The road season is truly over… but don’t worry we still have a full EUROTRASH bag to go through.
Report, result and video from the evening cyclocross, the Nacht van Woerden.
Two young talents; Gabriel Berg and Cormac Nisbet stop racing – TOP STORY.
Rider news: Tadej Pogačar thinks it’s possible to win three Grand Tours in one season, Ethan Hayter on leaving INEOS Grenadiers after a ‘difficult’ year, Urska Zigart looking to improve with AG Insurance Soudal, Eli Iserbyt will be allowed to race on Saturday, Mathieu van der Poel is training in the rainbow jersey, Wout van Aert steps up training in run-up to cyclocross campaign, Rémi Cavagna confirms early departure from Movistar, Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio postpones her retirement, Bart Wellens on Eli Iserbyt’s suspension, Ryan Kamp injury update after crash in Ruddervoorde and Biniam Girmay nominated for the men’s Vélo d’Or.
Team news: INEOS Grenadiers announce new staff and performance structure changes for 2025 and beyond, comprehensive talent development program: Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe launches new U23 team, British team puts fake UCI stickers on Chinese frames, Chantal van den Broek-Blaak wants to show red-white-blue in her final year, Clément Champoussin moves to Astana Qazaqstan, Jefferson Cepeda joins the WorldTour with Movistar, Soudal Quick-Step’s Paul Magnier wants to race some Classics next season, Matteo Malucelli to ride for Astana Qazaqstan, CANYON//SRAM Racing welcomes Chiara Consonni for the upcoming season, Marlen Reusser and Movistar join forces, EF-Oatly-Cannondale adds Babette van der Wolf to the 2025 roster, two new riders for CANYON//SRAM Racing, Arjen Livyns stays with Lotto Dstny, a World champion joins Wanty-ReUz-Technord, Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team welcomes Michael Albasini as DS, Gian Paolo Mondini becomes sports director at Team SD Worx-Protime and Polti Kometa focuses on Malta with an eye on 2025.
Race news: The Giro d’Italia virtual 2024 kicks off.
Plus: Astana Project 35 video.
TOP STORY: Two Young Talents; Gabriel Berg and Cormac Nisbet to Stop Racing at the Top Level
Frenchman Gabriel Berg and British rider Cormac Nisbet both dreamed of becoming a professional cyclist, but that dream quickly turned into a nightmare.
Eighteen year-old Berg and nineteen year-old Nisbet were both given ‘the chance of a lifetime’ by the Soudal Quick-Step development team, hoping to step-up to the WorldTour. But due to too many sacrifices, crashes and a lack of any ‘normal’ life outside of bike racing, they put have put an end to their dreams at a young age.
Berg explains in an interview with L’Équipe why he made his decision. “Cycling, cycling and doing nothing but cycling. I felt trapped in a routine. It was my dream to become a professional cyclist. But outside of the race I didn’t see anyone anymore. I simply didn’t have a social life. When my friends went on a trip or suggested a trip, I had to pass. It piled up.” Berg also became increasingly afraid on the bike, after witnessing a series of crashes. “During a race in Belgium I saw four crashes in a good ten kilometres. I became a bit anxious. That same day I heard that my former teammate Thomas Bouquet had died. André Drege had also just died in the Tour of Austria. I had raced with him. Today it was them, but it could have been me.”
Berg himself also crashed several times this year, “I have scars for life”, but he continued to race anyway. “I was afraid of disappointing the people around me: my sister, family, friends and the people in my hometown of Argenteuil.” The young rider eventually decided to make-up his mind. “My age played a role in my decision to quit. At 18, I wasn’t mature enough to give everything up for racing. What if I found out at 30 that I had missed the best years of my life? I had the maturity to quit racing before I was disgusted by it.”
His British teammate, Cormac Nisbet, also made the same decision for the same reasons as Berg. “At first I was ashamed, because I felt like I was a failure. But the fact that I’m not the only one reassured me. We’re not all Tadej Pogačar or Remco Evenepoel,” said the Frenchman, who now wants to rediscover his love for cycling as a recreational cyclist. “And maybe I’ll try again in two or three years.”
Gabriel Berg wrote on Instagram:
“Hello everyone,
I’ve been away from the cycling world for 6 weeks now due to a fractured wrist in training. This break has enabled me to answer a lot of the questions I’ve been asking myself for several months about cycling at a high level. As you know, I love cycling, and turning professional was a dream of mine, but this year made me realize that it wasn’t necessarily for me: lots of sacrifices, time away from my loved ones, repeated crashes, constant tension, little time to do anything else.
So I took the decision to stop cycling at the highest level and return to the bike I loved, with fewer headaches, fewer constraints, and perhaps even more pleasure.
I can’t thank enough the people who helped me get to where I am today: coaches, team managers, trainers, team-mates and those close to me. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, because for a long time I was afraid of disappointing some of the people who have given me such a wonderful time.
I’d like to thank @soudal_quickstep_devoteam for giving me the opportunity to experience the professional world for a year, where I met people who were extremely caring, professional and above all willing to listen.
Thanks also to all the people who have helped me this year @florian_masseur @joonalaukka @promansports @nutriocus_
See you soon on the roads, because my story with cycling is far from over!”
Cormac Nisbet to retire early:
Nacht van Woerden 2024
Lars van der Haar won the 2024 Nacht van Woerden. This is the eighth victory in a row for the Baloise Trek Lions rider in the evening cyclocross race in Utrecht. Van der Haar took the lead in the first lap and held on to the finish.
The Dutch cyclocross season opened in Kleeberg, but the Kiremko Nacht van Woerden is always a sign that ‘cross season was well under way. The evening cyclocross in Utrecht had several big names on the start-line. Lars van der Haar was the big favourite, the 33-year-old Dutchman has won the past seven editions of the Nacht van Woerden.
The Baloise Trek Lions rider also has good form at the moment, as was seen by his victory in the Exact Cross of Beringen, but Van der Haar would still have to fight for an eighth victory. European champion Michael Vanthourenhout, Pim Ronhaar, Spanish champion Felipe Orts, Lander Loockx and Jens Adams were all there for the battle.
Van der Haar went for a flying start under the flood-lights of Woerden. In the first lap he made a gap with Felipe Orts, Michael Vanthourenhout, Pim Ronhaar and Mees Hendrikx. In the laps that followed, Van der Haar gradually increased his lead. Spanish champion, Orts, had to drop out of the chase due to a mechanical, at a bad moment and far from the pits. The battle for second and third was between Vanthourenhout and, surprisingly, David Haverdings, who had dropped Ronhaar and Hendrikx.
Nacht van Woerden Result:
1. Lars van der Haar (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions in 51:50
2. Michael Vanthourenhout (Bel) Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal at 0:25
3. David Haverdings (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions at 0:31
4. Pim Ronhaar (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions at 1:01
5. Mees Hendrikx (Ned) Heizomat RadTeam p/b Hermann at 1:09
6. Guus Van Den Eijnden (Ned) Cyclocross Reds at 1:23
7. Lucas Janssen (Ned) Arkéa-B&B Hôtels Continentale at 1:50
8. Wout Janssen (Bel) Cyclis-Van Den Plas at 2:11
9. Julian Siemons (Bel) Cyclis-Van Den Plas at 2:12
10. Ingmar Uytdewilligen (Bel) Tarteletto-Isorex Cyclocrossteam at 2:37.
Woerden’24
Is it Possible to Win Three Grand Tours in One Season? Tadej Pogačar Thinks So
Tadej Pogačar had a stunning season this year. The Slovenian won 25 times in 2024, including two monuments, the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and the World Championships. Could he beat that in the future? Pogačar thinks it is possible to win the three Grand Tours in one season.
“Winning the three Grand Tours in one year is feasible,” the 26-year-old Slovenian said in an interview with Siol.net, the oldest internet news portal in Slovenia. However, the leader of UAE Team Emirates is limiting himself to one or two Grand Tours in a season.
“I respect my teammates. We know that UAE Emirates has the potential to win a Grand Tour, even if I am not there. There is no need to be greedy within my team. I don’t want to make enemies within a team where I feel at home,” said Pogačar. But he also suggested that he wants to take on the challenge one day.
The World champion hopes to perform well in the Tour de France next year, but is certainly not only focused on a fourth final overall victory. “I will most likely participate in the Tour of Flanders again and I am also thinking about participating in the Vuelta a España,” looking ahead to 2025.
More success for Pogačar in 2025:
Ethan Hayter on Leaving INEOS Grenadiers After a ‘Difficult’ Year
Things have been going well for a while at INEOS Grenadiers. The British team has not getting the results they used to and there is the on-going transfer problems for Tom Pidcock. Plus other riders are leaving the team at the end of the year. Ethan Hayter is one of the leavers and he has been quite critical of his soon to be ex-team.
Eurosport asked Hayter at the World track championships in Ballerup, about his new team, Soudal Quick-Step and about his time with INEOS Grenadiers. The 26-year-old rider doesn’t hold back when talking of INEOS Grenadiers. “I think it is time for a change. My new team really has a passion for cycling and I can’t wait to get started.” Hayter signed a contract with Soudal Quick-Step for two seasons, until the end of 2026. He made his debut for INEOS Grenadiers in 2020 and won the Tour of Poland and the Tour of Norway in the five years with the team. This season things have not gone so well for Hayter, was what is going on with the team the problem? “I don’t really know what’s going on. It was a pretty difficult collaboration this year and after it was announced that I would be leaving the team, it became even more difficult… I don’t know. I wish them all the best for next season, but there a need for change there,” said Hayter. Hayter is on the move, but Tom Pidcock seems now to be staying with INEOS Grenadiers (maybe). The Olympic mountain bike champion was very likely to leave at the end of the season, but talks with the Q36.5 team have fallen through, although there are other teams on the horizon. At the moment it looks like Pidcock will stay with INEOS Grenadiers next year.
Ethan Hayter glad to be leaving INEOS Grenadiers:
Urska Zigart Looking to Improve with AG Insurance-Soudal
Urška Žigart will be riding for the AG Insurance Soudal team next year and she has spoken about her transfer from Liv AlUla Jayco for the first time. Tadej Pogačar’s fiancée thinks that she can improve. “Change can bring growth,” she told the website of her new team.
The 27-year-old Zigart turned professional with Alé BTC Ljubljana in 2020, then moved to BikeExchange in 2021, which became Liv AlUla Jayco. She has been Slovenian national time trial champion four times and this year won road race. Zigart finished in the top 10 of the Tour de Suisse twice and was twelfth in the Giro d’Italia last season. She feels that there is more to come and hopes to make even more progress while riding for AG Insurance-Soudal. “What attracted me to join AG Insurance-Soudal was that I had only heard good things about the team. When they contacted me, I was immediately interested in listening to them. I was immediately attracted by their vision and how they saw me in their team.”
“It was clear that they had a good idea of how I would fit into the team as a rider and as a person. Within the team, I feel that I am still learning, even though I have quite a bit of experience in the WorldTour peloton. However, this year I realised that I am not the youngest anymore. So in that respect, I hope to be able to pass on some knowledge to the younger riders, while also being open to learning from everyone. My personal goals for the 2025 season are to continue to grow as I have done in the past few years and continue this upward trend,” Zigart, who has signed a two-year contract, looks ahead. “I have shown that I can get close to the top riders in tough climbing races. I really want to explore that further and see how far I can go when the opportunity arises.”
“Based on the conversations I have had, I think I can grow here in all aspects. I especially want to improve on hilly terrain and continue working on my time trial. It has been four years since my last team change. It was difficult to think about change, because change brings new people, relationships, new equipment and new challenges. But change can also bring growth.”
Urska Zigart thinks she will improve with AG Insurance-Soudal:
Eli Iserbyt Will Race on Saturday
Eli Iserbyt will start in the Exact Cross Heerderstrand next Saturday, which is a surprise, because last Saturday his team announced that Iserbyt had been suspended from three cyclo-cross races by the UCI and would only be allowed to race again in Overijse. This happened after his altercation with Ryan Kamp in Beringen when he stamped on Kamp’s wheel. He was given a fine by the UCI. A few days later, the UCI decided to up the fine and suspend him for three cyclo-cross races.
His team, Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal, announced that Iserbyt would not start in the Exact Cross Essen, the Superprestige Ruddervoorde and the Exact Cross Heerderstrand. He was supposed to make his comeback in Overijse on Sunday. That has now changed, because Iserbyt will be back in action in Heerde on Saturday. “The UCI has announced that Eli Iserbyt will be allowed to participate in the race in the Dutch Heerderstrand”, Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal wrote in a press release. “The International Cycling Union initially imposed a one-week suspension on the Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal rider, which meant he could not start in three races, but only now provided more clarity about the exact end date of his punishment. This will expire on Friday instead of Saturday, which means that, contrary to the UCI’s earlier communication, he will appear at the start in Heerderstrand on Saturday.”
Iserbyt back on Sunday:
Mathieu van der Poel is Training in the Rainbow Jersey
Mathieu van der Poel lost his world title on the road to Tadej Pogačar, but the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider is still training in the rainbow jersey. His friend and training partner, Freddy Ovett, has video of the multi-discipline star on his Instagram page. The pair have been out to find some gravel roads.
As the reigning World champion on gravel, Van der Poel is allowed to ride in the rainbow jersey. “The less traveled paths,” Ovett adds to the video, which shows him and Van der Poel on gravel roads. Someone commented under the video with a wink: “You have to ride on a piece of gravel every day so that Mathieu can wear the jersey.”
Van der Poel an also wear the rainbow jersey if he rides cyclocross this winter, since he is not only the World gravel champion, but also the reigning gravel World champion.
Van der Poel looking for gravel:
Wout van Aert Steps Up Training in Run-Up to Cyclo-Cross Campaign
It is still unclear when Wout van Aert will return to cross, but the Visma | Lease a Bike rider is already clocking up the kilometres on the bike, a good seven weeks after his crash in the Vuelta a España.
The 30-year-old classics specialist is progressing very quickly. Three weeks ago, the Belgian was able to ride his first kilometres. Van Aert completed a ride of just over an hour in the region around Herentals, a distance of 32.6 kilometres. “Woo-hoo”, wrote an overjoyed Van Aert on Strava.
Van Aert has now completed quite a few training rides and kilometres. Last week on Strava last week he uploaded four training rides, a total distance of 278 kilometres and on a rainy day he was on Zwift for a training ride of 35 kilometres.
Van Aert also rode 100 kilometres with his regular training partner Jan Bakelants and looks to be preparing for his comeback. The leader of Visma | Lease a Bike previously said that he has plans to start racing again in the winter months, but has not yet named exact dates or races at the moment.
“I will definitely be seen in cross,” the rider of Visma | Lease a Bike reassures cyclocross fans. “There is no concrete date yet, but the fact that I have an earlier rest than usual and will resume training earlier may even be an advantage.” Van Aert ride nine cyclocross races last winter.
Van Aert training for cyclo-cross:
Rémi Cavagna Confirms Leaving Movistar Before the End of his Contract
Rémi Cavagna has an ongoing contract with Movistar until the end of 2026, but the 29-year-old Frenchman has ridden his last race for the Spanish team, Cavagna told Spanish sports-paper Marca.
The other Spanish sports paper AS previously reported that Cavagna was leaving Movistar after just one season, Cavagna has now confirmed it. “It just wasn’t a success. If your head is not there, you don’t have the right legs. But it’s not a drama. I’ve already spoken to Eusebio (team manager Unzué) and everyone else. I tried it with a Spanish team, but it didn’t work. That’s just part of life, isn’t it? It certainly wasn’t an easy decision. But if I stay here for another year, it could get even worse. That’s why I’d rather change teams now. I hope to have more luck next year, to achieve better results and to collect important points for another team.”
According to AS he is on his way to Groupama-FDJ: “It is important for me to start the new season with a fresh mindset, because this year was just very bad,” the Frenchman is not looking for excuses. Cavagna made the switch from Soudal Quick-Step to Movistar last winter and hoped to give his career a a restart, but that didn’t happen. In an interview with L’Équipe, he attributes this to problems adjusting to his new team. The language barrier with his Spanish colleagues in particular didn’t help.
“I didn’t expect it to be so difficult,” Cavagna said in June about his new team. “The Spaniards form a block within the team. On the radio, everything is in Spanish, which is complicated at the important moments in a race. I changed teams for a change, but I feel like I’m still at the beginning. I didn’t sign up for this. At the moment, I’m not giving anything and I’m not getting anything back. It’s complicated.”
Cavagna is leaving Movistar early:
Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio Postpones her Retirement
Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio announced her retirement as a professional cyclist at the beginning of 2022, but she soon changed her mind. Now she has no plans to stop racing for at least the next two years and has extended her contract with AG Soudal until the end of 2026.
“Extending my contract with AG Insurance-Soudal means a lot to me. It’s about loyalty, trust and a shared vision for the future,” the South African rider said in a press release. “It’s a real honour and I’m incredibly grateful to be able to continue representing the team I love. It feels like coming home to family. That sense of belonging is something special. Despite the challenges of illness and injury this season, the prospect of staying with the team has been a real source of motivation during my recovery. The idea to continue with the team actually came back in December during training camp last year. While it may come as a surprise to some, it feels very natural to me.”
“With this extension, I see myself continuing in a mentor and leadership role, inspiring and supporting my teammates as we grow together, both on and off the bike. Over the next two years, I want to not only achieve great results and personal growth, but also help foster a positive team culture, reach new milestones and have a positive impact in our community. More specifically, of course, pursuing the Tour de France Femmes is one of my biggest goals for the next two seasons. It really motivates me to use my experience to mentor and support the young talent on the team, as I continue my career. I can’t wait to contribute to the growth of the team and support the upcoming generation of riders.”
Two years more for Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio:
Bart Wellens On Eli Iserbyt’s Suspension
A lot has been said about the Eli Iserbyt/Ryan Kamp ‘incident’ in the Exact Cross of Beringen last week. The UCI decided to suspend Iserbyt for three races. Bart Wellens believes that the punishment for the Belgian champion is only logical. Wellens is the team manager of Charles Liégeois Roastery CX team, but he also writes for Het Nieuwsblad during the cyclocross season. In his column he wrote about Iserbyt and the three-race suspension.
In an earlier column, Wellens had called on the UCI to ‘send a signal’ to all the riders. “Strict, but fair. Three races and a fine of 2,600 euros, that’s not nothing. But a punishment is not a punishment if it is not strict. The UCI also did well to come to a decision quickly, also for Eli.”
Wellens can also empathise with the Belgian champion. “I myself was suspended for one month for my karate kick in Overijse, in September of the following season. Back then there were still races in September. And yes, then they are after your money, just as they are now after Eli’s money. Still, it could have been worse. Now he misses one round of the Superprestige and one (it was going to be two) Exact Cross. If they had waited longer, he might have had to miss World Cup rounds and that would have been worse.”
Jurgen Mettepenningen decided to express his dissatisfaction about the suspension on Sunday. Wellens understands the frustrations of the team manager of Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal, Iserbyt’s team. “Of course they weren’t happy in the Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal camp and that’s understandable, it was in Ruddervoorde. Eli was a bit of a figurehead there. I also understand the disappointment of team manager Jurgen Mettepenningen. As a team you’re never happy when one of your riders has to stand aside, especially not when it’s your top rider. But I still think that they’ll eventually see that it’s better to watch for a week now than later in the season.”
Bart Wellens talks about Iserbyt’s Suspension:
Ryan Kamp Injury Update after Crash in Ruddervoorde
Ryan Kamp didn’t have any fractures or other injuries when he crashed at the start of the Superprestige Ruddervoorde, the Fenix rider announced via Instagram. He also said that he is sorry for all the riders he took with him in his crash.
The Superprestige Ruddervoorde was split at the star due to the crash. Ryan Kamp was the first to come down in the second row and was the biggest victim and he had to abandon and was taken to hospital for examination. “I just got out of the hospital and luckily the results were good,” Kamp wrote on Instagram on Sunday evening. “I have no major injuries and no fractures. I am very sorry for all the riders involved. I don’t know who fell with me, but I hope you are all okay!”
Kamp also thanks the people who sent him a message after the crash. “Now it is time to let the body recover. Hopefully I’ll be back on the bike soon.” This season hasn’t been too good for Kamp so far. In his first cyclocross of the season he crashed with Eli Iserbyt, who then stood on his rear wheel. On Saturday in the Exact Cross Essen Kamp also had equipment problems and finished 16th.
Ryan Kamp hasn’t had much luck so far this season:
Biniam Girmay Nominated for the Men’s Vélo d’Or
Biniam Girmay, triple stage winner and green jersey of the Tour de France, adds a new page to the African cycling history and of team Intermarché-Wanty. This Monday 14th of October, the daily newspaper l’Equipe presented the Eritrean rider as one of the ten finalists for the Vélo d’Or, the award honouring the best cyclist in the world.
It is the first time that an African cyclist figures on this prestigious list and also the first time that a rider of Intermarché-Wanty is part of it. Biniam Girmay is one of the nominated finalists, together with Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglič, Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, Marc Hirschi, Matteo Jorgenson, Ben O’Connor and Tim Merlier.
A great recognition for the sprinter of the team of Jean-François Bourlart, who reached new milestones in 2024 after his brilliant successes in Ghent-Wevelgem and the Giro d’Italia 2022. Next to his three victories in the Tour, he also accumulated thirteen podium placings and is currently ninth in the individual UCI ranking. The award ceremony for men and women will be held on Friday 6th of December in the Pavillon Gabriel in Paris.
Biniam Girmay: “It’s a great honour to be nominated for the Vélo d’Or. I’m proud to be recognised alongside such incredible athletes. After my breakthrough season in 2021, I persevered through challenges, and this nomination is a sweet reward. It’s a great feeling to know that my hard work has been acknowledged. But above all, the credit goes to the entire team – my teammates, the staff behind the scenes, my family, and all the fans who have supported me. My childhood dream of winning three stages and the green jersey in the Tour de France, in addition to standing on the podium in four continents this season, has become a reality. Their dedication and hard work have made it possible.”
Biniam Girmay nominated for the Vélo d’Or:
INEOS Grenadiers Announce New Staff and Performance Structure Changes for 2025 and Beyond
The INEOS Grenadiers have announced structure and staff changes following a thorough review of the team’s performance operations. The changes will build on the strong foundations and team already in place, and support the objective to win the biggest races in cycling.
Dr. Scott Drawer, the Grenadiers’ Performance Director who joined the team in the spring of 2024, has spent six months reviewing the performance environment both on and off race.
The new structure will focus on three distinct performance streams – Grand Tours and Stage Racing, Classics and One Day Racing, and Future Talent. There will be a renewed focus on specialist coaching in time trials, sprint and power development, endurance training science, race strategy, aerodynamics and technology development.
The approach has been informed and influenced by other disciplines including track cycling and endurance sports including cross country skiing, triathlon and endurance running to apply emerging practices in training and competition science.
New staff for the 2025 season will include:
Kurt Asle Arvesen – The Norwegian former pro, who raced and started his coaching career with Team Sky, is returning to the team as a lead Sport Director.
Leonardo Basso – The Italian pro cyclist retired in 2023 having ridden for the team for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. After spending time with the team this season as a Sport Director in a freelance capacity, he will now join in a permanent role.
Tom Helleman – The highly regarded sports scientist and coach who has been working with Team DSM-firmenich for the 2024 season will join the team as Lead Performance Coach.
Dr. Mehdi Kordi – The British track and sprint specialist led the Dutch national team to multiple Gold medal success in the Paris Olympics and helped them become a leading nation on the track. He will be joining the Grenadiers as Head of Performance Support and Innovation.
Dr. Luca Oggiano, a world-leading expert on aerodynamics, who has been working with the team for the past decade including Filippo Ganna’s successful hour record, takes on the role of Director of Research and Development and will continue to work closely with the team’s technical partners.
The team will also be appointing a new Head of Engineering and Technology, along with further additional staff that will be announced before the start of the 2025 season.
Scott Drawer, Performance Director, said: “I’ve spent six months listening, observing, and working with the team to determine what’s needed to set ourselves up for excellence for 2025 and beyond. I’ve been looking at every element of how we race, how we train and how we support our riders in the changing landscape of professional cycling. We have a highly motivated, hungry and ambitious team of coaches, sports directors and performance specialists who want to create an environment that allows our riders to fulfil their potential. That collective energy and desire will set us up for the challenges and opportunities that await in 2025. We are going to spend the rest of this year making further positive changes: setting the team’s performance plans and goals, executing some key training camps and getting the whole team ready to race hard in January. We want to set the right tone from the start and will be working closely with our riders to establish the culture which will facilitate success and be fundamental to our future.”
John Allert, CEO, said: “Scott has conducted a thorough review of every element of performance with his trademark energy and focus. He has come up with a clear plan and the decisive changes needed to set us up for success in the coming years. This is a team with a proud legacy of success, and we are all determined to get back to the top step of the podium. Our new performance structure and approach are key to building the next chapter for the team.”
All change at INEOS Grenadiers:
Comprehensive Talent Development Program: Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Launches New U23 Team
Starting with the 2025 season, Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe will launch a new U23 development team to fill the gap between the GRENKE – Auto Eder U19 and the WorldTeam. The new Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies will debut with, among others, four riders who previously raced for the junior team, including the new U19 World Champion, Lorenzo Finn. The team will be managed by Gregor Gazvoda, with an ambitious goal: to prepare young riders for the WorldTour while aiming for maximum success.
The four U19 riders who are already part of the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe family are Theodor August Clemmensen (DEN), Paul Fietzke (GER), Lorenzo Finn (ITA), and Romet Pajur (EST). Clemmensen is a versatile rider, recently winning the Swiss stage race Grand Prix Rüebliland. Fietzke is a silver medalist in the road race at the 2023 U19 World Championships and a bronze and silver medalist at this year’s European Championships. Lorenzo Finn, the newly crowned junior world champion in the road race, will also be part of the team. Pajur, a fast-finishing allrounder, already raced for the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe U19 team in 2022. As of now, the following riders are also confirmed: Adrien Boichis (FRA), Davide Donati (ITA), Lennart Jasch (GER), Marco Martín (ESP), Sebastian Putz (AUT), Callum Thornley (GBR) and Luke Tuckwell (AUS).
The new development team will be registered as a UCI Continental Team, riding under a German license. The team is managed by Gregor Gazvoda, a former professional cyclist from Slovenia with years of experience both as a rider and in team management. Cesare Benedetti, a retired Italian cyclist and long-term member of the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe family, and Pello Olaberria, a former Spanish professional with a background in development programs, will both join as Sports Directors.
John Wakefield, Director of Development at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe: “The leap from the U19 category straight into the WorldTour is a big one. With the new U23 team, we are creating a much smoother development process from U19 to the pro ranks. Just like the U19 team, the U23 squad will compete in the key races on the calendar, offering the best opportunities for growth. Next season, Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe will have the most complete and seamless talent development program in professional cycling.”
Seamless talent development from the U19 category to the WorldTour – that’s the goal of the new Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe development program. With the start of the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies, the team is launching a cutting-edge talent development program to set the highest standards in professional cycling. In addition to the newly created U23 talent squad, the program will build on the success of GRENKE – Auto Eder, the world’s most successful U19 team. With an enhanced scouting unit, the goal is to discover and groom talent for a career in the WorldTour.
Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe Devo team in 2025:
British Team Puts Fake UCI Stickers on Chinese Frames
British Continental cycling team Saint Piran has been caught putting fake UCI stickers on unbranded Chinese frames. According to CyclingWeekly and other media, this meant that the team were riding bikes that were not officially approved by the International Cycling Union.
The British team was undiscovered for a long time because of the UCI stickers that said ‘approved’, but when no frame codes were found on the stickers during a check, the team was exposed. According to team owner Richard Pascoe, this was because he had crossed out the frame codes with nail polish.
The team has had financial problems for some time. They had a bike deal with Lapierre, but that fell through in 2022, the team then switched to unbranded Chinese bikes. Riders on the team knew that they were riding Chinese bikes, but not that the team was not sticking to the UCI rules. According to CyclingWeekly, Saint Piran’s bikes were called the ‘Wuhan weapons’ by the riders in the team and riders repeatedly questioned whether the frames met UCI regulations.
Saint Piran now said in a statement that the frames do not meet UCI regulations. What will happen now is not yet known. British Cycling has already announced that it will investigate the matter further, as will the UCI.
Things not going well for Saint Piran:
Chantal van den Broek – Blaak Wants to Show Red-White-Blue in Her Final Year
‘Drive is there to get everything out one more time’
In 2025, Chantal van den Broek – Blaak will be with Team SD Worx – Protime for the 11th year. In 2015, the Zuid-Hollandse joined the then Boels-Dolmans formation. Since then, she has been one of the leading riders of the past decade with major victories at the World Championships in Bergen in 2017, the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold Race, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Gent-Wevelgem, among others. With her Dutch title in 2024, after becoming a mother to her daughter Noa in the autumn, Blaak is still proving she can perform at the highest level.
Chantal van den Broek – Blaak is not only one of the best riders in the Team SD Worx – Protime team, but certainly also one of the most important culture carriers. At 34 years old, her experience is important for the whole team.
Sports manager Danny Stam saw that ‘Blaakie’’s first year after motherhood was quite a tough one for her. “But as always, she still showed positive outliers, as we are used to from her. It is clear that Chantal is not done with cycling yet. I am confident that we can enjoy her again next year. It is nice to have her in the team in red-white-and-blue as Dutch champion. Last year, she had a lot of injuries and illnesses. Hopefully she will have few setbacks in 2025 so that she can show off the champion’s jersey in full again. We therefore did not hesitate for long to present her with another one-year contract.”
Chantal van den Broek – Blaak: “2025 will be my last year of racing. It will be my eleventh year with this team. I sorted out for myself whether I still wanted to cycle. Last season was difficult for me. I had some setbacks to deal with and that, combined with motherhood, made it difficult. It didn’t turn out to be the season I was hoping for, but it has been a realistic year. Becoming a mother during a top-level sports career means you actually have to take two years off. In the run-up to the NK, I felt I could train and recover like old times again. I am there again, it shot through my head. That national title was confirmation that my feelings were right. Becoming Dutch champion as a mother, it is an absolute highlight in my career. I can ride my last year in red-white-blue, a career couldn’t end more beautifully.”
“I am proud of how my husband Lars van den Broek and I manage this together. It is not natural to combine top sport with motherhood. And Lars also still works himself, but together we manage. Winning is extra special since Noa arrived. But it was also a difficult year. Because I was out during my pregnancy, and afterwards through some injuries, I also had a lot of time for myself. Normally, as a top athlete, you just race along and stay in that tunnel. You forget everything around you, so to speak, and focus only on your sport. But that fell silent and suddenly the world appeared very big and I had all the time in the world to look in the mirror. That was confronting, but I learned a lot about myself. I am very grateful that I was able to experience this. The results continued to be lacking apart from the Dutch title, but I had a very instructive year, which will also help me in the final season of my career.”
“I feel I can still teach Team SD Worx-Protime a lot in my final year. The performance drive is there. Whether I will really be able to stop on a high, I don’t know yet. But that winner’s mentality is part of who I am. I will train hard and do everything I can to get everything out of it one more time. I want to contest finals. If I can’t win anymore, I will also be at peace with passing the baton. But I want to honour that national jersey. I also hope to pass on my experience and knowledge to the less experienced girls in the group. That is in my character, but in my career I have never really been able to focus on that because the focus was so hard on performing myself. So in the races that don’t suit me or where I am purely there to help, I will try to teach the younger riders something. I therefore feel that I can still really play a significance for Team SD Worx-Protime and then it was an easy choice to give everything for one more year.”
Chantal van den Broek – Blaak wants a top final year:
Clément Champoussin Moves to Astana Qazaqstan Team
The 26-year-old French rider Clément Champoussin will spend the next two seasons (2025 and 2026) with Astana Qazaqstan Team. The agreement with the rider was signed recently.
Clément Champoussin had a strong 2024 season, securing a victory in the one-day race Giro della Toscana, second place in the Circuito de Getxo and the overall standings of the Arctic Race of Norway, third place in the Grand Prix de Wallonie, and seventh place in the Gran Premio Miguel Indurain.
“I am excited to join Astana Qazaqstan Team, a project that has always been an inspiration to me, not only because of its rich history but also because of its clear ambition for success. The team has a strong reputation for competing at the highest level, and the goals of the project align perfectly with mine. I am confident that the fantastic atmosphere the team is known for will allow me to continue developing as a professional rider, which in turn will help the team achieve future successes. I am eagerly looking forward to starting this new adventure and chapter in my career,” said Clément Champoussin.
“With Clément’s arrival, our team will have its first French rider in a long time. First of all, I would like to thank the management of Arkéa-B&B Hotels for their open and professional approach during the negotiations for this transfer. We are happy that Clément has the opportunity to join our team because a rider of his specialisation, an attacking style with a powerful uphill sprint, will be a significant reinforcement for us in one-day races. Of course, Clément also has great potential in Grand Tours, where he can compete on a wide variety of stages. Champoussin had a very strong 2024 season, and we expect that he will be able to develop even further within our team. He will definitely have the opportunity to do so,” said Alexandr Vinokurov, General Manager of Astana Qazaqstan Team.
Clément Champoussin to Astana Qazaqstan:
Jefferson Cepeda joins the WorldTour with Movistar
Ecuadorian jumps onto cycling’s top tier after completing his best season as a pro in 2024 with Caja Rural-RGA
The Movistar Team will continue to mix prestigious Spanish names with current, and emerging, talents from Latin America in 2025. The Telefónica-backed squad’s fifth male signing for next season is Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (Quito, ECU; 1996), part of the Caja Rural – Seguros RGA squad, who has signed a two-year contract with Eusebio Unzué’s outfit, running through the end of 2026.
Cousin of Jefferson Alexander Cepeda (EFE), he has just completed his best season as a pro cyclist in 2024, with strong performances all around. 4th overall in O Gran Camiño and 5th at De Brabantse Pijl against powerful WorldTour names, as well as medalist in both Nationals; silver in the ITT; bronze in the road race, he ultimately broke through with a stellar summer.
Winner of the Tour of Qinghai Lake (UCI ProSeries) in China plus a stage of the Tour du Limousin, just like his current, and future, team-mate Orluis Aular, Cepeda shone against Kuss on the Lagunas de Neila (Vuelta a Burgos) and fought toe-to-toe with eventual winner Jan Christen at the Clásica de Ordizia. A talent with good strategy sense and a punchy climber to continue leading the Movistar Team to new heights.
Jefferson Cepeda: “Movistar Team is a team I’ve always liked, and I’m happy that I’ll now be part of it. I know some people in the team, and I think that’s going to help me adapt faster and contribute with my skills to achieve our goals together. Being part of a WorldTour team has always been the goal that brought me to Europe. I’ve worked very hard, year after year, to improve and make it happen. This season, I was able to be very consistent and perform at a good level, which led to this opportunity. It’s a step forward in my professional career, and I’ll try to make the most of it. After these years with Caja Rural, to whom I’m very grateful for giving me the chance to break into professional cycling and grow alongside them, I feel ready to discover new races and new challenges.”
Jefferson Cepeda joins Movistar:
Paul Magnier: “I Want to Race Some Classics Next Season”
During a recent BKOOL group ride, the 20-year-old Frenchman took some time to answer the fans’ questions and talk about his first year in the pro ranks and future goals.
“Looking back, I can say it has been an amazing debut season. I am delighted with my five wins for the World Tour team and couldn’t have dreamed of a better season. I am happy and proud to be part of such a great squad. Equally important for me is that I have learned a lot this year, and this gives me more confidence for next season.”
“I knew I had had two good training camps in Spain, but to raise my hands in the air at my first appearance in a Soudal Quick-Step jersey was incredible. The team believed in me that day and after a fantastic effort of the whole guys, I could finish it off in the sprint. It was also my most emotional victory of 2024 because it came so fast, I wasn’t even ready for it. The victories I got at the Tour of Britain have also made for some beautiful memories, because it was truly unbelievable to ride together with Remco and Julian, and have the latter as my lead-out man. For me and my progression, it was important to ride also with the Devo team, where I was a bit the leader of the squad. I am happy I could take two stage wins and the red jersey at the GiroNextGen, which was such an amazing week for us. I had a great lead-out man there in Andrea Raccagni; it was the first time we raced together, but we had a perfect connection from the beginning in the bunch sprints, where he brought me every time in a great position and I delivered. I’m really happy that we will be teammates next year.”
“The only downside of the whole season was the crash in Britain that forced me to end my campaign. It’s a pity, because I was in good form and was feeling confident I could bring some more good results for the team. The recovery was long, but now I feel better. I trained a lot on the rollers, did some BKOOL rides and went to the gym to gain muscle in my leg again, and the plan is to continue working on that so that I can be in a good condition at the start of next season. These are very hard races, due to the fight for positioning before the climbs and the harsh weather at times – rain, wind and cold temperatures. At the same time, these classics are incredibly beautiful, and I like them a lot. We’ll see if I can also do a Grand Tour, but my main goal is to continue to grow in this team and learn from the more experienced riders.”
Paul Magnier to ride the Classics in 2025:
Matteo Malucelli to ride for Astana Qazaqstan Team
Italian rider Matteo Malucelli (31) will join Astana Qazaqstan Team for the 2025 season.
Malucelli had a strong 2024 season at the continental level, securing 10 victories, including three stages at the recently concluded Le Tour de Langkawi, two stages at the Tour of Japan and the overall classification of the Tour of Bulgaria.
“It’s an honour for me to join such a great team as Astana Qazaqstan Team, which has made history in cycling. I am 100% ready to show everything I’m capable of at the WorldTour level after a successful season rich for victories. I’m incredibly motivated to start this new chapter of my career and can’t wait to wear the Astana Qazaqstan Team jersey”, said Matteo Malucelli.
“Matteo Malucelli is a well-known rider with serious potential. The fact that he’s currently racing at the continental level is more of a coincidence than a reflection of his abilities, so it’s only logical that after such a successful season, he’s earned his place at the WorldTour. Malucelli was impressive in Le Tour de Langkawi, as well as in several other races, and I believe he can be a great asset to our team next year as a powerful sprinter”, said Alexandr Vinokurov, General Manager of Astana Qazaqstan Team.
Matteo Malucelli to Astana:
CANYON//SRAM Racing Welcomes Chiara Consonni for the Upcoming Season
CANYON//SRAM Racing is thrilled to announce the addition of Chiara Consonni to its roster for the upcoming season. The talented sprinter has signed a two-year contract with the team through to the end of 2026.
Consonni is one of the world’s top-ranked riders and has consistently proven herself to be a leading sprinter. With victories across key races like Dwars Door Vlaanderen and Flanders Diamond Tour, she has established herself as a rider known for her explosive speed and tactical awareness. Consonni is a three-time stage winner at the Giro d’Italia and has also won stages at the UAE Women, Tour of Chongming Island and Simac Ladies Tour.
“CANYON//SRAM Racing has been my dream team since I was young,” said Consonni. “To be part of this team in the next years will be a special feeling. Even if I have a lot to learn, I hope to contribute to the team with my experience in the sprint and lead out.”
The Italian rider brings a wealth of energy and ambition to CANYON//SRAM Racing. Having recently competed in her first Olympic Games and won a gold medal in the Madison on the track, Consonni is confident and ready to take on new challenges.
“Some weeks ago, I took part in my first Olympics, and I came back home with the best result possible. After this experience, I’m more confident in myself. This victory motivates me to never give up and to give one hundred percent in every situation.”
Consonni has clear goals for the upcoming season with the team. “My objectives for the upcoming seasons are to improve as a person and as an athlete and to win a classic race in the North, which are also my favourite races. I think this team aligns with my goals because it’s full of people with a lot of experience and motivation.”
As a highly driven rider, Consonni is ready to bring her positive energy to the team. “I’m an extrovert and solar person with a lot of energy, and I hope to become part of the group and share my good vibes with the riders and staff. As one of the best teams in the world, I’m sure CANYON//SRAM Racing has the environment and resources I need to achieve my goals,” Consonni said.
CANYON//SRAM Racing’s roster is now complete for the start of the 2025 season with eighteen riders:
Wilma Aintila, Zoe Bäckstedt, Ricarda Bauernfeind, Neve Bradbury, Chiara Consonni, Tiffany Cromwell, Justyna Czapla, Chloé Dygert, Rosa Klöser, Nastya Kolesava, Maria Martins, Antonia Niedermaier, Kasia Niewiadoma, Soraya Paladin, Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka, Alice Towers, Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig and Maike van der Duin.
Chiara Consonni to CANYON//SRAM:
Marlen Reusser and Movistar Team Join Forces
Swiss ace, a three-time European time trial champion and one of the world’s finest riders all-around, hopes to give her career a new impulse alongside Telefónica-backed squad
The Movistar team announces the signing of Marlen Reusser (Hindelbank, SUI; 1991) for the next three seasons.
She is one of the best cyclists in the world. A great time trialist, she has won the European Time Trial Championship three times (2021-2023) and finished second in the World Championship twice (2020-2021). Her extensive record includes victories in races like Itzulia (2023), Switzerland (2023), or the Setmana Valenciana (2024), stage wins in the Tour (2022 and 2023), and La Vuelta (2021).
After a second half of 2024 impacted by physical issues, Reusser hopes to regain her top form in 2025, making her once again one of the standout cyclists in the international women’s peloton.
Marlen Reusser: “The idea of being part of Movistar Team is something we’ve worked on together for a long time, something I’ve been dreaming of. I’ve been excited about it for quite some time, and now we can finally make it happen. We share the same vision of what we can achieve together, and I sincerely believe this is the right place, the team with the right spirit, for me to grow and reach my full potential.”
“The illness I suffered made me question many things. I’m very grateful to Team SD Worx – Protime, where I’ve spent the last three years. They have shown me all their support, and I feel immense gratitude towards them.”
“I’m very optimistic and face the future with big ambitions. I’ve always been someone who fights to improve every day, and I feel like I still haven’t reached my full potential. I believe I have the physical and mental capabilities and the right environment around me to go even further. I want to work hard, stay dedicated, and also help the team maintain its positive momentum, creating opportunities for everyone and building a race dynamic that allows us all to enjoy ourselves. I’m convinced that success partly comes from all of that: talent, of course, but also having fun, showing care for what we do and for each other, as well as dedication. I’m very eager to start working toward these goals and to enjoy the next three years with Movistar Team.”
Sebastián Unzué: “The entire team, and I personally, are very happy because we’ve been working for many months to bring Marlen to the team. We’ve always believed she was the perfect rider for us.”
“She is at the ideal moment in her career, with a level of maturity and experience that is invaluable. She still has many years of excellent cycling ahead of her. After the arrival of Liane Lippert, Marlen Reusser now joins a team like Movistar Team, which will continue to be a reference in international women’s cycling. I want to finally thank Telefónica, Canyon, and the rest of our sponsors for their trust in building the future of Movistar Team together.”
Marlen Reusser to Movistar:
EF-Oatly-Cannondale adds Babette van der Wolf to the 2025 roster
Dutch rider brings strength and intuition to classics squad
Babette van der Wolf has been riding a bike since she was a toddler, which means the twenty-year-old Dutch rider has been a cyclist for well over fifteen years now. And in 2025, she will join EF-Oatly-Cannondale.
Babette turned pro in 2023 and quickly earned a trio of top ten results on stages at the Baloise Ladies Tour and at Antwerp Port Epic Ladies, Drentse Acht van Westerveld, and Grote Prijs Beerens.
Cycling was a big part of Babette’s household growing up, but turning pro was never a foregone conclusion. Her father, a former pro, was wrapping up his career when Babette and her older sister were young children. The family went on bike rides together and when her older sister started to ride with a local club, little Babette wanted to be just like her. As the pair continued to ride through their teenage years, “We had different strengths so through training together, we just made each other stronger,” Babette explained.
Years later, Babette knows her strengths and what areas she is still working on. “I’m the type of rider who races with a lot of heart,” Babette said. “I don’t have the biggest engine in the race but I do have a vision of how the race is going to play out, so I am able to react immediately or to communicate to my teammates what is about to happen and we can respond. I’m also someone who gets a second wind, so if I’m feeling cooked in a group and we’re all on the limit, I can usually still dig and find some freshness in my legs.”
Having grown up in the Netherlands, Babette loves racing in the wind. “If there’s a lot of wind, that makes me excited. I know I am really Dutch when I say that I love a hard echelon day. Maybe add in some cobbles and punchy climbs. I just enjoy a hard race,” she said.
Signing an up-and-coming rider with a deep understanding of the sport was a priority for EF-Oatly-Cannondale general manager, Esra Tromp. “Babette is a young Dutch bike rider who understands the game of cycling,” Esra said. “She has a fast finish, has super skills on the bike, and isn’t afraid to work really hard to become stronger. She’s a rider with energy and a positive mindset. I am happy to add Babette to our roster, full of young talented riders, because I see she can develop into a really strong classics rider.”
Between training and racing, Babette’s free time is limited, but that hasn’t stopped her from pursuing another passion. Currently, she is enrolled in an online course focused on medical science.
“Sometimes it’s helpful to take a mental break from cycling. A couple of years ago, I became really interested in biology and how the body functions. As a cyclist, I demand a lot of my body so exploring this subject is fascinating. We’ll see what my racing career brings but one day I would like to unlock my potential in this field. For now, I just really enjoy continuing my studies,” she said.
“A sport like cycling, at times you suffer so much for it but I always get back so much from it,” Babette said. “I ride my bike because I really love it and this is something I want to keep doing for many years. There are deep downs, massive ups, but in the end, this job allows me to travel a lot. I see a lot of people and I do beautiful races and I grow with my team. My new teammates inspire me. Getting to race with riders like them and follow my dreams makes me feel like this is not just a job because I really love doing it.”
We love it, too. Welcome to EF-Oatly-Cannondale, Babette!
EF-Oatly-Cannondale sign Babette van der Wolf:
Two New Riders for CANYON//SRAM Racing
CANYON//SRAM Racing is excited to announce two new riders for the next season. Nastya Kolesava will move from CANYON//SRAM Generation to the World Tour Team, and Rosa Klöser will join the team, both until the end of 2026.
Kolesava is a versatile rider with a keen race instinct. In 2023, she won a stage of the Giro Toscana and finished third overall at the Tour de l’Ardéche. This year, joining the development team CANYON//SRAM Generation, Kolesava took on a road captain role and added second place at GP Lucien Van Impe in Belgium to her palmarès.
Klöser is an emerging cyclist who started competitive cycling in 2022 while studying for her PhD. She comes from a gravel racing background, most notably as the winner of the 2024 Unbound 200. Several podium performances at various UCI World Gravel Series over the past two seasons have demonstrated her attention to detail and strong work ethic. Klöser will join CANYON//SRAM Racing only on the road and the team looks forward to her further development.
Nastya Kolesava: “It’s a big step for me to join CANYON//SRAM Racing for the upcoming year. I felt a great atmosphere in the team at the first training camps and doing some races with the team during 2024. The riders and staff are kind and helpful. Racing with CANYON//SRAM Generation in 2024 was an incredible opportunity to ride with teammates from around the world. I developed as a person and took another step as an athlete. I was happy to share my experience with younger riders on the team and I learned from the World Tour riders. The team has a fantastic environment that allows you to grow as a rider because of the supportive staff. I’m an all-rounder who can do spring classics and help the team in the stage races. I can position my teammates in the peloton and have good race instinct. In 2023, I finished third in the Tour de l’Ardéche, which gave me more trust in myself and motivation to work harder. It’s a special moment to step on the podium with some of the best riders in the world. I’m very grateful for this chance with CANYON//SRAM Racing. My objectives for the upcoming season are growing as a rider and supportive teammate.”
Rosa Klöser: “I’ve been looking up to CANYON// SRAM Racing as one of the leading Women’s World Tour teams since I started cycling around three years ago. They always stood out to me with their unique ways of identifying new talent through new approaches like the Zwift Academy, looking beyond road racing results and giving riders the freedom to combine different disciplines. From the first conversation with the team, I could tell that I would feel at home here. Winning Unbound 200 in my debut year while still being a full-time PhD student who has only dipped her toes into cycling around three years ago was certainly the biggest moment in my cycling career so far. While my main focus for next season will be on gravel as a privateer, I am convinced that the team structure and road calendar where I am racing with incredibly talented team mates and being guided by highly experienced support staff, will allow me to make some big steps and unlock new potential in my still fairly new cycling career. I am excited to see where my limits are. With my background in gravel racing, I believe that I can be a quite versatile rider performing and supporting the team across various terrain. I would like to try myself out in classic races and be up there in the mountain stages of Grand Tours to support the team’s GC ambition. With more and more high-profile riders entering the gravel sports and participating in gravel events, adapting to new ways of racing and thinking is essential. The lessons I will learn from road racing will come in handy, as the depth in the women’s gravel peloton allows for increasingly strategic racing. On the flipside, I think the long and hard days in gravel races will allow me to thrive in the road races where the race is ridden incredibly hard from start to finish, hopefully allowing me to be up there in the final supporting the leader or racing for an individual result, if possible.”
Anastasiya Kolesava to Canyon//SRAM:
Arjen Livyns Stays with Lotto Dstny
The 30-year-old Belgian rider will start his third season with the Lotto Dstny Team in 2025. “I want to develop further and keep showing my value in the team.”
Arjen Livyns just finished his season in China, where the Lotto Dstny Team took home the GC win with Lennert Van Eetvelt. After a difficult beginning of his season with an unfortunate crash in Strade Bianche, Livyns made some strong outings later this year. Three top ten results at the Vuelta, a second spot in Ruddervoorde Koerse and Textielprijs Vichte to name some of them. After two seasons with Lotto Dstny, the Belgian rider now adds another year to it.
“I’m super happy about the last two years I had with the team. I love being part of this squad, everything is on a high level and I have a good bond with the riders and staff. Staying here another year was a natural decision for me. I want to develop further and keep showing my value in the team”, Livyns said about his contract extension.
“Here I mostly ride for our leaders, we start with a clear goal in the races. I know my own capabilities and I’m very glad with this helping role I have. When the race has been hard already and the shifting has been done, I know I’m capable of still being up there to help our leader. My first part of the season fell apart due to a crash in the Strade Bianche, I couldn’t ride the classics because of that. But I found my good level back in the second part and finished my first grand tour with the Vuelta. I took some top ten results there, which gives confidence for the future.”
CEO Stéphane Heulot: “Arjen is a great guy both on and off the bike. He’s always up there to help the leaders in the team, but when there’s an opportunity he can also go for some nice results himself, as we saw in some of the bunch sprints this Vuelta. We are very happy having him in the team another year.”
Another year with Lotto for Arjen Livyns:
A World Champion Joins Wanty-ReUz-Technord
The structure of Intermarché-Wanty welcomes Nicolas Aernouts, the reigning junior world champion points race. In January he will step up to the U23 category with Continental Development Team Wanty-ReUz-Technord directed by Kévin Van Melsen, which also extended the contracts of Wout Geerinckx and Victor Hannes.
In August, Nicolas Aernouts (18 years old) conquered the rainbow jersey in Luoyang (China), after winning a bronze medal in the team sprint at the European Championships in Cottbus (Germany) alongside Yeno Vingerhoets and Tjorven Mertens. In total, he collected six national titles on the track.
As a second year junior, the rider from Hérinnes also showed himself on the road with his team AVIA-Rudyco. In 2024, he collected eight podium placings including three time trials, using his qualities as a rouleur. This consistency enabled him to finish third overall in the final classification of the Belgian Cup for juniors.
Since 2023, Victor Hannes (20 years old) is an important element in the success of Wanty-ReUz-Technord. Thanks to his consistency, he finished best young riders of the U23 Road Series, partly thanks to his third place in the GP Color Code Bassenge, his first podium in the U23 category. This season, the student civil engineer showed himself between the pros with a third place in the GP Vermarc and in service of World Team Intermarché-Wanty in races such as Nokere Koerse, Brabantse Pijl, Druivenkoers or the Italian end of the season classics.
In the beginning of August, Wout Geerinckx (20 years old) made a remarkable comeback, eight months after a frontal collision with a car during the collective training camp of Wanty-ReUz-Technord in the province of Alicante resulting in a fractured femur, elbow, knee, thigh and arm. He immediately finished the five stages of the Tour de Namur, during which he helped his teammate Thijs Aerts winning the final stage. The former champion of Antwerp will start his final season in the U23 category in 2025.
Nicolas Aernouts: “This year, as a second year junior, my goal was to get noticed by a Continental Development Team and thus take a step towards my dream of becoming a professional cyclist. The opportunity to join Intermarché-Wanty, the only Walloon structure in the World Tour, makes me extremely proud. With Wanty-ReUz-Technord I will have the opportunity to develop at my own pace. As a lightweight, I aspire to improve in the mountains, in addition to the time trial qualities I have developed thanks to my experience on the track. The team offers me a program that perfectly matches my profile and my ambitions, allowing me to pursue my goals on both the road and the track.”
Victor Hannes: “For me, continuing with the structure of Intermarché-Wanty was obvious. It is the ideal environment to develop as a cyclist, because over the past two years, I became much stronger physically and learned a lot, all while combining it with my studies. The experience gained with Intermarché-Wanty is very valuable. Being able to be useful to the leaders of the World Team, especially in the final of the Giro del Veneto, has given me a lot of confidence. I intend to keep confirming my progress and continue working for the team. I want to race more and more finals and improve my strengths, namely my punch on the short climbs and my sprint in order to distinguish myself with personal results.”
Wout Geerinckx: “I am extremely grateful to Intermarché-Wanty for their unconditional support. The management, staff, and riders have always been there for me, after my accident and during the difficult times that followed my return, when my confidence took a hit. The team management has always believed in me and helped me to set realistic goals. Thanks to their patience and expertise, I have regained a good level. Extending my contract is a fantastic reward for my perseverance. I can’t wait to work hard this winter to become stronger physically so that I can fully contribute to the team’s success.”
Kévin Van Melsen (Sports Director): “Nicolas Aernouts’ world championship titles on the track are a testament to his exceptional abilities. He has shown himself to be a fierce competitor with extraordinary speed. While his experience on the road may be limited at the international level, having primarily raced in Belgium, he has shown great potential with a series of strong results in various races. We will provide Nicolas with all the time and support he needs to develop as a road cyclist, in addition to his track ambitions.”
“Victor Hannes has made enormous progress over the past two seasons and has become a cornerstone of our team. His exemplary mentality, combined with his versatility, make him a complete rider. He has also shown consistency in his performances and has always been fully committed to the team. His progress was visible in professional races like the GP Vermarc and more recently with his work in support of the leaders of Intermarché-Wanty in the Veneto races. I am convinced that Victor will take another step forward next season and will achieve excellent results himself. With his growing confidence, I believe he can also evolve into a road captain for younger riders like our new recruit, Nicolas Aernouts. We brought Wout Geerinckx into our team for of his aggressive racing style and qualities as a puncher. His accident was a serious setback, but Wout has shown what he is capable of. Demonstrating great resilience and strength of character, he has managed to surprise us with particularly rapid progress. This summer, upon his return to competition, he was immediately able to show a decent level. He deserves this contract extension. We hope he can continue his hard work without interruption this winter so that we can see him shine in the colours of Wanty-ReUz-Technord in 2025.”
Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team Welcomes Michael Albasini as DS
Michael Albasini, one of the most prominent Swiss pro cyclists of his generation, will join the ranks of Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team as a Sports Director in 2025.
During his illustrious 15-year career as a professional cyclist, Albasini collected over 30 victories, including GC wins at Volta Cataluña, Tour of Austria and Tour of Britain. Amongst his accolades the Swiss all-rounder claimed notable stage wins at Vuelta a España and Tour of Romandie.
Since 2021, Albasini has been guiding Swiss cycling’s next generation, overseeing the Elite and U23 national teams. After a successful four-year tenure as National Coach, the Swiss tactician is eager for this new chapter.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team as a Sports Director,” said Albasini. “After years as a National Coach, I wanted a role that brings me closer to the riders on a daily basis. I was looking for a fresh challenge, and Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is an exciting project with bold ambitions. The team is growing, with plenty of potential to shape its future, and that’s what drew me in.”
Albasini also highlighted the races where he believes his experience will make the most impact: “I’m excited to work with the riders on races I know intimately, such as the Ardennes Classics—Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. These are races where I’ve performed well, and I’m eager to share the insights I’ve gathered over my career. Stage races like Tour de Suisse and Tour de Romandie are close to my heart, and I look forward to contributing there as well and have a positive impact.”
For Albasini, joining our Swiss-registered team is also a homecoming of sorts. “I spent over half my career racing on Scott bikes, so it feels like coming full circle. That connection played a big role in my decision to join the team.”
Alex Sans Vega, Head of Performance at Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, is enthusiastic about the comprehensive cycling knowledge and expertise that Albasini will bring to the team and believes he will significantly bolster the performance team: “To have someone of Michael’s caliber—one of the best Swiss riders of the last few decades—transitioning into a Sports Director role with us is huge. His success as the Swiss National Coach shows his ability to mentor and lead, and we’re excited to tap into his deep knowledge, especially in races where he was so successful as a rider. We are really looking forward to have him on board, believe he’ll be a key addition to our Sports Director group and will help elevate the team.”
Q36.5 sign Michael Albasini as DS:
Gian Paolo Mondini becomes sports director at Team SD Worx-Protime
‘This is my dream job’
Gian Paolo Mondini is making the move to team leadership at Team SD Worx-Protime after 14 years at Specialized. The role is new for Mondini, but the 52-year-old Italian breathes cycling. After several years as a professional cyclist, Mondini pursued university studies in psychology, then at Specialized he was the point of contact for professional cycling teams and riders. “My different backgrounds come together nicely in this new role. I will be a good motivator. I also want to give the riders extra guidance on material. As a rider, your bike is your most important tool,” Mondini said.
General team manager Erwin Janssen of Team SD Worx-Protime is happy that Mondini wants to take this step: “With the arrival of Gian Paolo, a lot of knowledge in many areas comes into the team. First, he himself cycled at the highest level in big teams and managed to win a stage in the Tour de France, among other things. Then he studied psychology, which is also important in cycling because the mental aspect plays an increasingly important role. Through his job at Specialized, he has a huge amount of material knowledge, but also got a look behind the scenes of a lot of professional men’s teams.”
Sports manager Danny Stam: “For 11 years our team has been riding with Specialized and for 11 years we have been working with Gian Paolo. There has always been a click between us and it is great that we will now really work together. After the departure of Anna van der Breggen and Lars Boom in the team management, we were looking for a new personality with a lot of experience in his luggage. I sensed from Gian Paolo that he was looking for something new. Erwin and I offered him this job and, to our great surprise, he was immediately extremely enthusiastic and sees this as a great challenge. I am happy that we were able to bring in a person with so much know-how.”
“I had a unique job at Specialized, where I was the point of contact for all sponsored teams and professional riders,” Mondini says. “But I was never fully part of one team. If one of your teams wins, another loses. After 14 years, I felt it was quietly time for something new. I let Danny Stam know I was leaving Specialized. To which he called me the next day: you must come and work for us. I was totally surprised, but the more I thought about it, the more I realised that the pieces of the puzzle fit together nicely.”
“I was a professional cyclist for eight years and then never really stopped cycling completely. That not only comes in handy on a tactical and strategic level, but I am physically able to scout the races together with the riders and immediately give tips and tricks. On the bike, someone also talks faster. I was also in charge of testing the material at Specialized. The expertise I gained at Specialized will come in handy. I want to teach riders how to sense their material and how best to give feedback on it. So that they have more control over their bike and the tools at hand.”
“After my career, I studied a PhD in psychology at the University of Bologna. I wanted to learn how the mental part of the body works. I can now apply that knowledge as a sport director. As a team we pursue one common goal together, with the riders and the staff. My strengths will also lie in helping to motivate the riders, before and during the race. Cycling is not only about performing physically, but also about being mentally strong. I want to help the riders be well prepared by helping them visualise all possible scenarios. If something unexpected happens, don’t panic because you will lose precious time. I can help in that. Of course, I also have a lot to learn. I have never sat in a sport directors’s car before. But within Team SD Worx-Protime, I am surrounded by people full of expertise. After one conversation with team manager Erwin Janssen and sports manager Danny Stam, I was convinced: this is my dream job.”
Team Polti Kometa focuses on Malta with an eye on 2025
From Wednesday until Sunday, Team Polti Kometa will be holding their very first training camp in Malta with a focus on 2025, where new equipment will be tested and the past season reviewed. Additionally, a press conference is scheduled for Friday with Maltese authorities, team management and riders, during which some exciting updates for next year will be unveiled. On Sunday, the squad will explore the country with a Social Ride.
Minister of Tourism and Public Cleanliness, Hon. Clayton Bartolo: “We are proud to once again welcome Team Polti Kometa to Malta for their pre-season training camp. This partnership with Visit Malta highlights our island’s growing appeal as a prime destination for world-class sporting events. Through initiatives like this, we are not only supporting elite sports but also positioning Malta as a top-tier destination for active tourism, helping to strengthen our tourism sector for years to come.”
CEO of Visit Malta, Mr. Carlo Micallef: “Visit Malta’s sponsorship of Team Polti Kometa’s training camp underscores our commitment to promoting Malta as an ideal destination for sport and adventure tourism. Hosting international teams like Polti Kometa enhances Malta’s profile on the global stage. This collaboration allows us to engage with new international audiences, offer unique experiences to athletes, and highlight Malta’s year-round tourism potential. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Team Polti Kometa and supporting their success in the upcoming season.”
Polti Kometa’s general manager Fran Contador: “It’s Always a special moment in the season, where we’ll reflect on 2024 and dive into preparations for 2025. To return once again to Malta, with the excellent treatment we always receive, the opportunity to explore the island’s wonders, and offer our sponsor Visit Malta special visibility, is a great satisfaction for the team. Next season will bring many new developments, and we’re already working on shaping a project that keeps growing.”
Rider Davide Bais: “I have an excellent memory of last year’s camp in Malta! A moment like this is ideal for laying the groundwork for next season’s planning, testing materials, and of course visiting a beautiful place that we continue to discover.”
Polti Kometa off to Malta:
The Giro d’Italia Virtual 2024 Kicks Off
A new virtual edition of the Corsa Rosa starts on BKOOL, the most important event of the year for indoor cycling lovers.
The professional cycling season is coming to an end to give way to the big events in the world of virtual cycling. Just a few days after Pogačar’s exhibition at Il Lombardia, RCS Sport and BKOOL are once again joining forces in a new virtual edition of the Giro d’Italia, which will allow all cycling fans to experience the same sensations as their idols on the Italian roads.
To take part in the Giro d’Italia Virtual 2024, all you need is a smart cycling trainer or a Smart Bike and a subscription to the BKOOL indoor cycling platform. Any cyclist will be able to try the virtual experience for free from home, thanks to the 30-day trial available at https://www.girovirtual.com/en/.
The Giro d’Italia Virtual 2024 is a unique opportunity to experience all the adrenaline and magic of the Corsa Rosa from the inside. The event brings together all the real stages, recorded during the last edition of the Giro d’Italia and offered to the participants through a super-realistic immersive simulation technology.
The virtual cycling experience will also feature special guests such as Alberto Contador, Chris Froome, Óscar Freire, Remco Evenepoel, Tim Merlier and Mikel Landa, among others. Participants will be able to train with their idols without leaving home, interacting with them via their Instagram profiles.
Álvaro Galindo, Head of Business with BKOOL: “Imagine facing the ramps of the Mortirolo, wearing the Maglia Rosa and fighting to get on the wheel of a Danish and an Australian cyclist who are struggling to leave you behind. Or sprinting through the streets of Naples, fighting to distance yourself from the peloton, with thousands of fans cheering you on at the finish line. We at BKOOL have been working for a year to create the most realistic and spectacular virtual cycling experience on the planet and we couldn’t be happier with the result”.
Roberto Salamini, Head of Marketing & Communications at RCS Sport: “The BKOOL project dedicated to the Giro d’Italia is a unique opportunity to expand the appeal and reach of one of the most iconic cycling events worldwide, targeting a globally growing audience. The possibility of participating virtually not only strengthens the loyalty of cycling enthusiasts but also offers an innovative experience for new users, allowing them to experience the excitement of the Giro personally. Moreover, the use of cutting-edge technology in virtual reality and digital platforms enhances the perception of the Giro d’Italia as a forward-thinking event, creating lasting value for sponsors and stakeholders through an innovative and highly engaging platform”.
The Giro d’Italia Virtual 2024 will release a new stage every 15 days until next May 2025 and will end with a great prize draw for all participants, including Maglia Rosa, exclusive experiences during the next edition of the Giro d’Italia and many other surprises.
Virtual Giro:
Astana Project 35
It was an ambitious project that very few believed in. But we succeeded and brought the legend of world cycling, Sir Mark Cavendish, to his record-breaking 35th stage victory at the Tour de France!
Project 35 was accomplished, and now you have the chance to find out how we made it happen!
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