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 street, Paul Penhoët out as a result of damage, Romain Bardet needs a stage win in each Grand Tour, Tim Wellens believes in Tour probabilities of Remco Evenepoel, Arnaud De Lie will experience the Tour de France, Stefan Küng needs the UCI to take motion after his crash within the European TT champs, Simon Geschke begins his last season, French staff saves Edvald Boasson Hagen’s profession, Julien Vermote may have the final place with Visma | Lease a Bike, Edoardo Affini and Jan Tratnik to Be a part of Van Aert and Kooij within the Giro d’Italia and Imanol Erviti to be a DS.
Workforce information: Soudal Fast-Step to the Tour Down Underneath, UAE Workforce Emirates searching for minimal features utilizing AI, Lotto Dstny won’t experience the Giro d’Italia, Tirreno-Adriatico and Tour of the Basque Nation, Jumbo CEO Ton van Veen talks concerning the finish of the staff sponsorship, Orbea and Lotto Dstny embark on a brand new period within the pursuit of excellence and Etixx new diet associate with Intermarché-Wanty.
Race information: Elite and masters athletes set for historic 2024 Canadian observe 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 staff 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 pals is detestable. Together with his greatest buddy Frankie Andreu, for instance.” Frankie Andreu was a teammate and testified within the doping case towards Armstrong.
In 1996, throughout most cancers therapy, 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 nicely the second he left the staff. “I despatched a message to everybody round Christmas to thank them for a implausible 12 months. I acquired many good messages again. They referred to as me Tommie Boner. Then all of the sudden I received a message from Armstrong. He despatched ‘Good luck, you’ll want it’. I used to be solely 21 years previous on the time.”
Boonen and Armstrong by no means grew to become shut throughout his profession. Boonen wasn’t too put out: “Lance didn’t converse 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 at first, I might experience previous him and say ‘hey Lance’. He stared into house.”
‘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 taking a look at 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 received off to an excellent 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 received 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, nicely behind. Michael Vanthourenhout was additionally lacking and finally 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 as a result of dangerous luck. On the entrance there was nothing anybody may do about Van der Poel.
Three laps from the end, Van der Poel had a 30 second lead over a bunch 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 probability of a podium place. The huge crowd in Zonhoven gave Van der Poel an enormous ovation within the last lap, however the motion was behind him. Ronhaar took the initiative within the battle for second place, however Sweeck and Nieuwenhuis didn’t quit. Nieuwenhuis took the lead within the troublesome 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 street for the World championships and the Classics. He’ll experience the Benidorm UCI World Cup in two weeks.
Race winner, Mathieu van der Poel (Ned): “I’m tremendous pleased with how this season went on this first half, however I’m additionally comfortable 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 reasonably good place there. It was very chilly for the primary time this winter, so it took some time earlier than I received into my rhythm. I didn’t actually get heat after my assault, however it’s a troublesome cross and I didn’t wish to waste an excessive amount of power. I’m at all times comfortable to win and I felt fairly good. However I’m additionally comfortable to have the ability to practice much more. It was a special story final 12 months.”
2nd, Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ned): “We had been a bunch and everybody was equally sturdy, nobody actually stood out. In the long run I believe I made the precise decisions on the proper moments and that’s the reason I got here second phrase” “Sure and no” “This 12 months is a little bit bizarre. All of the races the place I by no means rode nicely in recent times at the moment are going rather well. Gavere, Growth and the identical right here… I stunned myself a bit. Within the sand I discover that I’ve been coaching on my cross bike all 12 months lengthy, together with in the summertime. You discover that on these kind of programs. We’ve got three guys from our staff who’re doing nicely now. It would depend 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, but it surely’s simply going a little bit higher than a couple of weeks in the past. That didn’t occur all of the sudden, I’ve at all times continued to work. It simply didn’t go nicely. It began badly and was good a couple 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 trying to find affirmation that issues are getting higher. Koksijde was not dangerous, however barely worse than immediately. However immediately I affirm that I’m going in the precise route. I don’t know if I’m the favorite now, however I used to be the very best Belgian. Then sure, I’m getting higher each week and the purpose is to win subsequent week. I’ll do every little thing I can to do this.”
UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Zonhoven Males Consequence:
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
UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Zonhoven Ladies 2024
Puck Pieterse received her fourth cyclocross in a row within the Zonhoven UCI World Cup. The Dutch champion received off to a nasty begin as a result of a puncture, however took the lead midway by way of the race from Lucinda Model, who crashed onerous 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 typical), however the Luxembourger shortly 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 couple of positions. Pieterse shortly 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 onerous going by way of the forest. She fell onerous on her face and injured her nostril, forcing her to withdraw. Pieterse took over the lead, however had issue 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 every little thing goes nicely for her. This was a race with a little bit of dangerous luck and likewise luck. On the primary climb I received 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 loads of power to overhaul and chase riders. Then I all of the sudden noticed her stopped. At first I assumed she was unfortunate, however a little bit later I noticed that she was now not there. That was fortunate for me, however I hope every little thing goes nicely for her. I had some issues within the sand generally, however tried to play it protected. Right here you will 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 stunned myself, particularly how I felt after yesterday. In the course of the reconnaissance I had dangerous legs, however through 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 stunned myself right here. The onerous work is rewarded and I hope to have the ability to preserve this type. In the present day was a terrific day. At first I assumed I had put all my power down yesterday, which actually felt like an assault on my physique. However Zonhoven at all times 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 shortly through the race. I don’t assume I may have received immediately. Lucinda flew over the sand, she went actually quick. I’m comfortable 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 pleased with it.”
UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Zonhoven Ladies Consequence:
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
Hexia Cyclocross – Gullegem Males 2024
Michael Vanthourenhout received the Hexia Cross Gullegem on Saturday. The Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal rider, who took his first victory since successful his European title in Pontchâteau in November, went solo midway by way of the cross for the victory. Cameron Mason was second and Joran Wyseure, third.
The Hexia Cross Gullegem didn’t have the strongest discipline, however there have been a couple of massive names at first, together with Michael Vanthourenhout, Thibau Nys and Gianni Vermeersch. They’d a golden alternative to take the win. Nys was the primary to off the street. 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 observe 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 bunch 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 preventing 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 calm down, but it surely appeared unlikely that he would lose the victory. After 7 laps Vanthourenhout crossed the road because the winner for less than the second time this season. Behind; Mason took second place. At first of December he completed second within the Superprestige Growth, however after that he was solely within the prime 5 as soon as. Within the last lap Wyseure had received a duel with Nys.
Race winner, Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal): “It really went very nicely. I began a little bit slower, however I felt from the beginning that I may shortly take part on the entrance. Just a little earlier than midway by way of the race I then tried to make a spot. I shortly elevated that to about twenty seconds after which I attempted to maintain it that means. The course had modified so much in comparison with the reconnaissance, because of the girls’s race. You had to decide on your personal strains so much. And when you’ve fifteen, twenty seconds, you are able to do your personal factor. Then it’s simpler to experience alone. I noticed for a second that Cameron (Mason, 2nd) was coming a little bit nearer. Then I needed to push myself a bit additional. Then I noticed that I used to be gaining a couple of extra seconds. On the finish of the second pits it was nearly unimaginable to cycle by way 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 a little bit higher each week. That’s why I needed to incorporate this cross, in order that I may go deep once more and compete for the win. That can also be necessary. With the Huge Three it isn’t at all times simple to succeed in the ultimate. It is extremely necessary in such a cross.”
2nd, Cameron Mason (Cyclocross Reds): “It was a troublesome cross, a type of time trial. I didn’t have the very best begin, however that didn’t actually matter right here. It’s a tractor race in spite of everything. I recovered, discovered what the precise strains had been and labored my means again to the entrance. It was considerably similar 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 immediately. I believe the hole remained steady, round twenty-five seconds. It feels good to be using for a podium place once more, after not likely being myself the previous month. It felt so much higher immediately. here’s a cause I didn’t begin nicely. 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 isn’t a excellent line. It’s essential to due to this fact watch out along with your efforts, in figuring out the place you speed up and the place you recuperate. I’m fairly good at that. It’s good that you would be able to undergo, that you would be able to go as deep as you wish to go. In another races I reached my restrict too early. In the present day 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 robust cross. Thibau was additionally positive, so I’m happy that I may simply beat him within the final lap. How deep did I’ve to go? Nonetheless fairly deep. It was on the leading edge. I believe Thibau made a mistake, which allowed me to move. Nevertheless, then I made one other mistake, so it was fairly onerous towards onerous. However I’m actually happy. It was a really robust cross, which will probably be troublesome for everybody heading into tomorrow. It’s at all times enjoyable to cross in West Flanders, I at all times like to come back to Gullegem. In the present day I actually had an excellent feeling. I’ll take that with me to the subsequent races. To tomorrow and to subsequent week, the Belgian championship, the place it should even be fairly troublesome. I’m wanting ahead to it.”
Hexia Cyclocross – Gullegem Males Consequence:
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
Hexia Cyclocross – Gullegem Ladies 2024
Zoe Bäckstedt received 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 at first 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 equivalent to Kata Blanka Vas and Inge van der Heijden. One of the best 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 bunch 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 received a little bit nearer, however on the ending stretch she had misplaced a while. Bäckstedt, Van der Heijden and Bakker had been nonetheless collectively and dealing nicely. Alvarado couldn’t make connection within the third lap, in reality 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 at first of the fourth lap. Bäckstedt rode away from Bakker and Van der Heijden and instantly had an excellent hole.
In the beginning 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 last 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 received two crosses in the USA. 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 in all probability one of the vital enjoyable races I’ve carried out. Why? I’m coated 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 at all times taking the lead. I made a decision to assault with two laps to go and see how far I may 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, appeared 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 nicely. My legs felt good. It was so muddy that your bike was already coated in mud after half a lap. Or you could possibly skip a lap, however I figured it wouldn’t be a lot slower to undergo the transition station. I’d as nicely get a clear bike each lap. I observed that it made my bike a bit lighter after I needed to run.”
2nd, Manon Bakker (Crelan-Corendon): “It was robust, but additionally a brilliant enjoyable battle with Zoe and Inge. At first 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 really hoped that Inge would shut the hole on the straight as a result of I do know she is a little bit higher at that. However we couldn’t get to her anymore. I believe she is the deserved winner. I used to be really a little bit too gradual to react. I actually ought to have identified, as a result of Zoe does it on a regular basis. I typically name it the ‘Zoe assault’, destroying everybody on the straights of the street. I used to be too late. I gambled on Inge, but it surely 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 ultimately. After I made that mistake, I assumed shit for a second. I rode into the boundaries there, since you needed to experience near the sting. I assumed: oh, right here I am going… Then Inge overtook me. I really 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 nicely (after her good begin). I used to be capable of preserve 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 happy with a 3rd place on this course. I may solely pedal at one tempo, not likely speed up. I don’t assume it was a unsuitable selection to instantly take the lead. However sure, these programs simply don’t go well with me very nicely. I’m happy with the outcome. I do get the sensation that I’m doing higher and higher. That’s optimistic and I’ll take it with me to the subsequent races.”
Hexia Cyclocross – Gullegem Ladies Consequence:
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 Resorts 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 ultimately the World champion received 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 won’t meet once more till January 21 within the Benidorm UCI World Cup. In Koksijde, Tom Pidcock was lacking as a result of sickness. Pim Ronhaar, Lars van der Haar and sand specialist Laurens Sweeck had been on the start-line.
One of the best 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 a little bit earlier than launching his assault. He shot by way of the sand and instantly had an enormous hole. Van Aert couldn’t observe 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 bunch on his wheel, 6 seconds later. The Belgian got here by way of one lap later, 23 seconds behind Van der Poel, with Michael Vanthourenhout and Lars van der Haar, who had moved up after a nasty 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 up to now 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 experience 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 last 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 troublesome, particularly to experience at your personal tempo. Koksijde is at all times one of many troublesome races to steer, as a result of if you get to the sand sections, the observe is gone. That at all times rides the very best, however I rode very nicely by way of the sand twice, which allowed me to instantly have a pleasant gorge. Then I selected tempo. Pim Ronhaar got here shut, so I needed to preserve using. I can undoubtedly get higher in the direction of the World championships. I educated very nicely for the cross season, however since Herentals I’ve really educated 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 will be added? It’s important to ask the coach about that. In fact we’re below development. First to the World champs, then to the spring. In any case, the height ought to be within the spring. That’s nonetheless a very powerful factor.”
2nd, Pim Ronhaar (Baloise Trek Lions): “I didn’t look again as soon as, however within the final lap I nonetheless received a bit nervous, as a result of Wout nonetheless got here very shut, I used to be capable of race by way of at velocity. 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 swap and I’m doing rather well now.”
third, Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike): “No, I intentionally didn’t attempt to observe him (Van der Poel). In the beginning I got here off my pedal, so I did a critical dash to get away nicely. Which may have been one thing an excessive amount of of an excellent factor. I began the primary sand part with a really excessive coronary heart charge. Mathieu then did the identical as within the different crosses. I selected my very own tempo, which was not very excessive. We educated loads of primary coaching till the cross part and only some blocks. Now we’ve carried out loads of depth in a short while. It’s now necessary to make the swap 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 previously, so generally 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 street. It was a pleasure to see my followers once more.”
X²O Badkamers Trofee Vlaamse Duinencross – Koksijde Males Consequence:
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 Ladies 2024
Fem van Empel received 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 attainable doubt as a result of a knee damage within the Baal race, which she did win. The competitors in Koksijde was additionally robust. Puck Pieterse was not there, however Lucinda Model and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado had been.
The three all had an excellent begin. Van Empel was the primary onto the grass, however Alvarado and Model had been on her wheel. Model needed to depart a spot within the first lap, whereas Alvarado fell again to Laura Verdonschot and Annemarie Worst. Later, Alvarado was capable of depart 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 received additional away. Model was now 39 seconds behind; Alvarado and Verdonschot, who fought a duel for third place, adopted a couple of minute later. The battle gave the impression to be over shortly, 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 shortly and hardly misplaced her feathers, because it grew to become obvious on the subsequent end passage. Alvarado, who took far from Verdonschot, got here a couple of seconds nearer, however Model was nonetheless 39 seconds behind. At first Verdonschot made it troublesome for Alvarado, however going into the ultimate lap there was going to be a struggle for second place, between Alvarado and Model. Model received, 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 acquired for a very long time. The Visma rider | Lease a Bike received her fourteenth cross of the season by an enormous margin.
Race winner, Fem van Empel (Visma | Lease a Bike): “I’m thrilled to have received this stunning race. The primary factor was to have the ability to experience my very own strains on this course. The truth that I used to be in a position to do this gave me a bit extra confidence. That’s why I began quick. After that, I used to be capable of experience at my very own tempo. It has been a busy however great time. Now it’s time to take a while off to recuperate and construct up for what’s to come back.”
2nd, Lucinda Model (Baloise Trek Lions): “Didn’t wish to quit second place similar to that. I believe we rode on the similar distance from one another for all the race. Within the final two laps I had some issue with that second lengthy dune part in entrance of the pits. When you’ve got a nasty passage and one other an excellent one, the opposite one shortly catches up. She had a pleasant intention on the finish. And I didn’t race it any quicker, let’s depart it at that. However I didn’t wish 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 in fact it was additionally a bit additional away. And there was a very totally different environment on the time (as a result of covid), so I could have skilled it a bit in a different way. It stays a bit unusual that I grew to become champion in an occasion that I like least. You actually discover that a little bit freshness will do you good. However sure, that applies to all of us.”
third, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “I believe I undoubtedly may have completed one place larger. However I had somersaulted within the first lap. Consequently, I misplaced some locations and I needed to discover my rhythm once more, however I already had that through the reconnaissance. I needed to wait and see how issues would go immediately, however ultimately I held up fairly nicely. It wasn’t till I may actually give nicely on the street that it began to occur once more. However I did my greatest to get probably the most out of it. I additionally had Laura (Verdonschot) behind me. She rode a bit higher by way of the sand than me, however I believe I used to be a bit quicker on the intermediate sections. At first I assumed it was unimaginable to get Model again, however lap after lap I received a little bit 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 Ladies Consequence:
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 Workforce Jayco AlUla Lock Out the Podium
2024 new recruit Luke Plapp made it a dream begin to life in Workforce 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 crimson 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 Workforce Jayco AlUla as they made it a clear sweep of the rostrum placings with Harper taking the silver medal, whereas former champion Hepburn took residence the bronze. Kell O’Brien made it 4 Workforce 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 will probably be in motion, lining-up alongside Caleb Ewan with the staff desperate to defend the title on Sturt Road.
Race winner, Luke Plapp (Jayco AlUla):
“It’s particular, I really feel like I’m again residence being in Workforce 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 staff 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 night time.”
2024 Australian Time Trial Championships Consequence:
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 residence a Liv AlUla Jayco one, two, three whereas Caleb Ewan sprinted to victory on his staff return.
Roseman-Gannon completed off an outstanding staff 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.
Workforce Jayco AlUla then managed an aggressive males’s race as they shut down a collection 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 swap their focus to the ‘massive one’ on Sunday as they give the impression of being to reclaim the boys’s and girls’s street race championships on Mount Buninyong.
Ladies’s winner, Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco): “The race was good, a bit windy and good climate, there wasn’t loads of aggression early on but it surely began getting onerous and I really didn’t really feel so good. We had Amber [Pate] overlaying loads of the strikes early on. Then I realised that I in all probability didn’t really feel good as a result of really it had been type of onerous in order that’s after I went and we received it fairly massive hole, Gina Ricardo and I, fairly early on. I used to be working fairly onerous and I wasn’t certain whether or not Gina was feigning a bit so I began attacking her a bit and she or he was nonetheless holding on after which I ultimately dropped her. I believe it’s my first solo win since I grew to become skilled and perhaps my first ever, so I’m actually comfortable to win immediately. In the long run we received one, two, three so I can’t thank the women sufficient, it’s such nice staff to race with and what a good way to start out the 12 months.”
Males’s winner, Caleb Ewan (Jayco AlUla): “It’s superb to be again and again within the staff and I actually needed to start out the 12 months 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 staff did a tremendous job we rode fairly aggressive after which yeah ultimately after we knew breaks had been going away we arrange for the dash. I believe it’s an excellent factor [to feel nervous], if you’re nervous it imply you care and it’s your physique preparing for no matter is developing, 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 – Ladies Consequence:
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 Consequence:
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 Workforce Jayco AlUla Go One, Two, Three
Workforce 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 experience.
O’Brien then made it an historic day for GreenEDGE Biking as he sprinted residence to take third place and lock out the rostrum for the staff. The result’s the third podium clear sweep for the staff after Plapp, Harper and Michael Hepburn within the time trial and a Liv AlUla Jayco one, two, three within the criterium.
In complete, the squad roll away from Ballart and the nationwide championships with 9 medals in complete, 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 believe from the gun we had every little thing 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 believe we noticed it, we knew we may take management early and as soon as we had been on the market we at all times had it within the bag. It was a tremendous staff effort, from Blake [Quick] at first, Rudy [Porter] following the strikes, then Kell, we had been by no means out of it.”
2nd, Chris Harper (Jayco AlUla): “I believe 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 staff effort immediately, everyone 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 a little bit bit for me, but it surely’s a terrific day and an excellent hit out for us going to Tour Down Underneath subsequent week as nicely.”
2024 Australian Street Race Championships – Males Consequence:
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 Gentle 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 residence the bronze medal.
After taking the criterium title in gorgeous fashion on Friday night, Roseman-Gannon lined-up for Sunday’s street 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 street in some unspecified time in the future through 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 collection of breakaway makes an attempt.
Nevertheless, issues finally got here again collectively over the crest of Mount Buninyong as a variety of chasing teams made their means again to the pinnacle of the race to arrange an exciting end.
Because the main group raced by way 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 way of for third place and the bronze medal.
The double medal haul makes it six medals in complete 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 at all times up the street on the climb, however I can’t thank my staff sufficient, like actually, actually that is the very best group and I’m simply in shock. The final time Ballarat, it means so much, I believe it simply doesn’t really feel actual. I believe everybody was simply on one other stage, we had the staff assembly earlier than and everybody was 100% in. we actually needed this, you recognize we had tears within the assembly about how a lot it meant to us. It’s an Australian staff 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 staff sufficient, it appears like a dream, I’ve carried out loads of work for this second.”
2024 Australian Street Race Championships – Ladies Consequence:
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, may this imply a transfer for these riders to signal for the German staff sooner or later?
The switch of the shares ought to happen on January 26. “Sponsorship insiders predict that RedBull’s entry will probably be a recreation changer,” in line with Youri of the WielerFlits Podcast. “That might 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 staff.”
The RedBull helmets are well-known within the peloton and much more so in mountain biking. Can the power drink firm depart 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 experience 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 are going to purchase out his contract on the finish of this 12 months.”
Youri alternatively doesn’t see that taking place anytime quickly. “Though I have to say that Ralph Denk has at all times been requested by the sponsors to have an enormous title within the staff 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 swap for Van Aert to BORA-hansgrohe will probably be simple. That received’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 nearly 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 robust 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 totally different from different years, however we knew that upfront. Ever since I placed on my (race) quantity, I wish to do the very best I can. I’ve at all times carried out 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 street. That build-up in the direction of spring and the Giro is barely totally different. He used the cyclo-cross winter for this. “I’ve already taken a pleasant step ahead, however I want days of relaxation,” stated Van Aert. “Then we’ll proceed to construct progressively. My absolute essential objectives are three months away, which remains to be some time. There’s nonetheless loads of work to be carried out.”
The Classics and the Giro subsequent for Van Aert:
Groupama-FDJ With out Paul Penhoët as a result of Damage
Paul Penhoët will miss the beginning of the 2024 season. The Groupama-FDJ sprinter suffered a cruciate ligament damage and will probably be unable to compete for at the very least three months.
The staff 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 roughly 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 received 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 without doubt one of the staff’s sprinters for subsequent season. Arnaud Démare and Jake Stewart left final 12 months, however sprinters Marc Sarreau and Matthew Partitions joined.
Paul Penhoët out:
Romain Bardet Needs a Stage Win in Each Grand Excursions
Romain Bardet has already received levels 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 12 months.
The Workforce dsm-firmenich PostNL rider introduced this to Eurosport. Bardet has received three levels within the Tour and as soon as within the Vuelta in 2021. Bardet has not received 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, but it surely seems he will probably be at first of the Tour of Italy this 12 months. “I wish to win a stage within the Giro earlier than I retire. That might be a terrific second, despite the fact 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 12 months, this might be his final purpose as a rider. The Frenchman doesn’t rule out that 2024 will probably be his final season as an expert. Bardet will race for DSM PostNL this 12 months, however his contract with the Dutch staff 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 judge and see what remains to be in retailer. I’ll determine earlier than the Tour what the subsequent step is. Behind my thoughts I do know this could possibly be my final 12 months, however I’d simply preserve going. That’s nonetheless open in the mean time.”
What’s the future for Bardet?
Tim Wellens Believes in Tour Probabilities 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 the very 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 definitely has an opportunity. Lower than Tadej Pogačar, though I’m in fact biased. However nobody doubts that Remco can take part within the Tour with the very best riders. If he can win the Vuelta, he can in fact additionally win the Tour.”
Evenepoel must cope with the present Tour winner Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglič and Tadej Pogačar. Wellens hopes to play a vital position for Pogačar. The Belgian is stuffed with reward for his UAE teammate. “How he at all times retains his toes on the bottom… That’s what makes probably the most impression. He doesn’t really feel higher than anybody else, despite the fact that he’s the one who may. He’s the very best rider on the 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 nicely 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 experience the Giro d’Italia. Is that this a good suggestion? “I believe 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 the very best rider on the planet,” stated Wellens.
Pogačar qnd Evenepoel:
Arnaud De Lie Will Journey the Tour de France in 2024
In the course of the Lotto Dstny staff 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 will probably be seeking to enhance on his third place final 12 months. 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 must also experience the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. He additionally needs to experience the Brabantse Pijl and the Amstel Gold Race.
After spring he will probably be at first of the Tour de France searching for stage dash victories. De Lie won’t experience 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 Deceive the Tour:
Stefan Küng Needs the UCI to Take Motion After His Crash within the European Time Trial Championships
Stefan Küng rode into the boundaries through the European time trial Championships and crashed badly, he continued to the end in Emmen, but it surely was discovered later that that he had concussion.
Küng was badly injured within the crash, however received again up once more with a damaged helmet. The Swiss federation got here below loads 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 might 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 appeared again intimately at his crash and the results. 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 deal with the issue. You possibly can’t inform a rider to only put his head up in instances like this. A rider is at all times searching for the very 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 presently practiced. The aerodynamic positions on a bicycle have gotten more and more excessive and as a bike 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 appeared unusual, so we checked out it fastidiously and drew our conclusions. However right here too the ball is again within the UCI’s court docket. The UCI got here to the conclusion a couple 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 house 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 Remaining 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 staff.
“Blissful New 12 months to everybody! 2024 will probably be a particular season for me, as I’ve determined that it is going to be my final as an expert bike owner. I’m very motivated to retire after an excellent season, so deliver it on!” Geschke remains to be stuffed with preventing spirit on the age of 37.
He began his profession 15 years in the past in 2009 with Skil-Shimano and finally raced for ten seasons for supervisor Iwan Spekenbrink’s staff. Geschke then rode for CCC (2019-2020) and now for the French Cofidis staff. Geschke, with the very best beard within the peloton, has taken three victories with the professionals. His greatest victory was in 2015 when he received the seventeenth stage of the Tour de France, a troublesome Alpine stage, ending in Pra-Loup. He additionally received the Canton Aargau GP and a stage within the Critérium Worldwide stage race.
He has additionally been at first 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 Workforce 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 line with Landevei.no.
36 year-old Edvald Boasson Hagen has been an expert bike owner since 2008, however after final 12 months it appeared like his profession was over. The Norwegian’s contract was not prolonged with TotalEnergies, so Boasson Hagen needed to search for a brand new staff and that wasn’t simple. Uno-X Mobility, the ProTour staff from Norway, appeared an apparent selection. Nevertheless, the staff 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 won’t take lengthy. Boasson Hagen might need a seventeenth season as an expert bike owner.
Edvald Boasson Hagen to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale:
Julien Vermote May Have the Final Place with Visma | Lease a Bike
Visma | Lease a Bike is in discussions with Julien Vermote to fill the vacant last spot within the staff 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 through the Belgian street championship in Izegem as he was very lively within the last. As a substitute for Hofstede, the staff is especially searching for a rider with expertise. Moreover, Wout van Aert would strongly assist the attainable arrival of Vermote. The Flemish rider has an extended 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 educated all through the winter of 2022/2023 and continued that into the next street season.
As a single rider, he raced in Belgian skilled kermis races in 2023. He recorded good leads to a lot of them. Vermote nonetheless felt too good to cease and saved repeating repeatedly that he would favor to race for a couple 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 tip of 2017. He then moved to Dimension Knowledge for 2 years. Subsequent Cofidis for one season, however he stated he grew to become the sufferer of the covid season with the French staff.
He didn’t discover a new staff, however continued to coach. Not for nothing, because it turned out. In April 2021 he acquired a contract with Alpecin-Fenix. Shortly afterwards, a corona an infection and toxoplasmosis led to a months-long absence, which in the end meant that Vermote was unable to finish a single race with Alpecin-Fenix that season. Nevertheless, that staff confirmed leniency. The staff determined to increase his contract for an additional 12 months till the tip of 2021. In 2022 he was Mathieu van der Poel’s teammate within the Tour of Flanders, which the Dutchman received for the second time that 12 months. 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 12 months 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 taking a look at Vermote. The Belgian has been an on-the-road captain, as Hofstede was. Hofstede was not the most costly rider on the payroll and so a attainable substitute shouldn’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 thus far, 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 a part of Van Aert and Kooij to Giro d’Italia
The Visma | Lease a Bike staff choice for the Giro d’Italia is taking form. Leaders, Wout van Aert and Olav Kooij will probably be joined by Edoardo Affini and Jan Tratnik for the Italian Grand Tour.
“With Edoardo and Jan we have now riders who know precisely methods to do a lead-out. Furthermore, I can study from their experiences in Grand Excursions. I’ll study so much from that,” stated Kooij on the Dutch staff’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 levels.
In the course of the staff 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 will probably be working in the direction of the Giro in his last 12 months as an expert 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 possibilities within the Giro,” confirmed Merijn Zeeman. “I believe we will create loads of spectacle in Italy with this staff. Not going for a normal classification is a special strategy than final 12 months and requires a special means of racing. However in fact we additionally wish to implement this plan to perfection.”
Edoardo Affini to the Giro:
Imanol Erviti to be DS with INEOS Grenadiers
Imanol Erviti will probably be staff DS with INEOS Grenadiers from January 1. It has been a hearsay for a while, however now the British staff has confirmed the information. The 40 year-old Spaniard retired as a racing bike owner on the finish of final season.
Erviti raced for the Movistar staff all through his 19 12 months profession, primarily as a domestique, however he additionally received thrice himself. He received a stage within the Vuelta a España in 2008 and 2010, and in 2011 he received the Vuelta Ciclista a La Rioja.
Within the final years of his profession, Erviti had an necessary position as street captain. He additionally speaks good English, which will probably be helpful with INEOS Grenadiers.
Imanol Erviti now a DS with INEOS Grenadiers:
Soudal Fast-Step to the Tour Down Underneath
Two-time World Champion Julian Alaphilippe will lead the staff on the first World Tour competitors of the 12 months.
Soudal Fast-Step is able to kick off the season in lower than two weeks at a very powerful Australian race on the calendar, the Tour Down Underneath, which this 12 months 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 staff on the Tour Down Underneath, Julian Alaphilippe returns at first of the race which is able to 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 will probably be rounded out by Josef Cerny, James Knox, Casper Pedersen and Pieter Serry.
“I’m comfortable to be returning to Down Underneath 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 staff there in 2014. I’m excited to return the place all of it started and I hope for an excellent begin to the season”, stated Julian forward of his first appointment of the 12 months.
“We include a powerful 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 get entangled within the struggle for an excellent outcome on the flat levels. For Gil and Antoine this will probably be a pleasant strategy to begin with Soudal Fast-Step and we will’t wait to see them in motion”, added sports activities director Geert Van Bondt.
16.01–21.01 Santos Tour Down Underneath (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 Workforce Emirates Searching for Minimal Beneficial properties Utilizing A.I.
The peloton has additionally been unable to keep away from the technological revolution in recent times. Tech and large information are additionally storming the WorldTour groups and providing new alternatives to get probably the most out of each rider. UAE Workforce Emirates needs to find what synthetic intelligence can do for them.
Tadej Pogačar’s staff hopes {that a} dive into massive information will present new insights into attainable performances of their riders. “There will definitely be a breakthrough by way of using A.I. within the coming years,” stated efficiency coordinator Jeroen Swart in dialog with Velo.
“We at the moment are working with an A.I. associate to sift by way of huge quantities of coaching, efficiency information and different variables that we will enter and overview. We have a look at coaching protocol, race choices and far more. It’s removed from sure what this may yield, however the staff needs to find what is feasible. It could not yield a lot, however investing in A.I. may present us the subsequent step ahead,” stated Swart.
Not everyone seems to be pleased with the arrival of analysing expertise within the biking world. Romain Bardet of DSM-firmenich PostNL, in an interview with Eurosport, he sees the allure of the game disappearing. “I believe there was once an even bigger human factor to it. I’ve at all times preferred the self-taught a part of biking. This half has just about disappeared from the planning and coaching. I’ve the sensation that we have gotten increasingly 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 have now not but considered. That’s the wonderful thing about AI: it has no preconceived concepts. It takes the information, analyses it and spits out a bunch of solutions. Then you definitely take a look at it.”
AI to assist Pogačar win the Tour:
Lotto Dstny Will Not Journey the Giro d’Italia, Tirreno-Adriatico and Tour of the Basque Nation
Like final 12 months, Lotto Dstny won’t be at first of some massive races subsequent season. The Belgian ProTour staff won’t be on the Giro d’Italia for the second 12 months, however not like final 12 months, the staff 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 staff was eager to gather as many UCI factors as attainable in different, smaller competitions. This 12 months too, the staff consciously chooses its races. Along with the Giro d’Italia, the staff additionally misses the Tour Down Underneath, Tirreno Adriatico, Tour of the Basque Nation and the Tour of Poland.
Lotto Dstny selecting their races:
Jumbo CEO Ton van Veen Talks Concerning the Finish of the Workforce Sponsorship
It would 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 go away sports activities sponsorship has a transparent objective, CEO Ton van Veen emphasised within the Volkskrant. “Jumbo has misplaced a few of its focus in recent times,” he stated.
“We’ve got added a variety of actions that haven’t essentially strengthened the components,” stated Van Veen. “We entered the flash supply enterprise with Gorillas and we have now turn into very lively in sports activities sponsorship. However if you have a look at the successes of the athletes and groups, it’s important to ask your self whether or not that fits us.”
Jumbo has been concerned with Richard Plugge’s staff since 2015, first for 4 years as co-sponsor after which for 5 years as essential 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 most important. We don’t have a lot to do on the world stage,” stated Van Veen.
That’s the reason Jumbo Supermarkets will alter its technique, partly as a result of its market share has fallen in 2023 and earnings have declined. “We’ve got nearly no room to soak up the worth will increase ourselves. Our internet revenue margin was lower than 1% in 2023. We wish the perfect vary and the very best service on the lowest value. Combining these extremes is just attainable 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 supposed.”
Jumbo CEO Ton van Veen:
Orbea and Lotto Dstny Embark on a New Period within the Pursuit of Excellence
The model and the staff share a historical past of ties to biking, rooted in referential territories and social dedication; the union pursues excellence by way of steady enchancment.
There are tales destined to unfold and paths designed to fulfill because of 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 staff and materialised in an ambition to succeed in new objectives in each sport and enterprise.
In its 38 year-long historical past, the staff has turn into 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 way of enchancment, the one strategy to assure long-term success.
Each the staff 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 way of and thru, upholding the duty and honour that comes with it. Orbea works onerous every single 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 powerful international presence. By means of this collaboration, we aspire to broaden our influence and strengthen our recognition worldwide”, says Ander Olariaga, Orbea’s Model and Communications Director.
Past these basic values, each events even have the conviction that solely adopting excellence, dedication and perseverance in day-to-day work, will permit them to make their means in the direction of extraordinary achievements.
“Lotto Dstny finds in Orbea a great ally to proceed bettering the efficiency of our complete construction. The variation to the brand new bikes has been fast and the willingness to proceed engaged on their improvement is at all times there. Collectively, I’m sure we will obtain nice issues”, says Stéphane Heulot, CEO of Lotto Dstny.
This biking challenge goes past names or individuals. Lotto Dstny and Orbea be a part of forces to start out a brand new period during which they wish to encourage passionate cyclists everywhere in the world to dream massive.
Etixx Turns into New Diet Companion
From January 2024, Etixx Sports activities Diet will be a part of forces with Intermarché-Wanty as a brand new sports activities diet associate alongside Maurten, Cellavent Healthcare and Crampfix.
Etixx, a Belgian benchmark model within the discipline of sports activities diet, provides sports activities bars and gummies, restoration drinks and dietary supplements to the riders of the World Workforce, Wanty-ReUz-Technord Improvement Workforce 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, comprised of the very best and modern elements 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 different staff of specialists from numerous sectors, equivalent to biochemistry, sports activities medical doctors, 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 exams the merchandise for banned substances.
Jana Camphens (Sports activities Dietitian): “Because the staff’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 consists of 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 staff.”
Kenny Van Damme (Model Supervisor Etixx Sports activities Diet): “This new collaboration with Intermarché-Wanty brings us to the World Tour in 2024, or the best stage 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 recuperate. By means of this partnership, Etixx Sports activities Diet will provide customised dietary options that carefully match the person wants of Intermarché-Wanty’s riders. From the begin to fast restoration, the vary of Etixx merchandise will contribute to the staff’s bodily and psychological well-being throughout coaching and races.”
Elite and Masters Athletes Set for Historic 2024 Canadian Monitor 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 Monitor Championships, to be held Jan. 5-7, 2024.
Over 170 athletes will compete for maple leaf jerseys in particular person, staff, dash and endurance occasions over three days of racing. New titles can even be up for grabs for our Elite Males and Ladies – Monitor Elimination and Monitor Factors – and a newly recognised class for Masters D 65+ in each Males’s and Ladies’s fields.
“The Canadian Monitor Championships are such a particular strategy to kick of the brand new 12 months and we will’t wait to have fun with our largest crowd of contributors 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 observe racing upfront of the Tissot UCI Monitor Nations Cup this upcoming April.”
Strengthened from their medal-winning experiences on the Santiago 2023 Pan American Video games, 10 athletes will probably 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 received in 2023.
After changing into Males’s Endurance Champion within the 2023 UCI Monitor Champions League, Dylan Bibic will probably be in attendance to defend his 2023 Canadian Champion titles within the males’s scratch race, omnium and Madison.
Having set a outstanding three Canadian information final 12 months within the time trial, staff pursuit and staff dash, Amy Maher will return to interrupt new boundaries within the Grasp B Ladies’s class. For the Grasp C Males, it is going to be Frank Kovacs who will hit the observe in an try and prime his 2023 Canadian report.
The total technical information and necessary occasion info will be discovered on the Occasions Web page of the Biking Canada web site.
The PEZ INSTAGRAM
See our Instagram web page for a fast repair in your cellphone: https://www.instagram.com/pezcyclingnews
The PEZ NEWSWIRE!
Don’t overlook to test the “NEWSWIRE” part, you will discover it on the homepage, simply above the PEZ Store part. The bits of reports that missed the EuroTrash deadline are in there, plus any information as-it-happens will probably be added there too.
Any feedback drop me a line, at: [email protected] or Twitter. And test the PezCyclingNews Twitter and Fb Web page. And say hello on Zwift if you move me.
Like PEZ? Why not subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter to obtain updates and reminders on what’s cool in street biking?
