One other full weekend of cyclo-cross: UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Zonhoven, Hexia Cyclocross in Gullegem and X²O Badkamers Trofee Vlaamse Duinencross in Koksijde, plus Jayco-AlUla dominate the Australian TT, Crit and Street championships.

Tom Boonen talks about his ‘odious’ former teammate: Lance Armstrong – TOP STORY.

Rider information: Wout van Aert going to BORA-hansgrohe? Wout van Aert – From cross to highway, Paul Penhoët out attributable to damage, Romain Bardet desires a stage win in each Grand Tour, Tim Wellens believes in Tour possibilities of Remco Evenepoel, Arnaud De Lie will journey the Tour de France, Stefan Küng desires the UCI to take motion after his crash within the European TT champs, Simon Geschke begins his ultimate season, French workforce saves Edvald Boasson Hagen’s profession, Julien Vermote might have the final place with Visma | Lease a Bike, Edoardo Affini and Jan Tratnik to Be part of Van Aert and Kooij within the Giro d’Italia and Imanol Erviti to be a DS.

Crew information: Soudal Fast-Step to the Tour Down Beneath, UAE Crew Emirates on the lookout for minimal positive factors utilizing AI, Lotto Dstny is not going to journey the Giro d’Italia, Tirreno-Adriatico and Tour of the Basque Nation, Jumbo CEO Ton van Veen talks concerning the finish of the workforce sponsorship, Orbea and Lotto Dstny embark on a brand new period within the pursuit of excellence and Etixx new diet accomplice with Intermarché-Wanty.

Race information: Elite and masters athletes set for historic 2024 Canadian monitor championships.

Huge EUROTRASH Monday – Huge espresso!

 

Tom Boonen Talks About his ‘Odious’ Former Teammate: Lance Armstrong
Tom Boonen has opened up about his time with Lance Armstrong within the podcast PHOTOS WITH KURKDROOG. Boonen made his skilled debut with the US Postal workforce in 2002. The Belgian has few good phrases for teammate Lance Armstrong.

Within the podcast, Tom Boonen repeats some tales he has concerning the American: “The best way Armstrong has handled his mates is detestable. Along with his finest buddy Frankie Andreu, for instance.” Frankie Andreu was a teammate and testified within the doping case in opposition to Armstrong.

In 1996, throughout most cancers remedy, Armstrong listed to a health care provider all of the doping substances he had used. Andreu and his spouse had been additionally within the room on the time. After the testimony, they had been each intimidated by Armstrong. Boonen: “He had ratted out Armstrong, however the one factor he stated is what was stated in that hospital room. Armstrong is a horrible individual in that regard. He ought to have confessed a lot earlier.”

Boonen additionally remembers properly the second he left the workforce. “I despatched a message to everybody round Christmas to thank them for a unbelievable yr. I obtained many good messages again. They referred to as me Tommie Boner. Then abruptly I obtained a message from Armstrong. He despatched ‘Good luck, you’ll want it’. I used to be solely 21 years outdated on the time.”

Boonen and Armstrong by no means turned shut throughout his profession. Boonen wasn’t too put out: “Lance didn’t communicate to me for six years after that. I used to be like ‘f*ck you dude’. Throughout all of the races the place each Armstrong and I had been initially, I might journey previous him and say ‘hey Lance’. He stared into area.”

‘Hey Lance!’

 

UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Zonhoven Males 2024
Mathieu van der Poel took his tenth cyclo-cross win out of ten begins within the Zonhoven World Cup on Sunday. The race was nonetheless thrilling for the primary 20 minutes, however after an assault from the World champion, he soloed to the win. Joris Nieuwenhuis was second at 20 seconds, Laurens Sweeck was third, 2 seconds later.

Wout van Aert is at a coaching camp and Tom Pidcock is sick, so everybody was Mathieu van der Poel on a chilly Sunday in Zondhoven. The World champion needed to begin from the second row, behind Eli Iserbyt, who had returned from sickness. Van der Poel obtained off to a superb begin and hit the well-known Kuil van Zonhoven for the primary time behind Laurens Sweeck, Iserbyt and Joris Nieuwenhuis.

There was dangerous luck for Cameron Mason, who obtained into hassle and instantly deserted. A big main group emerged on the entrance, from which Nieuwenhuis, Van der Poel and Sweeck broke away on the finish of the opening lap. Some riders got here again from behind, this opened up the race. Lars van der Haar was lacking from the entrance, in round eleventh place, properly behind. Michael Vanthourenhout was additionally lacking and ultimately gave up. Everybody was ready for Mathieu van der Poel to assault. This got here after 24 minutes, on the fourth lap of eight. The World champ opened a small hole, after which he was the primary onto the Kuil van Zonhoven and climbed at full energy. All his chasers needed to dismount, so he quickly had an enormous lead. The hole was quickly 20 seconds, though Nieuwenhuis pulled away from the group together with Pim Ronhaar, Toon Vandebosch, Emiel Verstrynge and Sweeck. Thibau Nys was additionally within the race, however he dropped out attributable to dangerous luck. On the entrance there was nothing anybody might do about Van der Poel.

Three laps from the end, Van der Poel had a 30 second lead over a gaggle with Nieuwenhuis, Sweeck, Ronhaar and Vandebosch and he steadily gained extra time. The 2 riders of Baloise Trek Lions and Crelan-Corendon fought for the 2 podium locations behind the World champion. Vandebosch crashed on the penultimate on the Kuil and had no likelihood of a podium place. The huge crowd in Zonhoven gave Van der Poel an enormous ovation within the ultimate lap, however the motion was behind him. Ronhaar took the initiative within the battle for second place, however Sweeck and Nieuwenhuis didn’t hand over. Nieuwenhuis took the lead within the tough finale and took a spot on Sweeck. On the end, second place went to Nieuwenhuis, forward of Sweeck and Ronhaar. For Mathieu van der Poel it’s his tenth victory in a row this season. He now takes a relaxation from cyclo-cross to coach on the highway for the World championships and the Classics. He’ll journey the Benidorm UCI World Cup in two weeks.

Race winner, Mathieu van der Poel (Ned): “I’m tremendous proud of how this season went on this first half, however I’m additionally pleased to go to Spain to work on my kind. I needed to see how the competitors developed. Joris Nieuwenhuis additionally rode a reasonably sturdy tempo on the primary lap, and I used to be in a fairly good place there. It was very chilly for the primary time this winter, so it took some time earlier than I obtained into my rhythm. I didn’t actually get heat after my assault, however it’s a tough cross and I didn’t need to waste an excessive amount of power. I’m all the time pleased to win and I felt fairly good. However I’m additionally pleased to have the ability to practice much more. It was a special story final yr.”

2nd, Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ned): “We had been a gaggle and everybody was equally sturdy, nobody actually stood out. Ultimately I feel I made the suitable selections on the proper moments and that’s the reason I got here second phrase” “Sure and no” “This yr is just a little bizarre. All of the races the place I by no means rode properly lately are actually going rather well. Gavere, Growth and the identical right here… I shocked myself a bit. Within the sand I discover that I’ve been coaching on my cross bike all yr lengthy, together with in the summertime. You discover that on a majority of these programs. We have now three guys from our workforce who’re doing properly now. It’s going to rely upon the form of the day who will win there (the Nationwide champs).”

third, Laurens Sweeck (Bel): “In Koksijde it was not the case that I used to be on the rostrum, nevertheless it’s simply going just a little higher than a number of weeks in the past. That didn’t occur abruptly, I’ve all the time continued to work. It simply didn’t go properly. It began badly and was good a number of occasions, however by no means persistently. And that didn’t affirm that it was higher. Nevertheless, I felt that it was nonetheless there. It’s now a matter of looking for affirmation that issues are getting higher. Koksijde was not dangerous, however barely worse than in the present day. However in the present day I affirm that I’m going in the suitable path. I don’t know if I’m the favorite now, however I used to be one of the best Belgian. Then sure, I’m getting higher each week and the purpose is to win subsequent week. I’ll do all the pieces I can to do this.”

UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Zonhoven Males End result:
1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) in 59:35
2. Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ned) at 0:20
3. Laurens Sweeck (Bel) at 0:22
4. Pim Ronhaar (Ned) at 0:29
5. Toon Vandebosch (Bel) at 0:59
6. Eli Iserbyt (Bel) at 1:11
7. Emiel Verstrynge (Bel) at 1:17
8. Lars van der Haar (Ned) at 1:39
9. Joran Wyseure (Bel) at 1:55
10. Ryan Kamp (Ned) at 1:58.

Zonhoven’24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9JbP_XV-zI

 

UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Zonhoven Girls 2024
Puck Pieterse gained her fourth cyclocross in a row within the Zonhoven UCI World Cup. The Dutch champion obtained off to a foul begin attributable to a puncture, however took the lead midway by means of the race from Lucinda Model, who crashed arduous and needed to abandon. Pieterse then soloed to victory, forward of Inge van der Heijden and Zoe Bäckstedt.

Within the absence of Fem van Empel at a coaching camp and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado with a again damage, all eyes had been on the 2 favourites, Puck Pieterse and Lucinda Model. The highest begin got here from Marie Schreiber (as normal), however the Luxembourger rapidly misplaced floor. Model then took the lead, whereas Pieterse needed to chase after flat tyre.

The Dutch champion quickly needed to go to the pits and so she misplaced fairly a number of positions. Pieterse rapidly recovered and joined Zoe Bäckstedt, the winner in Gullegem, and Inge van der Heijden, who was about 20 seconds behind Model. Within the third lap of six, Pieterse broke away from Bäckstedt for a battle with Model. All was misplaced when Model crashed arduous going by means of the forest. She fell arduous on her face and injured her nostril, forcing her to withdraw. Pieterse took over the lead, however had problem distancing himself from Van der Heijden and Bäckstedt.

Two laps from the end, the hole between Pieterse and Van der Heijden was about 15 seconds and it remained that means for a very long time. Going into the ultimate lap, the Dutch champion’s lead had elevated barely to twenty seconds. Van der Heijden then cracked, permitting Pieterse to race to victory. Solely Van der Heijden and Bäckstedt completed inside a minute of the winner. Behind them, Annemarie Worst and Kristyna Zemanova accomplished the highest 5.

Race winner, Puck Pieterse (Ned): “Her crash (Lucinda Model) was fortunate for me, however I hope all the pieces goes properly for her. This was a race with a little bit of dangerous luck and in addition luck. On the primary climb I obtained a flat tyre on the again, however I attempted to remain on the entrance. That took some power, however Lucinda opened up a spot of 20 seconds. It additionally took quite a lot of power to overhaul and chase riders. Then I abruptly noticed her stopped. At first I assumed she was unfortunate, however just a little later I noticed that she was now not there. That was fortunate for me, however I hope all the pieces goes properly for her. I had some issues within the sand typically, however tried to play it secure. Right here you could be overestimated by the gang to go quick, however it’s higher to remain upright than to fall.”

2nd, Inge van der Heijden (Ned): “Second behind Puck is a victory for me. I actually shocked myself, particularly how I felt after yesterday. In the course of the reconnaissance I had dangerous legs, however throughout the race I felt myself sturdy in all places. I took it simple on the descents, I didn’t take any dangers there, however uphill I went full throttle. I actually shocked myself right here. The arduous work is rewarded and I hope to have the ability to keep this way. At this time was an important day. At first I assumed I had put all my power down yesterday, which actually felt like an assault on my physique. However Zonhoven all the time does one thing with me, it’s such a cool occasion. Being right here on the rostrum actually feels good to me.”

third, Zoe Bäckstedt (GB): “I’m nonetheless a bit chilly, however in ten minutes I’ll be actually over the moon. Fortunately my physique warmed up rapidly throughout the race. I don’t assume I might have gained in the present day. Lucinda flew over the sand, she went actually quick. I’m pleased that I got here third, however fourth would have been good too. Sadly, Lucinda fell. Usually I’m not good at that, as a result of I solely practice particularly for sand races. It was a double weekend for me with out expectations, however I’m proud of it.”

UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Zonhoven Girls End result:
1. Puck Pieterse (Ned) in 51:39
2. Inge van der Heijden (Ned) at 0:24
3. Zoe Bäckstedt (GB) at 0:41
4. Annemarie Worst (Ned) at 1:19
5. Kristyna Zemanova (CZ) at 1:24
6. Laura Verdonschot (Bel) 1:29
7. Leonie Bentveld (Ned) at 2:15
8. Kata Blanka Vas (Hun) at 2:37
9. Sanne Cant (Bel) at 2:49
10. Lauren Molengraaf (Ned) at 2:58.

Zonhoven’24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2MnSyXS53Q

 

Hexia Cyclocross – Gullegem Males 2024
Michael Vanthourenhout gained the Hexia Cross Gullegem on Saturday. The Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal rider, who took his first victory since profitable his European title in Pontchâteau in November, went solo midway by means of the cross for the victory. Cameron Mason was second and Joran Wyseure, third.

The Hexia Cross Gullegem didn’t have the strongest area, however there have been a number of large names initially, together with Michael Vanthourenhout, Thibau Nys and Gianni Vermeersch. That they had a golden alternative to take the win. Nys was the primary to off the highway. He then dropped again, whereas Vermeersch and Joran Wyseure moved ahead. These two had a small lead over Vanthourenhout and Nys after one lap. Cameron Mason and Lander Loockx had been simply behind with others.

On the second lap the riders closed up and within the third lap there was a number one group of six: Vermeersch, Wyseure, Nys, Mason, Loockx and Vanthourenhout. It was Vanthourenhout who attacked within the second a part of the third lap. Nys was capable of comply with him at first, however he began to lose floor. After three of the seven laps, the European champion had a 12 second lead over Wyseure and Nys, who had been collectively. Mason and Vermeersch had been additionally shut, so there was a gaggle of 4 in pursuit on the fourth lap. Mason took the initiative. He picked up the tempo and dropped his companions. The British rider was now Vanthourenhout’s first chaser. The European champion didn’t actually have to fret, as a result of the distinction was nonetheless greater than 20 seconds after 5 laps. Wyseure and Nys had been combating for third place at greater than 30 seconds.

Going into the ultimate lap, Wyseure and Nys had misplaced some floor, however the distinction between Vanthourenhout and Mason remained steady at 23 seconds. Vanthourenhout couldn’t loosen up, nevertheless it appeared unlikely that he would lose the victory. After 7 laps Vanthourenhout crossed the road because the winner for under the second time this season. Behind; Mason took second place. Initially of December he completed second within the Superprestige Growth, however after that he was solely within the prime 5 as soon as. Within the ultimate lap Wyseure had gained a duel with Nys.

Race winner, Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal): “It truly went very properly. I began just a little slower, however I felt from the beginning that I might rapidly take part on the entrance. A little bit earlier than midway by means of the race I then tried to make a spot. I rapidly elevated that to about twenty seconds after which I attempted to maintain it that means. The course had modified loads in comparison with the reconnaissance, because of the girls’s race. You had to decide on your personal strains loads. And when you could have fifteen, twenty seconds, you are able to do your personal factor. Then it’s simpler to journey alone. I noticed for a second that Cameron (Mason, 2nd) was coming just a little nearer. Then I needed to push myself a bit additional. Then I noticed that I used to be gaining a number of extra seconds. On the finish of the second pits it was nearly inconceivable to cycle by means of it. However all in all, with the climate forecast and the situations, I nonetheless thought it was a really good course. I really feel prefer it’s getting just a little higher each week. That’s why I needed to incorporate this cross, in order that I might go deep once more and compete for the win. That can be necessary. With the Huge Three it’s not all the time simple to succeed in the ultimate. It is rather necessary in such a cross.”

2nd, Cameron Mason (Cyclocross Reds): “It was a troublesome cross, a sort of time trial. I didn’t have one of the best begin, however that didn’t actually matter right here. It’s a tractor race in any case. I recovered, found out what the suitable strains had been and labored my means again to the entrance. It was considerably corresponding to the European Championships (the place Mason additionally completed second behind Vanthourenhout). The second I got here to the entrance, Michael already had a spot. He was clearly the strongest in the present day. I feel the hole remained steady, round twenty-five seconds. It feels good to be using for a podium place once more, after probably not being myself the previous month. It felt loads higher in the present day. here’s a purpose I didn’t begin properly. I’m simply not excellent at that. I can’t simply begin higher, I’ve to work on that. I’m going to do this. Hopefully that may assist me sooner or later. It was like a cross in Nice Britain. The floor is similar in all places, so there is no such thing as a excellent line. You could due to this fact watch out along with your efforts, in figuring out the place you speed up and the place you get well. I’m fairly good at that. It’s good you can undergo, you can go as deep as you need to go. In another races I reached my restrict too early. At this time I let it occur to me. That’s a pleasant feeling. Now on to tomorrow’s World Cup (Zonhoven) and subsequent week’s nationwide championship.”

third, Joran Wyseure (Crelan-Corendon): “I didn’t get my podium place as a present. It was a really powerful cross. Thibau was additionally wonderful, so I’m happy that I might simply beat him within the final lap. How deep did I’ve to go? Nonetheless fairly deep. It was on the innovative. I feel Thibau made a mistake, which allowed me to move. Nevertheless, then I made one other mistake, so it was fairly arduous in opposition to arduous. However I’m actually happy. It was a really powerful cross, which can be tough for everybody heading into tomorrow. It’s all the time enjoyable to cross in West Flanders, I all the time like to come back to Gullegem. At this time I actually had a superb feeling. I’ll take that with me to the following races. To tomorrow and to subsequent week, the Belgian championship, the place it is going to even be fairly tough. I’m wanting ahead to it.”

Hexia Cyclocross – Gullegem Males End result:
1. Michael Vanthourenhout (Bel) Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal
2. Cameron Mason (GB) Cyclocross Reds
3. Joran Wyseure (Bel) Crelan-Corendon
4. Thibau Nys (Bel) Baloise Trek Lions
5. Lander Loockx (Bel) Tour de Tietema-Unibet
6. Felipe Orts (Spa) La Vila Joiosa-Neteo
7. Gianni Vermeersch (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck
8. Thijs Aerts (Bel) Charles Liégeois Roastery
9. Wout Janssen (Bel)
10. Scott Funston (USA).

Gullegem’24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGj8ppovsBo

 

Hexia Cyclocross – Gullegem Girls 2024
Zoe Bäckstedt gained the Hexi Cross Gullegem (C2) race on Saturday. The 19 year-old British rider was with Manon Bakker and Inge van der Heijden of Crelan-Corendon for the primary a part of the cross, however attacked initially of the penultimate lap. Bakker completed second at 28 seconds, Van der Heijden was third, 8 seconds later.

Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado was the highest favorite for the Hexia Cross in Gullegem. Fem van Empel, Lucinda Model and Puck Pieterse had been lacking, so the competitors needed to come from riders corresponding to Kata Blanka Vas and Inge van der Heijden. The perfect begin went to Zoe Bäckstedt with Marion Norbert Riberolle and Van der Heijden on her wheel. The Dutch rider quickly took over the lead. She initially opened up a spot, however Bäckstedt and Manon Bakker joined her later within the first lap.

They had been adopted by a gaggle of Amandine Fouquenet, Alessandra Keller, Vas and Alvarado. On the finish of the primary lap Alvarado dropped her companions. She was nonetheless 15 seconds behind the three leaders. Within the second of 5 laps she obtained just a little nearer, however on the ending stretch she had misplaced a while. Bäckstedt, Van der Heijden and Bakker had been nonetheless collectively and dealing properly. Alvarado couldn’t make connection within the third lap, actually she was handed by Marion Norbert Riberolle after which determined to desert. Whereas she was in fifth place, she left the race. On the entrance there was an acceleration initially of the fourth lap. Bäckstedt rode away from Bakker and Van der Heijden and instantly had a superb hole.

Initially of the final lap Bäckstedt had about 20 seconds on Bakker, her first chaser. Van der Heijden adopted after greater than half 1 minute. The 2 teammates had been collectively within the ultimate lap, after a mistake by Bakker. Catching Bäckstedt was not going to occur. The European U23 champion held her floor for her third skilled victory of the season. In October she gained two crosses in the US. Behind Bäckstedt; Bakker was nonetheless forward of her teammate Van der Heijden within the battle for second place. With Marion Norbert Riberolle, one other rider from Crelan-Corendon, completed in fourth place. Blanka Kata Vas was fifth.

Race winner, Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon-SRAM): “I actually loved it, This was most likely some of the enjoyable races I’ve performed. Why? I’m lined in mud from head to toe, that’s what I like. As well as, I used to be on the entrance of the race. It was a fierce battle, with another person all the time taking the lead. I made a decision to assault with two laps to go and see how far I might get. Manon checked out her pedals, whereas I used to be already clipped in. I assumed, what if she’s not wanting, what occurs? I went for it, regarded again on the finish of the straight, I noticed that I had a spot. After that I simply tried to not make a mistake. It turned out properly. My legs felt good. It was so muddy that your bike was already lined in mud after half a lap. Or you might skip a lap, however I figured it wouldn’t be a lot slower to undergo the transition station. I’d as properly get a clear bike each lap. I observed that it made my bike a bit lighter once I needed to run.”

2nd, Manon Bakker (Crelan-Corendon): “It was powerful, but additionally a brilliant enjoyable battle with Zoe and Inge. Initially I assumed: I actually just like the final half. I attempted there too, however Zoe is so sturdy. She rode away from us on the asphalt. I truly hoped that Inge would shut the hole on the straight as a result of I do know she is just a little higher at that. However we couldn’t get to her anymore. I feel she is the deserved winner. I used to be truly just a little too sluggish to react. I actually ought to have identified, as a result of Zoe does it on a regular basis. I usually name it the ‘Zoe assault’, destroying everybody on the straights of the highway. I used to be too late. I gambled on Inge, nevertheless it didn’t work. Then I made a mistake myself, which made it much more thrilling for second place. However fortunately I used to be higher in the long run. Once I made that mistake, I assumed shit for a second. I rode into the boundaries there, since you needed to journey near the sting. I assumed: oh, right here I’m going… Then Inge overtook me. I truly needed to be within the lead on the final bit, however on the bridge down I used to be capable of overtake her once more.”

third, Inge van der Heijden (Crelan-Corendon): “The primary lap additionally went very properly (after her good begin). I used to be capable of keep that tempo for some time, however within the fourth lap I discovered myself considerably disenchanted. Zoe positioned an assault and I actually couldn’t reply to that. However general I’m glad with a 3rd place on this course. I might solely pedal at one tempo, probably not speed up. I don’t assume it was a mistaken selection to right away take the lead. However sure, these programs simply don’t swimsuit me very properly. I’m glad with the consequence. I do get the sensation that I’m doing higher and higher. That’s constructive and I’ll take it with me to the following races.”

Hexia Cyclocross – Gullegem Girls End result:
1. Zoe Bäckstedt (GB) Canyon-SRAM in 46:41
2. Manon Bakker (Ned) Crelan-Corendon at 0:28
3. Inge van der Heijden (Ned) Crelan-Corendon at 0:36
4. Marion Norbert Riberolle CNed) Crelan-Corendon at 0:48
5. Kata Blanka Vas (Hun) SD Worx at 1:53
6. Clara Honsinger (USA) S&M at 2:05
7. Aniek van Alphen (Ned) Cyclocross Reds at 3:03
8. Alessandra Keller (Sui) Thömus maxon at 3:25
9. Amandine Fouquenet (Fra) Arkéa-B&B Inns at 4:03
10. Maghalie Rochette (Can) at 4:21

Gullegem’24

 

X²O Badkamers Trofee Vlaamse Duinencross – Koksijde Males 2024
Mathieu van der Poel remains to be undefeated within the 2023/24 cyclo-cross season. Within the X2O Trophy in Koksijde, Pim Ronhaar initially managed to stick with him, however in the long run the World champion gained the sandy cross with an enormous lead. Ronhaar was second and Wout van Aert third.

Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert confronted one another once more in Koksijde, earlier than they each go to Spain for a coaching camp. The 2 is not going to meet once more till January 21 within the Benidorm UCI World Cup. In Koksijde, Tom Pidcock was lacking attributable to sickness. Pim Ronhaar, Lars van der Haar and sand specialist Laurens Sweeck had been on the start-line.

The perfect begin went to Van der Poel. Van Aert initially appeared to not be within the combine, however simply earlier than the pack hit the off-road, he had moved up once more. Sweeck was additionally close to the entrance and he took the lead earlier than the sand. On his wheel was Van Aert and Van der Poel. The World champion waited just a little earlier than launching his assault. He shot by means of the sand and instantly had an enormous hole. Van Aert couldn’t comply with and Sweeck additionally fell again. After one lap they weren’t the primary pursuers, the closest chaser was Pim Ronhaar. The Dutchman was 7 seconds behind the World champion, Van Aert adopted with a gaggle on his wheel, 6 seconds later. The Belgian got here by means of one lap later, 23 seconds behind Van der Poel, with Michael Vanthourenhout and Lars van der Haar, who had moved up after a foul begin.

Ronhaar continued to maintain Van der Poel in sight. After two laps, Van der Poel’s lead was nonetheless solely 7 seconds. Within the third lap, Van der Poel doubled his lead, however Ronhaar nonetheless had an opportunity. The third group, which Gianni Vermeersch was now additionally with. They had been to date behind that third place was their very best end place. In that battle, Lars van der Haar took the initiative. Whereas Vanthourenhout needed to move within the fourth lap, as Van Aert additionally had a tough time. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider noticed the Dutch champion journey away with Vermeersch in a sand part. After that, Van der Haar continued alone, however on the finish of lap 5 he had Wout van Aert again with him. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider left Van der Haar within the subsequent lap to take a podium place. Within the final lap, Van Aert even got here near Pim Ronhaar, who had misplaced extra floor on Van der Poel lap after lap. The Dutchman of Baloise Trek Lions was greater than 1 minute behind Van der Poel after six of the seven laps. The World champion now not needed to make an efforts within the ultimate lap to take his ninth victory of the season. Ronhaar completed second, Van Aert third.

Race winner, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “It was tough, particularly to journey at your personal tempo. Koksijde is all the time one of many tough races to steer, as a result of while you get to the sand sections, the monitor is gone. That all the time rides one of the best, however I rode very properly by means of the sand twice, which allowed me to right away have a pleasant gorge. Then I selected tempo. Pim Ronhaar got here shut, so I needed to hold using. I can positively get higher in the direction of the World championships. I skilled very properly for the cross season, however since Herentals I’ve truly skilled little or no. I simply did these crosses. After Zonhoven (Sunday) I’ll return to Spain to place the ending touches to the preparation for the World championships. How far more could be added? It’s a must to ask the coach about that. In fact we’re below building. First to the World champs, then to the spring. In any case, the height ought to be within the spring. That’s nonetheless an important factor.”

2nd, Pim Ronhaar (Baloise Trek Lions): “I didn’t look again as soon as, however within the final lap I nonetheless obtained a bit nervous, as a result of Wout nonetheless got here very shut, I used to be capable of race by means of at pace. Then I knew that second place was in. I simply really feel actually good about myself. All of it occurs computerized. I nonetheless can’t consider that I’m within the image like this, that I’m racing round like that. I’m getting round higher, however I don’t essentially really feel higher, however the consistency is simply there. Apparently my physique has turned a change and I’m doing rather well now.”

third, Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike): “No, I intentionally didn’t attempt to comply with him (Van der Poel). Initially I got here off my pedal, so I did a severe dash to get away properly. That may have been one thing an excessive amount of of a superb factor. I began the primary sand part with a really excessive coronary heart price. Mathieu then did the identical as within the different crosses. I selected my very own tempo, which was not very excessive. We skilled quite a lot of fundamental coaching till the cross part and only some blocks. Now we’ve performed quite a lot of depth in a short while. It’s now necessary to make the change once more and solely simply earlier than the basic spring will that depth be added once more. I’ve had higher legs in cyclo-cross up to now, so typically I needed to adapt to that feeling, however I nonetheless loved it. I took a pleasant victory in Zolder and on the different races there have been additionally lots of people alongside the aspect of the highway. It was a pleasure to see my followers once more.”

X²O Badkamers Trofee Vlaamse Duinencross – Koksijde Males End result:
1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 59:21
2. Pim Ronhaar (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions at 1:20
3. Wout van Aert (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:43
4. Lars van der Haar (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions at 1:53
5. Gianni Vermeersch (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck at 2:12
6. Laurens Sweeck (Bel) Crelan-Corendon at 2:46
7. Joran Wyseure (Bel) Crelan-Corendon at 3:04
8. Michael Vanthourenhout (Bel) Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal at 3:10
9. Jens Adams (Bel) Athletes for Hope at 3:37
10. Niels Vandeputte (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck at 3:48.

Koksijde’24:

 

X²O Badkamers Trofee Vlaamse Duinencross – Koksijde Girls 2024
Fem van Empel gained the X2O Trophy Koksijde on Thursday. She selected to assault within the first lap and the opposite riders didn’t see her once more till the end line. Lucinda Model was second, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado third.

Fem van Empel was the highest favorite for victory in Koksijde within the girls race, however there was doable doubt attributable to a knee damage within the Baal race, which she did win. The competitors in Koksijde was additionally powerful. Puck Pieterse was not there, however Lucinda Model and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado had been.

The three all had a superb begin. Van Empel was the primary onto the grass, however Alvarado and Model had been on her wheel. Model needed to go away a spot within the first lap, whereas Alvarado fell again to Laura Verdonschot and Annemarie Worst. Later, Alvarado was capable of go away them behind, however after one lap she was 30 seconds behind Van Empel. Model had 21 seconds. Within the second of 5 laps, Van Empel obtained additional away. Model was now 39 seconds behind; Alvarado and Verdonschot, who fought a duel for third place, adopted a few minute later. The battle gave the impression to be over rapidly, however within the third spherical it was nonetheless a little bit of a shock for Van Empel. She fell within the transition station, when getting on a brand new bike.

Nevertheless, the world champion was capable of proceed her means rapidly and hardly misplaced her feathers, because it turned obvious on the subsequent end passage. Alvarado, who took a ways from Verdonschot, got here a number of seconds nearer, however Model was nonetheless 39 seconds behind. At first Verdonschot made it tough for Alvarado, however going into the ultimate lap there was going to be a struggle for second place, between Alvarado and Model. Model gained, very narrowly. She needed to push herself to the restrict, however managed to remain simply forward of Alvarado within the dash. The Baloise Trek Lions rider completed second, behind Van Empel. It had already been obtained for a very long time. The Visma rider | Lease a Bike gained her fourteenth cross of the season by an enormous margin.

Race winner, Fem van Empel (Visma | Lease a Bike): “I’m thrilled to have gained this stunning race. The principle factor was to have the ability to journey my very own strains on this course. The truth that I used to be ready to do this gave me a bit extra confidence. That’s why I began quick. After that, I used to be capable of journey at my very own tempo. It has been a busy however fantastic time. Now it’s time to take a while off to get well and construct up for what’s to come back.”

2nd, Lucinda Model (Baloise Trek Lions): “Didn’t need to hand over second place similar to that. I feel we rode on the identical distance from one another for all the race. Within the final two laps I had some problem with that second lengthy dune part in entrance of the pits. When you have a foul passage and one other a superb one, the opposite one rapidly catches up. She had a pleasant purpose on the finish. And I didn’t race it any sooner, let’s go away it at that. However I didn’t need to simply hand it over. It’s very unusual, however that doesn’t actually assist me in any respect. It sounds a bit silly, however after all it was additionally a bit additional away. And there was a totally completely different ambiance on the time (attributable to covid), so I could have skilled it a bit in another way. It stays a bit unusual that I turned champion in an occasion that I like least. You actually discover that just a little freshness will do you good. However sure, that applies to all of us.”

third, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “I feel I positively might have completed one place larger. However I had somersaulted within the first lap. In consequence, I misplaced some locations and I needed to discover my rhythm once more, however I already had that throughout the reconnaissance. I needed to wait and see how issues would go in the present day, however in the long run I held up fairly properly. It wasn’t till I might actually give properly on the highway that it began to occur once more. However I did my finest to get probably the most out of it. I additionally had Laura (Verdonschot) behind me. She rode a bit higher by means of the sand than me, however I feel I used to be a bit sooner on the intermediate sections. At first I assumed it was inconceivable to get Model again, however lap after lap I obtained just a little nearer. At one level I saved watching her race. Then I assumed: it’s all or nothing. I used to be a meter quick or so.”

X²O Badkamers Trofee Vlaamse Duinencross – Koksijde Girls End result:
1. Fem van Empel (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike in 52:15
2. Lucinda Model (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions at 0:39
3. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck
4. Laura Verdonschot (Bel) De Ceuster-Bonache at 1:20
5. Sanne Cant (Bel) Crelan-Corendon at 3:15
6. Denise Betsema (Ned) Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal at 3:31
7. Annemarie Worst (Ned) Cyclocross Reds at 3:44
8. Isabella Holmgren (Can) Lidl-Trek at 5:51
9. Julie Brouwers (Bel) Charles Liégeois Roastery at 6:42
10. Alessandra Keller (Sui) at 6:46.

Koksijde’24:

 

Golden Debut: Plapp Win’s Australian TT Title as Crew Jayco AlUla Lock Out the Podium
2024 new recruit Luke Plapp made it a dream begin to life in Crew Jayco AlUla colors as he claimed the Australian Time Trial Championship for the second time forward of teammates Chris Harper and Michael Hepburn. The 23-year-old was a pink scorching favorite for the title in Ballarat and he demonstrated why, as he powered across the 37.5km course in a time of 46:19:54 to take the victory by 32 seconds over Harper.

It was a memorable day and begin to the 2024 season for Crew Jayco AlUla as they made it a clear sweep of the rostrum placings with Harper taking the silver medal, whereas former champion Hepburn took dwelling the bronze. Kell O’Brien made it 4 Crew Jayco AlUla riders within the prime 4. Over within the girls’s race, Georgie Howe fought to 3rd place for Liv AlUla Jayco to cap off a surprising day for the Australian squad.

Consideration then turned to the criterium championships the place defending champions Amber Pate and O’Brien can be in motion, lining-up alongside Caleb Ewan with the workforce desperate to defend the title on Sturt Road.

Race winner, Luke Plapp (Jayco AlUla):
“It’s particular, I really feel like I’m again dwelling being in Crew Jayco AlUla and I’m again within the inexperienced and gold stripes within the TT, I actually missed these stripes since 2021. It’s superb being again in them, the workforce has been superb within the construct as much as the race and to have all 4 of us as the highest 4 could be very, very thrilling going into Sunday and hopefully the boys can pull off one other win within the crit tomorrow evening.”

2024 Australian Time Trial Championships End result:
1. Luke Plapp (Jayco AlUla) in 46:19:54
2. Chris Harper (Jayco AlUla) at 0:32.71
3. Michael Hepburn (Jayco AlUla) at 0:55.01.

Australian TT champs podium:

 

GreenEDGE Biking Dominate as Ewan and Roseman-Gannon Declare Australian Criterium Championships
GreenEDGE Biking dominated the Australian Criterium Championships as Ruby Roseman-Gannon led dwelling a Liv AlUla Jayco one, two, three whereas Caleb Ewan sprinted to victory on his workforce return.

Roseman-Gannon completed off an excellent workforce efficiency within the girls’s race as she attacked solo to take her second criterium title, with teammates Georgia Baker and Alex Manly locking out the rostrum locations from the bunch dash behind.

Crew Jayco AlUla then managed an aggressive males’s race as they shut down a sequence of breakaway makes an attempt over the course of the 40-lap race earlier than 2023 champion Kell O’Brien and Blake Fast teed Ewan up for the dash finale. As soon as the 29-year-old opened up his kick there was no stopping him as he raced away to safe his fourth nationwide criterium title in fashion.

With three gold medals throughout the opening 4 occasions on the Australian Nationwide Championships, GreenEDGE Biking now change their focus to the ‘large one’ on Sunday as they appear to reclaim the boys’s and ladies’s highway race championships on Mount Buninyong.

Girls’s winner, Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco): “The race was good, a bit windy and good climate, there wasn’t quite a lot of aggression early on nevertheless it began getting arduous and I truly didn’t really feel so good. We had Amber [Pate] masking quite a lot of the strikes early on. Then I realised that I most likely didn’t really feel good as a result of truly it had been sort of arduous in order that’s once I went and we obtained it fairly large hole, Gina Ricardo and I, fairly early on. I used to be working fairly arduous and I wasn’t positive whether or not Gina was feigning a bit so I began attacking her a bit and he or she was nonetheless holding on after which I ultimately dropped her. I feel it’s my first solo win since I turned skilled and perhaps my first ever, so I’m actually pleased to win in the present day. Ultimately we obtained one, two, three so I can’t thank the women sufficient, it’s such nice workforce to race with and what a good way to begin the yr.”

Males’s winner, Caleb Ewan (Jayco AlUla): “It’s superb to be again and again within the workforce and I actually needed to begin the yr rather well, and that was going to be right here on the crit. I used to be tremendous nervous earlier than the race to be sincere, I felt like a child racing once more. The workforce did a tremendous job we rode fairly aggressive after which yeah in the long run once we knew breaks had been going away we arrange for the dash. I feel it’s a superb factor [to feel nervous], while you’re nervous it imply you care and it’s your physique preparing for no matter is arising, so it’s good to really feel it once more and it’s good to have the arms within the air once more.”

2024 Australian Criterium Championships – Girls End result:
1. Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco) in 50:25
2. Georgia Baker (Liv AlUla Jayco) at 0:14
3. Alex Manly (Liv AlUla Jayco) at 0:14.

2024 Australian Criterium Championships – Males End result:
1. Caleb Ewan (Jayco AlUla) in 59:16
2. Jensen Plowright (Alpecin-Deceuninck)
3. Sam Welsford (BORA-hansgrohe).

2024 Australian Criterium podiums:

 

Clear Sweep – Plapp Wins Third Australian Street Race Championship Title as Crew Jayco AlUla Go One, Two, Three
Crew Jayco AlUla dominated the Australian Street Race Championships as Luke Plapp secured his third title in as a few years, crossing the road alongside teammate Chris Harper whereas Kelland O’Brien grasped the ultimate podium spot.

Plapp and Harper went clear with greater than 100km to go as they jumped away from a harmful breakaway group that shaped early within the 16-lap race. As soon as the pair had a spot there was no wanting again because the benefit grew lap after lap whereas O’Brien shaped a part of a three-rider chase group behind.

With greater than six minutes over the chasers, Plapp and Harper had been capable of savour the second on the ultimate lap as they shared a smile earlier than crossing the road collectively to complete off a surprising and dominate journey.

O’Brien then made it an historic day for GreenEDGE Biking as he sprinted dwelling to take third place and lock out the rostrum for the workforce. The result’s the third podium clear sweep for the workforce after Plapp, Harper and Michael Hepburn within the time trial and a Liv AlUla Jayco one, two, three within the criterium.

In whole, the squad roll away from Ballart and the nationwide championships with 9 medals in whole, together with 5 gold medals throughout the six elite races.

Race winner, Luke Plapp (Jayco AlUla): “The Aussies are again, GreenEDGE is again! That was superb on the market, I feel from the gun we had all the pieces below management and me and Harper had a good time on the market, I can’t thank him sufficient. We simply needed to be in management the entire time and I feel we noticed it, we knew we might take management early and as soon as we had been on the market we all the time had it within the bag. It was a tremendous workforce effort, from Blake [Quick] initially, Rudy [Porter] following the strikes, then Kell, we had been by no means out of it.”

2nd, Chris Harper (Jayco AlUla): “I feel from the beginning we had been all on prime of it, Plappy and I got here throughout the road one-two and it actually was a workforce effort in the present day, all people performed their half. We had numbers and will dictate the race actually. Plappy was completely flying on the finish there, so I needed to inform him to ease up just a little bit for me, nevertheless it’s an important day and a superb hit out for us going to Tour Down Beneath subsequent week as properly.”

2024 Australian Street Race Championships – Males End result:
1. Luke Plapp (Jayco AlUla) in 4:34:26
2. Chris Harper (Jayco AlUla)
3. Kelland O’Brien (Jayco AlUla) at 6:09.

 

Roseman-Gannon Takes Gold and Manly Bronze as Liv AlUla Jayco Mild up the Australian Street Race Championships
Ruby Roseman-Gannon made it a dream begin to the 2024 season for Liv AlUla Jayco, protecting her cool to win the Australian Street Race Championship in a tense dash finale in Ballarat as teammate Alexandra Manly took dwelling the bronze medal.

After taking the criterium title in beautiful fashion on Friday night, Roseman-Gannon lined-up for Sunday’s highway race as a transparent race favorite, and the 25-year-old demonstrated why with a calculated and aggressive efficiency.

It was a sometimes attacking race with Liv AlUla Jayco by no means removed from the motion as each rider headed up the highway sooner or later throughout the nine-lap battle. Because the bell rang for the ultimate lap a number one trio of Roseman-Gannon, teammate Georgia Baker and Lauretta Hanson held a sizeable benefit over a choose chasing group following a sequence of breakaway makes an attempt.

Nevertheless, issues ultimately got here again collectively over the crest of Mount Buninyong as various chasing teams made their means again to the pinnacle of the race to arrange an exhilarating end.

Because the main group raced by means of the ultimate kilometre Amber Pate pulled an enormous flip to tee up her teammates, with Roseman-Gannon proving to be the quick within the sprint for the road with Manly charging by means of for third place and the bronze medal.

The double medal haul makes it six medals in whole for Liv AlUla Jayco on the Australian Nationwide Championships in 2024 – a dream begin to the season.

Race winner, Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco): “I’m in shock. The final couple of years I’ve needed this so dangerous and yearly I completed only a bit disenchanted. I had superb legs, I imply it helped I used to be all the time up the highway on the climb, however I can’t thank my workforce sufficient, like actually, actually that is one of the best group and I’m simply in shock. The final time Ballarat, it means loads, I feel it simply doesn’t really feel actual. I feel everybody was simply on one other degree, we had the workforce assembly earlier than and everybody was 100% in. we actually needed this, we had tears within the assembly about how a lot it meant to us. It’s an Australian workforce and it means a lot to deliver it again to the Europe, so I can’t thank the women sufficient. I can’t thank the workforce sufficient, it seems like a dream, I’ve performed quite a lot of work for this second.”

2024 Australian Street Race Championships – Girls End result:
1. Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco) 3:04:52
2. Lauretta Hanson (Lidl-Trek)
3. Alexandra Manly (Liv AlUla Jayco).

 

Wout van Aert Going to BORA-hansgrohe?
RedBull has purchased a majority stake of 51% in Ralph Denk’s firm that runs the German WorldTeam, BORA-hansgrohe. The power drink firm already sponsor Tom Pidcock and Wout van Aert on a person foundation, might this imply a transfer for these riders to signal for the German workforce sooner or later?

The switch of the shares ought to happen on January 26. “Sponsorship insiders predict that RedBull’s entry can be a sport changer,” in response to Youri of the WielerFlits Podcast. “That will solely be excellent news for the game. Simply have a look at what number of thousands and thousands of euros they beforehand pumped into mountain biking and different excessive sports activities. To not point out Max Verstappen’s Formulation 1 workforce.”

The RedBull helmets are well-known within the peloton and much more so in mountain biking. Can the power drink firm go away the identical mark on biking because it does in different sports activities. Maxim of WielerFlits thinks: “if there’s a sponsor who can try this, I consider it’s RedBull. What I do marvel: will all BORA-hansgrohe riders quickly journey with a RedBull helmet? And when will Wout van Aert race for the Germans? You often make daring statements, however now I dare to make them. I’ll inform you upfront: Wout van Aert will race for BORA-hansgrohe from 2025. They’ll purchase out his contract on the finish of this yr.”

Youri alternatively doesn’t see that occuring anytime quickly. “Though I have to say that Ralph Denk has all the time been requested by the sponsors to have an enormous identify within the workforce once more after Peter Sagan. Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel have already been handed, however so has Van Aert. However in precept they’ve now simply attracted that prime rider with Primož Roglič. Given the current developments surrounding him and Cian Uijtdebroeks, I don’t assume a change for Van Aert to BORA-hansgrohe can be simple. That gained’t be an affordable enterprise for them.”

What subsequent for RedBull?

 

Wout van Aert – From Cross to Street
Wout van Aert’s cyclo-cross winter season is sort of over. He completed third within the X2o Trophy in Koksijde, which was his final Flemish cyclo-cross of this winter. He’ll race once more in Benidorm, however he’s now specializing in the spring Classics. “I really feel that I began my Christmas interval with a lot much less health,” he mirrored.

“It was a really powerful and enjoyable interval,” Van Aert stated after the cross in Koksijde about his cross season. “There have been lots of people on the cross and I loved that immensely. Bodily it was adapting to the legs that allowed what I used to be capable of present. That’s completely different from different years, however we knew that upfront. Ever since I placed on my (race) quantity, I need to do one of the best I can. I’ve all the time performed that. That resulted in good locations of honour, however few victories.” Solely in Essen and Heusden-Zolder did did he take the wins, however right here had been second and third locations, and a fifth place in Hulst after a crash.

Now Van Aert shifts his focus to the highway. That build-up in the direction of spring and the Giro is barely completely different. He used the cyclo-cross winter for this. “I’ve already taken a pleasant step ahead, however I would like days of relaxation,” stated Van Aert. “Then we are going to proceed to construct progressively. My absolute principal objectives are three months away, which remains to be some time. There may be nonetheless quite a lot of work to be performed.”

The Classics and the Giro subsequent for Van Aert:

 

Groupama-FDJ With out Paul Penhoët attributable to Harm
Paul Penhoët will miss the beginning of the 2024 season. The Groupama-FDJ sprinter suffered a cruciate ligament damage and can be unable to compete for at the least three months.

The workforce introduced that “Paul suffers from a knee ligament damage in his proper knee, which requires surgical procedure. He will be unable to take part in competitions for about three months,” It isn’t identified precisely what occurred to Penhoët to trigger this damage.

Twenty-two year-old Penhoët, managed to take three skilled victories final season, all in France. He gained the Tour du Finistère and the Tour Poitou-Charentes, with two stage victories. Within the autumn he additionally had a number of locations of honour in French one-day races, ending fifth within the GP de Fourmies and tenth in Paris-Excursions.

With Groupama-FDJ, Penhoët is likely one of the workforce’s sprinters for subsequent season. Arnaud Démare and Jake Stewart left final yr, however sprinters Marc Sarreau and Matthew Partitions joined.

Paul Penhoët out:

 

Romain Bardet Desires a Stage Win in Each Grand Excursions
Romain Bardet has already gained phases within the Tour de France and la Vuelta a España, however no wins within the Giro d’Italia, but. The 33 year-old French climber hopes to finish the trilogy this yr.

The Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL rider introduced this to Eurosport. Bardet has gained three phases within the Tour and as soon as within the Vuelta in 2021. Bardet has not gained within the Giro, regardless of using in 2021 and 2022.

Bardet didn’t say a lot about his race program for 2024 in the meanwhile, nevertheless it seems he can be initially of the Tour of Italy this yr. “I want to win a stage within the Giro earlier than I retire. That will be an important second, regardless that I don’t have a lot Giro expertise but. I’ve solely ridden the Giro twice and managed to succeed in the end solely as soon as.”

If Bardet manages to win a stage within the Giro this yr, this might be his final purpose as a rider. The Frenchman doesn’t rule out that 2024 can be his final season as knowledgeable. Bardet will race for DSM PostNL this yr, however his contract with the Dutch workforce expires on the finish of 2024, so it’s time for Bardet to consider his future. “It’s nonetheless utterly open. I nonetheless take pleasure in what I do, however I’ve now reached an age the place I’ve to guage and see what remains to be in retailer. I’ll resolve earlier than the Tour what the following step is. Behind my thoughts I do know this may very well be my final yr, however I’d simply hold going. That’s nonetheless open in the meanwhile.”

What’s the future for Bardet?

 

Tim Wellens Believes in Tour Possibilities of Remco Evenepoel
Remco Evenepoel will begin his first Tour de France in 2024. The Belgian of Soudal Fast-Step is making ready for La Grande Bouclebut can he struggle for the ultimate victory? “Nobody doubts that Remco can compete with one of the best riders,” is the opinion of Tim Wellens.

In an interview with Cyclingnews, Wellens seems to be forward to the 111th Tour de France (June 29-July 21) and was requested about Evenepoel. “Remco additionally actually has an opportunity. Lower than Tadej Pogačar, though I’m after all biased. However nobody doubts that Remco can take part within the Tour with one of the best riders. If he can win the Vuelta, he can after all additionally win the Tour.”

Evenepoel must cope with the present Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglič and Tadej Pogačar. Wellens hopes to play an important position for Pogačar. The Belgian is stuffed with reward for his UAE teammate. “How he all the time retains his ft on the bottom… That’s what makes probably the most impression. He doesn’t really feel higher than anybody else, regardless that he’s the one who might. He’s one of the best rider on this planet. Quite the opposite, he has remained completely regular. The way you see him on tv is how he’s in actual life. He performs no position. We get alongside properly as he is a superb man.”

Wellens hopes to make a bid for the general victory within the Tour de France with Pogačar, however his Slovenian chief will first journey the Giro d’Italia. Is that this a good suggestion? “I feel they know what they’re doing at UAE Emirates. They don’t simply do something. Tadej has now confirmed for 3 years in a row that he’s one of the best rider on this planet,” stated Wellens.

Pogačar qnd Evenepoel:

 

Arnaud De Lie Will Trip the Tour de France in 2024
In the course of the Lotto Dstny workforce presentation, this system of Arnaud De Lie was introduced. The younger Belgian will begin his first Grand Tour in 2024. De Lie additionally has a full spring marketing campaign, however will miss the European Championships.

Arnaud De Lie begins his season in Spain, in Almeria and Murcia. Within the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad he can be seeking to enhance on his third place final yr. Le Samyn, Paris-Good, Milano-Sanremo, the E3 Saxo Traditional, Gent-Wevelgem and Dwars door Vlaanderen are additionally on his program within the spring. De Lie’s program is topic to alter, however he also needs to journey the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. He additionally desires to journey the Brabantse Pijl and the Amstel Gold Race.

After spring he can be initially of the Tour de France on the lookout for stage dash victories. De Lie is not going to journey the European Championship and ends its season in Canada.

Arnaud De Lie’s Race Programme:
11-02 Vuelta Ciclista a la Area de Murcia “Costa Calida”
12-02 Clasica de Almeria
24-02 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
27-02 Le Samyn
03-03 – 10-03 Paris-Good
16-03 Milano-Sanremo
22-03 E3 Saxo Financial institution Traditional
27-03 Dwars door Vlaanderen
31-03 Ronde van Vlaanderen
07-04 Paris-Roubaix
01-05 Eschborn-Frankfurt
29-06 – 21-07 Tour de France
13-09 Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec
15-09 Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal

Arnaud De Misinform the Tour:

 

Stefan Küng Desires the UCI to Take Motion After His Crash within the European Time Trial Championships
Stefan Küng rode into the boundaries throughout the European time trial Championships and crashed badly, he continued to the end in Emmen, nevertheless it was discovered later that that he had concussion.

Küng was badly injured within the crash, however obtained again up once more with a damaged helmet. The Swiss federation got here below quite a lot of criticism, together with from the UCI, as a result of the protocol within the occasion of a suspected concussion was not adopted. The federation subsequently indicated that it will analyse the matter internally. It later turned out that Küng had suffered a concussion, a fractured cheekbone and a number of other fractures in his hand.

With the German biking web site Radsport-Information, Küng regarded again intimately at his crash and the implications. The 30 year-old rider of Groupama-FDJ primarily seems to be on the UCI and appeals to the worldwide governing physique. “The UCI ought to sort out the issue. You may’t inform a rider to simply put his head up in instances like this. A rider is all the time on the lookout for one of the best and quickest biking place.”

“The UCI should create higher situations, in order that the game can happen safely in the best way it’s at present practiced. The aerodynamic positions on a bicycle have gotten more and more excessive and as a bicycle owner you’re additionally delicate to that.”

Küng has already extensively analysed his crash, along with the Swiss Biking Federation. “It was an pointless crash and it additionally regarded unusual, so we checked out it fastidiously and drew our conclusions. However right here too the ball is again within the UCI’s courtroom. The UCI got here to the conclusion a number of years in the past that smaller riders had a bonus in a time trial. They due to this fact determined to regulate the bicycle positions, however I’m one of many taller riders. For me, the area between the contact floor and the highest of the attachments is 14 centimetres. Perhaps they need to have left it because it was, however that’s not my space of experience.”

Küng’s crash within the European TT champs:

 

Simon Geschke Begins his Ultimate Season
Simon Geschke will retire from skilled biking on the finish of 2024. The 37 year-old German, who rides for Cofidis, introduced the information through social media. Geschke began his profession in 2009 with the Skil-Shimano workforce.

“Completely satisfied New 12 months to everybody! 2024 can be a particular season for me, as I’ve determined that it will likely be my final as knowledgeable bicycle owner. I’m very motivated to retire after a superb season, so deliver it on!” Geschke remains to be stuffed with combating spirit on the age of 37.

He began his profession 15 years in the past in 2009 with Skil-Shimano and ultimately raced for ten seasons for supervisor Iwan Spekenbrink’s workforce. Geschke then rode for CCC (2019-2020) and now for the French Cofidis workforce. Geschke, with one of the best beard within the peloton, has taken three victories with the professionals. His finest victory was in 2015 when he gained the seventeenth stage of the Tour de France, a troublesome Alpine stage, ending in Pra-Loup. He additionally gained the Canton Aargau GP and a stage within the Critérium Worldwide stage race.

He has additionally been initially of a Grand Tour 18 occasions in his profession. Eleven occasions within the Tour de France, thrice within the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España 4 occasions.

Simon Geschke’s final season:

 

French Crew Saves Edvald Boasson Hagen’s Profession
Edvald Boasson Hagen seems to be like he’ll nonetheless be within the WorldTour subsequent season. The sturdy Norwegian left TotalEnergies and now appears to be signing with the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, in response to Landevei.no.

36 year-old Edvald Boasson Hagen has been knowledgeable bicycle owner since 2008, however after final yr it regarded like his profession was over. The Norwegian’s contract was not prolonged with TotalEnergies, so Boasson Hagen needed to search for a brand new workforce and that wasn’t simple. Uno-X Mobility, the ProTour workforce from Norway, appeared an apparent selection. Nevertheless, the workforce had no room for him. INEOS Grenadiers and DSM-PostNL began discussions with the Tour de France stage winner, however the talks got here to nothing.

Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale is now stated to have an interest within the Norwegian. No signature has been signed but, however it’s stated that this is not going to take lengthy. Boasson Hagen may need a seventeenth season as knowledgeable bicycle owner.

Edvald Boasson Hagen to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale:

 

Julien Vermote Might Have the Final Place with Visma | Lease a Bike
Visma | Lease a Bike is in discussions with Julien Vermote to fill the vacant ultimate spot within the workforce because of the retirement of Lennard Hofstede. A number of sources confided to WielerFlits that the Dutch WorldTeam has already had a number of discussions with the 34 year-old Belgian and that they’re near an settlement.

Vermote impressed Jumbo-Visma final season throughout the Belgian highway championship in Izegem as he was very energetic within the ultimate. As a alternative for Hofstede, the workforce is principally on the lookout for a rider with expertise. Moreover, Wout van Aert would strongly assist the doable arrival of Vermote. The Flemish rider has a protracted historical past, however was sidelined final season. With Alpecin-Deceuninck there was no contract extension for a second time, however that didn’t cease Vermote from racing. He skilled all through the winter of 2022/2023 and continued that into the next highway season.

As a single rider, he raced in Belgian skilled kermis races in 2023. He recorded good leads to lots of them. Vermote nonetheless felt too good to cease and saved repeating many times that he would like to race for a number of extra years. That persistence now appears to be paying off. The Kortrijk native made his skilled debut with Fast-Step in 2011 and stayed there till the top of 2017. He then moved to Dimension Knowledge for 2 years. Subsequent Cofidis for one season, however he stated he turned the sufferer of the covid season with the French workforce.

He didn’t discover a new workforce, however continued to coach. Not for nothing, because it turned out. In April 2021 he obtained a contract with Alpecin-Fenix. Shortly afterwards, a corona an infection and toxoplasmosis led to a months-long absence, which finally meant that Vermote was unable to finish a single race with Alpecin-Fenix that season. Nevertheless, that workforce confirmed leniency. The workforce determined to increase his contract for an additional yr till the top of 2021. In 2022 he was Mathieu van der Poel’s teammate within the Tour of Flanders, which the Dutchman gained for the second time that yr. Vermote additionally rode Paris-Roubaix every week later, adopted by many extra one-day races and 5 smaller stage races. However, he didn’t obtain a brand new contract for 2023.

His perseverance to maintain racing final yr now appears to be rewarded. Because of the retirement of Hofstede on the finish of December 2023 and since Michel Heßmann is inactive pending a doping investigation, Visma | Lease a Bike are Vermote. The Belgian has been an on-the-road captain, as Hofstede was. Hofstede was not the costliest rider on the payroll and so a doable alternative mustn’t have an enormous price ticket. Somebody like Edvald Boasson Hagen was not prepared to race for a small contract and can go to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. In his profession up to now, the Belgian has ridden the Giro d’Italia thrice and the Tour de France 4 occasions, all of which he completed. He additionally began eighteen Monuments, eleven of which he accomplished.

Julien Vermote to Visma | Lease a Bike?

 

Edoardo Affini and Jan Tratnik to Be part of Van Aert and Kooij to Giro d’Italia
The Visma | Lease a Bike workforce choice for the Giro d’Italia is taking form. Leaders, Wout van Aert and Olav Kooij can be joined by Edoardo Affini and Jan Tratnik for the Italian Grand Tour.

“With Edoardo and Jan we now have riders who know precisely how you can do a lead-out. Furthermore, I can be taught from their experiences in Grand Excursions. I’ll be taught loads from that,” stated Kooij on the Dutch workforce’s web site. The Dutch sprinter will make his debut in a Grand Tour, the Giro, with Van Aert as his lead-out within the dash phases.

In the course of the workforce presentation in December it was additionally introduced that Visma | Lease a Bike would additionally take Cian Uijtdebroeks and Wilco Kelderman to Italy. As well as, Robert Gesink confirmed that he can be working in the direction of the Giro in his ultimate yr as knowledgeable rider and race organiser RCS introduced in December that Child Giro winner Johannes Staune-Mittet would take part.

“Olav, Wout and Cian will get their probabilities within the Giro,” confirmed Merijn Zeeman. “I feel we are able to create quite a lot of spectacle in Italy with this workforce. Not going for a common classification is a special strategy than final yr and requires a special means of racing. However after all we additionally need to implement this plan to perfection.”

Edoardo Affini to the Giro:

 

Imanol Erviti to be DS with INEOS Grenadiers
Imanol Erviti can be workforce DS with INEOS Grenadiers from January 1. It has been a hearsay for a while, however now the British workforce has confirmed the information. The 40 year-old Spaniard retired as a racing bicycle owner on the finish of final season.

Erviti raced for the Movistar workforce all through his 19 yr profession, primarily as a domestique, however he additionally gained thrice himself. He gained a stage within the Vuelta a España in 2008 and 2010, and in 2011 he gained the Vuelta Ciclista a La Rioja.

Within the final years of his profession, Erviti had an necessary position as highway captain. He additionally speaks good English, which can be helpful with INEOS Grenadiers.

Imanol Erviti now a DS with INEOS Grenadiers:

 

Soudal Fast-Step to the Tour Down Beneath
Two-time World Champion Julian Alaphilippe will lead the workforce on the first World Tour competitors of the yr.

Soudal Fast-Step is able to kick off the season in lower than two weeks at an important Australian race on the calendar, the Tour Down Beneath, which this yr runs its twenty fourth version. Going down between 16-21 January, the race will see the riders tackle the now conventional Adelaide Criterium earlier than embarking on a difficult 800km journey peppered with loads of challenges, together with the Willunga Hill and Mount Lofty.

Ten years after making his debut for the workforce on the Tour Down Beneath, Julian Alaphilippe returns initially of the race which can now mark the primary outing within the professional ranks for 2 Soudal Fast-Step riders: Gil Gelders and Antoine Huby. The squad for the six-day occasion can be rounded out by Josef Cerny, James Knox, Casper Pedersen and Pieter Serry.

“I’m pleased to be returning to Down Beneath after a decade. Australia is a superb nation, with followers that love the game and present you their assist each time. I nonetheless bear in mind the emotion and pleasure I felt upon pinning on a quantity for my first race with the workforce there in 2014. I’m excited to return the place all of it started and I hope for a superb begin to the season”, stated Julian forward of his first appointment of the yr.

“We include a robust squad and we’re wanting ahead to the race. Julian can get some alternatives with the assist of the skilled guys on the squad, whereas Casper can become involved within the struggle for a superb consequence on the flat phases. For Gil and Antoine this can be a pleasant technique to begin with Soudal Fast-Step and we are able to’t wait to see them in motion”, added sports activities director Geert Van Bondt.

16.01–21.01 Santos Tour Down Beneath (AUS) 2.UWT
Riders:
Julian Alaphilippe (FRA)
Josef Cerny (CZE)
Gil Gelders (BEL)
Antoine Huby (FRA)
James Knox (GBR)
Casper Phillip Pedersen (DEN)
Pieter Serry (BEL).
Sports activities Director: Geert Van Bondt (BEL).

Julian Alaphilippe to the TDU:

 

UAE Crew Emirates Searching for Minimal Beneficial properties Utilizing A.I.
The peloton has additionally been unable to keep away from the technological revolution lately. Tech and large information are additionally storming the WorldTour groups and providing new alternatives to get probably the most out of each rider. UAE Crew Emirates desires to find what synthetic intelligence can do for them.

Tadej Pogačar’s workforce hopes {that a} dive into large information will present new insights into doable performances of their riders. “There will definitely be a breakthrough by means of the usage of A.I. within the coming years,” stated efficiency coordinator Jeroen Swart in dialog with Velo.

“We are actually working with an A.I. accomplice to sift by means of huge quantities of coaching, efficiency information and different variables that we are able to enter and evaluate. We have a look at coaching protocol, race choices and far more. It’s removed from sure what this may yield, however the workforce desires to find what is feasible. It could not yield a lot, however investing in A.I. might present us the following step ahead,” stated Swart.

Not everyone seems to be proud of the arrival of analysing expertise within the biking world. Romain Bardet of DSM-firmenich PostNL, in an interview with Eurosport, he sees the attraction of the game disappearing. “I feel there was once a much bigger human ingredient to it. I’ve all the time favored the self-taught a part of biking. This half has nearly disappeared from the planning and coaching. I’ve the sensation that we have gotten increasingly more performers.”

Swart solely sees alternatives round A.I in the meanwhile. “Such an evaluation can reveal all types of issues. Insights could emerge that we now have not but thought of. That’s the wonderful thing about AI: it has no preconceived concepts. It takes the info, analyses it and spits out a bunch of solutions. You then check it.”

AI to assist Pogačar win the Tour:

 

Lotto Dstny Will Not Trip the Giro d’Italia, Tirreno-Adriatico and Tour of the Basque Nation
Like final yr, Lotto Dstny is not going to be initially of some large races subsequent season. The Belgian ProTour workforce is not going to be on the Giro d’Italia for the second yr, however in contrast to final yr, the workforce has chosen to not begin within the Tour of Poland. All WorldTour groups are required to take part within the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a España, however this isn’t the case for ProTeams, like Lotto Dstny. The workforce was eager to gather as many UCI factors as doable in different, smaller competitions. This yr too, the workforce consciously chooses its races. Along with the Giro d’Italia, the workforce additionally misses the Tour Down Beneath, Tirreno Adriatico, Tour of the Basque Nation and the Tour of Poland.

Lotto Dstny choosing their races:

 

Jumbo CEO Ton van Veen Talks Concerning the Finish of the Crew Sponsorship
It’s going to take some getting used to for a lot of biking followers to not see Jumbo-Visma, now Visma | Lease a Bike. Jumbo Supermarkets’ selection to depart sports activities sponsorship has a transparent function, CEO Ton van Veen emphasised within the Volkskrant. “Jumbo has misplaced a few of its focus lately,” he stated.

“We have now added various actions that haven’t essentially strengthened the components,” stated Van Veen. “We entered the flash supply enterprise with Gorillas and we now have grow to be very energetic in sports activities sponsorship. However while you have a look at the successes of the athletes and groups, you must ask your self whether or not that fits us.”

Jumbo has been concerned with Richard Plugge’s workforce since 2015, first for 4 years as co-sponsor after which for 5 years as principal sponsor. As well as, the grocery store chain was a motorsport sponsor for a few years. “Max Verstappen is a World champion. However we’re a Dutch grocery store firm, not even the biggest. We don’t have a lot to do on the world stage,” stated Van Veen.

That’s the reason Jumbo Supermarkets will regulate its technique, partly as a result of its market share has fallen in 2023 and income have declined. “We have now nearly no room to soak up the worth will increase ourselves. Our web revenue margin was lower than 1% in 2023. We wish the perfect vary and one of the best service on the lowest worth. Combining these extremes is simply doable if your organization is in tip-top form. Which means we now not make investments tens of thousands and thousands in sports activities sponsorship, however use them to decrease costs. That’s the essence of Jumbo because it was meant.”

Jumbo CEO Ton van Veen:

 

Orbea and Lotto Dstny Embark on a New Period within the Pursuit of Excellence
The model and the workforce share a historical past of ties to biking, rooted in referential territories and social dedication; the union pursues excellence by means of steady enchancment.

There are tales destined to unfold and paths designed to satisfy due to shared values. We’re delighted to announce that Lotto Dstny and Orbea have sealed a partnership settlement, a union stemming from the deep convictions of each the model and the workforce and materialised in an ambition to succeed in new objectives in each sport and enterprise.

In its 38 year-long historical past, the workforce has grow to be a benchmark within the peloton, and Lotto maintains the longest-standing biking sponsorship within the sport. In the meantime, Orbea has 183 years of expertise and racing DNA, and continuously pursues excellence by means of enchancment, the one technique to assure long-term success.

Each the workforce and Orbea have origins in passionate territories with long-standing biking heritage. Belgium, Euskadi and the followers in each locations reside and breathe biking by means of and thru, upholding the duty and honour that comes with it. Orbea works arduous day by day with enthusiasm to consolidate the positions they’ve achieved, to proceed producing wealth and sharing it with society.

“Like Lotto Dstny, we’re a model with a robust international presence. By way of this collaboration, we aspire to broaden our affect and strengthen our recognition worldwide”, says Ander Olariaga, Orbea’s Model and Communications Director.

Past these elementary values, each events even have the conviction that solely adopting excellence, dedication and perseverance in day-to-day work, will enable them to make their means in the direction of extraordinary achievements.

“Lotto Dstny finds in Orbea an excellent ally to proceed bettering the efficiency of our total construction. The variation to the brand new bikes has been fast and the willingness to proceed engaged on their improvement is all the time there. Collectively, I’m sure we are able to obtain nice issues”, says Stéphane Heulot, CEO of Lotto Dstny.

This biking undertaking goes past names or folks. Lotto Dstny and Orbea be a part of forces to begin a brand new period through which they need to encourage passionate cyclists all around the world to dream large.

 

Etixx Turns into New Vitamin Associate
From January 2024, Etixx Sports activities Vitamin will be a part of forces with Intermarché-Wanty as a brand new sports activities diet accomplice alongside Maurten, Cellavent Healthcare and Crampfix.

Etixx, a Belgian benchmark model within the area of sports activities diet, provides sports activities bars and gummies, restoration drinks and dietary supplements to the riders of the World Crew, Wanty-ReUz-Technord Growth Crew and Charles Liégeois Roastery CX, who’ve already examined the merchandise of their first cyclocross races of 2024.

The mission of Etixx is to assist athletes to succeed in their objectives by providing a whole vary of tasty, science primarily based sports activities diet, constituted of one of the best and modern substances and tailor-made to the wants of all those that dedicate themselves to their sport, professionally, as amateurs, or simply for enjoyable.

Etixx sports activities diet has been developed with and for athletes and their medical groups specializing in well being and well-being of the athlete. The Belgian model collaborates with a diversified workforce of specialists from varied sectors, corresponding to biochemistry, sports activities docs, physiotherapists, biomedical scientists, pharmacologists and prime athletes. The suggestions of the riders and sports activities dieticians of the construction Intermarché-Wanty is an added worth within the improvement of its product vary.

All Etixx merchandise carry the internationally recognised ‘Knowledgeable Sport’ high quality label. Each batch from every manufacturing run of all the Etixx vary undergoes an evaluation by an unbiased laboratory to ensure that checks the merchandise for banned substances.

Jana Camphens (Sports activities Dietitian): “Because the workforce’s sports activities dietitian, I’m very excited concerning the collaboration with Etixx. This Belgian model stands out for its transparency, dedication to innovation and shut monitoring of scientific developments. Its wide selection of merchandise contains not solely sport-specific diet, but additionally an in depth vary of sports activities dietary supplements, giving riders optimum assist earlier than, throughout and after coaching and races. What makes Etixx really dependable is its ‘Knowledgeable Sport’ doping-free high quality label. Every batch undergoes thorough testing in an unbiased laboratory for banned substances, permitting riders to depend on the best high quality requirements. This strategy ensures that the model meets the strict necessities of our medical workforce.”

Kenny Van Damme (Model Supervisor Etixx Sports activities Vitamin): “This new collaboration with Intermarché-Wanty brings us to the World Tour in 2024, or the best degree of worldwide biking, which makes us very proud. The partnership primarily based on shared values of innovation, scientific strategy and dedication to success. A pioneer in sports activities diet improvement, Etixx units the bar excessive with science-based merchandise that assist riders optimise efficiency and get well. By way of this partnership, Etixx Sports activities Vitamin will supply customised dietary options that intently match the person wants of Intermarché-Wanty’s riders. From the begin to fast restoration, the vary of Etixx merchandise will contribute to the workforce’s bodily and psychological well-being throughout coaching and races.”

 

Elite and Masters Athletes Set for Historic 2024 Canadian Observe Championships
Elite and Masters athletes are touring from throughout the nation to the Mattamy Nationwide Biking Centre in Milton, ON, for the largest-ever version of the Canadian Observe Championships, to be held Jan. 5-7, 2024.

Over 170 athletes will compete for maple leaf jerseys in particular person, workforce, dash and endurance occasions over three days of racing. New titles can even be up for grabs for our Elite Males and Girls – Observe Elimination and Observe Factors – and a newly recognised class for Masters D 65+ in each Males’s and Girls’s fields.

“The Canadian Observe Championships are such a particular technique to kick of the brand new yr and we are able to’t wait to have a good time with our largest crowd of individuals but,” stated Jolène Dupuis, Biking Canada Supervisor of Occasions and Officers. “We’re excited for the addition of those new titles and new schedule, which is a direct impact of our sport’s profitable improvement nationwide. The Championships additionally assist construct pleasure and foster Canada’s love of monitor racing upfront of the Tissot UCI Observe Nations Cup this upcoming April.”

Strengthened from their medal-winning experiences on the Santiago 2023 Pan American Video games, 10 athletes can be seeking to proceed their podium streaks: Jackie Boyle; Chris Ernst; Michael Foley; James Hedgcock; Kiara Lylyk; Carson Mattern; Sarah Orban; Tyler Rorke; Emy Savard; and Nick Wammes. Foley, Hedgcock, Orban and Savard can even be seeking to maintain onto the nationwide titles they gained in 2023.

After changing into Males’s Endurance Champion within the 2023 UCI Observe Champions League, Dylan Bibic can be in attendance to defend his 2023 Canadian Champion titles within the males’s scratch race, omnium and Madison.

Having set a exceptional three Canadian data final yr within the time trial, workforce pursuit and workforce dash, Amy Maher will return to interrupt new boundaries within the Grasp B Girls’s class. For the Grasp C Males, it will likely be Frank Kovacs who will hit the monitor in an try and prime his 2023 Canadian file.

The total technical information and necessary occasion data could be discovered on the Occasions Web page of the Biking Canada web site.

 

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