No racing this week, however not lengthy till the TDU and there’s a ton of different prime information in right this moment’s EUROTRASH Thursday: Remco Evenepoel talks about his 2024 season – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Wout van Aert thinks the Visma | Lease a Bike Classics staff is stronger, Primoz Roglič misses hilly Classics and has a really robust staff for the Tour, Pavel Sivakov predicts ‘fireworks’ from UAE ‘dream staff’ within the Tour, Julian Alaphilippe to experience the Flemish Classics, Bradley Wiggins struggled with ‘imposter syndrome’, Arkéa-B&B Motels backs Florian Sénéchal within the spring Classics, Quinn Simmons witnessed Mäder’s deadly crash, Mikel Landa to steer Soudal Fast-Step in la Vuelta a España, Arnaud Démare begins his season in Spain, Tim Merlier doesn’t know which Grand Tour he’ll experience, Julien Vermote to Visma | Lease a Bike, Andreas Kron needed to interrupt his contract to go to Visma | Lease a Bike, Asgreen to start season on the Opening Weekend, Floortje Mackaij’s contract with Movistar has been prolonged, Tiesj Benoot caught covid throughout Visma | Lease a Bike coaching camp and Fabio Jakobsen is getting ready for his debut within the Giro d’Italia.
Crew information: Soudal Fast-Step introduced in Calpe, BORA – hansgrohe enters the 2024 season with Grand Tour ambitions, Australian skills Hamish McKenzie and Wil Holmes signal for Jayco AlUla, CANYON//SRAM roster for the Santos Tour Down Below, Filippo Ganna and Elia Viviani lead INEOS Grenadiers in Tour Down Below, UAE Crew Emirates start season with Tour Down Below, Intermarché-Wanty begins the season with three races in Australia, dsm-firmenich PostNL kick off 2024 season, Bahrain Victorious set for season opener – Santos Tour Down Below, Gerben Kuypers ends his cyclocross season, dsm-firmenich PostNL agree multi-year contracts with Nils Eekhoff and Casper van Uden, Israel – Premier Tech Academy unveils 2024 roster and Pas Regular Studios launches New PAS Racing Gravel Crew for 2024 with 18 worldwide riders.
Race information: Milano-Sanremo won’t begin in Milan this yr and 23 Nationwide Champions Topped on the 2024 Esports Nationwide Championships.
A BIG EUROTRASH espresso on the best way.
TOP STORY: Remco Evenepoel Talks About His 2024 Season
On Tuesday, the 2024 Soudal Fast-Step staff was introduced in Calpe, Spain and most consideration was on Remco Evenepoel. The Belgian champion’s race program was introduced, he begins his season as anticipated in Portugal. Evenepoel will race first within the Figueira Champions Basic (tenth February) after which the Volta ao Algarve (14-18th February). The 23-year-old Belgian has not ridden the Figueira Champions Basic earlier than, he has gained the Volta ao Algarve twice.
After a Portuguese begin to the season, Evenepoel strikes on to Paris-Good. His first WorldTour race of the season additionally presents him the chance to see some essential phases and climbs of the ultimate week of the Tour de France. A debut in Milano-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders won’t occur in 2024 and the Tour of Catalonia can also be not on the schedule. As an alternative the Tour of the Basque Nation (1-Sixth April) is, Evenepoel hopes to arrange for the Classics within the robust Spanish stage race. Evenepoel is aiming for a 3rd consecutive victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège (April 21th), however within the run-up to La Doyenne he will even experience the Amstel Gold Race (April 14th) and the Flèche Wallonne (April seventeenth). This would be the first time that he’ll take part within the Dutch basic, however he did experience Flèche Wallonne in 2022.
After Liège-Bastogne-Liège Evenepoel will go on his first altitude coaching camp, within the run-up to his first Tour de France. The Critérium du Dauphiné (2-Ninth June) and the Belgian championships (20-23th June) will probably be his final appearances earlier than the Tour. After the Tour de France, Evenepoel has made a aim of the Olympic Video games in Paris (time trial on July twenty seventh, highway race on August third) and the World Championships in Zurich (particular person time trial on September twenty second, highway race on September twenty ninth).
Remco Evenepoel is dealing with an necessary yr in his profession. There are the Olympic Video games in Paris, however the Belgian can also be making his debut within the Tour de France this yr. On the media day of his staff Soudal Fast-Step, Evenepoel appeared forward to the Tour de France with WielerFlits.
What does the 23 year-old rider truly anticipate from the Tour? What query does he need a solution to in July? “Gosh, I don’t know. I simply wish to get via the Tour with out what occurred within the Giro d’Italia,” his covid an infection and retirement, when he was nonetheless in pink.
“The reply to the query whether or not I can win a Grand Tour is sure. Within the final Giro I used to be there for a short while – with out sickness. However the Tour is a distinct story,” Evenepoel is cautious. “I’m simply going to take it daily. Going residence with a stage win could be nice.”
Within the Tour he must compete in opposition to three different prime riders: Jonas Vingegaard, Tadej Pogačar and Primoz Roglič. How does Evenepoel view their relations? “I’ve already raced rather a lot in opposition to Roglic. Within the Tour of Catalonia we have been on the similar stage. I’ve knocked him off just a few instances within the Vuelta and he’s knocked me off. So I do know Roglic properly. I haven’t raced a lot in opposition to Jonas and Tadej within the Grand Excursions but. That’s one thing new, however after all I can’t reply that in the meanwhile. We’ll see within the Tour.”
Why the Amstel Gold Race? “I’m not going to a Grand Tour in Could now and so it’s a good possibility to participate. It’s a course that fits me. It’s a very open race with few restoration moments. It’s good to have a brand new aim within the spring, with Paris-Good and due to this fact the Amstel. The Flèche Wallonne continues to be an open query. It can depend upon how I come out of the Tour of the Basque Nation and Amstel, however Amstel and Liège-Bastogne-Liège are already two certainties.”
Remco Evenepoel’s Race Programme:
10-02 Figueira Champions Basic
14-02 – 18-02 Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta
03-03 – 10-03 Paris-Good
01-04 – 06-04 Itzulia Basque Nation
14-04 Amstel Gold Race
17-04 La Fleche Wallonne
21-04 Liege-Bastogne-Liege
02-06 – 09-06 Criterium du Dauphine
29-06 – 21-07 Tour de France
03-08 Olympic Video games Street Race
29-09 UCI World Championships – Street Race.
Evenepoel outlines his Season in Calpe:
Wout van Aert Thinks the Visma | Lease a Bike Classics Crew is Stronger
Wout van Aert has almost completed his cross season and is now getting ready for the spring highway Classics. The 29 year-old Belgian needs victory within the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix in 2024 and may as soon as once more rely on a robust Classics staff behind him.
On the Visma | Lease a Bike web site, Van Aert seems forward to the spring and is speaking in regards to the his squad: “Confidence is excessive and our classics staff is in fine condition once more this yr. For my part, the staff has even turn out to be stronger once more, with the arrival of Matteo Jorgenson and the acquisition of Per Strand Hagenes from the Growth Crew.”
This yr, Van Aert can not depend on his loyal teammate and pal Nathan Van Hooydonck, who was pressured to cease racing resulting from coronary heart issues. “The lack of Nathan Van Hooydonck is after all a serious loss,” Van Aert described it.
Christophe Laporte is again this season and Van Aert expects rather a lot from his French teammate. “Christophe is somebody who can also be of inestimable worth to me. His qualities are after all past dispute. In any case, with him there we’re a drive to be reckoned with. I belief him implicitly and the collaboration is excellent, as has been evident in recent times.”
Van Aert nonetheless has the Benidorm UCI World Cup cyclo-cross on January 21, however after that, it’s every part for the highway. His race programme has already been introduced: Van Aert won’t experience in Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo and he will probably be on the start-line of the Giro d’Italia this yr for the primary time.
Wout van Aert’s 2024 Race Programme:
21-01 UCI Cyclocross World Cup #13 Benidorm
12-02 Clásica Jaén
14-02 – 18-02 Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta
24-02 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
25-02 Kuurne – Bruxelles – Kuurne
22-03 E3 Saxo Financial institution Basic
24-03 Gent-Wevelgem
27-03 Throughout Flanders
31-03 Tour of Flanders
07-04 Paris-Roubaix
14-04 Amstel Gold Race
04-05 – 26-05 Giro d’Italia
03-08 Olympic Video games Street Race
17-08 – 08-09 Vuelta a España
29-09 UCI World Championships – Street Race.
Van Aert and Laporte:
Primoz Roglič to Miss Hilly Classics
We now have to attend till Wednesday for Primoz Roglic’s closing competitors program, however in line with GCN, the Slovenian won’t full too many competitions within the spring. The brand new chief of BORA-hansgrohe would miss the hilly classics.
The 34-year-old Slovenian will reportedly begin his ninth season as knowledgeable in early March, with the 82nd version of Paris-Good (March 3-10). On this match he’ll most likely cross swords with Remco Evenepoel. The Belgian champion of Soudal Fast-Step additionally appears to be excited about taking part within the ‘Course to the Solar’. Roglic was the strongest in Paris-Good two years in the past.
After Paris-Good we must wait one other three weeks earlier than we see Roglic again within the peloton. The previous Jumbo-Visma rider will then put on a jersey quantity for the Tour of the Basque Nation (April 1-6), the place he’ll most likely compete once more in opposition to his former teammate Jonas Vingegaard.
After the Tour of the Basque Nation, a race-less interval follows for Roglic. In different phrases, the three-time winner of the Vuelta a España won’t take part within the Ardennes classics. His focus is solely on the Tour de France (June 29-July 21) and within the run-up to his fundamental aim of 2024, he’ll sharpen his type within the Critérium du Dauphiné (June 2-9).
Roglic will solely determine after the Tour which competitions he’ll full within the second half of 2024. “It can depend upon how properly he comes out of the Tour and whether or not he’s chosen for the Olympic Video games in Paris,” mentioned GCN. BORA-hansgrohe will unveil Roglic’s program on Wednesday throughout a staff presentation.
Primoz Roglič Race Programme:
03-03 – 10-03 Paris-Good
01-04 – 06-04 Itzulia Basque Nation
02-06 – 09-06 Criterium du Dauphine
29-06 – 21-07 Tour de France.
Not many Classics for Roglič:
Primoz Roglič has a Very Robust BORA-hansgrohe Crew for the Tour
BORA-hansgrohe introduced their choice for the 2024 Tour de France at their press day in Spain, with newcomer Primož Roglič because the chief. The Slovenian will deliver with him a formidable staff, together with former Giro winner Jai Hindley, Aleksandr Vlasov, Daniel Felipe Martinez and Danny van Poppel.
Roglič ended his contract with Jumbo-Visma final autumn to hitch BORA-hansgrohe. The Tour de France particularly is excessive on Rogla’s checklist, who has already gained the Giro and the Vuelta. He has robust climbers round him with Hindley, Vlasov, Martínez. Lennard Kämna can also be a part of the longlist, though he will even contest the Giro d’Italia earlier within the yr after which a choice will probably be made whether or not he’ll do the Giro/Tour mixture. Along with Van Poppel, Nico Denz and the Italian Matteo Sobrero will work on the flat.
“I imagine that I can win the Tour,” Roglič mentioned on the press convention, on RTV Slo. “We shouldn’t be afraid of the ultimate consequence, however we should always do our greatest. If we do no matter it takes, we could be joyful on the finish. For me, the Tour de France is the icing on the cake, however it’s not an obsession.”
With this choice, BORA-hansgrohe hopes to have the ability to compete for total victory within the Tour de France. Roglič will compete there in opposition to his previous Visma | Lease a Bike staff and chief Jonas Vingegaard, who has gained the Tour the final two years. UAE Crew Emirates can also be coming to France with a prime group in the summertime, the place Tadej Pogačar is the chief.
Sports activities director Rolf Aldag emphasises that Roglič is the one chief. “We go for the technique of only one chief,” he mentioned. “If Vlasov is fifth, we are able to use him tactically, however we’re not going to disclose all our plans publicly now. We now have just one aim and one chief. We’re going with no sprinter and haven’t set any extra objectives.”
“Primož creates optimistic stress on the staff to succeed and win,” the German sports activities director continues. “He has already gained a number of Grand Excursions and is the long run. If we do that correctly and assist him properly, Hindley and Vlasov, who’re a lot youthful, will even develop. They’re definitely not going to be typical servants.”
BORA-hansgrohe staff for Tour de France:
Primož Roglič (Slo)
Jai Hindley (Aus)
Danny Van Poppel (Ned)
Daniel Felipe Martínez (Col)
Matteo Sobrero (Ita)
Lennard Kämna (Ger)
Aleksandr Vlasov (-)
Nico Denz (Ger).
Roglič needs Tour yellow:
Pavel Sivakov Predicts ‘Fireworks’ from UAE ‘Dream Crew’ within the Tour
UAE Crew Emirates will probably be beginning the Tour de France this summer time with a really robust staff. The choice was unveiled in mid-December and contains new staff member, Pavel Sivakov. “I don’t suppose anybody has ever seen such a staff,” the 26 year-old Frenchman informed GCN.
“Will probably be fireworks,” mentioned Sivakov, who got here from INEOS Grenadiers. Within the Tour he’ll experience for Tadej Pogačar, together with Adam Yates, João Almeida, Juan Ayuso, Marc Soler, Tim Wellens and Nils Politt, however the stress will nonetheless on Visma | Lease a Bike, mentioned Sivakov. “Though we might have the dream staff on paper, the stress to win the Tour is on them. They gained three Grand Excursions final season. We’re in an excellent place, so I’m trying ahead to it.”
Pogačar gained the Tour in 2020 and 2021, however the next two editions he needed to accept second place, each instances behind Jonas Vingegaard. “The thought that we are able to beat them subsequent yr gives a sure motivation. It’s satisfying to win, however I additionally suppose we wish to finish their streak. That might be nice!”
Sivakov will probably be working for Pogačar within the Tour de France, however the Frenchman additionally has ambitions of his personal. He may additionally experience the Vuelta this yr and he could have his personal possibilities there. “My dream is to win a Grand Tour in my profession. I believe the following three years will probably be crucial for myself. I wish to do every part I can to see the place I can get. Then possibly I can say: that is my ceiling. However I’m 26 and haven’t reached my full potential but.”
Sivakov anticipating huge issues on the Tour:
Julian Alaphilippe to Journey the Flemish Classics
Julian Alaphilippe selected to overlook the Flemish opening weekend in 2023, however he will probably be there this yr. The 2-time World champion has the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on his programme, the Soudal Fast-Step staff introduced at their presentation in Calpe, Spain.
Julian Alaphilippe’s program was disclosed on the presentation: The 31-year-old Frenchman was not current on the staff presentation, as he in Australia for the Tour Down Below (January 16-21th), the place Alaphilippe begins his season. Within the Tour Down Below, Alaphilippe hopes to arrange himself for the spring Classics. Alaphilippe additionally introduced on the finish of final yr that he’ll begin Strade Bianche, Milano-Sanremo and De Ronde van Vlaanderen within the spring. Flanders may be very excessive on his want checklist. “The Tour is one in every of his largest objectives this spring,” staff DS Tom Steels mentioned.
Alaphilippe’s Race Programme:
16-01 – 21-01 Santos Tour Down Below
24-02 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
02-03 Strade Bianche
16-03 Milano-Sanremo
31-03 Tour of Flanders.
*** Attainable Giro d’Italia ***
All of the Classics for Alaphilippe and possibly Giro:
Bradley Wiggins Struggled with ‘Imposter Syndrome’
Bradley Wiggins took many huge wins throughout his profession, however he now says he didn’t take pleasure in them. The British rider suffered from ‘impostor syndrome’, felt that he didn’t deserve his success, regardless of their apparent expertise and success.
In a BBC documentary sequence, Wiggins goes again to when he was knighted, in December 2012. Earlier that yr, he had turn out to be the primary British rider to win the Tour de France. “The day I used to be knighted, impostor syndrome hit me arduous,” he said. “My knighthood didn’t coincide with different athletes, I used to be primarily amongst navy personnel. It was a lesson in humility standing in step with them. Troopers who have been lacking limbs needed to take footage with me, however I didn’t really feel like a hero that day. I didn’t suppose I used to be worthy of being knighted.”
The imposter syndrome additionally manifested itself at different instances, in line with Wiggins. “I had a troublesome interval in 2019. My spouse had a really arduous time mentally and I additionally overlooked the larger image. I smashed all my trophies,” referring to awards like BBC Sports activities Character of the Yr and his memento of his knighthood. “I stored the biking medals and trophies for my victories, however they’re collectively in a bag someplace. My Olympic medals are additionally in a plastic bag.”
Arkéa-B&B Motels Backs Florian Sénéchal within the Spring Classics
Florian Sénéchal left Soudal Fast-Step after 5 years, however he’s now with Arkéa-B&B Motels. With the French staff he would be the chief within the spring Classics.
The 30 year-old Sénéchal will nonetheless need to work for sprinter Arnaud Démare in his first two races of the season; the Clásica de Almería and the Volta ao Algarve. Within the Flemish spring races, the Frenchman could have freedom to do his personal factor. The Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne are the primary necessary Classics for Sénéchal.
“Florian should assert himself as chief of Arkéa-B&B Motels,” former rider Didier Rous, now staff sports activities director, mentioned. “It’s a position he should assume initially of the season within the semi-Classics and cobbled Classics, and particularly in Paris-Roubaix. That’s his favorite race and we anticipate him to carry out at a really excessive stage. Originally of the season he’ll nonetheless play his position within the sprint-train for Démare, particularly through the Volta ao Algarve and Paris-Good. However from the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad onwards he’s the designated chief within the cobblestone races in Flanders. It’s as much as Florian to show that he can perform as the one chief.”
Sénéchal has made no secret of his ambitions. “I wish to win. Paris-Roubaix could be actually nice, it’s the Basic that fits me greatest. However I must present myself in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. I all the time need to experience within the prime 10 there. If you happen to can’t try this, it’s a failure.”
Florian Sénéchal Race Programme:
11-02 Clasica de Almeria
14-02 – 18-02 Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta
24-02 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
25-02 Kuurne – Bruxelles – Kuurne
03-03 – 10-03 Paris-Good
07-04 Paris-Roubaix.
Florian Sénéchal to steer Arkéa-B&B Motels within the spring Classics:
Quinn Simmons Witnessed Mäder’s Deadly Crash: “Thought I might By no means Cycle Once more”
It has now been virtually seven months since Gino Mäder crashed within the Tour of Switzerland. The biking world was very upset, however for Quinn Simmons it was even a shock. The younger American from Trek-Segafredo was using behind the Swiss on the time of Mäder’s fall.
Mäder suffered a critical crash in June 2023 within the fifth stage of the Tour of Switzerland. The 26-year-old Swiss left the highway whereas descending the Albula Move and fell into the ravine. Mäder was discovered immobile, mendacity within the water, and was then resuscitated. He was handled for a very long time after which taken to hospital by air ambulance, however assist was of no avail.
Simmons noticed all of it occur up shut and continues to be troubled by this tragic occasion. “Once I acquired on the aircraft residence, I used to be certain I wouldn’t go to Europe once more. And that I might by no means cycle once more,” the American champion makes himself weak in an interview with Velo.
Nonetheless, the 22-year-old Lidl-Trek rider managed to drag himself collectively once more. Simmons determined to take part within the American highway championships and gained the race. “I made an settlement with myself that I might give every part for Gino and dedicate the victory to him.”
Simmons continues to be not utterly again to regular, as he nonetheless suffers from concern of going downhill. “It took a really very long time. I used to be even scared throughout coaching. I definitely have extra doubts now than earlier than. I can now descend usually once more after I cycle alone, but it surely stays to be seen how the race will go.”
Simmons thought he would by no means race once more:
Mikel Landa to steer Soudal Fast-Step in la Vuelta a España
Mikel Landa will experience two Grand Excursions in 2024 for his new staff, Soudal Fast-Step. This was introduced on Tuesday through the staff presentation in Calpe. Landa will work for Remco Evenepoel within the Tour de France, however will then be the chief within the Vuelta a España.
The 34 year-old Landa, who raced for Bahrain Victorious final yr, appeared ahead to subsequent season and talked about his position within the Grand Excursions. “We now 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.”
The Basque climber has already been initially of the Spanish tour seven instances. In 2015 he gained a troublesome mountain stage, ending in Cortals d’Encamp. Final yr he had a superb closing total place for the primary time within the Vuelta, he end fifth total behind the Jumbo-Visma males.
Mikel Landa’s Race Programme:
18-02 Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta
29-06 – 21-07 Tour de France
17-08 – 08-09 Vuelta a Espana
Landa prepared for 2024:
Arnaud Démare Begins his Season in Spain
Arnaud Démare kicks off his biking marketing campaign with two Spanish races. The dash chief from Arkéa-B&B Motels begins with the Problem Mallorca (24-28 January) and can then additionally take part within the Clásica de Almería (11 February).
Démare’s employer has already revealed a part of his competitors program for 2024. After the Clásica de Almería, the 32-year-old Frenchman won’t need to journey too far, as Démare is predicted to begin the Volta ao Algarve (14-18 February) three days after the Spanish one-day race.
Below the Portuguese solar, Démare is getting ready for 3 necessary spring races, specifically Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne (25 February), Paris-Good (3-10 March) and Dwars door Vlaanderen (27 March). It isn’t but recognized what his program will appear like after Dwars door Vlaanderen.
Former rider Didier Rous, at present staff chief at Arkéa-Samsic, has numerous confidence in Démare. The skilled sprinter should present the staff with the mandatory victories. “He already gained two matches final yr, in his first months with the staff. Now you will need to get the dash practice absolutely on monitor for 2024.”
“Arnaud is already used to racing with Miles Scotson, which is an enormous benefit to implement every part. It’s a matter of additional perfection. Arnaud is aware of that rather a lot is at stake, each for him and for the staff. His aim is to file 100 skilled victories. We are going to assist him on this.” Démare’s victory counter at present stands at 95 victories.
Arnaud Démare’s Race Programme:
25-01 Trofeo Port D’Alcudia – Port D’Alcudia
26-01 Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana
27-01 Trofeo Pollença – Port d’Andratx
28-01 Trofeo Playa de Palma – Palma
11-02 Clasica de Almeria
14-02 – 18-02 Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta
25-02 Kuurne – Bruxelles – Kuurne
03-03 – 10-03 Paris-Good
27-03 Dwars door Vlaanderen
29-06 – 21-07 Tour de France.
Early Spanish races for Arnaud Démare:
Tim Merlier Doesn’t Know which Grand Tour he Will Journey
Tim Merlier beforehand made no secret of the truth that he needs to experience the Tour de France in 2024, however the 31 year-old sprinter nonetheless doesn’t know which Grand Tour he’ll contest this yr. Merlier spoke on Tuesday on the Soudal Fast-Step media day.
Merlier was not initially of any of the Grand Excursions in 2023. “Did I miss that? Not very. This allowed me to set different objectives and I managed to realize them. I can look again on that with satisfaction. As an alternative of the Vuelta, I gained my phases within the Tour of Poland and different races.”
This yr he hopes to take part in a Grand Tour, however Merlier continues to be at midnight in the meanwhile. “There’s not but 100% readability. They’re all Grand Excursions and I’ve my ambitions for all three. However what will probably be… we’ll see later. We’re nonetheless it with the staff. The Vuelta is certainly a plan, however there should nonetheless be dash phases. The Vuelta appears to be very robust this yr. If I nonetheless need to win a stage in a Grand Tour someplace, it’s the Vuelta. That is a vital tour for me personally, however we even have to take a look at what’s necessary for the staff.”
Merlier can’t say a lot in regards to the Grand Excursions but, however he already is aware of what he will probably be doing this spring. Clearly he’ll focuses on the sprints, however can also be using the spring Classics. “The Basic Brugge-De Panne and Scheldeprijs will probably be added to my programme. Gent-Wevelgem after all stays an enormous aim, Paris-Roubaix will even be a part of it and maybe I will even add the Tour of Flanders to my program.”
Merlier has already gained many smaller Belgian one-day races in his profession, however goals of extra. “I’m a bit greater than a pure sprinter. I’ve already confirmed that in earlier years. I’ve already been to Gent-Wevelgem twice for a comparatively quick time frame. Not fairly prepared for victory but, however I proceed to imagine that it’s attainable.” Earlier than that occurs, Merlier will kick off his season within the Center East with first the Saudi Tour after which the UAE Tour. Then follows the primary European race of the season with Tirreno-Adriatico, adopted by ‘the Flemish work’, as Merlier describes it.
Tim Merlier’s Spring Race Programme:
30-01 – 03-02 AlUla Tour
19-02 – 25-02 UAE Tour
04-03 – 10-03 Tirreno-Adriatico
20-03 Basic Brugge-De Panne
24-03 Gent-Wevelgem
03-04 Scheldeprijs
07-04 Paris-Roubaix,
All the highest Classics for Tim Merlier
Julien Vermote to Visma | Lease a Bike
Julien Vermote will race for Visma | Lease a Bike in 2024. As reported in EUROTRASH on Monday, Vermote was strongly rumoured to be going to Visma. Now the Dutch staff has introduced him as a rider. Vermote has signed a contract for one season.
“With the departure of Lennard, we needed to shortly search for a worthy substitute and we’re joyful that we have been in a position to signal Julien,” mentioned sports activities director Merijn Zeeman. “He has a wealth of expertise and may instantly be deployed as a helper for us. He’s very motivated and obsessed with his career.”
Vermote himself may be very pleased with the chance he has been given. “Visma | Lease a Bike is a number one staff and I wish to contribute to that. I can’t wait to get began with the staff through the coaching camp beginning subsequent week.”
The 34 year-old Vermote has an extended profession. The Flemish rider turned skilled with Fast-Step in 2011 and stayed there till the top of 2017. He then raced for Dimension Information, Cofidis and Alpecin-Deceuninck. He has ridden the Giro d’Italia thrice and the Tour de France 4 instances and completed each time. He additionally ridden 18 Monuments, ending 11.
He didn’t obtain a contract extension from Alpecin-Deceuninck after 2022. He educated via the winter of 2022/23 and raced in Belgian kermis races final season. Vermote felt too good to cease.
Vermote goes to Visma | Lease a Bike:
Andreas Kron Wished to Break his Contract to Go to Visma | Lease a Bike
Visma | Lease a Bike had numerous issues after they introduced Cian Uijtdebroeks as a brand new rider, whereas he was nonetheless beneath contract with BORA-hansgrohe till the top of 2024. Ultimately all events got here to an settlement. There was almost one other tough scenario because the staff additionally negotiated with Lotto Dstny’s Andreas Kron.
Stéphane Heulot, the staff supervisor of Lotto Dstny, reveals the story and lashes out at colleague Richard Plugge to RTBF. “The Uijtdebroeks case is distressing and really dangerous for biking. The second we fail to honour the contract, we’re sliding down a harmful slope. This summer time we had the case with Caleb Ewan (who had a contract till the top of 2024), however that was totally different. We might have honoured his contract if he needed us to, however each events agreed to half methods.”
“A lot of these processes can kill curiosity within the sport,” mentioned Heulot. “It’s difficult to carry your personal in opposition to groups which have larger budgets, groups whose firepower is thrice ours. What’s annoying is that the Visma | Lease a Bike supervisor Richard Plugge is the president of the AIGCP, the affiliation of all skilled groups. When now we have a president who doesn’t respect the foundations, he’s arduous to belief. What they did with Cian, additionally they tried with Andreas Kron with us. It’s annoying and never for biking.”
In keeping with Visma | Lease a Bike, the story surrounding Kron is barely totally different from that of Uijtdebroeks. “Andreas’ supervisor contacted us and mentioned that he had a clause in his contract that said that he might go away for a WorldTeam. When it turned out that that clause was not there – or at the very least when Lotto Dstny disputed it – we withdrew.” WielerFlits contacted Joona Laukka, Kron’s supervisor, for his model of the story, however he didn’t reply.
There’s additionally the hearsay that Kron has signed a letter of intent that commits him to Lidl-Trek from January 1, 2025. Nonetheless, the staff denies it.
Kron almost went to Visma | Lease a Bike:
Asgreen to Start Season at Opening Weekend
The soon-to-be 29-year-old will focus once more on the one-day races within the first a part of the season.
One of many few Danish riders in historical past to have gained a Monument, Kasper Asgreen is prepared for his seventh yr with Soudal Fast-Step, which he’ll kickstart in six weeks. Kasper is trying ahead to being again at his greatest stage for the Classics, after final season he couldn’t sort out the spring marketing campaign at full capability as he was nonetheless recovering from a knee damage.
The highway again was an extended and arduous one, however Kasper by no means gave up, and final summer time he was absolutely rewarded for his arduous work and unbelievable dedication with a maiden stage victory on the Tour de France. It was a serious confidence-boost for the highly effective Dane, who’s now hoping to be once more among the many protagonists within the one-day races he loves a lot.
“I had a strong season, throughout which I put the accidents behind and returned to my regular self. After all, profitable that stage on the Tour de France was the cherry on the cake, it was an ideal day and a much-needed confidence-boost after every part I had endured for the reason that summer time of 2022. If every part goes properly the following couple of weeks, I hope to be in rivalry for a superb outcome within the Classics”, mentioned Kasper, who for the primary time in his profession will kick off the season on the Opening Weekend.
“All people is aware of how a lot I really like these races. I’m delighted to get issues underway at Omloop and Kuurne, having gained the latter a few years in the past. It was my first huge victory and the recollections of that day are nonetheless recent. From there, it’s Strade Bianche once more, after which Tirreno-Adriatico. I’ll proceed working arduous within the subsequent weeks and hopefully be there along with the staff throughout this yr’s Spring Classics”, added the 2021 Ronde van Vlaanderen and E3 Harelbeke winner.
Kasper Asgreen to experience Omloop and Kuurne:
Floortje Mackaij’s Contract with Movistar has been Prolonged Till the Finish of 2026
Floortje Mackaij will probably be with Movistar till at the very least the top of 2026. The Dutch rider had a contract till the top of this season, however this contract has been prolonged by two years, in line with the Movistar staff.
“It makes me very joyful to signal till the top of 2026,” mentioned Mackaij. “I nonetheless wish to develop. It’s been ten years since I began my WorldTour profession. I wish to get the most effective out of myself within the spring classics, take part within the finals, within the dangerous climate. That’s the place it began for me a decade in the past. However after that there are additionally some nice objectives within the stage races that comply with. I wish to get higher and with the best way we work right here, I really feel like that is the correct place for that.”
For Mackaij, 2023 was her first season at Movistar. She beforehand rode for Iwan Spekenbrink’s staff for a few years, the place she began her profession as a stageiere in 2013. Her largest victory continues to be Gent-Wevelgem in 2015. 4 years later, in 2019, she was additionally second in Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
On her debut within the Spanish staff, in February 2023, Mackaij gained the Vuelta CV Feminas. It will stay her solely victory of the season, however within the spring she was tenth in Strade Bianche Donne and Sixth in Dwars door Vlaanderen.
Movistar has additionally signed Olivia Baril with a contract till the top of 2026. The 26 year-old Canadian, who comes from UAE Crew ADQ, gained two races final yr: the Gran Premio Ciudad de Eibar and the ultimate stage of the Tour Cycliste Féminin Worldwide de l’Ardèche. She was additionally fourth within the Tour of the Basque Nation for girls.
Floortje Mackaij and Olivia Baril with Movistar until 2026:
Tiesj Benoot Caught Covid Throughout Visma | Lease a Bike Coaching Camp
Tiesj Benoot has had a set-back within the run-up to the spring Classics. The Belgian is in Spain on a coaching camp with Visma | Lease a Bike, however must miss some coaching rides as he has contracted covid.
“An ideal place to get well from covid,” Benoot wrote on Instagram on Sunday. Within the photograph he’s on the swimming pool of the Cycle Espresso Society resort, in Alicante. Visma | Lease a Bike is there to arrange for subsequent season. It isn’t recognized whether or not different riders from the staff are additionally contaminated.
In December, through the Visma | Lease a Bike staff presentation, the Dutch staff additionally needed to cope with covid circumstances. At the moment, it was riders from the ladies’s staff who have been affected by the virus and have been lacking from the occasion.
Fabio Jakobsen is Getting ready for his Debut within the Giro d’Italia
Fabio Jakobsen has already rode the Tour de France and Vuelta a España in his profession, however has not but been initially of the Giro d’Italia. That can change this yr because the sprinter will make his debut within the Italian tour on behalf of his new staff: dsm-firmenich PostNL. Jakobsen will even be within the Tour de France.
Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL met on Monday in Calpe, Spain, the place the ladies’s, males’s and improvement staff are coaching for the brand new season. The staff has already chosen 5 riders for the Tour of Italy they usually embody Fabio Jakobsen. It’s the first time the sprinter will experience the Giro. “We search for success within the sprints, one thing that has been within the staff’s DNA for years,” defined Rudi Kemna, Head of Teaching. “We are going to due to this fact assist Fabio Jakobsen with a superb dash practice and chase outcomes collectively in phases.”
Romain Bardet, Max Poole, Chris Hamilton and Matt Dinham are additionally a part of the Giro choice. Kemna: “Through the Giro, we particularly wish to present who we’re as a staff, by being lively daily and animating the race. Within the battle for the rankings we’ll select our playing cards correctly via sensible and tactical racing. Let’s see how the race unfolds and what place we are able to get to with this strategy.”
Crew dsm-Firmenich PostNL for the Giro d’Italia
Romain Bardet (Fra)
Max Poole (GB)
Chris Hamilton (Aus)
Matthew Dinham (Aus)
Fabio Jakobsen (Ned).
Jakobsen will take part within the Giro d’Italia for the primary time this yr, however he’ll nonetheless experience the Tour de France in the summertime of 2024. The 27 year-old Dutchman is getting ready for the double, identical to Romain Bardet. Warren Barguil can also be already assured of a spot within the Tour staff.
“Our strategy to the Tour de France will probably be utterly centered on stage outcomes, the place we wish to compete for victory on each stage. With Romain, Warren and Fabio now we have a number of choices right here with our proficient group. Whether or not from breakaways or sprints,” Kemna outlined.
Crew dsm-Firmenich PostNL for the Tour de France:
Fabio Jakobsen (Ned)
Warren Barguil (Fra)
Romain Bardet (Fra)
Julius Van Den Berg (Ned).
Giro and Tour for sprinter Fabio Jakobsen:
Soudal Fast-Step Offered in Calpe
Belgian Champion Remco Evenepoel confirmed his presence initially of this summer time’s Tour de France.
Our staff returned to the beautiful Estimar Sol y Mar Lodge this week for the primary coaching camp of the yr, which additionally included the staff presentation forward of the 2024 season, which we’ll begin in simply a few days on the Tour Down Below.
Comprising 27 riders – together with 4 who made the step to the World Tour from our Devo squad – representing 9 totally different nations, and having a median age of 27 years, the Soudal Fast-Step roster is without doubt one of the youngest within the World Tour, however that doesn’t imply it lacks any expertise, the members of the squad boasting a mixed 218 professional wins.
The primary individual to take middle stage Tuesday afternoon in Calpe was CEO Patrick Lefevere: “We enter this season after what has been one other robust yr for the staff. We gained from the primary till the final month, we loved many unforgettable moments and wins, and we hope to be once more on the prime. We now have a strong squad, comprising riders able to getting ends in all kinds of races, and we begin the season with a superb morale, an enormous motivation and the hope to win early once more. We additionally wish to put money into new folks, in younger riders as you may see, but in addition in workers, and Jurgen Foré is one in every of these individuals, somebody who I’m assured might help our challenge in each short-term and long-term.”
“I’m joyful to be on this staff, which gave me a really heat welcome in December, after I joined them for the primary time, and I already really feel a part of this organisation. I discovered an ideal mentality right here and going into this season we wish to stay a profitable staff, and for this all people must be the most effective model of themselves. We wish to develop a technique that focuses not simply on this season, but in addition on the way forward for the staff. This can be a robust and resilient squad, we wish to stand by our values and to protect the Wolfpack tradition”, added Jurgen Foré, Soudal Fast-Step’s Chief Operation Officer.
Through the presentation it was introduced that Belgian Champion Remco Evenepoel will make his much-anticipated Tour de France debut this season, and the 23-year-old – who has probably the most spectacular lists of achievements within the present peloton – talked about discovering the Grande Boucle in July.
“Final yr was a really particular one, with many ups, from profitable Liège–Bastogne–Liège within the rainbow jersey to turning into ITT World Champion, so I could be pleased with how issues went, regardless of a few downs, like getting ailing through the Giro and retiring in a second after I was main the race”, mentioned Remco, who will begin his marketing campaign subsequent month on the Figueira Champions Basic, which will probably be adopted by the Volta ao Algarve. “However all that occurred in 2023 is up to now now and my complete focus is on this yr. I’ll race rather a lot in France within the coming months and I’m hoping for some extra good outcomes and a pleasant debut in Le Tour.”
Among the finest climbers within the World Tour, twice a top-three finisher on the Giro d’Italia, and victorious on what was arguably the toughest stage within the historical past of La Vuelta 9 years in the past, Mikel Landa has joined the Wolfpack forward of this season. The skilled Basque, who will reinforce our climbing contingent, is trying ahead to this recent problem and to bringing his contribution to the staff’s achievements.
“Coming to this staff motivated me, and I can’t wait to get issues began in simply a few weeks. I’ve numerous expertise and I hope to share it with the youthful riders right here. I wish to use my Grand Excursions expertise to assist the staff and Remco as I actually imagine I can contribute to the general success right here. On the similar time, I’ll go for my possibilities at any time when attainable, and later into the season I hope to do properly on the Vuelta a España”, defined Mikel, whose 14th professional season will get underway in the identical Portuguese races.
Soudal Fast-Step’s roster for 2024:
Julian Alaphilippe
Kasper Asgreen
Ayco Bastiaens
Mattia Cattaneo
Josef Cerny
Remco Evenepoel
Gil Gelders
Jan Hirt
Antoine Huby
James Knox
Yves Lampaert
Luke Lamperti
Mikel Landa
William Junior Lecerf
Paul Magnier
Fausto Masnada
Tim Merlier
Gianni Moscon
Casper Pedersen
Pieter Serry
Martin Svrcek
Bert Van Lerberghe
Ilan Van Wilder
Warre Vangheluwe
Mauri Vansevenant
Louis Vervaeke
Jordi Warlop.
BORA – hansgrohe Enters the 2024 Season with Grand Tour Ambitions
The Grand Excursions are BORA – hansgrohe’s focus each season, however this yr, the staff’s ambitions are rising. With new signing Primož Roglič as chief, and a robust roster by his aspect, the German staff will make a mark on the 2024 Tour de France.
Primož Roglič and BORA – hansgrohe are working intensively on their shared dream of profitable the Tour de France. One of many first milestones on the best way there’s his racing debut within the staff’s new look. Primož Roglič will put on the BORA – hansgrohe jersey for the primary time in a race early March.
BORA – hansgrohe is counting on strong teamwork for the three-week Tour in July. Riders corresponding to Jai Hindley and Aleksandr Vlasov, who’ve each already completed the world’s largest race throughout the prime 10, will be capable of deliver their abilities to bear, particularly within the decisive excessive mountains. Highly effective assist can also be obtainable on the flats from riders corresponding to Nico Denz, who’s aiming to make his debut on the Tour de France.
Giro d’Italia with a co-lead
The staff will sort out the Giro d’Italia with two leaders. Lennard Kämna, a stage winner in all Grand Excursions, confirmed his potential to battle for the general classification final yr. Daniel Martínez, fifth within the 2021 Giro d’Italia, will begin as co-leader. Two very long time trials will swimsuit each riders, so a prime 5 end within the total standings is the said aim. German champion Emanuel Buchmann, in addition to Giovanni Aleotti, are set for the Italian Grand Tour as properly. The staff will even be on the hunt for phases: Sam Welsford has his sights set on the numerous sprinting alternatives obtainable, and Danny Van Poppel will be capable of play to his strengths on the hilly terrain.
Vuelta a España
The Vuelta line-up will probably be determined because the season progresses. However the lengthy checklist is already tailor-made to the Spanish race’s demanding profile. Along with triple winner Primož Roglič, Jai Hindley, Aleksandr Vlasov, Emanuel Buchmann and Sergio Higuita even have the third Grand Tour of the yr of their provisional race program. Similar to in Italy, the goal is to complete within the prime 5 in Spain as properly.
Rising Australian Abilities Hamish McKenzie and Wil Holmes Signal for Crew Jayco AlUla in 2025 and 2026 Respectively
Crew Jayco AlUla is delighted to announce that rising Australian skills Hamish McKenzie and Wil Holmes will race for the Hagens Berman Axeon-Jayco staff in 2024 and 2025, respectively, earlier than getting into the WorldTour peloton with Crew Jayco AlUla.
McKenzie will transfer to the WorldTour in 2025 on a two-year contract and Holmes will be part of his compatriot in 2026, having signed a three-year deal.
Hagens Berman Axeon-Jayco, run by former rider Axel Merckx, is co-sponsored by Crew Jayco AlUla. It is a vital partnership for creating a robust pathway for younger riders to be taught their craft earlier than progressing to the WorldTour.
McKenzie, 19, is a burgeoning expertise who rode for ARA Skip Capital and with GreenEDGE Biking final yr as a stagiaire for Crew Jayco AlUla. He completed a formidable third place within the U23 time trial on the world championships in Glasgow final season and is a former junior Australian time trial and criterium champion.
17-year-old Holmes has confirmed his promise already this season, and adopted within the footsteps of McKenzie, with a win within the junior time trial on the Australian nationwide championships in Ballarat final week. Holmes, who at present rides for ARA Skip Capital will head over to Europe to compete with the celebrated La Pomme Marseille Provence junior staff in 2024 earlier than stepping up with the Hagens Berman Axeon-Jayco staff in 2025.
Merckx and his staff have been key in guiding a few of biking’s prime skills via the beginning of their careers. Via this relationship with the event squad, Crew Jayco AlUla will be capable of proceed to identify proficient riders early.
Axel Merckx – Normal Supervisor Hagens Berman Axeon-Jayco: “It’s crucial for our partnership that the riders really feel snug on our staff and to have Hamish already dedicated to maneuver as much as the WorldTour in 2025 is clearly defining the trail for these riders. We’re very excited to have Will Holmes on the staff in 2025. He’s clearly an enormous expertise and large hope in Australia and we’re trying ahead to working with him.”
Brent Copeland – Normal Supervisor Crew Jayco AlUla: “Hagens Berman Axeon-Jayco is a well-established and crucial staff that has confirmed time and time once more to nurture and assist younger expertise and assist ship them to the WorldTour. By coming collectively, having Jayco a co-sponsor of the staff due to Gerry Ryan’s continued assist, it creates a transparent pathway for younger expertise and we’re thrilled with the signings of two upcoming Australian stars. Hamish McKenzie and Wil Holmes have large potential, and by offering them with a extremely skilled atmosphere to grown inside, we’re assured they are going to be able to make the step into the WorldTour peloton within the coming years. Hagens Berman Axeon-Jayco is a vital a part of their skilled improvement. With the announcement of the 2024 staff jersey, the challenge has come to life, and we’re honoured to be part of the event of subsequent era of bicycle owner.”
Hamish McKenzie
2024 – Hagens Berman Axeon-Jayco
2025/26 Crew Jayco AlUla.
“Becoming a member of Hagens Berman-Jayco after which Crew Jayco AlUla is a dream state of affairs for me. I’ve excessive ambitions for this season. I actually wish to get some wins or constantly get first rate outcomes on the board all through the entire season. My fundamental focus would be the U23 time trial world championships and having a superb spring classics marketing campaign, that is one thing I’ve not but found and I’m extraordinarily excited to check myself in opposition to the most effective on the cobblestones.
My huge hope for my profession is to proceed on the trail to the WorldTour with Crew Jayco-AlUla and make it my profession for so long as attainable. Not many individuals get to decide on one thing they really take pleasure in as their job, so I might love to have the ability to do that for so long as attainable. As for larger objectives, the races I dream of profitable sooner or later could be the Tour of Flanders and the world championships time trial.”
Wil Holmes
2024 ARA Skip Capital/La Pomme Marseille Provence
2025 Hagens Berman Axeon-Jayco
2026/27/28 Crew Jayco AlUla.
“I’m tremendous excited to be becoming a member of Crew Jayco AlUla within the coming years and stay up for having a incredible pathway with becoming a member of the most effective U23 improvement staff Hagen’s Berman Axeon-Jayco as I be taught to develop as a rider. It has been a dream of mine to hitch Crew Jayco Alula since I used to be a child watching them race on the Tour Down Below. I hope I can sooner or later race the Tour de France and a dream race for me to win must be the Tour Down Below.”
(Left) Hamish McKenzie (proper) Wil Holmes:
CANYON//SRAM Racing’s Roster for the Three-Day Santos Tour Down Below
CANYON//SRAM Racing declares its roster for the primary Ladies’s World Tour race of 2024. The staff’s lineup for the Santos Tour Down Below from 12 to 14 January will probably be headed by Australian duo Neve Bradbury and Tiffany Cromwell. Alongside Alex Morrice, Soraya Paladin and Alice Towers, the staff brings a robust all-round squad to the three-day stage race in Adelaide. Bradbury arrived in Adelaide right this moment, recent from her nationwide title within the U23 highway race yesterday.
For Cromwell, it’s her sixth look on the race. “TDU is a particular race for me. It’s my residence race; it’s the first-ever highway race I watched on the aspect of the highway after I began my biking profession again in 2013 with a Expertise ID program, and we race on the roads I’ve grown up coaching on.”
“It’s been nice watching the race develop through the years from a assist criterium sequence to a national-level stage race and now the opening race of the WWT. I dreamt for years that there could be a ladies’s version of the TDU. Now Stuey (O’Grady), Nettie (Edmondson) and Carlee (Taylor) are placing numerous effort into creating an thrilling ladies’s race and attempting to develop it additional annually.”
“I’ve had the chance to coach on the programs for all three phases over the past weeks. I just like the phases. They’re unpredictable and may swimsuit many kinds of riders. Finally, the general will probably be an all-rounder who may also climb.”
Cromwell summarises every of the three phases. “Stage 1 on paper, most will anticipate it to be a sprinter stage. The opening lap is sort of undulating, with a leg burner climb for the categorised climb. Sprinters have to recover from a number of small climbs, and opportunists will look to take an opportunity for a shock stage upset.”
“Stage 2 is a stage of two components. The opening kilometres are fairly undulating as we make our means from the seaside via the southern hills. There’s a little bit of restoration from Meadows via to Mylor, after which all the main focus goes to the Stirling end circuit. One in all my common coaching laps. It’s a quick circuit with a troublesome end. You’re successfully climbing in steps for the final 5km, and the ultimate 1.5km is an annoying drag all the best way to the road. Sometimes, a lowered bunch dash involves the end.”
“The ultimate stage is the place the GC will probably be determined with the end on prime of the long-lasting Willunga Hill. The course connects to a number of the stage two roads earlier than heading to the wine nation of McLaren Vale. If we get a number of the robust winds Adelaide can produce, it might trigger some crosswind harm if in the correct path. In the long run, all eyes are on Willunga.”
“My 2024 season preparations appear to be going. Individuals say I’m going properly, however I’m nonetheless not 100% satisfied. I’ve been doing loads of high quality coaching to get a superb base. I nonetheless have some work to do on my prime finish. However I’m pleased with the place I’m at proper now and the way the pre-season has gone.”
“Our staff for TDU is a robust and various roster. I see it as an opportunistic staff. On common, it’s a fairly younger staff, and we gained’t be the staff everyone seems to be watching. However now we have numerous playing cards to play within the sprints and loads of firepower for the climbs. Our fixed aim is all the time to win, however getting a few podiums right here could be a superb begin to the season. The last word aim of the race is to be a robust and united staff to realize the most effective outcomes we are able to to assist create robust staff foundations for the season forward.”
Chloé Dygert, who was initially named as racing the Santos Tour Down Below, gained’t be part of the staff as she recovers from a minor damage.
Tiffany Cromwell:
Filippo Ganna and Elia Viviani Lead INEOS Grenadiers in Tour Down Below
It was already introduced that Filippo Ganna and Elia Viviani could be a part of the INEOS Grenadiers staff for the Tour Down Below (January 16-21). The British staff has additionally revealed the opposite 5 riders for the Australian season opener.
Ganna and Viviani will each begin the Tour Down Below after which the Italians will competing on the monitor within the Nations Cup in Adelaide initially of February, with a view to the Olympic Video games in Paris. The qualification necessities for the Olympic Video games are all the time strict. The UCI has drawn up a particular Monitor Olympic Rating, which runs over a interval from 2022 to 2024. Ganna will primarily concentrate on the staff pursuit, whereas for Viviani the omnium is necessary to attain factors in the direction of Paris.
Within the Tour Down Below, Ganna and Viviani are, on paper, the leaders of INEOS Grenadiers, though Jhanatan Narváez ought to present on the extra hilly phases. Sprinter Viviani has ridden the Australian stage race 5 instances in his and gained two phases, in 2018 and 2019. This yr will probably be Ganna’s debut within the Tour Down Below, lately he has began his season in France or Argentina.
Along with Ganna, Viviani and Narváez, INEOS Grenadiers additionally has Laurens De Plus, Leo Hayter, Ben Swift and Joshua Tarling. Tarling won’t, like Ganna, be capable of present his time trial qualities, because the Tour Down Below doesn’t embody a race in opposition to the clock this yr. The deciding phases are the penultimate stage on Willunga Hill and the ultimate stage on Mount Lofty.
INEOS Grenadier for Santos Tour Down Below:
Filippo Ganna (Ita)
Elia Viviani (Ita)
Laurens De Plus (Bel)
Leo Hayter (GB)
Jhonatan Narváez (European)
Joshua Tarling (GB)
Ben Swift (GB).
Ganna and Viviani to the TDU’24:
UAE Crew Emirates Start Season with Tour Down Below
Crew go in defence of title gained by Vine in 2023
UAE Crew Emirates have introduced the staff to tackle the primary problem of the yr because the staff heads to Australia for the Santos Tour Down Below (16-21 Jan).
The six days of competitors will probably be based mostly in and round Adelaide, kicking off with a 144km highway stage in Tanunda.
The staff go into the race as defending champions after Jay Vine claimed the title in nice style in 2023.
This yr the UAE contingent will probably be captained by the skilled head of Diego Ulissi on the highway with a younger however promising staff behind him.
Diego Ulissi: “We’re actually trying ahead to beginning the 2024 season right here in Australia.We now have a really robust staff coming into the race with loads of choices for wins. I’ve had some good outcomes right here up to now and hope to be aggressive but in addition be capable of lend my expertise to the youthful guys who’re rising within the staff. We acquired collectively as a bunch for an enormous staff coaching camp in December which went very properly and we’re actually centered on getting the season began on the correct foot.”
The staff will probably be guided by Sports activities Director Marco Marcato (Ita) who will oversee the seven man squad.
The identical staff will even participate within the Down Below Basic criterium (13 January).
Santos Tour Down Below [2.UWT] – 16 Jan-2024 / 21-Jan-2024:
Alessandro Covi (Ita)
Isaac Del Toro (Mex)
Finn Fisher Black (NZ)
Alvaro Hodeg (Col)
Antonio Morgado (Por)
Diego Ulissi (Ita)
Michael Vink (NZ)
Intermarché-Wanty Begins the Season with Three Races in Australia
This Sunday seventh of January, the delegation of Intermarché-Wanty arrived in Adelaide, within the south of Australia, for the primary races of the 2024 highway season. In a interval of two weeks, the Walloon World Crew will take part in three occasions on the continent Oceania: the Tour Down Below, the Surf Coast Basic and the Cadel Evans Nice Ocean Street Race.
In 2023, Intermarché-Wanty was within the combine for the victory daily within the Tour Down Below (2.UWT), with a number of prime 5 finishes and a prime ten within the closing classification. This yr, the occasion from sixteenth to twenty first of January is split in six phases and doesn’t begin with a prologue, in opposite to the earlier version. The profile of the primary 4 days alternates possibilities for sprinters and punchers, earlier than an explosive closing weekend on the slopes of Willunga Hill (Saturday) and Mount Lofty (Sunday).
However earlier than beginning the World Tour season, the choice directed by Steven De Neef will race for the primary time within the new equipment of Verge Sport within the Down Below Basic, a criterium via the streets of Adelaide on thirteenth of January.
On Thursday twenty fifth of January, or 4 days after the Tour Down Below, Intermarché-Wanty will take part for the primary time to the Surf Coast Basic (1.1), a race which was organised a primary time in 2020 within the state of Victoria. After a ten kilometre climb from the beginning in Lorque, the parcours in the direction of Torquay is beneficial for sprinters.
The Australian marketing campaign will probably be concluded on Sunday twenty eighth of January with the Cadel Evans Nice Ocean Street Race (1.UWT). Final yr, Hugo Web page achieved his first World Tour podium by ending second in a bunch dash with 35 riders, through which additionally Dion Smith (seventh) was current.
The principle obstacles throughout this basic of 176 kilometre round Geelong are the open roads at first of the race and the technical urbain circuit of 17 kilometre with Challambra climb (900m at 8.9%) which needs to be lined 4 instances within the closing.
The seven riders who will characterize Intermarché-Wanty are Lilian Calmejane, Biniam Girmay, Madis Mihkels, Tom Paquot, Simone Petilli, Dion Smith and Georg Zimmermann.
Aike Visbeek (Efficiency Supervisor): “The wonderful outcomes we achieved twelve months in the past in our first participation to the Australian races tasted like extra. Remembering final yr’s nice season begin, we composed a strong and balanced line up for these 2024 opening races again in October. With Lilian Calmejane, Dion Smith and Georg Zimmermann now we have a number of playing cards to play for the overall classification and the troublesome finals. Biniam Girmay and Madis Mihkels are our leaders for the dash, the programs swimsuit them very properly. These males can depend on two exemplary teammates on all terrains: Tom Paquot and Simone Petilli. Our plan is to supply these seven riders an extended coaching block after these races, on altitude for a few of them, with the intention to put together properly for the classics on European soil.”
“For his or her preparation, nearly all of our choice completed their 2023 highway season comparatively early. All adopted a particular coaching programme throughout our staff coaching camp in December, together with particular person coaching classes behind the scooter for instance. Our staff travelled to Adelaide sooner than many of the different groups, with the intention to have sufficient time for acclimatisation, buying coaching rhythm and course recons. I anticipate this transition to go easily, particularly for Biniam Girmay and Dion Smith who’ve been getting ready these races of their residence nation the previous three weeks. Dion comes from New-Zealand and advantages from a brief journey. Biniam’s benefit is the same climate circumstances in Eritrea in comparison with what we are able to anticipate in Australia. I’m actually trying ahead to this primary appointment with a bunch of bold riders, whereas we unite the remainder of the staff in Spain to finalise our preparation for the primary races on European soil.”
Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL Kick Off 2024 season
With the opening races of the 2024 season simply across the nook, Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL gathered right this moment in Calpe, Spain with all three of their applications – Ladies, Males and Growth – as they lay the ultimate preparations of their construct up in the direction of the brand new season. Looking forward to the brand new yr stuffed with ambition and motivation in the direction of some their huge objectives, the staff introduced its new feel and appear to the surface world, with their distinctive two Preserve Difficult stripes taking over a putting orange color for 2024 and past.
Going from energy to energy with two good co-title companions
2023 marked the third yr with dsm-firmenich – main innovator in diet, well being and wonder – because the staff’s title accomplice, constructing on a long-established relationship that has continued to develop and develop since its starting again in 2015.
In 2024, the staff welcomes aboard PostNL – the main parcel and postal firm of the Netherlands – as a co-title accomplice, bringing collectively two massive prestigious companions; with dsm-firmenich and PostNL committing to what’s set to be an thrilling future for the staff.
Making the following step – Ambitions for 2024
2024 presents one other alternative for the staff to take the following step-up; pushing one another to greater and higher issues, creating some particular moments alongside the best way.
Discussing objectives and plans for the yr forward, right here from Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna about what’s in retailer for the staff’s three applications right here.
Trying recent in 2024
With the brand new identify as Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL, the staff are excited to totally reveal their brand-new feel and appear for the 2024 marketing campaign.
The 2 distinctive Preserve Difficult stripes, which symbolise the DNA of the staff flip orange to rejoice the addition of PostNL. The left stripe represents the continual improvement of every particular person individual, whereas the correct stripe visualises their ever-improving modern atmosphere.
Set on a stunning and predominantly white equipment with numerous blue and light-weight blue touches, the orange stripes will immediately see the Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL squad stand out within the peloton, as they cost in the direction of many particular moments within the coming yr. The expertly crafted, purpose-built race put on that has been developed by Nalini along with the staff, combines that stand-out look with efficiency on the bike, whereas assembly the calls for of the most effective riders.
The appear and feel refresh doesn’t cease there with the staff’s stunning SCOTT bikes, geared up with the most effective Shimano elements, getting a recent lick of paint as a modern new design with flashes of color on a white base really makes them a murals. Some stunning orange detailing makes the staff’s premium DRIIVE race eyewear pop with its recent white base design. Additionally, you will be capable of spot the staff within the convoy too, as their good Volvo vehicles get the white, orange and blue makeover as properly.
Well being, sustainability and inclusivity – key themes we take into 2024 and past
The bike is of course an emblem for a wholesome life-style, for sustainability, and our Preserve Difficult strategy, carried out by the collective of a staff is a good image for inclusivity which underlines the robust staff tradition which we captivate by ‘really collectively’; really committing to and empowering one another.
All through the years the staff has centered on quite a lot of initiatives to progress in the direction of attaining its sustainability objectives, corresponding to its ambassadorship of Timber for All since 2010 to testing with electrical Volvo vehicles. Extra is about to come back on this matter within the subsequent months with Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL.
Ongoing extra impartial anti-doping efforts
Ethics is without doubt one of the staff’s key values. The staff have been one of many first members of the MPCC (Mouvement pour un Cyclisme Crédible) and are devoted to being strictly compliant with the moral code of the MPCC, whose guidelines are extra rigorous than the UCI guidelines. Along with their MPCC membership, they’ve carried out a further impartial anti-doping program since 2018. This system is carried out by the Dutch Dopingautoriteit and has been funded by dsm-firmenich.
The extra impartial assessments are based mostly on out-of-competition blood and urine assessments, on the idea of the “Whereabouts” of the riders, and the interpretation of the take a look at outcomes by Dopingautoriteit. The assessments are shared with WADA and ITA, and the outcomes are added to the athletes “organic passport”. Ladies, Males and Growth applications are beneath the identical strict anti-doping regime.
Learn extra about anti-doping right here.
A brand new feel and appear on-line
With the up to date feel and appear of the staff, additionally comes an up to date web site area and social media handles too. You may also click on via and discover our new English and Dutch web sites, and our social media channels through the icons on the prime of this mail.
Crew Bahrain Victorious Set for Season Opener – Santos Tour Down Below
Completely happy New Yr, and Completely happy New Season!
The opening race of the 2024 UCI WorldTour is already upon us, with the Santos Tour Down Below working from Tuesday sixteenth, to Sunday twenty first. The six days cowl a complete of 825km from Tanunda to Mount Lofty, and Crew Bahrain Victorious are in Australia with a balanced staff, able to battle for victory on every stage, and problem for the general GC.
Lead Sports activities Director is Neil Stephens, who feedback, “4 of the fellows are younger and new to this race, are actually excited to be right here and all actually eager to do their jobs properly. Everyone seems to be having fun with the Australian expertise up to now. It’s a race in two components actually: phases 1-4 are alternatives for the sprinters however we’ll definitely attempt to preserve the totally different areas lined after all.”
Our quick man in Australia is Phil Bauhaus, who took the second stage when the race returned after Covid in 2023. His first likelihood comes on day one, which takes in three circuits in Barossa totalling 144km. The next day is one other potential dash end, though this time, there’s a quick however very steep climb: Fox Creek. The peloton will sort out it twice, and we’ll certainly see that 1.6km ascent utilized by those that wish to skinny out the main group, and problem for the win in Lobethal.
Stephens says, “Phil Bauhaus is coming again to the TdU for a second consecutive yr. Final yr, he had some nice assist from the staff and was in a position to pull off stage one. He’s definitely coming again attempting to goal for phases, he’s most likely in even higher form than he was final time round, and he’s actually trying ahead to the race as soon as once more”
Day 3 is one other flat profile of simply over 140km. Will probably be a quick, flat end into Campbeltown and guarantees to be a frantic battle for victory at a frenetic tempo.
Supporting Bauhaus within the latter kilometres on these opening days will probably be one in every of two Australians in our staff, Cameron Scott.
“Cam is one other rider who was right here final yr,” explains Stephens. “He’s an Adelaide boy too – a neighborhood, so he’s been serving to us through the coaching days since we arrived. His job, in addition to supporting the staff typically, after all – will probably be because the final man within the lead out for Phil.”
On Friday, the race begins to be extra selective, as stage 4 has an uphill end in Port Elliot, with the ocean within the riders’ sight as they strategy the road. After which it’s the weekend, and people GC boys who’ve made it safely via the primary a part of the TdU can come out to play.
Our chief is Jack Haig, using on residence roads, and Stephens is optimistic about Haig’s possibilities now he’s returned to his residence nation for the primary time in just a few years!
“It’s nice to have Jack on board. It’s some time since he’s carried out the TdU and it’s good to have him right here main the staff. He’s actually eager to do properly on this race for the staff, and it’s an added bonus being an Australian in Australia! We’ll attempt our greatest to be amongst the most effective riders and end with a excessive GC for Jack”
Stage 5 sees a return to Willunga Hill. The climb is a favorite of the race organisers and of the spectators; a lot so it has virtually turn out to be synonymous with the Tour Down Below itself. It’s 3km, averaging 7.4% (with a most gradient of 15.6%), and this yr, the bunch will crest it as a part of a two-lap closing circuit earlier than ascending it once more to the end line.
Together with Jack, Phil and Cameron, Bahrain have three newcomers to the season opener, in Fran Miholjević, Johan Worth Pejtersen, Nicolò Buratti and, making his debut for the staff: Torstein Træen. The Norwegian could also be one thing of an unknown for our supporters, having signed from UNO-X within the shut season, however Stephens is assured within the 28 yr previous’s potential.
“Torstein will probably be there as a very huge assist within the mountains, and who is aware of … he may even do properly in GC on his personal! The others are all younger guys, and all have totally different experiences in several areas. They’re a superb bunch who work properly collectively, and every of them is trying ahead to doing his greatest out right here.”
The Santos Tour Down Below is held within the top of the Southern Hemisphere summer time, which explains why not one of the race days are over 146km. And the scorching warmth is as a lot of an element within the battle for the ochre jersey because the parcours.
The 2024 winner of that chief’s jersey will probably be determined – because it was final yr – atop Mount Lofty. Three loops of a ending circuit means thrice up the 1.3km climb, which averages 7.3% and maxes out at 13.3%.
It was a massively optimistic begin to 2023 for TBV, with stage wins for Bauhaus and Pello Bilbao, who additionally completed third total, and Stephens sees no motive why we are able to’t repeat, and even higher, these outcomes this time round:
These final 2 phases are the GC phases. There are many hills and there’s going to be loads of motion! I’m hopeful we can’t solely win at the very least one early stage with Phil, but in addition get our GC riders into the excessive positions total. Whichever of the GC hopefuls can maintain it collectively through the week, and switch it on up Wilunga and the ultimate mountain, will attain the ‘lofty’ heights of 2024 Tour Down Below champion.
Let the season start!
Gerben Kuypers Ends his Cyclocross Season
Gerben Kuypers won’t present the colors of Charles Liégeois Raostery CX in cyclocross races anymore this season. The 23 yr previous Belgian rider will lengthen the remainder interval he began after the World Cup in Gavere on twenty sixth of December due to well being points and absolutely consider his restoration and his second highway season with the construction of Intermarché-Wanty.
Paul Jorna (Crew Physician): “Gerben Kuypers attracted a viral an infection a few weeks in the past, which then led to a vicious circle of disturbed restoration and fatigue. He particularly had respiratory complaints. Within the meantime his physique is recovering properly. We’ll hope he will probably be absolutely recovered in a few weeks.”
Gerben Kuypers: “After two weeks of restoration I’m progressively regaining my energy, nonetheless, I don’t really feel absolutely recovered but. Collectively now we have chosen to take it simple in my comeback reasonably than to arrange for my final cyclocross races beneath stress. It was after all irritating that my good sequence of outcomes was interrupted by well being issues. However now the causes are recognized and now we have established a plan for my restoration, I’m very a lot trying ahead to my first highway races of 2024 with Wanty-ReUz-Technord and Intermarché-Wanty. From April, I’ll take part in a number of prestigious races. This proves that additionally the World Crew counts on me, which is a pleasant mark of confidence. I can’t wait to get again to coaching, however first I want to remain affected person somewhat longer with the intention to absolutely get well.”
Bart Wellens (Sports activities Director): “Gerben Kuypers realised a wonderful season begin in cyclocross. We’re after all lacking his combating spirit to make the colors of Charles Liégeois Roastery CX shine. Nonetheless, inside our efficiency staff all of us agree that well being is a precedence. An prolonged relaxation interval is the most effective strategy. In precept, Gerben deliberate to conclude his cyclocross season after the championships, in his residence race in Middelkerke. As he didn’t absolutely get well but and this race is approaching, we unanimously determined that he wouldn’t resume his cyclocross season and concentrate on his first highway races as an alternative.”
Aike Visbeek (Efficiency Supervisor): “After a brand new medical analysis of the well being situation of Gerben Kuypers, we unanimously determined to cease his cyclocross season with the intention to give him sufficient time to arrange his second highway season with our construction in a serene means. As for his highway programme, we stick to the preliminary plan we established this winter. He’ll virtually solely race with the World Crew, which will probably be an enormous step ahead in comparison with his mixed programme with Wanty-ReUz-Technord in 2023. Our goal is to pick him for a sequence of races which swimsuit him completely, significantly in Could and June, such because the classics Tro Bro Léon, Antwerp Port Epic, Brussels Biking Basic or Dwars door het Hageland, and several other stage races such because the Excursions of Norway and Belgium. We’re trying ahead to witness the development of Gerben, each on the highway in 2024 as within the subsequent cyclocross season 2024-2025.”
No extra cross for Gerben Kuypers this season:
Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL Agree Multi-Yr Contracts with Nils Eekhoff and Casper van Uden
Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL are thrilled to disclose that home-grown skills Nils Eekhoff and Casper van Uden have dedicated their long-term future to the staff, each penning contracts till the top of the 2026 marketing campaign.
Each graduates from the Growth program, Eekhoff has been sporting the two-striped jersey in some type since his debut in 2017 earlier than making the step-up to the Males’s program in 2020; whereas Van Uden has been with the squad since 2020 earlier than turning professional in the midst of the 2022 marketing campaign. The multiple-year contracts are a mark of intent and stability as Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL seems to construct for the longer term.
Nils Eekhoff
Hailing from Rijsenhout within the Dutch province of North Holland, the rangy Eekhoff has progressed steadily via the ranks with the staff and is an integral member of the squad on and off the bike. A robust U23 profession noticed him declare a memorable cobblestone win with the staff at Paris-Roubaix Espoirs in 2017, alongside a number of different successes, earlier than a promotion to the WorldTour. Since then, Eekhoff has discovered from the extra skilled riders round him and has proven nice psychological resilience and fortitude to return from setbacks via sickness or damage. That onerous-work paid off within the 2023 marketing campaign the place he took his first professional win with the staff on the ZLM Tour and rode strongly in classics-style races corresponding to a third-place end at Tro-Bro Leon. It was additionally a marketing campaign that noticed Eekhoff file his greatest outcome at a Grand Tour with fifth place on stage eight of the Tour de France, and he has his sights set firmly on persevering with that development and profitable feeling with the staff sooner or later.
Eekhoff expressed: “The staff appears like residence for me, I do know my means round and all of the folks rather well. It’s been an ideal atmosphere for me to repeatedly make steps as a rider and I wish to proceed that journey with the staff. All through the years I’ve discovered that setbacks are additionally a part of being knowledgeable athlete and so long as we carry on making steps in the correct path it’ll deliver one thing good sooner or later. It was nice to due to this fact be capable of lastly take my first professional win in 2023. It’s proof of what I, and the staff, know I’m able to, so I’m actually motivated to proceed these steps with the staff and present much more within the coming years. I believe with my ardour to provide my all, I hope to have the ability to encourage the opposite guys to push one another additional and in flip that may hopefully make us obtain nice issues collectively as we want everybody to provide 110 %. I wish to work in the direction of being one of many key riders within the basic finals, and being of worth wherever else I can for the staff’s objectives.”
Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna added: “Nils has been with the staff for a number of years already now and now we have actually seen him develop as a rider each on and off the bike; and he’s an actual tradition provider throughout the group. We’ve seen him make good progress within the final yr and we wish to proceed that improvement with him, significantly within the Classics. These are races the place we predict Nils has the qualities to actually make the following step and never solely deliver himself, however these round him, to a better stage.”
Nils Eekhoff:
Casper van Uden
Nonetheless very a lot in his early twenties, Schiedam born Van Uden is nearly to start his second full-season as knowledgeable, having been promoted to the Males’s program in mid-2022. That promotion was properly deserved after a barnstorming few seasons which noticed him take seven UCI stage wins as a part of the Growth program, the place he confirmed his dash capabilities in opposition to not solely different younger skills however seasoned veterans and powerful riders from the Continental stage scene. The step-up to the WorldTour with the Males’s program has seen Van Uden start to seek out his toes and be taught from these round him, with promising ends in the dash finishes, corresponding to third at Milano – Torino and second on a stage on the Tour of Britain, a glimpse at the place his future lies with the staff.
Van Uden mentioned: “I like the best way the staff’s construction works, they offer you numerous assist and construction however all the time preserve you pondering and difficult your self and the folks working throughout the staff. It appears like a very snug and relaxed atmosphere for me. I believe it was very nice to come back via the Growth program, it made me develop all the fundamentals that I wanted to be in a superb place for the WorldTour. Then after I made the step-up it has all been about simply nice tuning these issues and getting stronger. In my first full-year as a professional I’ve discovered to be affected person and work arduous. Going into the season my aim was that I actually needed to win immediately however sadly didn’t handle to. It was a bit mentally robust, however I acquired numerous assist from the opposite guys and the workers within the staff helped me to get via it and preserve me hungry; and we nonetheless managed to get some good outcomes. Trying forward I need to have the ability to share my information that I’ve of the staff with the opposite guys and be somebody that may deliver the group collectively. On the bike I wish to turn out to be a extra constant sprinter and battle for these wins within the races the place I’m the finisher, however I’m additionally excited to get caught in and be a staff participant too.”
Crew dsm-firmenich PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna continued: “Casper is a man who all the time provides his all for the staff and that’s a really commendable high quality which he brings to our dash group. We imagine that he has the expertise to proceed to enhance as a finisher throughout the staff and additional develop within the races in opposition to the easiest sooner or later as we glance to proceed to hunt for extra outcomes with our dash group. We’ve had some good years with Casper as far as he’s progressed via the ranks, and we’re excited to proceed that.”
Casper van Uden:
Israel – Premier Tech Academy Unveils 2024 Roster
Eleven new riders – together with reigning European and nationwide age group champions, and essentially the most promising Israeli skills – will strengthen the new-look IPT Academy staff in 2024.
Below the steering of Tim Elverson, IPT’s new Academy Supervisor, the staff will look to proceed the extent of commencement that has seen six riders – Oded Kogut, Riley Pickrell, Nadav Raisberg, Marco Frigo, Mason Hollyman, and Derek Gee – step as much as the professional ranks up to now two years.
9 riders on the staff’s 20-man roster raced for the Academy in 2023. Amongst these are Canadian Dylan Bibic, already a world champion on the monitor on the age of 20, and Portuguese climber Daniel Lima.
Israeli riders Aviv Bental and Rotem Tene will even stick with the Academy in 2024, with the nation’s presence being bolstered by new signings Imry Faingezicht, Matar Peretz, and Man Tahar. Promising time trialist Faingezicht (20) gained the U23 nationwide title within the self-discipline final yr, two years on from claiming the junior crown. Peretz, 18, is the nation’s reigning junior highway race champion, whereas 19-year-old Tahar, positioned sixth within the U23 highway race.
Different new arrivals embody Floris Van Tricht (Belgium), Joe Blackmore (Nice Britain), and Luke Valenti (Canada). All three of them be part of the Academy having already established themselves in off-road disciplines: Van Tricht gained the European Gravel Championships in October, Blackmore is the British U23 XCO mountain bike champion, and Valenti claimed the Canadian under-23 cyclo-cross title final November. Added expertise comes from Pier-André Côté, who has loved 5 seasons using at UCI ProTeam stage and gained the Canadian highway race championships in 2022.
Elverson says: “We’ve acquired some actually thrilling new riders becoming a member of who will complement those that have been a part of the staff in 2023. We now have an actual unfold of riders who can compete in all disciplines.
“We’re very proud to proceed the event of Israel’s greatest younger riders – in 2024 we’ll have 5 of them aged 23 or beneath, and I’m excited to see what they’ll obtain. The staff examined all of the promising younger Israeli riders earlier than 24 and Man confirmed some nice numbers, good abilities, and potential, and we’ll now assist him obtain the utmost. On condition that they’re reigning nationwide champions, it feels proper that we should always assist Imry and Matar develop in our race household, too.”
“Pier-André will probably be invaluable to the staff subsequent yr. We’re going to be competing at numerous UCI .1-ranked races, and he has nice expertise in these occasions. This information will solely speed up the progress of the youthful riders within the staff, however, on the similar time, he’ll get alternatives to compete for outcomes.”
Moritz Kretschy (Germany), Karl Kurits (Estonia), and Kiaan Watts (New Zealand) full the incoming riders for 2024. Kretschy completed sixth within the under-23 highway race on the world championships in Glasgow final August weeks after claiming the nationwide highway and time trial titles in his age group.
Kurits is a promising younger sprinter who has gained worldwide races as a junior, whereas Watts is a former junior world champion on the monitor. IPT beforehand unveiled the signing of reigning Spanish junior highway race champion Alvaro Garcia in August.
Israel – Premier Tech Academy 2024 Crew Roster:
Aviv Bental (Israel, 20)
Dylan Bibic (Canada, 20)
Joe Blackmore (Nice Britain, 20)
Pier-André Côté (Canada, 26)
Luca D’Hollander (Belgium, 20)
Imry Faingezicht (Israel, 20)
Alvaro Garcia (Spain, 18)
Moritz Kretschy (Germany, 21)
Karl Kurits (Estonia, 18)
Daniel Lima (Portugal, 19)
Jesse Maris (USA, 19) Pau Marti (Spain, 19)
Carson Mattern (Canada, 19)
Viggo Moore (USA, 19)
Matar Peretz (Israel, 18)
Man Tahar (Israel, 19)
Rotem Tene (Israel, 22)
Luke Valenti (Canada, 19)
Floris Van Tricht (Belgium, 22)
Kiaan Watts (New Zealand, 22).
Pas Regular Studios Launches New PAS Racing Gravel Crew for 2024 with 18 Worldwide Riders
Danish premium biking attire model Pas Regular Studios declares their all-new PAS Racing staff for the 2024 season. The brand new gravel biking staff contains 18 female and male international riders, rigorously chosen from the Pas Regular Studios group and past. Riders embody prime expertise from the worldwide gravel biking circuit; Amity Rockwell (USA) and Anna Kollmann-Suhr (AUT), Tobias Kongsted (DEN), Nils Correvon (SWI) and Chad Haga (USA). They may race a number of key worldwide occasions and kick the season off at La Santa Vall in Catalunya adopted by a staff camp.
Efficiency and variety are core values of the brand new PAS Racing set-up. All riders are hand-selected and contracts are agreed with every rider to predetermine an optimum, individualised assist framework that produces the very best outcomes at every race.
Supporting the staff are additionally trade leaders Velux, Salomon, Fizik, By no means Second, Ceramic Pace, Oakley, Pirelli, and Candy Safety, Volvo.
The Riders
Europe
Anna Kollmann-Suhr, Austria
Karolina Migon, Poland
Klara Sofie Skovgaard Hansen, Denmark
Mie Pedersen, Denmark
Chad Haga, USA (Europe)
Tobias Kongstad, Denmark
Nils Correvon, Switzerland
Simen Svendsen, Norway
Thomas Bundgaard, Denmark
Seppe Rombouts, Belgium
Christian Kreuckler, Germany
APAC
Emma Johansson, Thailand
Sea Keong Loh, Malaysia
Ryan Petrie, Australia
USA
Amity Rockwell, USA
Emily Pleasure Newsom, USA
Maude Farell, USA
Matt Wiebe, USA
PAS Racing will probably be managed by the skilled Lars Moss, International Partnership Supervisor at Pas Regular Studios. 2023 was a combined yr for the Danish premium attire biking model with regards to its nascent foray into sports activities advertising and marketing. In keeping with Moss “It’s no secret that we have been scouting the World Tour for a possible accomplice in 2024. We had sponsorship discussions with quite a few groups and even entered into the closing phases of signing one, however ultimately, we failed to achieve an settlement. This motivated us to discover the choice of sponsoring our personal gravel racing staff to strengthen our assist of riders from our present, worldwide group which have proven efficiency potential, and enabling us to recruit new athletes among the many international gravel racing scene. PAS Racing will assist these gravel cyclists with a team-oriented framework, along with different sponsors to ensure that them to excel. Being a title-sponsor additionally permits us to actually keep true to our imaginative and prescient and objectives as a model and group.”
Crew Mission
PAS Racing is on a mission to win the most important races on the calendar – The Traka, Unbound, races from the GRVL sequence, The Rift and UCI Gravel Collection races. Over the approaching months, the staff will form and type a brand new means of partaking with athletes and occasions. In keeping with Peter Lange, CEO Pas Regular Studios: “With the launch of this new PAS Racing Crew idea, we merge our deep love for racing and creating high-end efficiency biking attire with main ambassadors from our Worldwide Biking Membership and past. On the coronary heart of it lies the person rider, and bringing these personalities collectively beneath the umbrella of such a various staff will probably be a very attention-grabbing problem! We’re excited to pioneer an atmosphere the place expertise and ambition meet in a fascinating show of athleticism and friendship.”
Pas Racing Crew Equipment
PAS Racing Crew equipment is predicated on the Mechanism PRO Assortment that was launched in Spring 2023. The Mechanism PRO line is created from a proprietary Pas Regular Studios cloth developed along with cloth mills in Italy. It encompasses a four-way stretch created from woven materials that are compressive, abrasion-resistant, high-wicking and fast-drying. The 2024 PAS Racing staff equipment will probably be unveiled on February twenty eighth however won’t be obtainable for buy.
Study extra in regards to the staff right here: www.pasnormalstudios.com
Milano-Sanremo will Not Begin in Milano this Yr
Milan-Sanremo won’t begin in Milan this yr both. The primary Monument of the season will transfer to Pavia in 2024, Het Laatste Nieuws experiences.
Pavia is a metropolis of about 80,000 inhabitants, 35 kilometres south of Milan. This isn’t the primary time that ‘La Primavera’ has not used Milan as a place to begin. Final yr the riders lined up on the start-line in Abbiategrasso, 20 kilometres west of Milan. As a result of the beginning is now in Pavia, in line with HLN, there’s a likelihood that the riders must cowl much more kilometres this yr. Final yr there have been 294 kilometres from the begin to the end in Sanremo.
Final yr, Mathieu van der Poel soloed to victory after a profitable assault on the Poggio:
23 Nationwide Champions Topped on the 2024 Esports Nationwide Championships
Duffy and Kulchinsky earn Elite Esports Nationwide Titles.
WATOPIA, Zwift – The 2024 USA Biking Esports Nationwide Championships introduced by the Echelon Racing League (ERL) have been held on Zwift over the weekend. Athletes from round america competed for the Stars and Stripes jersey from the consolation of their houses. Given the stacked area sizes, athletes have been absolutely ready for extremely aggressive and thrilling racing.
On Saturday, age-group classes raced three laps of the New York Park Perimeter loop for a complete distance of 18.3 miles. Within the Ladies’s 35-39, Stefanie Sydlik (Pittsburgh, Penn.; Coalition Alpha) took gold. Emily Nyquist(Herndon, Virginia; Crew RIOT) held off the competitors to take first within the Ladies’s 40-44. Within the Ladies’s 45-49, Jenn Actual (Fredericksburg, Texas; Crew RIOT) rode robust to take the win. Theia Friestedt(Glenview, Ailing.; Revolution Velo Racing/Fairlife Racing) took the win within the Ladies’s 50-54. Andi Smith (Bend, Ore.) took the win within the Ladies’s 55-59 for the second yr in a row. Jennifer Slawta (Medford, Ore.; Crew Landshark) took residence the win within the Ladies’s 60-64 with Sherry Berde Townsend (Mendota Heights, Minn.; NorthStar Growth) profitable the Ladies’s 65-69. To spherical out the ladies’s fields, each Margaret Thompson (Clinton, N.Y.; Crew Hammer Diet) and Wendy Skean (Nathrop, Colo.; Crew Hammer Diet) gained one other Esports Nationwide title within the Ladies’s 70-74 and 80-84 classes, respectively.
Within the Males’s 35-39, 2023 Elite Males’s winner, Scott Catanzaro (Washington, D.C.; NeXT eSport pb Enshored) took the victory. Multi-time Nationwide Champion, Jadon Jaeger (Wauwatosa, Wisc.; Restart Racing p/b Alex Coh), got here out on prime within the Males’s 40-44 and teammate Mason Rocca (Evanston, Ailing.; Restart Racing pb Alex Coh) held off the competitors within the Males’s 45-49. Within the Males’s 50-54, Scott Cunningham (Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah) had a robust efficiency to take the gold. David Henderson (Columbia, Miss.; World Elite Zwifters) confirmed his Zwift abilities to come back out on prime within the Males’s 55-59. Kevin Metcalfe (Nice Hill, Calif.; Inventive Blue Racing) and Jeffrey Moreton (San Gabriel, Calif.; SC Velo) repeated their 2023 wins within the Males’s 60-64 and 65-69, respectively. Lastly, within the Males’s 70+ area, Michael Kurtz (Lisle, Ailing.; EMC2), Scott Bulfinch (Lincoln, Neb.; Crew KAOS), and Dominic Rossetto (Grafton, Wisc.; Venture Echelon Vanguard) took residence the win within the Males’s 70-74, 75-79, and 80-84 classes, respectively.
Within the Collegiate division, Fred Meredith (Indianapolis, Ind.; Marian College) rode his method to gold within the Males’s Collegiate class, whereas Megan Lester (Eagle River, Wisc.; Lindenwood College) grew to become the brand new Ladies’s Collegiate Nationwide Champion.
On Sunday morning, the Elite Males and Ladies competed in a three-race omnium-style occasion with a highway race on the 2015 UCI Worlds Richmond course, the Bologna Time Trial, and completed on the Neokyo Criterium Circuit. A stay stream of the occasions handled spectators to quick and livid racing, commentated by Nathan Guerra and Dave Towle. Within the Males’s Elite omnium, Brian Duffy (King of Prussia, Penn.; NeXT eSports pb Enshored) got here away with a commanding win for the general by taking first within the Street Race and Time Trial, and ending second within the Neokyo Criterium simply behind Neal Fryette (Seattle, Wash.; Premier Racing Seattle) in a detailed two-up dash. Kristin Kulchinsky (Dix Hills, N.Y.; Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY24) took first within the Street Race and second within the Time Trial. Regardless of falling behind the lead pack within the Neokyo Criterium, she managed to safe a sixth place, accumulating enough factors to safe each the general victory and the nationwide title.
Congratulations to all of the individuals. You could find the complete checklist of outcomes right here.
The Echelon Racing League continues with three extra occasions on Zwift all through the month of January. Study extra and register right here.
Go to USACycling.org for extra info on the athletes, occasions, and membership applications, and comply with @USACycling throughout all channels for the newest on Crew USA.
Watch the complete Elite race on YouTube:
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