Edoardo Affini won the men’s European time trial championships and Lotte Kopecky took women’s title. Plus the Giro della Toscana – Memorial Alfredo Martini. Reports, results, rider quotes and video.
Remco Evenepoel “knows nothing” about rumours of his transfer to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe – TOP STORY.
Rider news: Wout van Aert discharged from Herentals hospital, Jonas Vingegaard wants to ride the 2025 Giro d’Italia, Demi Vollering suffers swelling in face after crash, Tom Pidcock to miss Canadian races due to concussion, Paul Magnier suffers from ‘serious concussion’ after crash in final stage of Tour of Britain, Luis Ángel Maté rode 650 kilometres home after his last Vuelta, Mark Cavendish ‘might’ still race in 2025, Simone Roganti died due to hereditary heart problem and Ilkhan Dostiyev confesses to doping.
Team news: TotalEnergies fears missing out on a Tour wildcard because of Julian Alaphilippe, Oier Lazkano joins Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, SD Worx-Protime strengthens with Marta Lach, Tota Magalhães: Brazil back into the WorldTour with Movistar Team in 2025, Liepiņš Boosts Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team’s Sprinting Ambitions for 2025, Maxence Place, the new promising climber at Wanty-ReUz-Technord, dsm-firmenich-PostNL, Bahrain Victorious, Soudal Quick-Step and Tadej Pogačar with UAE Team Emirates to Québec and Montréal.
Race news: The 2024 GranPiemonte has been unveiled and ticket sale open for the 2025 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Benidorm.
We need a EUROTRASH coffee!
TOP STORY: Remco Evenepoel “Knows Nothing” About Rumours of his Transfer to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe
Remco Evenepoel has responded to rumours that he might leave Soudal Quick-Step for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. The two-time Olympic champion still has a contract with the Belgian team until the end of 2026, but according to several cycling media sources, the German team would like to have him in their squad for 2025. Evenepoel denies any knowledge of the move in an interview with Sporza and VTM.
“I know nothing about that myself. So much always comes out without any truth in it,” Evenepoel said on Sunday after the Tour of Britain. “I have no idea what that would be about. I myself have not seen anything. That I will still ride for the same team next year? That is a yes.”
Evenepoel is convinced that he will also ride for Patrick Lefevere’s team in 2025, but according to journalist Dan Benson, there would be an ultimatum from Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe to Evenepoel and his management. The Belgian would have been given a deadline to decide where his future lies: with Soudal Quick-Step or the German team.
Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe team boss Ralph Denk spoke from the Vuelta about the rumours of the Evenepoel transfer. He did not specifically answer the questions. “I hear and read the rumours every day in Italian, English and Belgian newspapers, but I have nothing to say about them,” said Denk according to Het Laatste Nieuws. “They are gossip and I may not, cannot and do not want to respond to them. No matter how annoying that is for you journalists.”
Evenepoel going to Red Bull or not?
European Men’s Time Trail Championship 2024
The 2024 men’s European time trial championship was won by Edoardo Affini. After a time trial of just over 31 kilometres from Heusden-Zolder to Hasselt, the Italian Visma | Lease a Bike rider was the fastest after an exciting battle with Stefan Küng, who had to settle for the silver medal despite a fast start. Mattia Cattaneo was third and held off Daan Hoole in fourth and Thymen Arensman in fifth. Victor Campenaerts finished in sixth place.
The Men’s and women’s TT were run on the same course. The flat time trial of 31.1 kilometres started in-front of the Heusden-Zolder cycling track. The first few kilometres of the route was quite technical, but after that it was mainly straight and the power riders would be able to put the pressure on. Via the Albert Canal, the race headed to the finish in Hasselt, where there was a short circuit before finishing on the Koning Boudewijnlaan. There were timing points at 10.4 and 19 kilometres.
The top favourite was Stefan Küng, who was in top form after winning the final time trial stage 21 of the Vuelta a España in Madrid on Sunday. The Swiss rider was up against other strong TT men: Stefan Bissegger, Victor Campenaerts, Søren Wærenskjold, Mattia Cattaneo and Mikkel Bjerg. Thymen Arensman was an early started and set the first target time. His time at the finish was 36:09 minutes, an average speed of 51.9kph, he was one of the lucky rider who raced on dry roads, as it started to rain after he had finished. Edoardo Affini started not long after Arensman and was 20 seconds faster than the Dutchman at the second intermediate point. Küng was the fastest of the riders at the first point, 9 second on Hoole and 11 seconds faster than Arensman and Cattaneo. At the second timing point, Küng had lost some time. Affini was fastest at the second point, making up time on the Swiss rider as he had been 14 seconds behind at the first point. The last part of the title race was a battle between Affini and Küng, which was the same for third place between Cattaneo, Hoole, Arensman and Campenaerts. The other riders were well down.
Affini clocked a final time of 35:15, at an average speed of 53.3 km/h, which was 53 seconds faster than Arensman, which pushed him out of the hot-seat. Hoole finished i second place, 26 seconds behind Affini. Küng was really going for it out on the course and nearly slid to the ground on a bend. The Swiss rider finished 10 seconds behind Affini, to finish second. Cattaneo took third place, pushing Hoole and Arensman down to fourth and fifth places. Behind them, Campenaerts was in sixth place, almost a minute behind the champion, Affini. Amazingly, Affini was not the fastest rider of the day, U23 champion Alec Segaert was 9 seconds faster than the Italian, but the weather conditions made quite a big difference.
Men’s European TT champion, Edoardo Affini (Italy): “It’s uh… I don’t know what to say. It’s a great feeling. It’s been a long time without a win. I’ve always been there. I’ve always done my job. Today I started without pressure. The last three weeks have been a tough Vuelta for me. One of the toughest Grand Tours ever for me. On Sunday I didn’t feel so good. It was okay, but I felt like I lacked the power to get a good result. My coach said it might feel better later. I started and I felt strangely okay. Now it’s hard to believe. I’m trying to enjoy it as much as possible. Tomorrow I can get another good result with my national team. It’s great that my family is there, the one from Italy and my new family from the Netherlands.”
2nd, Stefan Küng (Switzerland): “I’m a bit spoiled, especially at the European Championships. When you’ve been champion twice, you want to win again. It’s a bit of a disappointment now. I wanted to win and I wanted to have the jersey. In the end, it’s a race against the clock and the clock doesn’t lie. Congratulations to Edoardo. It wasn’t enough from my side. I had good legs, but it felt like I had climbed too much in the last three weeks. I couldn’t generate enough speed on the flat parts today. When it’s a completely flat time trial, it gets difficult. I felt pretty good. That’s why I was able to book such a dominant victory on Sunday. Today was another time trial and I’m not panicking after today. There are still two weeks until Zurich. I’m going to recover a bit and then it’s a different story there. Sometimes it’s better to have a slightly less dress rehearsal to be at my best for the big goal. I had my flight on Monday. There is not much time to enjoy it. In my mind, the focus remains completely on the time trial until the World Championships. I am not thinking too much about winning the Vuelta. I want to do well in the road race and in the time trial. After that, I have enough time to enjoy it.”
3rd, Mattia Cattaneo (Italy): “You can never be too sure of your level after a hard Grand Tour, but I gave everything I had despite this flat parcours, which didn’t really suit me. I am happy I could produce such a good time trial that netted me this beautiful bronze medal. Being on the podium with Edoardo and listening to the Italian anthem was a really special moment.”
4th, Daan Hoole (The Netherlands): “It was a bit wet because of the rain, which made for some slippery corners. I started well and was able to keep the pace constant. I had to give a bit more in one section with the wind from the front, but otherwise it was a pretty consistent ride. I gave it my all and this was the best I could do. I am happy with a place in the top 5. The first part was really wet. In the second part it was drier, but also less technical. The last riders had the same conditions, so it was a fair fight.”
European Men’s Time Trail Championship Result:
1. Edoardo Affini (Italy) in 35:15
2. Stefan Küng (Switzerland) at 0:10
3: Mattia Cattaneo (Italy) at 0:20
4. Daan Hoole (The Netherlands) at 0:27
5. Thymen Arensman (The Netherlands) at 0:54
6. Victor Campenaerts (Belgium) at 0:56
7. Nils Politt (Germany) at 1:01
8. Kasper Asgreen (Denmark) at 1:07
9. Søren Wærenskjold (Norway) at 1:10
10. Max Walscheid (Germany) at 1:13.
Euro’24 TT champs:
European Women’s Time Trail Championship 2024
Lotte Kopecky won the 2024 women’s European time trial championships on Wednesday. No one could better her time on the road between Heusden-Zolder and Hasselt, who defeated Ellen van Dijk and Christina Schweinberger and thus secured the first Belgian gold medal in this elite event. The differences between the top rider were big: Van Dijk took silver at 44 seconds and Schweinberger was third at 1:03.
The flat time trial of 31.1 kilometres started in-front of the Heusden-Zolder cycling track. The first few kilometres of the route was quite technical, but after that it was mainly straight and the power riders would be able to put the pressure on. Via the Albert Canal, the race headed to the finish in Hasselt, where there was a short circuit before finishing on the Koning Boudewijnlaan. There were timing points at 10.4 and 19 kilometres.
The first of the favourites to start was Ellen van Dijk, who set the first proper target time of 13:28 at the first point and 24:44 at the second timing point. The road had become slippery due to a rain shower in Heusden-Zolder just before the start. There was probably only four top favourites in the race against the clock: The Netherlands had Van Dijk and Riejanne Markus, while Belgium had Lotte Kopecky and the Austrian Christina Schweinberger. There was also Vittoria Guazzini and Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka as outsiders.
Kopecky was the fastest at the first timing point, but only by a small amount. Schweinberger and Van Dijk were at 3 seconds, while Guazzini and Markus were about 11 seconds further back. At the second point, Kopecky had extended her lead to 15 seconds on Van Dijk and Markus was at 27 seconds. Kopecky took her first gold medal for Belgium at the European Women’s Time Trial Championships. She beat Van Dijk by 43 seconds. Riejanne Markus was fighting for the bronze medal, but Christina Schweinberger beat her by 2 second at the finish, at 1:02 down on the champion Kopecky.
Woman’s European TT champion, Lotte Kopecky (Belgium): “Enjoyed is an exaggeration, but it is very nice. In this case I have to thank my coach who drew up a pace plan at the Games and here. It is a very realistic plan, but those numbers were easily achievable. I still had some reserve myself, so it was a very nice time trial where I could ride the power that was set. I gained time at every intermediate point, so that was good for the morale along the way. The decisive part was definitely with a headwind between ten and fifteen kilometres. You could make a big difference there. But I also still have to learn a bit how to divide a thirty-kilometer time trial.”
2nd, Ellen van Dijk (The Netherlands): “I don’t have the best feeling right now. It was a good time trial, I think. I could go quite deep. Although it was quite windy. I made a few mistakes in the beginning, but there were enough straight sections where I could push. It’s a flat race, so you can put on power everywhere. Of course you lose some speed in the corners and with the wind from the front you had to push more. You could make up for that.”
4th, Riejanne Markus(The Netherlands): “It was a beautiful course. I really enjoyed it, but the wind was very strong. It was sometimes difficult to stay in a straight line. I tried to race as consistently as possible and that went quite well. Of course I hoped to finish on the podium. Especially when you’re only two seconds away. After a tough period I’m happy with this form, so I’m satisfied.”
European Women’s Time Trail Championship Result:
1. Lotte Kopecky (Belgium) in 39:00
2. Ellen van Dijk (The Netherlands) at 0:43
3. Christina Schweinberger (Austria) at 1:02
4. Riejanne Markus (The Netherlands) at 1:04
5. Vittoria Guazzini (Italy) at 1:08
6. Katrine Aalerud (Norway) at 1:24
7. Mieke Kroger (Germany) at 1:48
8. Eugenia Bujak (Slovenia) at 1:52
9. Rebecca Koerner (Denmark) at 2:08
10. Anna Kiesenhofer (Austria) at 2:10.
Euro’24 TT champs:
Giro della Toscana – Memorial Alfredo Martini 2024
Clément Champoussin won the Giro della Toscana 2024 on Wednesday. The Arkéa-B&B Hotels rider escaped in the final of the Italian Classic with Michael Storer (Tudor) and then beat him in a sprint finish. Third place went to Jordan Jegat (TotalEnergies) at the head of a chase group.
The 96th edition of the Giro della Toscana was 182.7 kilometres long with two tough climbs of the Monte Serra in the second part of the race. The first Mont climb of the Serra (8.3km at 7.2%) came after 100 kilometres, and the second came with 30 kilometres to go. After the descent, there were 20 kilometres to the finish in Pontedera.
Six riders took a lead of 7 minutes: Owen Geleijn (Tour de Tietema-Unibet), Johan Meens (Bingoal WB), Pierre Latour (TotalEnergies), Matteo Spreafico (Mg.K Vis-Colors for Peace), Andrea Sergiampietri (Technipes #inEmiliaRomagna) and Lorenzo Ginestra (Work Service-Vitalcare-Dynatek). In the peloton, UAE Team Emirates, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, EF Education-EasyPost rode at the front of the peloton. On the first climb of Monte Serra, Latour was dropped. They were joined by a group in the run-up to the second climb, including Diego Ulissi, Sjoerd Bax, Esteban Chaves, Emanuel Buchmann, David De la Cruz and Charlie Paige.
On the Monte Serra, there was a merger at the head of the race and a thinned out peloton headed to Pontedera. Clément Champoussin and Michael Storer escaped with a chase group of favourites, including Ulissi, Domenico Pozzovivo, Ben Hermans, Marco Brenner and Floris De Tier behind them. The chase started too late and the win would come from Champoussin and Storer. The Frenchman had the better sprint. Jordan Jegat (TotalEnergies) came in third.
Race winner, Clément Champoussin (Arkéa-B&:B Hotels): “I’m delighted to have won the Giro della Toscana from a personal point of view, because since the Tour de France and the Arctic Race, I’d only competed in the Bretagne Classic. I did a lot of training on my own after the Brittany Classic, but obviously when I came here to Italy I had a few unknowns. The hard work paid off with this success. The Giro della Toscana is a race that I enjoy. I managed my race and the climbs well, so as not to get too far into the red. I’m happy to have won. Michael Storer and I worked well together over the last twenty-five kilometres, we were able to hold off the chasing pack and, in the end, victory came down to a sprint between him and me. The sprint was more about freshness. I didn’t throw him, I stayed behind my opponent and at one hundred and fifty metres we started to sprint, and in the end it was me who turned out to be the ‘fresher’ of the two of us. This win is a great personal achievement for me after a series of second places, but it’s also a collective victory that I was able to achieve with the help of all my ARKEA-B&B HOTELS team-mates involved in this end-of-season Italian semi-classic.”
Giro della Toscana – Memorial Alfredo Martini Result:
1. Clément Champoussin (Fra) Arkéa-B&:B Hotels in 4:23:40
2. Michael Storer (Aus) Tudor
3. Jordan Jegat (Fra) TotalEnergies at 0:17
4. Marco Brenner (Ger) Tudor
5. Ben Zwiehoff (Ger) Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe
6. Domenico Pozzovivo (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
7. Javier Romo Oliver (Spa) Movistar at 0:26
8. Diego Ulissi (Ita) UAE Team Emirates
9. Ben Hermans (Bel) Cofidis at 0:30
10. Floris De Tier (Bel) Bingoal WB.
Toscana’24: Still looking for race video
Wout van Aert Discharged from Herentals Hospital
Wout van Aert left the hospital of Herentals on Sunday. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider crashed in the Vuelta a España last week and sustained a knee injury that required intensive care. After four days in hospital, he is now allowed to continue his recovery at home, Het Nieuwsblad reports.
Three-time stage winner Van Aert crashed on a wet descent on Tuesday, at the start of the final week of la Vuelta. He didn’t sustain any fractures, but the knee injury was very serious. “He sustained a serious knee wound that requires intensive care. In hospital, he will be given intravenous antibiotics to minimise the risk of infection as much as possible,” the team announced at the time.
His GP spoke of Van Aert’s injury in more detail. “It is not a superficial wound. The wound almost goes into the joint and is very dirty,” said Peter T’Seyen. “The risk of infection is too great. That is why antibiotics are currently useful and necessary. In the short term, he will not be able to train for a few weeks, let alone compete. He cannot take any risks with a view to the future.”
On Sunday evening, Van Aert was back home to continue his rehabilitation from the crash. His season was supposed to continue with the European and World championships, but he has had to stop his 2024 season.
Van Aert out of hospital:
Jonas Vingegaard Wants to Ride the 2025 Giro d’Italia
We might see Jonas Vingegaard in the Giro d’Italia next year. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, the Visma | Lease a Bike Dane would like to make his Giro debut in 2025.
Vingegaard, who will not race again in 2024, is said to have expressed his wish to the team. The team will decide later, after a thorough analysis, whether they will send the climber to Italy. Of the major tours, Vingegaard has only ridden the Tour de France (four times) and the Vuelta a España (twice). In the Tour, he was first twice and second twice. In the Vuelta, he made his debut in 2020 with a 46th place and was runner-up in 2023.
It is not impossible that Vingegaard will combine the Giro with the Tour in 2025. His rival Tadej Pogačar did this quite well last season winning both races.
2025 Giro for Vingegaard?
Demi Vollering Suffers Face Swelling after Crash
Demi Vollering did not sustain any serious injuries in her crash in the final stage of the Tour de Romandie. The SD Worx-Protime rider crashed on the last roundabout before the finish and suffered swelling of her face.
Vollering laughed about it on her social media. “I don’t need any more Botox in my face,” Vollering joked on Instagram about the swelling she suffered after the crash. She also thanked Riejanne Markus, the winner of the final stage in Romandie. “She had just won a stage, but she took the time to check if I was okay after my crash. I really appreciate that, Rie!”
Because Vollering’s crash happened in the last three kilometres, she didn’t lose any time in the general classification, to finish second overall in the Tour de Romandie. The final victory went to her teammate Lotte Kopecky. Vollering remains the leader in the Women’s WorldTour classification.
Vollering will miss the European championships in Belgian, Limburg. She will ride the World championships in Zurich, as leader of the Dutch team in the time trial and road race.
Vollering still finished second overall:
Tom Pidcock to Miss Canadian races Due to Concussion
Bad news for Tom Pidcock. The 25-year-old British rider suffered a concussion after a crash in the Tour of Britain. His INEOS Grenadiers team has announced that Pidcock will not participate in the two Canadian races that were on his programme.
“Following his crash in the sixth stage of the Tour of Britain, we can confirm that Tom Pidcock has suffered a concussion,” INEOS Grenadiers wrote on X. “He will return home to recover and will remain under the supervision of our medical team, while following our protocol for returning to training after concussion. Unfortunately, this means that he will not be able to race in the upcoming Canadian races.”
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec is on the 13th of September and the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal is two days later on the 15th of September. Tadej Pogačar, Arnaud De Lie and Julian Alaphilippe are among the top riders in both WorldTour one-day races. For Pidcock, these races would be his run-up to the World Championships in Zurich on the 29th of September. The World championships are still on his programme at the moment.
No Canada races for Tom Pidcock:
Paul Magnier Suffered a ‘Serious Concussion’ after Crashing during the Final Stage of Tour of Britain
Paul Magnier was very successful in the Tour de Britain with three stage wins, but the race ended on a bad way for the Frenchman. The 20-year-old neo-pro crashed in the final stage and had to be taken to hospital.
Magnier’s Soudal Quick-Step team has given an update on his situation: “Paul underwent a CT scan, which showed that he suffered a serious concussion and therefore had to stay in hospital overnight. The 20-year-old also suffered several serious abrasions on his knee and elbow, which require stitches.”
It is still unclear how long he will be out of action, but he will not be competing in any races in the coming period. So it remains to be seen whether he will start any more races in 2024. “Everyone at Soudal Quick-Step wishes Paul Magnier a speedy and complete recovery.”
Before his crash, Magnier won stage 1, 4 and 5 and in the other two stages, he finished second and ninth. Magnier also won the Trofeo Ses Salines and a stage in the Tour of Oman, plus stages and the points competitions in the Course de la Paix Grand Prix Jeseníky and the Giro d’Italia Next Gen.
Paul Magnier suffered a ‘Serious Concussion’:
Luis Ángel Maté Rode 650 Kilometres Home after his Last Vuelta
Luis Ángel Maté rode his last race as a professional cyclist; the 2024 Vuelta a España. But that wasn’t enough for the 40-year-old rider of Euskaltel-Euskadi rider. After the final time trial in Madrid, Maté rode the 650 kilometres home to Marbella.
Maté started the journey with his brother on Monday morning, for which they have planned three days. He expected to arrive in Marbella on Wednesday afternoon. “It is partly to get used to the idea that my professional career is behind me. But at the same time I am trying to make a statement about something that is really important, namely how we should change the way we transport ourselves, to fight climate change and for the planet.”
“It is one of the biggest challenges we face as humans. Professional cyclists have a voice in this. We can create awareness through rides like this. That is something very important,” says Maté, who also cycled home from the finish in Santiago de Compostela after the 2021 Vuelta. Back then, his ride was 1,200 kilometres.
Between Madrid and Marbella, everyone is welcome to cycle a bit with Maté. “Anyone who wants to accompany us for part of the ride is welcome to do so. If they want to take a few turns, that’s even better!”
Maté has been a professional cyclist for seventeen years. He started his professional career in 2008 with Andalucia-Caja Sur. He later rode for Androni Giocattoli, Cofidis and since 2021, Euskaltel-Euskadi. Maté has won four professional races: a stage in the Tour de San Luis, a stage in the La Route du Sud and two in the Tour of Portugal. He started the Vuelta a España twelve times and took part in the Tour de France six times.
Luis Ángel Maté rode home to Marbella:
Mark Cavendish ‘Might’ Still Race in 2025
Will Mark Cavendish race in 2025? The British rider was to retire after his record victory in the Tour de France, but the door is still open. Cavendish was a guest at the Tour of Britain last week and said that he would not rule out taking part in the race next year.
Cavendish won his 35th stage in the Tour de France in July, to take the record for most stage wins in the Tour, which he previously shared with Eddy Merckx. The idea was that the now 39-year-old rider would retire at the end of the season. His last race was to be in November; the Tour de France Singapore Criterium.
But this is not yet 100% certain. When asked ahead of the final stage of the Tour of Britain if he would race in 2025, Cavendish replied: “Maybe. I don’t know yet.”
The Manx Missile then said that he would definitely race in the coming months. “I’m not done for this year. I don’t know what happens after that. I do know that I won’t be racing in the Tour de France again. I said that before the Tour and after the Tour. I’m taking care of my family, chilling out and taking some time off before I start riding again. Now I’m back in training. I’ve had time to process everything. We’ll see what happens in the future.”
Maybe not the end of the road for ‘Cav’?
Simone Roganti Died Due to Hereditary Heart Problem
Simone Roganti died last week from ventricular fibrillation, which was most likely caused by a ‘genetic defect’, or a hereditary problem. It is also called VF and it causes heart rhythm disorders that result in cardiac arrest. According to the ANSA news agency, an autopsy showed that the 21-year-old Italian died from cardiac arrest.
According to Tuttobiciweb, the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Pescara had opened a file to investigate Roganti’s death. The public prosecutor had ordered an autopsy of the rider to determine the cause of death. On Friday evening, August 30, Roganti’s heart stopped in his home in Spoltore after a ‘sudden illness’, five days after his birthday. The Italian was in his third year at Continental level, during which he was mainly racing in Italy. He rode for g.K Vis-Colors for Peace.
Shortly after his death it was announced that the young rider had recently traveled to Schiphol around his birthday, where he was picked up by the management of Tour de Tietema-Unibet. Roganti would have made his professional debut for the Dutch ProTeam in 2025. Team owner Bas Tietema and sporting director Julia Soek, attended the funeral of the Italian. A week after his death, Tour de Tietema paid an impressive tribute to Roganti with the video below.
Tour de Tietema paid tribute to Roganti with this video:
Ilkhan Dostiyev Confesses to Doping
Ilkhan Dostiyev has confessed to doping. The UCI reported on Monday that the 22-year-old Kazakh was caught with CERA, a variant of EPO, in is system. His team Astana Qazaqstan Development terminated the rider’s contract immediately after his confession.
Dostiyev tested positive during an out-of-competition test on July 30, 2024. The rider subsequently confessed to doping. “The news came as a shock and disappointment to us,” Astana Qazaqstan Development responded through team manager Alexandr Shushemoin on the team website. “We trusted Ilkhan Dostiyev as one of our leaders and had high expectations of him, expectations that have now been completely shattered. After receiving the information, we immediately contacted the rider and demanded an explanation, which Dostiyev provided. He also indicated that he would fully cooperate with the UCI and anti-doping authorities. I can say with absolute certainty that Astana Qazaqstan Development has no connection with this incident. Our team has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy. We are constantly working with our riders and doing our best to make them understand not only the consequences of doping, but also the absurdity of attempting to violate doping rules.”
“Given that Dostiyev has confessed to violating doping rules, the rider has been suspended, and his contract has been terminated with immediate effect. We are now working fully and openly with all the organisations involved to find out the details of what happened,” Shushemoin concludes.
Dostiyev didn’t have many results in his first years as an U23 rider, but made an impression in 2024. In February he was second in the Tour du Rwanda, behind Joseph Blackmore, who is now a professional with Israel-Premier Tech. He also won a stage in the Orlen Nations Grand Prix. He also took a stage of the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d’Aosta-Mont Blanc and was second overall to Jarno Widar. In August, Dostiyev won the Tour of Romania (2.2).
Ilkhan Dostiyev confesses:
TotalEnergies Thinks They Might Miss out on a Tour ‘Wildcard’ Because of Julian Alaphilippe
TotalEnergies has had a team in the Tour de France for years, but the French team is far from certain of a start in 2025. Team manager Jean-René Bernaudeau thinks that Tudor Pro Cycling is already certain of an invitation by signing Julian Alaphilippe. TotalEnergies and Uno-X Mobility, who were both present in the past editions, would compete for the last place.
“I think it is between Uno-X Mobility and us,” said Bernaudeau. The team manager cites Anthony Turgis’ stage victory in the past Tour de France, Turgis won the gravel stage to Troyes, as one of the reasons why TotalEnergies should be invited again by ASO. “In addition to Turgis’ victory, Mathieu Burgaudeau was very good in the Tour. And the young Matteo Vercher, who came second in the eighteenth stage. We were able to handle the level.”
Bernaudeau was aiming for a quality injection for next year: he wanted to sign Julian Alaphilippe. However, the French star eventually signed with Tudor Pro Cycling. The Swiss team has a good chance of a wildcard for next year’s Tour with this reinforcement, possibly at the expense of TotalEnergies.
“That’s life,” says Bernaudeau about the choice of Alaphilippe. “The only thing I regret is the length of the negotiations. It really took a long time. I accept a rejection, but I would have liked to have heard it sooner. It makes a difference whether you know in June or early August. The timing caused us problems, because we had said ‘no’ to many riders because we were hoping for Julian. Now we had to start many negotiations again.”
What would it mean for TotalEnergies if the team is not invited to next year’s Tour? “It is true that it would be a huge setback. We would still be around in 2026, but we would have to adapt a lot and cut back in many areas,” said Bernaudeau, who had some flattering words for organiser ASO. “They do things very well and organise the biggest spectacle in the world. And we know how to play a great role in the play. (…) I hope they don’t forget us.”
Maybe no ‘Wildcard’ for TotalEnergies:
Oier Lazkano joins Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe
Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe has secured another young talent and is getting a boost from the Basque Country. Oier Lazkano will ride for the German WorldTeam from 2025.
Oier Lazkano is a puncheur with amazing strength and great potential. At just 23 years old, he stood on a WorldTour podium for the first time last spring. His powerful attack, which earned him 2nd place at Dwars door Vlaanderen, caused quite a stir at the time. This was followed by the Spanish national road title – and this spring he has continued in spectacular fashion.
Winning the gravel classic Clásica Jaén and finishing on the podium in Kuurne were particularly notable at the start of the year. The young Basque then showed a different side at the Critérium du Dauphiné, with top placings in the time trial and a mountaintop finish to secure his first top-10 in a WorldTour stage race.
Oier Lazkano: “I’m very excited to join Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. I think it will be a big step forward in my career. I am very grateful to the team for their confidence in me, working with the biggest names in the sport is an amazing opportunity.”
Ralph Denk, CEO Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe: “Oier is still young, but has already made a name for himself with his pure power. His style stands out in modern cycling: attack instinctively and pull through powerfully. It sometimes seems old school, but it is successful and inspires me. We can make good use of this power in the classics, and with Oier we now have even more options for the stage races.”
Oier Lazkano joins Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe:
Team SD Worx – Protime Strengthens with Marta Lach
‘Dream come true’
Team SD Worx – Protime is delighted to have recruited Polish all-rounder Marta Lach for the next three years. The 27-year-old rider is in the top-40 of the UCI rankings and finished 10th in the road race at the Paris Olympics.
‘With Marta we have a rider who can do well in both stage races and one-day races,’ sports manager Danny Stam points out. ‘Marta is a very complete rider. With Christine Majerus quitting, we were looking for someone who can perform well in several areas and be of great value to the team.’
According to Stam, Lach is now ready to make the switch to a big team. Stam: ‘She has shown enough in recent years. We certainly hope to use her in the classical team. She has already shown she can do well in Paris-Roubaix where she finished sixth in 2023. In the Flemish classics, we could use some reinforcement. Besides, I am convinced Marta can make some progress with us. If she pulls herself up by the big names in our team, she should also be able to become stronger herself.’
Marta Lach did not have to think long when she received the offer from Team SD Worx-Protime. ‘This is a dream come true. Signing with the best team in the world, who wouldn’t want that? I am super motivated to ride alongside such strong riders. This is a big step in my career and I am convinced it will help me get better. For me, this is also confirmation that I am taking the right steps. I draw confidence from this. When Anna van der Breggen sent me a message, I was super happy. She is a great inspiration for me and a great champion. When she sent me, I didn’t know yet that she would come back as a rider. So it makes me even more happy that she would love to have me next to her on the team. I know my worth, but when such a champion contacts you, you are doubly motivated to realise dreams together.’
‘My strongest point is my fighting spirit. I never give up. Giving up is not in my dictionary. My stage victory in the 2022 Tour de Romandie is the best example of that. I had had an unlucky season and lost my bike computer along the way, but I went into my sprint and kept pushing. And so I won a WorldTour race at my last chance of the season. I am getting better and better at time trial. I am looking forward to riding the Specialized Shiv TT Disc. Thanks to the top equipment and professional support, I hope to make further strides in this discipline. The classics are my favourite races. I already came close to victory in Plouay (2nd in 2023) and Roubaix (6th in 2023). My goal is therefore to win classics in the future. If I have something in my head, I will do everything to make it happen. I truly believe that if you believe in something and work hard for it, dreams come true. I am really looking forward to playing the team game in the final with Team SD Worx-Protime.’
Tota Magalhães: Brazil back into the WorldTour with Movistar Team in 2025
September 10th, 2024 – Pictures: Getty Sport / Movistar Team
23-year-old jumps onto cycling’s top tier after encouraging performances through her first two years competing in Europe.
Brasil will continue to be represented in the WorldTour via the squad that has long trusted the most in Latin America’s talent. Ana Vitória ‘Tota’ Magalhães (RJ, BRA; 2000), a current member of the BePink – Bongioanni outfit, has signed a contract with the Movistar Team for the next two seasons (2025-26).
It was in 2023 when Tota, who had already competed at La Vuelta Femenina a year prior with Spanish team Soltec, took the leap to European racing full-time with the prestigious, now-defunct Bizkaia-Durango. Brazilian road race champion in 2023 and winner of the national ITT last June, already as BePink rider, Magalhães has covered other WorldTour events with the Flèche Wallonne, Strade Bianche, Nieuwsblad, Burgos or the Giro, where she shone in 2024 with two breakaways and the Maglia Azzurra as best climber. She also completed the Paris Olympics’ road race this August.
“I’m super emotional about this, really happy to take this step,” smiles Magalhães. “This is yet another dream that comes true in my career, and I’m also taking this step ahead with the Movistar Team, a team I’ve always held in great esteem. I would define myself as an allrounder. I like to race aggressively, seeking for the breakaways, risking it all, enjoying myself at the front. However, what I love the most is teamwork, and that is what I’ve come to the Movistar Team for: to support my team-mates as much as possible and get some nice victories alongside them.”
Liepiņš Boosts Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team’s Sprinting Ambitions for 2025
Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is excited to welcome Latvian National Champion Emīls Liepiņš for the 2025 season. Renowned for his elite lead-out and sprinting abilities, Liepiņš will bring valuable skills and experience to support the team’s evolving sprinting goals on the global cycling stage.
At 31-years-old, Liepiņš has made a name for himself as a lead-out specialist, playing a crucial role in securing victories for some of cycling’s top sprinters. His blend of speed, tactical savvy, and team-first mentality has earned him a respected reputation in the peloton, with versatility across both classic and stage races.
After competing with two WorldTour teams and winning the Latvian National Road Champion title for three consecutive years, Liepiņš is eager to begin this new chapter in his career.
“I’m really happy to join Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. I know many riders on the team, and I spoke with them before signing. I only heard great things about the team, and this weighed heavily on my decision. I’ve witnessed the professionalism of the team at the races and have always been impressed by the great team atmosphere in and outside of the races, like at dinner time. I think it will be such a positive new chapter in my career,” explained Liepiņš. “My goal is to race at the highest level and to do the best lead-outs possible for the sprinters on the team, such as Giacomo Nizzolo and Matteo Moschetti. I already worked with Matteo in the past, and we achieved great results together. Hopefully, we can do even better next year!”
Although Liepiņš has built his reputation as a lead-out specialist, he has also claimed impressive stage victories in prestigious races like Settimana Coppi e Bartali, demonstrating his capability to rise to the occasion and compete in select bunch sprints.
“I really enjoy the classics, like the Belgian races. I started in BMX, so I really enjoy that type of racing: technical, up and down, with cobbles, etc. They really suit my characteristics, and I’m really looking forward to lining up for them,” concluded Liepiņš.
As the team aims to enhance its sprinting train and compete at the sport’s highest levels, Liepiņš will be instrumental in guiding and positioning the sprinters for success.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Emīls Liepiņš to the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team family,” said Doug Ryder, Team Manager of Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team. “His experience as a lead-out specialist, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, makes him a valuable asset to our squad. We believe he will strengthen the team across both stage races and the classics, playing a key role in our pursuit of victories in 2025 and beyond.”
With the addition of Liepiņš, Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team continues to build a competitive and dynamic roster for the 2025 season. The Latvian champion, the first in the team’s history, is the fourth new signing for 2025, joining Sjoerd Bax, David González and Enekoitz Azparren.
Emīls Liepiņš with Q36.5 for 2025:
Maxence Place, the new promising climber at Wanty-ReUz-Technord
Intermarché-Wanty welcomes Maxence Place, a 20-year-old Walloon climber, who will reinforce Kévin Van Melsen’s Wanty-ReUz-Technord squad starting in the 2025 season.
Originally from Namur, Maxence Place is one of the most promising Belgian climbers of his generation, consistently finishing at the top of the most prestigious stage races on the Junior calendar, such as La Philippe Gilbert (winner in 2021), the Valromey Tour (6th in 2022) or Aubel-Thimister-Stavelot (4th in 2022).
In 2023, moving up to the U23 category, he rode under Axel Merckx with the American team Hagens Berman, where champions like Jasper Philipsen, Joao Almeida and Jasper Stuyven have passed through. He gained experience in the role of teammate, enabling his leader Darren Rafferty to win the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, and secured a top-10 finish at La Planche des Belles Filles (9th) on the Tour d’Alsace.
He took a significant step forward in 2024 by obtaining his first top-10 overall finish in a UCI stage race, eighth in the Istrian Spring Trophy, and rivalled the best climbers in the Alps, with summit finishes at the Giro della Valle d’Aosta (7th in Breuil-Cervinia) and recently at the Giro Friuli Venezia Giulia (9th in Sauris).
Maxence Place: “My ambition is to become a professional cyclist with Intermarché-Wanty. As a Walloon, wearing the colours of this team is an honour. To achieve this, I will have to work hard and prove myself with the Wanty-ReUz-Technord Development team, whose team spirit I was impressed by during the races. This collective approach, being surrounded by a strong team, is exactly what I need to progress. I want to develop as a climber, with my physique suited to climbs, motivated by the ultimate dream of becoming a general classification rider in the Grand Tours. I also have an affinity for time trialing since my Junior years, which I intend to develop further to excel in stage races. I am convinced that the Intermarché-Wanty structure is the ideal environment to take a step up. In 2025 with Wanty-ReUz-Technord, I plan to shine in races like the Giro di Valle d’Aosta and the Giro Next Gen, and I’m also eager to learn from the World Team pros to gain experience and become physically stronger.”
Kévin Van Melsen (sports director): “Maxence Place’s career in the Junior category demonstrates great talent as a climber. I saw it myself last year during the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, where he gained strength every day. Also, our structure attaches great importance to developing young talents from our region towards the professional world. I am convinced of Maxence’s great potential, who probably needs more race days to express himself. At the end of this season, and especially at the Giro Friuli, he was impressive against particularly strong competition at the start. I am convinced that our training program can allow Maxence to take a step up, to shine in stage races and in the high mountains.”
Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec – SEP 13
Matt Winston – Team dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Our Canadian double-header gets underway in Québec on Friday for the traditional circuit race around the city. Although there is almost 3000 metres of elevation throughout the day, we often see this race come down to a reduced sprint between the puncheurs and climbing-sprinters, but we have seen late attacks be successful in the past and every year someone tries something. We need to be sharp as a unit for that and we have a nice and dynamic group of guys who can cover those attacks but be in the mix in the kick to the line as well.”
Line-up:
Romain Bardet (FRA)
Warren Barguil (FRA)
Romain Combaud (FRA)
Sean Flynn (GBR)
Martijn Tusveld (NED)
Frank van den Broek (NED)
Kevin Vermaerke (USA).
Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal – SEP 15
Matt Winston – Team dsm-firmenich PostNL coach: “Following on from our time in Québec, we head to Montréal for the second race in Canada. With Friday’s race suiting the puncheurs and sprinters more, the circuit around Montréal is much harder and contains over 4200 metres of climbing throughout the afternoon, favouring the climbers and puncheurs. This lends itself to harder and more aggressive racing so with our group we have here, we want to also animate the race and make sure we are in any dangerous attacks so we can race from the front. Hopefully this then gives us numbers at the head of the race so we can play our cards as things unfold in the final through some good teamwork.”
Line-up:
Romain Bardet (FRA)
Warren Barguil (FRA)
Romain Combaud (FRA)
Sean Flynn (GBR)
Martijn Tusveld (NED)
Frank van den Broek (NED)
Kevin Vermaerke (USA).
Bardet to Canada:
Bahrain Victorious Heads to Canadian WorldTour Races
Following race-packed Sunday, with the team competing on three fronts and adding a victory to our 2024 tally, this week sees a 7-man strong squad flying to Canada to compete in the only two events on the UCI WorldTour calendar to be held in North America: the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal (GPCQM), known for their challenging city circuits and high spectator engagement.
The 13th edition of the GPCQM promises intense competition with top contenders, among whom will be Bahrain Victorious champions Matej Mohorič and Santiago Buitrago. The Slovenian classics rider and Colombian climber will lead the team respectively in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec on Friday 13th September, and in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, two days later.
The Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec features 16 laps of a 12.6 kilometre course, totalling 201.6 kilometres and nearly 3,000 meters of elevation gain.
TBV Sports Director Michal Golas highlighted the race’s demanding nature, stating, “The GP Québec is usually decided in the final kilometres, often with a late attack or sprint finish. The punchy course suits punchers like Mohorič, who already showed his talent in past editions of the race. Alongside him, as co-leader, Edoardo Zambanini will have his chance, making the most of the good shape he demonstrated in the last months.”
“As the race requires a constant fight for every corner, we need to keep focus all day to prevent crashes, and to ride saving energy. The role of the helpers will be to protect the leaders until the final lap to save energy. It will be the task of Matevž Govekar, fresh from winning the final stage of the Tour of Britain, and Nicolò Buratti.
Nikias Arndt will be our road captain and we have two extraordinary supporters like Pello Bilbao, and a debutant in Canada, Santiago Buitrago.”
The team will also compete in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal on Sunday, September 15. This race features 17 laps of a 12.3-kilometre course with over 4,573 metres of climbing, making it the more challenging of the two events. Buitrago will be the primary leader, with the race profile favouring climbers. Bahrain Victorious aim to adopt an aggressive strategy, getting riders in breakaways and following significant moves.
Golas says, “The GP Montréal is more demanding with its multiple climbs. Pello Bilbao will be our co-leader, while the rest of the team will focus on supporting and making breakaways.”
With a strategic approach and top-class talent, the team is poised to make a strong impression in both Canadian WorldTour events.
Soudal Quick-Step Travels to Canada
Two-time World Champion Julian Alaphilippe headlines our seven-man squad for the two World Tour races held in North America
From Great Britain, where he played an important part in the team’s three stage victories, Julian Alaphilippe will now go to Canada, to lead Soudal Quick-Step at the two one-day races scheduled in the weekend. The first of these events will be the Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec, which will see the peloton cover 16 laps of a 12.6km circuit that includes four demanding climbs: Côte de la Montagne (375m, 10%), Côte de la Potasse (420m, 9%), Montée de la Fabrique (190m, 7%) and Montée du Fort (1000m, 4%).
Just two days later, the bunch will take on the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal (209.1 kilometres), another race run on a local circuit, this time 12.3 kilometres in length, similar to the one used at the World Championships won by Eddy Merckx exactly five decades ago. Côte Camillien-Houde (1800m, 8%), Côte de Polytechnique (780m, 6%) and Avenue du Parc (560m, 4%) will be the day’s three difficulties, which should fragment the peloton and advantage the attackers, especially in the closing laps.
Joining the double World Champion on the Soudal Quick-Step seven-man squad will be three neo-pros – Gil Gelders, Antoine Huby and Luke Lamperti – Fausto Masnada, Pieter Serry and Ilan Van Wilder.
“Quebec and Montreal are two of the most beautiful one-day races in this second part of the season, and the parcours there can make for some spectacular racing. The riders are motivated for these next World Tour appointments, and knowing we can play several cards in the weekend makes us confident in our chances of scoring some good results before returning to Europe”, explained sports director Davide Bramati.
A young Julian Alaphilippe in Montréal:
Pogačar returns to lead for GP Quebec & Montreal
UAE return to defend title in Montreal
UAE Team Emirates will head to North America this week for two important races in Canada in the shape of the GP Cycliste de Quebec (13 Sept) and GP Montreal (15 Sept).
Tadej Pogačar will spearhead a very strong team in Canada, with former GP Montreal winner Tim Wellens and the returning Juan Ayuso re-enforcing the squad.
Pogačar: “I’ve had a good break from racing and am eager to get back to it now starting in Canada. It’s a beautiful part of the world to ride a bike in and I have great memories here from two years ago. The level will be high there as always and we will need to be at our best. Whatever happens for the rest of the season I can be happy with what I’ve achieved this year. Anything else will be a bonus. My condition is good and I’m focused on enjoying and doing well in this last part of the season.”
The seven-man squad will be led by Sports Director Simone Pedrazzini (Swi).
Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec [1.UWT] – 13-Sep-2024 & Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal [1.UWT] – 15-Sep-2024:
Igor Arrieta (Spa)
Juan Ayuso (Spa)
Finn Fisher-Black (NZ)
Rafal Majka (Pol)
Domen Novak (Slo)
Tadej Pogačar (Slo)
Tim Wellens (Bel).
The 2024 GranPiemonte has been unveiled
A start in Valdengo and a finish in Borgomanero for a total of 182 km, with a twisty and undulating course especially in the second half of the race. 24 teams at the start, including 15 UCI WorldTeams
The 108th edition of GranPiemonte presented by Crédit Agricole was unveiled in Turin, at the Grattacielo Regione Piemonte. The race will take place on the 10th of October on a renewed route that will take the riders from Valdengo to Borgomanero. 24 teams will battle along the 182 km of the race, with 15 UCI World Teams participating in the very last approach stage before the last Monument Classic of the year, Il Lombardia.
The trophy of the 108th edition of GranPiemonte
The Route of Granpiemonte Presented by Crédit Agricole
Quite flat at first (for over 100 km), the route of the 108th edition of the race then becomes wavier and more demanding, with multiple topographical impediments, all the way to the final circuit. Past Biella and Candelo, the route crosses the lowlands among the rice fields around the Sesia River. Past Varallo, the peloton will negotiate consecutive ascents to Passo della Colma, Cremosina and Traversagna.
After the pass over the finish line, the route takes one lap of a circuit of approx. 11 kilometres.
Final kilometres
The last 11 km are played out on undulating and relatively wide roads. The final kilometre is a false flat with a mild uphill gradient.
From left to right Sergio Bossi, Marina Chiarelli, Alessia Cigana – representing the Municipality of Valdengo – and Paolo Bellino
Marina Chiarelli, Councillor for Sport and Post-Olympics, Equal Opportunities and Youth Policies of the Regione Piemonte: “GranPiemonte is a journey through the beauty and distinctive features of our region. Every turn or climb tells a story of tradition and innovation. This event is a unique opportunity to promote the culture and excellence of Piedmont on an international scenery. However, attracting major events is but the first step; the real commitment is to maintain them over time and make them an integral part of our regional fabric. We want to increase our credibility and consolidate Piedmont as a privileged venue for major sporting events. A credibility that is fundamental not only to attract new initiatives, but above all to guarantee solid and sustainable programming in the years to come”.
Paolo Bellino, Managing Director and CEO of RCS Sport: “The GranPiemonte brings RCS Sport’s autumn classics back to an area in which cycling is often prominent, as demonstrated in recent years by the double Grande Partenza of the Giro d’Italia from Piedmont, the finish of Milano-Torino, and races such as the Giro Next Gen passing through the area. The link with the Region is more than consolidated and we believe that this union can grow further thanks to the return in terms of visibility offered by our events, which enjoy global media exposure. We expect a high-level race, thanks to the wide participation of WorldTour teams in the week that will close the 2024 calendar of RCS Sport’s races”.
Roberto Pella, Mayor of Valdengo: “I want to thank Regione Piemonte and RCS Sport for their hospitality and for the great attention paid to this wonderful race. As the Mayor of Valdengo, even before being the President of the Professional Cycling League, I am happy and honoured to have this edition start in my hometown: we have long been investing in this sport, believing it is the emblem of sacrifice, tenacity, passion, as well as a showcase for the beautiful landscapes and history of our country. Valdengo hosted the Circuito del Castello for ten years with great champions, we hosted two stages of the Giro d’Italia in 2014 and 2017, and the Giro-E in 2023. I would like to thank President Cirio and Vice-President Chiorino, and we hope this will be a successful edition of GranPiemonte”.
Sergio Bossi, Mayor of Borgomanero: “Borgomanero is a city with a great cycling tradition – just remember the names of Domenico Piemontesi and Lino Fornara – and we are delighted to host the 2024 GranPiemonte. It is an important year for our city from a sporting point of view: in June we hosted a stage finish of the 2024 Giro Next Gen and now this important event that crowns a year full of events on two wheels”
The Teams of the 108th Granpiemonte Presented by Crédit Agricole
15 UCI WorldTeams
ALPECIN-DECEUNINCK
ARKÉA-B&B HOTELS
ASTANA QAZAQSTAN TEAM
BAHRAIN VICTORIOUS
COFIDIS
EF EDUCATION – EASYPOST
INEOS GRENADIERS
INTERMARCHÉ – WANTY
LIDL-TREK
MOVISTAR TEAM
RED BULL – BORA – HANSGROHE
TEAM DSM-FIRMENICH POSTNL
TEAM JAYCO ALULA
TEAM VISMA | LEASE A BIKE
UAE TEAM EMIRATES
9 UCI ProTeams
BINGOAL WB
CORRATEC VINI FANTINI
ISRAEL – PREMIER TECH
LOTTO DSTNY
Q36.5 PRO CYCLING TEAM
TEAM POLTI KOMETA
TUDOR PRO CYCLING TEAM
UNO-X MOBILITY
VF GROUP-BARDIANI CSF- FAIZANE’
2023 winner Andrea Bagioli:
Ticket sale open for the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup in Benidorm
Spanish cyclocross fiesta to be held on January 19th
It was less than eight months ago that Benidorm and its Costa Blanca enjoyed the 2024 edition of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup – Benidorm Costa Blanca. The accelerations by Mathieu van der Poel, the duel between Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse, and Wout van Aert’s memorable saddle-less victory were some of the highlights in this event, that attracted more than 16.000 spectators on-site and reached households across a vast number of countries all around the globe. A great cyclocross fiesta on a family-friendly environment and against the best possible backdrop – Benidorm and its Costa Blanca.
As of Tuesday, September 9th, the ticket sale for the 2025 edition of the event is open. The parks of El Moralet and Foietes will host the party on Sunday, January 19th. There will be three types of tickets for adults. The General one will cost just 15€ from now till December 2nd. The VIP one includes foods and beverages on a privileged spot in the circuit. Last but not least, the Super VIP ticket offers ‘gourmets’ products and parking spots near the venue. Children between age 7 and 14 will have to pay tickets (at a reduced price) to access the VIP and Super VIP areas, while for the General area they will only have to purchase a Children ticket at a symbolic price of 2€. The revenue of this Children ticket will be fully donated to local charities.
“We haven’t increased the price of the General ticket because we believe the current one to be fair, affordable and popular,” says Pascual Momparler, organiser of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup – Benidorm Costa Blanca. “We want as many people as possible to come to our event – for the cyclocross fans to enjoy, and for those who just come along to become passionate about this sport, as it has already happened in previous editions. Having people come to enjoy Benidorm, its Costa Blanca and the Comunitat Valenciana year after year will be our biggest success. We want fans to cherish our fiesta as much as we do.”
The tickets for the 2025 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup – Benidorm Costa Blanca can be purchased over at https://benidorm25.tickets.ucicyclocrossworldcup.com/, as well as at the race’s official website benidormcx.es. Fem van Empel won both the Elite Women races at Benidorm back in 2023 and 2024, while the Elite Men palmarès showcases the names of Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.
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