feel good and I’m going to maintain attempting.”
Break rider, Davide Bais (Polti Kometa): “We attacked, managed ourselves very properly, and within the final hundred kilometres we went all out. Our main group saved getting smaller and smaller till I attempted that final push. A very robust race for which we’re actually completely happy.”
Milano-Sanremo End result:
1. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 6:14:44
2. Michael Matthews (Aus) Jayco AlUla
3. Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Group Emirates
4. Mads Pedersen (Den) Lidl-Trek
5. Alberto Bettiol (Ita) EF Schooling-EasyPost
6. Matej Mohorič (Slo) Bahrain Victorious
7. Maxim Van Gils (Bel) Lotto Dstny
8. Jasper Stuyven (Bel) Lidl-Trek
9. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra) Soudal Fast-Step
10. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck.
Sanremo’24:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB2tHyduH5M
Trofeo Alfredo Binda – Comune di Cittiglio 2024
The Trofeo Alfredo Binda was received by Elisa Balsamo on Sunday. The Italian rider of Lidl-Trek beat World champion Lotte Kopecky from a thinned group of favourites. Puck Pieterse was third, Soraya Paladin fourth and British champion, Pfeiffer Georgi fifth.
The Trofeo Alfredo Binda is the oldest race nonetheless on the Ladies’s WorldTour calendar and has been on this system nearly constantly since 1974. This 12 months’s race had World champion Lotte Kopecky, Silvia Persico, Mavi García, Juliette Labous, Marta Cavalli, Puck Pieterse and final 12 months’s winner, Shirin van Anrooij. The peloton needed to sort out the troublesome native circuit in and round Cittiglio, with the Through Sciareda (800m at 8.4% common) and the climb to Orino (3.1km at 4.4%, most 10 %).
The break of the day took some time to kind. Giorgia Serena (BTC Metropolis Ljubljana Zhiraf Ambedo) opened the assault, however she was quickly caught. Canadian Clara Edmond of EF Schooling-Cannondale was subsequent to attempt to managed to take a lead of greater than 1 minute on her personal. She was additionally finally pulled again. A number of extra riders tried to get away, however the peloton saved the race tight. Simply over 30 kilometres from the end, Puck Pieterse attacked on the robust Through Sciareda. Nobody joined the Fenix-Deceuninck rider, however she saved going solo. The chase group primarily checked out one another, and there was no actual pursuit. This allowed Pieterse to take extra time, though the distinction was by no means over 15 seconds. Pieterse was finally joined by Niamh Fisher-Black who jumped throughout to Pieterse on the climb to Orino. The New Zealander of SD Worx-Protime labored with Pieterse, however the distinction to the thinned peloton was by no means large. Fisher-Black and Pieterse had been caught on the descent of the climb. Marlen Reusser then attacked, however the Swiss time trial specialist couldn’t get away. The lead group of about 60 riders began the final 20 kilometres collectively, however on the climb of Through Sciareda the race was cut up as soon as once more. Fisher-Black attacked once more and fashioned the primary group of favourites, this additionally turned out to be short-lived, as the whole lot got here collectively once more on the descent. The race was collectively for the final climb to Orino.
At first nobody rode onerous on the climb, however it was Fisher-Black once more who attacked on the steepest sections. This was a big acceleration and final 12 months’s winner, Shirin van Anrooij, had use all her power to shut the hole. The Lidl-Trek rider closed on the New Zealander simply earlier than the highest, however she took a number of riders together with her, together with Pieterse, Sarah Gigante and García. A primary group of about 20 riders remained after the final climb. Movistar’s Mareille Meijering jumped away from the peloton and constructed up a pleasant lead, with a attainable win on the playing cards. It wasn’t to be: Within the final kilometre, Meijering was caught and so there can be a dash kind what was left of the main group. The World champion, Kopecky, began her dash and had the lead on the others, however Balsamo had the sting to win forward of Kopecky and Puck Pieterse.
Race winner, Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek): “The Binda Trophy is a race that I like. I used to be very motivated, however I knew that at present can be onerous, with that further ultimate climb. It turned out to be an excellent selective and difficult race, I feel this offers added worth to success. And, once more, I’ve to thank my teammates, who saved the race beneath management and gave me an opportunity of victory. Thanks a lot. In the long run I performed my playing cards in one of the simplest ways. I knew from expertise that it requires power, as a result of it’s barely uphill, and techniques, as a result of with out correct timing they received’t catch you. There have been a couple of quick riders within the group, I tagged Kopecky carefully after which went full throttle. Surviving the final climb wasn’t precisely simple, I knew it was probably the most vital level… however when a sprinter smells victory, it’s like regeneration. Our power, as Lidl-Trek, is teamwork. We don’t at all times have the strongest particular person, however as a collective we now have few equals. The plan was to have Shirin able to comply with the climbers’ assaults, whereas my position was to be there in case a peloton completed collectively. Shirin was commendable, she deserves particular thanks. We’re a improbable group, at all times prepared to sacrifice for one another. That’s one thing that makes the distinction in biking. Race after race I develop, I enhance. I’ve been working onerous because the winter to be on the high in all of the checks that I’ve on my precedence listing for this season. The Binda Trophy was certainly one of them, now there are the Belgian classics. I’m 100% certain that, as a workforce, we are going to excel once more.”
2nd, Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime): “I solely traveled to Italy final minute and it’s not like I assumed: I’m going to shortly flip this race to my liking. It’s not that simple, regardless that typically individuals appear to suppose it’s. I did really feel like this race and wished to attempt to get probably the most out of it. I haven’t revisited the dash but. I additionally needed to actually push in the mean time I went. Elisa Balsamo was simply quicker. After all you at all times wish to win, however it’s not attainable. So I’m proud of this consequence, although. This was the primary time I rode Trofeo Alfredo Binda. It’s fully totally different than a Flemish traditional, however I just like the race. There have been lots of climbing in it. It was the best time to complete this race in perform of what’s nonetheless to come back within the spring.”
Trofeo Alfredo Binda – Comune di Cittiglio End result:
1. Elisa Balsamo (Ita) Lidl-Trek in 3:40:09
2. Lotte Kopecky (Bel) SD Worx-Protime
3. Puck Pieterse (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck at 0:01
4. Soraya Paladin (Ita) Canyon//SRAM
5. Pfeiffer Georgi (GB) dsm-firmenich PostNL
6. Karlijn Swinkels (Ned) UAE Group ADQ
7. Olivia Baril (Can) Movistar
8. Silvia Persico (Ita) UAE Group ADQ
9. Évita Muzic (Fra) FDJ-SUEZ
10. Niamh Fisher-Black (NZ) SD Worx-Protime.
Alfredo Binda’24:
Grand Prix de Denain – Porte du Hainaut 2024
Jannik Steimle was the quickest on the end of the GP de Denain on Thursday. The German rider of Q36.5 was a part of the early break that held off the peloton, He then beat break companion Ceriel Desal in a two man dash. The group of favourites by no means caught the leaders partly as a result of an enormous crash. Dries Van Gestel (TotalEnergies) received the dash for third place.
The 2024 Grand Prix de Denain took the peloton over 4 troublesome circuits round Denain. The second a part of the 200 kilometre race was particularly robust, as a result of the riders had been confronted with 12 cobbled sections. The final of those was the Aversnes-le-Sec-Hordain which was 1800 meters lengthy, 13 kilometres from the end.
A gaggle of 5 made an early escape: Ceriel Desal (Bingoal WB), James Fouché (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Paul Hennequin (Good Métropole Côte d’Azur), Maxime Jarnet (Van Rysel-Roubaix) and Jannik Steimle (Q36.5) and constructed up a lead of seven minutes. On the first cobbled part, the leaders nonetheless had about 5 minutes. Stefan Küng tried to cross on his personal. Sixty kilometres from the end, the Swiss rider acquired inside 3 minutes of three remaining escapees: Jarnet, Desal and Steimle. Küng couldn’t get any nearer, however Fouché, who he had caught, had been joined 40 kilometres from the end by about 10 riders, together with Arnaud De Lie, final 12 months’s winner Juan Sebastián Molano and his teammate Filippo Baroncini, who didn’t wait and set off after the three escapees on his personal. Twenty-five kilometres from the end he was nonetheless 2 minutes from the chief and 5 kilometres later he needed to drop again into the group of Küng, De Lie and Molano. That group additionally together with Küng’s teammate Lewis Askey, Brent Van Moer, Dries Van Gestel, Piet Allegaert, Aimé De Gendt and Hugo Web page, initially couldn’t get a lot additional away from the thinned out peloton, which was primarily pulled by the Tour de Tietema-Unibet riders.
Heading in direction of the final cobbled part, the second group got here nearer to the entrance riders, who appeared to have slowed down. The distinction was lower than 1 minute at 12 kilometres to go. Then nearly your complete group crashed on the final part. Küng was on the entrance when he skidded on mud and the remainder crashed into him. Solely Van Gestel and Van Moer acquired via unscathed, however they had been unable to shut the hole to the escapees, principally as a result of Van Moer didn’t work, with Van Gestel, ready for De Lie. There was additionally motion on the entrance on the final cobbles. Attributable to Desal’s velocity, Jarnet was dropped. At 6 kilometres from the end that they had 1:20 on Van Moer and Van Gestel, who noticed De Lie and Web page shut once more. This foursome would struggle for the final place on the rostrum, Desal and Steimle can be going for the victory. There have been no extra assaults. Desal and Steimle rode to the end collectively. It was Desal who had the lead within the ultimate kilometre, however Steimle nonetheless had probably the most left in his legs. 200 metres from the end, he got here off the Belgian’s wheel and sprinted to victory. Desal was second. Behind him, Jarnet was handed by the De Lie group within the ultimate kilometre, the place Van Gestel was the quickest. The TotalEnergies rider took the final place on the rostrum. De Lie was fourth.
Race winner, Jannik Steimle (Q36.5 Professional Biking Group): “I’m actually proud of my first victory with Q36.5 Professional Biking Group! I didn’t count on to go on the breakaway at present however I used to be there and felt good from the beginning. The entire workforce supported me all day and pushed me to the road. I’m actually completely happy that we made it to the end. It was a superb group from the beginning and we actually raced properly collectively. The important thing was to remain on the bike within the moist cobbles. I used to be not so proud of my form within the final weeks however my household supported me via all of it and at present I’m so completely happy it paid off! It took me three months to get this primary victory with the workforce however now It’s right here and I’m going into the large classics within the subsequent weeks with lots of motivation!”
2nd, Ceriel Desal (Bingoal WB): “I’m very proud of my efficiency on the Denain Grand Prix the place I had my finest race ever. However I’m additionally upset to have come so near victory. I feel I began my dash too late and Steimle in a short time took a superb benefit. The aim in Denain was to take the breakaway, which lets you journey on the tempo on the entrance and never undergo from the accelerations and slowdowns of the peloton. We rode onerous within the breakaway and it was the appropriate alternative as a result of we held on till the top. I knew we’d go far once we approached the primary cobbled sections with greater than 4 minutes to spare. That is very encouraging for the remainder of the classics marketing campaign: I’ve an excellent winter beneath my belt and I’m in good situation. I will probably be on the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, two Monuments of the World Tour: these races will probably be very robust however I’ll give all of them the passion I gained in Denain.”
4th, Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny): “Küng fell in entrance of me, however it was definitely not his fault. It was additionally a harmful race this 12 months. Fortunately I didn’t harm myself. I’m proud of my fourth place. I haven’t recovered 100% but, however I’m proud of the sensation after a troublesome Paris-Good. I’m motivated for my subsequent aim. After Paris-Good I did nothing however relaxation, relaxation, relaxation. That’s the key.”
Grand Prix de Denain – Porte du Hainaut End result:
1. Jannik Steimle (Ger) Q36.5 Professional Biking Group in 4:40:31
2. Ceriel Desal (Bel) Bingoal WB
3. Dries Van Gestel (Bel) TotalEnergies at 0:11
4. Arnaud De Lie (Bel) Lotto Dstny
5. Hugo Web page (Fra) Intermarché-Wanty
6. Maxime Jarnet (Fra) Van Rysel-Roubaix at 0:13
7. Brent Van Moer (Bel) Lotto Dstny at 0:15
8. Aimé De Gendt (Bel) Cofidis at 1:06
9. Simon Dehairs (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck at 1:09
10. Amaury Capiot (Bel) Arkéa-B&B Inns.
Denain’24:
Bredene Koksijde Basic 2024
Luca Mozzato received the Bredene Koksijde Basic. The Italian of Arkéa-B&B Inns beat Dylan Groenewegen by a tyres width in a dash from about 50 riders.
The riders 201 kilometres to cowl between Bredene and Koksijde and with the wind at drive 5, there was going to be echelons, which made for a nervous peloton.
Mauro Verwilt (Tarteletto-Isorex) and Jasper Haest (VolkerWessels) had been the primary attackers of the day. Behind them the echelons fashioned within the anticipated crosswind. The peloton cut up into items a number of instances, however nobody was prepared to proceed the strikes. Jens Reynders (Bingoal WB), Matteo Milan (Lidl-Trek), Abram Stockman (TDT-Unibet) and Max Croonen (VolkerWessels); took benefit of a second of calm to leap throughout to the 2 leaders. The six had a spot of two minutes, however the hills that had been much like Gent-Wevelgem had been nonetheless to come back at midway via the race: Two climbs of the Kemmelberg, on two totally different sides, and the Baneberg. The primary time on Kemmelberg, it was Intermarché-Wanty who tried to separate the race. That they had 4 riders main Gerben Thijssen. Though it was Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny) and Dries Van Gestel (TotalEnergies) who seemed the very best. On the high there was round 30 riders left collectively. However riders, together with Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco-AlUla), managed to return. Then on the steeper facet of the Kemmelberg, De Lie put the stress on, however nobody went with him and into the wind all of it got here again collectively.
Baptiste Planckaert (Intermarché-Wanty) and Joshua Giddings (Lotto Dstny) crashed 75 kilometres from the end earlier than the peloton cut up into items once more. Solely about 30 riders remained on the entrance, with Dries Van Gestel, Nils Politt (UAE Emirates) and males from Lidl-Trek, Lotto Dstny and Intermarché-Wanty specifically pushing onerous. Of the fast-men, Simone Consonni Arnaud De Lie, Gerben Thijssen, Paul Magnier (Soudal Fast-Step), John Degenkolb (dsm-firmenich PostNL) and Luka Mezgec (Jayco AlUla) had been nonetheless within the first group. The echelons fashioned once more via the open plain of De Moeren. Politt initially tried, however fell again. It was as soon as once more Intermarché-Wanty who saved the tempo excessive. BY the top of the crosswind part, there have been 15 riders left on the entrance. Arnaud De Lie was not there at first, however he single-handedly closed a spot of a few 100 metres into the wind. After his sturdy effort he joined the primary group and teammate Brent Van Moer, the trio of Gerben Thijssen, Madis Mikhels and Roel Van Sintmaartensdijk (Intermarché-Wanty ), Gil Gelders (Soudal Fast-Step), John Degenkolb, Luka Mezgec and Robbe Ghys (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Luca Mozzato (Arkéa-B&B Inns), Simone Consonni, Hugo Hofstetter (Israel-Premier Tech) and Rasmus Wallin (Uno-X Mobility).
This try additionally got here to nothing. On the again, Tudor and Jayco-AlUla had united to get their quick males Arvid de Kleijn and Dylan Groenewegen again up entrance. Beneath their impetus, all of the sprinters had been in a promising place once more at first of the native circuit in Koksijde. The ultimate began with about 50 riders. However no workforce was sturdy sufficient to regulate the scenario. Intermarché-Wanty tried to regulate for Thijssen for a very long time, however when Nils Pollit tried once more to disrupt within the final 10 kilometres, they despatched Dries De Pooter. He didn’t work with Pollit, Yves Lampaert (Soudal Fast-Step), Daan Hoole (Lidl-Trek) and Patrick Eddy (dsm-firmenich). When Lampaert put in an assault 3 kilometres from the end, solely Eddy might react. The 2 seemed like they may construct a lead, however Arkéa-B&B Inns and others, introduced the whole lot again collectively. It was going to be a chaotic dash, which was additionally disrupted by a crash by Amaury Capiot (Arkéa-B&B Inns) and Lionel Taminiaux (Lotto Dstny). Dylan Groenewegen began his dash too early. Within the ultimate metres, the quick Dutchman was simply crushed by Mozzato. Thijssen was third.
Race winner, Luca Mozzato (Arkéa-B&B Inns): “I’m very completely happy, particularly as a result of the season hasn’t gone nice for me thus far. Immediately loads adjustments. Successful a race like that is particular for me. We’re in biking nation Belgium, it is a traditional. That makes it further particular. The largest downside was the followers. Everybody knew it was going to be a crosswind, so everybody was tremendous nervous from the beginning. With the workforce we tried to remain on the entrance as finest as attainable. Additionally on the Kemmelberg. At all times sitting on the entrance is the mentality, and that’s how we wished to outlive the violence. However, I attempted to avoid wasting as a lot vitality as attainable, and so I nonetheless had a superb dash. There have been nonetheless fairly a couple of sprinters concerned. For my dash, it didn’t change a lot that the second group got here again. However the compositions of the groups did change, there was extra help for some sprinters.”
2nd, Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla): “It was a tricky day, particularly within the hilly zone we knew it will be troublesome. I survived that fairly properly. Then I fell on the worst time. I used to be someplace within the fourth group. Then it was going from group to group, shifting up a bit. Finally you need to be completely happy that you’re again on the entrance. Should you journey a really sturdy dash, however possibly begin just a little too early after which simply don’t win, then I’m a winner and I’m very upset. The legs are simply actually good, however it’s all about successful and that’s what I did. If you get into that scenario, you wish to end. It’s a nasty excuse, however the bike didn’t reply after I wished to shift gears. I assumed there was a crash and the person from Arkéa-B&B Inns got here to my proper. I assumed: I’ll simply go. I do know I usually do lengthy sprints, I like that. That’s my means of sprinting. However one other one came visiting it because of the sturdy headwind.”
third, Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Wanty): “I raced on the entrance for nearly your complete race and managed to outlive all choices. Even after the crash in Poperinge with Baptiste Planckaert, I preceded the cut up within the peloton along with Madis Mihkels and Roel van Sintmaartensdijk. As soon as we reached the native laps it was an enormous problem for my 4 teammates to maintain the whole lot beneath management, however they managed to indicate their collective power and create the absolute best scenario for me. Even when Dries De Pooter was on the assault within the ultimate kilometres, his mindset was nonetheless in full help of me. That reveals how shut our group is. Not solely the workforce round me in Bredene-Koksijde, we additionally want our teammates the very best of luck in Milan-Sanremo this Saturday. In the long run I completed in third place at present, which was in all probability the absolute best consequence since I needed to dig deep a number of instances through the race. This present day confirms that I proceed my development in such a race state of affairs, by which I managed to remain within the entrance all race. I’m in nice form and am wanting ahead to my subsequent race, Brugge-De Panne, with one other very sturdy workforce round me.”
sixth, Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny): “Not dangerous, I used to be good, however I had no probability within the dash. I did take part within the race. Within the dash it’s unimaginable. I primarily got here right here to enhance my health. I used to be sturdy, additionally within the echelons. That’s good for the following aim, which is subsequent week.”
Bredene Koksijde Basic End result:
1. Luca Mozzato (Ita) Arkéa-B&B Inns in 4:46:30
2. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) Jayco AlUla
3. Gerben Thijssen (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty
4. Simone Consonni (Ita) Lidl-Trek
5. Emīls Liepiņš (Lat) dsm-firmenich PostNL
6. Arnaud De Lie (Bel) Lotto Dstny
7. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor
8. Timothy Dupont (Bel) Tarteletto-Isorex
9. Hugo Hofstetter (Bel) Israel-Premier Tech
10. Dries Van Gestel (Bel) TotalEnergies.
Koksijde’24:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t568BLJKlKs
Wout van Aert Believes in his Completely different Strategy to the Spring Classics
This 12 months, the 2020 Milano-Sanremo winner, Wout van Aert has an alternate run-up and preparation for the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix after which his first Giro d’Italia. On the workforce Visma | Lease a Bike web site, he’s already looking forward to the approaching weeks.
After a profitable Opening Weekend, with a third within the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the win in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Van Aert went to the Spanish island of Tenerife for some altitude coaching. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider is coaching volcano on Teide, making ready for the spring Classics, particularly the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
“Usually that is the interval by which I race loads. In brief, you might nearly say that the coaching is definitely accomplished at this level,” Van Aert stated on the workforce web site. “I simply hope to take one final step ahead by driving a variety of races and recovering as finest as attainable every time. I’ve usually observed that it’s typically troublesome to keep up my finest situation, particularly for an extended interval.” Van Aert is choosing a special strategy this 12 months. “I’m now going to begin one final main coaching block. I’ll now swap to competitions a lot nearer to my large objectives. That’s certainly a really totally different strategy. I now attempt to be prepared for the most important races via coaching.”
“Particularly in races like Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Good, it’s at all times a little bit of a raffle as to what you may be offered with,” says Van Aert. “You by no means understand how a race will go. Typically what you need is to be pulled out of your consolation zone. However throughout a coaching camp you’ll be able to have rather more management over what incentives you obtain and provides. I at all times have excellent experiences with this, particularly throughout altitude coaching, so I’ve confidence in it.”
Van Aert’s subsequent race is the E3 Saxo Basic on Friday, March 22.
Van Aert has modified his spring preparation:
Sonny Colbrelli Prevents Bahrain Victorious Bike theft
Sonny Colbrelli, ex-rider of Bahrain Victorious, narrowly prevented the theft of the race bikes of his workforce, the day earlier than Milano-San Remo.
“1-0 for Bahrain Victorious versus the Thieves,” Sonny Colbrelli wrote on his Instagram. The winner of Paris-Roubaix was compelled to finish his profession as a result of coronary heart issues and now works on the technical workers of Bahrain Victorious.
“We had been sitting within the corridor of the lodge and immediately we heard somebody shout loudly: ‘Our bikes, our bikes!’ It turned out to be our bus driver, in his underwear of all issues. He noticed somebody attempting to steal our bikes. We went outdoors and we noticed about ten younger individuals. I began strolling and chasing them to the woods, the place a automotive nearly hit me. Somebody instructed me, ‘Bounce in my automotive and we’ll catch them.’ That didn’t work, as a result of in addition they drove away in a automotive.”
Colbrelli got here up with an answer. “In the long run, we and the workers slept in our rooms with some bikes,” stated the Italia. The workforce’s Matej Mohorič end sixth.
Corbrelli saved the day for Bahrain:
Sepp Kuss Completed the 2023 Giro d’Italia with Covid
Through the Giro d’Italia, Sepp Kuss was contaminated with Covid-19. The 29 year-old American and his workforce had been conscious of the an infection however determined that he ought to proceed within the Italian tour. This was seen within the new documentary collection ‘All In’ in regards to the 2023 Jumbo-Visma season.
The 106th version of the Tour of Italy was dominated by dangerous climate and abandonments, together with high favorite Remco Evenepoel who needed to go away the race with a covid an infection, the Jumbo-Visma workforce additionally had covid issues. Within the run-up to the primary Grand Tour of the 12 months, the Dutch workforce struggled with two Covid circumstances. The choice needed to be modified simply earlier than the Giro begin. Rohan Dennis and Sam Oomen changed the sick Robert Gesink and Tobias Foss. To make issues worse, the workforce additionally misplaced Jan Tratnik, the Slovenian was hit throughout a coaching journey and couldn’t be at first in Italy. He was changed on the final minute by Tom Gloag.
It seemed just like the Dutch workforce had used up all its dangerous luck. Regardless of the various withdrawals as a result of weeks of dangerous climate, the workforce managed to achieve Rome with its complete workforce. The documentary collection in regards to the workforce’s miracle 12 months reveals that the choice did certainly battle with sickness. Sepp Kuss turned out to be contaminated with the covid virus through the Tour of Italy. The American stated within the documentary that he had little hassle together with his an infection. “I used to be constructive for corona, however had roughly delicate signs.” Kuss turned out to be barely contagious as a result of a excessive CT worth. In session with the workforce and the authorities concerned, it was determined that the climber might proceed. The video reveals how Kuss was remoted from his teammates through the race. On the bus earlier than a stage we even see a Facetime dialog between Roglič and his most necessary domestique.
It turned out to be a superb determination by the workforce to maintain the 29 year-old rider within the race. Through the sixteenth stage, Kuss performed a vital position for his chief. He took Roglič in tow on the ultimate climb, the American managed to restrict the time lack of his Slovenian teammate to essential opponents Geraint Thomas and João Almeida to simply 25 seconds. Looking back, this turned out to be a vital second, because the Olympic time trial champion received the ultimate general by solely 14 seconds from second positioned Geraint Thomas.
The second season of ‘All In’ reveals how Jumbo-Visma managed to win the Giro d’Italia and likewise the doubts and mutual rigidity throughout the workforce through the two different main excursions. The five-part documentary may be considered on Amazon Prime from Saturday, March 16.
All In with Jumbo-Visma 2023:
Giulio Ciccone Again in Coaching, However No Giro d’Italia
Giulio Ciccone is not going to be at first of the 2024 Giro d’Italia. The Italian climber is again in coaching after having a cyst surgically eliminated in the beginning of February, however there may be not sufficient time for him to arrange for the Italian tour.
The 29 year-old Ciccone has not raced this season. After he had the cyst eliminated in February, he was then not allowed to journey the bike for weeks. He needed to miss an altitude coaching camp on Mount Teide and Tirreno-Adriatico. The person who received the KOM jersey within the Tour de France final 12 months has now resumed coaching. Ciccone would have been the Lidl-Trek chief in his residence tour. The workforce plans have now modified. “Sadly, it’s now not attainable to realize the best kind,” the workforce stated in a press launch. “Given the lengthy interval of inactivity and the necessity to enhance his coaching in a gradual method, to keep away from additional issues, it was mutually determined to shift Giulio’s focus to objectives later within the season.”
The workforce thinks that Ciccone will be capable of race once more in Might, however Lidl-Trek will solely determine in April the place and when the Italian will compete in his first race of 2024.
No Giro for Giulio Ciccone:
Three Months Off for Lars van den Berg
Lars van den Berg must relaxation for no less than three months after his crash within the Faun Ardèche Basic. His workforce Groupama-FDJ stated on social media. The 25 year-old Dutchman grew to become unwell through the one-day race, misplaced consciousness and crashed.
“I really feel good,” Van den Berg now says. “I simply must be affected person and take some relaxation. I’m properly supported by my family members, household and the workforce.” It isn’t but identified why Van den Berg immediately misplaced consciousness. “You’ll suppose you felt dangerous all day or that you simply felt it coming, however it was certainly one of my finest days on the bike,” he just lately stated in his personal podcast Biking Inside. “The truth that you immediately change into unwell makes it all of the extra complicated. We’re working onerous to search out out what it’s. It seems like there will probably be a choice within the quick time period. I don’t have a solution to it but.”
In the identical podcast, Van den Berg stated he hoped to get extra readability quickly. “I’m consistently monitored by the cardiologists. I’ve undergone a number of checks and hope to listen to extra quickly. I’m constructive that I’ll return, however well being comes first now. You wish to be 110% match once more earlier than you take part in high sports activities once more. I really feel lots of help from household and workforce and can come again stronger.”
Lars van den Berg out for 3 months:
Filippo Baroncini Breaks Elbow within the Grand Prix de Denain
Filippo Baroncini was injured within the Grand Prix de Denain on Thursday. The 23 year-old Italian of UAE Group Emirates was concerned within the large crash within the ultimate of the northern French one-day race, and suffered a fracture of his elbow.
Because the race acquired nearer to the final cobbled part within the GP de Denain the second group, together with Stefan Küng, Lewis Askey, Brent Van Moer, Dries Van Gestel, Piet Allegaert, Aimé De Gendt, Hugo Web page, Arnaud De Lie, Juan Sebastián Molano and Filippo Baroncini, was getting nearer to the three leaders: Ceriel Desal, Maxime Jarnet and Jannik Steimle. The distinction was lower than 1 minute, with 12 kilometres to go to the end. However nearly your complete group crashed within the final sector. Küng was within the lead, slipped on the mud and the remainder crashed into him. Most riders had been capable of proceed, however Baroncini was unable to get again on the bike.
The 2021 U23 World champion in Leuven needed to be taken to hospital. “Filippo sadly broke his proper elbow,” stated UAE Emirates workforce physician Adrian Rotunno. “He can have surgical procedure tonight (Thursday) in Belgium and can then go residence for his restoration and rehabilitation.”
It’s nonetheless unclear how lengthy Baroncini will probably be out of motion. It isn’t the primary time the promising Basic rider he has damaged one thing. In his first skilled 12 months, 2022, he broke his arm and collarbone and final 12 months he needed to cease as a result of a damaged radius bone.
Damaged elbow for Baroncini:
Jonas Rickaert Breaks Collarbone in Nokere Koerse
The Alpecin-Deceuninck workforce has needed to take care of fairly a couple of accidents in latest weeks and now Jonas Rickaert can be out of motion. The Belgian had a critical crash within the ultimate of Nokere Koerse on Wednesday and broke his collarbone.
Within the final kilometre of Nokere Koerse, simply earlier than turning onto the cobbles of the Nokereberg, there was a crash within the peloton. Within the battle for the very best positions there was a bump between Pascal Ackermann and Tim Merlier. They nearly fell, however managed to remain on the bike and some hundred metres later they had been sprinting for victory. Nonetheless, Jonas Rickaert, was not so fortunate. The Alpecin-Deceuninck sprinter crashed onerous at excessive velocity and took a number of riders with him.
“On examination, a displaced proper collarbone fracture and two damaged ribs, albeit with out displacement, had been found. In his proper hand he has a deep wound that has already been sewn up. Relating to the damaged collarbone, Jonas will endure surgical procedure this morning,” Alpecin-Deceuninck stated by way of ‘X’ (Twitter).
The Belgian workforce is having damage issues. Michael Gogl, Søren Kragh Andersen and Kaden Groves are additionally at present unavailable and Silvan Dillier just lately needed to retire from Paris-Good as a result of sickness.
Rickaert out:
Monitor Rider Christos Volikákis Discovered Responsible of Doping on the 2016 Olympic Video games
4-time Olympic observe bicycle owner Christos Volikákis has examined constructive for doping in a reanalysis of samples from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Video games, the UCI reviews. Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) had been discovered within the pattern, which might promote muscle progress and fats loss. The Greek has the appropriate to request a ‘B’ pattern check and has been provisionally suspended.
Christos Volikákis received medals for Greece in observe biking on the world and European championships, however was unable to win a medal on the Olympic Video games. He was chosen for each version from Beijing in 2008 to the Tokyo Video games in 2021. Primarily based on a reanalysis of a pattern taken on August 16, 2016, the 35-year-old Greek has now been discovered responsible and faces disqualification.
Samples collected from every Olympic Video games are saved for as much as ten years and are routinely reanalysed as a part of a program commissioned by the IOC. The aim of that is to trace down athletes who’re nonetheless energetic forward of an upcoming Video games and haven’t been caught up to now. This system permits additional testing based mostly on up to date data because of surveys and improved detection strategies.
In the interim, Volikákis is now suspended and has the appropriate to request a B pattern. The Greek is among the first athletes to be discovered responsible of banned substances based mostly on retesting from the Olympic Video games in Rio.
Christos Volikákis suspended:
Jonas Bresseleers Dies after Collision with a Truck
Twenty-four year-old bicycle owner, Jonas Bresseleers, was killed in a critical site visitors accident within the Belgian village of Meer on Friday, March 15, his Acrog-Tormans workforce introduced. Bresseleers suffered a critical head damage within the collision and died on the website of the accident. He’s the second deadly accident of a rider from the workforce in 5 years.
Bresseleers was driving close to the intersection of Blauwputten and Tolberg when he was hit by a truck, Het Nieuwsblad reviews. A site visitors skilled was despatched to the scene to find out the precise reason for the accident. The driving force of the truck was a 29 year-old man from Meer. He tried to resuscitate the rider, however sadly it was to no avail.
The sudden dying of Bresseleers hit the Acrog-Tormans workforce onerous. “Phrases are insufficient for this untold drama. A lot power, braveness and power to the kinfolk to bear this loss,” the workforce wrote on Fb. The workforce skilled the identical horrific scenario 5 years earlier. Then it was Stef Loos, Bresseleers’ teammate, who died in a site visitors accident.
That day, Loos was hit by a van throughout a race, by which Jonas Bresseleers himself was additionally collaborating. This occurred after he, together with about thirty different riders, had left the course with out realising. Bresseleers escaped with some minor accidents on that event.
RIP Jonas Bresseleers – Taken too younger:
Nairo Quintana Makes his Comeback within the Tour of Catalonia
Nairo Quintana needed to postpone his European season begin as a result of a covid an infection, however the 34 year-old Colombian climber can now put together for his return. Quintana is a part of the Movistar workforce for the Tour of Catalonia (March 18-24).
Quintana has already raced in Colombia this season. He began his comeback with the Colombian Championships after which rode the six-day Tour Colombia, the place he didn’t present a lot kind and finally completed twenty first general. The Movistar rider was speculated to journey the O Gran Camiño in Spain, however a covid an infection stopped him. Now after a month, Quintana seems to be match sufficient to race once more. He’ll now begin the Tour of Catalonia on Monday.
The Movistar workforce additionally consists of Enric Mas, Einer Rubio and Iván Ramiro Sosa, they need to all be capable of go for the GC general. Iván García Cortina can purpose for the flatter levels. Jorge Arcas and Javier Romo full the workforce.
Movistar for Volta a Ciclista a Catalunya:
Enric Mas (Spa)
Nairo Quintana (Col)
Javier Romo (Spa)
Einer Rubio (Col)
Iván Ramiro Sosa (Col)
Jorge Arcas (Spa)
Iván García Cortina (Spa).
Quintana again in Europe:
Soudal Fast-Step to Volta a Catalunya
Mikel Landa will probably be in motion for the Wolfpack subsequent week on the seven-day race
Possibly greater than ever in latest reminiscence, the Volta a Catalunya will probably be a mountainous affair, and that’s as a result of the organisers have determined to incorporate three robust summit finishes: Vallter 2000, Port Ainé – the mammoth 18.5km climb averaging 6.8% – and Santuari de Queralt. Along with these, a number of different particular and first-category ascents promise to boost the race, which is able to as soon as once more conclude in Barcelona, after going six instances over the Montjuic hill.
Fifth general final 12 months, Mikel Landa returns to competitors for the primary time since late February, when he helped Remco Evenepoel win the Volta ao Algarve, and the 34-year-old seems ahead to subsequent week’s race: “Catalunya indicators the beginning of an enormous and necessary block of racing. I’m completely happy to go there. There are lots of onerous climbs and I stay up for seeing the place my form is. The plan is to take it daily, attempt to struggle for a stage win and assist the workforce get some good outcomes.”
The Basque climber will probably be joined for the 103rd version of the race created again in 1911 by Tour of Oman runner-up Jan Hirt, neo-pro Antoine Huby, James Knox, AlUla Tour runner-up William Junior Lecerf – again after a profitable outing in Rwanda along with the devo workforce – Ilan Van Wilder and Mauri Vansevenant.
“Catalunya is a wonderful race, with a parcours which provides a possibility to lots of riders. After all, the climbers are favoured, however we must also see some days for the sprinters and the puncheurs. Our workforce is a powerful one, with Mikel again in motion after a powerful Algarve. Him and Ilan, who had a stable UAE Tour, can struggle for a superb common classification. Our squad includes guys who may be within the combine for a stage victory but additionally riders who can go within the breakaway, so the arrogance and motivation for subsequent week are fairly excessive”, stated Soudal Fast-Step sports activities director Geert Van Bondt forward of the race the place our workforce has received a complete of ten levels.
18.03–24.03 Volta Ciclista a Catalunya (ESP) 2.UWT
Riders:
Jan Hirt (CZE)
Antoine Huby (FRA)
James Knox (GBR)
Mikel Landa (ESP)
William Junior Lecerf (BEL)
Ilan Van Wilder (BEL)
Mauri Vansevenant (BEL).
Sports activities Director: Klaas Lodewyck (BEL) and Geert Van Bondt (BEL).
Mikel Landa to Catalunya:
Volta a Catalunya – MAR 18 – 24
Phil West – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Volta a Catalunya would be the first of many visits to Spain within the coming season and we are able to as ever, anticipate an thrilling and difficult parcours across the stunning Catalunya area. We will probably be focusing on day outcomes all through the race, the place we are going to tackle the dash levels with Emils, supported by a stable workforce to arrange the dash on these days. Outdoors of the sprints, we’ll take our alternative as protagonists by racing aggressively for the opposite levels, the place guys like Pavel, Sean and Frank can play a component within the finals every day.”
Line-up:
Patrick Bevin (NZL)
Pavel Bittner (CZE)
Frank van den Broek (NED)
Romain Combaud (FRA)
Sean Flynn (GBR)
Emils Liepins (LAT)
Martijn Tusveld (NED).
Sean Flynn to Catalunya:
Group Bahrain Victorious Line-Up for 103rd Volta a Catalunya
Following intense battles at Paris-Good and Tirreno-Adriatico, the 103rd version of Volta a Catalunya serves as a pivotal platform for our GC contenders to additional refine their health and put together for the upcoming Grand Excursions, be it the Giro d’Italia or laying the early foundations for the Tour de France.
With its seven levels devoid of time trials and that includes difficult climbs, Volta a Catalunya presents the right platform for climbers to excel. Beginning on the Sant Feliu de Guíxols coast, the riders will race over 1,173km and climb a gruelling 19,829 vertical meters With three summit finishes on levels 2, 3 and 6 earlier than the end in Barcelona.
Group Bahrain Victorious is full of a lineup of climbing prowess to benefit from the parcour, led by Wout Poels and supported by Damiano Caruso, Antonio Tiberi, Jack Haig, Wout Poels, Torstein Traeen, Nicolò Buratti, and Edoardo Zambanini.
Sports activities Director Franco Pellizotti: “Wout will lead the workforce, given his nice displaying in earlier editions of Catalunya, whereas Antonio is our co-leader. With a wonderful workforce in help, we count on sturdy showings from Damiano, Jack, and Torstein, who can have their possibilities to shine within the mountain levels. I’m assured that Wout can contend for a top-5 end, and Antonio, having raced the Tirreno, is well-positioned to purpose for a top-10 placement.”
Pogačar to Lead UAE Group Emirates at Volta Catalunya
UAE Group Emirates resume their World Tour calendar on Catalan roads with the Volta Catalunya from 18-24 March within the north-eastern province of Spain. In the meantime a younger squad will go to Coppi e Bartali from 19-23 March led by the skilled Diego Ulissi.
For Catalunya Tadej Pogačar spearheads the squad recent from in Italy. Native favorite Marc Soler and Joao Almeida can even look to be on the head of affairs within the week lengthy stage race.
Pogačar: “It’s my first time racing in Catalunya and I’m enthusiastic about it. It’s a tricky parcours and appears like positively a race for the climbers and attacking riders so I feel the followers will get a superb present and a pleasant weeks racing. We now have a powerful workforce and likewise robust rivals so it is going to be entertaining. It’s been a fast turnaround from Sanremo however it’s gone easy and we’ll be able to get issues occurring Monday.”
Sports activities Supervisor Matxin Fernandez (Spa) will information the workforce with Andrej Hauptman (Slo) and Tomas Gil (Ven) as Sports activities Administrators.
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya [2.UWT] – 18-Mar-2024 / 24-Mar-2024:
Joao Almeida (UAE Group Emirates)
Felix Grossschartner (Aus)
Domen Novak (Slo)
Tadej Pogačar (Slo)
Pavel Sivakov (Fra)
Marc Soler (Spa)
Jay Vine (Aus).
Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali [2.1] – 19-Mar-2024 / 23-Mar-2024:
Sjoerd Bax (Ned)
Vegard Stake Laengen (Nor)
Diego Ulissi (Ita)
Gal Gliver (Slo) (Gen Z)
Jonathan Guatibonza (Col) (Gen Z)
Al Ali Abdulla Jasim (UAE) (Gen Z)
Pablo Torres (Spa) (Gen Z)
Lennert Van Eetvelt Indicators with Lotto Dstny for Two Extra Years
The 22-year-old winner of this 12 months’s UAE Tour stays with Lotto Dstny.
In 2020, Lennert Van Eetvelt joined the Lotto Dstny Improvement Group. After making the step to the professional workforce in 2023, he has by no means left Lotto Dstny, and now the 22-year-old Belgian climber indicators a contract till the top of 2026. His season began actually profitable, with a win within the Mallorca Problem and a powerful journey on the UAE Tour in February, seeing him take the victory on the final stage, the general and youth classification.
“I’m tremendous completely happy to journey for Lotto Dstny for 2 extra years”, a contented Van Eetvelt says. “The workforce has made an enormous constructive evolution the final years, which everybody sees, and I hope we are able to carry on making development. It was fairly some journey already, as I used to be a rider within the Improvement Group earlier than and now this 12 months I’ve taken one other step with successful the UAE Tour. I do know the workers and riders properly, it seems like a second household. The liberty I get right here and the entire mission of the workforce is simply tremendous constructive and I’m glad I can carry on being a part of this story.”
Stéphane Heulot, CEO of Lotto Dstny, is equally proud to see Lennert Van Eetvelt stick with the workforce: “Lennert is a product of our Improvement Group, which makes the story even nicer. Seeing his improvement from shut is spectacular, he made an enormous step this 12 months successful his first WorldTour victory. I’m assured we are going to see much more good issues of him sooner or later, we are going to information him in each step.”
Two extra years for Lennert Van Eetvelt with Lotto Dstny:
BORA-hansgrohe Needs to Signal Oier Lazkano and Jan Tratnik
BORA-hansgrohe desires Jan Tratnik from Visma | Lease a Bike in accordance with Het Nieuwsblad. The Slovenian’s contract with the Dutch workforce ends this 12 months and he is an efficient buddy of Primoz Roglič, who switched to the German workforce final winter. Spanish champion, Oier Lazkano can be on the BORA-hansgrohe listing.
Tratnik got here to Visma | Lease a Bike in 2023, on the advice of Roglič. This season he received the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, however his contract expires on the finish of this season, which would go away the best way open for him to comply with his buddy to BORA-hansgrohe.
It’s stated that BORA-hansgrohe has additionally already made a proposal to Oier Lazkano. His contract with Movistar expires on the finish of 2024. The Spanish champion has impressed this spring with a victory within the Clasica Jaén and a 3rd place in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne,
Lazkano is on the BORA-hansgrohe need listing:
UCI Offers Patrick Lefevere a Suspended Fantastic for Inappropriate Feedback
Patrick Lefevere has obtained a suspended effective of 20,000 Swiss Francs from the Worldwide Biking Union. The UCI Ethics Committee states that the Soudal Fast-Step workforce supervisor made ‘derogatory’ feedback about ladies. Lefevere can nonetheless keep away from punishment if he makes a public apology.
In accordance with the Ethics Committee, Articles 5 and 6.1 of the Code of Ethics had been violated in two circumstances. The press launch doesn’t specify which feedback Lefevere made, however it does state that they had been made ‘in public’.
Lefevere has been requested to make a public assertion acknowledging that his feedback had been inappropriate and apologising. “As well as, a effective of 20,000 Swiss Francs has been imposed, which will probably be suspended on the situation that Mr. Lefevere submits a public assertion and doesn’t commit an identical violation of the UCI Code of Ethics throughout the subsequent three years.”
Lefevere has to apologise, or pay:
Stefan Küng Skidded on the Mud of GP Denain, Adam Hansen Criticises the Race Organisers
Stefan Küng was driving properly on the GP de Denain, however issues went flawed within the ultimate. He slipped on the final cobbled part and took many of the group with him. On the Groupama-FDJ workforce web site he spoke about his race and the crash. Adam Hansen, chairman of the riders’ union CPA, has additionally criticised the organisers of the GP de Denain on social media.
Küng accelerated on the primary cobbled part of the day. He rode away with 5 different riders, however then opened up a spot on his personal. “After I turned a nook, I used to be immediately alone. I assumed: I higher keep on the entrance and be secure for the following cobbled sections. Contemplating the circumstances, I assumed it will be higher to be on the entrance than within the peloton,” Küng defined his solo enterprise.
Küng, who was chasing the three early escapees, was joined by a gaggle of favourites. Collectively they got here inside a minute of the leaders, however on the final stretch there was the large crash. “Regardless of my earlier effort, I felt good and I waited for the final stretch. There was lots of mud, it was moist, and though I didn’t wish to take too many dangers, I slipped. I didn’t see it coming.” Küng fell and plenty of crashed into him. “I had nothing, however my bike was damaged. I needed to change and misplaced the race there,” stated the 30 year-old rider, who completed in twenty sixth place.
“It’s a disgrace as a result of I felt actually good and the fellows did an amazing job placing me in place. It’s irritating. I’m bodily good, however this isn’t what we’re racing for. We race for outcomes, for victories. Nonetheless, let’s take the constructive out of it: I’m doing properly. I’ve some scratches, however nothing critical. Hopefully we can have a bit extra luck within the subsequent classics, particularly in Roubaix. However I’ve confidence.”
Küng’s slip was not the one crash through the GP de Denain. On a couple of event, riders crashed on the mud-covered cobbled sections. It led to criticism from Adam Hansen, the chairman of the riders’ union CPA. “I’m a bit confused, GP de Denain,” Hansen wrote on ‘X’ with a photograph displaying riders mendacity in thick mud. “I assumed your race was registered as a race (or am I flawed), however this was a cyclo-cross? Please inform me this photograph will not be out of your competitors?”
Muddy crashes in Denain:
Richard Plugge will Not Proceed as Chairman of AIGCP
Richard Plugge is not going to stand for re-election as chairman of the AIGCP, the affiliation that represents the pursuits {of professional} groups. The CEO of Visma | Lease a Bike says he desires to focus much more on the Dutch workforce, however will at all times keep watch over the pursuits of the collective of biking groups.
In an announcement, the Dutch CEO introduced that after three years as president of the AIGCP, he is not going to take part once more within the elections for a brand new time period as chairman. “I feel it’s wholesome and good to usually move the gavel. Because of this, all of us share duty as skilled biking groups.”
Plugge thanks his colleagues for the great cooperation in recent times. He emphasises that he’s pleased with what has been achieved. For instance, the CEO was necessary within the institution of the impartial security company SafeR. This organisation should assure the security of cycle race programs.
The CEO of Visma | Lease a Bike will focus much more by itself workforce sooner or later. “However I at all times proceed to take a look at the pursuits of the collective of biking groups.” The Dutchman mentions the security of riders and a wholesome enterprise mannequin for biking groups as his essential objectives.
Group Polti Kometa has its Official Espresso Espresso: SOLO Caffè Monorigine, the New Model from Aroma Polti
Group Polti Kometa has a brand new sponsor this ear: SOLO Caffè Monorigine, the brand new model from Aroma Polti, an organization throughout the Polti Group.
SOLO Caffè Monorigine is an E.S.E. (Straightforward Serving Espresso) pod espresso that gives a singular and unforgettable style expertise. No mix, simply the essence of espresso in its purest kind from three international locations the place cultivation is a part of the cultural id: Vietnam, Tanzania, Uganda. The pods are 100% compostable and appropriate with all 44mm E.S.E. pod machines in the marketplace and conventional espresso machines.
Behind this choice of highest-quality single origins lies an amazing analysis effort led by Stefano Polti, CEO and founding father of Aroma Polti.
“After quite a few years of dedication,” pronounces Stefano Polti himself, “we’re launching with nice delight this new model, which in 2024 sponsors Group Polti Kometa and is the official provider of RCS Sport. We strongly consider on this mission, which totally displays the values of the Polti world: ethics, respect and a wholesome way of life. In addition to steam, espresso makes you’re feeling good too!”
The passion is shared in Polti Kometa, as evidenced by the phrases of sports activities supervisor Ivan Basso: “It’s additionally a supply of delight for me to hold on our jersey an modern model that’s on the identical time linked to Polti’s necessary historical past. We really feel an integral a part of the SOLO Caffè Monorigine mission, which I’ve seen born and of which I’ve been the primary testimonial.”
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