A contented EUROTRASH New Yr to all! It has been a busy weekend for the cyclo-cross riders: Telenet Superprestige in Diegem, Precise Cross Azencross in Loenhout and the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Hulst – Outcomes, reviews, rider quotes and video. Plus Tim Merlier is Belgian Seaside Race champion.
Rohan Dennis arrested after the dying of his spouse in a highway accident – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Belgian ‘followers’ threw beer and urine at Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock head-butts Swedish straggler in Hulst. Primoz Roglič would have left Jumbo-Visma even when he had gained the Vuelta, Mikel Landa to experience two Grand Excursions in 2024, Christophe Laporte desires of profitable Paris-Roubaix, Ellen van Dijk returns 5 months after giving start, Rui Costa will experience the Tour of Flanders after 14 years, Phil Bauhaus desires a Tour stage victory, Lennard Hofstede retires at 29, Guillaume Van Keirsbulck quits after 13 years, Thomas De Gendt considers himself fortunate he has a brand new contract and Robert Gesink to experience two Grand Excursions to finish his profession.
Group information: Storm incoming for the INEOS Grenadiers, Uno-X Professional Biking Group turns into Uno-X Mobility, Gijs Van Hoecke completes Intermarché-Wanty for 2024, AG2R Citroën welcomes banned rider again and Human Powered Well being reveals 2024 equipment.
Race information: TDU 2024: Group begin lists are right here and three WorldTeams to Tour Colombia.
Plus Felipe Nystrom: “I discover it unbelievable that Mathieu van der Poel forgives me,” – Video of the incident.
You will want an enormous espresso this morning.
TOP STORY: Rohan Dennis Arrested After the Demise of his Spouse in a Highway Accident
On his final day as an expert bicycle owner, Rohan Dennis is within the information underneath horrible circumstances. Australian media reported on Sunday that the 33 year-old bicycle owner, who finishes his profession with Jumbo-Visma, was arrested and charged with killing his spouse Melissa Dennis in a highway incident.
Australian police confirmed in an announcement {that a} girl has died. “After a crash in Medindie final evening we arrested a person. The emergency providers have been referred to as simply after eight o’clock after a report of a girl who had been hit by a automobile.”
In response to Australian media, Dennis is alleged to have been behind the wheel of the Ute (a pick-up truck) and has now been arrested and charged with ‘dying by harmful driving, careless/inaccurate driving and endangering human life’. Dennis has been launched on bail, however is because of seem in court docket on March 13.
The late Melissa Dennis, née Hoskins, was additionally a former bicycle owner herself. She was very profitable on the observe. She was World champion within the group pursuit in 2015 and was an Australian champion a number of occasions. She was additionally lively on the highway. She raced for the Belgian Lotto-Honda Group for a yr in 2011 and likewise competed for the Australian biking group Orica-AIS for 4 seasons. In Might 2017 she introduced her retirement as an expert bicycle owner, and a yr later she married Rohan Dennis. That they had two youngsters collectively.
Rohan Dennis introduced his retirement as an expert rider earlier this yr. Throughout his profession, the 33 year-old Australian rode for Garmin-Sharp (2013-2014), BMC (2014-2018), Bahrain Merida (2019), INEOS Grenadiers (2020-2021) and at last Jumbo-Visma (2022-2023). He was a wonderful time trialist and was World champion in 2018 and 2019. Dennis gained the opening time trial of the Tour de France in 2015, in Utrecht. He additionally gained two phases within the Vuelta a España, one stage within the Giro d’Italia, the ultimate general of the Tour Down Underneath and several other different races at WorldTour degree.
RIP Melissa Dennis:
Telenet Superprestige – Diegem Males 2023
Mathieu van der Poel gained his fifth race of this winter cross season. Within the Superprestige Diegem, the World champion stored it thrilling for 3 laps by staying in a big main group, however after 25 minutes he attacked. Van der Poel then soloed to the victory. Pidcock shocked Iserbyt simply earlier than the ultimate steps to completed second.
Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock needed to begin from the third row. The World champion didn’t blow the race aside from the beginning. A big group stayed collectively on the primary lap, with Michael Vanthourenhout, Thibau Nys, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Eli Iserbyt and Pidcock with to Van der Poel.
On the second lap it was Tom Pidcock who made the primary severe assault, inflicting the main group to separate. Solely Iserbyt, Vanthourenhout, Nys and Van der Poel may observe, however the variations have been small and a number of the dropped riders have been capable of return. The gang of 20,000 spectators was handled to an thrilling opening a part of the race and it regarded like Van der Poel was holding one thing again. After 25 minutes of racing and a very good passage by the sand, Van der Poel made his acceleration and was gone. Vanthourenhout struggled to carry the World champ, however was left with an enormous hole. Pidcock and Iserbyt have been behind and handed the European champion. Within the meantime, Van der Poel continued to push, particularly on the sections the place he may make a distinction.
The World champion quickly had a 15 second lead and continued to widen that hole. There was extra pleasure within the battle for the rostrum. That battle was determined within the last lap. Iserbyt put plenty of strain on Pidcock, whereas Vanthourenhout and Nieuwenhuis additionally got here again from behind. Iserbyt regarded to have second place, however within the final nook, turning up the steps in the direction of the end, Pidcock under-cut. It was shoulder to shoulder and British rider grabbed second place. Iserbyt completed in third place, forward of Vanthourenhout and Nieuwenhuis. Quinten Hermans crashed on the primary lap, however chased to completed sixth.
Race winner, Mathieu van der Poel (Ned): “It was a acutely aware selection to attend and see. It was a really good race. I assumed the gang was great, that made it a terrific night. The file of eight victories in Diegem just isn’t actually a purpose. I wish to win as a lot as potential, wherever I begin. I’ve had a very good run right here and I felt fairly good in the present day. That’s why I’m proud of in the present day. That’s a bit too strict for the others. It’s actually tough to experience alone right here. However it was a acutely aware option to be affected person. That was additionally essentially the most tough level of the circuit, simply after the climb. You can also make a distinction there. These are powerful days. It was a protracted race in Gavere, so I’m proud of in the present day’s 55 minutes.”
2rd, Tom Pidcock (GB): “It could be good if I may nonetheless compete with Mathieu and Wout, however Mathieu is clearly a step greater this yr. It was my final likelihood for second place and Mathieu waited, that was good. He was clearly the strongest. I attempted to stay calm, however was fairly irritated by my passages by the sand. I haven’t educated within the sand in any respect, so what may I’ve anticipated? However I needed to come second. I felt good, however I actually misplaced plenty of time within the sand. To beat Mathieu you actually need to race quicker, however I don’t know if that might be potential. I’m racing higher than I assumed. My degree is sweet and it will be good if I may compete with Mathieu and Wout, however Mathieu is clearly a step greater. Eli was actually robust. I really feel that he’s rather a lot higher within the sand and I heard that he has created a sand part in his backyard”
third, Eli Iserbyt (Bel): “It was a terrific race. It’s only a disgrace that I couldn’t end second. It’s my third day of racing in a row and I used to be on Pidcock’s wheel within the last lap. I noticed he was having some issues, however I wasn’t fast sufficient. I didn’t count on that transfer within the final nook. He was a number of meters away, however he’s nonetheless sneaky sufficient. Second or third now not mattered, as a result of that rating was a very powerful. That’s why I’m now a really glad man. I shocked myself once more and had superb legs. Mathieu’s acceleration was very phenomenal, however Pidcock additionally rode a excessive tempo. I may simply observe that within the wheel and I used to be capable of save myself there. I do my greatest and get well properly. I’m additionally within the form of my life. I’m very glad to realize this efficiency, it provides me wings.”
Telenet Superprestige – Diegem Males Consequence:
1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) in 55:27
2. Tom Pidcock (GB) at 0:49
3. Eli Iserbyt (Bel) at 0:53
4. Michael Vanthourenhout (Bel) at 0:58
5. Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ned) at 1:00
6. Quinten Hermans (Bel) at 1:26
7. Emiel Verstrynge (Bel) 1:40
8. Lander Loockx (Bel) 1:43
9. Ward Huybs (Bel) at 1:44
10. Michael Boros (CZ) at 1:45.
Diegem’23:
Telenet Superprestige – Diegem Ladies 2023
Puck Pieterse gained the Superprestige Diegem on Thursday to go along with her Gavere World Cup victory on the earlier Tuesday. The Dutch champion, who was additionally the most effective in Diegem final yr, rode away from the others within the first lap and rode solo to the end. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, who began badly, needed to accept second place. Inge van der Heijden was third.
World champion Fem van Empel and Lucinda Model have been lacking from Diegem, however Puck Pieterse and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado have been there on the beginning line. Zoe Backstedt was additionally there and she or he was the primary to hit the off highway. Pieterse additionally had a very good begin, in contrast to Alvarado, who needed to get off the bike on the first nook. A couple of minutes later she was not even within the second group, whereas Pieterse rode at entrance along with Inge van der Heijden. Then within the first lap Pieterse left her Van der Heijden. The distinction elevated to six seconds on the end line. Marie Schreiber was third, Alvarado adopted in a bunch with Kata Blanka Vas, Annemarie Worst and Sanne Cant was at 22 seconds. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider bought into her rhythm, however after two laps she hadn’t managed to shut the hole. However, she had moved as much as fourth place. Solely Schreiber, Van der Heijden and Pieterse have been nonetheless using forward of her.
Whereas Pieterse continued to push on, Alvarado continued to advance. She left Schreiber behind after which went previous Van der Heijden, however couldn’t get nearer to Pieterse. the Dutch champion nonetheless had a lead 21 seconds after three of the six laps. Within the subsequent laps that hole grew. From 21 seconds to 27 going into the ultimate lap. Not a lot modified within the last lap. Pieterse took her second victory in a row, Alvarado held second place, however needed to combat to carry off Van der Heijden. Behind; Vas and Cant fought for fourth place and it was the Hungarian who got here out on high. Annemarie Worst was ninth and dropped from first within the Superprestige, to second place. Alvarado is the brand new chief.
Race winner, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck): “It went very properly, I’m very proud of this. I knew you needed to be in the correct place at the beginning, as a result of each second counted. It’s very tough to make up 5 seconds right here. I made a decision to go straight into it at full velocity and sustain the tempo.” Will she be the key challenger to Fem van Empel on the World championships? “I hope so. That’s the purpose. They shouted ‘wheelie, wheelie!’. However it didn’t go very properly, there was numerous wind. However the environment right here is all the time good. I couldn’t hear something the entire race as a result of there have been so many individuals shouting.”
2nd, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “I needed to decelerate behind Schreiber who jumped out of her pedal, inflicting me to be handed after which they crashed in entrance of me and I couldn’t go anyplace. That was a little bit of a wait and a site visitors jam earlier than I bought my pursuit may start. My legs responded properly, I’ve recovered properly. It was a disgrace that I wasn’t there straight away. Then it’s a disgrace that I wasn’t on the entrance, however I might be glad with in the present day. I centered on Puck, however I couldn’t get Puck again. It’s a good bonus and hopefully I can preserve it that manner.”
Telenet Superprestige – Diegem Ladies Consequence:
1. Puck Pieterse (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck
2. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck at 0:26
3. Inge van der Heijden (Ned) Crelan-Corendon at 0:34
4. Kata Blanka Vas (Hun) SD Worx at 0:42
5. Sanne Cant (Bel) Crelan-Corendon at 0:50
6. Marie Schreiber (Lux) SD Worx at 1:06
7. Zoe Backstedt (GB) Canyon-SRAM at 1:09
8. Sara Casasola (Ita) FAS Airport Companies-Guerciotti at 2:24
9. Annemarie Worst (Ned) Cyclocross Reds at 2:51
10. Aniek van Alphen (Ned) Cyclocross Reds at 3:36.
Diegem’23, video blocked:
Precise Cross Azencross – Loenhout Males 2023
The mud and rain in the present day didn’t cease Mathieu van der Poel from profitable in Loenhout on Friday. Similar to in Diegem, the World champion attacked midway by the race and crossed the road solo with a big lead. Gianni Vermeersch and Felipe Orts completed second and third.
Together with his essential opponents: Eli Iserbyt, Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock, the World champion would perhaps have a better race in Loenhoute. The course was treacherous with deep mud, however that wasn’t going to cease Mathieu van der Poel.
The cyclo-cross in Loenhout was shattered by an enormous pile-up at the beginning. Greater than half of the sphere needed to cease. Nevertheless, the boys on the entrance row; together with Mathieu van der Poel, have been capable of proceed. The cross was not stopped. After one lap it was clear that Van der Poel would preserve a low profile within the early half. The World champion crossed the road on the finish of the primary lap along with seven others: Felipe Orts, Toon Vandebosch, Timon Rüegg and Ryan Kamp have been high males within the group. Circumstances in Loenhout didn’t get any simpler. Toon Vandebosch came upon how tough it was. The Crelan-Corendon rider made an enormous slide and virtually took Van der Poel with him. The World champion managed to get previous the Belgian and was capable of proceed. On lap three, Gianni Vermeersch, Van der Poel’s teammate, managed to get to the entrance. Together with the Alpecin-Deceuninck riders there was Felipe Orts, Ryan Kamp and Timon Rüegg. Vermeersch even put in an assault, however after three laps, Van der Poel made his transfer.
Inside a really quick time, Van der Poel had a lead of 15 seconds and we have been taking a look at a duplicate of the Diegem cross. Within the laps that adopted, the general public may benefit from the technical using of the World champion within the mud. His victory was in no hazard, he’s undefeated this cyclo-cross season. The battle for the rostrum locations remained thrilling till the tip. After Van der Poel’s assault, three males continued to chase the chief. Ryan Kamp, Felipe Orts and Gianni Vermeersch would resolve who could be on the rostrum. Gianni Vermeersch turned out to be the strongest, forward of Felipe Orts and Ryan Kamp.
Race winner, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “I love to do an old school muddy cross. This was an old school mud cross. I like to do this. I didn’t have a bit in thoughts to depart. The group initially remained too massive. I needed to skinny it out a bit. So it was good that Gianni got here again. Nonetheless, I needed to get away. You may have much less management on the wheel. Then you may’t see clearly the place you might be racing. After I took the lead alone, I may do my factor and issues went higher. I’m going to have a leisurely meal and a therapeutic massage. Then it’s time to go to mattress. I have to compensate for some sleep after yesterday.”
2nd, Gianni Vermeersch (Alpecin-Deceuninck): I’m completely amazed. I didn’t count on to have the ability to declare the rostrum in the present day. There have been a number of high gamers not at the beginning, so I needed to place in a very good efficiency. I used to be just a bit sick this week so we needed to wait and see. Nonetheless, I used to be adequate for a podium in the present day. I did extra cross-training particularly with the group, with Christophe Roodhooft, and that’s paying off. Final yr I had not completed any cross coaching and that precipitated fairly a number of disappointments. Now I can brush away the frustration of final yr. I’m particularly trying ahead to it (the Belgian championship in Meulebeke). Final time I got here fifth or sixth and I’m in fine condition now. So I hope for a very good outcome.”
third, Felipe Orts (Teika-BH-Gsport): “My uncle handed away yesterday, so I actually did this for him. It’s a tough day for me and for my household. Due to the crosses I can’t return to my household. I’m glad that I used to be in a position to do that. It was a troublesome battle to complete on the rostrum. Within the final lap Gianni Vermeersch and Ryan Kamp went very quick and I needed to combat again. I’m glad that I may end on the rostrum. It is extremely vital to be on the rostrum right here for Spanish riders.”
Precise Cross Azencross – Loenhout Males Consequence:
1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 56:49
2. Gianni Vermeersch (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck at 0:38
3. Felipe Orts (Spa) Teika-BH-Gsport at 0:39
4. Ryan Kamp (Ned) Cyclocross Reds at 0:41
5. Timon Rüegg (Sui) Swiss Racing Academy at 1:02
6. Lander Loockx (Bel) at 1:20
7. Niels Vandeputte (Bel) at 1:39
8. Thijs Aerts (Bel) at 1:50
9. Toon Vanderbosch (Bel) at 1:56
10. Jente Michels (Bel) at 2:07.
Azencross’23:
Precise Cross Azencross – Loenhout Ladies 2023
In a wet Loenhout, Sanne Cant win a typical muddy Belgian cross. The Precise Cross Loenhout turned out to be a really slippy, however the Belgian champion was capable of cope greatest with these tough situations. Kristyna Zemanova and Manon Bakker stuffed the rostrum.
Many riders of the second line have been most likely trying ahead to the Precise Cross Loenhout. The beginning listing of this cross didn’t have the highest riders equivalent to Fem van Empel, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Puck Pieterse. This supplied alternatives for different riders to get on the rostrum. However everybody needed to cope with the mud and rain.
It was instantly apparent how laborious the race was going to be. The riders needed to get off their bikes within the deep mud. It didn’t take lengthy earlier than the race was break up. The Czech rider, Krystina Zemanova was the primary to assault. Lots of the girls had no response to her acceleration. Solely Manon Bakker of Crelan-Corendon managed to hitch her. Behind them was the opposite favorite, Sanne Cant, who tried to work her manner again to the entrance of the race. On the finish of lap one, the trio crossed the road just below 30 seconds forward of fourth positioned Anna Kay. Due to the mud, the bikes additionally had a tough time. Altering the bike turned out to be an vital a part of this race. Whereas Manon Bakker stayed on her bike throughout the first passage of the pits, the others opted for a change. On lap two, it was the opposite manner spherical. Simply earlier than the pits, the Belgian champion Sanne Cant attacked.
Zemanova was capable of observe Cant’s wheel, however Bakker needed to depart a spot as a result of her bike change. This left two within the lead. Within the battle for the remaining locations within the high 5, Anna Kay was joined by the Belgian Jana Dobbelaere, they have been already virtually a minute behind and had no likelihood of victory. On the third of the 4 laps, the Belgian champion put in her decisive assault. Cant pulled away from Zemanova and began the ultimate lap with a ten second lead. Within the last lap she was not going to be caught. Cant took her first victory of the 2023/24 cross season and her fifth victory in Loenhout. Zemanova and Bakker have been second and third, properly behind.
Race winner, Sanne Cant (Bel): “I gained my UCI cross this yr. It has been a very long time since I gained a cross. I actually needed to win, however I used to be one of many few who rode three days in a row right here. So I had doubts at the beginning. Yesterday it was additionally very late and now there was no time for a therapeutic massage. So you must make do with these legs. Throughout the reconnaissance I noticed that it was changing into tough. Luckily, I used to be capable of do my very own factor. I feel I all the time begin because the favorite on the Belgian Championships. Nonetheless, an additional revenue isn’t going to vary my profession. These fourteen Belgian championship jerseys in a row are a terrific achievement. But my victories on the European Championships and World championships are extra vital to me. Whether or not it’s 15, 16 or 10 jerseys doesn’t make a lot distinction.”
2nd, Kristyna Zemanova (CZ): “I felt superb in the present day. It was a really good environment, however Sanne was merely higher. She rode very robust. Within the first lap she needed to work with Manon, however then I rode away with Sanne. She then began to race quicker and I actually couldn’t sustain. The World Championship is a house race for me. I wish to combat for the rostrum there, however in fact there are plenty of good rivals. Nonetheless, that’s my large purpose for this season.”
third, Manon Bakker (Ned): “I anticipated extra upfront. So I can’t say I’m glad. Often the primary day of two days of cross just isn’t good for me and that turned out to be the case once more in the present day. Within the deep mud, Sanne had extra energy. I used to be within the lead within the first laps and perhaps I shouldn’t have completed that. I needed to be on the entrance on the technical elements, however that was extra like strolling than biking. In order that was of no use to me.”
Precise Cross Azencross – Loenhout Ladies Consequence:
1. Sanne Cant (Bel) in 43:27
2. Kristyna Zemanova (CZ) at 0:29
3. Manon Bakker (Ned) at 1:35
4. Anna Kay (GB) at 2:44
5. Jana Dobbelaere (Bel) at 2:59
6. Lauren Molengraaf (Ned) at 3:17
7. Elisabeth Brandau (Ger) at 3:28
8. Femke Gort (Ned) at 3:49
9. Isa Nomden (Ned) at 3:51
10. Antonina Bialek (Pol).
Azencross’23:
UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Hulst Males 2023
Mathieu van der Poel took his seventh victory within the Hulst UCI World Cup since he returned to cyclo-cross. Joris Nieuwenhuis completed second with Lars van der Haar third and Pim Ronhaar fourth. Fifth place went to Wout van Aert, who had dangerous luck early within the race
After the Superprestige Diegem and Precise Cross Loenhout, the World champion had the Hulst UCI World Cup on Saturday. Van der Poel was up towards each Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock. So would it not be an enormous battle between the Huge Three? No, Pidcock crashed within the first nook and had issues along with his bike, however didn’t quit. The British rider ran to the pits for a brand new bike. By the point he was racing once more, he was properly down and would don’t have any likelihood of a very good ending place.
Van der Poel and Van Aert each had cheap begins. After the primary lap they have been in a big group with Eli Iserbyt and Laurens Sweeck within the lead. Van Aert slipped and needed to get off the bike, he additionally misplaced time and needed to catch-up. That advance was short-lived, as a result of after the Belgian moved as much as seventeenth place, he dropped out of the highest twenty. Van Aert would later get again into the highest ten, however there was no manner he may win. On the entrance of the race, after two of the eight laps, a bunch of 5 was left on the entrance, with Tibor del Grosso within the lead. The younger Dutchman had Sweeck, Lars van der Haar, Pim Ronhaar and Van der Poel on his wheel. The World champion determined within the third lap that it was time to assault. Van der Haar tried to observe, however needed to let go. At first of the fourth lap, Van der Haar and Ronhaar have been 14 seconds behind Van der Poel, the remaining have been at 30 seconds.
Joris Nieuwenhuis was arising from behind. He raced in the direction of Van der Haar and Ronhaar, so there have been three riders from Baloise Trek Lions chasing Van der Poel. After six laps they have been 35 seconds behind Van der Poel and 19 seconds forward of Sweeck and Ryan Kamp. Niels Vandeputte adopted at simply over a minute in seventh, a bit forward of Van Aert and Del Grosso. Within the last laps, Van der Poel’s victory was not in query. The World champion soloed to victory, his seventh in a row and his sixth in Hulst. Behind Van der Poel, the three males of Baloise Trek Lions battled for second place. Nieuwenhuis got here out on high, whereas Van der Haar was third. Ronhaar completed fourth, forward of Van Aert, who rode very quick last laps to complete within the high 5.
Race winner, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “Like in Gavere, as a result of the course was very powerful there, however it’s by no means simple to win. It’s all the time an hour full throttle in a cross. I used to be on the wheel, however I stored making too many errors, as a result of I didn’t see the correct traces. I went to the entrance to experience at my very own tempo. It was a succession of powerful elements. That climbing half specifically damage my legs.”
2nd, Joris Nieuwenhuis (Baloise Trek Lions): “I had a flat tire simply after the pits, so it took a while earlier than I bought into the race, however I instantly felt that I had good legs. I joined Ryan (Kamp) and Sweeck and noticed Pim and Lars in entrance of me. Then I used to be a bit doubtful whether or not I may shut the hole. However I instantly felt that I may do it with out taking Ryan on my wheel. After that it was between us. On the finish I attempted on the tough half and I used to be gone. We already talked earlier than the season, everybody is aware of what to do in a race. Particularly on the finish of a race, once we are along with a number of teammates. Then we are able to compete towards one another. It’s each man for himself in such a state of affairs, additionally as a result of we’re shut to one another within the rankings. Suppose I’m tenth, then we are able to see if I may help somebody, however we’re fairly shut to one another and there are nonetheless fairly a number of World Cups, so that’s not but the case.”
third, Lars van der Haar (Baloise Trek Lions): “I can’t keep in mind the final time that occurred in a males’s World Cup race, I assumed I may observe, however his approach can be superb. If he additionally places strain on the straights, it’s so tough to observe him. I attempted for so long as potential. Then got here Pim. He did a terrific lap, which bought us away from the remaining. I feel it was good that Joris additionally got here again to us. Iserbyt has mainly gained that rating for a very long time. The possibility that we’ll win that classification could be very, very small. We simply made it a terrific race and tried to get the rostrum locations, for ourselves and one another. We actually need to get some factors. He’s forward by about 70 factors. In precept, you acquire a most of twenty or twenty-five factors at a time. It gained’t occur anytime quickly. That scoring is so rotten. Eli has had an excellent begin to the season and he’s nonetheless using nice, so I count on few variations.”
4th, Pim Ronhaar (Baloise Trek Lions): “I used to be on Mathieu’s wheel, at a degree of the course with many right-angle turns. Wout got here to wiggle and I sat in entrance of him. I had the within bend, he had the skin bend and there is just one observe there. Apparently I pushed him into the fence there. I simply spoke to him after the end and he was not very glad. I perceive that in fact, however I feel he would have completed the identical to me. I’ll communicate to him once more in Baal to make an apology. However I definitely didn’t imply to push him away from there. I simply stored my place and he would have completed that too. I’m very glad myself. I didn’t count on upfront that I’d be competing for second place on such a circuit. Mathieu, there’s nothing you are able to do about that, however I didn’t assume we have been being pushed distant. We stayed at 35 seconds all the time. All three of us did our job. Within the final lap I needed to make one other assault. That went properly, however Joris overcame it very strongly. We flip down that descent in the direction of the water, enter a mud strip and I needed to run. That is how we misplaced reference to Joris. And Lars is a killer within the final lap. Then fourth is the best achievable. There’s an upward development. I didn’t really feel nice final week in Gavere and I used to be additionally capable of end eighth there. If I can end fourth on this circuit and compete for second place, that might be nice. Now we have now to stay up for the GP Sven Nys. I’ve seen photographs and heard from Sven that will probably be one other slog cross. Tomorrow we must lie on the sofa all day to get well and take a look at once more.”
fifth, Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma): “The beginning didn’t go very properly, so I shortly needed to make up some locations. Sadly I crashed within the combat for positions. In the end my chain turned out to be faulty. That misplaced me plenty of time. After I was lastly capable of begin my pursuit, I had a puncture and needed to race half a lap with a flat tire. That was the tip of the combat for the rostrum locations. I felt superb the previous few days. Perhaps I used to be a bit of too eager. Sadly, that turned out incorrect in the present day. Nevertheless, I continued to combat and didn’t quit after the varied inconveniences. Luckily, the following alternative will quickly current itself.”
UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Hulst Males Consequence:
1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck in
2. Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions at 0:12
3. Lars van der Haar (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions at 0:20
4. Pim Ronhaar (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions at 0:30
5. Wout van Aert (Bel) Jumbo-Visma at 0:43
6. Laurens Sweeck (Bel) Crelan-Corendon at 0:53
7. Niels Vandeputte (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck at 0:58
8. Ryan Kamp (Ned) Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal at 1:04
9. Michael Vanthourenhout (Bel) Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal at 1:15
10. Tibor Del Gross (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck at 1:25.
Hulst’23:
UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Hulst Ladies 2023
Puck Pieterse gained her third cross in a row. Within the Hulst World Cup, the Dutch rider raced away within the first lap, however it remained thrilling for a very long time. Ultimately, she completed forward of Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado, who got here again within the final lap. Lucinda Model was third, Fem van Empel fourth.
Puck Pieterse gained her final two crosses, in Gavere and Diegem, so there was going to be an enormous combat within the Hulst UCI World Cup, as Fem van Empel, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Lucinda Model have been additionally on the beginning line.
None of them had the most effective begin, that went to Marie Schreiber. On the wheel of the Luxembourg champion was the Dutch champion: Puck Pieterse. World champion Van Empel was in fifth place, however would quickly transfer as much as second place. That was behind Pieterse, who had handed Schreiber and went on the assault. For Van Empel and Model, who have been shut to one another, the hole appeared manageable after one lap. They have been 10 and 13 seconds behind. Alvarado had a poor begin and was in 4th place after the primary lap, 20 seconds behind Pieterse, she didn’t decelerate within the second of six laps. She was a number of seconds forward of the group of pursuers, with Alvarado, who had caught them. The World Cup chief took over from Model and Van Empel.
Within the third lap, Alvarado gained a number of metres on Model and particularly Van Empel, who crashed on a descent. The World champion ended up alone. Model had rejoined Alvarado and shortly took over. Underneath her impulse, the duo got here nearer to Pieterse. At one level within the fifth lap the distinction was solely 7 seconds. Van Empel’s deficit was roughly twice as massive. At first of the ultimate lap, Pieterse had prolonged her lead once more to 14 seconds. Partly as a result of a mistake by Pieterse, the lead shrunk shortly. It was Alvarado who joined first, midway by the lap. On Pieterse’s favorite a part of the lap, she managed to take the strain from behind to take the victory for her third win in a row. Behind Pieterse, Alvarado took second place. Model managed to remain forward of Van Empel within the battle for third place.
Race winner, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck): “I had a lead of ten to twenty seconds all through all the cross. Within the final lap I knew that Lucinda and Ceylin have been combating laborious. Fifteen seconds just isn’t a lot in a single lap. After which I made a mistake on a not so tough half, I got here to a cease. There I noticed my lead disappear. However after the steep part uphill I had my part with turns, a little bit of sprinting, so I felt assured that I may end it if I used to be nonetheless on the entrance there. It’s all the time fairly tough right here. It was additionally slippery in between. Then you definately simply have to remain in your bike. I couldn’t actually see what they have been doing behind me. Now and again I may hear what number of seconds I had, however it was tough as a result of there was a lot crowd. So it needed to be based mostly on feeling. On the factors the place I may look a bit, I noticed that the distinction all the time remained the identical. In Gavere, Diegem and Hulst I all the time had a small lead at the beginning. On the one hand, that could be very good, as a result of you may race your personal traces. However however, you might be consistently confronted with strain from behind. I additionally made a mistake within the final lap, however that’s since you assume: I can’t make errors.”
2nd, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Alpecin-Deceuninck): Alvarado “It was tremendous powerful, particularly for those who don’t have a very good begin. I feel I began properly, however there have been some riders who went a bit quicker. I bought caught. It was tough to get out. That price me rather a lot in the present day, I feel. After I got here again, I instantly took over. I didn’t wish to quit. With Model I had a very good companion in the present day. We raced towards one another, however we additionally rode to get again at Puck. That made us get nearer and nearer. I even bought onto the wheel, however I used to be completed with it after the primary lap. Earlier than, I knew it was going to be tough, however I stored combating for it. It was very powerful in the present day. When it’s muddy, it’s powerful. However in these circumstances it’s also very powerful. You had no actual restoration anyplace, you needed to preserve going. Additionally the wrestle, it made it additional powerful amongst ourselves. We gave it our all and have been utterly lifeless on the finish.”
third, Lucinda Model (Baloise Trek Lions): “It was a really powerful combat. I feel Puck had an excellent begin. She may experience her personal traces on a regular basis and was superb within the mud strips. Ceylin and I actually tried to assist one another. We each had our strengths on the course. She shocked me a bit on the final lap on the descent. I didn’t panic, however I had a tough time once more on the muddy half. That was the deciding issue. Puck additionally had a tough time there, so Ceylin gave all the things to win. Then I needed to combat for third place. As a result of if you’re actually drained, you make silly errors right here. Don’t attempt to win, since you are nonetheless with two very robust riders, who’re actually good on a circuit like this. I did imagine that we may nonetheless deliver her (Pieterse) again, however that doesn’t imply you win the race. However you do combat for it. There actually wasn’t a second of peace. It’s a totally completely different degree of fatigue at this velocity than if you’re stomping by the mud. It’s all the time a brand new dash. I’m nonetheless standing right here panting, though we’ve already completed about twenty minutes. Do I shock myself with such a very good race on this course? I positively assume I might be glad with how I experience on this explosive lap. That simply proves that I’ve made one other step on this space. It might all the time be higher, in fact, and I secretly hoped to have the ability to compete with Ceylin to the end.”
UCI Cyclocross World Cup – Hulst Ladies Consequence:
1. Puck Pieterse (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck
2. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck at 0:06
3. Lucinda Model (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions at 0:12
4. Fem van Empel (Ned) Jumbo-Visma at 0:16
5. Sara Casasola (Ita) FAS Airport Companies – Guerciotti at 1:58
6. Leonie Bentveld (Ned) Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal
7. Kata Blanka Vas (Nun) SD Worx at 2:09
8. Marie Schreiber (Lux) SD Worx at 2:23
9. Annemarie Worst (Ned) Cyclocross Reds at 2:26
10. Kristyna Zemanová (CZ) Brilon Racing Group at 2:35.
Hulst’23:
Tim Merlier Topped Belgian Seaside Race Champion
Jordi Warlop and Bert Van Lerberghe joined their teammate on the rostrum in Bredene
Tim Merlier added one other nationwide title to his palmarès: after changing into Belgian Highway Race Champion on two events, the 31-year-old gained the Belgian Seaside Race Championships, held on the penultimate day of the yr over a relentless 52km course in Bredene.
Probably the greatest sprinters on the planet, with greater than 30 victories underneath his belt since turning professional, Tim confirmed that he got here at the beginning that means enterprise and attacked simply minutes into the race, forcing a range. Solely a handful of riders may observe the livid tempo pushed by Merlier, who continued to make the distinction on the dunes with every kilometre ticked off.
Ultimately, it got here right down to a battle between Tim and Soudal Fast-Step teammates Jordi Warlop and Bert Van Lerberghe, and the a number of Grand Tour stage winner prevailed due to a formidable burst of velocity within the last meters to take the gold medal. One other Soudal Fast-Step rider, Tim Declercq, got here house in seventh place, making it a really memorable Saturday for our squad.
Race winner, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “The beginning was laborious, however I felt good and tried one thing from the start. The peloton bought whittled down on the demanding circuit, and on the penultimate lap it was simply three riders in entrance: myself, Jordi and Bert. We may preserve our positions and combat for the medals, and I’m proud of taking the highest spot after a implausible day of racing. It feels good to finish the yr like this and to be joined on the rostrum by two nice teammates.”
Tim Merlier – Belgian Seaside Race Champion:
Belgian ‘Followers’ Threw Beer and Urine at Mathieu van der Poel
Mathieu van der Poel, who was on his solution to victory within the Hulst World Cup, spat at some spectators in conjunction with the course within the last lap. The folks in query booed him and in response to one other spectator, in addition they threw beer and urine at Van der Poel.
“They have been only a bunch of booers. I’m completed with that,” Van der Poel mentioned within the after-race interview. He additionally mentioned that the booing began throughout the warm-up. The World champion didn’t wish to say precisely what the folks in query shouted. “You higher ask them your self.”
One other spectator who witnessed the incident up shut mentioned on social media that Van der Poel not solely acquired boos, but additionally different issues. “These Belgian ‘followers’ threw beer and urine at him. I used to be standing subsequent to it,” he wrote. Van der Poel reposted the message on X (Twitter).
The behaviour of the gang didn’t forestall Van der Poel from profitable in Hulst. Joris Nieuwenhuis and Lars van der Haar completed in second and third place. Wout van Aert, who completed 5ht, supported Mathieu van der Poel after the spitting incident: “Individuals who shout boo shouldn’t come.”
Wout van Aert was combating for fifth place at the moment of the incidents and didn’t see any of it, however he did get up for Van der Poel afterwards. “Individuals who come to shout boo, higher not come,” the Belgian instructed Het Nieuwsblad. “I feel that’s a disgrace, I can’t say something extra about it. Mathieu is somebody who can often management himself very properly. So one thing should have been occurring.”
Hulst Organisers Condemns Spectator Behaviour
Unsportsmanlike reactions from spectators: it’s a theme in cross nation once more, after the World Cup in Hulst. Mathieu van der Poel says he has been coping with all of it season and responded in Hulst by spitting at these ‘followers’ within the last lap. The race Hulst organisers have additionally made inheritor emotions clear.
The organisers of the Vestingcross in Hulst responded on Fb to the spitting incident and the behaviour of some ‘cyclocross supporters’. “Greater than 22,000 spectators noticed how the Netherlands added color to each elite podiums, with winners Puck Pieterse and Mathieu van der Poel taking centre stage. Sadly, there was additionally a darkish facet to this stunning day. One which definitely tempers the euphoric feeling. A couple of amongst these 1000’s of different – exemplary – supporters felt it needed not solely to taunt and pelt Mathieu van der Poel with beer. Two press photographers have been additionally carelessly pushed into the water by a bunch of miscreants. As an organisation we’re very clear about this: most of these folks don’t belong on our Vestingcross nor on some other cyclo-cross course or sports activities competitors.”
The organisers will take measures subsequent yr. “In any case, we can’t enable the nice identify of our competitors to be destroyed by these people. Have a really glad New Yr and we might like to see you all, with these exceptions, again subsequent yr.”
Not biking followers:
Tom Pidcock Head-butts Swedish Straggler in Hulst
It wasn’t Tom Pidcock’s day within the Hulst World Cup. The Briton crashed on the primary nook, after which he needed to catch up. He didn’t respect the stragglers he needed to overtake. Pidcock crashed after just some seconds and, to make issues worse, broke his derailleur and shifter. Nevertheless, it was not the tip of his cross, as a result of the Briton walked three minutes to the pits to complete the race. He began an enormous catch-up. Throughout that catch-up race, Pidcock needed to cross a number of stragglers. On the second lap, when he was racing for 73rd place, he needed to cross Ville Merlov. Pidcock hit the 18 year-old Swede along with his head, to get room on his inside. The photographs sparked outrage on X. Ultimately, Pidcock completed twenty fifth within the cross, 3:44 seconds behind winner Mathieu van der Poel.
Not a very good begin for Tom Pidcock in Hulst:
Primoz Roglič: “Even when I had gained the Vuelta, I’d have left Jumbo-Visma”
Primoz Roglič has mentioned that his transfer from Jumbo-Visma to BORA-hansgrohe has nothing to do with what occurred within the last week of the Vuelta a España. The Slovenian spoke about his transfer with Algemeen Dagblad.
Roglič began the Vuelta a España because the chief, however completed third, behind his teammates Sepp Kuss and Jonas Vingegaard. The group selected to again the American purple jersey wearer. For Roglič it felt ‘uncomfortable’ to not combat for the ultimate victory to the end. “As a result of it’s my accountability to win races,” he defined. “However, it wasn’t nearly me, it was additionally in regards to the group. And nobody deserves it greater than Sepp.”
“A couple of years earlier I taught Jonas and Sepp all the things, they nonetheless regarded as much as me and now they have been numbers 1 and a pair of for me. We made historical past and I used to be a part of it. However even when I had gained the Vuelta, I’d have left. I merely have better alternatives elsewhere to realize what I’m nonetheless combating for,” mentioned the 34 year-old, who nonetheless has one large purpose: victory within the Tour de France. “But when the second doesn’t come once more, I’ve no regrets.”
The selection to depart Jumbo-Visma for BORA-hansgrohe was not a tough one for Roglič, he says. “Extra like a pure one. I’ve achieved the utmost I may with Jumbo. It bought to the purpose the place I needed to depart. It doesn’t detract from how glad I used to be on the rostrum in Madrid. Hopefully I might be even happier in future photographs and in a distinct jersey.”
Roglič: No regrets:
Mikel Landa Will Journey Two Grand Excursions in 2024
Mikel Landa will contest two Grand Excursions in 2024 along with his new group, Soudal Fast-Step. The 34 year-old Spaniard will work for Remco Evenepoel within the Tour de France after which experience the Vuelta a España.
Landa spoke about his 2024 season throughout a lecture organised by the Basque biking affiliation Amurrio Biking Membership. “Now we have already broadly mapped out my program. I’ll assist Remco Evenepoel within the Tour de France after which I hope to have the ability to compete within the Vuelta a España,” reported Ciclo21.
Landa is without doubt one of the ten new riders with Soudal Fast-Step, however the former rider of Astana, Group Sky and Bahrain Victorious already feels at house. “There’s a superb environment. All the pieces is there and it’s all organized very professionally. I’m very excited as a result of it’s a new problem. That’s motivating.”
Landa, who will most likely begin his season within the Volta ao Algarve (14-18 February), had a reasonably profitable 2023. With Bahrain Victorious he completed second within the Ruta del Sol and Tour of the Basque Nation, third in Flèche Wallonne and fifth within the Vuelta a España.
Tour and Vuelta for Mikel Landa:
Christophe Laporte Desires of Successful Paris-Roubaix
Final yr, Christophe Laporte gained Dwars door Vlaanderen, Ghent-Wevelgem and the European Highway Championships, however the Frenchman doesn’t think about himself one of many large favourites for the Classics in 2024. Though he does dream of victory in Paris-Roubaix.
“I nonetheless think about myself an outsider,” Laporte mentioned to Sporza. “I’m nonetheless one step beneath Wout and Mathieu. They’ve a terrific honours listing and are the favourites in each race the place they begin. I’m a part of the group of riders amongst them.” However riders of that caliber may also win main races, mentioned the Jumbo-Visma (Visma | Lease a Bike subsequent yr) rider. “It’s not all the time the strongest who wins the race, that’s what makes biking so stunning.”
What race does the Frenchman most wish to win? “Paris-Roubaix. I’ve already gained a Tour stage and classics. The subsequent step is a Monument. That’s the most tough purpose to realize, however I’m going for it.” The European champion’s greatest end in Paris-Roubaix is sixth place within the moist 2021 version. In 2023 he suffered a puncture at an vital second and completed tenth.
Laporte may even begin within the Tour de France once more subsequent yr. Since Van Aert, the winner of the factors jersey in 2022, will contest the Giro d’Italia and miss La Grande Boucle, there appears to be a chance for the Frenchman to go for the inexperienced jersey. However he doesn’t see that occuring. “In a group like Visma | Lease a Bike it’s tough to have that inexperienced jersey in thoughts. Wout was in a position to do this, as a result of he is without doubt one of the nice leaders of this group. For me, the inexperienced jersey just isn’t a purpose to win, I’d slightly win a Basic.”
Talking of Van Aert, Laporte additionally seems again on Gent-Wevelgem. Laporte and Van Aert had a group time trial within the finale, for the Frenchman to cross the road first. There was plenty of dialogue about that afterwards. “It was an emotional victory, however the criticism afterwards was annoying. The media then talked extra about that than in regards to the tune that Wout and I carried out collectively.”
“When the 2 of us raced to the end in E3 in 2022 and Wout gained, there was no essential voice anyplace. However after Gent-Wevelgem there was plenty of criticism. It was Wout’s selection that I ought to be the primary to cross the road in Wevelgem and I used to be very proud of that. However in Flanders they all the time criticise all the things.”
Laporte desires to win in Roubaix:
Ellen van Dijk Returns 5 Months after Giving Delivery
Ellen van Dijk will make her return to the peloton in March. The Lidl-Trek rider will compete once more on March 8 within the Vuelta Extremadura in Spain for the primary time for the reason that start of her son Faas. That is greater than 5 months after giving start.
“I used to be afraid that after the start I’d shortly assume: ‘I’ve to cycle once more!’ I didn’t wish to expertise it that manner in any respect. I needed to do one thing shortly, as a result of that’s in me, however the first few weeks I didn’t really feel like speaking about biking in any respect. Then my World hour file was additionally taken away, however that didn’t have an effect on me that a lot on the time, as a result of I used to be so busy with Faas,” mentioned Van Dijk within the podcast Wegkletsen with Roxane Knetemann.
“Truly, the sportiness got here again shortly. In December I took checks and had my second greatest check from December. Now we have to attend and see the way it goes at excessive depth,” she warns. “I’ll practice extra intensively once more for the Vuelta Extremadura and attempt to construct it up. I’ve concepts about my spring, however it’s not set in stone but. I wish to work in the direction of the Flemish classics, and skipping the Opening Weekend can be good.”
Ellen van Dijk on her return:
Rui Costa Will Journey the Tour of Flanders After 14 Years
Rui Costa might be at the beginning of the Tour of Flanders in 2024, in response to the Portuguese rider, who has moved from Intermarché-Circus-Wanty to EF Training-EasyPost. In an interview with GCN, he mentioned he’s nonetheless unsure whether or not he’ll experience the Tour de France.
“The Tour of Flanders is a sure,” confirmed Costa, who contested the Flemish Basic twice earlier than. On his debut in 2009 he completed 113th and a yr later he didn’t end. “Biking is totally completely different now, so there could possibly be a chance for me. I really like this race as a result of it’s tremendous powerful and tremendous technical.”
“Expertise actually helps you in races just like the Tour of Flanders. A number of riders can win the race nowadays. We noticed that final yr with Tadej Pogacar, whereas Neilson Powless additionally achieved a very good outcome for us (Powless was fifth with EF Training-EasyPost).”
Costa doesn’t but know which Grand Tour he’ll experience in 2024. “However it could possibly be the Tour.” What is for certain is that he’ll begin his season within the Problem Mallorca, 5 one-day races from January 25 to 29. “Then I’ll go to the Volta ao Algarve, Strade Bianche, Tour of Catalonia, Tour of Flanders, the Ardennes classics after which the Tour de Romandie. It’s a very good program, with many races.”
Costa is now 37 years-old, however not completed but. In 2023 he took 4 victories. Early within the season he gained the Trofeo Calvia, the Tour of Valencia with a stage. In September he gained the fifteenth stage of the Vuelta a España. The 2013 World champion additionally completed fourth in Strade Bianche and eighth within the Clásica San Sebastián. Costa needed to stick with Intermarché-Circus-Wanty for 2024, however the Belgian group didn’t have sufficient finances to maintain him.
Jonathan Vaughters, the group supervisor of EF Training-EasyPost, noticed his alternative and signed Costa. “It’s a terrific group,” Costa instructed GCN. “It’s completely different from Intermarché as a result of it’s larger, however it’s a very good group. I’m impressed with the group up to now. It’s a terrific alternative, it’s one other yr within the WorldTour for me.”
One other yr within the WorldTour for Costa:
Phil Bauhaus Desires a Tour Stage Victory
Phil Bauhaus has already gained a number of high races in his profession, however nonetheless has one thing on his want listing. The German sprinter hopes to win a stage within the Tour de France. “That will actually imply a lot to me,” he instructed GCN.
“I’ve been racing since I used to be 7 years outdated and there was an enormous biking hype in Germany, with riders like Jan Ullrich and Erik Zabel. I all the time watched the Tour on tv and my dream was to take part myself. Now my dream is to win a stage within the Tour at some point. That will actually imply a lot to me. The Tour is the largest biking race on the calendar. If I’m ever capable of win a stage… Then it’s going to now not matter what else I obtain in my profession. Then it’s already successful. I can then retire as a contented individual.”
The Bahrain Victorious sprinter made his debut within the Tour de France in 2023 and was within the mixture of lots of the sprints. Bauhaus was second within the stage to Bayonne and third within the phases ending in Nogaro and Moulins. The German needed to abandon the Tour within the seventeenth stage to Courchevel. “Within the final Tour I had the velocity to win a stage. I as soon as got here second behind Jasper Philipsen, however Alpecin-Deceuninck had a terrific dash practice,” Bauhaus seems again on his first Tour. “With Mathieu van der Poel because the final man for Philipsen. If Van der Poel takes a lead-out, this can be very tough to do something or to attend for the final 150 metres.”
“As soon as the dash begins, the tempo is already so extremely excessive… It’s then tough to overhaul a rider in any respect. The lead-out then makes the distinction. I definitely had the velocity, however the different sprinters had a greater dash practice at their disposal. And Philipsen was in fact additionally a bit stronger,” mentioned Bauhaus.
Bauhaus desires a Tour stage win:
Lennard Hofstede Retires at 29
Jumbo-Visma (Visma | Lease a Bike) is not going to have Lennard Hofstede in its roster for 2024. The 29-year-old rider has determined to finish his skilled biking profession. “I had felt it coming for some time,” the Dutchman mentioned in a press launch.
“To be clear, this isn’t a tough or disagreeable choice. I’ve felt it coming for some time. I’ve not been utterly match recently and I’ve regularly misplaced the pleasure of competing,” mentioned Hofstede. “And that’s the essence of my skilled biking life.”
“That’s the reason this choice feels good and I’m particularly grateful for the various great experiences I’ve had right here. I really cease with a smile. And on the identical time I’ll assist all the Group Visma | Lease a Bike household additionally miss it. They have been very stunning and intense years collectively.”
Hofstede took his first steps with the coaching group of Rabobank, moved to Group Sunweb after a number of seasons, however returned on the finish of 2018. Hofstede was a dependable and valued domestique: he performed an vital function in Primoz Roglič’s Vuelta victory in 2020. The final two years have been harder as a result of bodily issues.
Sports activities director Merijn Zeeman spoke extremely of Hofstede. “We will definitely miss Lennard. He was all the time beneficial. It’s additionally courageous of him to make that call. He might be happy with his profession and so are we. We want Lennard all the most effective in his future life.”
Lennard Hofstede – A robust employee for Jumbo-Visma:
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck Quits After 13 Years as a Skilled
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck is not going to be within the peloton in 2024. At 32 yr of age, the Belgian bicycle owner has determined to cease racing. Van Keirsbulck turned an expert in 2011 with Fast-Step and subsequently rode for Wanty-Groupe Gobert, CCC, Alpecin-Fenix and Bingoal WB.
“2023, what a yr! After 13 years, my time as an expert bicycle owner is now coming to an finish. It’s not my very own selection, however I’m grateful for the previous years. I’ve had a terrific profession, though it’s nonetheless laborious to just accept. I had hoped to proceed racing till I used to be 35. I’m grateful to all of the followers who’ve adopted and supported me all this time. I’d additionally wish to thank my former groups and teammates. For all of the alternatives and what we have now all been by. Now we have seen the world collectively. I finish 2023 with combined emotions, however I stay up for the long run with confidence,” Van Keirsbulck mentioned through Instagram.
In his first skilled years, Van Keirsbulck was considered an enormous expertise, perhaps whilst the brand new Tom Boonen. He by no means managed to maintain that promise, however he did win some good races in his profession. In 2014 he gained the Three Days De Panne-Koksijde, a stage within the Eneco Tour, Le Samyn and the Antwerp Port Epic.
He additionally began 4 Grand Excursions in his profession. In 2013 he rode the Vuelta a España and in 2017, 2018 and 2022 he took half within the Tour de France. Van Keirsbulck rode for Bingoal WB this yr, however didn’t get a contract extension with the Walloon group. He had 66 racing days in his final skilled yr.
Guillaume Van Keirsbulck ends his racing profession:
Thomas De Gendt Considers Himself Fortunate he has a New Contract
Thomas De Gendt will retire as an expert bicycle owner on the finish of 2024. The 37 year-old rider will end his profession with Lotto Dstny regardless of a tough yr. “I think about myself fortunate to have one other contract for 2024,” he writes in his column within the new RIDE Journal by WielerFlits.
“A nasty season like that in your contract yr usually means the tip of your profession at my age,” mentioned De Gendt. “Many riders are nonetheless searching for a group for 2024. These are nervous occasions. I’ve seen it up shut once more in latest weeks. The information of the proposed merger between Jumbo-Visma and Soudal Fast-Step additionally precipitated some rigidity amongst riders and administration. It closed the switch market. I heard that contract talks have been paused and even canceled.”
De Gendt was additionally in such a state of affairs ten years in the past. “In 2013 I rode for Vacansoleil-DCM. In the summertime we have been instructed that Vacansoleil was going to cease as a sponsor. Males like Lieuwe Westra, Johnny Hoogerland and Wout Poels already began searching for new groups. I nonetheless had a two-year contract and was caught. It wasn’t till the tip of September that I used to be formally free to barter with new groups. The spots have been additionally scarce then. Luckily, I used to be nonetheless capable of go to Omega Pharma-Fast-Step. Though I misplaced 80% of my wage. It was that or not be a rider anymore. I don’t remorse biting the bullet again then.”
One final yr for De Gendt:
Robert Gesink to Journey Two Grand Excursions in 2024 to Finish his Profession
Robert Gesink will begin his 18th season as a professional in January. The 37 year-old will retire on the finish of 2024. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider has been a high man within the group for years and can experience the Giro d’Italia this yr and end his profession within the Vuelta a España.
Gesink has already left for Australia, the place he’ll begin the Tour Down Underneath this month. After that he has a WorldTour program. “I’ll experience two Grand Excursions,” Gesink instructed WielerFlits. “After Australia I’ll experience a block with the Vuelta a Murcia, the gravel race in Jaén, Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour of Catalonia.”
An altitude coaching camp on Teide is then deliberate together with the Giro. “From Tenerife I’ll do the Tour de Romandie earlier than I am going to Italy. After that, there’s a lengthy intermediate part deliberate, by which I could do the Nationwide Championships in my last yr (in his personal province of Gelderland). Then I’ll go to the Vuelta a España through the Vuelta a Burgos.”
The Vuelta can be the final race for Gesink, who lives in Andorra. He has fond reminiscences of that race. He gained the queen stage in 2016 with the end on the Aubisque and in 2022 he wore the purple chief’s jersey. In recent times he has additionally been a part of Jumbo-Visma’s profitable Vuelta groups. The intention is that he’ll make one other try at general victory in 2024 along with his good good friend Sepp Kuss. Within the Giro Visma | Lease a Bike begins with a younger group that may be taught rather a lot from Gesink’s expertise.
Robert Gesink’s Race Programme:
16-01 – 21-01 Santos Tour Down Underneath
11-02 Vuelta Ciclista a la Area de Murcia “Costa Calida”
12-02 Clásica Jaén
04-03 – 10-03 Tirreno-Adriatico
18-03 – 24-03 Volta a Ciclista a Catalunya
23-04 – 28-04 Tour de Romandie
04-05 – 26-05 Giro d’Italia
05-08 – 09-08 Vuelta a Burgos
17-08 – 08-09 Vuelta a Espana.
Gesink begins his last yr:
Storm Incoming for the INEOS Grenadiers
The INEOS Grenadiers are delighted to announce the signing of extremely proficient younger Danish rider Theodor Storm, on a three-year contract till the tip of 2026.
The 18-year-old, who hails from Roskilde, Denmark, joins an especially thrilling group on the Grenadiers and can step up from the junior ranks into the professional peloton in 2024.
Storm’s profession up to now has featured various successes, together with a gritty podium place on the Paris-Roubaix Juniors, and a formidable fifth as a key member of the profitable Danish junior group at this yr’s World Championships in Glasgow. Storm has gained 5 occasions in 2023, in addition to scoring various podium finishes.
The Dane, who describes himself as a punchy rider who climbs properly, will slot into the group’s ‘Ascent Programme’, which is concentrated on the event of the squad’s youthful riders – overseen by INEOS Grenadiers’ Efficiency Pathways Supervisor, Simon Watts.
Theodor Storm, mentioned: “That is the right group for me; its deal with the long run, and being utterly performance-led is right for me and vastly thrilling. This transfer may even enable me to deal with the upcoming Olympics with the Danish nationwide group, whereas nonetheless studying in regards to the sport on the highest degree as a Grenadier. I can’t wait to get to know all of the workers and riders, and get caught into the laborious work.”
“I do know the group has enormous ambitions for the long run and I’m eager to contribute nevertheless I can to assist obtain their objectives. The INEOS Grenadiers seems like the right match for me.”
John Allert, CEO, INEOS Grenadiers, mentioned: “Theodor’s a really thrilling younger expertise with monumental potential, who will add additional depth to the spectacular pool of expertise we have now constructed.
“There’s an growing development for younger riders to step up straight into the World Tour, nevertheless we’re acutely aware that these athletes additionally want the correct assist to develop and carry out to their potential. Our structured pathway method will give Theodor each useful resource and alternative to proceed on the spectacular trajectory he’s already established.
“We’re all trying ahead to attending to know and work with Theodor, and to constructing a vibrant and profitable future collectively. We’re delighted to welcome him to the INEOS Grenadiers.”
Uno-X Professional Biking Group turns into Uno-X Mobility
Uno-X Professional Biking Group is transitioning to Uno-X Mobility, bringing the group even nearer to our homeowners by sharing the identify. The mission of Uno-X Mobility is to advertise and develop options for sustainable mobility. Biking represents considered one of humanity’s biggest alternatives for a shift in the direction of a zero-emission future. Our group riders function biking ambassadors, and their most vital activity is to generate better consideration and enthusiasm for biking.
We’ll proceed to try for progress and growth. Our long-term philosophy, our identification, and the way by which we race stays unchanged.
Adopting the identify Uno-X Mobility displays our dedication to additional enhancing the promotion of sustainable mobility options throughout all our platforms, with biking at its very coronary heart.
New identify for Uno-X:
Gijs Van Hoecke Completes Intermarché-Wanty for 2024
Gijs Van Hoecke will deliver his expertise to group Intermarché-Wanty for not less than the following two seasons. The 32 yr outdated Belgian rider completes the World Group for 2024, by which he’ll begin his thirteenth season as an expert rider.
Fashioned on the observe, Gijs Van Hoecke turned madison world champion in Melbourne in 2012, on the age of twenty. In the identical yr he participated to the Olympic Video games in London.
The rider born in Ghent progressively turned his focus to highway biking, till stepping as much as the World Tour with LottoNL-Jumbo. As a part of the dash practice of Dylan Groenewegen, he launched his Dutch teammate virtually ten occasions to the victory.
As a classics specialist he participated in eighteen Monuments, amongst which a twenty first place in Paris-Roubaix 2016. He’s additionally very appreciated for his function as a loyal teammate, for instance alongside Olympic champion Greg Van Avermaet in Group CCC and AG2R-Citroën.
Gijs Van Hoecke: “I knew the functioning of the construction of Intermarche-Wanty due to my good contact with the riders and I knew it was the right surroundings for me. There’s an ideal stability between the continual seek for performance-oriented investments and sustaining a pleasant environment. I connect plenty of significance to those ideas. I’ve rather a lot to supply to this World Group and I’m very glad to obtain the chance to indicate it. It is a new step ahead in my profession. After my years with LottoNL-Jumbo, the place I raced alongside finishers as Dylan Groenewegen or Danny van Poppel, I’m very a lot trying ahead to play once more a job in a the lead out of proficient sprinters. I’m additionally happy to contribute to the classics group. I participated to the primary winter coaching camp of Intermarché-Wanty in December. I wish to change into a clean hyperlink of their chain as quickly as potential by buying the automatisms of their dash trains and organisation. From then on I can share my expertise with the younger skills. I wish to expertise as many unforgettable moments as potential with the Intermarché-Wanty household!”
Aike Visbeek (Efficiency Supervisor): “Gijs Van Hoecke has the profile we have been searching for to strengthen our group for 2024. He has a stable expertise within the classics and the dash trains and is also called a mannequin teammate. Together with his skilled method and his constructive and severe perspective, he’ll add worth and expertise to our group of younger skills. His arrival allows us to evenly unfold our experimented riders throughout our dash trains and parallel competitors programmes. The previous couple of months, we’ve been working laborious to succeed in an ideal stability between expertise and youth in our trains, and I’m delighted {that a} rider of Gijs Van Hoecke’s calibre will full our puzzle.”
AG2R Citroën Welcomes Banned Rider Again
The French WorldTour group AG2R Citroën has welcomed Frenchman Alex Baudin again into the group. The 22 year-old rider was sidelined by the group earlier this yr after his ends in the Giro d’Italia have been canceled as a result of discovery of the banned painkiller Tramadol. The ethics committee of the French group allowed Baudin again to the group.
On this yr’s Giro d’Italia, the UCI canceled all outcomes of Alex Baudin following a blood pattern that contained Tramadol. This drug has been on the blacklist since 2019, as a result of severe unwanted effects equivalent to dizziness and nausea that may trigger hazard within the peloton.
Baudin’s blood pattern turned out to be constructive after the seventeenth stage. As a result of Tramadol is not going to be banned by WADA till January 1, 2024, Baudin was not additional suspended. The group did put the 22-year-old apart. An inside investigation by an ethics committee has now determined that the Frenchman can return to the best degree.
Alex Baudin is grateful that he can pursue his ardour once more. “After a tough interval away from the group and my nice ardour, I’m trying ahead to working with my teammates once more within the coming yr. I’m going to place all my vitality into attaining good outcomes for the group,” mentioned Baudin.
Alex Baudin again:
Human Powered Well being Reveals 2024 Package
Up to date look options new sponsors and a contemporary tackle the group’s vibrant color gradient
Human Powered Well being is proud to disclose a placing new equipment for the 2024 racing season.
The brand new design blends parts of the final two annual designs for this system’s first yr as a standalone Ladies’s World Tour group.
The Circuit Sport-designed, Pactimo-made Flyte jersey, black Flyte bib shorts, and Flyte one-piece swimsuit will debut in competitors on the Santos Tour Down Underneath on January 12.
A side-by-side implementation of the Human Powered Well being mark anchors the chest above Thorne which steps right into a extra marquee placement for 2024. A bigger model of the Human Powered Well being brand is used on the again of the jersey, serving to followers select the athletes from an overhead shot. And in a brand new contact for 2024, a refined sample of “wavelengths” adorns the pockets.
We needed a full spectrum of color from each viewing angle.
Logos throughout the equipment obtain extra prominence. Companions Issue Bikes, Black Inc, Wahoo Health, Goodyear Bicycle Tires and Zwift function as “a part of the design”, in response to Chief Inventive Officer Sam Wiebe.
“Our artwork director Emily [Saint.Onge] and I’ve designed kits collectively for a very long time, and we have now developed a terrific course of collectively,” mentioned Wiebe. “This yr, the logos themselves being very ahead, feeling like a part of the design, was one thing we centered on. In addition to tweaking our trademark gradient to really feel extra vibrant and balanced.”
The wealthy, sweeping warm-to-cool color gradient, meant to signify Human Powered Well being’s Pillars of Efficiency, is maintained on the brand new equipment with some refined adjustments.
“We modified our hallmark gradient barely,” explains Saint.Onge. “We regarded on the equipment from completely different angles, particularly from the edges, which is a standard shot throughout TV broadcasts. We needed a full spectrum of color from each viewing angle. You’ll be able to see this on the left hip, and throughout the shoulders as properly, only a brighter and extra various combine of colors.”
First worn on the coaching camp on the Costa Brava, catch the equipment in motion on the first WorldTour race of the yr in Australia subsequent month.
TDU 2024: Group Begin Lists are Right here!
Three WorldTeams to Tour Colombia
The organisers of the Tour Colombia 2.1 may have three WorldTeams competing from February 6-11. Movistar, Astana Qazaqstan and EF Training-EasyPost have confirmed their participation within the South American stage race, which might be held for the primary time since 2020.
Astana Qazaqstan has already mentioned that Mark Cavendish and Harold Tejada will experience the Tour Colombia, whereas Movistar will rejoice Nairo Quintana’s comeback in his personal nation. Different collaborating riders aren’t but identified.
Two ProTeams may even be in South America: The Belgian Bingoal WB and Corratec-Selle Italia, additionally fairly a number of Continental groups are collaborating, together with Universe CT from the Netherlands. Antwan Tolhoek’s new Portuguese group, Sabgal Anicolor, has additionally registered for the Tour Colombia. Two nationwide choices from Brazil and Colombia full the beginning listing.
It was solely introduced comparatively late that the Tour Colombia 2.1 would happen in 2024, which made it tough for the organisers to draw extra large groups. Sergio Higuita was the final winner in 2020, Miguel Ángel López in 2019 and Egan Bernal, 2018.
The final winner of the Tour Colombia Sergio Higuita:
Felipe Nystrom: “I Discover it Unbelievable that Mathieu van der Poel Forgives Me”
Felipe Nystrom was inconsolable final Tuesday after the Gavere World Cup. The 40 year-old Costa Rican is a real cult hero in cyclo-cross due to his particular life story, however was very upset after he, unintentionally, bought in the best way of Mathieu van der Poel throughout the cross in Gavere.
Nystrom mentioned after the race: “I really feel horrible. It was 1,000% my fault what occurred there. Mathieu needed to push me, it ought to have been even more durable. I used to be in the best way and I really feel actually dangerous about it. I’m involved that Mathieu could obtain hate mail. I want I may look Mathieu within the eye and say how sorry I’m,” he instructed Sporza.
The Costa Rican even introduced his retirement after the incident, however Mathieu van der Poel spoke up for Nystrom. “I do know Felipe Nystrom’s story and have sympathy for him,” the World champion mentioned to Sporza. “I wasn’t mad at him both. Felipe has made an error in judgment and that may occur. Everybody makes a mistake typically. He ought to definitely not quit his dream for that. I hope he stays right here and continues to finish his deliberate program.”
That Van der Poel is supporting him clearly means rather a lot to Nystrom. “I discover it unbelievable that Mathieu Van der Poel forgives me. Wonderful,” he mentioned to Het Nieuwsblad. “Above all, it proves what a pleasant individual the World champion is. After the cross I attempted to apologise to him. In useless. Though I nonetheless hope to apologise to him personally.”
“I assume there are different folks mad at me. Or deeply disenchanted. I’ve made numerous errors in my life. Gavere was one other large one. Though I do know higher than anybody that it doesn’t matter what number of errors you make in life. The trick is to rise up many times after a low level.”
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