The previous dopers by no means go away: Jérôme Pineau has a go at Lance Armstrong and Bjarne Riis leaves biking – TOP STORY.
Rider information: Tadej Pogačar’s race program, Neilson Powless not pondering of the Tour de France total, Alaphilippe to begin the yr in Tour Down Underneath, Sam Bennett desires ten victories in 2024, Rémi Cavagna will concentrate on the Classics in 2024, Uno-X extends Anouska Koster’s contract, Pavel Sivakov on his job with UAE Staff Emirates, Maciej Bodnar retires at 38, Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff indicators David de la Cruz, Matteo Spreafico again after his doping ban, Joe Dombrowski hasn’t given up on the lookout for a brand new staff and one other yr with Flanders-Baloise for Kamiel Bonneu.
Staff information: New administration at INEOS Grenadiers, Arkéa-B&B Inns new package, three riders injured in accident with drunk driver and Man Sagiv and Itamar Einhorn prolong with Israel – Premier Tech.
Race information: Tour of the Gila declares date of the thirty seventh Version and introduces new race director, Volta ao Algarve 2024 route, 2024 Tour of Colombia levels, ten skilled groups at the beginning of a brand new race in New York and Scarpetta Rossa shall be charity accomplice of the Giro d’Italia Ladies, Giro d’Italia and Giro Subsequent Gen.
A great deal of EUROTRASH to get by way of.
TOP STORY: Jérôme Pineau Has his Say on Lance Armstrong
Former bike owner Jérôme Pineau has lashed out at Lance Armstrong within the podcast Les Grand Gueules du Sport. Sure statements made by the American didn’t go down effectively with Pineau. “He was a a lot larger cheater,” stated the Frenchman.
Armstrong just lately introduced within the media that he, Jan Ullrich and Marco Pantani have been handled in a different way as cyclists, whereas different doping customers have been in a position to proceed racing. “It’s in the beginning a present,” Pineau ranted. “That is what Armstrong at all times did. He was a a lot larger cheater. He even managed to get the boss of the UCI round his finger. Throughout his profession he behaved like a tyrant inside his staff and was unbearable within the peloton. He was additionally above all legal guidelines. He was the strongest then as a result of he cheated extra typically. He merely purchased the system. He’s the largest bandit within the historical past of biking. He has corrupted total generations, together with myself,” the now 43 year-old Pineau didn’t maintain again.
“Armstrong had the entire political and sporting system behind him, however not everybody was like him. I wasn’t like Armstrong and neither have been lots of riders within the peloton. I can’t hearken to him speaking like that. He’s been dishonest all his life.”
It’s not the primary time that Pineau has been within the information with robust statements. The previous rider of Bouygues Telecom and Fast-Step, accused Jumbo-Visma of mechanical doping over the past Vuelta a España. “We see the photographs… I’m not speaking about doping, however about one thing a lot worse. Mechanical doping? Sure, mechanical. If you happen to take a look at Sepp Kuss’ assault on the Col du Tourmalet… How will you clarify that?”
Armstrong and Riis:
Bjarne Riis Leaves Biking: “A Closed Chapter”
Bjarne Riis has not been too concerned in biking lately, however now he says he is not going to return as staff supervisor or in some other place. “I’ve thought lots about my future lately and I’ve come to the purpose that biking is a closed chapter.”
The winner of the 1996 Tour de France is now busy along with his two new companies. Riis, who now not lives in Switzerland however has returned to Denmark, is co-founder of the corporate Riis Power. This firm sells warmth pumps imported from Lithuania. He has additionally turned a board member of Nørtec, an organization liable for the sale of washing tools and charging stations for electrical autos. “A biking staff shouldn’t be a lot totally different from an organization. Each locations are about folks. It’s important to arrange organisation in an effort to operate and carry out,” he stated on the Riis Power web site.
Riis is not going to return to biking sooner or later. The now 59 year-old Dane first made a reputation for himself as a rider within the Eighties and Nineties. He skilled his greatest years with Gewiss-Ballan and Staff Telekom, along with his total victory within the 1996 Tour de France because the spotlight. Riis additionally received the Amstel Gold Race in 1997 and was third within the Tour de France in 1995, the yr earlier than his Tour victory.
Riis had his successes as a rider, however everyone knows the again story. Though he was by no means caught doping throughout his profession, he was ceaselessly accused of utilizing it. Eleven years after his Tour victory, he put an finish to the doubts and admitted that he had received the Tour with the assistance of doping. By that time, Riis had already turn into some of the profitable staff managers. After his driving profession, he first turned sports activities director and later staff supervisor of the Danish CSC staff, which later turned Saxo Financial institution and ultimately Tinkoff. The staff had many successes underneath his management, however Riis was additionally related to doping throughout his profession as staff boss. Throughout that interval, riders Tyler Hamilton, Jörg Jaksche and Michael Rasmussen accused Riis of being conscious of doping use and inspiring riders to take action, one thing the Dane has at all times denied.
After his interval at CSC/Tinkoff-Saxo, he was related to Virtu Biking and at last NTT Professional Biking for some time, however Riis determined to resign from his place as staff supervisor of the final staff on the finish of 2020 and hasn’t labored in biking since.
Riis completed with biking:
Tadej Pogačar Will Experience Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico in 2024
Tadej Pogačar will journey a barely totally different spring program than final season. The chief of UAE Staff Emirates most popular Paris-Good final yr, the place he received three levels and the ultimate classification, however in 2024 he’ll go for the mix of Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico, in response to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Italian journalist, Ciro Scognamiglio, writes that sources report a collection of Italian spring races for Pogačar. This may imply that after Strade Bianche, which he received in 2022, the Slovenian would journey Tirreno-Adriatico, which he received in 2021 and 2022, and Milan-San Remo.
Of these three races, Pogačar has by no means received in Sanremo. Final season he completed fourth in Sanremo and fifth the yr earlier than. In 2020, he was twelfth on his debut within the first Monumental of the yr. UAE Staff Emirates and Pogačar haven’t but formally launched something about his program for 2024. It’s rumoured that Pogačar has two Portuguese races deliberate for February, earlier than he heads to Italy.
Tadej Pogačar’s Race Program:
10-02 Figueira Champions Basic
18-02 Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta
02-03 Strade Bianche
04-03 – 10-03 Tirreno-Adriatico
16-03 Milano-Sanremo
29-06 – 21-07 Tour de France
Strade Bianche once more for Pogačar:
Neilson Powless Doesn’t Suppose the Total is Attainable within the Tour
Neilson Powless has been making a reputation for himself as a stage winner, Classics rider and man for the shorter stage races, however the American isn’t interested by the general within the french Grand Tour “A classification within the Tour might be too excessive, however the Giro or Vuelta… Which may be a distinct story,” he stated to Velo.
Powless completed twelfth within the Tour de France final yr. “I believe I’ll have extra success as a stage winner. Driving rating within the Tour is one thing for specialists. There are solely three or 4 riders able to taking a shot at total victory. I don’t depend myself amongst these three or 4 riders.”
“It’s troublesome to say now whether or not I’m able to driving classification in a Grand Tour. I most likely received’t attempt it within the Tour, given the opposition and my bodily capabilities, however the Giro or Vuelta… That could be a distinct story. Perhaps sometime, in the future.”
However that’s now largely sooner or later. Subsequent season, Powless will primarily concentrate on the spring Classics and shorter stage races. “Proper now the emphasis is on the spring classics, on monuments, on competitions that I can actually win. However I do attempt new issues yearly,” concludes the American.
Powless had a profitable 2023. The all-rounder began the season with victories within the GP La Marseillaise and the Étoile de Bessèges. He additionally completed third within the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var, sixth in Paris-Good, seventh in Milano-Sanremo, third in Dwars door Vlaanderen, fifth within the Tour of Flanders and fourth within the Clásica San Sebastián.
Neilson Powless for stage wins and Classics:
Alaphilippe to Begin the Yr in Tour Down Underneath
Soudal Fast-Step’s rider will get his eleventh professional season underway in simply six weeks
Two-time World Champion Julian Alaphilippe will make his first look of 2024 in January, at a very powerful race of Australia, the Tour Down Underneath, which can happen between 16-21 January. The one Frenchman in historical past to have received back-to-back rainbow jerseys on the street, the 31 year-old Alaphilippe has beforehand raced the Tour Down Underneath as soon as, again in 2014, in his first professional season with the staff.
The twenty fourth version of the occasion the place Soudal Fast-Step has received the final classification as soon as and a complete of six levels shall be preceded by the Down Underneath Basic. Three days later, the peloton will embark on an 800km journey – which is about to characteristic the well-known Willunga Hill end – from Tanunda to Mount Lofty, the place the race will ultimately conclude.
“I’m very comfortable to begin my season within the Tour Down Underneath. I bear in mind doing my first race with the staff there ten years in the past, after I was only a neo-pro. I’ve many good reminiscences in regards to the race, the unimaginable followers and the good climate, and I look ahead to returning at the beginning and assembly once more our many supporters there”, stated Julian, whose final look in Australia got here in 2022, on the World Championships.
Season No.11 for Alaphilippe:
Sam Bennett Desires Ten Victories in 2024 – One within the Tour
Sam Bennett is transferring from BORA-hansgrohe (once more) to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale for the 2024 season. The Irishman hopes to be again to his former successful methods after a number of lower than good seasons. “Ten victories, together with one within the Tour de France,” are his targets in 2024, he advised GCN.
“Yearly my minimal objective is ten wins,” stated Bennett. “I haven’t achieved that lately, however it stays the objective. I wish to begin early with a win in a French race, however I believe I want somewhat extra time to prepare for the season. I want a giant base earlier than I can begin racing. As a result of in case you fall behind, it’s so troublesome to meet up with the remaining.”
Bennett returned to BORA-hansgrohe in 2022, after two years with Deceuninck Fast-Step. His second interval with the German staff was not a hit. Now the 33 year-old sprinter appears like he has to make up for one thing. “When my greatest years have been about to come back, issues went unsuitable. I misplaced these years. I now need to show to myself, and to others, that I nonetheless have it in me. I don’t wish to be seen as a type of sprinters who left Fast-Step after which couldn’t win anymore. I do know I’m not. There’s nonetheless lots to get out of my profession and I’m not happy but.”
Lots will change for Bennett with Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, he has misplaced dash prepare, might he not participate his lead-out to the French staff? “I don’t suppose so. They have been a few of my greatest buddies, so it could have been simpler to combine into the staff. However after I spoke to the staff, the finances had already been set and the schedule was virtually full. We tried, however it wasn’t an choice.”
Bennett has confidence in his new staff at Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale. “I believe I’ll have Oliver Naesen with me and he shall be nice. There are nonetheless some guys, however we nonetheless need to see who desires to do what, who’s motivated and who has the potential. Now we have a robust staff that may get me shut sufficient to the end line to attempt to win.”
Sam Bennett desires victories in 2024:
Rémi Cavagna Will Deal with the Classics in 2024
Rémi Cavagna will race for Movistar in 2024. The 28 year-old French rider is aware of his program for the primary months of 2024. His first race of the yr would be the Volta ao Algarve (14-18 February).
He defined his program to the French newspaper La Montagne. After his debut in Portugal, Cavagna heads to the Center East for the UAE Tour (19-25 February), he’ll then begin in Paris-Good (March 3-10), adopted by the Volta a Catalunya (March 18-24). Cavagna will put together for the spring Classics in these stage races.
For Cavagna, the 2024 spring shall be all in regards to the Cobbled classics. “Paris-Roubaix shall be a pleasing discovery. It’s a course that pulls me. I wish to get to the beginning with none strain, to see what I can do. It’s been a very long time since I rode on cobblestones.”
Cavagna is specializing in the Tour of Flanders (March 31) and Paris-Roubaix (April 7). “However I wish to contest one or two semi-Classics within the run-up to those occasions. It’s good to get a really feel for the cobblestones once more in a barely much less vital race, comparable to Gent-Wevelgem,” he believes.
After Paris-Roubaix there shall be a brief relaxation and coaching interval, after which Cavagna hopes to work in direction of the Tour de France (June 29-July 21). He’ll do that by way of the Tour de Romandie (23-28 April) and the Critérium du Dauphiné (2-9 June).
Cobbles for Cavagna:
Uno-X Extends Anouska Koster’s Contract to the Finish of 2026
Anouska Koster will stick with Uno-X for not less than three years. She had a contract till the top of 2024, however that contract has been damaged and prolonged till the top of 2026. The Norwegian staff introduced this on social media.
For Koster, 2023 was her first season at Uno-X. The 30-year-old rider beforehand rode for Rabobank-Liv, Parkhotel Valkenburg and Jumbo-Visma. Her final victory dates again to 2019, when she received a stage within the Tour Cycliste Féminin Worldwide de l’Ardèche. In 2016 she surprisingly turned Dutch street champion in Zeeland.
Final season, Koster completed sixth within the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, third within the Ceratizit Pageant Elsy Jacobs and fourth within the Dutch time trial championship. She additionally completed third within the third stage of the Tour de France Femmes, received by Yara Kastelijn. She then wore the polka dot jersey for in the future.
Anouska Koster with Uno-X until 2026:
Pavel Sivakov and His Job at UAE Staff Emirates
Pavel Sivakov has raced for INEOS Grenadiers since he turned skilled in 2018, however the 26 year-old Frenchman shall be with UAE Staff Emirates subsequent yr. In his new staff he shall be working for Tadej Pogačar, however Sivakov has private ambitions.
In The Biking Podcast, Sivakov regarded forward to the brand new season, with a brand new and totally different staff. He’ll race lots subsequent yr with the staff chief, Tadej Pogačar. “He’s the person in each race he begins. I’ll help him if I begin with him, I’m trying ahead to that too, however I additionally get my possibilities. We’ve already talked about that. I’ll most likely be allowed to journey by myself behalf in races such because the Tour of Valencia and Paris-Good. I might have claimed absolute management with different groups, however the stage at UAE Staff Emirates may be very excessive. Everybody will get their probability right here,” stated Sivakov.
On The podcast, he additionally talked about his private life. Sivakov had Russian nationality, however determined to change to French citizenship in 2022. Sivakov grew up in France as a toddler, however each his mother and father are Russian. “I’ve by no means felt totally different in France. I built-in effectively and felt the identical as the opposite kids. We solely spoke Russian at dwelling.”
After Russian athletes have been banned from worldwide occasions, Sivakov switched nationalities. “Not a lot modified for myself. I haven’t modified as an individual and folks nonetheless take a look at me the identical manner. I favored that. It’s not about your nationality. On paper I’m now French, however that’s really how I at all times felt.”
Pavel Sivakov trying ahead to 2024 with UAE:
Chris Froome Plans to Open a Biking Academy in Kenya
Chris Froome has a contract with Israel-Premier Tech for the subsequent two seasons, however the four-time Tour winner can be interested by his life after biking. The Kenyan born Briton plans to open his personal biking academy in Kenya, he stated on the Geraint Thomas Biking Membership Podcast.
Froome holds a British passport, however was born 38 years in the past in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Froome spent the primary years of his life within the African nation and nonetheless has a particular bond with Kenya. He wish to contribute to the event of African biking expertise, so he desires to open a biking academy.
“I’ve been enjoying with the concept of establishing an academy for a while and I believe that now – on the finish of my profession – is the suitable time to begin it up. The concept is to arrange a Chris Froome Biking Academy in Kenya, on the flanks of Mount Kenya at an altitude of two,000 metres.”
Kenyans are dominant in relation to center and lengthy distance working, however there’s not a lot biking tradition. “It was not attainable for promising Kenyan athletes to acquire bicycles for a very long time. There’s hardly any racing happening in Kenya in the mean time. Biking clothes shouldn’t be on the market and there aren’t any coaching services. There’s merely no construction in any respect,” Froome said.
However the winner of the Tour de France in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017 desires to vary that with its personal biking academy. Froome is actually not the primary to give you such an concept. INEOS Grenadiers, Froome’s former staff, may even arrange a biking academy in Kenya. The British staff is working with Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge.
The biking academy shall be in-built Kaptagat, the place Kipchoge’s athletics academy can be positioned. After which there’s a venture known as Staff Amani. The driving pressure behind the initiative is Mikel Delagrange. With Staff Amani he desires to supply Africans a stage to showcase their skills, creating alternatives in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
Froome welcomes such initiatives. “I actually suppose that inside ten to fifteen years we could have a breakthrough from East Africa, similar to that in Colombia. Many East African riders will break by way of on the highest stage of biking, I’m completely satisfied of that.”
Chris Froome again to his African roots:
Maciej Bodnar Retires at 38
Maciej Bodnar has ridden his final race as knowledgeable bike owner. The Pole has determined to finish his profession on the age of 38. Bodnar can look again on knowledgeable profession spanning virtually seventeen years.
In a farewell submit on X (Twitter), Bodnar regarded again on his biking profession: “Biking is a superb sport. It has given me lots. It gave me the chance to satisfy implausible folks and see one thing of the world. Biking additionally taught me how a lot I can get out of life. However biking additionally has a darkish facet. Few sports activities demand a lot from an athlete. Biking relies on sacrifice.”
Bodnar began his profession in 2007 with Liquigas and raced with them for simply over seven seasons. In these years he was a part of the successful Giro staff in 2010 and Tour staff of 2014. He rode with Liquigas primarily as a domestique for leaders Vincenzo Nibali, Ivan Basso and Peter Sagan, with whom he moved to Tinkoff-Saxo, BORA-hansgrohe and TotalEnergies.
The Pole’s profession was primarily driving for others. “I’ve remained a servant, a gregario, all through my profession. I’m lucky to have ridden with and for the perfect riders. Alberto Contador, Ivan Basso and Vincenzo Nibali, however particularly Peter Sagan. However not simply them. The staff doesn’t solely consist of huge names. I helped all of the riders as in the event that they have been World champions.”
“I’m extraordinarily proud to have been a part of the Polish staff that received the World championship in Ponferrada with Michal Kwiatkowski. And from the staff that managed to take bronze within the Olympic street race in Rio de Janeiro, due to Rafal Majka. Due to everybody and the followers for the help. Lastly, I need to give particular due to my household, on whom I might at all times depend. They have been there in good occasions and unhealthy. Now’s the time for them.”
Over the seventeen years, Bodnar did have twelve skilled victories. He achieved essentially the most victories towards the clock. He was Polish time trial champion eight occasions, however his best triumph was in 2017. That yr he received the twentieth stage of the Tour de France, a time trial of twenty-two.5 kilometres, that began and completed within the Stade Vélodrome Marseille.
Maciej Bodnar – Tour stage winner 2017:
Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff Welcomes David de la Cruz
Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff is delighted to announce the signing of David de la Cruz for the 2024 season. With a powerful 11-year profession within the skilled peloton, the 34-year-old Spaniard brings a wealth of expertise and a monitor file of notable achievements.
To date, De la Cruz has clinched 5 stage victories in prestigious races, together with two wins at Paris-Good and one stage on the Vuelta a España. He boasts 17 Grand Tour appearances in his palmarès, having completed 3 times in seventh place on the Vuelta a España Common Classification.
After a season marred by premature crashes and well being setbacks, De La Cruz is keen to return to his peak aggressive stage and goal vital targets in Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff colors.
“To be sincere, the choice to signal for Q36.5 Professional Biking staff got here from the center. It was the choice that felt proper and gave me the perfect feeling of pleasure and expectation. The prospect of getting the chance to struggle once more for the win in nice races and to realize good outcomes gave me butterflies. After my talks with Douglas Ryder and Alex Sans Vega, I felt this was the suitable venture and the suitable determination for this subsequent section in my profession. Every little thing fell into place, and I’m actually proud of my determination,” stated De La Cruz.
An thrilling stage race expertise, De la Cruz is eager on bringing depth to the staff’s ambitions for the 2024 season, notably in stage races that require consistency throughout various terrain. Embracing the ethos of the staff, the Spaniard acknowledges the stimulating atmosphere that awaits him, backed by stellar sponsors and high-caliber tools. Assured in his potential to contribute invaluable expertise, he’s dedicated to propelling Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff to new heights.
“It is a staff that actually motivates me, and I do know I’ll get many alternatives. It’s backed by some wonderful sponsors and has high-level tools, so I do know it’s the suitable atmosphere for me to carry out higher than I did within the final couple of seasons. I’ve raced for a few of the greatest professional groups on the planet and suppose I can deliver a substantial amount of expertise to Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff. I’m dedicated to working arduous to assist the staff take a step up. Furthermore, I’m tremendous motivated to tackle a distinct race schedule and discover some new races,” concluded the 34-year-old.
As a Spanish bike owner, it’s no shock that De La Cruz has achieved distinctive outcomes on dwelling turf past the Vuelta a España, specifically stage wins at Vuelta al País Vasco and Vuelta a Andalucia. In Vuelta a Burgos, he additionally left his mark, ending twice on the GC podium.
“David has raced for the final 9 years on a few of the largest WorldTour biking groups and has a wealth of expertise with 17 Grand Excursions behind him. He’s a rider we’ve got adopted since his first professional staff contract and to get the chance to deliver him into the Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff subsequent season is an actual win. His climbing prowess and stage race consistency make him a robust reinforcement within the bodily demanding races we are going to expertise. We’re excited to see him successful once more and supporting our staff within the season forward,” stated Doug Ryder, Common Supervisor at Q36.5 Professional Biking Staff.
De La Cruz joins the ranks of different stellar signings for 2024, specifically Giacomo Nizzolo, Frederik Frison, Rory Townsend, Xabier Mikel Azparren, Jannik Steimle, James Whelan and Alessandro Fancellu.
David de la Cruz to Q36.5:
Doper Matteo Spreafico Returns to the Peloton
Matteo Spreafico shall be again racing subsequent yr. The now 30 year-old Italian was retroactively suspended for 3 years in Could 2021 for doping, however has a brand new staff for his return.
Spreafico will compete in 2024 for Mg.Ok Vis-Colours for Peace, a number of well-known riders have ridden with this Continental staff prior to now: Christian Scaroni, Attilio Viviani, Filippo Zana, Leonardo Bonifazio and Paul Double.
With Mg.Ok Vis-Colours for Peace, Spreafico will get a possibility to revive his profession. The Italian was constructive in exams taken on October 15 and 16, the twelfth and thirteenth levels of the GIRO d’Italia. The drug concerned was enobosarm, also referred to as ostarine, a drug that has the identical impact as anabolic steroids. The UCI suspended him for 3 years. That suspension got here into impact on October 22, 2020 and expired on October 21 this yr.
The UCI canceled Spreafico’s outcomes from the 2020 Giro, he was allowed to maintain his stage and total victory within the 2018 Tour of Venezuela, his solely skilled successes.
Matteo Spreafico again after his doping ban:
Dombrowski has Not Given up On the lookout for a New Staff
It’s December and Joe Dombrowski nonetheless doesn’t have a staff for 2024, however the 32 year-old American has not but given up hope. “I’m nonetheless motivated and may nonetheless carry out at a excessive stage,” he stated to Cyclingnews.
Dombrowski continues to be optimistic about his future, regardless that most groups are already full for subsequent season. He has raced with Astana Qazaqstan for the previous two seasons, however didn’t get an extension to his contract and has needed to search for a brand new staff. Dombrowski’s search has not give you something to this point. “I do know my choices are restricted now, this late within the yr. However I believe I can nonetheless present one thing in stage races and Grand Excursions. I nonetheless love racing and am motivated to increase my profession even additional. I believe I can nonetheless carry out at a excessive stage.”
“The previous season was actually not nice, for a number of causes, however my values are nonetheless good and I’ve actually not compromised in that regard. I believe I can nonetheless chase a stage win in a Grand Tour, assist a pacesetter journey a classification and act as a type of mentor for the youthful riders inside a staff.”
Dombrowski turned professional 10 years in the past with good outcomes behind him, he received the U23 Giro d’Italia in 2012, and has realized lots in all his skilled years. “Once I look again on the time after I was nonetheless a neo-pro… I now realise how a lot I didn’t find out about biking on the time. Now I’ve that have, and I wish to share it with younger riders.”
Joe Dombrowski nonetheless trying:
One other Yr with Flanders-Baloise for Kamiel Bonneu
Kamiel Bonneu will stick with Staff Flanders-Baloise in 2024. The 24 year-old climber has prolonged his contract with Walter Planckaert’s staff for one yr, he confirmed to WielerFlits.
Bonneu turned skilled in 2022. The Limburger was often called a climber, however had little expertise at the moment. “I by no means rode overseas as a youth, which can have been detrimental to my growth. It wasn’t till my final yr that I bought the prospect to do extra stage races after which I felt: ‘The extra uphill, the higher’. Throughout that interval I additionally made the clicking to begin coaching critically appropriately,” he stated on the time.
In his first skilled yr, Bonneu took stage victories within the Sazka Tour and the Tour of Britain. 2023 was a lot the identical with none enchancment.
A yr extra for Kamiel Bonneu:
INEOS Grenadiers have Introduced a Variety of Modifications and New Appointments forward of the Begin of the 2024 Season
The staff is at the moment in Mallorca, Spain, attending its annual pre-season coaching camp with all employees, riders and companions and has confirmed a variety of new appointments to strengthen the staff forward of the 2024 season.
John Allert has been appointed the staff’s Chief Govt Officer (CEO) with fast impact. Allert has labored with the staff since 2022, most just lately as Managing Director. He could have accountability for the day-to-day working of the INEOS Grenadiers, reporting to Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc at INEOS Sport.
“It’s a privilege to steer this staff going ahead. I’m humbled by the expertise of our rider group, my team-mates, the calibre of our companions, and the chance to work arduous collectively and write a brand new chapter of success for the INEOS Grenadiers. This staff has created an unimaginable and profitable legacy, however our ambitions for the long run are larger than ever. The strengthening of our efficiency staff is completely aligned with these ambitions.”
Along with Allert’s appointment, the staff’s efficiency staff shall be bolstered by the appointment of Dr. Scott Drawer as Efficiency Director. Drawer, who has beforehand labored for the staff, has a breadth of expertise throughout elite sporting organisations together with England Rugby and UK Sport in addition to time with Staff GB, the place he led analysis and innovation throughout 5 Olympic cycles.
Drawer’s most up-to-date place was Head of Sport on the internationally famend Millfield College, which has produced lots of of Olympians {and professional} athletes: “When the chance got here to return to this staff, I jumped on the probability. The INEOS Grenadiers are getting into an thrilling section, they’ve some huge targets for the long run and I can’t wait to be part of it. It is a performance-led staff with innovation at its coronary heart, and I’m trying ahead to working with a bunch that’s so targeted on excellence and competing to win.”
Two different adjustments throughout the efficiency group see the appointment of Steve Cummings because the Director of Racing and the addition of Imanol Erviti as a Sport Director (DS).
Following Steve’s profitable profession on the bike, he joined the staff as a Sport Director and led the staff on the final two editions of the Tour de France. Cummings stated: “The main focus, objective and imaginative and prescient of the staff may be very clear and I’m proud to steer us into battle on the world’s largest races. We’re completely focussed on getting again to the highest step of the rostrum. Now we have a powerful depth of expertise mixed with an thrilling mixture of younger proficient riders on this staff, all complemented by a world class group of employees. We are going to give completely every part to realize our targets and I can’t wait to begin the brand new season.”
Imanol Erviti just lately introduced that he’d be retiring on the finish of 2023 following a unprecedented 19-season profession as knowledgeable together with a staggering 56 Monument appearances and 29 Grand Tour begins. He shall be becoming a member of the INEOS Grenadiers as a Sport Director from 1 January, 2024.
“Since retiring as knowledgeable bike owner every part has occurred fairly shortly. The chance to work with the INEOS Grenadiers got here alongside on the good time, and it was a brand new problem that I couldn’t refuse.” Erviti stated.
“I already know fairly lots of people working within the Staff and had already been advised in regards to the tradition and atmosphere across the Grenadiers, in addition to its ambition and the employees’s dedication and willpower. After being right here in Mallorca for a number of days I can see it for myself. It’s going to be a job that can push me out of my consolation zone – a distinct job from being knowledgeable rider, a brand new staff from what I’ve been accustomed to and a brand new language to work in. However I really feel that there’s no higher place to study than in a staff just like the INEOS Grenadiers. Their ethos is based in rigour and the will to repeatedly enhance by way of innovation. That’s a mentality that I discover engaging and I’m excited to see the place we’ll go in 2024.”
Director of Sport, Dr Scott Drawer on the Tokyo Olympics:
Arkéa-B&B Inns has Breton Roots for his or her New Equipment
Arkéa-B&B Inns, the brand new Arkéa-Samsic staff, has introduced their new package. The staff of Arnaud Démare, amongst others, will proceed to put on pink subsequent yr, however will a distinct design.
“You all know our historical past linked to the Breton territory,” stated Emmanuel Hubert, basic supervisor of Arkéa-Samsic, on the staff web site. “That’s the reason our 2024 shirt is designed across the theme “EXCALIBUR”, the legendary Breton sword.”
“The classic outfit ‘breathes’ our origins and our soil. The motifs on the shirt mix biking references and Celtic historical past. Collectively they’ll embody the Breton spirit, which can be the hallmark of Arkéa-B&B Inns and will be summarised as follows: daring.”
Arkéa-B&B Inns new package:
Three Riders Injured in Accident with Drunk Driver
Dangerous information for the continental Austrian biking staff Felbermayr-Simplon Wels. Three unnamed riders from the staff have been concerned in a severe site visitors accident in Croatia.
A drunk Croatian driver hit the riders whereas they have been on their option to a coaching camp in Zadar. Staff Felbermayr-Simplon Wels made the announcement on its web site. “A motorist from Croatia, underneath the heavy affect of alcohol, hit a station wagon containing three of our athletes at extraordinarily excessive pace. This occurred six kilometres outdoors Zadar.”
“At one level, a automotive containing three of our riders stopped at a pink mild, after which an approaching van rammed into our automotive at full pace. Based on eyewitnesses, the van was touring at about 100 kilometres per hour. Our cyclists have been critically injured and have been instantly taken to hospital.” It’s not identified which riders from the staff are concerned.
“The Croatian driver of the van had a blood alcohol stage of greater than 2 per mille and was instantly arrested by the police,” the staff additionally added. “We’re all in full shock and hope the accidents will not be too severe. It is a huge blow for our staff.”
The Felbermayer-Simplon Wels staff:
Man Sagiv and Itamar Einhorn Full Israel – Premier Tech’s 2024 Roster
The 2024 season is across the nook and Israel – Premier Tech is happy to announce one-year contract extensions for Israeli riders Man Sagiv and Itamar Einhorn, who full the staff’s 30-rider roster.
Sagiv is about to line up for his tenth season with IPT, having joined the staff from the very starting, which represents a big achievement for the 28-year-old.
“I’m going to begin my tenth season as a rider. In reality, the staff and I are celebrating our tenth season collectively which is fairly loopy. It was wonderful to expertise the staff’s journey from the within, from one of many smaller Continental groups to one of many huge WorldTour groups. This progress felt sluggish at occasions, however the staff made a collection of great leaps and continues to be making them yr after yr. Being a part of this complete course of has been very fulfilling and satisfying, and I’m nonetheless filled with motivation to proceed for extra years. My objective in 2024 is to be extra constant. There have been a number of races lately the place I performed a big function within the staff’s glorious outcomes, and I aspire to be there extra typically all year long,” says Sagiv.
Israeli street race champion Itamar Einhorn is seeking to construct on a stable 2023, which included a strong dash win on stage one of many Czech Tour, along with his sights set on success with the staff and representing Israel on the Olympic Video games.
“The 2023 season was not unhealthy in any respect. I managed to earn a big variety of factors for the staff, I bought my second stage race victory, and I labored arduous. I hope to proceed contributing subsequent season in every part that shall be requested of me, whether or not or not it’s within the sprints or scoring factors. I’ve lots to offer and lots to point out and I imagine I haven’t but reached my full potential, my full potential, and energy, and I’m assured that I can show that. I nonetheless wish to obtain the robust job of successful a Belgian race, and I hope to have this chance, whereas my sights are additionally set on the Olympic Video games in Paris. I labored arduous this yr to earn sufficient factors to make that occur and I really feel that I need to be the rider who represents Israel with honour,” provides Einhorn.
IPT proprietor Sylvan Adams acknowledges the influence the duo’s achievements have had on the staff and Israeli biking over time, in what’s a testomony to the staff’s success in creating Israeli cyclists.
“As anticipated, Man and Itamar are returning to IPT subsequent yr. Man is our authentic Israeli, and has accomplished many firsts for Israel and for the staff. This consists of being the primary Israeli rider to finish a Grand Tour, the Giro d’Italia in 2018. Man was additionally the primary Israeli male rider to race within the biking world championships. Itamar can be a proficient rider, and the primary Israeli to win a UCI skilled race when he out-sprinted Peter Sagan at Sagan’s dwelling race, the Tour of Slovakia, in 2021. Each are glorious examples of the event of Israeli biking, and validation of our efforts on this space. Welcome again, guys. See you at our upcoming camp.”
The importance of racing on an Israeli staff shouldn’t be misplaced on Sagiv and Einhorn, each of whom acknowledge the accountability they’ve in representing their nation.
“I believe that the upcoming season shall be extra vital as an Israeli rider in an Israeli staff,” says Sagiv.“Exhibiting the folks of Israel and the remainder of the world that Israel could make headlines in sports activities and in a constructive manner. I even really feel that it will likely be a type of mission and my reserve obligation. I hope and imagine that the opposite riders on the staff, and the Israeli riders specifically, will really feel the identical. We are going to do our greatest to proceed to concentrate on sport and signify the staff, ourselves, and the nation with honour.”
Einhorn mirrors Sagiv’s phrases, highlighting his motivation to signify Israel on the world biking stage.
“The battle began after I was in China after I had clear targets. However then every part, together with the races, turned so irrelevant. I used to be torn between so many elements that haunted me, whether or not I ought to cease racing right now, and my concern for my nation and my household. However now all of those elements are pushing me ahead with willpower to race efficiently and signify my nation with lots of delight. I hope that my nation will overcome these darkish moments and the staff and myself will have the ability to attain new heights and signify Israel proudly.”
Sagiv and Einhorn’s contract extensions deliver IPT’s roster to 30 riders for the upcoming season, with the staff welcoming a number of new riders in Ethan Vernon, Jake Stewart, George Bennett, Pascal Ackermann, and Michael Schwarzmann. Hugo Hofstetter returns after a two-year hiatus, and stagiaire Riley Sheehan will flip professional alongside IPT Academy graduates Riley Pickrell, Nadav Raisberg, and Oded Kogut.
The outcome is among the strongest and most versatile rosters IPT has fielded within the staff’s 10-year historical past says IPT Common Supervisor Kjell Carlström.
“Our rider roster for the 2024 season is full and we’ve got been ready so as to add some nice expertise to the staff. Now we have strengthened our dash squad in addition to our classics group with younger and upcoming riders who could have some thrilling alternatives, and as a staff, I imagine we are able to use our versatility to be up there in each type of race. We’re excited to deliver the group collectively for the primary time subsequent week at our pre-season camp and hit the bottom working on the Tour Down Underneath.”
“I imagine that the 2024 version of Israel – Premier Tech shall be our greatest within the 10-year historical past of the staff,” provides Adams. “This can enable us to construct from our profitable 2023 marketing campaign. We’ve shored up some weak areas with new signings, and seen the event of a few of our younger recruits. I believe we are going to shock some followers of the game subsequent yr, and may’t wait to get began. Y’alla IPT.”
Israel – Premier Tech in 2024
Pascal Ackermann (GER)
George Bennett (NZL)
Guillaume Boivin (CAN)
Simon Clarke (AUS)
Itamar Einhorn (ISR)
Marco Frigo (ITA)
Chris Froome (GBR)
Jakob Fuglsang (DEN)
Derek Gee (CAN)
Hugo Hofstetter (FRA)
Mason Hollyman (GBR)
Hugo Houle (CAN)
Krists Neilands (LAT)
Oded Kogut (ISR)
Riley Pickrell (CAN)
Nadav Raisberg (ISR)
Matthew Riccitello (USA)
Man Sagiv (ISR)
Nick Schultz (AUS)
Michael Schwarzmann (GER)
Riley Sheehan (USA)
Jake Stewart (GBR)
Corbin Sturdy (NZL)
Dylan Teuns (BEL)
Tom Van Asbroeck (BEL)
Ethan Vernon (GBR)
Stevie Williams (GBR)
Michael Woods (CAN)
Mads Würtz Schmidt (DEN)
Rick Zabel (GER)
Itamar Einhorn to stick with Israel – Premier Tech:
Tour of the Gila Proclaims the Date of its thirty seventh Version, Introduces New Race Director
The 2024 occasion will embody each UCI and newbie bicycle races
The thirty seventh version of Tour of the Gila is deliberate for April 24-28, 2024. The UCI- and USA-Biking-sanctioned American bicycle race additionally introduces Michael Engleman because the 2024 Race Director.
The nonprofit Gila Neighborhood and Tourism Improvement, which organises Tour of the Gila, will once more supply the five-stage UCI-sanctioned races for ladies’s and males’s professional and amateur-elite groups from throughout the globe. “The Tour of the Gila UCI races ought to be larger than ever,” Engleman asserts, itemizing Tashkent Metropolis Ladies’s Professional Biking Staff and Venture Echelon as examples of groups that can take part within the 2024 occasion.
Plus, to higher accommodate newbie racers, the race organisation is contemplating adjustments to the USA Biking classes. Tour of the Gila could modify the format based mostly on a USA Biking research that names scheduling as a typical barrier to participation. “Because the race’s inception in 1987, aggressive cyclists at each stage have focused Tour of the Gila because the journey of a lifetime. We wish to guarantee our occasion stays accessible to racers in non-pro classes,” Engleman says, providing additional clarification. “The objective is to not reduce on the newbie races however fairly to draw much more riders by providing choices which can be do-able for the trendy bike owner.”
Registration for the newbie races will open in January 2024. riders could signal as much as obtain an e mail alert at the moment by visiting tourofthegila.com and finishing the shape on the homepage.
Director of Mission Sports activities Group, in Dolores, Colorado, Engleman has served because the Director of Competitors for the UCI division of Tour of the Gila since 2012. So when longtime Race Director Jack Brennan once more introduced his retirement, Engleman took over the place to make sure continuity. “It’s great having Michael main us and transferring us ahead,” retired Race Director and present board member Jack Brennan says. “He is aware of what Tour of the Gila means to racers and for biking typically within the U.S. It’s an vital race, and Michael helped construct it.”
With an equestrian in addition to a biking background, Engleman carries the teachings he’s realized from horse coaching into skilled sports activities, through which he has been concerned for over 30 years as an athlete, coach and advisor. Engleman’s expertise informs his perspective on Tour of the Gila, which is recognised as a key stepping stone for American cyclists striving towards World Tour racing careers and which can be very important to the careers of athletes from our neighbouring Mexico and Canada in addition to many different nations.
To help American stage racing, Tour of the Gila organisers are main discussions with USA Biking and its sponsors. “We do our half to help the game’s development by organising the one UCI stage race that enables newbie races on the identical roads on the identical days,” Engleman says.
The thirty seventh version of Tour of the Gila is deliberate for April 24-28, 2024:
Outdated and New within the Anniversary Volta ao Algarve
The Volta ao Algarve has offered the whole route for the fiftieth version of the race. Subsequent yr, the contributors could have mountain levels to the Alto da Fóia and Alto do Malhão and the person time trial has been given a brand new look. The Volta ao Algarve will run from the 14th to the 18th of February 2024.
The battle for total victory within the Portuguese stage race, which is a part of the UCI ProSeries, will once more be between the pure climbers and the all-rounders. With two levels with a summit end, a person time trial over greater than 20 kilometres and two levels that can most likely finish in a dash, there’s something for everybody within the anniversary version of the Volta ao Algarve.
The riders will cowl 752.9 kilometres in 5 days, with 14,455 metres of climbing. On daily basis bonus seconds are awarded on the end and throughout the stage there are additionally 6 bonus seconds to be received on the intermediate dash. The First Stage takes place between Portimão and Lagos and, as in earlier years, is made for the sprinters. Levels have additionally completed in Lagos in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022, with victories for Fernando Gaviria, Dylan Groenewegen and Fabio Jakobsen (3 occasions). This yr, Alexander Kristoff crossed the end line first.
Stage Two is for the climbers, with three ascents and a end on the climb to Fóia (7.1km at 6.8%), the very best level within the Algarve. Luis León Sánchez (2016), Daniel Martin (2017), Michal Kwiatkowski (2018), Tadej Pogačar (2019), Remco Evenepoel (2020), Ethan Hayter (2021), David Gaudu (2022) and Magnus Cort (2023) have received on the climb of Fóia.
It’s stage for the sprinters once more on Day Three in a stage from Vila Actual de Santo António to Tavira. On the Penultimate Day, a time trial route has been deliberate in and round Albufeira, some of the visited seaside resorts within the Algarve. That is the primary time the Volta ao Algarve has had a time trial in Albufeira. The course appears supreme for the pure time trial specialists, though the course is actually not flat. The TT is 22.2 kilometres lengthy with two timing factors, at 7.1 and 17.1 kilometres.
The Remaining Stage takes place on the flanks of the Alto do Malhão (2.5km at 9.9%), after a stage with some brief climbs. The primary impediment of the day, the Alto do Malhão, needs to be crossed twice within the finale. Final yr, Colombian Daniel Felipe Martínez was the winner.
Volta ao Algarve 2024 Levels (14-18 February):
14/02 – Stage 1: Portimão – Lagos (200.8km)
15/02 – Stage 2: Lagoa – Fóia (171.9km)
16/02 – Stage 3: Vila Actual de Santo António – Tavira (192.2km)
17/02 – Stage 4: Albufeira – Albufeira (22.2km, ITT)
18/02 – Stage 5: Faro – Alto do Malhão (165.8km).
Tour Colombia Finishes in Egan Bernal’s Birthplace
The Tour Colombia celebrates its return to the calendar with a stage end within the birthplace of Egan Bernal. The fourth stage of the South American race finishes in Zipaquirá, the place Bernal was honoured after his victory within the 2019 Tour de France. A day later, the Queen Stage finishes on the Alto del Vino at an altitude of two,800 metres.
On Tuesday, the route was offered for 2024 Tour Colombia. The race was final held in 2020 and was received by Sergio Higuita, 7 seconds forward of Daniel Felipe Martínez. The Tour Colombia shall be held within the departments of Boyacá and Cundinamarca subsequent yr.
The opening stage is hilly and finishes in Duitama after a number of laps of the 1995 World championship course. That is adopted by levels to Santa Rosa de Viterbo and Tunja. The longest stage is on the fourth day, when the race finishes in Zipaquirá. That’s not the Queen Stage, that’s on the penultimate day. Then the end is on the two,800 metre excessive Alto del Vino. The ultimate stage takes the riders to the capital of Colombia, Bogotá. On the route the bunch will climb the Alto de Patios and the end line is within the nationwide park.
The organisers have nonetheless to announce which groups will take part. Movistar is alleged to be touring to Colombia at the start of February as a substitute of the Volta ao Algarve.
Tour Colombia 2024 Levels (6-11 February):
Stage 1: Paipa – Duitama (155km)
Stage 2: Paipa – Santa Rosa de Viterbo (169km)
Stage 3: Tunja – Tunja (112.5km)
Stage 4: Paipa – Zipaquirá (181.8km)
Stage 5: Cota – Alto del Vino (138.3km)
Stage 6: Sopó – Bogotá (155km).
Tour Colombia, extremely popular:
Ten skilled Groups Will probably be on the Begin of a New New York Race
Subsequent yr, a brand new UCI-level race will happen in America. New York, the most important metropolis in america, would be the setting for the primary version of the Grand Premio New York on Could 19, GCN stories.
The Gran Premio New York is on the biking calendar as a UCI 1.2 race and can welcome a complete of 25 groups. The organisers say they’ll have ten skilled groups on the beginning line in Could. The ultimate area of riders shouldn’t be but identified, however it’s sure that the Italian groups Inexperienced Venture-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè and Staff Corratec-Selle Italia shall be there.
“As well as, we are going to announce the mandatory Continental groups from everywhere in the world within the coming weeks,” stated race director Uli Fluhme. “This has been a very long time coming. We began with a Granfondo model in 2011 (GFNY). It will be a disgrace if we didn’t organise knowledgeable race on our closed circuit.”
The primary version of the Grand Premio New York is scheduled for 2024. In 2013, Fluhme and the UCI checked out the potential of organising a WorldTour race in New York, however this concept by no means bought off the bottom. Ten years later, a UCI occasion will lastly happen in New York, however at a decrease stage.
Little is but identified in regards to the route of the inaugural version of Gran Premio New York, other than, that the race will begin on the George Washington Bridge. It is a toll bridge over the well-known Hudson River. The bridge, in-built 1931, is known as after George Washington, the primary president of america.
Bike racing in New York (OK, I do know it’s Las Vegas):
Scarpetta Rossa shall be Charity Associate of the Giro d’Italia Ladies, Giro d’Italia and Giro Subsequent Gen
The Affiliation has been on the entrance line for nearly a decade, all through the nation, to struggle violence towards ladies. ‘Pink benches’, the distinctive image of Scarpetta Rossa, from as we speak may even be painted pink.
Pink and pink as symbols of affection and keenness. Colors that shine on this collaboration between sport and social points. The Giro d’Italia Ladies, along with the Giro d’Italia and the Giro Subsequent Gen, will help Scarpetta Rossa, which turns into Charity Associate of the three occasions. The affiliation is on the entrance line to struggle the social scourge of violence towards ladies.
Scarpetta Rossa was based in Milan in 2014. It’s lively all through the nation with a community of volunteers and consultants who supply help, recommendation and shelter to ladies in problem. ‘Pink benches’, positioned in quite a few Italian areas, are the distinctive image of Scarpetta Rossa.
Paolo Bellino, CEO of RCS Sport: “Sport has at all times had, and should more and more have, an lively function within the civil society it displays, giving voice to battles that have an effect on the entire group. That is why we additionally wished an affiliation that fights for ladies’s rights and addresses an vital and – sadly – at all times topical concern, such because the struggle towards gender violence, to be our Charity Associate for your complete Giro universe (Giro d’Italia, Giro d’Italia Ladies and Giro Subsequent Gen). Along with Scarpetta Rossa, we wish to convey a robust, clear, shared and impactful message. Pink and pink are the colors that signify our two realities and can mark the varied initiatives that we’ll perform collectively to make a tangible contribution to this vital trigger”.
Gualtiero Nicolini, Head of Initiatives and Improvement of the Scarpetta Rossa APS Affiliation: “We’re delighted that Scarpetta Rossa APS has been chosen to turn into the Charity Associate of such vital and historic occasions. This collaboration offers us the chance to unfold consciousness about our trigger and to make a big distinction on the planet of sport as effectively. We sincerely thank RCS Sport for the belief and dedication in supporting our mission. It’s an honour for us to contribute to such a big and provoking occasion”.
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