One other very full EUROTRASH bag this Thursday. Horrible information as we hear that GCN+ will cease – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Wout van Aert pronounces his full cyclo-cross program, Julian Alaphilippe pronounces first foremost objectives for 2024, Wout van Aert ‘suggests’ his foremost objective for 2024, will Zdenek Stybar proceed for an additional yr? Stefan Küng talks about his crash within the European time trial championships, Miguel Angel López to signing with EOLO-Kometa or not, Wout van Aert to contest a operating race in the course of the Giro, Pogačar named Slovenian bike owner of the yr, Roglič and Mohorič additionally awarded, Matej Mohorič charges the Gravel World championships above Milano-Sanremo, Philippe Gilbert claims compensation from highway rage incident, additional sanctions for Mihkels and Thijssen, Daniel Oss turns to gravel, one other season for Domenico Pozzovivo? Héctor Carretero retires and Geraint Thomas drunk twelve out of fourteen nights.
Crew information: PostNL to be new foremost sponsor of dsm-firmenich, Lotto Dstny indicators younger New Zealander from Bolton Equities Black Spoke, Matteo Fabbro, a climber for EOLO KOMETA, a number of WorldTeams need to signal Italian climbing expertise Pellizzari, EOLO continues its journey on the planet of biking and Human Powered Well being completes its 2024 roster.
Race information: Omloop der Kempen to be a UCI occasion in 2024 and the 2025 Grand Départ: Let’s meet within the North of France.
Get the espresso!
TOP STORY: GCN+ To Cease on nineteenth December
Dangerous information for biking followers who watch stay (and catch-up) racing on GCN+ or the GCN App. Father or mother firm Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will shut down the favored streaming service on December 19.
Warner Bros. Discovery have finished this due to ‘world methods and enhancing user-friendliness’ and nonetheless provide biking content material via Eurosport, which is a part of the identical mother or father firm, and Discovery+.
“The rationale these apps are disappearing isn’t as a result of the 2 platforms didn’t work or scored poorly,” GCN emphasised in a press release. “The fact is that the media panorama has modified and that’s the reason WBD’s streaming providers are being unified to offer all content material in a single place.”
Within the assertion, GCN additionally introduced that European subscribers of GCN+ may have the choice to take out a subscription to Discovery+, Eurosport or Eurosport Further. Dwell broadcasts of biking will proceed to be proven there. It’s nonetheless unclear for viewers of GCN+ exterior Europe which channels shall be obtainable.
GCN+ knowledgeable its clients of the unhealthy information on Wednesday through e-mail. Which means the stay streams of biking races, numerous biking documentaries and weekly discuss reveals will disappear through the apps. GCN’s web site and fashionable YouTube channel, with greater than three million subscribers, will live on.
The top of GCN+
Wout van Aert Declares his Full Cyclo-Cross Program
Wout van Aert will return to ‘cross for the primary time within the 2023/24 season on Saturday, December 9. The Belgian cyclo-cross champion begins his winter season with the Actual Cross of Essen. Van Aert may have a shorter cross program of not less than eight and presumably ten races. The Belgian and World championships usually are not on his calendar.
The three-time world champion shall be seen for the primary time within the Actual Cross of Essen (9/12), then the cyclo-cross races of Mol (22/12, Actual Cross), Antwerp (23/12, World Cup), Gavere (26/12, World Cup), Zolder (27/12, Superprestige), Hulst (30/12, World Cup), Baal (01/01, X2O Trophy) and Koksijde (04/01, X2O Trophy).
Van Aert is wanting ahead to the cyclo-cross season, however shall be seen much less usually this winter. “It’s a acutely aware option to experience a shorter program,” stated the 29 year-old Belgian on the Jumbo-Visma crew web site. “Final yr I seen that it was mentally troublesome to actually concentrate on the cross season after which transfer on to the spring. I’ve determined for myself that I now not need to depart something to likelihood in the case of the spring Classics. That’s the reason, with a heavy coronary heart, I’m using a extra restricted program.”
Wout van Aert’s 2023/24 Cyclo-Cross Schedule:
09/12: Actual Cross of Essen (Bel)
22/12: Actual Cross van Mol (Bel)
23/12: World Cup Antwerp (Bel)
26/12: World Cup Gavere (Bel)
27/12: Superprestige Heusden-Zolder (Bel)
30/12: World Cup Hulst (Ned)
01/01: X2O Trophy Baal (Bel)
04/01: X2O Trophy Koksijde (Bel)
07/01: World Cup Zonhoven* (Bel)
21/01: World Cup Benidorm* (Spa).
*TBD
“It would definitely be troublesome to succeed in a excessive degree,” the previous World champion thinks. “I’ve a couple of races to get into form after which it stops once more. I hope to have the ability to present myself within the races. For the primary time it will likely be totally different than I’m used to, however it’s with the next objective in thoughts,” referring to the highway season. “I’m wanting ahead to beginning cross once more quickly. It’s good to fulfill the followers once more and the occasions are all the time particular for me.”
Van Aert will experience eight cyclo-cross races this winter with the potential for the World Cup races in Zonhoven and Benidorm, however that is nonetheless topic to alter. “These crosses nearly coincide with the crew’s coaching camp in January and that causes the required snags. As well as, the collected fatigue simply earlier than and after the coaching camp additionally performs a task within the closing evaluation of whether or not beginning suits in with the build-up in the direction of the spring,” stated the Jumbo-Visma crew.
There might be six or eight races between Van Aert and Van der Poel
We should always see between six and eight battles between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. The Dutchman will begin in Mol, Antwerp, Gavere, Hulst, Baal and Koksijde, plus Zonhoven and Benidorm, so we may even see eight races between the 2 prime riders.
Van der Poel is getting ready for a really intensive cross interval. The World ‘cross champion will full a complete of 13 crosses. Van der Poel has already stated that he goals to defend his World title in Tábor, Czech Republic, on February 4, 2024.
Mathieu van der Poel Vs. Wout van Aert:
22-12 Zilvermeercross
23-12 UCI Cyclocross World Cup #9 Antwerp
26-12 UCI Cyclocross World Cup #10 Gavere
30-12 UCI Cyclocross World Cup #11 Hulst
01-01 X²O Loos Trophy GP Sven Nys
04-01 X²O Loos Trophy Flemish Duinencross Koksijde
07-01 UCI Cyclocross World Cup #12 Zonhoven
21-01 UCI Cyclocross World Cup #13 Benidorm
31-03 Tour of Flanders.
Six or eight battles between Mathieu and Wout this winter:
Julian Alaphilippe Declares First Important Targets for 2024
Julian Alaphilippe desires to point out effectively within the spring Basic subsequent yr. The now 31 year-old Frenchman introduced in a Q&A on Instagram that he’ll concentrate on Strade Bianche, Milano-Sanremo and the Ronde van Vlaanderen within the 2024 spring.
The double World champion of Imola and Leuven rode the three huge spring races this yr, however didn’t do very a lot. In Milano-Sanremo he was eleventh, Strade Bianche forty third and the Tour of Flanders 51st. Alaphilippe hopes for higher leads to these races subsequent yr. The Strade Bianche and Milano-Sanremo are his first foremost objectives of 2024, adopted by Flanders. Within the run-up to ‘De Ronde’, the Frenchman will race in a number of different Belgian spring Classics. Alaphilippe will announce his full race program later.
He has proven a number of occasions previously that he can carry out effectively within the greatest spring Classics. In 2019 he achieved the ‘double’, with wins in Strade Bianche and Milano-Sanremo. A yr later he was within the successful break in Flanders, however needed to abandon after crashing into a motorbike.
Alaphilippe hoping to be again in kind within the 2024 Classics:
Wout van Aert ‘Suggests’ his Important Objective for 2024
Wout van Aert introduced his provisional cyclo-cross program for the approaching winter on Tuesday (see above). He stated he now not wished to go away something to likelihood heading into the spring Classics, however in dialog with a Colombian biking web site he acknowledged that his foremost objective for 2024 lies elsewhere. “That’s primarily the Giro d’Italia,” the Belgian advised Mundo Ciclístico.
The Jumbo-Visma chief is at the moment in South American. Van Aert took half in Rigoberto Urán’s granfondo within the Colombian mountains, the Giro del Rigo. The Belgian star was welcomed with nice enthusiasm in cycling-mad Colombia. On Sunday he completed the Granfondo within the firm of Urán and another professionals. The press additionally had the chance to interview Van Aert.
The Colombian journalists requested Van Aert about his greatest victories. “That’s minus stage victories within the Tour de France,” he stated. Then his love for Italy was mentioned. “I really like the environment, the meals, the heat and the expressiveness of the Italians. What’s my foremost objective for 2024? Primarily the Giro d’Italia,” he surprisingly acknowledged.
The Belgian has flirted with participation within the Italian Grand Tour a number of occasions in current weeks. Sporting director Merijn Zeeman can also see a task for Van Aert within the Giro. In keeping with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the sports activities administration of Visma-Lease a Bike (from January 1), believes in a prime 5 closing total place.
Classics and Giro for Wout?
Will Zdenek Stybar Proceed for One other Yr?
Zdeněk Štybar introduced his retirement as a bike owner in mid-October, however is now backtracking on that call. He’s in talks with ATT Investments, a Czech Continental crew, to presumably prolong his profession by one other yr. He advised WeLoveCycling.
In October, Štybar contested the Gree-Tour of Guangxi and Solar Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon. These have been to be his final races as knowledgeable rider. “It was solely shortly earlier than my journey to China that I heard that Jayco was not relying on me. I used to be very dissatisfied, I didn’t anticipate it. I hoped that we’d attain an settlement to do the spring classics as much as and together with Paris-Roubaix. If my efficiency weren’t good, I’d be comfortable to cease. However now I’m not prepared to finish my profession.”
Štybar understands Jayco AlUla’s alternative to not renew his contract. “They should preserve going and take into consideration the long run. I’m turning 38, have had surgical procedure on my pelvic artery and coronary heart and the numerous years on the bike have taken their toll on my knees. If I put myself within the place of the crew chief, I feel it’s logical that they might not give me a contract. Then again, once I came upon who they have been speaking to… I do know I’d undoubtedly attain the next degree than them.”
Maybe Štybar can nonetheless present his kind, as discussions are underway with the Czech ATT Investments crew. “Sure, that’s certainly an choice. However we nonetheless should see how precisely that will work,” he says. “I’m open to any challenge that is sensible. I’m severely contemplating the potential for working with this Czech crew. Transferring the expertise I’ve gained all through my profession to younger boys might be my objective subsequent season.”
Štybar wish to move on his data, however it’s also attainable that he will get into the crew automotive. He lately went to Switzerland to take a crew DS’s course. “There may be additionally a practical choice to work as a crew DS for a WorldTour crew,” he added. “Nevertheless it received’t be with one in every of my former WorldTour groups. Nevertheless, I don’t but know the precise circumstances, the variety of racing days for instance. So I can’t say whether or not I’ll stay within the WorldTour subsequent yr.”
Zdeněk Štybar to proceed?
Stefan Küng Talks About his Crash within the European Time Trial Championships
The 2023 season ended badly for Stefan Küng. The Swiss rider crashed into the limitations in the course of the European Championships time trial and hit the bottom arduous. What precisely occurred? In dialog with SRF, Küng advised his story.
“Throughout a time trial I’m nearly blind,” stated the Groupama-FDJ rider. “I can solely see a couple of meters forward due to the place I’ve to carry. I subsequently should depend on the directions that come from the help car through radio.” This time, these directions didn’t occur. Küng adopted the white line on the highway, however sooner or later the fences closed in a bit.
“We checked out it once more, however it all occurred in a short time. In a time trial I cowl fifty to sixty metres in a couple of seconds. So if I make a mistake, I’m on the bottom earlier than I do know it.”
Küng was badly injured after his crash, however raced on with a damaged helmet. The Swiss federation got here beneath loads of criticism, together with from the UCI, as a result of the protocol within the occasion of a suspected concussion was not adopted. The federation subsequently stated that it might analyse the matter internally. Küng completed eleventh within the race. It later emerged that he had suffered a concussion, a fractured cheekbone and a number of fractures to his hand.
Not a superb sight:
Provisionally Suspended Miguel Angel López Near Signing with EOLO-Kometa
Miguel Angel López may be again in Europe once more subsequent yr. The Colombian, who has been provisionally suspended resulting from a attainable violation of the doping guidelines, is alleged to be near a transfer to EOLO-Kometa, in keeping with Colombian Antena 2.
EOLO-Kometa, Alberto Contador’s crew, wish to give López one other likelihood as knowledgeable. In keeping with Antena 2, the Spanish/Italian ProTeam is simply ready for a call from the UCI. In July, the governing physique imposed a provisional suspension on López and thus far no closing choice has been made concerning the Colombian’s future.
The UCI provisionally suspended López after analysis by the Worldwide Testing Company (an impartial anti-doping company) indicated a attainable violation of anti-doping guidelines. The UCI suspects the 29 year-old rider of attainable possession and use of a banned substance within the weeks main as much as the 2022 Giro d’Italia.
In 2023, López rode for the Colombian Continental crew Medellín-EPM. In South America he took 21 victories at UCI degree. A big a part of this was in smaller occasions, however he additionally received a stage and the ultimate classification of the Vuelta a San Juan (2.Professional). Within the Vuelta a Colombia, which he additionally received, he was the perfect in eight of the 9 phases.
López was the general winner in San Juan’24:
EOLO-Kometa Denies any Contact with López: “We by no means talked about him”
The Colombian information web site Antena 2 got here out with the information that Miguel Ángel López is near a becoming a member of EOLO-Kometa, however supervisor Ivan Basso stated to Tuttobiciweb: “We by no means talked about him throughout the crew.”
Tuttobiciweb determined to contact Ivan Basso for his aspect of the story, and the two-time Giro winner was very clear. “Everyone knows that Miguel Ángel López is an excellent athlete and a really robust climber, however he’s not a part of our plans. We by no means talked about him throughout the crew. I can say that we’ll announce two vital switch information within the coming days.”
López possibly not again in Europe:
Wout van Aert Plans to Contest a Operating Race Throughout the Giro
In keeping with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Wout van Aert will experience the Giro d’Italia for the primary time subsequent yr, or will his Giro debut be for an additional yr? On Tuesday, Van Aert wrote on his Instagram web page, inviting folks to affix him on the Wings for Life World Run in Breda. This occasion is sooner or later after the 2024 Giro d’Italia begin in Venaria Reale.
Contributors of the Wings for Life World Run elevate cash for analysis into spinal twine accidents. The occasion is linked to Pink Bull, Wout van Aert’s private sponsor. On Sunday, Might 5, 2024, runners will begin collectively in numerous locations across the World at 1pm. Dutch and Belgian individuals can run in Breda. Van Aert made an attraction to come back and run and it appears as if he may even take part. Nevertheless, this may imply that he won’t seem in the beginning of the Tour of Italy in 2024, because the 107th version of the Giro will begin on Saturday, Might 4th, sooner or later earlier than the Wings for Life World Run.
In a press launch, Van Aert was cautious. “I’m the godfather of To Stroll Once more, Marc Herremans’ basis that helps folks with spinal twine accidents. The Wings for Life World Run is subsequently near my coronary heart. Preserve Sunday Might 5 free and are available to Breda. A wonderful metropolis, not removed from my house. If my schedule permits it, I may even be in the beginning. Don’t hesitate, simply register!”
Jumbo-Visma crew supervisor Richard Plugge dismissed the story from La Gazzetta dello Sport that Van Aert will make his debut within the Giro d’Italia subsequent yr as untimely. “We have now not but reached that stage within the course of of constructing plans for 2024. Our workers will meet in November to guage this season and punctiliously make plans for 2024. That is how we strategy it yearly. These concepts shall be mentioned one-on-one with the riders in December in the course of the first coaching camp. Solely then are the applications put collectively. So it isn’t but clear which Grand Tour Van Aert will experience,” stated Plugge.
A little bit of operating for Wout, however and not using a bike:
Pogačar Named Slovenian Bike owner of the Yr – Roglič and Mohorič additionally Awarded
Tadej Pogačar is the Slovenian bike owner of the yr for the fourth time in a row. The UAE Crew Emirates rider was offered with the prize on the gala in Ljubljana. Primož Roglič and Matej Mohorič additionally acquired awards for his or her particular achievements. Eugenia Bujak acquired the award for greatest Slovenian lady bike owner of the yr.
Pogačar had a wonderful season, regardless of a foul crash in Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Within the Tour de France he was crushed by Jonas Vingegaard, however the 25 year-old received two of the 5 Monuments: the Tour of Flanders and Tour of Lombardy and in addition received Paris-Good, the Amstel Gold Race and Flèche Wallonne, for a complete of seventeen victories.
“This yr was a Tour with peaks and valleys,” Pogačar advised Siol.internet on the gala. “The final week was fairly troublesome for me, however second place provides me motivation once more. I hope that subsequent yr will go a bit extra easily.” He additionally spoke about his victory within the Tour of Flanders: “Flanders is without doubt one of the most lovely one-day races. The truth that I used to be in a position to win there’s something unimaginable. Biking may be very fashionable in Belgium.”
There have been additionally awards for Roglič and Mohorič. Roglič was honoured for his victory within the Giro d’Italia. The Jumbo-Visma rider, who will experience for BORA-hansgrohe subsequent yr, additionally received the Tirreno-Adriatico, Tour of Catalonia, Vuelta a Burgos and Giro dell’Emilia. Within the Vuelta a España he completed third behind teammates Sepp Kuss and Jonas Vingegaard. “I admire these moments, they aren’t limitless,” stated Roglič. “I had loads of enjoyable this season.”
Mohorič additionally acquired an award for his particular achievements. This was primarily his victory within the Gravel World championships and his stage victory within the Tour de France. Mohorič’s emotional interview after his victory within the Tour de France was additionally featured. “My coronary heart nonetheless beats quicker once I watch the video,” stated the Bahrain Victorious rider. “I really like that the speech has impressed so many individuals. To do one thing good for themselves, to set excessive objectives, to chase goals.”
Pogačar on his approach to successful Flanders:
Matej Mohorič: “Victory within the Gravel World Championships Above my Victory in Milano-Sanremo”
In 2022, Matej Mohorič received Milano-Sanremo, and in 2023 he received the Gravel World championships. The Bahrain Victorious rider charges this gravel victory larger, he stated to Rouleur.
Mohorič received the gravel World title in early October in Veneto, Italy. “If folks had requested me beforehand what the victory would imply, I’d put it beneath my two stage victories within the Tour de France and my win in Milano-Sanremo,” he admits. “However in case you ask me as we speak, I’d put it above that. As a result of it made loads of noise and I truthfully suppose that inside a couple of years it will likely be extremely troublesome to repeat this efficiency. So I admire it and I’m grateful.”
It was not the primary time that Mohorič grew to become World champion. The Slovenian received the World title on the highway with each Juniors and U23. In each circumstances he was unable to put on the rainbow jersey after, as he moved up a class, however this time he hopes that shall be totally different. “I’m not going to let myself be cheated for a 3rd time,” he laughed.
“We’re going to put collectively a superb program and see what we are able to do. Clearly I’ll proceed to experience primarily on the highway and people are the principle objectives. But when we are able to add some gravel races that don’t get in the way in which of different objectives, I’ll undoubtedly concentrate on it.”
World gravel champion – Matej Mohorič:
Philippe Gilbert Claims Compensation from Street Rage Incident
On Tuesday, two males suspected of highway rage in opposition to cyclists Philippe Gilbert and Loïc Vliegen appeared earlier than the prison courtroom of Verviers. Gilbert broke a finger within the incident in 2016 and needed to miss a couple of races. The previous rider is now demanding compensation of €450,000.
In 2016, Gilbert and Vliegen have been victims of highway rage. Gilbert broke a finger and was unable to begin within the Brabantse Pijl and different races. To compensate for the bodily and monetary harm suffered, he’s now demanding a hefty compensation of €450,000.
Gilbert claimed that the driving force and occupant of the automotive have been drunk, however in keeping with the general public prosecutor’s workplace this isn’t the case. The motorist additionally filed a criticism with the police. Gilbert was not current on the listening to on Tuesday. The ex-rider was represented by his lawyer. Vliegen was current.
Gilbert calls for compensation, but additionally dangers punishment himself. The Verviers public prosecutor’s workplace, which investigated the incident, suspects the ex-World champion of utilizing a sprig, banned in Belgium, in the course of the incident. He would subsequently have violated the weapons legislation. Gilbert is alleged to have bought the spray in France, the place it isn’t banned. The previous World champion lives in Monaco. A ruling isn’t anticipated instantly, Het Nieuwsblad studies.
Gilbert claiming a giant compensation fee:
UCI Places Further Sanctions on Mihkels and Thijssen after Racist Tweet (X)
Two riders of the Intermarché-Circus-Wanty crew, Madis Mihkels and Gerben Thijssen, have been fined by the UCI resulting from an incident within the run-up to the Gree-Tour of Guangxi. The Belgian sprinter and his Estonian teammate triggered a stir in China with a racist brief video.
The publish was shortly deleted, however screenshots have been nonetheless circulating on X (Twitter) exhibiting Mihkels making the racist gesture. The younger Estonian pulls his eyes right into a slits with two fingers and Thijssen filmed the scene. This racist gesture triggered fairly a stir and the 2 riders have been despatched house by their crew.
A day later, Mihkels and Thijssen apologised. “We’re extraordinarily sorry for what occurred. We realise that the publish in query on social media was flawed and hurtful. We really feel very comfy in a multicultural atmosphere and it was by no means our intention to offend or harm anybody. It’s a precious lesson for us and we will definitely be extra humble sooner or later.”
The UCI has imposes a fantastic on the 2 riders for ‘violating Article 12.4.004 of the UCI rules.’ The UCI doesn’t make any statements concerning the quantity of the fantastic. Mihkels and Thijssen may even should attend an academic course on the battle in opposition to racism. The 2 riders have accepted the punishment imposed.
Sanctions for Mihkels (and Thijssen):
Daniel Oss Ends to his Street Profession and Turns to Gravel
Daniel Oss won’t be a part of the skilled peloton subsequent yr. The 36 year-old Italian has determined to finish his highway profession, however won’t dangle up his bike simply but. Oss will swap to gravel racing in 2024, he stated in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Oss has been knowledgeable rider for 15 years. His skilled debut was in 2009 with the well-known Liquigas crew. The Italian raced with them for 4 seasons, then BMC (2013-2017), BORA-hansgrohe (2018-2021) and eventually TotalEnergies (2022-2023).
In his first years, Oss was a promising Classics rider, with a superb dash in his legs. This gave him victories within the Giro del Veneto (2010) and the USA Professional Biking Problem. These are additionally his solely victories on the skilled degree. Oss additionally completed third within the E3, fifth in Gent-Wevelgem and ninth in Milano-Sanremo. The robust Italian by no means grew to become a frontrunner or a prime winner, however was a a lot appreciated domestique. With BMC he helped Greg Van Avermaet for a few years and for the final six seasons with BORA-hansgrohe and TotalEnergies he was Peter Sagan’s proper hand man.
After fifteen seasons on the prime degree, Oss is retiring as a highway bike owner to focus fully on gravel racing. Oss will lead a brand new gravel crew in 2024, based by Specialised. “I’ve all the time been considerably various myself. That’s gravel too. It’s one thing new and I really feel like a pioneer in that sense. I’m prepared. For me it’s a form of restart,” La Gazzetta dello Sport quotes.
Oss, who received silver on the clay-court World Cup final yr, is wanting ahead to a brand new journey. “It’s a unique world than highway biking. You will be your self extra and there may be much less strain to carry out, though I nonetheless need that. It’s considerably like a voyage of discovery, wherein you search for new locations. There shall be an in depth clay calendar, with extra competitions. Then you possibly can measure your self higher.”
Daniel Oss turns to gravel:
One other Season for Domenico Pozzovivo at 40?
In mid-October, it seemed like Domenico Pozzovivo would finish his profession, however now there may be hope once more for the 40 year-old climber. In keeping with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian, whose contract with Israel-Premier Tech is expiring, is at the moment in talks with Corratec-Selle Italia.
“There usually are not many conversations,” Pozzovivo advised WielerFlits previous to the Giro del Veneto. “Truthfully? I nonetheless have the legs and the motivation to proceed, but when that doesn’t work, I’ll cease.” He then indicated that he wished to select earlier than the top of October, as a result of he had already needed to wait a really very long time to signal a contract for the 2023 season.
Now the Italian, who celebrates his forty first birthday on November 30, is alleged to be speaking to Corratec-Selle Italia about his future. Corratec-Selle Italia is a ProTeam, however was in the beginning of the Giro d’Italia final yr. It’s exactly that race that Pozzovivo desires to experience once more. He has began the Giro d’Italia seventeen occasions, however with an eighteenth experience he would equal Wladimiro Panizza’s file.
One other season for Pozzovivo?
Héctor Carretero Retires on the Age of 28
Héctor Carretero has ended his biking profession on the age of 28. The rider from Albacete in Spain, who has ridden for the Movistar crew for a few years, posted a press release on social media on Wednesday, asserting that he would cease racing.
Carretero doesn’t give a cause for ending his profession. “I need to share with you that 2023 was my final as knowledgeable bike owner. I’ve been elite for seven years, and I’ve all the time cycled since I used to be eight. That’s when my journey in biking started,” he stated.
“What’s going to I keep in mind from all these years? Certainly, these are all of the folks and colleagues I’ve had the pleasure of assembly and changing into pals with. Additionally the unimaginable recollections as a bike owner that I’ll always remember. Biking is and stays the game that I carry in my coronary heart and though one door closes, one other opens. I search for new motivations and concepts on this world,” Carretero wrote.
After two years with the Lizarte coaching crew, Carretero made his debut with Movistar in 2017 and raced for them for 5 seasons. When there was no place for him with the WorldTeam, he moved to Equipo Kern Pharma, the place he rode for the final two seasons. His solely victory got here in 2021 within the Vuelta Asturias. He additionally rode the Giro twice and the Vuelta as soon as.
Héctor Carretero retires:
Geraint Thomas Works on ‘Consuming Situation’ in Off-Season: “I Was Drunk Twelve Out of Fourteen Nights”
It’s no secret that Geraint Thomas likes a beer. Throughout the race season the Welsh rider holds again, however in his low season he doesn’t maintain again. “I feel I’ve been drunk twelve out of fourteen nights within the final two weeks,” he advised Cyclingnews.
“It’s been loopy since I bought again to Cardiff,” stated the 37 year-old INEOS Grenadiers rider. “That is the way you meet your folks. Like: do you need to meet up? Yeah, let’s have one thing to eat, or simply go to the pub. I don’t drink in the course of the season, or at most one drink. However out of season you let your self go. Actually, at first you possibly can’t deal with a lot, however I’ve the sensation that I’m now in good consuming situation once more. I don’t know if it’s a British or Australian mentality, the tradition of simply going out and getting drunk if you’re younger. That stays with you and is my means of being social. I want that outburst, as a result of now I feel: mate, I really want to get again on the bike and get construction.”
Thomas thinks that the youthful technology of cyclists experiences the low season another way. “I really feel like I used to be in a position to take pleasure in my time. It’s uncommon for a younger rider to really drink,” he stated. “Not that it’s important to drink one thing to have enjoyable. Nevertheless it reveals the distinction in mentality: all the things is measured and so they work on it twelve months a yr. Even within the low season they’re all engaged on it. They nonetheless cycle or run marathons.”
Thomas has not been too involved concerning the subsequent season in current occasions. Fairly a couple of kilos have been added. He at the moment weighs 75 kilos, however he desires to get again to 68.5 kilos. “It’s not like you are able to do it in a couple of weeks after which – bam – it’s simply gone. That makes it harder and also you even have to take care of your weight. It’s taxing, it’s 24/7, you understand? Coaching is straightforward as a result of I really like biking, I take pleasure in torturing myself and doing intervals. Furthermore, it is just for a restricted a part of the day. However this goes on on a regular basis.”Beer and curry time for Thomas:
PostNL turns into the brand new foremost sponsor of Crew dsm-firmenich
Iwan Spekenbrink has secured the way forward for his crew for the following three years. PostNL is becoming a member of the dsm-firmenich crew. A number of sources have confirmed to WielerFlits that Sprekenbrink has now reached an settlement with PostNL till 2026 and that this information shall be confirmed inside a couple of days.
In keeping with insiders, dsm-firmenich and PostNL will turn into equal foremost sponsors of the crew throughout that interval. The crew’s finances grows as a result of joint contribution and this in all probability means the biggest finances for the crew since its founding. Simply after the profitable years of 2017 and 2018 of the crew beneath the identify Crew Sunweb with Tom Dumoulin, Warren Barguil and Michael Matthews, the budgets in biking have elevated as a result of arrival of billionaire Jim Ratcliffe (INEOS Grenadiers) and the oil {dollars} from UAE and Bahrain. It’s a good factor for Dutch biking that PostNL is becoming a member of the Spekenbrink crew. Which means as soon as once more one of many bigger Dutch firms has opted for biking and within the close to future, extra consideration shall be paid to Dutch and Belgian riders within the WorldTeam, U23 crew and the ladies’s crew.
Whereas dsm-firmenich focuses primarily on the worldwide market, PostNL is a significant participant within the Dutch and Belgian markets. PostNL is the biggest mail and parcel supply firm within the Netherlands, whereas it’s also lively with parcels in Belgium. In keeping with sources, the orange color can also be prominently featured within the new crew jsersey.
It had been recognized for a while that PostNL, which employs greater than 35,000 folks, was wanting right into a sponsorship challenge in sports activities. The logistics firm with its head workplace in The Hague is alleged to have a choice for biking as a result of it is a sport that stands for extra motion and sustainability and may be very accessible to most of the people. Many firm workers cycle day by day, no matter climate or wind, to ship the mail within the Netherlands.
Crew dsm–firmenich PostNL has already recruited 30 riders to the WorldTeam for 2024. A number of Dutch riders have been contracted in current months. Along with Jakobsen, Gijs Leemreize, Timo Roosen, Julius van den Berg and Bram Welten are additionally new to the crew. Along with sprinter Jakobsen, the skilled Bardet, Barguil and Degenkolb are the leaders of the crew. A lot is predicted of the abilities Max Poole (20) and Kevin Vermaerke (23) and Oscar Onley (21) within the coming years. Within the ladies’s crew, sprinter Charlotte Kool, Pfeiffer Georgi and Juliette Labous are the anticipated prime riders.
More cash for the dsm-firmenich crew:
Lotto Dstny Indicators Younger New Zealander from Bolton Equities Black Spoke
Logan Currie will nonetheless be knowledgeable in 2024. Bolton Equities Black Spoke will cease on the finish of this season, however 22 year-old Currie has discovered a spot with Lotto Dstny. He has signed a one yr contract with the Belgian ProTeam.
“I’m nonetheless very younger, however I take into account myself a classification rider and time trial specialist,” Logan stated on the Lotto Dstny crew web site. “I’m wanting ahead to racing with Lotto Dstny subsequent yr and I feel I can study loads on this new atmosphere. The crew has invested closely within the efficiency side in current months and I’m satisfied that I could make loads of progress right here.”
Currie is aware of Belgium effectively. As a younger rider, he lived and raced in Belgium for 3 seasons. “However I’m not a cobblestone or classics specialist,” he laughs. “I really like your races, however I’m extra of a time trialist and a basic classification rider. I need to help the crew and the leaders in powerful climbing competitions or catch the escapees in flat phases to assist our sprinters win. After all I hope to have the ability to race for myself once in a while and I dream of a superb consequence. If I get that chance, I’ll seize it with each arms.”
Kurt Van de Wouwer, the sports activities supervisor of Lotto Dstny, says Currie is a ‘promising rider’. “We don’t have many riders together with his profile in our crew. He’ll help our leaders in smaller stage races and in races with a hilly course. Along with our efficiency division, we consider he can take the following step in his profession in our crew.”
Logan Currie to remain in Europe as a professional:
Matteo Fabbro, A Climber for EOLO KOMETA
Matteo Fabbro is EOLO KOMETA’s newest signal for the 2024 season. World Tour expertise (in his six years as a professional he raced first at Katusha after which at BORA-hansgrohe), an undisputed expertise that locations him among the many most fascinating profiles in Italian biking, and an awesome need for revenge after an advanced yr.
Matteo Fabbro: “I’m coming to a crew I’ve all the time admired, I do know Davide and Mattia Bais effectively but additionally all the opposite Italians, I feel it will likely be straightforward and speedy to combine and be comfy instantly.” However what sort of rider is he, Matteo Fabbro? “I’m a climber, my mild physique will get alongside effectively with climbing and as quickly because the going will get powerful I’m comfortable. I’ve discovered to defend myself effectively in time trials, too, although.” A season to revive himself, he was quoted as saying, “Let’s say that since I used to be hit by Covid I had a collection of bodily issues that restricted me loads, now I’ve left this era behind and I actually need to get off to an awesome begin. I dream of as soon as once more making rankings in a grand tour, I’m actually very motivated: the Giro d’Italia is one thing distinctive, one thing particular, I actually need to experience it.”
Stefano Zanatta: “Fabbro is an important addition to the crew, is a rider who has all the time raced on World Tour groups, and that is undoubtedly a assure of outcomes. With us he may have the chance to place himself within the sport to be a protagonist, the selection to come back with us will permit him to place himself within the sport and discover outcomes: we should be good at placing him in the perfect circumstances to specific all his qualities.”
A number of WorldTeams Wish to Signal Italian Climbing Expertise Pellizzari
Giulio Pellizzari may race for a WorldTeam in 2025. The 19-year-old Italian, who is called a really promising climber, has curiosity from a number of prime groups, in keeping with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Pellizzari nonetheless has a contract together with his present crew, Inexperienced Mission-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè, and can race for the Italian crew in 2024. However behind the scenes, a number of WorldTeams try to beat one another within the battle for the younger Italian’s signature. In keeping with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Movistar is at the moment in prime place to accumulate Pellizzari earlier than 2025, however the Spanish crew reportedly has competitors from BORA-hansgrohe and Intermarché-Circus-Wanty.
Pellizzari received the U23 Giro del Medio Brenta, however he was second within the Tour de l’Avenir. Within the Tour de France for U23 riders, dropping to Isaac del Toro, who shall be with UAE Crew Emirates sooner or later. The Italian climber was not solely good with the U23’s in 2023, but additionally among the many execs. He stood out within the Tour of the Alps and fought for victory within the fourth stage to Predazzo, however completed third. Pellizzari additionally completed twelfth within the Sibiu Biking Tour and on the finish of the yr he was sixth within the Tour of Turkey.
Giulio Pellizzari to be within the WorldTour:
EOLO Continues its Journey within the World of Biking
The main firm in FWA expertise stays with Crew Polti Kometa’s as a sponsor.
EOLO, a number one firm within the provide of connectivity via FWA expertise and the primary B Corp within the telecommunications sector in Italy, confirms its proximity to the world of biking, one of the deeply rooted sports activities within the nation. A dedication that started over three years in the past, with the contribution to the inspiration of the crew led by Ivan Basso, EOLO Kometa.
Luca Spada, President of EOLO, commented: “Biking is an distinctive sport, it teaches the significance of teamwork and reaches all Italian territories, even these far-off from huge cities, bringing a spectacular occasion even to small municipalities. Exactly for that reason, as EOLO, we really feel a deep reference to this sport, which completely matches our mission: to deliver connectivity to all these small cities that make Italy nice”.
“The vital outcomes achieved by the crew in recent times have additionally been attainable because of the collaboration with EOLO, whom we thank. We’re excited to proceed this journey collectively, to help the long run challenges of our crew and biking basically,” feedback Ivan Basso, Sport Supervisor and founder within the crew. “We have now a yr of nice challenges forward of us and we’re comfortable to have the ability to rely on the help of our sponsors”.
From the left aspect, Guido Garrone (CEO EOLO); Ivan Basso (Sport Supervisor EOLO Kometa); Luca Spada (President EOLO); Giulio Ravizza (Chief Advertising and marketing & Communication Officer EOLO):
16 Athletes Confirmed for Girls’s WorldTeam
Human Powered Well being has accomplished its 2024 roster of athletes.
Henrietta Christie, Audrey Cordon-Ragot, Barbara Malcotti, Daria Pikulik, Marit Raaijmakers, Lily Williams and Alice Wooden full the squad, becoming a member of 9 new signings for a dramatically revamped roster for 2024.
“We have now constructed an thrilling roster of athletes and workers forward of the 2024 season,” stated Ro de Jonckere, Normal Supervisor. “We see an awesome basis to construct upon with the crew and our riders creating yr over yr, alongside the enlargement of ladies’s biking.”
We see an awesome basis to construct upon.
Beforehand introduced, new signings Yuliia Biriukova, Krista Doebel-Hickok, Ruth Edwards, Maëlle Grossetete, Romy Kasper, Wiktoria Pikulik, Katia Ragusa, Silvia Zanardi and Linda Zanetti are a vital a part of that basis.
The crew shall be led by Normal Supervisor Ro de Jonckere with Efficiency Supervisor Kenny Latomme working alongside Crew Administrators Giorgia Bronzini and Clark Sheehan.
The lately launched Girls’s WorldTour calendar bears similarities to 2023 however with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift moved to August to accommodate the Paris Olympic Video games. It as soon as once more kicks off on the Tour Down Beneath in Australia, beginning January 12.
Human Powered Well being Biking 2024:
Yuliia Biriukova 🇺🇦
Henrietta Christie 🇳🇿
Audrey Cordon-Ragot 🇫🇷
Krista Doebel-Hickok 🇺🇸
Ruth Edwards 🇺🇸
Maëlle Grossetete 🇫🇷
Romy Kasper 🇩🇪
Barbara Malcotti 🇮🇹
Daria Pikulik 🇵🇱
Wiktoria Pikulik 🇵🇱
Marit Raaijmakers 🇳🇱
Katia Ragusa 🇮🇹
Lily Williams 🇺🇸
Alice Wooden 🇬🇧
Silvia Zanardi 🇮🇹
Linda Zanetti 🇨🇭
Omloop der Kempen to be a UCI Occasion in 2024
The lads’s Basic, the Omloop der Kempen will take a step as much as the UCI degree in 2024. The occasion, which shall be organised for the seventy fifth time subsequent yr, shall be given a 1.2 standing, in keeping with the race organisers. The Omloop der Kempen takes place on the weekend of Might 25 and 26. The ladies race on Saturday, the lads on Sunday. The ladies’s occasion additionally had a 1.2 standing in 2022.
“With our anniversary in prospect, we thought that along with the Omloop der Kempen for ladies, our males’s race must also be raised to a global degree once more,” stated race director John van den Akker. “By shifting to the UCI 1.2 degree, our Dutch biking skills can compete with their worldwide opponents. We subsequently anticipate to welcome groups from throughout Europe and even past to Veldhoven and the Kempen for the seventy fifth version.”
Final yr, the lads’s race, then nonetheless a nationwide basic, was received by Coen Vermeltfoort. The VolkerWessels rider was too quick for Jesper Rasch and the American Brody McDonald in a bunch dash.
The 2023 Omloop der Kempen:
2025 Grand Départ: Let’s Meet within the North of France
In 2025, the Hauts-de-France Area, the Nord Division and the Lille European Metropolis will host the beginning of the 112th version of the Tour de France.
Particulars of this Grand Départ and the phases that may make it up shall be unveiled at a press convention on Thursday, November thirtieth 2023 at 11.30am, within the Salon Charles de Gaulle, contained in the Prefecture du Nord in Lille (entry via 2 rue Jacquemars Giélée, 59000 Lille, France).
All details about Tour de France on: letour.fr/en/
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