The EUROTRASH bag is bursting with cycling news: Men’s and women’s European Road Championships, Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal and Québec, Gran Premio Città di Peccioli – Coppa Sabatini, Memorial Marco Pantani and the men’s and women’s Grand Prix International d’Isbergues – Pas de Calais – All the news, views, results, reports and videos.
INEOS Grenadiers and their difficult period – TOP STORY.
Rider news: Tadej Pogačar nearly went to Disneyland instead of Canada, Jonas Vingegaard is a father for the second time, Biniam Girmay can only train wearing plain clothing in Eritrea, Matteo Jorgenson wants to go for the GC in a Grand Tour and Raymond Kreder to retire at the end of 2024.
Team news: Loyal teammate Dion Smith extends adventure with Intermarché-Wanty, Maho Kakita joins EF-Oatly-Cannondale, Visma | Lease a Bike strengthens staff with two new faces, Paula Ostiz set to join Movistar, Barbara Guarischi extends her contract at Team SD Worx-Protime, Bauernfeind and Niedermaier sign contract extensions with Canyon//SRAM, Martina Fidanza to Visma | Lease a Bike and UAE Team Emirates squads for Tour de Luxembourg & Belgian Classics.
Race news: Tour and Giro both want to use the Colle delle Finestre in 2025, 2024 Paris-Tours: the 23 teams selected,
Plus: Off-Script Tour of Britain 2024 | INEOS Grenadiers | Behind the scenes video.
Coffee!
TOP STORY: INEOS Grenadiers and Their Difficult Period
INEOS Grenadiers was the dominant team in the Grand Tours, now the British squad has now been passed by Visma | Lease a Bike and UAE Team Emirates, but they have made changes at the administrative level. What is the problem?
Geraint Thomas has spoken about the situation. The 38-year-old Briton was in the team from the start in 2010, when it was Sky Procycling and has seen it all unfold. “There is not one cause or reason why we are currently going through a difficult phase. There are several things at play. The most important thing now is to pull together, that we strive for the same thing. It is something we have to solve together,” said Thomas in his podcast Watts Occurring.
“There are big ambitions and goals, but let’s start by winning a few cycling races first. Let’s be honest: Pogačar and Vingegaard are hard to beat, but there are many other races. And there are still many good riders in our team. We can still be very successful,” said the 2018 Tour winner. “This year it was often just not quite. You have to be able to turn that around. But we definitely also have to have some honest conversations and look in the mirror.”
His teammate and regular podcast partner Luke Rowe, who will retire as a professional rider at the end of the season, also sheds light on the current situation. “From the outside it all seems doom and gloom, but I believe in the people within our organisation. There is belief that the team can return to the highest level, but it is a long-term thing.”
INEOS Grenadiers underwent a thorough overhaul last winter. With John Allert at the helm, the British multi-million pound formation wants to close the gap with UAE Team Emirates and Visma | Lease a Bike, the new team boss said in an extensive interview with GCN in May. “It is clear that we need to strategically review our work. It is clear that we need to use more rigorous methods to close our gap with UAE Team Emirates and Visma | Lease a Bike. We have not stood still, but others have developed faster than us in the last two or three years. We need to look in the mirror and be honest about that. But there is no specific solution. However, the time of marginal gains is over. We are going for maximum gains, maximum results. And that is quite difficult to achieve, but we can only achieve that by being disruptive and innovative.”
INEOS being left behind?
European Road Championships – Men 2024
Tim Merlier is the new European men’s road champion. The 223 kilometre race between Heusden-Zolder and Hasselt was animated by Mathieu van der Poel and Mads Pedersen in the hilly mid-section, but in the end the title was decided in a bunch sprint. Merlier was the fastest, just ahead of Olav Kooij. Estonian, Madis Mihkels, beat Jasper Philipsen for third place.
The Netherlands and Italian teams were the top favourites at the start. The first break of the day included Mathis Le Berre (France), Nils Brun (Switzerland), Jonas Rutsch (Germany), Ivo Oliveira (Portugal) and Felix Ritzinger (Austria). The Netherlands and Italy took on the work to hold them at around 2 minutes. France also chased, as Le Berre had been told that he wasn’t to work in the break.
On the Limburg circuit, in addition to the Netherlands and Italy, Denmark, Belgium and Germany also did their bit. The first real attack came 113 kilometres from the finish: World champion, Mathieu van der Poel got away with Mads Pedersen, Søren Kragh Andersen, Matteo Trentin, Jordi Meeus and Mike Teunissen and some others. That attempt was closed down, after which the early break was also caught. Then several groups tried to escape. The Netherlands, Denmark, Italy and Belgium always had one or two riders involved. Van der Poel attacked again with 90 kilometres to go, this time with Mikkel Bjerg and Matteo Trentin, who didn’t want to ride with him. At this point Tim Merlier had a puncture and had to try to return alone. The Van der Poel trio was joined by a chase group, including Teunissen, Eenkhoorn, Van Poppel, Pedersen, Kasper Asgreen, Alexander Kristoff, Hugo Page and three Belgians; Laurenz Rex, Edward Theuns and Jonas Rickaert. The peloton wasn’t far behind, but thanks to the work of Teunissen and Pedersen they didn’t get closer. The co-operation was not good in the group and so there was a merger with just over 60 kilometres to go to the finish.
Pedersen accelerated again on the last cobbled section of Op de Kriezel. This time he got Van Poppel, defending champion Christophe Laporte and Arthur Kluckers with him, after which Van der Poel crossed to them with Rutsch. They had 15 seconds and forced the Italians and the Belgians to chase in the thinned out peloton. Nothing happened the last time up the Kolmontberg, but on the Zammelenberg the peloton lost ground. Pavel Bittner went on a counter-attack alone, but the Czech couldn’t make the crossing and dropped back to the peloton. The difference to the leaders; Van der Poel, Van Poppel, Pedersen, Laporte, Kluckers and Rutsch had increased to 25 seconds, with 35 flat kilometres to go to Hasselt. On the wide roads the lead disappeared, although the Italian train had to go deep. Twenty-five kilometres from the finish, the group with Van der Poel and Pedersen was caught by a peloton of over 50 riders. Italy kept the pace high, but in the final lap it was Denmark again that made the race hard with Søren Kragh Andersen and Kasper Asgreen.
Asgreen rode just ahead of the peloton for a while, which meant that Affini had to pull out all the stops. He succeeded 5 kilometres from the finish, but Kragh Andersen accelerated again, although he was caught by an extremely strong Affini. Several trains were formed for the favourites; Jonathan Milan, Jasper Philipsen, Tim Merlier and Olav Kooij, who had all managed to keep their powder dry. Italy started the final kilometre with an impressive train, after which several came up from behind. This resulted in a chaotic finale, in which no train could really put their sprinter at the front. Milan couldn’t finish the Italian work and was outside the top 10. Italy’s top favourite had to watch as Merlier beat everyone on the outside with a powerful sprint. Kooij came up fast, but was too late. Philipsen missed out on the bronze by a small margin, as Madis Mihkels was too fast.
2024 men’s European road champion, Tim Merlier (Belgium): “It’s unbelievable! When I had that chain problem, I thought it was over, but I continued, found a gap and came out of the peloton at the right moment. I asked to be in this race because I believed I could win it. I did it and I’m incredibly proud! Bert was amazing today, he brought me in a perfect position and I gave everything on the finishing straight. This title means a lot to me. After being Belgian Champion twice, it’s a dream come true to become European Champion now in my home country and in front of my family. I can’t wait to wear this beautiful jersey.”
2nd, Olav Kooij (The Netherlands): “Shortly after the finish, disappointment prevails. We rode a fine race. We were always where we needed to be. Whenever there was an attack, we reacted quickly. Only we prepared the sprint a little different, so unfortunately I was a little too far to start the sprint. I had very good legs, but sadly I fell just short of grabbing the title.”
3rd, Madis Mihkels (Estonia): “This medal is the biggest result of my career so far. It’s the second time I’ve been on the podium of a major international championship after the 2021 Junior World Championships, where I also finished third. Here, the level was the highest it could be, and I survived with the strongest sprinters. I was accompanied to the finish by my compatriot Karl Patrick Lauk, and we decided to take the Dutch train of Olav Kooij on the right. This choice gave me perfect shelter from the wind to emerge from the second line and reach the podium. I even had the feeling of coming back on Merlier and Kooij at the end. I’m proud of this medal for Estonia; with our resources, we have competed with the best nations. I would like to thank Intermarché-Wanty, who built an ideal program for me to be in the best possible shape for these European Championships.”
4th, Jasper Philipsen (Belgium): “I came to win, but that didn’t work out. But I did everything I could. I didn’t do the best sprint today, that’s how it is. We did pretty well, with Jonas Rickaert and Jordi Meeus as my last man. But when I started, Tim and Olav Kooij came over me pretty quickly. Then you know you’re not sprinting for the win. I didn’t have my best feeling. That’s a shame, but it is what it is. We have a deserved winner today. I’m happy that we won as a team and that everyone got their chance. Tim was clearly the fastest and therefore the deserved winner.”
Mathieu van der Poel (The Netherlands): “I did what I could do, that was the plan. And at the end we rode with the whole team for Olav Kooij. The bunch sprint was quite hectic, that was as expected. It was straight ahead for a long time and there was a headwind. I was behind Olav at first and wanted to pass him, but we just didn’t make it. We knew it would be difficult. I had already done my thing on the way, but Olav is still riding a very strong sprint. He was in a pretty good position, and I was behind him with Mike Teunissen, but we just didn’t make it past him. We knew it would be difficult to make it work, but I’m not worried about that.”
European Road Championships – Men Result:
1. Tim Merlier (Belgium) in 4:37:09
2. Olav Kooij (The Netherlands)
3. Madis Mihkels (Estonia)
4. Jasper Philipsen (Belgium)
5. Alexander Kristoff (Norway)
6: Mads Pedersen (Denmark)
7. Pavel Bittner (Czechia)
8. Stanislaw Aniolkowski (Poland)
9. Christophe Laporte (France)
10. Alex Kirsch (Luxembourg).
Euro RR champs’24:
Video soon.
European Road Championships – Women 2024
Lorena Wiebes won the 2024 European women’s road race title on Saturday. After a race of over 160 kilometres between Heusden-Zolder and Hasselt, she was the fastest in a bunch sprint. Wiebes lost her lead-out train in the final kilometre, but the top favourite was unbeatable. Elisa Balsamo was second and Daria Pikulik was third.
After the neutralised start on the Zolder circuit, the riders had circuits in Hasselt. The race then went south via the Printhagendreef to start the Limburg circuit. A combination of the Kolmontberg, the Zammelenberg and some cobbles offered opportunities to split the race. After two Limburg laps, it was back to Hasselt for the last 22.7 kilometres. The finish was flat, so a bunch sprint was expected.
The top teams were the Netherlands and Italy. These countries had the two fastest sprinters: Lorena Wiebes and Elisa Balsamo. It was up to those teams to take control of the 162 kilometre race. It took a long time for a break to come. Nikola Nosková (Czech Republic) managed to create a gap, after an attack attempt failed due to a crash. Rotem Gafinovitz (Israel) tried to join her, but was stuck between. On the first cobbled section, Nosková was almost caught, but then the pace dropped and she was able to take more time, but that didn’t last very long. On the hilly Limburg Circuit, Mireia Benito (Spain) rode away at a quiet moment. She was allowed to take 1 minute by the Dutch team, who led the peloton over the Kolmontberg and Zammelenberg.
On the second lap, reigning champion Mischa Bredewold put the hammer down on the cobbles of Manshoven, splitting the peloton and ending Benito’s escape. The Op de Kriezel section had more effect and a selection was made. The Netherlands didn’t want to let some riders return. Not much happened on the Kolmontberg and Zammelenberg, apart from a break by Elisa Chabbey that was countered by Amber Kraak. It looked like a bunch sprint, because an almost complete peloton headed for Hasselt for the last 40 kilometres. Several countries, including home nation Belgium, tried to escape, but it didn’t work. Sara Martín was solo for a long time, but she was also brought back.
The Dutch train caught Martín at the start of the last lap and held a steady pace. In the last 5 kilometres, the other countries moved their trains up, with Balsamo and Daria Pikulik near the front. Wiebes and her lead-out were pushed aside in the last 2 kilometres, but Thalita de Jong brought the orange train back to the front just before the final kilometre. Wiebes got on the wheel of the Italian train in the final. She had to do it all by herself. More than 200 metres from the line, she started her sprint and no one was going to come close. This was her second European title on the road. Elisa Balsamo was second, ahead of Daria Pikulik.
2024 women’s European road champion, Lorena Wiebes (The Netherlands): “It didn’t go perfectly. Well, it wasn’t perfect. It was very chaotic. The girls did really well. Especially in the last lap we had complete control. It was just such chaos in the sprint. In the end I lost the train. Luckily I found the Italian train and started early. I felt like I had to go early to win. It’s very special to be able to wear this jersey now. It’s always nice to have a special jersey. It’s a solution to win something again. I felt the pressure when those girls were in the lead, then the tension builds up… That it finally works out again and I’m very grateful to the girls for how they worked. We’ve proven that we’re there as a team as the Netherlands. It feels good to be by far the fastest. I think the national coach made a good choice. I’m going to ride a few gravel races. The national championship and the World Gravel Championship. Then it’s time for the last race. That’s the Simac Ladies Tour and then it’s time for some rest.”
Elisa Balsamo (Italy): “It’s not a victory, because I came second. So I’m a bit disappointed. It was a great day, because we rode a good race. My teammates did a great job, so I want to thank them. Today Lorena was simply stronger. I did my best, but it wasn’t enough. I have to say that it was quite chaotic in the last two kilometres. It was difficult to find my teammates. The perfect lead-out wasn’t possible. But we did well by taking the left side of the road. I always focus on the finish. I don’t want to look at others. Of course I saw her coming at the end and pushed as hard as I could, but she was simply faster”
3rd, Daria Pikulik (Poland): “This is good for Polish cycling. We had prepared for a sprint. That was nice. Maybe we were a bit too late. Luckily we found our way and I was able to sprint. Maybe not full throttle, but this is still my first medal on the road. It wasn’t enough for the win, but I’m proud. We have a strong team for the lead-out. Most of them are also lead-out during the season. We knew how to deal with this situation. I’m very happy with this medal for Polish cycling and for my entire team.”
European Road Championships – Women Result:
1. Lorena Wiebes (The Netherlands) in 3:56:34
2. Elisa Balsamo (Italy)
3. Daria Pikulik (Poland)
4. Clara Copponi (France)
5. Ingvild Gaskjenn (Norway)
6. Kathrin Schweinberger (Austria)
7. Emma Norsgaard-Bjerg (Denmark)
8. Kata Blanka Vas (Hungary)
9. Rasa Leleivyte (Lithuania)
10. Christine Majerus (Luxembourg).
Euro RR champs’24:
Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal 2024
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) won in Montréal on Sunday. In the Canadian WorldTour race, the Slovenian was unbeatable and took the victory after a solo of 24 kilometres. Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) and Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Quick-Step) finished second and third.
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal is on a hilly circuit of 12.3 kilometres in the city with 269 metres of climbing and had to be ridden 17 times. The total distance is 209.1 kilometres, with 4,573 metres of elevation. From the start/finish, the road climbs up the Côte Camillien-Houde (1.8km at 8%) in the Parc du Mont-Royal, followed by a descent of almost two kilometres on wide roads. After 6 kilometres there is the climb of the Côte de Polytechnique (780 metres at 6%), where there is a section of 11% for 200 metres. Then there is a short descent on a bumpy road surface. Next is the short Pagnuelo (535 metres at 7.5%), from the summit there are 3 kilometres to the finish. The finish (and start) is on the Avenue du Parc. At first it is downhill, then climbs to the finish line. The last 560 metres are uphill at an average of 4%. With 4,500 metres of climbing, the Montréal race was more for the altitude men than the sprinters of Québec. In 2023 it was Adam Yates who won and in 2022 it was Pogačar. The Slovenian was the top favourite at the start to repeat his win of two years ago.
The break of three built up a lead of 6 minutes, but Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates team soon showed that they wanted to keep a tight hold on the race. With 130 kilometres to go, the lead was down to just over 2 minutes and the peloton could catch them when it wanted. Fifty kilometres from the finish, Leonard and De Bondt were the first to be caught, just as Matej Mohorič put in an attack. The Slovenian was chasing down Gelders, but the Bahrain rider was caught. UAE Team Emirates were still doing the work on the front of the peloton. With three laps to go, everything came back together and everyone was waiting for Pogačar to make his move.
The Pogačar attack came 24 kilometres from the finish. Rafal Majka launched his leader on the Côte Camilien-Houde and Pogačar rode away from the peloton. Pello Bilbao and Matteo Jorgenson were the only riders to try to hold the Slovenian, but they were unable keep with his speed. Pogačar’s lead was soon 20 seconds and the bird had flown. He comfortably soloed to victory. Behind Pogačar, a group formed with Bart Lemmen, Alex Aranburu, Julian Alaphilippe and Pello Bilbao, but there was a large chase group not far behind them. On the last passage of the Côte Camilien-Houde, Bilbao jumped away to take second place. Julian Alaphilippe sprinted to third place ahead of Maxim Van Gils (Lotto Dstny).
# You can see more photos in the full ‘PEZ Race Report’ HERE. #
Race winner, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates): “It was fun to race here. The team did a great job. This was exactly how we wanted it, so hats off to them. Without the team I couldn’t have done this. My legs were also really good, so this is a nice day. I’m really happy with this win on a tough and hot course, so I have nothing to complain about today. This win gives a boost and extra confidence for two weeks from now. I really can’t wait for the World Championships. I’ll do some more training there. It’s clear that I’m ready.”
2nd, Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious): “It feels amazing. We came here with a strong team, confident that this could be a great opportunity. The guys did an incredible job for me, especially after Quebec. They believed in our chances, and everything went perfectly. I saved a lot of energy because they protected me throughout the race, so in the end, I just had to give my best. Catching Pogacar was impossible, but I did my own race, set my rhythm on the last climb, and made it to the finish line. This podium finish at the end of the season is a huge morale boost for the upcoming races.”
3rd, Julian Alaphilippe (Soudal Quick-Step): “The demanding course and the high temperatures made for a hard day, and it was important to save every ounce of energy you could. Gil’s presence in the breakaway helped us do that. When the action began in the last 20 kilometres, I played my cards and gave my best. It was always going to be difficult to cut the gap to Pogacar, but I didn’t give up and tried to form a chasing group. That didn’t work, but I kept believing, and at the end of the day I am happy with my result, especially as it’s my first podium here in Canada. I like the atmosphere and the fans here, and it’s nice to be in the top three after such a difficult race. This result is also an important confidence-boost ahead of the World Championships in Zurich, where I hope to be present together with the French team.”
Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal Result:
1. Tadej Pogačar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates in 5:28:15
2. Pello Bilbao Lopez de Armentia (Spa) Bahrain Victorious at 0:24
3. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra) Soudal Quick-Step at 0:40
4. Maxim Van Gils (Bel) Lotto Dstny
5. Ion Izagirre Insausti (Spa) Cofidis
6. Toms Skujins (Lat) Lidl-Trek
7. Tiesj Benoot (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike
8. Michael Woods (Can) Israel-Premier Tech
9. Edoardo Zambanini (Ita) Bahrain Victorious
10. Jai Hindley (Aus) Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe.
Montréal’24:
Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec 2024
Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla) won the Grand Prix de Québec on Friday, ahead of Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty), Rudy Molard (Groupama-FDJ) and Ties Benoot (Visma | Lease a Bike). The Jayco AlUla rider was the strongest in a sprint from a large group after just over 200 kilometres.
The 2024 GP de Québec course is identical to the previous three years: Sixteen laps of 12.6 kilometres for 201.6 kilometres with 3,000 metres of climbing. The start is on the Grande Allée Ouest and the first part of the race goes through the Parc de Champs-de-Bataille, which is relatively flat. After 4 kilometres the race goes down to the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, then via the Boulevard de Champlain, the peloton heads back towards the heart of the city. There are 3 difficult kilometres in the historic centre with winding roads that constantly go up and down. After 9 kilometres there is the Côte de la Montagne: 375 metres with ramps of up to 13%. The peloton rides over the city walls, with a view of the harbour. This is followed by the climb of the Côte de la Potasse (420 metres at 9%). The riders pass the city hall and then climb the Montée de la Fabrique (190 metres at 7%). The peloton then passes the Château Frontenac, a hotel that looks like a castle and climbs towards the finish. The final kilometre on the Grande Allée has an average gradient of 4%.
Arnaud De Lie, Michael Matthews and Biniam Girmay were the favourites in Québec if the race came down to a sprint. But everyone was looking at Tadej Pogačar, who has won all his races this year except Milano-Sanremo, would he be victorious in Canada? Right from the gun a leading group formed with top young rider, Frank van den Broek. He was joined by Artem Shmidt, Félix Hamel, Jonas Walton, Antonio Polga and Filippo Ridolfo The 20-year-old Schmidt has been riding in the WorldTour. The six took a lead of almost 6 minute, but the two WorldTour riders soon showed that they were on a higher level than the others. After two hours, the Italians Polga and Ridolfo were first to be dropped. Then the Canadians Walton and Hamel couldn’t hang on and Shmidt and Van den Broek were left out front with a lead of 4 minutes. The finale started 65 kilometres out by an attack by Ben Healy. The Irishman’s break didn’t amount to much, but it did get the peloton motivated. Several riders counter-attacked, but the peloton calmed down again after 10 kilometres. Throughout the action in the peloton, Shmidt and Van den Broek held their lead and maybe had a chance of winning. In the peloton riders were being dropped and abandoning the race due to the high pace set by UAE Team Emirates. Axel Laurance and second last year, Corbin Strong were amongst the riders in trouble. Pogačar’s team had to keep the pace high in the last part of the race to pull in Van den Broek and Shmidt. With 35 kilometres to go, their lead was still at 3 minutes.
UAE Team Emirates had to work hard and put Rafal Majka and Tim Wellens on the front. With two laps to go the leaders only had 1 minute. Gil Gelders and Alex Baudin counter-attacked and the lead of Van den Broek and Shmidt was cut even more. At the start of the last lap, all groups came together and the hope of the escape of the leaders was over. On the final lap Matteo Jorgenson put in a big attack. The Visma | Lease a Bike American attacked with 10 kilometres to go and had a lead of 20 seconds. Jorgenson was caught with 3 kilometres to go, after which Julian Alaphilippe tried his luck, but UAE wouldn’t let him go. Pogačar launched his move with just over 2 kilometres to go. The Slovenian tried to go solo, but he couldn’t get rid of three Lotto Dstny riders: De Lie, Maxim Van Gils and Jenno Berckmoes, who then started their lead-out for De Lie. As has often happened in recent years, the race ended in a sprint from a group. Tiesj Benoot was one of the first to attack and looked to be going for victory, but was passed by Matthews. Biniam Girmay was just too late and finished second and Rudy Molard (Groupama-FDJ) was third.
# More photos in the ‘PEZ Race Report’ HERE. #
Race winner, Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla): “It means much more than I can put into words. The season started really great with the classics. Since then, until now, nothing has really fallen into place for me. Coming back here, a race that I know really well, to win my third Québec against what I think is probably the strongest field here was one of the most special for sure. My grandma passed away and a two days ago here in Québec I watched her funeral live. This gave me extra motivation and makes this victory so special. I wanted it so much. If I didn’t win, then what was the point in being so far away from my family during this difficult time.”
2nd, Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty): “It was a particularly difficult edition of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, harder than the previous two. But I always felt supported by my team, who did a huge amount of work all day. From the start, we controlled the race. In the last two laps, I really suffered with the pace of UAE and Pogačar, but I didn’t panic and kept my rhythm so I wasn’t in the red. It was a special sprint, everyone was going full gas in the last kilometre. I think I maneuverer well in the last 500 meters to gain places, unfortunately, Matthews was the fastest today. I’m happy to reward my team with a nice podium.”
Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec Result:
1. Michael Matthews (Aus) Jayco AlUla in 4:45:36
2. Biniam Girmay Hailu (Eri) Intermarché-Wanty
3. Rudy Molard (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
4. Tiesj Benoot (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike
5. Per Strand Hagenes (Nor) Visma | Lease a Bike
6. Bauke Mollema (Ned) Lidl-Trek
7. Tadei Pogačar (Slo) UAE Team Emirates
8. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-EasyPost
9. Pello Bilbao Lopez de Armentia (Spa) Bahrain Victorious
10. Edoardo Zambanini (Ita) Bahrain Victorious.
Québec’24:
Gran Premio Città di Peccioli – Coppa Sabatini 2024
Marc Hirschi was the favourite to win the Coppa Sabatini on Thursday and took his fourth consecutive victory in a major one-day race. The leader of UAE Team Emirates launched his decisive attack 35 kilometres from the finish for a solo victory. Gregor Muhlberger (Movistar) and Anders Foldager (Jayco AlUla) were second and third at half a minute.
The Coppa Sabatini starts and finishes in Peccioli, 50 kilometres southwest of Florence. The route first has a long circuit of 40 kilometres with four climbs, followed by five hard laps on a local circuit of 24.8 kilometres. The race would be decided on a short circuit of 12.2 kilometres, completed three times. The final climb of the Via Mazzini from Peccioli (1.4km at 5.8%) is the only climb in the last circuits. The final kilometre climbs at an average of 7%.
The leading group of the day formed early in the race in waves. Seven riders escaped, including Lorenzo Milesi (Movistar), Sebastian Berwick (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA), Alexandre Balmer (Corratec-Selle Italia), Davide Bais (Polti Kometa), Diego Uriarte, Carlos García Pierna (Equipo Kern Pharma) and Diego Andrés Camargo (Petrolike). In the peloton, UAE Team Emirates controlled everything for man-in-form, Marc Hirschi. Before the riders entered the final circuit, the lead group had already lost less than a minute. Although, Milesi, Balmer, García Pierna and Bais were left out front on the final lap around Peccioli, they were caught on Via Mazzini (1.4km at 5.8%) by UAE. That turned out to be the signal for Hirschi to attack 36 kilometres from the finish, no one was able to follow him.
Behind Hirschi, several groups formed, with teammate Diego Ulissi controlling his escape. On the Via Mazzini, the Swiss leader maintained his lead for the win. Gregor Mühlberger (Movistar), Anders Foldager (Jayco AlUla), Kristian Sbaragli (Corratec-Vini Fantini) and Axel Huens (TDT-Unibet) managed to escape behind them and started to battle for the other podium places. In the uphill finishing straight, Mühlberger sprinted to second place, ahead of Foldrager and Sbaragli.
Race winner, Marc Hirschi (UAE Team Emirates): “I knew the race, I knew it was demanding and I wanted to try this move from afar. I found myself alone in front and I pushed full throttle to prevent them from coming back from behind, I immediately managed to gain about 40 seconds and I managed to win. This is a victory that added to last Sunday’s in Larciano confirms my positive condition on the road to the World Championship in Zürich, at my home, in Switzerland.”
Gran Premio Città di Peccioli – Coppa Sabatini Result:
1. Marc Hirschi (Sui) UAE Team Emirates in 4:53:00
2. Gregor Muhlberger (Aust) Movistar at 0:28
3. Anders Foldager (Den) Jayco AlUla
4. Kristian Sbaragli (Ita) Corratec-Vini Fantini
5. Axel Huens (Fra) TDT-Unibet at 0:33
6. Georg Steinhauser (Ger) EF Education – EasyPost at 0:58
7. Michael Storer (Aus) Tudor at 1:05
8. Orluis Alberto Aular Sanabria (Ven) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
9. Vincenzo Albanese (Ita) Arkéa-B&B Hotels at 1:12
10. Alexander Hajek (Aust) Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe.
Sabatini’24:
Memorial Marco Pantani 2024
Marc Hirschi won the Memorial Marco Pantani on Saturday, making this his fifth victory in a row this autumn. The Italian race ended in a large group sprint and Hirschi was the strongest. Italians Lorenzo Milesi (Movistar) and Vincenzo Albanese (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) were second and third.
The Memorial Marco Pantani (UCI 1.1) had the unbeatable (so far this Autumn), Marc Hirschi, at the start. The 195 kilometre route between Cesena and Cesenatico, had five laps over the Diolaguardia climb (8.3km at 3.6%). In the last section the gradient ramps up to 8.3%, but the last climb comes 50 kilometres from the finish. The finale was flat, so not a course for the attackers.
It took a while before a lead group managed to break away. An attempt by Iván Romeo (Movistar), Valentin Ferron (TotalEnergies), Simon Carr (EF Education-EasyPost) and Filippo Turconi (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè) was successful, but UAE Team Emirates controlled the peloton and didn’t let the break take too much time. Romeo and Carr held out the longest, but were caught by the thinned out peloton 80 kilometres from the finish. UAE Team Emirates kept everything together and led an attack by Diego Ulissi on the penultimate time up Diolaguardia, where he rode away with Giulio Pellizzari and Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda. That attempt failed, after which a new trio escaped: Marco Brenner, Mattéo Vercher and Filippo Baroncini escaped and took more than 1 minute, but on the last climb of the Diolaguardia, their lead was pulled back.
Brenner and Baroncini started the last flat 40 kilometres to Cesenatico with a small lead, after they had dropped Vercher. Behind them, an elite group had formed with Hirschi, Davide Formolo, Ben Hermans, Vincenzo Albanese, Orluis Aular, Michael Storer, Domenico Pozzovivo and others. Albanese and Aular managed to jump away from that group, but they were still more than 30 seconds behind the two leaders. The peloton was a minute behind the leaders, but were getting closer due to the work of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, Cofidis and Movistar. Albanese and Aular were caught and in the last 10 kilometres the difference to Brenner and Baroncini was small. The German and the Italian were doing a good job, but were caught just after the 1K to go banner. In a disorganised sprint, Albanese looked to be the fastest, but was passed by Hirschi in the final metres. Lorenzo Milesi (Movistar) and Vincenzo Albanese (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) joined him on the podium. This was the 5th victory in a row for Hirschi, after the Clásica San Sebastián, Bretagne Classic, GP Industria & Artigianato and the Coppa Sabatini.
Race winner, Hirschi (UAE Team Emirates): “It was a tough race which we controlled from the start. Then we opened the race up early with an attack from Baroncini which was a good situation for us. We tried to block a bit behind but unfortunately he came back in the final 500m and so I sprinted behind, following the right wheels and making the most of the headwind. It’s nice to continue this winning streak. I have luck on my side at the moment and I hope it can continue.”
6th, Davide Piganzoli (Polti Kometa): “I had great sensations on the five climbs to Diolaguardia and in the finale we jostled for position very well, helping each other brilliantly.”
9th, Javier Serrano Rodriguez (Polti Kometa): “A nice result that rewards us for the hard work. I launched the sprint a bit too early, but it’s all experience for the next opportunities to fight for victory!”
Memorial Marco Pantani Result:
1. Marc Hirschi (Sui) UAE Team Emirates in 4:24:01
2. Lorenzo Milesi (Ita) Movistar
3. Vincenzo Albanese (Ita) Arkéa-B&B Hotels
4. Stefano Oldani (Ita) Cofidis
5. Marco Tizza (Ita) Bingoal WB
6. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Polti Kometa
7. Vegard Stake Laengen (Nor) UAE Team Emirates
8. Davide De Pretto (Ita) Jayco AlUla
9. Javier Serrano Rodriguez (Spa) Polti Kometa
10. Gianluca Brambilla (Ita) Q36.5.
Memorial Pantani’24:
Grand Prix d’Isbergues – Pas de Calais 2024
Arvid de Kleijn won the men’s GP d’Isbergues on Sunday. After almost 200 kilometres, the race ended in a bunch sprint. The Tudor sprinter, who won the GP de Fourmies last week, was too fast for Laurence Pithie (Groupama-FDJ) and Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Wanty) who finished second and third.
The Grand Prix d’Isbergues has been a race for the sprinters. Arnaud Démare is co-record holder with three victories. Other recent winners were Nacer Bouhanni, Elia Viviani and Mads Pedersen, but puncheurs such as Philippe Gilbert and Benoît Cosnefroy have also won. The 198 kilometre French one-day Classic has a tricky hilly section in the middle, but then a virtually flat finale in Isbergues.
A break couldn’t form in the early part of the GP d’Isbergues, which was to the advantage of the sprinters. Arvid de Kleijn was probably the top favourite after his victory in the GP de Fourmies last week, but there was also Gerben Thijssen, Paul Penhoët, Ethan Vernon, Luca Mozzato, Giacomo Nizzolo and Milan Fretin. About 80 kilometres before the finish, a lead group managed to get away: Axel van der Tuuk (Metec-Solarwatt), Jasper De Buyst (Lotto Dstny), Kenny Molly (Van Rysel-Roubaix) and Luca De Meester (Bingoal WB) and others. That group did not get more than a 2 minute lead from the Intermarché-Wanty and Q36.5 led peloton. On the last lap of 10 kilometres, the escape was caught, except for De Buyst, but he was also caught in the last 3 kilometres. In the bunch sprint, De Kleijn was given a perfect lead-out by the Tudor train.
Race winner, Arvid de Kleijn (Tudor): “It was a nice race, we had everything under control until I crashed with a few team mates with three laps to go. I first wanted to make sure there was nothing wrong with my head so I asked myself a few questions. I could answer them all so thought I was good to go. I went again and was asked by the team if I wanted to try to sprint. I really did. We could come back thanks to a great team effort but then I only had Rick (Pluimers) and Maikel (Zaijlaard) for the sprint. They did an amazing job once again. In the sprint, Maikel was leading for a long time, and I even thought at some point that he could make it to the finish, but I eventually went and won. It is amazing. I was in a lot of pain because of the crash. It was hard but with guys like these, it is so nice to give it all and finish it off. I hope I can recover quickly and be ok for the next race on Friday at the Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen.”
Grand Prix d’Isbergues – Pas de Calais Result:
1. Arvid de Kleijn (Ned) Tudor in 4:35:06
2. Laurence Pithie (NZ) Groupama-FDJ
3. Gerben Thijssen (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty
4. Pierre Gautherat (Fra) Decathlon-AG2R-La Mondiale
5. Davide Persico (Ita) Bingoal WB
6. Maikel Zijlaard (Ned) Tudor
7. Paul Penhoet (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
8. Piet Allegaert (Bel) Cofidis
9. Jensen Plowright (Aus) Alpecin-Deceuninck
10. Tom Van Asbroeck (Bel) Israel-Premier Tech.
Isbergues’24:
Grand Prix International d’Isbergues – Pas de Calais Féminin 2024
Maaike Boogaard won the women’s GP d’Isbergues. The 26-year-old rider of AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step managed to beat the sprinters in Isbergues after a race of over 130 kilometres. She won ahead of the Frenchwoman Victoire Berteau (Cofidis) and Alba Teruel from Spain (Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi).
This is Boogaard’s first victory of the season. Earlier this season she finished fourth in the final GC of the Baloise Ladies Tour. It is not her first professional victory, because in 2022 she won the EPZ Omloop van Borsele when she rode for the women’s UAE Team Emirates. Boogaard is the second Dutch rider to win the GP d’Isbergues for women. In 2021, Charlotte Kool won the French one-day race, which has been on the calendar since 2019.
Race winner, Maaike Boogaard (AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step): “The team performed exceptionally well today. In every move, there was always at least one of us involved, and we had control throughout the race. Maaike also spent a long time leading the race. In the final 13 kilometers, she and the six best riders broke away from the peloton and handled it with great composure. Her sprint was truly impressive. This victory is well-deserved; for me, she was the strongest rider in the race today. In short, it was a fantastic performance by both Maaike and the entire team.”
Grand Prix International d’Isbergues – Pas de Calais Féminin Result:
1. Maaike Boogaard (Ned) AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step in 3:26:47
2. Victoire Berteau (Fra) Cofidis
3. Alba Teruel Ribes (Spa) Laboral Kutxa-Fundacion Euskadi
4. Alison Jackson (Can) EF-Oatly-Cannondale
5. Laura Tomasi (Ita) Laboral Kutxa-Fundacion Euskadi
6. Valentine Fortin (Fra) Cofidis
7. Chiara Consonni (Ita) UAE Team ADQ
8. Gladys Verhulst-Wild (Fra) FDJ-SUEZ
9. Mylene De Zoete (Ned) Ceratizit-WNT
10. Letizia Borghesi (Ita) EF-Oatly-Cannondale.
Isbergues’24:
Still looking for video.
Tadej Pogačar Nearly Went to Disneyland Instead of Canada
Tadej Pogačar is in Canada for the GP Québec and GP Montréal, but nearly didn’t make it. The Tour winner was stopped at the airport in Paris because his eTA was not in order. Without the electronic travel authorisation, you cannot enter Canada.
Pogačar is putting the finishing touches on his training in the Canadian races for the World championships in Zurich, but due to an administrative error, that plan almost didn’t happen. Unlike his teammates, Pogačar had to stay behind.
“So we went to Disneyland”, Pogačar said with a laugh at the press conference in Québec. “I thought it would be fun to do. But it turned out to be a bit too complicated. Luke Maguire (press officer) was not so happy with the plan to take the train to Disneyland to spend a few hours in the amusement park.” In the end, the race organisers managed to book another flight for Pogačar so he could make the trip to Canada, but his suitcase was left behind.
In Canada, the 25-year-old Slovenian rode his first races since his victory in the Tour de France. “It was nice to have some rest. That was really necessary. The day after the victory I was completely empty. I did continue cycling, but it took two weeks for that to happen again with a training schedule”
Pogačar rode the two Canadian races for the second time. In 2022, he made his debut with a 24th place in Québec and a victory in Montréal by beating Wout van Aert and Andrea Bagioli in a sprint. “I like riding these types of races with circuits. It is a bit in the same style as the World championship. So good preparation for the World championship in Zurich.”
Pogačar made it to Canada:
Jonas Vingegaard is a Father for the Second Time
Jonas Vingegaard and his wife have had a baby boy and are parents for the second time, Vingegaard’s mother told Danish media. The two-time Tour winner had said that the Vuelta wouldn’t be on his race schedule due to his wife’s pregnancy. His team said afterwards that the Dane will not be competing at all for the rest of the 2024 season.
Vingegaard’s wife, Trine Marie Vingegaard Hansen gave birth to a baby boy. According to the baby’s grandmother, he is healthy and the parents are doing well, the couple already have a daughter.
Vingegaard will be with his family for the next months, because his team confirmed at the end of August that the Dane will not be competing again this season. “Jonas is done for this year”, according to the Visma | Lease a Bike. “His wife is due to give birth to their second child soon and as an athlete he needs to recuperate after an intense spring and summer.” After the Tour, Vingegaard rode the Clásica San Sebastián and the Tour of Poland. He was not in contention in the Basque one-day race, but he took the overall victory in the Tour of Poland. The WorldTour stage race was his last race of 2024.
Another child for the Vingegaards:
Biniam Girmay Can Only Train Wearing Plain Clothing in Eritrea
Since winning the green jersey in the Tour de France, Biniam Girmay’s life has changed. The sprinter from Eritrea can no longer walk the streets in his home country. “I haven’t been able to train much in the past few weeks.”
The images of crowds of people celebrating the winner of the green jersey went viral. In the African country, everyone recognises the 24-year-old rider of Intermarché-Wanty. “It’s special to have so many fans who support you, but to be honest, it also has a downside. Going outside for a cup of coffee is almost impossible anymore. There are people everywhere who want something from you. Training in my team clothing is almost impossible. If I go cycling for an hour in my team clothing, I might get asked for a photo two hundred times. I tried to make a slightly less recognisable team shirt, but that didn’t work either.”
The solution that works best for Girmay is to ride around as unrecognisably as possible. “A black shirt, black bike… Actually everything in black.” Girmay spoke about his problem at the press conference after his second place in the GP Québec. “It is great to be on the podium of a WorldTour race again. We are here with high expectations. We want to perform at our maximum here because there are many UCI points to be earned and those are important for our team.”
Plain clothing for Girmay in Eritrea:
Matteo Jorgenson Wants to Go for the GC in a Grand Tour
Matteo Jorgenson wants to fight for a good final GC classification in a Grand Tour in the future. In the last Tour de France, the American felt that he might have a future racing for the final overall. While riding for Jonas Vingegaard, he finished 8th place. “I think after the Tour de France my opinion about riding classifications changed a bit,” Jorgenson told CyclingWeekly. “I saw that I didn’t have days where I was exceptionally bad. I had some bad days, there’s no doubt about that, but I didn’t have a day where I really lost everything and I felt really good, especially in the third week, which has never been the case for me.”
Jorgenson has since realised that he was in top form for those three weeks. “I think at some point in my career I would like that challenge to go for the classification in a Grand Tour. I don’t know if that’s next year or in three years, but I would like to try it at least once.”
The last Tour was the first time that Jorgenson rode strongly in the mountains, and according to the American, his change of team had something to do with it. Last winter, he moved from Movistar, after which he won Paris-Nice and the cobbled classic, Dwars door Vlaanderen.
“This switch was exactly what I wanted. I had been thinking for a long time that I wanted to join the best possible team, simply because I know how the sport works and I know that you need resources and support to be at your best. So I was even prepared to join a team where I would have fewer opportunities for myself, if I could try to benefit from the resources and support. It has brought me everything I have ever dreamed of, or even more.”
Matteo Jorgenson to go for the GC?
Raymond Kreder to retire at the end of 2024
Raymond Kreder will retire from cycling at the end of this season. The 34-year-old Dutchman will retire from the Japanese Kinan Racing Team at the end of 2024. The sprinter believes it is time for a new chapter in his life, with more time for his family and new challenges. After an eighteen-year career, he is now hanging up his bike.
Raymond Kreder enjoyed his best days from 2012 to 2014, when he rode for the Garmin Sharp WorldTour team. He won a stage in the Tour of Norway and also rode his only GT, the 2012 Vuelta a España. In more recent times, Kreder has raced for Japanese Continental teams, where he won stages in the tours of Thailand, Taiwan and Japan.
The Dutch sprinter announced via Instagram that he will retire at the end of this season. “It was a great journey. I want to thank my parents for the sacrifices they made during my career. Also my wife, who took care of me in good times and bad. Also the people who supported me during those years. It’s time for a new chapter in life and to be more at home with my wife, daughter and family.”
Raymond Kreder to retire:
Loyal teammate Dion Smith extends adventure with Intermarché-Wanty
Loyal teammate Dion Smith, the first New Zealander to wear a distinctive jersey on the Tour de France, has extended his contract with Intermarché-Wanty for two additional seasons, until the end of 2026.
In 2023, Dion Smith returned to Jean-François Bourlart’s team after a first stint between 2017 and 2018. He made history for his country by wearing the polka dot jersey on the Tour for three days, a first for a New Zealand cyclist.
Since then, he has placed his qualities as a fast rider at ease on hilly courses at the service of his leaders, notably Biniam Girmay, whom he accompanied on his first Tour de France in 2023. He also distinguished himself with a podium sprint on the last Tour de Romandie this season, before completing his first Giro d’Italia.
Dion Smith’s palmarès includes a prestigious runner-up spot at Milan-San Remo, where he finished sixth in his first participation in the summer of 2020, a few days before his first professional victory in the classic Coppa Sabatini, followed by a podium finish at the Vuelta a España.
Dion Smith: “Since returning to Intermarché-Wanty, I’ve felt right at home. I feel that my work is appreciated, I enjoy dedicating myself to my teammates, riding as a team and experiencing unforgettable moments with the staff. I’m always willing to help our leaders in many different races. My versatile profile allows me to help our sprinters on the flat, and I’m also able to get over the climbs and be useful to our climbers on difficult courses. I’ve had the chance to evolve in multiple races on the WorldTour calendar, including my first experience on the Giro. Since my first stint in 2017, I’ve noticed the great progress made by the team and it’s an honour to be a part of it. We are the underdogs who upset the odds and that’s what motivates everyone, it’s what allows us to surpass ourselves and achieve historic results like at the Tour de France 2024.”
Aike Visbeek (Performance Manager): “Dion Smith is a very important part of our WorldTeam. He is an experienced rider in the WorldTour peloton and a central element of the core built around Biniam Girmay. Thanks to his versatile profile, Dion can be useful on many terrains, and he plays a crucial role in positioning and supporting Biniam Girmay in the classics and approaching the sprints. At the beginning of the 2024 season, he was slowed down by illness and injury, but he showed a lot of character and made a strong comeback, as evidenced by his podium at the Tour de Romandie. We are happy to be able to count on his services for the next two years.”
Dion Smith to stay with Intermarché-Wanty:
Maho Kakita Joins EF-Oatly-Cannondale
Japanese rider to wrap up 2024 on the road after focusing on the track
Maho Kakita joins EF-Oatly-Cannondale excited to get back on the road after spending the first part of the season focused on the track. She will race the Grand Prix International d’Isbergues and Grisette Grand Prix de Wallonie.
On the track in 2024, she raced the Madison, the Omnium, the points race, the elimination race, the scratch race, the team pursuit, and the 3K pursuit. Maho earned an impressive eight wins and an additional six podium spots at the international competitions. This summer, she made her Olympic debut in Paris and raced both the team pursuit and the Madison.
She previously raced with the Japanese national team and Team Rakuten K Dreams, a UCI track team based in Japan. While she was still a full time student, Maho already knew she loved to race her bike and was a member of her high school’s team from ages 16 to 18.
This September, Maho became the national champion in five different track events: the Omnium, the individual pursuit, the team pursuit, the scratch race, and the Madison. Maho was fifth in the 2022 junior women’s world championship road race.
When she has time off from training and racing, Maho loves to spend time with her friends and family.
Maho Kakita and Tsuyaka Uchino – winners at the Asian madison championship :
Visma | Lease a Bike strengthens staff with two new faces
Visma | Lease a Bike has added two new faces to its staff. The Dutch team is hiring an aerodynamics specialist in Jamie Lowden, while Jasper Vaeck will join as a performance coach.
The Brit Lowden has the necessary knowledge and expertise in aerodynamics due to his experience as a former cyclist. “He will mainly focus on further optimising the positions of cyclists on the time trial bike”, the team website announced. Lowden will also focus on optimising clothing and equipment.
“The opportunity to work with top cyclists and leading brands is fantastic and I can’t wait to find new ways to achieve great results”, said Lowden. Mathieu Heijboer – head of performance – is pleased with the addition of a new expert in the field of aerodynamics. The Dutchman has been the brains behind developments in aerodynamics within the team in recent years.
Jasper Vaeck strengthens the coaching staff. The Belgian previously worked with Arkea-B&B Hotels, but is now making the switch to the Dutch team. “I chose Team Visma | Lease a Bike because of the professional structure and the ambition to win the biggest races”, he saidvia the team website.
New staff at Visma | Lease a Bike:
Paula Ostiz Set to Join Movistar Team
Under-19 European time trial champion becomes Telefónica-backed squad’s newest member from August and through 2028 – the first talent from development structure Cafés Baqué.
The Movistar Team will have the biggest up-and-coming talent in Spanish cycling within its ranks starting next summer.
Navarra’s Paula Ostiz (2007), currently a member of the Cafés Baqué project supported by the Abarca Sports organisation, has inked a contract with the Telefónica-sponsored team which will see her become a trainee with the Blues in August 2025, later turning a fully-fledged member of its WorldTour outfit in 2026-28.
The recently-crowned European time trial champion, last Wednesday in Limburg (Belgium) while still a first-year junior, has become a sensation in the international scene.
Ostiz’s big palmarès in 2024 includes the overall victory in the Watersley Challenge, the most prestigious stagerace in the junior calendar. She also took convincing victories in both Spanish Championships (ITT + road race) last July in Avilés, Asturias.
Paula’s leap validates the Movistar Team’s bet on the Baqué project, now coming to the end of its first season of co-operation with support from some of the WorldTour team’s brands helping a relevant initiative for the future of Spanish cycling.
Paula Ostiz: “My experience with the team at last January’s Jávea camp was really good – they treated me well, I could get to know the team from the inside and the support from my team-mates was exceptional. I kept in touch with Sebas(tián) Unzué and the HQ all year, everything was so smooth and easy, and that’s something I’m really thankful for. Being a team from my home region, I felt really at east with them.
“I think I’ve got myself in the best possible form to the Euros -as I think I could show at the TT- and the Worlds. I’d like to do well in what’s left. I’ve always dreamt of wearing the rainbow bands since I was a little child – I always tell my family it’s something we can dream of. Let’s hope we can get it, or at least be on the podium and add a medal to the gold from Belgium, which I’m so proud about. Zürich will be a really tough course, a race of attrition – we’re bringing a strong Spanish team, and I’m really excited about the Worlds, so let’s go for it!”
Sebastián Unzué: “I’m so happy to finally be able to make Paula’s signing with the team official. Being from the same region as the team, we’ve known her already for years, we met for the first time in under-17 stage, and she got full support from the team in this first junior season: training camps, equipment – plus, she knows the team-mates and environment, so she should be able to adapt to the team dynamics in no time.
“We feel she’s one of the biggest talents in her generation, as shown by her results, especially that ITT Euros gold that puts her right at the top of the bunch. We hope she will continue to be able to grow within the team, one step at a time. Taking the leap in August as a trainee should ease up the step and make things comfortable for her during her first full WorldTour season in 2026.”
Paula Ostiz to join Movistar Team:
Barbara Guarischi Extends her Contract with Team SD Worx-Protime Until 2026
‘This is the team where I put myself back on the map’
With Barbara Guarischi, Team SD Worx-Protime manages to commit one of its experienced forces to the team for two more years. The Italian routinier is an important strongholder within the Dutch World team. “Barbara Guarischi carries professionalism and sets a good example. She puts in a lot of work and thus forms an important foundation of Team SD Worx-Protime,’ sports manager Danny Stam said.
Barbara Guarischi joined Team SD Worx-Protime in 2023 and played an important role in getting the sprint train on point. Sports manager Danny Stam: ‘She and Lorena Wiebes have meant a lot in optimising our lead-out. They are a duo that can blindly rely on each other. When Barbara signed with us, everyone thought it was a bit of past glory. But she has proved everyone wrong. She is invaluable. Not only in sprint stages, but also in classics. Barbara Guarischi is a paragon of the professionalism needed to deliver a top performance. Barbara expressed her desire to race for two more years and we are happy that she will do so with us.’
For Barbara Guarischi, Team SD Worx-Protime is the team where she found her motivation and self-confidence back. ‘When I first arrived here, I was no longer 100 per cent motivated. But at Team SD Worx-Protime, I found the joy in cycling completely back. I felt myself getting better month after month. Cycling has evolved tremendously and become a lot tougher. You have to sacrifice a lot for it, but when you feel you can make a difference for champions and help them to victory, you get a lot of satisfaction from that.’
‘A career has a certain duration,’ Guarischi continued. ‘Five years ago I was still winning bunch sprints myself, but at a certain point I couldn’t do that anymore. I accepted that and focused on trying to help others get wins. My greatest strength has always been my ability to assess and anticipate the movements of other riders. I have the gaze of an eagle, so to speak. I have a good overview of what is happening and almost always find the gap. That comes in very handy in the lead-out. I have been able to celebrate many great wins since I arrived at Team SD Worx-Protime. There is a match between the DNA of this team and how I am in life myself. The work here is super professional, but at the same time there is a warm, jovial atmosphere. You also get the necessary freedom. As a professional athlete, you are passionate about your job and you do know when to be disciplined and focused. I am proud to be able to ride for this great team for two more years and finish my career here.’
Bauernfeind and Niedermaier Sign Contract Extensions with CANYON//SRAM Racing
CANYON//SRAM Racing is thrilled to announce the contract extensions of two key riders, Ricarda Bauernfeind and Antonia Niedermaier, as they continue their journey with the team into the 2025 season. Both riders have showcased exceptional resilience and talent, and the team is excited to see them thrive in the coming year. Here’s what they had to say about their recent contract renewals and their aspirations for the future.
Niedermaier: A Rising Star with Ambitious Goals
Niedermaier, who joined the team as a promising young talent, has extended her contract for another year, solidifying her place within the squad. From starting her cycling career with the development team CANYON//SRAM Generation in 2022 after finishing school mid-season, Niedermaier joined CANYON//SRAM Racing in 2023. In a little over twenty-four months of racing, the young German rider has a glittering palmarès, including overall victory at the Tour de l’Ardéche in 2022, a stage win at the Giro d’Italia in 2023 and sixth overall in 2024, sixth overall at this year’s Tour de Suisse and a U23 ITT World Championship title that she will aim to defend at the end of the month. All at just 21 years old.
Reflecting on the decision to extend through to 2025, Niedermaier shared her excitement: “As a young female cyclist who recently started my professional career with the team, I am thrilled to have extended my contract for another year. The decision was motivated by the incredible support and encouragement I have received from my teammates and coaches. The team environment has been instrumental in my growth as a rider, pushing me to challenge myself and strive for excellence.”
Looking ahead, Niedermaier has set her sights on achieving new heights next season, with the team playing a crucial role in her development.
“I have set ambitious targets for myself. I believe that the team’s expertise and camaraderie will be crucial in helping me reach these goals.”
One of the standout moments for Niedermaier over the past season was the team’s exceptional teamwork and race results, which left a lasting impact on her: “One of the highlights from the past season that reinforced my decision to stay with the team was the teamwork and the good results at the races. We really raced as a team, smart and efficient. The sense of unity and shared achievement was truly inspiring.”
As she prepares for the upcoming year, Niedermaier aims to improve her performance, particularly in stage races: “Next year, I hope to improve my performance and have some nice results in the bigger stage races. I plan to contribute to the team’s success by being a reliable and dedicated team player. I am confident we can achieve great things in the upcoming season.”
Antonia Niedermaier:
Bauernfeind: Overcoming Adversity and Continuing the Journey
Like Niedermaier, Bauernfeind started her professional career in the elite category in 2022 with CANYON//SRAM Generation, the development team of the World Tour Team. Bauernfeind has committed to another season with CANYON//SRAM Racing and spoke of her development and the pivotal role the team has played in her growth: “When I started my professional cycling career with CANYON//SRAM Generation three years ago, I never thought I could develop so much in that time. The professional structures within the team, combined with the familial environment, helped me immensely. That continued with CANYON//SRAM Racing. I learn from race to race and am far from reaching my full potential.”
Bauernfeind’s palmarès tallied six wins in 2022, followed by four top-ten places in the general classification at Women’s World Tour stage races in 2023, including a Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift stage victory. In the first half of 2024, the 24-year-old German rider took an impressive ninth place at the Ardennes Classic Liége-Bastogne-Liége in April. She was among the world’s best climbers at La Vuelta Femenina in May.
Bauernfeind’s journey in the second half of 2024 was then marked by challenges, with a knee injury forcing her to miss several season highlights, but it was during this time that she felt the full support of the team: “In 2024, I had difficult months, and it was the worst time of my career so far, but this period showed me how much I love being on the road with the team and racing and how much I miss every person on the team. Especially during this challenging time, the team was there for and supported me, and I am extremely grateful.”
Bauernfeind now focuses on returning to full-time training and making a strong comeback in the 2025 season: “After such a long break without structured training and racing, I simply want to return to my previous form and race with my team again next year. I missed it so much and can’t wait to fight for victories with my teammates. I hope to regain my strength in the mountains and support the team, especially in stage races.”
With Niedermaier and Bauernfeind continuing with CANYON//SRAM Racing, the squad’s future looks bright as it gears up for the opportunities of the 2025 season. The team is confident the two young German riders will play key roles in its pursuit of success.
Ricarda Bauernfeind:
Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women Welcomes Sprinter Fidanza
Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women strengthens its roster with Martina Fidanza. The Italian, coming from a true cycling family, is transferring from CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling Team and signs a two-year contract with the yellow-black squad.
Fidanza, who won two stages in this year’s Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour, is proud to be making the move to Team Visma | Lease a Bike. “This is a dream come true. I am super proud to be part of Team Visma | Lease a Bike next season because I consider it one of the best teams in the world. In addition, I greatly admire the team’s approach.”
“I expect to make great strides in the coming years,” the Italian sprinter continues. “With Marianne Vos and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, I will be racing with two great champions. I expect to learn a lot from them and I want to give them the best possible support in races. Furthermore, I want to show over the next two seasons that I deserve to be part of this team.”
With multiple podium finishes and three victories, Fidanza has proven that she can compete with the best this year. She hopes to contend for wins in the coming seasons even more frequently. “I hope I get to celebrate many more wins in the coming seasons, but my ultimate goal is to win a WorldTour race.”
Team manager Rutger Tijssen is looking forward to the Italian rider’s arrival. “Martina has already achieved some good results. We believe that we can develop her into a sprinter capable of competing with the best in the WorldTour. We carefully analysed where we needed reinforcements within the team in the short term, and Martina was the perfect fit. The plan is for her to form our sprinting duo with Nienke (Veenhoven) next season.”
Martina Fidanza to Visma | Lease a Bike:
UAE Team Emirates Squads for Tour de Luxembourg & Belgian Classics
Hirschi and Wellens headline teams
UAE Team Emirates continue their Autumn calendar of racing with the Tour of Luxembourg (18-22 Sept) and two one-day appointments in Belgium with the GP Wallonie (18 Sept) and the Super 8 Classic (21 Sept).
The in-form Marc Hirschi goes into Luxembourg as reigning champion from 2023 and will aim to be competitive over terrain he knows well. Juan Ayuso will also seek out opportunities and he finds his groove following a long break.
In Belgium Tim Wellens will captain the squad close to his home roads at the GP Wallonie and the Super 8 Classic.
Hirschi: “I’m really enjoying my racing in this period and the good results have been coming which makes everything flow a bit more. Obviously the big goal will be the World Championships at home in Switzerland but I see Luxembourg as a key race in the build-up. It’s a place I have great memories from previous seasons and especially last year where I managed to win it.”
The team for Luxembourg will be led by the Sports Director duo of Andrej Hauptman (Slo) and Jan Polanc (Slo) with Fabio Baldato (Ita) in charge of affairs in Belgium.
Skoda Tour de Luxembourg [2.Pro] – 18-Sep-2024 / 22-Sep-2024:
Juan Ayuso (Spa)
Finn Fisher Black (NZ)
Felix Grossschartner (Aus)
Marc Hirschi (Swi)
Ivo Oliveira (Por)
Nils Politt (Ger).
Grand Prix de Wallonie [1.Pro] – 18-Sep-2024:
Filippo Baroncini (Ita)
Alvaro Hodeg (Col)
Vegard Stake Laengen (Nor)
Sebastian Molano (Col)
Antonio Morgado (Por)
Rui Oliveira (Por)
Tim Wellens (Bel)
SUPER 8 Classic [1.Pro] – 21-Sep-2024:
Filippo Baroncini (Ita)
Alvaro Hodeg (Col)
Vegard Stake Laengen (Nor)
Sebastian Molano (Col)
Rui Oliveira (Por)
Tim Wellens (Bel)
Anze Ravbar (Slo) (Gen Z).
Tour and Giro Both Want to Use the Colle delle Finestre in 2025
According to the Italian TorinoCronaca, the Colle delle Finestre will be in two Grand Tours next season. The course planners of both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France are keen on a mountain stage in Piedmont. It will be a busy year for the Italian region, because the Vuelta a España wants to organise the opening weekend there in 2025.
After the Tour de l’Avenir, ASO wants to return. The high-altitude finish over the unpaved final kilometres of the Finestre must be included in the 2025 Tour de France. The Italian opening weekend of the most recent edition was apparently well received by the Tour organisers. But RCS also wants to return to the climb in the Northwestern Alps – seven years after the last Giro visit.
It was previously announced that the route planners of the Vuelta a España were considering an opening weekend in Piedmont. According to the Italian La Stampa and Spaziociclismo, the decision has been made and the Spanish Grand Tour will start in Turin or Venaria Reale. “We really want it, because Italy is a cycling country and is also hosting the Tour de France this year. We would love it if the Vuelta came to this area,” Vuelta boss Javier Guillén confirmed to the Spanish sports newspaper AS in June.
Many cycling fans who think of the ‘Colle delle Finestre’ will remember Chris Froome’s long solo attack in 2018. In the 19th stage of that Giro, the four-time Tour winner attacked on the Finestre. Then pink jersey wearer Simon Yates had to give in. Froome managed to win the final classification ahead of Tom Dumoulin, partly thanks to that spectacular attack.
But the Finestre was also seen this season. The Tour de l’Avenir ended with an uphill finish on the steep climb. It was the Spanish rider Pablo Torres who beat the others, but it was not enough for the climber to also win the final classification. He was 12 seconds short of eventual winner Joseph Blackmore.
Colle delle Finestre in the Tour and Giro?
2024 Paris-Tours: the 23 Teams Selected
More information about Paris-Tours HERE.
Off-Script Tour of Britain 2024 | INEOS Grenadiers | Behind the scenes
With great crowds, tough roads and attacking racing, go behind the scenes with the INEOS Grenadiers during Britain’s biggest cycling race – the Tour of Britain.
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