The UAE Tour is battling by means of the desert – All of the race studies, outcomes, what the riders say and video.
Patrick Lefevere on Julian Alaphilippe: “Too many events, an excessive amount of alcohol” – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Not many UCI factors for Maxim Van Gils, Eddie Dunbar broke his hand within the first stage of the UAE Tour, Attila Valter accidents not too dangerous, Mads Pedersen not using the ‘Opening Weekend’ in Belgium, not many Classics for Anthony Turgis in 2024, truck driver who killed Rebellin: “I’m very sorry”, Gaia Realini extends contract with Lidl-Trek and Lotte Kopecky extends contract with SD Worx-Protime by means of 2028.
Group information: Soudal Fast-Step and Bahrain Victorious to the ‘Opening Weekend’ and subsequent races for dsm-firmenich PostNL.
Race information: La Vuelta Femenina is pondering of a summit end on l’Angliru, groups for Paris-Good and E3 Saxo Traditional has a brand new poster.
Espresso time EUROTRASH Thursday.
TOP STORY: Patrick Lefevere on Julian Alaphilippe: “Too many events, an excessive amount of alcohol”
Julian Alaphilippe was one of the profitable riders underneath the wing of Patrick Lefevere, however the outcomes have been nearly as good within the current seasons. The 31 year-old Frenchman faces a vital yr; his contract with Soudal Fast-Step expires on the finish of the season. Group boss Patrick Lefevere has been speaking in his typical forthright method within the run-up to the Flemish opening weekend.
In a interview in HUMO with José De Cauwer, Lefevere has been onerous on his French chief. “Julian is an efficient man, however after he signed his mega contract, he not carried out. I like my riders, but it surely should stay truthful. As you become older, it’s important to take extra care, it’s important to practice more durable and you’ll’t throw your hat at it. He now has to make the clicking and battle for it,” he stated, not pulling any punches.
Alaphilippe has struggled with accidents in recent times, however in accordance with Lefevere there may be extra to it. “Too many events, an excessive amount of alcohol… Julian is critically underneath the spell of Marion Rousse (his accomplice). Perhaps an excessive amount of. Julian is a younger canine stuffed with vitality, it is best to let him cross within the yard once in a while. And it’s essential to additionally say: this far and no additional. There’s nonetheless a nasty boy inside him.”
“I spoke to him in November final yr, within the presence of Marion and his supervisor Dries Smets. I stated: ‘It can’t proceed like this. In the event you mess one thing up yet one more time, I’ll hearth you on the spot.’ The message has been obtained. He’s getting again collectively.”
It isn’t the primary time that Lefevere has known as the two-time World champion to order. In December 2022 he was already dissatisfied with the efficiency of the traditional specialist and stated “he owes me a revenge”.
Marion Rousse not happy with Lefevere
Marion Rousse Reacts to Patrick Lefevere’s Phrases
Marion Rousse has launched a press release after Patrick Lefevere talked about Rousse and Julian Alaphilippe’s relationship in an interview. Rousse finds it unacceptable that Lefevere simply talks about their personal life within the press. “Present respect and sophistication,” she wrote on social media.
“No matter Mr Lefevere thinks of me, it’s unacceptable to assault our personal lives as he has accomplished. No, I don’t drink alcohol, by no means have. I additionally missed a number of events, as a result of with a 3-year-old we choose to be recent within the morning. You’ll not succeed, as you stated, in stopping me from working to maintain myself occupied and to stick with Julian throughout his profession. I’m passionate in regards to the work I do and I nonetheless have many plans,” stated Rousse, who’s a director of the Tour de France Femmes. “However I inform you, in no way will I allow you to into my personal life. So please cease speaking out of flip and present extra respect and… class.”
Patrick Lefevere has his say
Patrick Lefevere Backs Down, a Little: “My Phrases Sound too Heavy”
Patrick Lefevere has responded to his harsh statements in opposition to Julian Alaphilippe. In accordance with the CEO of Soudal Fast-Step, these phrases are incorrect. “José De Cauwer is my witness: not final yr, however in November 2022, I took Alaphilippe apart,” Het Nieuwsblad quotes.
After the statements by the Belgian supervisor, Rousse felt attacked and responded on social media together with her assertion. Lefevere now feels compelled to reply himself. He qualifies his statements. “I’m contemplating making a press release on Twitter, as a result of as soon as once more my phrases in English – with out the context of the interview – sound heavier than I stated them in Dutch.”
“What did I say? José De Cauwer is my witness: not final yr, however in November 2022 I took Julian Alaphilippe apart in Diegem. To say: issues can’t proceed like this. Both I allow you to go, or we’re going to do issues otherwise any longer. My message was: ‘expertise alone will not work. You become older and should dwell otherwise. Julian has carried out massive numbers within the Tour, however on the time there have been no or much less pronounced prime performers resembling Mathieu Van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Primoz Roglič that he’s now competing in opposition to.”
“There was a interval with too many events, however I’ve to say: he hasn’t had a drink since our dialog in November 2022. Not throughout the crew and never exterior the crew. I’ve spoken to individuals who had been with him on the coaching camp in Sierra Nevada: not a drop extra. And coaching has by no means been an issue, he has all the time continued to take action.”
Is Alaphilippe’s finest years behind him?
The UAE Tour 2024
Tim Merlier received the Stage 1 of the UAE Tour. The Belgian was the quickest in a bunch print, the place there was a giant crash. Arvid de Kleijn completed in second place, Jakub Mareczko was third and Fabio Jakobsen fourth.
The opening stage of the UAE Tour was a day for the sprinters, as there have been no categorised climbs. The stage would have the issue of wind and echelons had been anticipated.
Nothing occurred within the early kilometres. Solely after half an hour of racing did anybody assault. Mark Stewart (Corratec-Vini Fantini) went solo for some time, after which his teammate Marco Murgano joined him. The British and the Italian rider had a most lead of just about 4 minutes. On the entrance of the platoon, Visma | Lease a Bike, Alpecin-Deceuninck and BORA-hansgrohe had their males management the hole. All of them had a fast-finisher: Olav Kooij, Kaden Groves and Sam Welsford. These groups lowered the result in 1 minute with 30 kilometres to go. The wind prompted some nervousness within the peloton, but it surely by no means actually prompted a giant upset. Simply earlier than the final intermediate dash, 24 kilometres from the end, Stewart continued alone once more. Murgano dropped again to the peloton. He completed second within the intermediate dash, the place Pello Bilbao grabbed a bonus second from the peloton. Stewart gave up not a lot later. Twenty kilometres from the end it was apparent that the stage would end in a bunch dash.
Thomas De Gendt tried to get away, however Soudal Fast-Step and BORA-hansgrohe instantly jumped on his wheel. The run-up to the dash was comparatively straightforward, solely within the final 10 kilometres did the race come alive. No crew actually had management and in the beginning of the ultimate kilometre a number of groups rode on the entrance collectively. The lead-out trains break up and there was then a chaotic dash. There was a crash about 200 metres from the end. This delayed a few of the sprinters, however Fernando Gaviria was in entrance and launched his dash. The Colombian was handed by a number of riders, together with Tim Merlier. The Belgian received the dash, his third victory of the season. Arvid de Kleijn completed second, a motorcycle size behind Merlier, and Jakub Mareczko completed in third place. Fabio Jakobsen and Sam Welsford accomplished the highest 5.
Stage winner and Pink jersey, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “Bert [Van Lerberghe] introduced me as soon as once more in a superb place. With 1km to go, I discovered the wheel of Jordi [Warlop] then I discovered my very own house and went my very own method. I went a bit too early within the wind however I needed to as a result of Gaviria and Molano went from far out. I made a mistake in selecting the gear however the end was far sufficient to come back again. It’s good to win on the UAE Tour once more. Virtually all of the world’s prime sprinters are right here, aside from Jasper Philipsen and Caleb Ewan, so I’m proud of this win. I could be comfortable additionally with this third victory of the season already. Final yr I rode the crew time trial with the race chief’s jersey and I suffered lots. Tomorrow in a person time trial I’ll have the ability to journey my very own tempo and I’ll lose the jersey once more. Then again, I hope to win the factors classification once more and that may include one other stage win, which is my subsequent goal. Racing within the sand like right here shouldn’t be my speciality in cyclo-cross however right here the sand is gentle so I’m wonderful with it. The warmth impacts me extra. I choose to race with decrease temperatures however with the victory, I’m comfortable anyway.”
seventh general and White jersey, Loe Van Belle (Visma | Lease a Bike): “I heard on the radio that with two riders away, there was nonetheless one second of time bonus left at one intermediate dash so I grabbed my likelihood once I noticed that no person was going for it. It’s very good to put on the white jersey in a WorldTour race. It’s my first season within the WorldTour so it feels nice to race right here with all the large names.”
third general and Black jersey, Mark Stewart (Corratec-Vini Fantini): “It felt from the beginning that the wind helped us. It was a quick day! We had been two on the entrance as a result of if we’ve got seven riders per crew right here, so as a substitute of going through the entire stage alone on the entrance, the distinction between having one rider or two riders within the breakaway is huge, so it was for making our life a bit simpler. I believe I’ll defend the Black Jersey. I got here to this race with respect. It is a sprinters’ race however that’s to not say that we are able to’t attempt. If we don’t win a stage, the comfort worth is unquestionably the intermediate dash jersey.”
UAE Tour Stage 1 Consequence:
1. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step in 3:09:55
2. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor
3. Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Corratec-Vini Fantini
4. Fabio Jakobsen (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
5. Sam Welsford (Aus) BORA-hansgrohe
6. Fernando Gaviria (Col) Movistar
7. Juan Sebastián Molano (Col) UAE Group Emirates
8. Simone Consonni (Ita) Lidl-Trek
9. Phil Bauhaus (Ger) Bahrain Victorious
10. Jarne Van de Paar (Bel) Lotto Dstny.
UAE Tour General After Stage 1:
1. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal-Fast Step in 3:09:45
2. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor at 0:04
3. Mark Stewart (GB) Corratec-Vini Fantini
4. Jakub Mareczko (Ita) Corratec-Vini Fantini at 0:06
5. Marco Murgano (Ita) Corratec-Vini Fantini
6. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious at 0:09
7. Loe van Belle (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
8. Fabio Jakobsen (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:10
9. Sam Welsford (Aus) BORA-hansgrohe
10. Fernando Gaviria (Col) Movistar.
UAE Tour’24 stage 1:
UAE Group Emirates dominated the Stage 2 time trial of the UAE Tour. The victory went to Brandon McNulty, who additionally took over the chief’s jersey from Tim Merlier. His teammates Jay Vine and Mikkel Bjerg completed in second and third locations.
Final yr the UAE Tour included a crew time trial, this yr it was a person time trial. Some favourites for the general victory began early. Amongst them was Brandon McNulty, who lined the 12.1 kilometre, flat course at a median of just about 54 kph. He had a very long time within the ‘Scorching Seat’ forward of him.
At first nobody actually got here near the American. Pello Bilbao, one of many general contenders, was 19 seconds slower and was in second place for some time. Prime favorite and former winner Adam Yates misplaced 28 seconds to his teammate McNulty. It was then primarily different UAE Group Emirates riders who got here near McNulty. Mikkel Bjerg was 4 seconds wanting his teammate McNulty, whereas Jay Vine was solely 2 seconds too sluggish. McNulty didn’t have to fret about the remainder of the riders and the highest 5 didn’t change for a very long time. Rainer Kepplinger (Bahrain Victorious) and Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Fast-Step) had been fourth and fifth.
The hazard may come from Tobias Foss. The previous World time trial champion, who rode with a 68 entrance chainring, misplaced 14 seconds on the first intermediate level. The wind had elevated throughout the day, so he managed to scale back his deficit by one second within the second a part of the stage with the wind at his again. However that also left him 14 seconds behind McNulty. The UAE Group Emirates podium additionally remained the identical and there was no change for the remainder of the stage. McNulty received the time trial, forward of Vine and Bjerg. It was a double for McNulty, as he additionally took the chief’s jersey from Tim Merlier.
Stage winner and Pink jersey, Brandon McNulty (UAE Group Emirates): “It’s actually good to win this stage. As for myself, I form of exceeded the place I needed to be, plus the crew has accomplished nice. I may see throughout my race the velocity was actually good, so I adopted the plan for pacing. I used to be positively nervous on scorching seat, actually anxious I can say but it surely pays off. We knew some good riders had been coming on the finish, so it’s been a reduction when it was throughout and I’m tremendous comfortable. The crew has put a number of efforts in growing the fabric, not just for the TT, it’s good to see that it pays of within the time trial. At the moment’s consequence provides me a number of confidence forward of the Olympics. After some good outcomes final yr, I’ve been making an attempt to focus extra on TT Paris. Having three wins already this yr places me tremendous excessive however that is one other stage than Valencia. It’s large to make the highest 3 as a crew, it’s a superb efficiency and present for our sponsors. I don’t assume it adjustments out plans an excessive amount of. Adam [Yates] continues to be our greatest climber, it’s a superb place for all of us.”
sixth on the stage, general and White jersey Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Fast-Step): “I didn’t actually anticipate to be within the white jersey at the moment. I simply needed to do a superb TT on this quick course and I’m proud of the efficiency. I didn’t have a look at the instances of the opposite younger riders. It was nearly my very own journey. I usually assist Remco Evenepoel however I even have private ambitions, particularly in uphill finishes. Right here we’ve got a powerful crew with Jan Hirt and Mauri [Vansevenant]. We will play some playing cards. That is UAE Group Emirates dwelling race so they’re robust and tremendous motivated right here however we’ll attempt to make it troublesome for them.”
UAE Tour Stage 2 Consequence:
1. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Group Emirates in 13:27
2. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Group Emirates at 0:02
3. Mikkel Bjerg (Den) UAE Group Emirates at 0:04
4. Tobias Foss (Nor) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:14
5. Rainer Kepplinger (Aust) Bahrain Victorious at 0:16
6. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:17
7. Johan Worth-Pejtersen (Den) Bahrain Victorious at 0:19
8. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious
9. Bruno Armirail (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:20
10. Iván Romeo (Spa) Movistar at 0:21.
UAE Tour General After Stage 2:
1. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Group Emirates in 3:23:22
2. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Group Emirates at 0:02
3. Mikkel Bjerg (Den) UAE Group Emirates at 0:04
4. Tobias Foss (Nor) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:14
5. Rainer Kepplinger (Aust) Bahrain Victorious at 0:16
6. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:17
7. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious at 0:18
8. Johan Worth-Pejtersen (Den) Bahrain Victorious at 0:19
9. Bruno Armirail (Fra) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:20
10. Iván Romeo (Spa) Movistar at 0:21.
UAE Tour’24 stage 2:
Stage 3 of the UAE Tour was received by Ben O’Connor. The Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale climber was the primary to cross the road on Jebel Jais, after his teammate, Valentin Paret-Peintre, had laid the foundations for his victory. An one other Australian, Jay Vine, completed second and is now the brand new general chief.
The third stage was for the climbers, they’d their likelihood to make a primary actual assault on the GC on the climb to Jebel Jais. The ultimate 20 kilometres had been all uphill at round 5% to the end at Jebel Jais. The final 2 kilometres of the climb had a bit of 9%.
There wasn’t a lot enthusiasm to assault, however two riders determined to attempt their luck and once more it was Mark Stewart. The 28 year-old British rider of Group Corratec-Vini Fantini was joined by Swiss rider Silvan Dillier of Alpecin-Deceuninck. The peloton allow them to go, realizing that they may simply be managed, and so the lead of Stewart and Dillier improve to three minutes. The race rumbled on within the first hours, however 90 kilometres from the end there was some panic within the peloton. The crosswind prompted some echelons, however this turned out to be short-lived. The dropped riders managed to reconnect with the again of the primary group, after which all of it calmed down once more. Early escapees Stewart and Dillier had now been caught, however Stewart wasn’t completed and went on the assault once more, and it was one other Alpecin-Deceuninck rider who joined him. This time it was Jonas Rickaert. The peloton let the hole elevated to nearly 3 minutes. Presently there was a crash by Adam Yates, who began the UAE Tour as prime favorite. He suffered a tough fall, however was capable of proceed and rejoin the peloton.
The lead of the entrance group had now been halved. Stewart left Rickaert and continued solo, in search of intermediate dash factors. The British rider took all of the factors, all for his mom on her birthday. Stewart eased off and was caught earlier than the foot of the ultimate climb. Within the first kilometres the peloton didn’t push too onerous. Movistar tried to play a shock once more, like final yr, with Einer Rubio. The Colombian received at Jebel Jais final yr and confirmed himself once more, however this time he was not given any house. Within the group of favourites one rider after one other was distanced. The primary sufferer was Adam Yates, who was in bother resulting from his crash and needed to abandon. Mikkel Bjerg took care of nearly all of the work for his UAE crew leaders, and managed to skinny the group to about 40. With simply over 4 kilometres to go, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale took over for Ben O’Connor, however the French crew quickly had to surrender. Bjerg took the lead once more for a final robust activate the entrance.
AG2R weren’t completed and Valentin Paret-Peintre put in a powerful acceleration with O’Connor on his wheel, this was the proper lead-out for the Australian, who held off Jay Vine and Lennert Van Eetvelt. This was O’Connor’s second victory of the season, after the Vuelta a Murcia. Vine crossed the end line in second place, this was sufficient to take over the chief’s jersey from his teammate Brandon McNulty, who struggled within the last kilometre.
stage winner and 2nd general, Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale): “I requested Valentin Paret-Peintre to simply go full gasoline. I didn’t actually thought of what we had been doing. I didn’t need to go for the dash. I needed to go earlier. We bought a niche and I needed to maintain on. My preparation for the season has been nice. I received my first race in Murcia with echelons and we had been three within the entrance group. At the moment was the primary mountain check and it couldn’t go any higher. To return right here for racing is de facto actually good. It’s good to race for a sprinter (Sam Bennett) as nicely. All of us get alongside right here. It’s a WorldTour win and that’s the place we’ve set the bar. I needed to win a giant stage”.
Pink Jersey and 2nd on the stage, Jay Vine (UAE Group Emirates): “My sights are all the time on profitable. A surge got here, I seemed for Brandon, he began turning again and I heard on the radio ‘Jay you’ve bought to drag’. I carried to the entrance and I stored going flat out. The plan was for the crew to take the pink jersey dwelling on the finish of the week. We did fairly nicely to come back away with me within the pink jersey on the finish of the day. Mikkel Bjerg rode a improbable race holding Brandon and myself on the entrance. Within the final kilometre it was simply giving every little thing until the end. Adam Yates’ crash was a little bit of a bizarre one, not on a fairly annoying half. I didn’t see it occur. However sadly he can’t keep in mind hitting the bottom. Hopefully he’s OK. The plan now’s to retain the pink jersey until the top with a rider from UAE Group Emirates it doesn’t matter who, however I’m positive there are hundred guys on the market who’ve a distinct concept. It’s unimaginable that at my first race of the yr I’m sporting a WorldTour chief jersey”.
White Jersey, fifth on the stage and 4th general, Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal Fast-Step): “I’m happy to maneuver two spots up on GC to fourth now. It was a pleasant really. I used to be up entrance within the echelons because of my team-mates additionally. I attempted to go for the victory however I exploded a bit once I tried to go within the wheel of Jay Vine. I’d prefer to make the ultimate podium however even on the flat levels I’ll have to remain very attentive.”
Inexperienced Jersey and Black Jersey, Mark Stewart (Corratec-Vini Fantini): “It’s fairly particular to get the inexperienced jersey after three levels. I knew it was attainable but it surely’s not usually that issues really go your method. There have been just a few guys within the inexperienced jersey competitors and I wasn’t positive in the event that they’d let me get within the breakaway. The preliminary breakaway was fairly straightforward with myself and Silvan Dillier. I picked up the primary factors then the crosswinds occurred. I needed to keep within the entrance group and battle onerous for the second intermediate dash. For a small crew and even a small rider like myself, to be introduced with the Inexperienced Jersey and have the ability to compete with these prime riders, it’s a fantastic honour.”
Dr.Adrian Rotunno (UAE Group Emirates Medical Director): “Sadly Adam Yates has been identified with a concussion after his crash at the moment on the UAE Tour. He’s steady with different superficial accidents. For the sake of Adam’s well being, and as per concussion protocols, he was withdrawn from racing. He’ll want restoration and the medical crew will proceed with neurological monitoring and rehab going ahead.”
UAE Tour Stage 3 Consequence:
1. Ben O’Connor (Aus) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale in 4:16:21
2. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Group Emirates at 0:05
3. Lennert Van Eetvelt (Bel) Lotto Dstny
4. Max Poole (GB) dsm-firmenich PostNL
5. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
6. Attila Valter (Hun) Visma | Lease a Bike
7. Matthew Riccitello (USA) Israel-Premier Tech
8. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious
9. Einer Rubio (Col) Movistar
10. Simon Carr (GB) EF Training-EasyPost.
UAE Tour General After Stage 3:
1. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Group Emirates in 7:39:44
2. Ben O’Connor (Aus) Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale at 0:11
3. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Group Emirates at 0:13
4. Ilan Van Wilder (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:21
5. Pello Bilbao (Spa) Bahrain Victorious at 0:22
6. Max Poole (GB) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:31
7. Tobias Foss (Nor) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:33
8. Simon Carr (GB) EF Training-EasyPost at 0:36
9. Mikkel Bjerg (Den) UAE Group Emirates at 0:37
10. Attila Valter (Hun) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:39.
UAE Tour’24 stage 3:
Not Many UCI Factors for Maxim Van Gils
Maxim Van Gils obtained solely 20 UCI factors for his time trial victory within the Ruta del Sol. At first it seemed just like the Belgian would obtain 220 factors, as a result of the five-kilometre time-trial was the one remaining stage of the shortened race, which might additionally make Van Gils the general winner. The UCI has determined to not have a last GC and solely award factors for the stage victory.
The Ruta del Sol was supposed to start out final Wednesday, however the opening stage needed to be canceled as a result of there wasn’t sufficient police or Guardia Civil to protect the occasion resulting from a farmers’ protests. The cancellation of the second stage adopted. The plan B was a shortened three-day occasion, which might begin on Friday with the person time trial. Shortly earlier than the beginning of the TT stage of just about 5 kilometres in Alcaudete, the information was that the remainder of the race would even be canceled.
The Ruta del Sol would got here all the way down to the 5 kilometres of racing in opposition to the clock. Maxim Van Gils received with a time of 8:17. He took the stage victory, which earned him 20 UCI factors. As a result of there aren’t any extra levels, Van Gils appeared to be the general winner of the two.Professional race, that may earn him an additional 200 UCI factors. This might have introduced the overall factors to 220, 10 extra factors than a Tour de France stage winner. The UCI has determined in opposition to the GC factors, so Van Gils is just the winner of the stage and solely the 20 UCI factors.
Solely 20 factors for Van Gils:
Eddie Dunbar Broke his Hand within the First Stage of the UAE Tour
The UAE Tour began and ended on stage 1 for Eddie Dunbar. The Irishman didn’t begin the person time trial after he crashed within the opening stage. He broke his hand within the crash, his Jayco AlUla crew wrote on social media. Milan Fretin (Cofidis) additionally needed to abandon.
Dunbar was one of many victims of a giant crash within the run-up to the bunch dash received by Tim Merlier. The 27 year-old crossed the end line, however was badly injured. It now seems that he has damaged his hand and couldn’t proceed. It isn’t but recognized how lengthy the Irishman will probably be out of motion. Dunbar additionally needed to go away the Tour of Valencia early, he couldn’t begin the third stage due a crash.
Along with Dunbar, Milan Fretin additionally deserted the race. The Belgian Cofidis sprinter was additionally concerned within the crash within the last kilometre. “It’s a disgrace that I’ve to depart the UAE Tour after simply sooner or later, however I’m comfortable that I come away with solely a dislocated shoulder,” he wrote on social media. The hooked up photograph exhibits that Fretin additionally suffered fairly just a few abrasions.
Dunbar out of the UAE Tour:
Attila Valter Accidents Not Too Dangerous
The primary stage of the UAE Tour was marred by a serious crash within the final kilometre. A number of riders crashed at excessive velocity, together with Attila Valter. Nonetheless, the harm to the Hungarian champion appears to not be too dangerous.
Sports activities director Maarten Wynants spoke on the Visma | Lease a Bike web site. “Attila bought concerned and is presently a bit battered. At first look the harm seems to be minor. He has some abrasions. That could be a main setback, however we’re comfortable that for now it seems like he can proceed on his method.”
Valter began the second stage of the UAE Tour on Tuesday. The 25 year-old rider seems to be the crew co-leader with Bart Lemmen within the United Arab Emirates stage race. A BORA-hansgrohe rider appeared to be the primary to crash within the run-up to the dash. Harold Tejada (Astana Qazaqstan), Max Poole and Timo Roosen (dsm-firmenich PostNL), Ivo Oliveira (UAE Group Emirates) and riders from Lidl-Trek and Cofidis additionally crashed.
Dangerous dash crash in UAE:
Mads Pedersen Not Racing the Opening Weekend in Belgium
Mads Pedersen has already had six wins this season. The Danish former World champion began his season with a bang, however Pedersen won’t be pining on a race quantity for the Flemish Opening Weekend.
Lidl-Trek crew supervisor, Kim Andersen, defined to Het Nieuwsblad why the Dane won’t be in the beginning of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, a race he received prior to now. An odd selection, contemplating Pedersen is in good type in the meanwhile. “However it’s actually not the case that Mads is already in prime type,” Andersen defined.
“We’ve got raced in many alternative locations in current weeks. The highest riders had been very unfold out. Successful is after all by no means straightforward, however it’s definitely not the case that Mads is instantly far forward of schedule or one thing. Everybody now says: ‘He has already received six instances, he has to journey the opening weekend.’ No, we’re sticking to our plan.”
Pedersen is making ready with a coaching block for Paris-Good (March 3-10), adopted by the Classics. “Mads has presently been on a coaching camp in Mallorca for ten days. He’ll keep there till Paris-Good. It’s the strategy we additionally had on the time with Fabian Cancellara. Fabian rode the Opening Weekend just a few instances in very dangerous climate circumstances, with the danger of getting sick. Therefore the choice to not race anymore. That labored nicely for Fabian and it now works nicely for Mads. We simply know that it is extremely troublesome to be on the similar stage from the Omloop to Paris-Roubaix.”
No ‘Opening Weekend’ for Pedersen:
Not Many Classics for Anthony Turgis in 2024
Anthony Turgis has been a daily within the spring classics for a few years, however he won’t be seen a lot this yr. His TotalEnergies crew has not obtained an invite for the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Milano-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders and different races this yr.
The French crew was in the beginning of the spring Classics final yr, however has not be included this yr. It is a notably onerous blow for Anthony Turgis, the Traditional’s chief of TotalEnergies. The 29 year-old Frenchman has carried out nicely within the spring in recent times, with second locations in Milan-San Remo, E3 Saxo Traditional and Dwars door Vlaanderen and a fourth within the Tour of Flanders.
“Milan-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders are maybe the 2 greatest races, so I’m disenchanted about that,” Turgis stated in an interview with DirectVelo. “I knew we needed to take such a situation under consideration, however I nonetheless had excessive hopes for wildcards. It’s simply the way it works and we’ve got to simply accept this.”
“It does damage and it additionally feels unusual to say that we are going to not be collaborating in a very powerful Classics. Nonetheless, it’s now necessary to look forward once more. For instance, I’ll now be using Le Samyn (February 27). That was normally an excessive amount of of a race after the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, however now I will probably be there. And but: Milan-San Remo and the de Ronde stay irreplaceable competitions.”
This spring, Turgis will nonetheless journey Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Le Samyn, E3 Saxo Traditional, Gent-Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix. “Up to now I’ve been much less profitable in Roubaix than in San Remo or Flanders, though you by no means know. Paris-Roubaix is a lottery, however I consider that something is feasible. I’ve additionally competed for victory in Kuurne a number of instances,” he stated.
A quiet spring for Anthony Turgis:
Truck Driver who Killed Rebellin: “I’m Very Sorry”
Wolfgang R., the truck driver who killed Davide Rebellin, has reached a settlement with the general public prosecutor, Cyclingnews studies. The 63 year-old German will obtain a sentence of three years and 11 months, however has submitted a request to serve home arrest as a substitute of jail.
The accident that killed Rebellin occurred on November 30, 2022. Wolfgang fled after the collision, however was tracked down by means of a collaboration between the Vicenza Public Prosecutor’s Workplace and the German police. He was initially not arrested as a result of the crime in query shouldn’t be lined by the German legal code. He was later arrested and extradited to Italy, the place he was charged with involuntary manslaughter and failure to offer help to an individual in want.
Wolfgang’s attorneys then made an preliminary plea supply: a sentence of two years and eleven months. Nonetheless, the general public prosecutor rejected this proposal. An settlement has now been reached on a sentence of three years and eleven months. Wolfgang, who’s presently in Vicenza jail, additionally spoke throughout a listening to. “It was a mistake, a tragedy. I’m very, very, very sorry. I repent and settle for my punishment,” he stated.
In accordance with the ANSA information company, the decide will make a ruling on the agreements made on March 11, however additionally it is attainable that this may occur earlier. ANSA additionally studies that Rebellin’s household has obtained compensation of €825,000 from an insurer.
RIP David Rebellin:
Gaia Realini Extends Contract with Lidl-Trek
Gaia Realini will race for the Lidl-Trek crew for at the least 4 extra seasons. The 22 year-old Italian, who has change into among the best climbers within the ladies’s peloton, has prolonged her contract till the top of 2027.
Realini began her profession in 2021 with the Italian Isolmant-Premac-Vittoria biking crew, however was quickly noticed by the large groups. In her first yr she completed eleventh within the last classification of the Giro Donne and in 2022 she additionally confirmed nicely a number of instances within the mountain levels. This earned her a contract with Trek-Segafredo, now Lidl-Trek.
Because it turned out, Realini was a giant climbing revelation in 2023. She had a second place within the last classification of the UAE Tour, received the Trofeo Oro, got here third within the Flèche Wallonne, seventh in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and third in La Vuelta Femenina with a stage win, Giro d’Italia Donne and the Tour de l’Avenir Femmes. She began 2024 with prime 5 finishes within the UAE Tour and Tour of Valencia.
These achievements now earn her a good longer contract with Lidl-Trek, till the top of 2027. “My first season with the crew exceeded my wildest expectations,” stated Realini. “Expectations are actually even greater: we need to tackle this main problem. By extending my contract, I present that I actually get pleasure from racing for this crew. And likewise that I really feel extraordinarily appreciated.”
“The largest lesson I realized at Lidl-Trek is to by no means surrender, even in probably the most troublesome conditions. With this crew I’ve realised that biking is a crew sport. I’ve by no means felt alone. I’ve all the time been capable of depend on a powerful crew by my aspect, which allowed me to achieve my full potential and acquire much more self-confidence. I’ll now proceed the journey to push my limits even additional.”
Lengthy contract for Gaia Realini:
Lotte Kopecky Extends Contract with Group SD Worx-Protime By means of 2028
World champion Lotte Kopecky has opened up her contract with Group SD Worx – Protime and prolonged it by means of 2028. Within the negotiations, the crew and rider reached an settlement pretty rapidly. Over the previous two seasons, Kopecky, within the colors of Group SD Worx – Protime, achieved improbable successes together with the world street title in Glasgow, the Ronde van Vlaanderen twice, Strade Bianche, the factors classification and a stage within the Tour de France Femmes and a number of world and European titles on the monitor.
Kopecky (28) nonetheless had a contract till the top of 2024. The world champion indicated that she would like to stick with Group SD Worx-Protime for the following few years. The crew is satisfied that Kopecky can nonetheless make strides within the brief and long-term. Presently, she is 2nd within the UCI rating. This season she already managed to win the queen stage and the general classification of the UAE Tour.
Lotte Kopecky: “I’m very comfortable to stick with Group SD Worx-Protime till 2028. I really feel good with this crew, and most significantly, I could be myself on this setting. Group SD Worx-Protime is the very best crew within the ladies’s peloton when it comes to outcomes. The interplay on this crew could be very human. We’re definitely not seen as robots. After all we’re anticipated to carry out, however not at any value. There’s clear communication throughout the crew, so we instantly know the place we stand. Each when it’s optimistic sounds and important notes, you get to listen to it. I can respect that. At Group SD Worx-Protime, I’ve already skilled a number of nice moments with each my teammates and the employees over the previous two years. Once I have a look at the document I’ve constructed up right here and the way I’ve grown as a rider and particular person, it’s a logical selection that I’ve now opened up my contract and prolonged it by means of 2028.”
Erwin Janssen, crew supervisor Group SD Worx-Protime: “We’re very comfortable that we’ve got been capable of break open the contract with Lotte Kopecky and have secured her by means of 2028. Particularly in Belgium, Lotte Kopecky actually put ladies’s biking on the map. She joined our crew in 2022 as a serious expertise. She was capable of fulfil that promise within the colors of Group SD Worx – Protime and has since change into an excellent champion. One of many massive stars of ladies’s biking. Previously two years Lotte has received sensible victories for our crew with the Ronde van Vlaanderen two instances, Strade Bianche, factors classification and stage win within the Tour de France Femmes, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Nokere Koerse, 4 world titles on the monitor and naturally her sensible world title on the street in Glasgow. We sit up for persevering with to work together with her within the coming years and holding her on the prime. Particularly with our Belgian fundamental sponsors SD Worx and Protime, it’s fantastic for us to have the Belgian world star of ladies’s biking on our crew.”
Danny Stam, sports activities supervisor Group SD Worx – Protime: “Lotte is among the strongest riders within the peloton. Over the previous two years in our crew she has made large strides and constructed a pleasant document. She is a straightforward particular person to work with and has change into one of many leaders of the crew that everybody pulls as much as. She understands the crew’s pursuits nicely and is an individual everybody will get alongside nicely with. I’m assured that she will develop even additional and am happy that we’re holding her with the crew by means of 2028.”
Kobe Verdonck, CEO SD Worx: “With the contract extension of Lotte Kopecky, Group SD Worx-Protime additionally assures itself of an absolute world-class rider throughout the crew within the coming years. Lotte has already made SD Worx well-known because of her distinctive biking performances. As a prime Belgian bicycle owner, she is reaching worldwide success, which is precisely what we as an HR and payroll firm aspire to. Furthermore, the world champion all the time insists that she excels because of the crew behind her. That is a vital parallel to the enterprise world: you possibly can solely carry out exceptionally because of good teamwork. Lastly, Lotte makes a number of younger expertise enthusiastic in regards to the sport. It has been our acutely aware selection from the start to assist ladies’s biking in its additional improvement and to commit ourselves in the long term.”
Lotte Kopecky extends with SD Worx-Protime:
Soudal Fast-Step to the Opening Weekend
Julian Alaphilippe, Kasper Asgreen and Yves Lampaert will all pin a quantity for the 2 Classics
It’s nonetheless February, however spring is already right here, and the primary cause for that is that we’re simply a few days away from among the best weekends of the season and the beginning of six weeks of thrilling and spectacular racing on the cobbles.
Ranging from Gent and ending in Ninove, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad kicks issues off with a 202.2km course that includes loads of pavé sections and a dozen hills, together with Muur-Kapelmuur and the Bosberg. The long-lasting combo that when was synonymous with the Ronde van Vlaanderen ought to be decisive on Saturday, particularly as the highest of the final climb is separated from the end by simply 12 kilometres. Someday later, the riders will sort out Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, the place regardless of the ultimate actual issue of the day coming with greater than 60 kilometers remaining, the attackers have their possibilities of prevailing, as proven by Kasper Asgreen in 2020.
The highly effective Dane will begin his seventh professional season on the Opening Weekend, the place he’s set to compete in each occasions. One other Monument winner in the beginning will probably be Julian Alaphilippe, the double World Champion who put in a strong show final month on the Tour Down Below and who returns to racing after a block of coaching at altitude. Additionally in motion for Soudal Fast-Step on the finish of the week will probably be Josef Cerny, Yves Lampaert, neo-pro Luke Lamperti – who made fairly the impression in his first races with the crew – Gianni Moscon, Casper Pedersen, Martin Svrcek and Warre Vangheluwe.
“We’re excited in regards to the upcoming weekend, in the beginning of which we’ll go together with a powerful squad and a number of confidence and dedication. Many of the guys did a superb altitude coaching camp in Sierra Nevada and can now resume competitors, and 5 of our guys will do each races. We will’t say these races have any extra secrets and techniques, it is going to be principally about discovering out the place we’re at this second. For Omloop we’ve got a few riders who may get a superb consequence, whereas for Kuurne, if it comes all the way down to a bunch dash, we’ll be curious to see what Luke can do”, stated Soudal Fast-Step sports activities director Wilfried Peeters.
24.02 Omloop Nieuwsblad (BEL) 1.UWT
Riders:
Julian Alaphilippe (FRA)
Kasper Asgreen (DEN)
Josef Cerny (CZE)
Yves Lampaert (BEL)
Gianni Moscon (ITA)
Casper Phillip Pedersen (DEN)
Warre Vangheluwe (BEL)
Sports activities Director: Iljo Keisse (BEL), Wilfried Peeters (BEL) and Tom Steels (BEL).
25.02 Kuurne – Brussel – Kuurne (BEL) 1.Professional
Riders:
Julian Alaphilippe (FRA)
Kasper Asgreen (DEN)
Josef Cerny (CZE)
Yves Lampaert (BEL)
Luke Lamperti (USA)
Casper Phillip Pedersen (DEN)
Martin Svrcek (SVK)
Sports activities Director: Iljo Keisse (BEL), Wilfried Peeters (BEL) and Tom Steels (BEL).
Julian Alaphilippe to guide Soudal Fast-Step within the opening weekend:
Mohorič Leads Bahrain Victorious within the Opening Weekend
The anticipation is constructing for the primary cobblestone races of the season because the Opening Weekend approaches this Saturday, twenty fourth February, and Sunday, twenty fifth February, as “Omloop Het Nieuwsblad” and “Kuurne Brussels Kuurne” unfold on Belgian roads, marking the beginning of the Flemish racing season.
Usually thought-about warm-ups for the much-anticipated spring Classics, these races are removed from straightforward. Beginning with the difficult “Omloop,” the primary WorldTour race on European soil in 2024, riders will face a gruelling course that includes 12 climbs and 9 cobbles sectors, protecting 202km and ascending 1850m from Ghent to Ninove. Key moments embrace the enduring Muur van Geraadsbergen and the Bosberg, each taking part in pivotal roles in shaping the end result. Different important factors embrace the Haaghoek and the Leberg, setting the stage for the center selective part that includes the important thing climbs Wolvenberg, Molenberg, and Berendries.
The race concludes with a quick 12km stretch in the direction of the standard end in Elisabethlaan in Ninove, the place a lowered bunch dash is anticipated.
Following the spectacular crew presentation within the Kuipke in Ghent, the main target shifts to the Grote Markt in Kortrijk for the brand new begin location of the Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne the following day. The 196.4KM course, that includes 1800 meters of climbing and 4 cobble sectors, maintains its difficult nature, with main climbs such because the Kruisberg, Hotond, Cote de Trieu, and Kluisberg within the last part. The final 60km current flat but typically slender and uncovered roads, resulting in the standard end in Brugsesteenweg in Kuurne, usually leading to a restricted bunch dash.
Bahrain Victorious has outlined a transparent technique for the Opening Weekend, with Sports activities Director Michal Golas expressing confidence within the crew’s efficiency. “Matej Mohorič will lead each races in an effort to safe the very best consequence – victory,” says Golas.
Final yr, the Slovenian expertise was capable of take a wonderful third place in Kuurne. Now he arrives in Belgium, coming off an excellent victory on the Vuelta Valenciana, and a satisfying block of coaching: “I felt nice in coaching within the final couple of days. I already received this yr, and it provides me additional motivation to go chase my goals beginning already on this weekend in Omloop and Kuurne. Furthermore the crew spirit is excessive, everybody is de facto excited to return racing on the cobbles right here in Belgium.”
If Mohorič is called as one of many favourites, the crew additionally boasts the presence of co-leader Fred Wright, the UK Nationwide Champion, aiming for fulfillment within the Belgian marketing campaign this yr.
Golas emphasises the crew’s ambition, stating, “We’re in Belgium with an formidable crew. When you have got such a proficient rider like Matej, you all the time should goal for a victory. Apart from him, we consider in Fred’s good feeling with the cobbles and rising capability to get glorious outcomes. We may have a bunch of riders, together with him, who got here from a interval of excellent high quality coaching at Gran Canaria, like our street captain Andrea Pasqualon. Subsequently, the entire crew is in good form to face these difficult programs, the place it is going to be important to guard the leaders at essential factors and arrive in the direction of the ultimate half with a number of boys supporting the leaders, particularly within the Kuurne. Among the many helpers, Matevž Govekar shouldn’t be solely in form but additionally motivated after his victory in Turkey and will probably be elementary within the last specifically. Fran Miholjević, Kamil Gradek and Dušan Rajović spherical up our lineup for Omloop, whereas for Kuurne, Alberto Bruttomesso, at his debut on the cobbles, will change the Serbian rider. The crew is equipped for the anticipated outcomes and to make use of this opening style of cobbles as a worthwhile check for the season forward.”
The Subsequent Races for Group dsm-firmenich PostNL
Faun-Ardèche Traditional – FEB 24
Christian Guiberteau – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “We line up in France once more for 2 onerous one-day races, with the Faun-Ardèche Traditional and the Faun Drome Traditional. The Faun-Ardèche Traditional is a tough race, that normally sees the riders ending individually after a troublesome battle to the road. We’ve got two robust contenders with Romain [Bardet] and Warren for the ultimate; Romain will proceed his French marketing campaign right here and we’ve got Warren recent out of the Tour of Oman ending sixth on GC. To carry them into the ultimate in a great way would require slick teamwork from the start. We’ll want to remain sharp for harmful strikes, and take care of Romain and Warren nicely. If all of those items come collectively we could be within the combine within the difficult last.”
Line-up:
Romain Bardet (FRA)
Warren Barguil (FRA)
Patrick Bevin (NZL)
Romain Combaud (FRA)
Chris Hamilton (AUS)
Martijn Tusveld (NED)
Kevin Vermaerke (USA)
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad – FEB 24
Kelvin Dekker – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Omloop Het Nieuwsblad marks the beginning of the traditional season for our Ladies’s program. It’s all the time thrilling to race this massive Belgian traditional with all its challenges and hard circumstances. We’ve got a number of confidence in our qualities as a crew and in Pfeiffer as our finisher. Our focus will probably be to carry her to the ultimate the place she will play out her strengths, however as all the time we’ll have our eyes open for alternatives earlier within the race.”
Line-up:
Francesca Barale (ITA)
Pfeiffer Georgi (GBR)
Daniek Hengeveld (NED)
Franziska Koch (GER)
Josie Nelson (GBR)
Elise Uijen (NED)
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad – FEB 24
Pim Ligthart – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “The Belgium opener of the season is all the time a race to sit up for as we kick off our classics marketing campaign. That is all the time a difficult race, and this yr we’ll begin with a younger and impressive crew the place we’ll search for any alternative to get ourselves within the entrance of the bike race. Because of this we may have a watch on the breakaway or every other harmful transfer that may assist us to be within the combine when the motion begins. With an attacking mindset and good teamwork, I’m assured that we are going to be seen within the race.”
Line-up:
Pavel Bittner (CZE)
Frank van den Broek (NED)
Patrick Eddy (AUS)
Sean Flynn (GBR)
Emils Liepins (LAT)
Niklas Märkl (GER)
Tim Naberman (NED)
Omloop van het Hageland – FEB 25
Kelvin Dekker – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Subsequent up for our Ladies’s program is Omloop Het Hageland. This race usually ends in a dash however that by no means comes simply because the route is demanding and brings alternatives for groups to open up the race. We’ve got a squad who’re greater than able to taking a consequence right here and naturally with Charlotte on our line-up – who needed to delay her season begin at UAE Ladies’s Tour resulting from illness – we’re formidable to carry the race to a bunch dash the place we hope to take a pleasant consequence.”
Line-up:
Rachele Barbieri (ITA)
Pfeiffer Georgi (GBR)
Daniek Hengeveld (NED)
Franziska Koch (GER)
Charlotte Kool (NED)
Eglantine Rayer (FRA)
Faun Drome Traditional – FEB 25
Christian Guiberteau – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Simply as on the day earlier than, we predict a tough on the bike, the place we’ve got to be sharp from the beginning at Faun Drome Traditional. The race is a little more punchy, however nonetheless ought to swimsuit Romain [Bardet] and Warren very nicely, who will probably be our finishers once more. That is one other good alternative to indicate our power as a crew and play our playing cards within the last.”
Line-up:
Romain Bardet (FRA)
Warren Barguil (FRA)
Patrick Bevin (NZL)
Romain Combaud (FRA)
Chris Hamilton (AUS)
Martijn Tusveld (NED)
Kevin Vermaerke (USA)
Kuurne – Brussel – Kuurne – FEB 25
Pim Ligthart – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Kuurne – Brussel – Kuurne would be the first day on the cobbles in Belgium for our classics specialists John and Nils. We see a pleasant alternative for them right here and hope to take some benefit of bringing them to the beginning line in a recent situation. With the crew we’ve got right here, we’ll carry them by means of the onerous center part of the race in the very best form attainable and consider that once we do this nicely, they will play their playing cards within the last.”
Line-up:
Pavel Bittner (CZE)
Frank van den Broek (NED)
John Degenkolb (GER)
Nils Eekhoff (NED)
Sean Flynn (GBR)
Niklas Märkl (GER)
Bram Welten (NED)
Brussel Opwijk – FEB 25
Bennie Lambregts – Group dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Brussel Opwijk would be the first race of the yr in cooperation with the Dutch Meals Valley Biking Group, which already culminated in Johan Dorussen making the step to our Growth program for this season. We are going to use this race to work on the fundamentals and good teamwork. If this all goes to plan, we may have Johan and Vlad as our finishers. After some good Group Camps collectively in Spain I consider we’ve got a well-gelled group and am assured that this is usually a actually optimistic begin to the season for us.”
Line-up
Johan Dorussen (NED)
Vlad van Mechelen (BEL)
Frank Ragilo (EST)
Sean Flynn to journey the Omloop Het Hieuwsblad:
La Vuelta Femenina is Pondering of a Summit End on l’Angliru
This yr’s La Vuelta Femenina (April 29-Could 5) could also be selected the climb of the Alto de l’Angliru. In accordance with the Spanish web site Le Puncheur, the Spanish ladies’s GT will most likely finish with a mountain stage once more this yr and the organisers are contemplating the monster climb in Asturias.
The primary ascent of the Alto de l’Angliru occurred in 1999. In a seek for new roads to compete with the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, the Vuelta completed on the Angliru that yr. The then Vuelta director, Victor Cordero, preferred a problem for the peloton.
The late José Maria Jiménez was the strongest climber 25 years in the past and a brand new climb entered biking historical past. Within the years that adopted, the Vuelta visited the Asturian monster eight extra instances, with victories for Gilberto Simoni (2000), Roberto Heras (2002), Alberto Contador (2008 and 2017), Wout Poels (2011), Kenny Elissonde (2013), Hugh Carthy (2020) and Primož Roglič (2023). The feminine cyclists have by no means ridden up the Angliru, however possibly this yr. The ladies’s 2024 Vuelta route continues to be to be introduced.
The Alto de l’Angliru is 12.4 kilometres lengthy with a median gradient of 10.3%. The primary 5 kilometres have a median slope of 8%, after which the actual work begins. The second half rises by a median of 15%, with peaks of as a lot as 24%. There’s then one other 2 kilometres to the summit at 1,558 meters altitude.
The ladies’s Vuelta to hit l’Angliru?
Roglič vs Evenepoel: Reunions and Nice Challenges
Primoz Roglič has already had an eventful Paris-Good profession regardless of solely having participated twice on this main European occasion. On his debut in 2021, he masterfully took command, profitable three levels and rode within the chief’s jersey on the race’s last day, when he misplaced all his benefit within the final 25 kilometres following a crash. However the Slovenian is an honourable loser. He returned the next yr and was nearly as imperious to get his revenge, with the dear assist of Wout van Aert as his ideally suited deputy. This yr, the three-time Vuelta winner has chosen Paris-Good to debut his BORA-hansgrohe jersey and kick off his conquest of the Tour de France. The reunion with the Race to the Solar may even be a reunion with one among his closest rivals on the roads of Spain since Remco Evenepoel triumphed there in 2022, principally battling with him. The Belgian champion has set himself the identical problem as his closest rival with a view to July 2024 and, extra particularly, the end line in Good for the Tour’s last end. The Soudal-Fast Step chief bought a head begin by scheduling his first competitors in Portugal, the place he received the Tour of the Algarve for the third time, with a present of power within the Albufeira time trial that definitely didn’t go unnoticed. And it might be in Auxerre, within the time trial format that was tried out in 2023 (contested by crew, timed individually), that the Olympic champion and the world champion within the speciality will pit their forces in a duel that might proceed simply till Good, with surprises to be anticipated on Mont Brouilly (stage 4) or on the best way as much as the Auron resort (stage 7).
The match in query may see many different contenders, beginning with David Gaudu, who was as convincing as ever throughout his 2023 Paris-Good, ending in 2nd place between Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard. This yr, the UAE crew’s finest likelihood is Joāo Almeida and Brandon McNulty, whereas Visma | Lease a Bike will depend on its low season recruit Matteo Jorgenson. For Ineos Grenadiers, Carlos Rodríguez, fifth within the 2023 Tour de France, has been given the duty of taking on from Egan Bernal (winner of the 2019 Paris-Good) on the age of 23, with Joshua Tarling, the peloton’s most promising rouleur, offering worthwhile assist within the time trial. Twenty-three-year-old Danish champion Mattias Skjelmose has already confirmed himself on the WorldTour stage by profitable final yr’s Tour of Switzerland (forward of Ayuso and Evenepoel!) and can arrive within the Les Yvelines with lofty ambitions. It’s the similar story for Austrian Felix Gall with Decathlon-Ag2r, Ion Izagirre (third in 2021) with Cofidis or Pello Bilbao with Bahrain Victorious.
The stage chasers could not have the identical aims on the horizon for the end in Good. However in addition they have some correct prospects, with sprints of assorted varieties conceivable in Les Mureaux (stage 1), Montargis (stage 2), Sisteron (stage 5), and why not in La Colle-sur-Loup (stage 6). Mads Pedersen, winner of the Etoile de Bessèges and the Tour de la Provence, may add to his small assortment of trophies received on French roads, particularly Paris-Good, given his spectacular begin to the season. Arnaud De Lie has equal qualities, as do Michael Matthews and Bryan Coquard. However world-class sprinters Dylan Groenewegen, Olav Kooij, Fabio Jakobsen, Arnaud Démare, Sam Bennett and Kaden Groves may even be riders to be careful for.
Key factors:
- The 82nd version of Paris-Good takes on an unprecedented dimension because it kicks off the racing season, with one of many highlights taking part in out as soon as once more only a stone’s throw from the Promenade des Anglais, with the ultimate end of the Tour de France. 2022 Paris-Good winner, Primož Roglič goals to affix the membership of winners of the three main biking excursions this yr and kicks off his marketing campaign on the ‘Race to the Solar’, with Remco Evenepoel his fundamental rival. The Belgian champion will compete in his first French stage race from 3 to 10 March.
- A number of contenders are ready to affix the anticipated duel, together with David Gaudu, Carlos Rodríguez, João Almeida, Mattias Skjelmose and Matteo Jorgenson. They may all should be on peak type for the decisive levels of the Auxerre time trial, the centre-piece stage to the Auron resort and the ultimate stage, which is invariably indomitable, within the Good area.
- Quite a few sprinters have noticed the alternatives to be seized on the Race to the Solar, with a wide range of profiles giving an opportunity to the likes of Mads Pedersen, Arnaud De Lie, Bryan Coquard, Dylan Groenewegen, Fabio Jakobsen, Arnaud Démare, Olav Kooij and Sam Bennett.
22 TEAMS, THE MAIN CONTENDERS:
Australia
Group Jayco AlUla: Plapp, Matthews (Aus), Groenewegen (Nld)
Bahrain
Bahrain Victorious: Bilbao (Esp), Buitrago (Col), Haig (Aus)
Belgium
Soudal Fast Step: Evenepoel (Bel), Cattaneo, Moscon (Ita)
Lotto Dstny: De Lie, Campenaerts (Bel)
Intermarché-Wanty: Calmejane, Petit (Fra), Zimmermann (Deu)
Alpecin-Deceuninck : Kragh Andersen (Den), Groves (Aus)
France
Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale: Gall (Aut), Bennett (Irl), A.Paret-Peintre (Fra)
Cofidis: Coquard, Thomas (Fra), I.Izagirre (Esp)
Groupama-FDJ: Gaudu (Fra), Bystrom (Nor)
TotalEnergies: Burgaudeau, Latour, Turgis (Fra)
Arkea-B&B Lodges: Démare, Champoussin, Sénéchal (Fra)
Germany
BORA-hansgrohe: Roglič (Svn), Sobrero (Ita), Vlasov (Rus)
Israel
Israel-Premier Tech: Fuglsang (Dnk), Ackermann (Deu), Hofstetter (Fra)
Kazakhstan
Astana Qazaqstan Group: Lutsenko (Kaz), Charmig (Dnk)
Spain
Movistar Group: Lazkano (Esp), Cavagna (Fra)
Switzerland
Tudor Professional Biking Group: Storer (Aus), Trentin (Ita), De Kleijn (Nld)
The Netherlands
Group Visma | Lease a Bike: Jorgenson (Usa), Kooij, Kelderman (Nld)
Group dsm-firmenich PostNL: Jakobsen (Nld)
United Arab Emirates
UAE Group Emirates: Almeida (Prt), McNulty (USA), Fisher-Black (Nzl), Sivakov (Fra), Vine (Aus)
United Kingdom
Ineos Grenadiers: Rodriguez, Fraile (Esp), Tarling (Gbr)
United States
EF Training-Easypost: Uran (Col), Valgren (Dnk), Bisseger (Che)
Lidl-Trek: Pedersen, Skjelmose (Dnk)
Paris-Good:
E3 Saxo Traditional Has a New Poster
The organisers of the E3 Saxo Traditional (March 22) introduced a brand new poster for this yr. The race is normally controversial, as it’s this yr. “Who has the great legs?” is the slogan of the spring Traditional.
The banner exhibits two shaved legs, however the organisers of the E3 Saxo Traditional are usually not saying in the interim whether or not they’re ladies’s or males’s legs. We’ll have to attend till Friday, March 22, after the race for the reply.
Jacques Coussens, the organiser of E3, could be very proud of the design. “I don’t need to shock, however the UCI chairman got here to inform me final yr that I used to be turning into too good,” he informed Het Nieuwsblad with a smile. “I need to carry enjoyable into biking, however these days not every little thing is feasible anymore. I all the time present the banner to my spouse first. And he or she thought it was lovely and no drawback in any respect.”
“Who’s on the poster? You’ll solely have the ability to see that on stage. Then everybody instantly is aware of. It’s a special occasion for us. The biking season all the time begins with the posters and we kick off the occasion. The poster was created primarily based on the expression of riders. Who lets the legs do the speaking? Nobody is aware of whether or not it’s a man or a lady on the poster. It’s as much as the followers to search out out who it’s.”
After the Benidorm World Cup cyclo-cross, there was a number of criticism of the race organisers, due to their cartoon with Wout van Aert. The Belgian was depicted with the textual content: ‘LGBTQ group very enthusiastic’. With some LGBTQ supporters including: ‘About Van der Poel’s rainbow jersey, after all!’ Referring to the colors of the Pleasure flag.
Many individuals felt the drawing confirmed little respect in the direction of the LGBTQ group. The organisers eliminated the picture and apologised. It was not the primary time, beforehand the then E3 Prijs Vlaanderen and the E3 Harelbeke prompted critisism. In 2019 the UCI then issued a press release regretted the organiser’s selection and strongly disapproved of the poster resulting from its misogynistic nature. That controversial poster was subsequently withdrawn.
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