All the outcomes, stories and video from the primary levels of the AlUla Tour and the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, plus rider quotes.
2024 Cyclo-Cross World Championships in Tábor – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Egan Bernal pleased with His efficiency within the Colombian championships, Simon Yates goals for Tour podium, Rigoberto Urán would possibly proceed for longer, dsm-firmenich PostNL and John Degenkolb proceed journey collectively, Shirin van Anrooij will begin her street season quickly, a busy February for Lars van den Berg, German justice dismisses Michel Hessmann’s doping case and Lennard Hofstede has been busy since his retirement.
Staff information: Attila Valter makes Visma | Lease a Bike Giro long-list and Eritrean Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier Will Stick with Lidl-Trek.
Race information: The good Strade Bianche weekend, groups for the 2024 version of the UAE Tour girls are introduced and Milano-Torino: Who will host the beginning of the subsequent two editions?
Plus British Biking job power suggestions to reinvigorate home street racing.
Sit again for the EUROTRASH Thursday espresso!
TOP STORY: 2024 Cyclo-Cross World Championships in Tábor
Mathieu van der Poel has by no means been extra dominant than he has been this winter cross season. In Tábor, Czech Republic, he’s a useless certainty to take his sixth world title, barring an accident. In accordance with the person himself, it could full the circle, as a result of Van der Poel received his first World title in Tábor in 2015.
There has beed solutions that there could possibly be snow at World championships this 12 months. Belgian nationwide coach Sven Vanthourenhout stated final week that these situations would improve the possibilities of Mathieu van der Poel’s opponents. However just a few days earlier than the cross Worlds, temperatures have solely dropped under freezing at evening and there’s definitely no signal of snow. “It has typically been about 5 to 6 levels this week in Tábor,” defined Jakub Riman, a Czech World championships rider. Two weeks in the past he rode the nationwide championships on this circuit, he completed twelfth attributable to a puncture. “The circuit was nonetheless lined by a layer of ice, which made it slippery on the corners. However Tábor nonetheless remained a circuit by which each rider can use his strengths and be the perfect model of himself.”
“Given the altering circumstances, I count on a quick cross in Tábor on Sunday,” stated Riman. “It won’t be a muddy affair there. It will likely be a dry circuit. However alternatively: technical passages, such because the excessive beams simply earlier than the tough climb and quick bends, will at all times make for an interval race. These beams have been at all times essential in Tábor, however I count on that the perfect rider will win on Sunday.”
Many riders already know the circuit. Mathieu van der Poel received his first skilled World title in 2015 and his first European title in 2017. Additionally there’s often a World Cup race there at the start of the season. “You’ll be able to examine the World Cup course with this one for about 80%. The one actual variations are that the sector on the again is ridden in a special path and an additional loop has been added. Moreover, two further bridges have been constructed,” concluded Riman.
Though the beams, which in accordance with consultants are probably the most notorious half on the course, deserve an additional phrase of clarification. Dutch rider Pim Ronhaar sees the hazard. “Usually there are World Cup beams and they’re simple to leap. However I’ve seen that there are different beams in it now. Those from just a few years in the past and they’re only a lot greater and really tough to leap. Furthermore, that part slopes upwards there. Usually when it’s flat, you keep your velocity on the beams. However right here you must hit that bar a lot more durable to keep up your velocity between the beams and that’s definitely attainable with these World Cup beams. You’ll be able to put your entrance wheel on there, as a result of it’s a barely wider beam. However what’s there now’s only a plank. So you actually shouldn’t contact it, as a result of then you’ll fall over. Have a look again on the 2015 version. Then Mathieu crashed on these beams 4 occasions out of the seven rounds they rode there. So it’s a threat.”
High favorite for the lady’s race – Fem van Empel
High Favourites
Within the girls’s race Fem van Empel is the favorite, bit don’t low cost her teammates; Lucinda Model, Manon Bakker, Annemarie Worst and Denise Betsema, the possibilities of an all Netherlands podium is sort of excessive. Of the non Dutch riders look out for Laura Verdonschot and Marion Norbert Riberolle of Belgium, native rider Kristyna Zemanova, Blanka Kata Vas of Hungary, Marie Schreiber of Luxembourg, USA’s Clara Honsinger, Canada’s Isabella Holmgren and naturally Britain’s Zoe Bäckstedt.
Within the males’s race there ought to be 52 riders from 18 international locations, however Belgium and the Netherlands are by far the dominant international locations. The Netherlands begins with seven riders and the Belgians have 9 males. There’s one massive favorite. Belgian nationwide coach Sven Vanthourenhout has stated that everybody in Tábor can be using for second place Mathieu van der Poel has been dominant this winter, solely shedding just one race he has began. He’ll wish to maintain his rainbow jersey, however you by no means know in cyclo-cross, issues can go unsuitable. If it does, the look out for: Joris Nieuwenhuis, Lars van der Haar, Pim Ronhaar all Netherlands. If Van der Poel places a foot unsuitable, then search for the Belgians to take advantage of it: Michael Vanthourenhout, Thibau Nys and Eli Iserbyt received’t anticipate anybody. Different Belgians; Joran Wyseure and Niels Vandeputte are additionally there. From different international locations there are Britain’s Cameron Mason, Clément Venturini of France, Spain’s Felipe Orts and Swiss rider, Timon Rüegg.
High favorite has to Mathieu van der Poel:
AlUla Tour 2024
A bunch dash was anticipated on the finish of Stage 1 of the AlUla Tour and that’s what occurred on the opening day. In a busy ending straight with loads of candidates to victory, Casper Van Uden (dsm-firmenich PostNL) was the quickest. The younger Dutchman solely simply took his first main success by beating countryman Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla) and Belgium’s Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step). Van Uden additionally took the lead of the overall classification and can be sporting the inexperienced jersey on stage 2.
After a spectacular opening ceremony staged on the Maraya Live performance Corridor on Tuesday night, the 126 riders of the 2024 version of the AlUla Tour all of the riders have been at begin line within the AlManshiyah Practice station for the official begin of the stage: a 149 kilometre loop round AlUla with no main difficulties. Below a vibrant sunshine, it solely took 1 kilometre for 5 males to get away from the peloton: Zubeldia (EUS), Bettles (ROI), Yamamoto (JCL) and two riders from the Saudi Arabia Nationwide workforce, Al Ibrahim and Al Shaikhamed.
The entrance group noticed their lead attain 3 minutes after 8 kilometres, earlier than the sprinters’ groups of Jayco Alula, Tudor and Soudal Fast-Step took command of the peloton. On the first Most Lively rider dash (81km) received by Zubeldia forward of Bettles and Yamamoto, there have been solely 4 males left within the break, Al Ibrahim failing to maintain up with the tempo. In the meantime the hole had dropped to 2:30. At 104km, Bettles and Zubeldia powered away dropping their companions. Each males reached the 120km mark with a lead of 1:20. Bettles had a puncture and Zubeldia was left alone on the entrance. The Spaniard managed to succeed in the second Most Lively rider dash (127km) clear from the pack incomes him the Orange Jersey. He was ultimately caught with slightly below 20kms to go.
Jayco AlUla and Soudal Fast-Step saved the bunch collectively. The bonus dash, on the second passage of the end line, with 10kms to go, with 3 bonus seconds, was claimed by Sobrero (BOH) forward of Wright (TBV) and Dversnes (UNO). It was then a query of being properly positioned for the ultimate. Completely led out by his dsm-firmenich PostNL males, Casper Van Uden flew to the road solely simply out-sprinting Dylan Groenewegen and Tim Merlier. The 22 year-old sprinter from Schledam captured his first skilled success after a number of promising wins within the novice ranks. Because of this stage 1 success, Van Uden leads the GC and can be sporting the Inexperienced Jersey on stage 2 between Winter Park and the Sharaan Nature Reserve. The Dutchman additionally leads the factors and finest younger rider classifications.
Stage winner and general chief, Casper van Uden (dsm-firmenich PostNL): “All of the boys did a extremely good job right now. We had our personal plan. I feel it’s very nice that we have been in a position to observe our personal plan and give attention to ourselves, the blokes did an excellent job at that. Everybody across the race, these again at HQ, all did an excellent job, so I’m actually completely satisfied to provide again the win to everybody and to thank all of them for believing in me.”
2nd on the stage and general, Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla): “The workforce did properly right now, however I nearly crashed at 1.2 kilometres from the end. This triggered me to slip out my pedal and so I misplaced loads of positions. In consequence, I used to be a bit too far to strategy the U-turn. Then I used to be too far for the final left bend once more. I managed to maneuver up a bit and end my dash, so I finally crossed the road in second place. That’s not ok. I hope it received’t be like that subsequent time. My velocity is nice and I’m wanting ahead to the subsequent dash alternative.”
third on the stage and general, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “At six kilometres from the end, Alessandro De Marchi hit my entrance wheel along with his pedal. My lead-out Bert Van Lerberghe then determined to make a fast change after the U-turn at 5 kilometres. That was properly executed by Bert. It was leaping on and off. I used to be instantly again in place, however with wider handlebars and a special bike it took some looking. Jordi Warlop introduced me once more, however I used to be fairly on the restrict. I acquired into the wheel of Søren Wærenskjold, however that half second that I relieved the strain price me the victory.”
AlUla Tour Stage 1 End result:
1. Casper van Uden (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL in 3:18:55
2. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) Jayco AlUla
3. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
4. Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility
5. Dušan Rajović (Serb) Bahrain-Victorious
6. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor
7. Matteo Malucelli (Ita) JCL Staff UKYO
8. Juan Sebastián Molano (Col) UAE Staff Emirates
9. Gleb Syritsa (-) Astana Qazaqstan
10. Davide Cimolai (Ita) Movistar.
AlUla Tour General After Stage 1:
1. Casper van Uden (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL in 3:18:45
2. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) Jayco AlUla at 0:04
3. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:06
4. Matteo Sobrero (Ita) BORA-hansgrohe at 0:07
5. Fred Wright (GB) Bahrain-Victorious at 0:08
6. Fredrik Dversnes (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 0:09
7. Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 0:10
8. Dušan Rajović (Serb) Bahrain-Victorious
9. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor
10. Matteo Malucelli (Ita) JCL Staff UKYO.
AlUla’24 stage 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q0EVr8T9GY
After a really eventful Stage 2 together with echelons within the wilderness round AlUla, stage victory was determined after a bunch dash for less than the strongest males of the occasion. Properly led-out by his Uno X Mobility workforce, Soren Waerenskjold captured a second stage success within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after triumphing final 12 months. On the road the Norwegian beat Henok Mulubrhan (Astana Qazaqstan) and Nils Eekhoff (dsm-firmenich PostNL) and took the general lead.
A blue sky, vibrant solar and enthusiastic spectators welcomed the beginning of day 2 of the AlUla Tour at Winter Park. A pleasant location to launch the 126 riders for the longest stage of the race: 199kms to the Sharaan Nature Reserve. It took fairly a battle for six males to interrupt away from the peloton in numerous teams.
Ultimately, after Azparren (Q36.5) received the bonus dash (at 20km), he was caught by 4 different riders: Zubeldia (Euskatel-Euskadi), Pansaard (Roojai Insurance coverage), Koishi (JCL Staff Ukyo) and Al Shaikhahmed (Saudi Nationwide Staff) whereas Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility) who had claimed 2 bonus seconds, sat up and waited for the peloton. After 45kms of racing, the hole had reached 3:40 whereas dsm-firmenich PostNL, workforce of race chief Casper Van Uden, began chasing and took management of the escapees. At 67km, after a left hand flip, the actual motion began with workforce Uno-X Mobility making the perfect of the slight cross-wind. The pack broke into a number of echelons with riders like Latour (TotalEnergies), Majka (UAE Staff Emirates), Waerenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) and Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla) struggling to observe. After the entrance 5 have been caught by the primary echelon at 80km, the state of affairs calmed down after one other left flip right into a headwind. The peloton regrouped once more at 98km, shortly earlier than three males escaped: Azparren (Euskatel-Euskadi), Miltiadis (Terengganu Biking Staff) and Oka (JCL Staff Ukyo). They might quickly to be caught by two riders from Roojai Insurance coverage: Batsaikhan and Tzortzakis. The entrance 5 noticed their lead develop to five:40 at 119km earlier than the sprinter’s groups moved as much as the entrance of the pack to start out chasing. On the second intermediate sprit (123km) claimed by Oka, the hole had dropped to 4:40. On the third intermediate dash (160km) received once more by Oka, the peloton was at solely 30 seconds. The leaders have been lastly caught 4 kilometres later.
The pack remained collectively within the last 20 kilometres underneath the management of a number of groups, together with Movistar and Cofidis. On the ultimate climb, whereas a sick Dylan Groenewegen was dropped, Pierre Latour (TotalEnergies) was the primary to make a transfer. The Frenchman stayed clear till the ultimate kilometre earlier than being caught. Led-out by his Uno-X Mobility squad, Søeren Warenskjold powered to the road. The Norwegian who had received final 12 months’s stage 3 to Abu Rakah managed to say his seventh professional success by beating Henok Mulubrhan (Astana Qazaqstan) and Nils Eekhoff (dsm-firmenich PostNL). Fourth on stage 1 and victorious on stage 2, the previous U23 time-trial World champion strikes as much as first general and can be sporting the Inexperienced chief’s jersey on stage 3 from the AlUla Worldwide Airport to the AlUla Camel Cup Observe. Waerenskjold additionally leads the factors and youth standings whereas Atsushi Oka (JCL Staff Ukyo) is main the Most Lively rider competitors.
Stage winner and general chief, Søren Waerenskjold (Uno-X Mobility): “I do properly away from house. We had a tailwind within the dash and that fits me higher as a tall rider. This was a bit simpler than final 12 months, which was very steep that point. This last section suited me even higher. As a workforce we wished to remain properly forward, however not take the lead too early. We did that completely. We met up after the highest of probably the most tough half, after which we wished to maintain the moments within the final 500 metres. At that time you don’t wish to lose all of your energy, that went very properly, however I knew I needed to keep calm. You don’t wish to go too deep in echelons, as a result of it’ll stick in your legs. We then had an extended stretch of headwind, in order that allowed me to take it simple. You must maintain believing and I particularly believed in my teammates on the finish. They needed to do it steadily, and by chance they succeeded. This can be a good begin to the season. You might be at all times curious how you’ll begin the 12 months, however fortunately it goes properly. There are nonetheless just a few dash levels arising, so I’ve to be mentally prepared day by day. Happily, there’s additionally a stage the place I can take it a bit simpler.”
third on the stage and 4th general, Nils Eekhoff (dsm-firmenich PostNL): “It was an extended day with loads of nervousness attributable to threatening echelons. We acquired by it properly and have been at all times properly positioned. Enzo Leijnse did an incredible job controlling the breakaway. Then Casper and I have been dropped off splendidly for the final climb, properly forward, however out of the wind. After some assaults from classification riders, which we might observe, our focus was Casper’s dash. Then I attempted to launch Casper 450 metres from the end, however sadly he might not begin his dash. Nils nonetheless did a lead-out for Casper, however sadly the climb had price an excessive amount of power. All in all it was good to see us competing for the win once more. The legs in the end made the choice, and we’re pleased with that. We’ll go for it once more tomorrow.”
AlUla Tour Stage 2 End result:
1. Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility in 4:42:04
2. Henok Mulubrhan (Eri) Astana Qazaqstan
3. Nils Eekhoff (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
4. Bryan Coquard (Fra) Cofidis
5. Casper van Uden (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
6. Jordi Warlop (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step
7. Rick Pluimers (Ned) Tudor
8. Maikel Zijlaard (Ned) Tudor at 0:02
9. Pierre Latour (Fra) TotalEnergies
10. Iván Romeo (Spa) Movistar.
AlUla Tour General After Stage 2:
1. Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility in 8:00:49
2. Casper van Uden (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
3. Henok Mulubrhan (Eri) Astana Qazaqstan at 0:04
4. Nils Eekhoff (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL at 0:06
5. Tim Merlier (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 0:08
6. Matteo Sobrero (Ita) BORA-hansgrohe at 0:09
7. Xabier Mikel Azparren (Spa) Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff
8. Bryan Coquard (Fra) Cofidis at 0:10
9. Rick Pluimers (Ned) Tudor
10. Anders Halland Johannessen (Nor) Uno-X Mobility.
AlUla’24 stage 2:
Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana 2024
Alessandro Tonelli is the shock first chief of the Tour of Valencia. The Italian of VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè received the 167 kilometre opening Stage 1 to Castellón from the early break on Wednesday, after surviving with teammate Manuele Tarozzi after the hardest climb of the day.
The riders have been confronted with three climbs on the opening day, together with the Desierto de Las Palmas (7.7km at 5%), with the highest of the climb simply 15 kilometres from the end. Earlier within the day, La Bandereta and the Coll de la Basa have been additionally on the route.
The break of the day included: Alex Molenaar (Illes Balears Arabay), Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH), Gorka Sorarrain (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA), Iñigo Elosegui (Equipo Kern Pharma), Manuele Tarozzi & Alessandro Tonelli (each VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè) and Francisco Muñoz (Polti-Kometa). They have been allowed to take greater than 9 minutes on the peloton. The hole was nonetheless the identical midway by the stage and the peloton began to chase. Euskaltel-Euskadi, Bahrain Victorious, UAE Staff Emirates and BORA-hansgrohe put a person on the entrance to chop the lead. That labored out fairly properly, as a result of 30 kilometres from the end the distinction was solely 3 minutes. Simply earlier than the foot of the Desierto de Las Palmas, the duo of VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè went on the assault from the main group. Sorarrain was in a position to be a part of them for some time, however ultimately needed to let Tarozzi and Tonelli go. It was additionally too quick for Molenaar and Bol, though Molenaar nonetheless chased the Italian duo on his personal, however he was at about half a minute on the high.
The significantly thinned peloton had the best issue closing the hole. On the high of the Desierto de Las Palmas the distinction was nonetheless 2 minutes, so Tarozzi and Tonelli had 17 kilometres of downhill and flat to the end in Castellón. The descent of the Desierto de Las Palmas was the sign for high descender, Matej Mohorič, to assault. The Slovenian threw himself down and caught Bol and others of the remaining escape. Solely Tarozzi, Tonelli and Molenaar have been nonetheless forward of him. The peloton weren’t holding again now, as a result of UAE Staff Emirates didn’t wish to give Mohorič an excessive amount of of a lead and pulled him again. The bunch was nonetheless greater than 1:30 from the main duo of VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè. Tarozzi and Tonelli took a unsuitable activate a roundabout and ended up within the barrier tape. That they had sufficient time in hand and crossed the end line collectively. Tonelli took the victory as a present from Tarozzi. Molenaar completed in fourth place, as a result of Oier Lazkano jumped from the peloton and handed the Dutchman within the finale. Eight seconds later, Jonathan Milan received the dash for fifth place, forward of Michael Matthews and Mohorič.
Stage winner and general chief, Alessandro Tonelli (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè): “I knew we had sufficient lead. Within the last I knew we had a two minute lead, so after we took the unsuitable flip I knew there was a margin. This was an actual workforce victory. With Manuele and the workforce we achieved a beautiful victory. When the hole turned 9 minutes, we realised that it was actually attainable. I spoke to Manuele and he attacked first. I adopted him, after which I set a very good tempo on the climb that we might each deal with properly. I used to be stronger and determined to attend for Manuele. At that second he informed me that I might win. This can be a crucial victory, as a result of the Tour of Valencia is a really prestigious race.”
seventh on the stage and general, Matej Mohorič (Bahrain-Victorious): “It’s the primary day of racing for many riders, so most of them don’t actually have the arrogance but. You by no means know. We obtained little or no data. We knew we have been two minutes behind on the high. Then you definitely by no means know, as a result of perhaps an attacker will get a cramp, or there can be a battle by which they have a look at one another. However I didn’t know they have been teammates, so sadly it didn’t work out. It’s tough to tackle the strain as a workforce. We now needed to do a lot of the work, however in the long run the break made it. That can also be good, as a result of it doesn’t occur fairly often in present biking that these riders can win a stage. It’s also a missed alternative for us, however we did what we needed to do. Possibly different groups also needs to assist in the event that they wish to go for the stage victory. I’m pleased with my legs and I’m assured about the remainder of the week and no matter comes subsequent.”
Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana Stage End result:
1. Alessandro Tonelli (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè in 4:04:35
2. Manuele Tarozzi (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
3. Oier Lazkano (Spa) Movistar at 1:09
4. Alex Molenaar (Ned) Illes Balears Arabay Biking at 1:11
5. Jonathan Milan (Ita) Lidl-Trek at 1:19
6. Michael Matthews (Aus) Jayco AlUla
7. Matej Mohorič (Slo) Bahrain Victorious
8. Filippo Fiorelli (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
9. Pelayo Sánchez (Spa) Movistar at 1:20
10. Giovanni Aleotti (Ita) BORA-hansgrohe.
Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana General After Stage 1:
1. Alessandro Tonelli (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè in 4:04:23
2. Manuele Tarozzi (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè at 0:03
3. Oier Lazkano (Spa) Movistar at 1:17
4. Alex Molenaar (Ned) Illes Balears Arabay Biking at 1:19
5. Jonathan Milan (Ita) Lidl-Trek at 1:31
6. Michael Matthews (Aus) Jayco AlUla
7. Matej Mohorič (Slo) Bahrain Victorious
8. Filippo Fiorelli (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
9. Pelayo Sánchez (Spa) Movistar at 1:32
10. Giovanni Aleotti (Ita) BORA-hansgrohe.
Valenciana’24 stage 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26oz4PREsOk
Bernal Pleased with His Efficiency within the Colombian Nationwide Championships
Egan Bernal was very near successful the Colombian street title final Sunday, however the INEOS Grenadiers rider couldn’t catch early escapee Alejandro Osorio. However Bernal was not upset after the end.
His third place was greater than a great addition for Bernal after two tough years. The person who has received the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France continues to be on the lookout for his previous legs after his coaching crash in January 2022. His comeback has had its ups and downs, however on Sunday he made his mark once more within the Colombian street championship.
“I had nostalgic emotions through the race, as a result of I felt just like the Egan of the previous once more. I assumed: I’m simply going to provide it my all now. I didn’t care if I used to be dropped. We simply pushed arduous on each climb. That’s how I at all times raced earlier than, with out worry. I feel I rode with out worry for the primary time once more,” he stated to Ciclismo Colombiano after the race.
Bernal made a bid for the Colombian title within the hilly race round Tunja, Boyaca division, however was crushed by early escapees Alejandro Osorio and Sergio Higuita. The 27 year-old Bernal was completely satisfied along with his efficiency. “That was a extremely cool race. We labored very properly collectively within the chase. We understood one another and nobody held again. No video games have been performed. That makes racing much more pleasing. It was simply all-in and I actually loved it.”
Bernal will take part within the Tour Colombia (6-11 February). This ought to be a particular race for Bernal, because the fourth stage finishes in his hometown of Zipaquirá. After a Colombian begin to the season, Bernal will fly to Europe.
Egan Bernal’s Race Schedule:
06-02 – 11-02 Tour Colombia
22-02 – 25-02 O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route
02-03 Strade Bianche
01-04 – 06-04 Itzulia Basque Nation
23-04 – 28-04 Tour de Romandie
17-08 – 08-09 Vuelta a España.
Egan Bernal feeling extra assured:
Simon Yates Goals for Tour Podium
Simon Yates completed fourth within the Tour de France final 12 months, however the British climber desires a greater outcome. The 31 year-old Jayco AlUla rider is absolutely dedicated to the ultimate podium within the French tour this 12 months. “I wish to do higher than final 12 months,” he stated in an interview with GCN.
Final 12 months the British rider confirmed his finest in La Grande Boucle and completed fourth behind his brother Adam Yates, Tadej Pogačar and general winner Jonas Vingegaard. “Final 12 months’s Tour was an incredible success, however I used to be additionally so near the rostrum. So it might have been even higher. I stay hungry and wish to do even higher within the Tour this 12 months. If I succeed, I’ll have been on the rostrum in each Grand Tour. There are usually not many riders within the peloton who can say that. That’s actually one thing to attempt for, it’s motivating. Final 12 months I solely had two comparatively unhealthy days, which is fairly good for me. I’m attempting to enhance this even additional and hopefully I can take one other step.”
The winner of the 2018 Vuelta a España faces a tough job, given the dominance of Visma | Lease a Bike and UAE Staff Emirates. “I see myself as an underdog, that’s what it needs to be. These tremendous groups not solely dominate the massive races, however now additionally within the smaller races. Competitions that aren’t actually essential, however it’s changing into more and more tough to be aggressive.”
Yates sees a change in biking. “Once I was younger, I acquired the mandatory alternatives within the smaller competitions. I used to be given the chance to function as a pacesetter, however these days… The strongest groups are actually in a position to dominate these kind of races with 5 or 6 riders. That makes it more and more tough for the remaining.”
Yates is afraid of the competitors, however has religion in his personal talents. “The whole lot has to fall into place, however like I stated, I nonetheless have the motivation. I’m comparatively previous now, I’ve been racing for Jayco AlUla for ten years and I’ve been competing for a very long time, however I nonetheless wish to enhance myself. I wish to compete towards these tremendous groups, though it’s a very tough job.”
Simon Yates’ Race Schedule:
30-01 – 03-02 AlUla Tour
04-03 – 10-03 Tirreno-Adriatico
01-04 – 06-04 Itzulia Basque Nation
29-06 – 21-07 Tour de France
Simon Yates (left) to the Tour’24:
Rigoberto Urán May Proceed for Longer
Rigoberto Urán deliberate on retiring after the Olympic street race in Paris. The now 37 year-old Colombian rider of EF Training-EasyPost introduced that he’ll retire from biking in 2024, however is now beginning to have doubts about this choice.
Urán stated this in dialog with Canal RCN. “The whole lot in life involves an finish, however I’m very afraid of my retirement. Psychological assist is required, as high athletes dwell in a bubble. The whole lot is tailored and also you by no means actually get used to that life. However: I’m additionally very afraid of falling. It’s arduous to see my household undergo. Really, I’m already too previous for the game.”
The second positioned rider within the 2017 Tour does have the chance to increase his profession. “I simply acquired a suggestion for 2 seasons. It’s a call I simply can’t make alone. There are a variety of issues that I’ve to take a look at with my household and the workforce.”
It’s unclear which skilled workforce desires to maintain Urán within the peloton for one more two years. It’s sure that the Colombian will compete for EF Training-EasyPost this 12 months. Urán has been racing for the American workforce since 2016, earlier than which he rode for Etixx-Fast-Step, Sky, Caisse d’Epargne and Unibet.
His most notable outcomes are his silver medal on the London 2012 Olympic Video games behind Alexander Vinokourov. Urán additionally received levels within the Giro, Tour and the Vuelta, in addition to second within the 2027 Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia in 2013 and 2014.
Two extra years for Rigoberto Urán?
Staff dsm-firmenich PostNL and John Degenkolb Proceed Journey Collectively
Staff dsm-firmenich PostNL are delighted to disclose that the skilled John Degenkolb has prolonged his contract with the workforce by the 2025 marketing campaign, the place he’ll tackle his ninth season within the distinctive two-stripes.
Hailing from Gera in Germany, Degenkolb first joined the workforce now generally known as Staff dsm-firmenich PostNL again in 2012, occurring to take two unbelievable Monument titles with the workforce in 2015 at Milano-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix, plus a large number of Grand Tour stage victories and plenty of extra wins. Departing for pastures new in 2017, Degenkolb returned to the workforce in 2022, and has confirmed to be of worth to the squad each on and off the bike. Strong performances all through the latest two seasons have seen Degenkolb declare a number of high tens with the workforce, which in fact contains that heart-breaking version of Paris-Roubaix in 2023 the place he crashed out of the main group, occurring to take seventh place. But, it isn’t solely his robust legs that Degenkolb brings to the workforce because the now 35-year-old has an enormous quantity of expertise and information. With that, his position as a street and workforce captain is essential in bringing collectively the completely different teams and riders because the workforce goals for extra success sooner or later.
Degenkolb stated: “I’ve spent most of my professional profession in what’s the now Staff dsm-firmenich PostNL setting and it appears like household to me. It’s a dream to get the possibility to increase my contract with the workforce for one more 12 months. After my 5 years away, once I returned to the workforce in 2022, we made the very aware choice to tackle a brand new position. It’s a lot enjoyable to race alongside all these younger athletes, to share my expertise, and play a component within the progress and growth of their skills. I take motivation out of the earlier season usually, but in addition specifically from my favorite race, Paris-Roubaix. Greater than ever although I’m nonetheless pushed by my ardour for biking and every part round it. My massive dream is to assist the younger riders to search out that very same ardour for racing that I’ve, and I wish to be an essential piece within the puzzle for the workforce, serving to them to win the largest biking races on the calendar.”
Staff dsm-firmenich PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna added: “John has been and is a crucial rider for us on the bike, and we’ve shared some nice moments collectively prior to now, however he’s additionally extremely essential off the bike too. He’s an actual tradition provider and an skilled man, who’s at all times motivated and brings power, but in addition accountability, to the group. He has the appropriate mentality to assist carry these round him as much as the subsequent degree and that’s one thing we worth so much as a workforce. We’re wanting ahead to persevering with with John for one more season, and we’re excited for the place that may take us as a workforce.”
Degenkolb for 2 extra years:
Shirin van Anrooij Will Begin Her Highway Season Quickly
Shirin van Anrooij will begin her street season within the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana in about two weeks. which may be very quickly, that is due to the early finish of her cyclo-cross season. “I discover it very tough and thrilling now, I don’t know the place I stand,” she informed WielerFlits.
On the finish of December, Van Anrooij suffered a painful coaching crash. She carried on cross racing, however after some time she realised that the ache was an excessive amount of. Ultimately the decision was a damaged rib. In order that was the tip of her cyclo-cross season. “Happily, issues are getting higher now,” stated Van Anrooij, who went to Hoogerheide as a fan. “However I’d quite be right here in racing garments, in fact.”
“Coaching goes in the appropriate path. I additionally really feel actually good. I feel that’s a disgrace, as a result of I now discover that the strategy would have labored. I’d have been good throughout this era. However for instance, I can’t carry issues but, so cyclo-cross would by no means have labored. That makes it simpler to simply accept that that’s not attainable. For the remaining, coaching is getting higher and I can actually sit up for the street season.”
That street season will begin for the younger Dutchwoman within the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana on February 15. “As well as, Strade Bianche has been added to my program. After my damage, I instantly made the selection to give attention to the street season a bit earlier. I’ve additionally had a bit extra relaxation, so usually I can get straight into it. I’ll use these first competitions for the Classics.”
“I feel it is extremely tough and thrilling now. I’ve by no means been on this state of affairs earlier than, the place I don’t know the place I really stand. Usually, the cyclo-cross World Championships make me sure that I’m on the high degree and that I’ve skilled all of the depth of the cross-country races. Now that’s not the case and there’s subsequently some unknown. I don’t know what awaits me. I’m simply attempting to go about it freely after which I’ll quickly see how I’m doing.”
This coming weekend, Van Anrooij won’t be in Tábor, however as an professional she did make a prediction. “Fem van Empel is the favorite, sure. However I feel it’s going to be a battle. Lucinda Model is admittedly prepared. That was clear in Hoogerheide, however I used to be additionally in a position to see it up shut through the coaching camp. I hope we are able to see an incredible battle.”
Shirin van Anrooij wanting ahead to the street season:
A Busy February for Lars van den Berg
Lars van den Berg is about to start out his season. The 25 year-old all-rounder is the one Dutchman with Groupama-FDJ. He hopes to take part within the Tour de France once more this 12 months, he was shocked when he obtained a call-up final summer time for the Tour. He begins his season subsequent weekend within the Tour de la Provence.
The French 2.1 stage race begins subsequent Thursday and ends on Sunday. After, Van den Berg will trip one other 5 races in February. Within the third weekend he’ll first trip the Basic Var one-day race, instantly adopted by two days of Tour des Alpes-Maritimes. Within the final weekend of the month he rides ‘the Opening Weekend for the Ardennes Classics’, the Faun-Ardéche Basic and the Faun-Drôme Basic.
Each French races are 1.Professional races, identical to the Trofeo Laigueglia that he’ll trip the next Tuesday. It isn’t but totally clear what his program will appear to be after that. “Usually I trip the Ardennes Classics in April. We’ve got to attend and see for the Tour de France,” says Van den Berg, though he hopes to have the ability to trip La Grande Boucle once more.
Lars van den Berg’s Race Schedule:
08-02 – 11-02 Tour de la Provence
16-02 Basic Var
17-02 – 18-02 Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var
24-02 Faun-Ardèche Basic
25-02 Faun Drome Basic
28-02 Trofeo Laigueglia
14-04 Amstel Gold Race
17-04 La Fléche Wallonne
21-04 Liége-Bastogne-Liége
A busy February for Lars van den Berg:
German Justice Dismisses Michel Hessmann’s Doping Case
The Freiburg Public Prosecutor’s Workplace has dismissed the legal investigation into Michel Hessmann’s doping case. In consequence, the case surrounding Hessmann won’t go to trial and he can’t be prosecuted additional. Nevertheless, this case is separate from the ruling that the German anti-doping company NADA has but to make. Which means that Hessmann can nonetheless be suspended.
The German rider of Visma | Lease a Bike examined optimistic for a diuretic contained in a medication throughout an out-of-competition examine on June 14, 2023. The product detected was a diuretic drug. The ‘B’ check confirmed the outcome.
The Public Prosecution Service has dismissed the case as a result of, in accordance with the justice division, there is no such thing as a or inadequate suspicion of a legal offence, sources across the investigation confirmed the information to WielerFlits. Hessmann can not be prosecuted for this optimistic doping check, however he has to attend for the conclusions that NADA attracts from the analysis. His Visma | Lease a Bike workforce suspended him final 12 months.
Staff supervisor Richard Plugge can not say whether or not it’s a contaminated complement. Within the RadioCycling podcast he stated: “It appears to be like like one thing like contamination, however I’ve no certainty about that. We’ve got to attend for the official outcomes from NADA.”
Some excellent news for Michel Hessmann:
Lennard Hofstede Has Been Busy Since his Retirement
Lennard Hofstede hung up his bike on the finish of final season. The 29 year-old Dutchman had misplaced the pleasure of biking and had long-term bodily issues. “I used to be maybe a bit too good for skilled biking,” he informed the AD.
Regardless of his lesser latest seasons, Hofstede appears to be like again on a profitable profession. “4 years as an U23 at Rabobank and 7 seasons as knowledgeable. And changing into knowledgeable was my dream. I’m grateful for the various fantastic experiences I’ve gained at each biking groups. I say goodbye to high sport with a smile.”
One in all his finest reminiscences are Primož Roglič’s victories within the Vuelta a España, the place he was current as a loyal lieutenant and was very important within the wins. Hofstede doesn’t have knowledgeable victory to his identify. “I didn’t have that actual killer mentality. I used to be maybe a bit too good for skilled biking. The outcomes may need been even higher.”
Hofstede hasn’t taken it simple after his retirement. A world journey is deliberate along with his spouse after which he hopes to go to school. “In any case, I’ll go to the open days of the PABO. Being a trainer at a major faculty appears attention-grabbing to me. Academics are desperately wanted, particularly as a result of many individuals will retire within the coming years. The open days are additionally a very good alternative for me to see whether or not a job as a trainer fits me. And in any other case I’ll give attention to a special vacation spot.”
Lennard Hofstede trying to the long run:
Assertion on the Partnership with Crimson Bull
The three way partnership between Crimson Bull and the working firm of Staff Supervisor Ralph Denk is ready to be applied as deliberate. The Austrian antitrust authority has no objections to the deliberate partnership with BORA – hansgrohe. Additional particulars can be introduced through the season.
Ralph Denk, Staff Supervisor of BORA – hansgrohe: “With right now’s choice, we now have cleared an essential hurdle. The foundations of our partnership with Crimson Bull are actually formally in place. That is the inexperienced gentle we’ve been ready for to go forward with the formalities and plenty of particular elements of the collaboration.”
“Everybody in biking is aware of how essential the fundamentals and preparation are for achievement. So, we are actually taking this step with the mandatory consideration and backbone. We are going to current the additional particulars of our partnership in the midst of the season.”
BORA – hansgrohe and Crimson Bull:
Attila Valter Makes Visma | Lease a Bike Giro Lengthy-Checklist
Seven riders from the Visma | Lease a Bike have been named for the Giro d’Italia 2024. It was assumed that Johannes Staune-Mittet can be quantity eight, as a result of the 22 year-old Norwegian was introduced by organiser RCS Sport in the identical press launch as Tadej Pogačar, however Attila Valter goes to the Giro, WielerFlits confirmed.
Staune-Mittet took the general victory within the Giro Subsequent Gen (the U23 Giro d’Italia) final 12 months, by successful the uphill end on the Stelvio. Nevertheless, throughout the Dutch WorldTeam there has by no means been any query of the Norwegian skilled debutant collaborating within the Italian Grand Tour. The teenager rode his first races for the Visma | Lease a Bike within the Tour Down Below.
Nevertheless, the Hungarian champion Valter is the final identify within the provisional number of Visma | Lease a Bike for the Giro. He’s in his second season with the Dutch workforce. He began 2023 properly with a fourth place in O Gran Camiño and a fifth place in Strade Bianche. He additionally completed thirteenth within the Tour of the Basque Nation, eleventh within the Flèche Wallonne and fourth within the Tour of Norway.
After the double Hungarian title and a powerful last stage within the Vuelta a Burgos, with the end at Lagunas de Neila, he rode the Vuelta a España for the three leaders. Initially, the Hungarian was additionally going to trip the Giro final 12 months, however the workforce administration determined to take away him from the schedule. They wished to see Valter at work within the Ardennes Classics, the place he might take his personal likelihood.
Now that may occur within the Giro, as a result of Visma | Lease a Bike is betting on stage victories. Wout van Aert and Olav Kooij must handle this within the flatter levels, whereas Jan Tratnik and Edoardo Affini, along with their work within the dash prepare, will sort out the transition levels. Robert Gesink, Wilco Kelderman, Cian Uijtdebroeks and Valter can take their probabilities within the mountain levels, though Kelderman and Uijtdebroeks are additionally chasing a very good general classification.
Visma | Lease a Bike Giro d’Italia Lengthy-Checklist:
Wout VAN AERT (Bel)
Olav KOOIJ (Ned)
Cian UIJTDEBROEKS (Bel) (Bel)
Wilco KELDERMAN (Ned)
Robert GESINK (Ned)
Edoardo AFFINI (Ita)
Jan TRATNIK (Slo)
Attila VALTER (Hun).
Valter to the Giro:
Eritrean Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier Will Stick with Lidl-Trek
Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier’s biking profession appeared to be over, however the 29 year-old Eritrean will compete once more for Lidl-Trek within the WorldTour this 12 months. The climber has prolonged his contract for one 12 months.
Lidl-Trek introduced in a press launch on Tuesday that Ghebreigzabhier will trip within the colors of the American workforce this 12 months. The Lidl-Trek choice consists of 29 riders and is now full for 2024. Ghebreigzabhier will primarily trip within the service of the leaders in his seventh season as knowledgeable. “I’m in fact very completely satisfied that I’ve the chance to additional make the most of my expertise at Lidl-Trek. Over time I’ve at all times felt comfy inside this workforce, along with my teammates and employees. It was a precedence for me to proceed my profession with this workforce. I’m very completely satisfied that I lastly obtained a contract extension.”
Ghebreigzabhier hopes to point out his finest this 12 months, after two poor seasons. “I really feel good and the need to make my mark is powerful. I’ll use the expertise I’ve gained through the years to get the perfect out of myself, show my expertise and show that I might be an essential a part of the workforce.”
Staff supervisor Luca Guercilena can also be completely satisfied now that every part has been accomplished. “Amanuel is a late however useful addition to our 2024 squad. He has already proven his dedication in recent times. We have been nonetheless on the lookout for an additional climbing assistant and Amanuel was a logical selection. We hope he’ll take advantage of this chance and make the workforce and its Eritrean followers proud.”
One other 12 months for Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier:
The Nice Strade Bianche Weekend
“Europe’s most southern northern traditional”, scheduled for two March, will get a makeover by together with in each races a last circuit to be repeated twice. The boys’s race exceeds 200 km for the primary time. There can be 12 sectors for ladies and 15 for males. A document variety of registrations for the Gran Fondo on Sunday 3 March with over 7,000 contributors. The Trip Inexperienced undertaking in collaboration with Sei Toscana is confirmed
The good Strade Bianche weekend, which can open the season of the Italian UCI World Tour and UCI Ladies’s World Tour races organised by RCS Sport on 2 March, is approaching with some essential modifications. “Europe’s most southern northern traditional” can be renewed by growing the mileage and sectors of gravel roads each within the girls’s model (137 km with 12 sectors, totalling 40 km of Strade Bianche) and within the males’s model (215 km with 15 sectors, totalling 71 km of Strade Bianche) because of the addition of a last circuit to be repeated twice that may enable the followers to see extra of each races. On Sunday, 3 March, the novice cyclists will take to the streets, difficult themselves on the Crete Senesi raced by the Professionals the day earlier than. One of the eagerly awaited occasions of the 12 months for the class, the Gran Fondo Strade Bianche Enel Inexperienced Energy already has greater than 7,000 registered contributors.
From left to proper Daniele Bennati, Marta Bastianelli, Paolo Bellino, Nicoletta Fabio, Lorenzo Lorè, Moreno Moser and Mauro Vegni
Paolo Bellino, CEO and Managing Director at RCS Sport: “We confirmed the programme of a weekend that has develop into a standard occasion regardless of the latest historical past. This can be a successful format, as demonstrated by the ever-growing numbers generated. Yearly, Siena and its territories are flooded with followers from all around the world, who’re fascinated by the photographs of those locations which are extensively broadcasted. Saturday’s races see the massive stars of girls’s and males’s biking initially, with begin lists which are simply pretty much as good as those of Monument Classics. Two-wheel aces are more and more concentrating on this race as one in every of their seasonal targets, and we are able to solely be completely satisfied about this. On Sunday, greater than 7,000 amateurs will participate in a contest that has already develop into an unmissable occasion for the class”.
Mauro Vegni, Biking Space Director at RCS Sport: “This 12 months we wished to make some modifications to the route, and so we created this double circuit, which can improve the issue and mileage of each races, in addition to give the followers on the roadside the possibility to benefit from the present a number of occasions. Because of this choice, for the primary time the boys’s race can be longer than 200 km. We are going to see how the race will develop. Yearly, this occasion provides us robust feelings and nice biking moments corresponding to in 2023 the photo-finish victory of the ladies’s race by Demi Vollering, or the successful assault by Thomas Pidcock within the males’s race”.
Moreno Moser, 2013 Strade Bianche winner: “I’m notably completely satisfied and excited to be again right here the place I achieved probably the most lovely victory of my profession. These are lovely locations, each when it comes to panorama and artwork. Over time the best way of deciphering the race has modified so much, there’s choice from additional away. With this new circuit there might be much more choice”.
Marta Bastianelli, 2007 World Champion: “The Strade Bianche is a world-class traditional, each when it comes to contributors and spectators. I notably respect the novelty of the double passage on the gravel roads, which additionally includes girls, not like in races just like the Tour of Flanders. Whoever wins a selective race like this can be a protagonist all through the season”.
The Route of the Strade Bianche Crédit Agricole
The course is twisty and undulating, with no prolonged climbs however with fairly just a few punchy bits, particularly on the unpaved sections of the route. There are roughly 71 km of gravel roads, throughout 15 sectors, twelve of that are shared with the Ladies Elite course. The race begins close to the Stadium/Fortezza Medicea in Siena. The primary undulating kilometres on tarmac result in the two.1 km-long gravel sector 1 at km 18, which is completely straight and barely downhill. Sector 2 (5.8 km) is only a few kilometres away; this would be the first difficult little bit of the race, with a brief descent adopted by an extended climb that includes sections over 10%. Upon reaching Radi, the route takes within the third gravel sector (4.4 km lengthy; particularly the second a part of the primary gravel street stretch of the race’s first version) shortly adopted by sector 4 – named “La Piana” – one of many race’s traditional gravel sectors (5.5 km in size, and featured within the course ever because the first version) with no important gradient, resulting in Buonconvento. The Montalcino climb, the second ascent of the day (4 km at 5%), is only a few kilometres away. Sectors 5 (11.9 km) and 6 (8 km) start simply previous Torrenieri, with just one km of tarmac in between. Each are arduous, hilly and really punchy, with many difficult bends, climbs and descents. After the second cross by Buonconvento, the riders will attain the feed zone, positioned round Ponte d’Arbia. Shortly after, the route reaches Monteroni d’Arbia, which marks the start of sector 7 of San Martino in Grania (9.5 km) in the course of the Crete Senesi. It’s an extended sector marked by a sequence of mild undulations within the first half, and ending with a twisting climb that leads again to paved street. Sector 8 begins in Ponte del Garbo (Asciano). At 11.5 km, it’s the toughest of the race, principally uphill and marked by main slopes, particularly close to Monte Sante Marie, with steep gradients on each climbs and descents over quick distances. Previous Castelnuovo Berardenga there’s a really quick, flat unpaved part (300 m) adopted by the ninth dust street sector, after Monteaperti. At solely 800 m in size, it greets the riders with double-digit gradients. The route goes again on tarmac in Vico d’Arbia the place the 30 km circuit begins. Previous Pieve a Bozzone, sector 10 (2.4 km) comes subsequent, on the climb towards Colle Pinzuto, with gradients peaking as excessive as 15%. After just a few kilometres, the route options the eleventh sector, Le Tolfe, (1.1 km), marked by a fast-running descent adopted by a really punchy climb (with a most gradient of 18%). Shortly after Le Tolfe, upon the primary passage, the route takes a first-ever trip on the Strada del Castagno (twelfth sector, 1.3 km), which results in some difficult passes on tarmac all the best way to Pontignano, Ponte a Bozzone and San Giovanni a Cerreto, the place we enter the thirteenth sector (Montechiaro 3.3km), which was lined within the first editions of the race. The circuit ends on the finish of this sector, in Vico d’Arbia. The sectors of Colle Pinzuto (14th) and Le Tolfe (fifteenth) can be repeated earlier than the route turns in direction of Siena with a bit over 10 km left to the end.
Closing kilometres
The demanding last kilometres strategy the town of Siena alongside broad and straight roads, related by sweeping curves, initially downhill, and additional on barely uphill. With 2 km to go to the end, the route takes the By way of Esterna di Fontebranda; right here the gradient touches 9%. The stone pavement begins 900 m earlier than the end line, simply previous the Fontebranda Gate. The gradient is over 10% till 500 m from the end, reaching its steepest gradient of 16% alongside By way of Santa Caterina. A pointy right-hand flip results in By way of delle Terme, after which to By way of Banchi di Sotto. Beginning 300 m to the end onwards, the street is a slight, steady ascent. With 150 m to go, a proper flip leads into By way of Rinaldini. The route enters the Piazza del Campo simply 70 m from the end line. The ultimate 30 m descend at a gradient of seven% to the end line, which is on degree street.
The Route of the Strade Bianche Ladies Elite Crédit Agricole
The course is twisty and undulating, with no prolonged climbs however with fairly just a few punchy bits, particularly on the unpaved elements. There are greater than 40 km of gravel roads throughout twelve sectors (all shared with the Males’s course). The race begins close to the Stadium/Fortezza Medicea in Siena. The primary undulating kilometres on tarmac result in the two.1 km-long gravel sector 1 at km 18, which is completely straight and barely downhill. Sector 2 (5.8 km) is only a few kilometres away; this would be the first difficult little bit of the race, with a brief descent adopted by an extended climb that includes sections over 10%. Upon reaching Radi, the route takes within the third gravel sector (4.4 km), shortly adopted by sector 4 – named “La Piana” – that may lead the riders to Ponte d’Arbia. Shortly after, the route reaches Monteroni d’Arbia, which marks the start of sector 5 of San Martino in Grania (9.5 km) in the course of the Crete Senesi. It’s an extended sector marked by a sequence of mild undulations within the first half, and ending with a twisting climb that leads again to paved street. The sixth dust street sector, Montaperti, is just 800 m in size, nevertheless it greets the riders with double-digit gradients. The route goes again on tarmac in Vico d’Arbia the place the 30 km circuit will start.
Closing kilometres
The ultimate kilometres are the identical as the boys’s course.
Mud or mud within the 2024 Strade Bianche?
Groups for the 2024 Version of the UAE Tour Ladies are Introduced
13 UCI Ladies’s WorldTeams and seven UCI Ladies’s Continental Groups will compete within the second version of the one and solely UCI Ladies’s WorldTour race within the Center East. Among the many massive names anticipated initially are the winner of the 2023 version Elisa Longo Borghini, the World Champion Lotte Kopecky and the Spanish Nationwide Champion Mavi Garcia.
Abu Dhabi Sports activities Council, organisers of the UAE Tour Ladies, are happy to verify the complete listing of groups collaborating within the second version of the one and solely UCI Ladies’s World Tour race within the Center East. From 8 to 12 February, 20 groups of six riders every (13 UCI Ladies’s World Groups and 7 UCI Ladies’s Continental Groups) will come collectively to race on the roads of the Center East.
Most of the world’s finest riders are anticipated to return to the UAE to trip the 4 levels beginning with the 2023 version winner Elisa Longo Borghini. 2nd and third positioned Gaia Realini and Silvia Persico are additionally anticipated initially. Staff SD Worx, winner of the workforce rating for the 2023 Ladies’s World Tour, has introduced the participation of the World Champion Lotte Kopecky and Lorena Wiebes, winner of 11 races prior to now season together with stage 2 of the UAE Tour Ladies. Spanish nationwide champion Mavi Garcia, third positioned on the Giro d’Italia 2022, will make her debut on this race and can be among the many contenders for the Crimson Jersey. Among the many high sprinters can be Charlotte Kool, winner of stage 4 and Inexperienced Jersey in 2023, and Chiara Consonni. A full listing of riders can be introduced sooner or later.
UCI Ladies’s WorldTeams.
CANYON//SRAM RACING
CERATIZIT – WNT PRO CYCLING TEAM
FDJ-SUEZ
FENIX-DECEUNINCK
HUMAN POWERED HEALTH
LIDL – TREK
LIV-ALULA-JAYCO
MOVISTAR TEAM
ROLAND
TEAM DSM-FIRMENICH POSTNL
TEAM SD WORX
UAE TEAM ADQ
UNO-X MOBILITY
UCI Ladies’s Continental Groups
COFIDIS WOMEN TEAM
EF EDUCATION – CANNONDALE
LABORAL KUTXA – FUNDACION EUSKADI
ST MICHEL – MAVIC – AUBER 93
TASHKENT CITY WOMEN PROFESSIONAL CYCLING TEAM
TEAM COOP-REPSOL
TOP GIRLS FASSA BORTOLO
The Route of the 2nd UAE Tour Ladies
08.02.2024 Stage 1 Dubai Miracle Backyard-Dubai Harbour, 122 KM
09.02.2024 Stage 2 Al Mirfa Bab Al Nojoum-Madinat Zayed, 113 KM
10.02.2024 Stage 3 Al Ain Police Museum-Jebel Hafeet, 128 KM
11.02.2024 Stage 4 Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum-Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 105 KM
Milano-Torino: Who will Host the Begin of the Subsequent Two Editions?
The world’s oldest Basic, now in its one hundred and fifth version, will kick off from the town on the outskirts of Milan
The world’s oldest Basic – the primary version dates again to 1876 – will begin from Rho in 2024 and 2025. After kicking off final 12 months’s Milano-Torino introduced by Crédit Agricole, the Municipality determined to run as host metropolis as soon as extra. The settlement was sealed right now at a press convention within the presence of the Mayor, Andrea Orlandi, the Councillor for Sport, Alessandra Borghetti, and Mauro Vegni, Biking Space Director at RCS Sport.
Mauro Vegni, Biking Space Director at RCS Sport: “This settlement with Rho may be very important as a result of it establishes a sort of continuity desired by each events. In reality, the native administration vastly appreciated the 2023 expertise, by which the general public welcomed the beginning of the race with enthusiasm and nice participation. From our facet, it’s nice to have the ability to create a base for the long run as properly and to create an much more stable bond”.
Andrea Orlandi, Mayor of Rho: “The happiness that followers of all ages gave us final March prompted us to proceed our collaboration with RCS Sport. The Milano-Torino biking traditional is an occasion to not be missed, and Rho has been in a position to expertise it as a really nice celebration of sport, a sport made up of tenacity, sweat, and braveness. I hope that we are going to be gathered within the metropolis centre as soon as once more to expertise one other festive event with grownup followers and youngsters alike”.
Alessandra Borghetti, Councillor for sport of the Municipality of Rho: “This biking traditional, a lot cherished by all followers, has entered the hearts of the individuals of Rho. We’re completely satisfied to host the beginning once more and able to collaborate on new sporting occasions. The wealthy programme accompanying the occasion on 13 March is the results of the robust hyperlink that Rho has with the world of biking, because of the golf equipment which have been working right here for a few years”.
Statistics:
- The Milano-Torino is the world’s oldest Basic race: the primary version occurred in 1876 with solely 8 contributors: Paolo Magretti received, at a median velocity of 14.7 km/h.
- The a number of winner of the Milano-Torino is Costante Girardengo with 5 victories (1914, 1915, 1919, 1920, 1923), adopted by Pierino Favalli at 3 (consecutive: 1938, 1939, 1940).
- Italy dominates the rating of victories per nation with 73 wins in comparison with 5 for Switzerland and Spain.
- In whole, athletes from 14 completely different nations have received the Milano-Torino. Within the final 3 editions, there have been 3 new entries: Slovenia in 2021 (Primož Roglič), the UK in 2022 (Mark Cavendish) and the Netherlands in 2023 (Arvid de Kleijn).
- In 2023, Arvid de Kleijn set the document common velocity of the Milano-Torino: 48.194 km/h, beating Enrico Paolini’s 1976 document (47.351 km/h).
The beginning of the Milano-Torino introduced by Crédit Agricole 2023. The gang gave a heat welcome to the riders:
British Biking Process Drive Suggestions to Reinvigorate Home Highway Racing
The Elite Highway Racing Process Drive, appointed by British Biking, has shared its suggestions for reinvigorating the home street racing scene, concluding a 4 month course of which has engaged greater than 250 individuals throughout the game. Studies Daniel Blackham of bikebiz.
The duty power has made 16 suggestions for British Biking to implement, overlaying each street and circuit racing, along with long-term visions for the Nationwide Highway Sequence and Nationwide Circuit Sequence. The visions set out an ambition for a different, aggressive and sustainable Nationwide Highway Sequence, and a Nationwide Circuit Sequence tailor-made for mass audiences which can generate native financial and societal advantages. The suggestions observe the publication of prolonged street and circuit calendars for the 2024 season in December, and work is now underway throughout the organisation to develop an motion plan to implement the suggestions and set the self-discipline on a path to sustainable progress sooner or later.
What’s the job power?
The Elite Highway Racing Process Drive was appointed in August to help British Biking’s work to innovate and energise the home scene. The group was given a focused remit to think about the composition of the elite nationwide calendar (together with street and circuit), the challenges going through home groups, and alternatives to develop the attain and profile of home races. They’ve been assembly just about and in individual over the previous 4 months, and the method additionally sought the views of tons of of individuals from throughout the neighborhood by a focused session. Recruited due to their breadth of expertise and information of the game, members of the duty power included Ed Clancy (chair), Steve Fry, Monica Greenwood, John Herety, Phil Jones, Chris Lawrence, Jess Morgan and Jo Tindley.
Suggestions
The duty power’s full report might be seen right here, which additionally contains full particulars of the event course of and their long-term visions for the street and circuit calendars. In whole, the group have beneficial 40 actions for the organisation to take, which have been summarised into 16 suggestions:
1. Discover the creation of a centralised procurement operate.
2. Produce a brand new branding, advertising and communications framework.
3. Undertake a full evaluate of the digital technique.
4. Develop occasion organiser succession plans for all nationwide sequence occasions.
5. Develop a ‘Profitable Sample’ playbook based mostly on current profitable races.
6. Contemplate a focused sponsorship settlement for the Nationwide Sequence.
7. Assessment rider entry processes to stimulate early entries.
8. Develop finest follow steering for groups.
9. Undertake a full evaluate of the Nationwide Circuit Sequence.
10. Prioritise Nationwide Circuit Sequence areas by viewers measurement.
11. Assessment the entry standards for WorldTour riders to enter the Nationwide Circuit Sequence.
12. Assessment the nationwide street calendar and guarantee extra races are outdoors of the north of England.
13. All efforts ought to be made to make sure supply of the Tour of Britain and a UCI Ladies’s World Tour stage race in 2024.
14. Discover alternatives to extend the variety of UCI 1.2 and a couple of.2 races.
15. Undertake a full evaluate of race distances and rider qualification standards.
16. Contemplate a brand new vary of jerseys for the Nationwide Highway Sequence and a capped most entry price.
Reflecting on the group’s work, chair Ed Clancy stated: “It’s been an actual privilege to guide the Elite Highway Racing Process Drive by this course of and I hope that the suggestions revealed right now may also help to galvanise the neighborhood and assist home street racing to develop and flourish sooner or later. Whereas the duty power members have executed an enormous quantity of labor, our suggestions belong to the entire neighborhood. We’re massively grateful to all people who took time to interact with us by the method, and their expertise and perception was very important in enabling us to color a real image of the present alternatives and challenges they see. Although this now concludes our work, the duty power will proceed to be a crucial and supportive good friend as British Biking strikes into its implementation section, and we sit up for seeing the plans take form.”
British Biking’s response
Having obtained the duty power’s suggestions, work is now underway to construct a long-term motion plan for supply which builds on the optimistic momentum of the 2024 nationwide calendars. The actions can be prioritised over the approaching years in shut coordination with the Highway Fee, and can sit carefully alongside current work to develop the self-discipline in any respect ranges.
Responding to the suggestions, British Biking CEO Jon Dutton stated: “I’d wish to thank Ed and the duty power members for his or her dedication to the method over the previous 4 months as we collectively look to sort out a matter of actual significance for our sport and our membership. Whereas it’s clear from the report that there are not any simple solutions, we now have taken optimistic steps with our 2024 elite street calendar, and now have a transparent long-term roadmap to propel our nationwide degree occasions in direction of sustainable progress sooner or later. This has been a brand new manner of working for British Biking, which demonstrates our dedication to openness and collaboration with our communities, and to discovering options to our most urgent challenges. We sit up for sharing our progress over the months and years forward.”
Can British Biking reinvigorate home street racing?
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