The previous dopers by no means go away: Jérôme Pineau has a go at Lance Armstrong and Bjarne Riis leaves biking – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Tadej Pogačar’s race program, Neilson Powless not pondering of the Tour de France total, Alaphilippe to start out the 12 months in Tour Down Underneath, Sam Bennett desires ten victories in 2024, Rémi Cavagna will concentrate on the Classics in 2024, Uno-X extends Anouska Koster’s contract, Pavel Sivakov on his job with UAE Crew Emirates, Maciej Bodnar retires at 38, Q36.5 Professional Biking Crew indicators David de la Cruz, Matteo Spreafico again after his doping ban, Joe Dombrowski hasn’t given up searching for a brand new workforce and one other 12 months with Flanders-Baloise for Kamiel Bonneu.
Crew information: New administration at INEOS Grenadiers, Arkéa-B&B Inns new package, three riders injured in accident with drunk driver and Man Sagiv and Itamar Einhorn prolong with Israel – Premier Tech.
Race information: Tour of the Gila publicizes date of the thirty seventh Version and introduces new race director, Volta ao Algarve 2024 route, 2024 Tour of Colombia levels, ten skilled groups firstly of a brand new race in New York and Scarpetta Rossa can be charity accomplice of the Giro d’Italia Ladies, Giro d’Italia and Giro Subsequent Gen.
A great deal of EUROTRASH to get via.
TOP STORY: Jérôme Pineau Has his Say on Lance Armstrong
Former bicycle owner Jérôme Pineau has lashed out at Lance Armstrong within the podcast Les Grand Gueules du Sport. Sure statements made by the American didn’t go down properly with Pineau. “He was a a lot greater cheater,” mentioned the Frenchman.
Armstrong just lately introduced within the media that he, Jan Ullrich and Marco Pantani have been handled in a different way as cyclists, whereas different doping customers have been in a position to proceed racing. “It’s initially a present,” Pineau ranted. “That is what Armstrong all the time did. He was a a lot greater cheater. He even managed to get the boss of the UCI round his finger. Throughout his profession he behaved like a tyrant inside his workforce and was unbearable within the peloton. He was additionally above all legal guidelines. He was the strongest then as a result of he cheated extra typically. He merely purchased the system. He’s the largest bandit within the historical past of biking. He has corrupted whole generations, together with myself,” the now 43 year-old Pineau didn’t maintain again.
“Armstrong had the entire political and sporting system behind him, however not everybody was like him. I wasn’t like Armstrong and neither have been quite a lot of riders within the peloton. I can’t hearken to him speaking like that. He’s been dishonest all his life.”
It’s not the primary time that Pineau has been within the information with robust statements. The previous rider of Bouygues Telecom and Fast-Step, accused Jumbo-Visma of mechanical doping over the last Vuelta a España. “We see the photographs… I’m not speaking about doping, however about one thing a lot worse. Mechanical doping? Sure, mechanical. In the event you have a look at Sepp Kuss’ assault on the Col du Tourmalet… How are you going to clarify that?”
Armstrong and Riis:
Bjarne Riis Leaves Biking: “A Closed Chapter”
Bjarne Riis has not been too concerned in biking in recent times, however now he says he is not going to return as workforce supervisor or in some other place. “I’ve thought loads about my future in recent times and I’ve come to the purpose that biking is a closed chapter.”
The winner of the 1996 Tour de France is now busy along with his two new companies. Riis, who not lives in Switzerland however has returned to Denmark, is co-founder of the corporate Riis Power. This firm sells warmth pumps imported from Lithuania. He has additionally turned a board member of Nørtec, an organization answerable for the sale of washing gear and charging stations for electrical automobiles. “A biking workforce is just not a lot completely different from an organization. Each locations are about folks. It’s important to arrange a very good organisation as a way to perform and carry out,” he mentioned on the Riis Power web site.
Riis is not going to return to biking sooner or later. The now 59 year-old Dane first made a reputation for himself as a rider within the Nineteen Eighties and Nineteen Nineties. He skilled his greatest years with Gewiss-Ballan and Crew Telekom, along with his total victory within the 1996 Tour de France because the spotlight. Riis additionally received the Amstel Gold Race in 1997 and was third within the Tour de France in 1995, the 12 months earlier than his Tour victory.
Riis had his successes as a rider, however everyone knows the again story. Though he was by no means caught doping throughout his profession, he was steadily accused of utilizing it. Eleven years after his Tour victory, he put an finish to the doubts and admitted that he had received the Tour with the assistance of doping. By that time, Riis had already turn into one of the crucial profitable workforce managers. After his using profession, he first turned sports activities director and later workforce supervisor of the Danish CSC workforce, which later turned Saxo Financial institution and finally Tinkoff. The workforce had many successes underneath his management, however Riis was additionally related to doping throughout his profession as workforce boss. Throughout that interval, riders Tyler Hamilton, Jörg Jaksche and Michael Rasmussen accused Riis of being conscious of doping use and inspiring riders to take action, one thing the Dane has all the time denied.
After his interval at CSC/Tinkoff-Saxo, he was related to Virtu Biking and eventually NTT Professional Biking for some time, however Riis determined to resign from his place as workforce supervisor of the final workforce on the finish of 2020 and hasn’t labored in biking since.
Riis completed with biking:
Tadej Pogačar Will Trip Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico in 2024
Tadej Pogačar will trip a barely completely different spring program than final season. The chief of UAE Crew Emirates most popular Paris-Good final 12 months, the place he received three levels and the ultimate classification, however in 2024 he’ll go for the mix of Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico, based on La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Italian journalist, Ciro Scognamiglio, writes that sources report a sequence of Italian spring races for Pogačar. This could imply that after Strade Bianche, which he received in 2022, the Slovenian would trip Tirreno-Adriatico, which he received in 2021 and 2022, and Milan-San Remo.
Of these three races, Pogačar has by no means received in Sanremo. Final season he completed fourth in Sanremo and fifth the 12 months earlier than. In 2020, he was twelfth on his debut within the first Monumental of the 12 months. UAE Crew Emirates and Pogačar haven’t but formally launched something about his program for 2024. It’s rumoured that Pogačar has two Portuguese races deliberate for February, earlier than he heads to Italy.
Tadej Pogačar’s Race Program:
10-02 Figueira Champions Basic
18-02 Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta
02-03 Strade Bianche
04-03 – 10-03 Tirreno-Adriatico
16-03 Milano-Sanremo
29-06 – 21-07 Tour de France
Strade Bianche once more for Pogačar:
Neilson Powless Doesn’t Suppose the Total is Attainable within the Tour
Neilson Powless has been making a reputation for himself as a stage winner, Classics rider and man for the shorter stage races, however the American isn’t occupied with the general within the french Grand Tour “A classification within the Tour might be too excessive, however the Giro or Vuelta… Which may be a unique story,” he mentioned to Velo.
Powless completed twelfth within the Tour de France final 12 months. “I feel I’ll have extra success as a stage winner. Using a very good rating within the Tour is one thing for specialists. There are solely three or 4 riders able to taking a shot at total victory. I don’t depend myself amongst these three or 4 riders.”
“It’s troublesome to say now whether or not I’m able to using a very good classification in a Grand Tour. I in all probability received’t strive it within the Tour, given the opposition and my bodily capabilities, however the Giro or Vuelta… That may be a unique story. Perhaps sometime, in the future.”
However that’s now largely sooner or later. Subsequent season, Powless will primarily concentrate on the spring Classics and shorter stage races. “Proper now the emphasis is on the spring classics, on monuments, on competitions that I can actually win. However I do strive new issues yearly,” concludes the American.
Powless had a profitable 2023. The all-rounder began the season with victories within the GP La Marseillaise and the Étoile de Bessèges. He additionally completed third within the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var, sixth in Paris-Good, seventh in Milano-Sanremo, third in Dwars door Vlaanderen, fifth within the Tour of Flanders and fourth within the Clásica San Sebastián.
Neilson Powless for stage wins and Classics:
Alaphilippe to Begin the 12 months in Tour Down Underneath
Soudal Fast-Step’s rider will get his eleventh professional season underway in simply six weeks
Two-time World Champion Julian Alaphilippe will make his first look of 2024 in January, at an important race of Australia, the Tour Down Underneath, which can happen between 16-21 January. The one Frenchman in historical past to have received back-to-back rainbow jerseys on the street, the 31 year-old Alaphilippe has beforehand raced the Tour Down Underneath as soon as, again in 2014, in his first professional season with the workforce.
The twenty fourth version of the occasion the place Soudal Fast-Step has received the final classification as soon as and a complete of six levels can be preceded by the Down Underneath Basic. Three days later, the peloton will embark on an 800km journey – which is ready to function the well-known Willunga Hill end – from Tanunda to Mount Lofty, the place the race will finally conclude.
“I’m very blissful to start out my season within the Tour Down Underneath. I bear in mind doing my first race with the workforce there ten years in the past, after I was only a neo-pro. I’ve many good reminiscences concerning the race, the unbelievable followers and the good climate, and I stay up for returning firstly and assembly once more our many supporters there”, mentioned Julian, whose final look in Australia got here in 2022, on the World Championships.
Season No.11 for Alaphilippe:
Sam Bennett Desires Ten Victories in 2024 – One within the Tour
Sam Bennett is shifting from BORA-hansgrohe (once more) to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale for the 2024 season. The Irishman hopes to be again to his former profitable methods after a number of lower than good seasons. “Ten victories, together with one within the Tour de France,” are his targets in 2024, he informed GCN.
“Yearly my minimal purpose is ten wins,” mentioned Bennett. “I haven’t achieved that in recent times, however it stays the purpose. I want to begin early with a win in a French race, however I feel I want slightly extra time to prepare for the season. I want an enormous base earlier than I can begin racing. As a result of should you fall behind, it’s so troublesome to meet up with the remaining.”
Bennett returned to BORA-hansgrohe in 2022, after two years with Deceuninck Fast-Step. His second interval with the German workforce was not successful. Now the 33 year-old sprinter looks like he has to make up for one thing. “When my greatest years have been about to return, issues went mistaken. I misplaced these years. I now must show to myself, and to others, that I nonetheless have it in me. I don’t need to be seen as a kind of sprinters who left Fast-Step after which couldn’t win anymore. I do know I’m not. There’s nonetheless loads to get out of my profession and I’m not happy but.”
Lots will change for Bennett with Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, he has misplaced dash prepare, might he not participate his lead-out to the French workforce? “I don’t suppose so. They have been a few of my greatest mates, so it could have been simpler to combine into the workforce. However after I spoke to the workforce, the funds had already been set and the schedule was nearly full. We tried, however it wasn’t an choice.”
Bennett has confidence in his new workforce at Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. “I feel I’ll have Oliver Naesen with me and he can be nice. There are nonetheless some guys, however we nonetheless must see who desires to do what, who’s motivated and who has the potential. We’ve got a robust workforce that may get me shut sufficient to the end line to attempt to win.”
Sam Bennett desires victories in 2024:
Rémi Cavagna Will Give attention to the Classics in 2024
Rémi Cavagna will race for Movistar in 2024. The 28 year-old French rider is aware of his program for the primary months of 2024. His first race of the 12 months would be the Volta ao Algarve (14-18 February).
He defined his program to the French newspaper La Montagne. After his debut in Portugal, Cavagna heads to the Center East for the UAE Tour (19-25 February), he’ll then begin in Paris-Good (March 3-10), adopted by the Volta a Catalunya (March 18-24). Cavagna will put together for the spring Classics in these stage races.
For Cavagna, the 2024 spring can be all concerning the Cobbled classics. “Paris-Roubaix can be a nice discovery. It’s a course that pulls me. I want to get to the beginning with none stress, to see what I can do. It’s been a very long time since I rode on cobblestones.”
Cavagna is specializing in the Tour of Flanders (March 31) and Paris-Roubaix (April 7). “However I want to contest one or two semi-Classics within the run-up to those occasions. It’s good to get a really feel for the cobblestones once more in a barely much less necessary race, akin to Gent-Wevelgem,” he believes.
After Paris-Roubaix there can be a brief relaxation and coaching interval, after which Cavagna hopes to work in the direction of the Tour de France (June 29-July 21). He’ll do that through the Tour de Romandie (23-28 April) and the Critérium du Dauphiné (2-9 June).
Cobbles for Cavagna:
Uno-X Extends Anouska Koster’s Contract to the Finish of 2026
Anouska Koster will stick with Uno-X for at the least three years. She had a contract till the top of 2024, however that contract has been damaged and prolonged till the top of 2026. The Norwegian workforce introduced this on social media.
For Koster, 2023 was her first season at Uno-X. The 30-year-old rider beforehand rode for Rabobank-Liv, Parkhotel Valkenburg and Jumbo-Visma. Her final victory dates again to 2019, when she received a stage within the Tour Cycliste Féminin Worldwide de l’Ardèche. In 2016 she surprisingly turned Dutch street champion in Zeeland.
Final season, Koster completed sixth within the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, third within the Ceratizit Pageant Elsy Jacobs and fourth within the Dutch time trial championship. She additionally completed third within the third stage of the Tour de France Femmes, received by Yara Kastelijn. She then wore the polka dot jersey for in the future.
Anouska Koster with Uno-X until 2026:
Pavel Sivakov and His Job at UAE Crew Emirates
Pavel Sivakov has raced for INEOS Grenadiers since he turned skilled in 2018, however the 26 year-old Frenchman can be with UAE Crew Emirates subsequent 12 months. In his new workforce he can be working for Tadej Pogačar, however Sivakov has private ambitions.
In The Biking Podcast, Sivakov seemed forward to the brand new season, with a brand new and completely different workforce. He’ll race loads subsequent 12 months with the workforce chief, Tadej Pogačar. “He’s the person in each race he begins. I’ll help him if I begin with him, I’m wanting ahead to that too, however I additionally get my probabilities. We’ve already talked about that. I’ll in all probability be allowed to trip alone behalf in races such because the Tour of Valencia and Paris-Good. I might have claimed absolute management with different groups, however the stage at UAE Crew Emirates may be very excessive. Everybody will get their probability right here,” mentioned Sivakov.
On The podcast, he additionally talked about his private life. Sivakov had Russian nationality, however determined to change to French citizenship in 2022. Sivakov grew up in France as a baby, however each his dad and mom are Russian. “I’ve by no means felt completely different in France. I built-in properly and felt the identical as the opposite youngsters. We solely spoke Russian at residence.”
After Russian athletes have been banned from worldwide occasions, Sivakov switched nationalities. “Not a lot modified for myself. I haven’t modified as an individual and folks nonetheless have a look at me the identical manner. I appreciated that. It’s not about your nationality. On paper I’m now French, however that’s really how I all the time felt.”
Pavel Sivakov wanting ahead to 2024 with UAE:
Chris Froome Plans to Open a Biking Academy in Kenya
Chris Froome has a contract with Israel-Premier Tech for the following two seasons, however the four-time Tour winner can be occupied with his life after biking. The Kenyan born Briton plans to open his personal biking academy in Kenya, he mentioned on the Geraint Thomas Biking Membership Podcast.
Froome holds a British passport, however was born 38 years in the past in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Froome spent the primary years of his life within the African nation and nonetheless has a particular bond with Kenya. He want to contribute to the event of African biking expertise, so he desires to open a biking academy.
“I’ve been taking part in with the concept of organising an academy for a while and I feel that now – on the finish of my profession – is the best time to start out it up. The thought is to arrange a Chris Froome Biking Academy in Kenya, on the flanks of Mount Kenya at an altitude of two,000 metres.”
Kenyans are dominant in terms of center and lengthy distance working, however there may be not a lot biking tradition. “It was not potential for promising Kenyan athletes to acquire bicycles for a very long time. There’s hardly any racing occurring in Kenya for the time being. Biking clothes is just not on the market and there are not any coaching amenities. There’s merely no construction in any respect,” Froome acknowledged.
However the winner of the Tour de France in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017 desires to vary that with its personal biking academy. Froome is actually not the primary to provide you with such an concept. INEOS Grenadiers, Froome’s former workforce, can even arrange a biking academy in Kenya. The British workforce is working with Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge.
The biking academy can be in-built Kaptagat, the place Kipchoge’s athletics academy can be situated. After which there’s a challenge referred to as Crew Amani. The driving drive behind the initiative is Mikel Delagrange. With Crew Amani he desires to supply Africans a stage to showcase their skills, creating alternatives in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
Froome welcomes such initiatives. “I actually suppose that inside ten to fifteen years we could have a breakthrough from East Africa, akin to that in Colombia. Many East African riders will break via on the highest stage of biking, I’m completely satisfied of that.”
Chris Froome again to his African roots:
Maciej Bodnar Retires at 38
Maciej Bodnar has ridden his final race as an expert bicycle owner. The Pole has determined to finish his profession on the age of 38. Bodnar can look again on an expert profession spanning nearly seventeen years.
In a farewell submit on X (Twitter), Bodnar seemed again on his biking profession: “Biking is a superb sport. It has given me loads. It gave me the chance to satisfy improbable folks and see one thing of the world. Biking additionally taught me how a lot I can get out of life. However biking additionally has a darkish facet. Few sports activities demand a lot from an athlete. Biking is predicated on sacrifice.”
Bodnar began his profession in 2007 with Liquigas and raced with them for simply over seven seasons. In these years he was a part of the profitable Giro workforce in 2010 and Tour workforce of 2014. He rode with Liquigas primarily as a domestique for leaders Vincenzo Nibali, Ivan Basso and Peter Sagan, with whom he moved to Tinkoff-Saxo, BORA-hansgrohe and TotalEnergies.
The Pole’s profession was primarily using for others. “I’ve remained a servant, a gregario, all through my profession. I’m lucky to have ridden with and for the perfect riders. Alberto Contador, Ivan Basso and Vincenzo Nibali, however particularly Peter Sagan. However not simply them. The workforce doesn’t solely consist of huge names. I helped all of the riders as in the event that they have been World champions.”
“I’m extraordinarily proud to have been a part of the Polish workforce that received the World championship in Ponferrada with Michal Kwiatkowski. And from the workforce that managed to take bronze within the Olympic street race in Rio de Janeiro, because of Rafal Majka. Because of everybody and the followers for the help. Lastly, I need to give particular because of my household, on whom I might all the time depend. They have been there in good occasions and unhealthy. Now’s the time for them.”
Over the seventeen years, Bodnar did have twelve skilled victories. He achieved essentially the most victories towards the clock. He was Polish time trial champion eight occasions, however his best triumph was in 2017. That 12 months he received the twentieth stage of the Tour de France, a time trial of twenty-two.5 kilometres, that began and completed within the Stade Vélodrome Marseille.
Maciej Bodnar – Tour stage winner 2017:
Q36.5 Professional Biking Crew Welcomes David de la Cruz
Q36.5 Professional Biking Crew is delighted to announce the signing of David de la Cruz for the 2024 season. With a powerful 11-year profession within the skilled peloton, the 34-year-old Spaniard brings a wealth of expertise and a monitor document of notable achievements.
To this point, De la Cruz has clinched 5 stage victories in prestigious races, together with two wins at Paris-Good and one stage on the Vuelta a España. He boasts 17 Grand Tour appearances in his palmarès, having completed thrice in seventh place on the Vuelta a España Common Classification.
After a season marred by premature crashes and well being setbacks, De La Cruz is raring to return to his peak aggressive stage and goal necessary targets in Q36.5 Professional Biking Crew colors.
“To be sincere, the choice to signal for Q36.5 Professional Biking workforce got here from the center. It was the choice that felt proper and gave me the perfect feeling of pleasure and expectation. The prospect of getting the chance to struggle once more for the win in nice races and to attain good outcomes gave me butterflies. After my talks with Douglas Ryder and Alex Sans Vega, I felt this was the best challenge and the best resolution for this subsequent part in my profession. All the pieces fell into place, and I’m actually proud of my resolution,” mentioned De La Cruz.
An thrilling stage race expertise, De la Cruz is eager on bringing depth to the workforce’s ambitions for the 2024 season, significantly in stage races that require consistency throughout diversified terrain. Embracing the ethos of the workforce, the Spaniard acknowledges the stimulating surroundings that awaits him, backed by stellar sponsors and high-caliber gear. Assured in his potential to contribute invaluable expertise, he’s dedicated to propelling Q36.5 Professional Biking Crew to new heights.
“It is a workforce that actually motivates me, and I do know I’ll get many alternatives. It’s backed by some wonderful sponsors and has high-level gear, so I do know it’s the best surroundings for me to carry out higher than I did within the final couple of seasons. I’ve raced for among the greatest professional groups on the planet and suppose I can convey a substantial amount of expertise to Q36.5 Professional Biking Crew. I’m dedicated to working laborious to assist the workforce take a step up. Furthermore, I’m tremendous motivated to tackle a unique race schedule and discover some new races,” concluded the 34-year-old.
As a Spanish bicycle owner, it’s no shock that De La Cruz has achieved distinctive outcomes on residence turf past the Vuelta a España, specifically stage wins at Vuelta al País Vasco and Vuelta a Andalucia. In Vuelta a Burgos, he additionally left his mark, ending twice on the GC podium.
“David has raced for the final 9 years on among the greatest WorldTour biking groups and has a wealth of expertise with 17 Grand Excursions behind him. He’s a rider we’ve got adopted since his first professional workforce contract and to get the chance to convey him into the Q36.5 Professional Biking Crew subsequent season is an actual win. His climbing prowess and stage race consistency make him a robust reinforcement within the bodily demanding races we’ll expertise. We’re excited to see him profitable once more and supporting our workforce within the season forward,” mentioned Doug Ryder, Common Supervisor at Q36.5 Professional Biking Crew.
De La Cruz joins the ranks of different stellar signings for 2024, specifically Giacomo Nizzolo, Frederik Frison, Rory Townsend, Xabier Mikel Azparren, Jannik Steimle, James Whelan and Alessandro Fancellu.
David de la Cruz to Q36.5:
Doper Matteo Spreafico Returns to the Peloton
Matteo Spreafico can be again racing subsequent 12 months. The now 30 year-old Italian was retroactively suspended for 3 years in Could 2021 for doping, however has a brand new workforce for his return.
Spreafico will compete in 2024 for Mg.Ok Vis-Colours for Peace, a number of well-known riders have ridden with this Continental workforce prior to now: Christian Scaroni, Attilio Viviani, Filippo Zana, Leonardo Bonifazio and Paul Double.
With Mg.Ok Vis-Colours for Peace, Spreafico will get a chance to revive his profession. The Italian was constructive in checks taken on October 15 and 16, the twelfth and thirteenth levels of the GIRO d’Italia. The drug concerned was enobosarm, also called ostarine, a drug that has the identical impact as anabolic steroids. The UCI suspended him for 3 years. That suspension got here into impact on October 22, 2020 and expired on October 21 this 12 months.
The UCI canceled Spreafico’s outcomes from the 2020 Giro, he was allowed to maintain his stage and total victory within the 2018 Tour of Venezuela, his solely skilled successes.
Matteo Spreafico again after his doping ban:
Dombrowski has Not Given up In search of a New Crew
It’s December and Joe Dombrowski nonetheless doesn’t have a workforce for 2024, however the 32 year-old American has not but given up hope. “I’m nonetheless motivated and may nonetheless carry out at a excessive stage,” he mentioned to Cyclingnews.
Dombrowski continues to be optimistic about his future, regardless that most groups are already full for subsequent season. He has raced with Astana Qazaqstan for the previous two seasons, however didn’t get an extension to his contract and has needed to search for a brand new workforce. Dombrowski’s search has not provide you with something to this point. “I do know my choices are restricted now, this late within the 12 months. However I feel I can nonetheless present one thing in stage races and Grand Excursions. I nonetheless love racing and am motivated to increase my profession even additional. I feel I can nonetheless carry out at a excessive stage.”
“The previous season was actually not nice, for a number of causes, however my values are nonetheless good and I’ve actually not compromised in that regard. I feel I can nonetheless chase a stage win in a Grand Tour, assist a pacesetter trip a classification and act as a sort of mentor for the youthful riders inside a workforce.”
Dombrowski turned professional 10 years in the past with good outcomes behind him, he received the U23 Giro d’Italia in 2012, and has realized loads in all his skilled years. “After I look again on the time after I was nonetheless a neo-pro… I now realise how a lot I didn’t learn about biking on the time. Now I’ve that have, and I want to share it with younger riders.”
Joe Dombrowski nonetheless wanting:
One other 12 months with Flanders-Baloise for Kamiel Bonneu
Kamiel Bonneu will stick with Crew Flanders-Baloise in 2024. The 24 year-old climber has prolonged his contract with Walter Planckaert’s workforce for one 12 months, he confirmed to WielerFlits.
Bonneu turned skilled in 2022. The Limburger was often known as a climber, however had little expertise at the moment. “I by no means rode overseas as a youth, which can have been detrimental to my growth. It wasn’t till my final 12 months that I bought the prospect to do extra stage races after which I felt: ‘The extra uphill, the higher’. Throughout that interval I additionally made the clicking to start out coaching critically accurately,” he mentioned on the time.
In his first skilled 12 months, Bonneu took stage victories within the Sazka Tour and the Tour of Britain. 2023 was a lot the identical with none enchancment.
A 12 months extra for Kamiel Bonneu:
INEOS Grenadiers have Introduced a Variety of Modifications and New Appointments forward of the Begin of the 2024 Season
The workforce is at the moment in Mallorca, Spain, attending its annual pre-season coaching camp with all workers, riders and companions and has confirmed plenty of new appointments to strengthen the workforce forward of the 2024 season.
John Allert has been appointed the workforce’s Chief Govt Officer (CEO) with fast impact. Allert has labored with the workforce since 2022, most just lately as Managing Director. He could have accountability for the day-to-day working of the INEOS Grenadiers, reporting to Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc at INEOS Sport.
“It’s a privilege to guide this workforce going ahead. I’m humbled by the expertise of our rider group, my team-mates, the calibre of our companions, and the chance to work laborious collectively and write a brand new chapter of success for the INEOS Grenadiers. This workforce has created an unbelievable and profitable legacy, however our ambitions for the long run are better than ever. The strengthening of our efficiency workforce is completely aligned with these ambitions.”
Along with Allert’s appointment, the workforce’s efficiency workforce can be bolstered by the appointment of Dr. Scott Drawer as Efficiency Director. Drawer, who has beforehand labored for the workforce, has a breadth of expertise throughout elite sporting organisations together with England Rugby and UK Sport in addition to time with Crew GB, the place he led analysis and innovation throughout 5 Olympic cycles.
Drawer’s most up-to-date place was Head of Sport on the internationally famend Millfield College, which has produced a whole bunch of Olympians {and professional} athletes: “When the chance got here to return to this workforce, I jumped on the probability. The INEOS Grenadiers are getting into an thrilling part, they’ve some huge targets for the long run and I can’t wait to be part of it. It is a performance-led workforce with innovation at its coronary heart, and I’m wanting ahead to working with a gaggle that’s so targeted on excellence and competing to win.”
Two different adjustments inside the efficiency group see the appointment of Steve Cummings because the Director of Racing and the addition of Imanol Erviti as a Sport Director (DS).
Following Steve’s profitable profession on the bike, he joined the workforce as a Sport Director and led the workforce on the final two editions of the Tour de France. Cummings mentioned: “The main target, purpose and imaginative and prescient of the workforce may be very clear and I’m proud to guide us into battle on the world’s greatest races. We’re completely focussed on getting again to the highest step of the rostrum. We’ve got a powerful depth of expertise mixed with an thrilling mixture of younger proficient riders on this workforce, all complemented by a world class group of workers. We’ll give completely every little thing to attain our targets and I can’t wait to start out the brand new season.”
Imanol Erviti just lately introduced that he’d be retiring on the finish of 2023 following a unprecedented 19-season profession as an expert together with a staggering 56 Monument appearances and 29 Grand Tour begins. He can be becoming a member of the INEOS Grenadiers as a Sport Director from 1 January, 2024.
“Since retiring as an expert bicycle owner every little thing has occurred fairly rapidly. The chance to work with the INEOS Grenadiers got here alongside on the good time, and it was a brand new problem that I couldn’t refuse.” Erviti mentioned.
“I already know fairly lots of people working within the Crew and had already been informed concerning the tradition and surroundings across the Grenadiers, in addition to its ambition and the workers’s dedication and dedication. After being right here in Mallorca for a number of days I can see it for myself. It’s going to be a job that can push me out of my consolation zone – a unique job from being an expert rider, a brand new workforce from what I’ve been accustomed to and a brand new language to work in. However I really feel that there’s no higher place to study than in a workforce just like the INEOS Grenadiers. Their ethos is based in rigour and the need to repeatedly enhance via innovation. That’s a mentality that I discover engaging and I’m excited to see the place we’ll go in 2024.”
Director of Sport, Dr Scott Drawer on the Tokyo Olympics:
Arkéa-B&B Inns has Breton Roots for his or her New Equipment
Arkéa-B&B Inns, the brand new Arkéa-Samsic workforce, has introduced their new package. The workforce of Arnaud Démare, amongst others, will proceed to put on pink subsequent 12 months, however will a unique design.
“You all know our historical past linked to the Breton territory,” mentioned Emmanuel Hubert, normal supervisor of Arkéa-Samsic, on the workforce web site. “That’s the reason our 2024 shirt is designed across the theme “EXCALIBUR”, the legendary Breton sword.”
“The classic outfit ‘breathes’ our origins and our soil. The motifs on the shirt mix biking references and Celtic historical past. Collectively they’ll embody the Breton spirit, which can be the hallmark of Arkéa-B&B Inns and will be summarised as follows: daring.”
Arkéa-B&B Inns new package:
Three Riders Injured in Accident with Drunk Driver
Dangerous information for the continental Austrian biking workforce Felbermayr-Simplon Wels. Three unnamed riders from the workforce have been concerned in a severe visitors accident in Croatia.
A drunk Croatian driver hit the riders whereas they have been on their approach to a coaching camp in Zadar. Crew Felbermayr-Simplon Wels made the announcement on its web site. “A motorist from Croatia, underneath the heavy affect of alcohol, hit a station wagon containing three of our athletes at extraordinarily excessive pace. This occurred six kilometres outdoors Zadar.”
“At one level, a automotive containing three of our riders stopped at a pink mild, after which an approaching van rammed into our automotive at full pace. In keeping with eyewitnesses, the van was touring at about 100 kilometres per hour. Our cyclists have been critically injured and have been instantly taken to hospital.” It’s not identified which riders from the workforce are concerned.
“The Croatian driver of the van had a blood alcohol stage of greater than 2 per mille and was instantly arrested by the police,” the workforce additionally added. “We’re all in full shock and hope the accidents usually are not too severe. It is a huge blow for our workforce.”
The Felbermayer-Simplon Wels workforce:
Man Sagiv and Itamar Einhorn Full Israel – Premier Tech’s 2024 Roster
The 2024 season is across the nook and Israel – Premier Tech is happy to announce one-year contract extensions for Israeli riders Man Sagiv and Itamar Einhorn, who full the workforce’s 30-rider roster.
Sagiv is ready to line up for his tenth season with IPT, having joined the workforce from the very starting, which represents a big achievement for the 28-year-old.
“I’m going to start out my tenth season as a rider. Actually, the workforce and I are celebrating our tenth season collectively which is fairly loopy. It was wonderful to expertise the workforce’s journey from the within, from one of many smaller Continental groups to one of many huge WorldTour groups. This progress felt sluggish at occasions, however the workforce made a sequence of great leaps and continues to be making them 12 months after 12 months. Being a part of this entire course of has been very fulfilling and satisfying, and I’m nonetheless stuffed with motivation to proceed for extra years. My purpose in 2024 is to be extra constant. There have been a number of races in recent times the place I performed a big position within the workforce’s glorious outcomes, and I aspire to be there extra typically all year long,” says Sagiv.
Israeli street race champion Itamar Einhorn is trying to construct on a strong 2023, which included a robust dash win on stage one of many Czech Tour, along with his sights set on success with the workforce and representing Israel on the Olympic Video games.
“The 2023 season was not unhealthy in any respect. I managed to earn a big variety of factors for the workforce, I bought my second stage race victory, and I labored laborious. I hope to proceed contributing subsequent season in every little thing that can be requested of me, whether or not or not it’s within the sprints or scoring factors. I’ve loads to present and loads to point out and I imagine I haven’t but reached my full potential, my full potential, and energy, and I’m assured that I can show that. I nonetheless need to obtain the powerful job of profitable a Belgian race, and I hope to have this chance, whereas my sights are additionally set on the Olympic Video games in Paris. I labored laborious this 12 months to earn sufficient factors to make that occur and I really feel that I should be the rider who represents Israel with honour,” provides Einhorn.
IPT proprietor Sylvan Adams acknowledges the impression the duo’s achievements have had on the workforce and Israeli biking over time, in what’s a testomony to the workforce’s success in growing Israeli cyclists.
“As anticipated, Man and Itamar are returning to IPT subsequent 12 months. Man is our authentic Israeli, and has accomplished many firsts for Israel and for the workforce. This consists of being the primary Israeli rider to finish a Grand Tour, the Giro d’Italia in 2018. Man was additionally the primary Israeli male rider to race within the biking world championships. Itamar can be a proficient rider, and the primary Israeli to win a UCI skilled race when he out-sprinted Peter Sagan at Sagan’s residence race, the Tour of Slovakia, in 2021. Each are glorious examples of the event of Israeli biking, and validation of our efforts on this space. Welcome again, guys. See you at our upcoming camp.”
The importance of racing on an Israeli workforce is just not misplaced on Sagiv and Einhorn, each of whom acknowledge the accountability they’ve in representing their nation.
“I feel that the upcoming season can be extra vital as an Israeli rider in an Israeli workforce,” says Sagiv.“Displaying the folks of Israel and the remainder of the world that Israel could make headlines in sports activities and in a constructive manner. I even really feel that will probably be a sort of mission and my reserve obligation. I hope and imagine that the opposite riders on the workforce, and the Israeli riders particularly, will really feel the identical. We’ll do our greatest to proceed to concentrate on sport and signify the workforce, ourselves, and the nation with honour.”
Einhorn mirrors Sagiv’s phrases, highlighting his motivation to signify Israel on the world biking stage.
“The warfare began after I was in China after I had clear targets. However then every little thing, together with the races, turned so irrelevant. I used to be torn between so many elements that haunted me, whether or not I ought to cease racing right now, and my concern for my nation and my household. However now all of those elements are pushing me ahead with dedication to race efficiently and signify my nation with quite a lot of satisfaction. I hope that my nation will overcome these darkish moments and the workforce and myself will be capable of attain new heights and signify Israel proudly.”
Sagiv and Einhorn’s contract extensions convey IPT’s roster to 30 riders for the upcoming season, with the workforce welcoming a number of new riders in Ethan Vernon, Jake Stewart, George Bennett, Pascal Ackermann, and Michael Schwarzmann. Hugo Hofstetter returns after a two-year hiatus, and stagiaire Riley Sheehan will flip professional alongside IPT Academy graduates Riley Pickrell, Nadav Raisberg, and Oded Kogut.
The outcome is among the strongest and most versatile rosters IPT has fielded within the workforce’s 10-year historical past says IPT Common Supervisor Kjell Carlström.
“Our rider roster for the 2024 season is full and we’ve got been ready so as to add some nice expertise to the workforce. We’ve got strengthened our dash squad in addition to our classics group with younger and upcoming riders who could have some thrilling alternatives, and as a workforce, I imagine we will use our versatility to be up there in each sort of race. We’re excited to convey the group collectively for the primary time subsequent week at our pre-season camp and hit the bottom working on the Tour Down Underneath.”
“I imagine that the 2024 version of Israel – Premier Tech can be our greatest within the 10-year historical past of the workforce,” provides Adams. “This may permit us to construct from our profitable 2023 marketing campaign. We’ve shored up some weak areas with new signings, and seen the event of a few of our younger recruits. I feel we’ll shock some followers of the game subsequent 12 months, and may’t wait to get began. Y’alla IPT.”
Israel – Premier Tech in 2024
Pascal Ackermann (GER)
George Bennett (NZL)
Guillaume Boivin (CAN)
Simon Clarke (AUS)
Itamar Einhorn (ISR)
Marco Frigo (ITA)
Chris Froome (GBR)
Jakob Fuglsang (DEN)
Derek Gee (CAN)
Hugo Hofstetter (FRA)
Mason Hollyman (GBR)
Hugo Houle (CAN)
Krists Neilands (LAT)
Oded Kogut (ISR)
Riley Pickrell (CAN)
Nadav Raisberg (ISR)
Matthew Riccitello (USA)
Man Sagiv (ISR)
Nick Schultz (AUS)
Michael Schwarzmann (GER)
Riley Sheehan (USA)
Jake Stewart (GBR)
Corbin Robust (NZL)
Dylan Teuns (BEL)
Tom Van Asbroeck (BEL)
Ethan Vernon (GBR)
Stevie Williams (GBR)
Michael Woods (CAN)
Mads Würtz Schmidt (DEN)
Rick Zabel (GER)
Itamar Einhorn to stick with Israel – Premier Tech:
Tour of the Gila Publicizes the Date of its thirty seventh Version, Introduces New Race Director
The 2024 occasion will embody each UCI and newbie bicycle races
The thirty seventh version of Tour of the Gila is deliberate for April 24-28, 2024. The UCI- and USA-Biking-sanctioned American bicycle race additionally introduces Michael Engleman because the 2024 Race Director.
The nonprofit Gila Group and Tourism Growth, which organises Tour of the Gila, will once more supply the five-stage UCI-sanctioned races for ladies’s and males’s professional and amateur-elite groups from throughout the globe. “The Tour of the Gila UCI races must be greater than ever,” Engleman asserts, itemizing Tashkent Metropolis Ladies’s Professional Biking Crew and Challenge Echelon as examples of groups that can take part within the 2024 occasion.
Plus, to higher accommodate newbie racers, the race organisation is contemplating adjustments to the USA Biking classes. Tour of the Gila might alter the format based mostly on a USA Biking research that names scheduling as a typical barrier to participation. “Because the race’s inception in 1987, aggressive cyclists at each stage have focused Tour of the Gila because the trip of a lifetime. We need to guarantee our occasion stays accessible to racers in non-pro classes,” Engleman says, providing additional clarification. “The purpose is to not in the reduction of on the newbie races however moderately to draw much more riders by providing choices which might be do-able for the trendy bicycle owner.”
Registration for the newbie races will open in January 2024. riders might signal as much as obtain an e-mail alert at the moment by visiting tourofthegila.com and finishing the shape on the homepage.
Director of Mission Sports activities Group, in Dolores, Colorado, Engleman has served because the Director of Competitors for the UCI division of Tour of the Gila since 2012. So when longtime Race Director Jack Brennan once more introduced his retirement, Engleman took over the place to make sure continuity. “It’s fantastic having Michael main us and shifting us ahead,” retired Race Director and present board member Jack Brennan says. “He is aware of what Tour of the Gila means to racers and for biking typically within the U.S. It’s an necessary race, and Michael helped construct it.”
With an equestrian in addition to a biking background, Engleman carries the teachings he’s realized from horse coaching into skilled sports activities, during which he has been concerned for over 30 years as an athlete, coach and advisor. Engleman’s expertise informs his perspective on Tour of the Gila, which is recognised as a key stepping stone for American cyclists striving towards World Tour racing careers and which can be very important to the careers of athletes from our neighbouring Mexico and Canada in addition to many different international locations.
To help American stage racing, Tour of the Gila organisers are main discussions with USA Biking and its sponsors. “We do our half to help the game’s development by organising the one UCI stage race that permits newbie races on the identical roads on the identical days,” Engleman says.
The thirty seventh version of Tour of the Gila is deliberate for April 24-28, 2024:
Previous and New within the Anniversary Volta ao Algarve
The Volta ao Algarve has introduced the whole route for the fiftieth version of the race. Subsequent 12 months, the individuals could have mountain levels to the Alto da Fóia and Alto do Malhão and the person time trial has been given a brand new look. The Volta ao Algarve will run from the 14th to the 18th of February 2024.
The battle for total victory within the Portuguese stage race, which is a part of the UCI ProSeries, will once more be between the pure climbers and the all-rounders. With two levels with a summit end, a person time trial over greater than 20 kilometres and two levels that can in all probability finish in a dash, there’s something for everybody within the anniversary version of the Volta ao Algarve.
The riders will cowl 752.9 kilometres in 5 days, with 14,455 metres of climbing. Each day bonus seconds are awarded on the end and in the course of the stage there are additionally 6 bonus seconds to be received on the intermediate dash. The First Stage takes place between Portimão and Lagos and, as in earlier years, is made for the sprinters. Phases have additionally completed in Lagos in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022, with victories for Fernando Gaviria, Dylan Groenewegen and Fabio Jakobsen (3 occasions). This 12 months, Alexander Kristoff crossed the end line first.
Stage Two is for the climbers, with three ascents and a end on the climb to Fóia (7.1km at 6.8%), the best level within the Algarve. Luis León Sánchez (2016), Daniel Martin (2017), Michal Kwiatkowski (2018), Tadej Pogačar (2019), Remco Evenepoel (2020), Ethan Hayter (2021), David Gaudu (2022) and Magnus Cort (2023) have received on the climb of Fóia.
It’s stage for the sprinters once more on Day Three in a stage from Vila Actual de Santo António to Tavira. On the Penultimate Day, a time trial route has been deliberate in and round Albufeira, one of the crucial visited seaside resorts within the Algarve. That is the primary time the Volta ao Algarve has had a time trial in Albufeira. The course appears superb for the pure time trial specialists, though the course is actually not flat. The TT is 22.2 kilometres lengthy with two timing factors, at 7.1 and 17.1 kilometres.
The Last Stage takes place on the flanks of the Alto do Malhão (2.5km at 9.9%), after a stage with some brief climbs. The principle impediment of the day, the Alto do Malhão, must be crossed twice within the finale. Final 12 months, Colombian Daniel Felipe Martínez was the winner.
Volta ao Algarve 2024 Phases (14-18 February):
14/02 – Stage 1: Portimão – Lagos (200.8km)
15/02 – Stage 2: Lagoa – Fóia (171.9km)
16/02 – Stage 3: Vila Actual de Santo António – Tavira (192.2km)
17/02 – Stage 4: Albufeira – Albufeira (22.2km, ITT)
18/02 – Stage 5: Faro – Alto do Malhão (165.8km).
Tour Colombia Finishes in Egan Bernal’s Birthplace
The Tour Colombia celebrates its return to the calendar with a stage end within the birthplace of Egan Bernal. The fourth stage of the South American race finishes in Zipaquirá, the place Bernal was honoured after his victory within the 2019 Tour de France. A day later, the Queen Stage finishes on the Alto del Vino at an altitude of two,800 metres.
On Tuesday, the route was introduced for 2024 Tour Colombia. The race was final held in 2020 and was received by Sergio Higuita, 7 seconds forward of Daniel Felipe Martínez. The Tour Colombia can be held within the departments of Boyacá and Cundinamarca subsequent 12 months.
The opening stage is hilly and finishes in Duitama after a number of laps of the 1995 World championship course. That is adopted by levels to Santa Rosa de Viterbo and Tunja. The longest stage is on the fourth day, when the race finishes in Zipaquirá. That isn’t the Queen Stage, that’s on the penultimate day. Then the end is on the two,800 metre excessive Alto del Vino. The ultimate stage takes the riders to the capital of Colombia, Bogotá. On the route the bunch will climb the Alto de Patios and the end line is within the nationwide park.
The organisers have nonetheless to announce which groups will take part. Movistar is claimed to be touring to Colombia in the beginning of February as an alternative of the Volta ao Algarve.
Tour Colombia 2024 Phases (6-11 February):
Stage 1: Paipa – Duitama (155km)
Stage 2: Paipa – Santa Rosa de Viterbo (169km)
Stage 3: Tunja – Tunja (112.5km)
Stage 4: Paipa – Zipaquirá (181.8km)
Stage 5: Cota – Alto del Vino (138.3km)
Stage 6: Sopó – Bogotá (155km).
Tour Colombia, highly regarded:
Ten skilled Groups Can be on the Begin of a New New York Race
Subsequent 12 months, a brand new UCI-level race will happen in America. New York, the most important metropolis in america, would be the setting for the primary version of the Grand Premio New York on Could 19, GCN experiences.
The Gran Premio New York is on the biking calendar as a UCI 1.2 race and can welcome a complete of 25 groups. The organisers say they’ll have ten skilled groups on the beginning line in Could. The ultimate subject of riders is just not but identified, however it’s sure that the Italian groups Inexperienced Challenge-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè and Crew Corratec-Selle Italia can be there.
“As well as, we’ll announce the required Continental groups from everywhere in the world within the coming weeks,” mentioned race director Uli Fluhme. “This has been a very long time coming. We began with a Granfondo model in 2011 (GFNY). It could be a disgrace if we didn’t organise an expert race on our closed circuit.”
The primary version of the Grand Premio New York is scheduled for 2024. In 2013, Fluhme and the UCI checked out the potential of organising a WorldTour race in New York, however this concept by no means bought off the bottom. Ten years later, a UCI occasion will lastly happen in New York, however at a decrease stage.
Little is but identified concerning the route of the inaugural version of Gran Premio New York, aside from, that the race will begin on the George Washington Bridge. It is a toll bridge over the well-known Hudson River. The bridge, in-built 1931, is known as after George Washington, the primary president of america.
Bike racing in New York (OK, I do know it’s Las Vegas):
Scarpetta Rossa can be Charity Companion of the Giro d’Italia Ladies, Giro d’Italia and Giro Subsequent Gen
The Affiliation has been on the entrance line for nearly a decade, all through the nation, to struggle violence towards girls. ‘Purple benches’, the distinctive image of Scarpetta Rossa, from immediately can even be painted pink.
Purple and pink as symbols of affection and fervour. Colors that shine on this collaboration between sport and social points. The Giro d’Italia Ladies, along with the Giro d’Italia and the Giro Subsequent Gen, will help Scarpetta Rossa, which turns into Charity Companion of the three occasions. The affiliation is on the entrance line to struggle the social scourge of violence towards girls.
Scarpetta Rossa was based in Milan in 2014. It’s lively all through the nation with a community of volunteers and specialists who supply help, recommendation and shelter to girls in issue. ‘Purple benches’, situated in quite a few Italian areas, are the distinctive image of Scarpetta Rossa.
Paolo Bellino, CEO of RCS Sport: “Sport has all the time had, and should more and more have, an lively position within the civil society it displays, giving voice to battles that have an effect on the entire neighborhood. That is why we additionally wished an affiliation that fights for ladies’s rights and addresses an necessary and – sadly – all the time topical concern, such because the struggle towards gender violence, to be our Charity Companion for all the Giro universe (Giro d’Italia, Giro d’Italia Ladies and Giro Subsequent Gen). Along with Scarpetta Rossa, we need to convey a robust, clear, shared and impactful message. Purple and pink are the colors that signify our two realities and can mark the varied initiatives that we’ll perform collectively to make a tangible contribution to this necessary trigger”.
Gualtiero Nicolini, Head of Initiatives and Growth of the Scarpetta Rossa APS Affiliation: “We’re delighted that Scarpetta Rossa APS has been chosen to turn into the Charity Companion of such necessary and historic occasions. This collaboration offers us the chance to unfold consciousness about our trigger and to make a big distinction on the planet of sport as properly. We sincerely thank RCS Sport for the belief and dedication in supporting our mission. It’s an honour for us to contribute to such a big and provoking occasion”.
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