Wout van Aert has modified his thoughts in regards to the cyclocross World championships and can line up with the present rainbow jersey, Mathieu van der Poel on Sunday in France. We even have all of the race stories, outcomes and vidoes from the Santos Tour Down Beneath, UCI World Cup cyclocross races in Hoogerheide and Maasmechelen, Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana 1969 – Gran Premio V and the Gran Premio Castellón – Ruta de la Cerámica.
TOP STORY:
- Adrie van der Poel thinks that cyclocrossers deserve extra consideration and Wout van Aert will experience the cross Worlds
Rider information:
- Rohan Dennis case postponed till April 14
- Juan Pedro Lopez expelled from the Tour Down Beneath for sticky bottles
- High quality and suspended jail sentence for Marion Sicot
- Marc Madiot appreciates Jonas Vingegaard’s statements on carbon monoxide
- Alejandro Valverde trying ahead to being Spanish nationwide coach
Crew information:
- Caleb Ewan Indicators for the INEOS Grenadiers
- A partnership constructed to final: FDJ-SUEZ and SHIMANO energy ahead, extending partnership a further 4 years
Race information:
- Rik Bossuyt and his scooter on the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne poster
- Further gravel part in Strade Bianche route
- Tour of Catalonia ‘Wildcards’
19-year-old Italian bicycle owner dies after coaching crash.
TOP STORY: Adrie van der Poel Thinks that Cyclocross Riders Deserve Extra Consideration
In 2000, Van der Poel rode his final cyclocross in Hoogerheide, however now he organises the occasion, the GP Adrie van der Poel, the biggest Dutch cyclocross race of the season. Not what he imagined throughout his profession. “I didn’t need too many obligations, reporting for Eurosport was nice for me, for instance,” he advised BN De Stem.
In 2000, father Van der Poel, ended his cyclocross profession in Hoogerheide in North Brabant, however not with a victory. Richard Groenendaal, who’s now the crew supervisor of the Ridley Racing Crew, took the win that day. “I wasn’t involved in that victory, I simply needed a pleasant farewell,” Adrie stated in regards to the day. Fifteen thousand individuals needed to see Van der Poel do his final occasion on a cyclocross bike, however at the moment did he have plans for after his profession? “No, nothing in any respect really.” The six-time Dutch Champion didn’t need to make any commitments and reporting for Eurosport with Danny Nelissen appeared excellent.
After the farewell cross, the KNWU (the Dutch biking federation) and the UCI hoped that the success in Hoogerheide might be continued. Since then, Van der Poel has been the advisor and course builder for the race. And the winner of the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, takes his job very critically. “For those who do one thing, attempt to make the most effective of it. I at all times have a look at what will be improved. As a rider, I noticed issues that might be improved.” The race organisation launched security zones and guarded internal bends in 2002. As well as, Van der Poel tries to construct a pleasant course; turning and turning from tree to tree just isn’t a part of that, in accordance with him.
In Hoogerheide, World champion Mathieu van der Poel was at first, however Wout van Aert solely raced on Saturday. However even when the 2 high riders don’t seem at first, lots of people come to cyclocross races, in accordance with Van der Poel. “When males like Eli Iserbyt and Michael Vanthourenhout experience, quite a lot of spectators come. These males could not get sufficient consideration and appreciation for what they do, globally.”
Adrie van der Poel – Give cyclocross riders extra consideration:
Wout van Aert Surprises Everybody and can Compete with within the 2025 Cyclocross World Championships
An enormous shock: Wout van Aert will compete within the 2025 Cyclocross World Championships. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider had ended his season after Maasmechelen, however subsequent Sunday in Liévin, France, he’ll battle with Mathieu van der Poel for the World title. “The concept solely got here to me very just lately.”
“I really feel good, and my winter coaching has gone very effectively to this point,” Van Aert stated on the Visma | Lease a Bike crew web site. “The concept of collaborating within the World championship solely got here to me very just lately. After Maasmechelen, the Belgian nationwide coach Angelo De Clercq, my coach Mathieu Heijboer and I made a decision to take part. I’m trying ahead to collaborating in such a terrific race, and I feel this additional incentive will do me good within the run-up to my greater objectives on the highway. In fact the preparation has been very totally different, however I’ll in fact do my greatest,” stated Van Aert, who can have a troublesome time on the World championships with defending champion and report hunter Mathieu van der Poel.
An surprising Van Aert and Van der Poel Worlds battle:
Santos Tour Down Beneath 2025
France’s Bryan Coquard claimed the Santos Tour Down Beneath Hahn Males’s Stage 4 with a superb tactical final kilometre to beat Phil Bauhaus and Jhonatan Narvaez in a dash end on the Esplanade, Victor Harbor on Friday. Coquard’s victory noticed Javier Romo Oliver maintain onto the Santos ochre chief’s jersey because the Hahn stage 4 Glenelg to Victor Harbor belonged to the dash kings. Romo Oliver is 4 seconds away from his largest GC risk Narvaez.
“Very comfortable to win, it’s my greatest probability to win right here and it’s an ideal day,” Coquard stated. “I like this nation and at first of the season I began good. I used my (observe) expertise to do a superb dash from about 300m, it’s excellent.”
With Coquard claiming his second Santos Tour Down Beneath stage after successful at Willunga in 2023, Javier Romo Oliver held onto the Santo’s ochre chief’s jersey. The Spaniard is 10 seconds away from Narvaez (UAE Crew Emirates-XRG) with the Suppose! Street Security stage 5 McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill looming to be essentially the most vital to Normal Classification contenders.
The Hahn stage 4 Glenelg to Victor Harbor was anticipated to be calculated and tactical – and it was. An early breakaway led by Jayco AlUla’s Mauro Schmid powering over the Snapper Level, Aldinga end line noticed the Swiss rider dominate TV air time for at the very least two hours earlier than the labored arduous to convey again the breakaway as Victor Harbor approached. Schmid gained the Ziptrak intermediate dash #1 bonus forward of Belgian Junior Lecerf (Soudal Fast-Step) and Italy’s Giosue Epis (Akrea-B&B Inns) which at that time of the race didn’t trouble the dash kings nor the overall classification contenders together with Santos chief Romo Oliver.
The race then settled right into a predictable sample. Nonetheless, because the second efex King of the Mountain was approaching at Nettle Hill, 21.3 km earlier than the Esplanade, the groups began making strikes to place both their greatest sprinter and total contender. The hole closed within the Inman Valley to lower than a minute about 27.7km from Victor Harbor as Romo Oliver’s Movistar crew have been chasing down the breakaway. Romo Oliver at that stage of the race was 1 min 05 sec behind the breakaway with Movistar teammate, Eritrea’s Natnael Tesfazion chasing the then stage leaders. Tesfazion, who earned was second on the overall classification on the 2024 Cadel Evans Nice Ocean Street Race put rivals on the peloton on discover.
Ziptrak® Dash #1 — Esplanade at Snapper Level close to Butterworth Street, Aldinga Seaside 35.0km
The race went to script after the Glenelg begin. Jayco AlUla’s Swiss rider Mauro Schmid powered over the Snapper Level, Aldinga end line forward of Belgian Junior Lecerf (Soudal Fast-Step) and Italy’s Giosue Epis (Akrea – B&B Inns). The trio led the breakaway which didn’t disturb Friday’s Santos chief Javier Romo Oliver (Movistar) or different GC contenders.
Ziptrak® Dash #2 — Primary South Street, Yankalilla at property #109 71.5km
The 2024 nationwide Swiss highway champion, Schmid earned most bonuses once more, however Lecerf and Epis traded locations for second and third place. The principle peloton stored a test on Romo Oliver and Movistar because the breakaway led by 1 min 16 sec earlier than the primary efex King of the Mountain Parawa Hill was the subsequent problem.
efex King of the Mountain #1 — Parawa Hill 2 7.0% 13.4% 2.90km 87.0km
XDS Astana’s Dutch rider Ide Schelling joined the breakaway as Purple Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe protected its Australian gun Sam Welsford for a possible sixth stage win after already claiming two stage wins throughout the 2025 version. Nonetheless, Schmid claimed the utmost KOM seven factors for the primary time throughout the race. Epis earned 5 factors; Schelling got here in third whereas Taco Van Der Hoorn (Intermarche-Wanty) was fourth.
The quartet then opened a 2min 12sec hole from the primary peloton.
efex King of the Mountain #2 — Nettle Hill 1 8.1% 17.7% 1.90km 136.4km
Schmid was first up the climb and at that time was the favorite to assert the Yamaha best jersey. Schelling was second, Van Der Hoorn was third and joined by Schmid’s Australian teammate Luke Plapp. Canada’s Michael Woods (Israel-Premier Tech picked up the ultimate KOM level. The peloton break up within the lead as much as the KOM with Welford and his crew dropped to the again of the race.
Santos Tour Down Beneath Stage 4 End result:
1. Bryan Coquard (Fra) Cofidis in 3:55:15
2. Phil Bauhaus (Ger) Bahrain Victorious
3. Jhonnatan Manuel Narváez (European) UAE Emirates XRG
4. Liam Walsh (Aus) Australia
5. Samuel Watson (GB) INEOS Grenadiers
6. Tobias Lund Andresen (Nor) Crew Picnic PostNL
7. Corbin Sturdy (NZ) Israel-Premier Tech
8. Tim Torn Teutenberg (Ger) Lidl-Trek
9. Henri Uhlig (Ger) Alpecin-Deceuninck
10. Dorian Godon (Fra) Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale.
Santos Tour Down Beneath Total After Stage 4:
1. Javier Romo Oliver (Spa) Movistar in 14:09:06
2. Jhonnatan Manuel Narváez (European) UAE Emirates XRG at 0:04
3. Patrick Konrad (Aust) Lidl-Trek at 0:10
4. Finn Fisher-Black (NZ) Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe
5. Bastien Tronchon (Fra) Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale at 0:12
6. Magnus Sheffield (USA) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:15
7. Withen Albert Philipsen (Den) Lidl-Trek
8. Jay Vine (Aus) UAE Emirates XRG
9. Remy Rochas (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
10. Chris Harper (Aus) Jayco AlUla.
TDU’25 stage 4:
Jhonatan Narváez is looming as the primary Ecuadorian to assert a prestigious Santos Tour Down Beneath UCI WorldTour crown after successful an unbelievable stage atop Willunga Hill on Saturday. Narváez claimed THINK! Street Security Stage 5 when he soloed about 300m from the highest of the summit to take the win. The victory propelled Narváez to move of the overall classification.
The 27-year-old stated his crew had focused an total victory earlier than arriving from its European preseason – both for his Australian teammate Jay Vine, who gained the race in 2023, or himself. Narváez will put on the Santos Ochre Chief’s jersey on Sunday for the ultimate Schwalbe Stage 6 on the streets of Adelaide. “I used to be feeling effectively at each stage; Jay wasn’t feeling so good he had a crash (on Friday),” Narvaez stated. “That was our tactic, to win the race with me or him (Vine).”
Narváez has a nine-second lead over Spain’s Javier Romo Oliver, who has worn the chief’s jersey since successful efex Stage 3 from Norwood to Uraidla on Thursday. Romo Oliver was 4 seconds forward of the Ecuadorian on Saturday morning earlier than the race produced fireworks. 5-time Santos Tour Down Beneath stage winner Sam Welsford crashed for a second time throughout the race, however the Australian dusted himself down and was checked by the Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe physician earlier than leaping again on his bike. Welsford stated he now desires so as to add one other stage to his spectacular CV, with the ultimate Schwabe Stage 6 pedalling off within the metropolis streets of Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.
Ziptrak® Dash #2 — Esplanade at Snapper Level close to Butterworth Street, Aldinga Seaside 96.6km
4 riders continued to steer the stage heading in the direction of the coastal Snapper Level at Aldinga. Ben Swift (Ineos Grenadiers) earned a beneficial bonus for being first, adopted by Jayco AlUla’s Michael Hepburn and ARA Australia’s Oliver Bleddyn. Groups and riders began getting ready to deal with the steep facet of Willunga Hill after the second intermediate dash of the stage. After going excessive of Santos Tour Down Beneath legend Richie Porte’s favorite climb into the Willunga township – basically the opposite method round earlier than the 2 intermediate sprints – the lads loved a really speedy descent on Outdated Willunga Hill Street. Nonetheless, this time they tackled the famed hill – dominated seven instances by Porte – for efex King of the Mountain bonuses and the possibility to make historical past within the grand finale.
efex King of the Mountain #2 — Willunga Hill 1 7.4% 11.0% 3.00km 123.0km
The principle peloton pedalled arduous to chase down an assault which had a lead of 1 min 35 sec with 35.1km to go earlier than the end. The quartet have been all swallowed up by the primary peloton about 500m from the Willunga Hill summit earlier than Jayco AlUla’s Chris Harper and Swiss teammate Mauro Schmid battled for pole place. Schmid, who gained Friday’s Yamaha Most Aggressive Rider title, prevailed over Harper.
efex King of the Mountain #3 — Willunga Hill 1 7.4% 11.0% 3.00km 145.6km
Saturday’s Santos Ochre Jersey chief Javier Romo Oliver soloed to the highest of the ultimate Willunga summit of the day. Nonetheless, inside the ultimate 300m Narvaez used his Ecuadorian climbing expertise to assert the famed queen stage atop Willunga Hill. Oscar Onley (Picnic PostNL) was second and Finn Fisher-Black (Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) was third.
Santos Tour Down Beneath Stage 5 End result:
1. Jhonnatan Manuel Narváez (European) UAE Emirates XRG in 3:17:02
2. Oscar Onley (GB) Crew Picnic PostNL
3. Finn Fisher-Black Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe
4. Luke Plapp Jayco AlUla at 0:03
5. Javier Romo Oliver Movistar
6. Michael Woods Israel-Premier Tech at 0:06
7. Thomas Gloag (GB) Visma | Lease a Bike
8. Magnus Sheffield Ineos Grenadiers
9. Bastien Tronchon Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale
10. Patrick Konrad Lidl – Trek at 0:15.
Santos Tour Down Beneath Total After Stage 5:
1. Jhonnatan Manuel Narváez UAE Emirates XRG in 17:26:02
2. Javier Romo Oliver Movistar at 0:09
3. Finn Fisher-Black Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe at 0:12
4. Oscar Onley Crew Picnic PostNL at 0:15
5. Bastien Tronchon Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale at 0:24
6. Luke Plapp Jayco AlUla
7. Magnus Sheffield Ineos Grenadiers at 0:27
8. Thomas Gloag Visma | Lease a Bike
9. Patrick Konrad Lidl-Trek at 0:31
10. Michael Woods Israel-Premier Tech at 0:47.
TDU’25 stage 5:
Jhonatan Narváez was topped 2025 Santos Tour Down Beneath champion after a cautious final day within the saddle in the present day. The UAE Crew Emirates-XRG gun stated it was the largest UCI WorldTour win of his profession. Narváez turns into the primary Ecuadorian to assert the coveted stage race. He held a nine-second benefit over Spanish younger gun Javier Romo Oliver at first of the stage following a superb win on the Willunga Hill summit on Saturday.
Narváez maintained the hole, praising his crew for a superb day’s work. “It wasn’t simple, it was a bit harmful and we ended up successful the race,” Narváez stated. “It’s one of many nicest races on the calendar.” With Narváez containing his delight, Australia’s dash king Sam Welsford moved nearer in the direction of Santos Tour Down Beneath legend standing after claiming Schwalbe Stage 6 on the streets of Adelaide on Sunday.
Welsford, 29, (Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) earned his third Santos Tour Down Beneath stage win to again up the three victories he had in South Australia final 12 months. “I didn’t suppose three (stage wins) was doable going into this race; I knew it was going to be a tough tour and difficult phases,” Welsford stated. “The crew actually believed in me and backed me in phases. We knew this final one was a superb one for us, an enormous energy circuit. The boys did a tremendous job, (teammate) Danny Van Poppel dropped me off (because the lead-out man) about 200 metres from the end. I’m actually proud of this tour.” Welsford completed forward of Thursday’s stage winner: Bryan Coquard of Cofidis and Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain-Victorious).
Ziptrak® Dash #1 — King William Street, Adelaide at End Arch Lap 4 18.0km
The peloton’s common pace was clocked at 47km/h common earlier than the primary preme dash of the afternoon. Breakaway race leaders Casper Pedersen (Soudal-Fast Step) crossed the road first, adopted by Australians Kelland O’Brien (Jayco AlUla) and Damien Howson who seemed to be having enjoyable however on the identical time pink lining within the warmth.
efex King of the Mountain — Montefiore Hill 3 4.0% 6.5% 567m Lap 8 36.0km
Howsen, Pedersen and O’Brien stayed out in entrance to catch extra bonuses. Though it’s not a taxing KOM, Santos Tour Down Beneath legend Andre Greipel described it as tough due to the dearth of restoration time earlier than the end line. The 2-time Santos Tour Down Beneath champion and Germany’s nationwide highway biking coach ought to know as he has claimed wins on the identical circuit a number of instances.
Ziptrak® Dash #2 — King William Street, Adelaide at End Arch Lap 12 54.0km
The main trio traded locations for the second preme dash of the afternoon. Howsen took the utmost bonus forward of Pedersen and O’Brien. The trio at that time has a lead of 38 seconds.
efex King of the Mountain — Montefiore Hill 3 4.0% 6.5% 567m Lap 16 72.0km
Nothing modified with Howsen nonetheless taking most factors forward of Pedersen and O’Brien. The trio had a 24-second hole with 18 km earlier than the road. Questions have been requested to whether or not they have been sturdy sufficient to complete with a breakaway or if was it a plan for his or her respective crew members to barnstorm house.
Santos Tour Down Beneath Stage 6 End result:
1. Sam Welsford /Aus) Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe in 1:53:14
2. Bryan Coquard (Fra) Cofidis
3. Phil Bauhaus (Ger) Bahrain Victorious
4. Rui Filipe Oliveira Alves (Por) UAE Emirates XRG
5. Danny van Poppel (Ned) Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe
6. Henri Uhlig (Ger) Alpecin-Deceuninck
7. Tobias Lund Andresen (Den) Crew Picnic PostNL
8. Tim Torn Teutenberg (Ger) Lidl-Trek
9. Matt Partitions (GB) Groupama-FDJ
10. Andrea Raccagni Noviero (Ita) Soudal Fast-Step.
Santos Tour Down Beneath Closing Total End result:
1. Jhonnatan Manuel Narváez (European) UAE Emirates XRG in 19:19:16
2. Javier Romo Oliver (Spa) Movistar at 0:09
3. Finn Fisher-Black (NZ) Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe at 0:12
4. Oscar Onley (GB) Crew Picnic PostNL at 0:15
5. Bastien Tronchon (Fra) Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale at 0:24
6. Luke Plapp (Aus) Jayco AlUla
7. Magnus Sheffield (USA) INEOS Grenadiers at 0:27
8. Thomas Gloag (GB) Visma | Lease a Bike
9. Patrick Konrad (Aust) Lidl-Trek at 0:31
10. Michael Woods (Can) Israel-Premier Tech at 0:47.
TDU’25 stage 6:
UCI World Cup Cyclocross – Hoogerheide Males 2025
Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) gained the Hoogerheide World Cup on Sunday. Every week earlier than the Cyclocross World championships, the present World champion left all of the competitors behind after simply 5 minutes of the race. Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines) completed second and was winner of the World Cup. Lars van der Haar was third.
There have been nonetheless a number of issues at stake in Hoogerheide for the lads. The victory, for which World champion and residential favorite Mathieu van der Poel was the largest contender. And within the battle for the ultimate victory of the UCI World Cup, Michael Vanthourenhout regarded to have that nearly as good as sowed up. It was additionally a superb coaching day for the World championships in Liévin. The perfect begin was for Mathieu van der Poel, who was on the entrance row because of his latest performances. Michael Vanthourenhout took the lead, however after 5 minutes of racing he noticed the rainbow jersey disappear up the course. Van der Poel acquired a small hole and took full benefit and shortly had a lead of greater than 20 seconds. Vanthourenhout and Lars van der Haar adopted, however as a result of they checked out one another, the remainder returned, however the hole to Van der Poel turned even greater.
Lacking from the chasing group was European champion Thibau Nys, who skipped Maasmechelen as a precaution because of the concern of sickness. He began effectively, however shortly dropped again outdoors the highest 20 and dropped out within the second lap. Vanthourenhout, Van der Haar, Joris Nieuwenhuis and Emiel Verstrynge have been preventing for second place. There was no stopping Van der Poel, who examined his legs a number of instances on the asphalt strip to the end. Partly due to that, he regularly elevated his lead. Behind him, Vanthourenhout was clearly the most effective of the remainder, however midway via the race, the World champion’s lead had already grown to a minute. The battle for the final podium place was essentially the most fascinating, which happened virtually two minutes behind the chief.
Van der Poel had such an enormous lead that he might afford to entertain the viewers with an enormous bounce on one of many bridges. Lars van der Haar had damaged away from the remainder within the battle for third place, which additionally places him within the operating for a podium place on the World championship in Liévin. Within the ultimate laps, he was using quicker than Vanthourenhout, which meant that second place was doable. The distinction between Vanthourenhout and Van der Haar remained round 20 seconds, which meant that the rostrum was set. On the entrance, Van der Poel had loads of time to rejoice. Vanthourenhout, Van der Haar, Toon Aerts and Joran Wyseure accomplished the highest 5.
Race winner, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “As I stated, I desire such a race to a super-fast circuit. I’m proud of the sensation, particularly after yesterday, as a result of I’ve recovered effectively. That’s why I’m simply comfortable. My rib didn’t trouble me an excessive amount of, however I can nonetheless really feel it. It’s positively not going to sluggish me down subsequent week. Aside from that, all the pieces goes in accordance with plan. I’m trying ahead to subsequent week. I hope so. It seems good, however it’s a brand new race and the World championship is at all times particular. I’m going to struggle as arduous as I can for it. It was extremely tough and I had the intention to begin a bit extra relaxed, however I instantly had a niche on the finish of the primary lap. The lap is so tough that it was a matter of using at a quick tempo, from begin to end. That’s why I rode one other hour to reap the rewards subsequent week. It was enjoyable, I loved myself and I’m proud of the results of all of the arduous work. I’m proud of the sensation and prepared for subsequent week. I feel what we needed to do labored out. I hope to experience my greatest cross of the season subsequent week.”
2nd, Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines): “It’s my first massive victory in a classification, it’s nice to win that. The World Cup is without doubt one of the largest classifications you may win, so I’m very comfortable. It was nonetheless thrilling for some time, however okay, I dotted the i’s in the present day and pulled the classification in the direction of me. I used to be additionally in a position to experience freely and that instantly resulted in a superb outcome. When he went, I needed to experience in the direction of him, however you possibly can instantly see that he was a lot too sturdy. After that I rode the complete race in second place, that was additionally very tough, however I’m proud of my race. The shape is enhancing and I hope to have the most effective legs subsequent week. We nonetheless have a superb coaching day, then we’ll take it a bit simpler after which we’ll go reconnaissance on Saturday. It will likely be a troublesome cross and that’s the most enjoyable for the World championships. That’s the most honest. I hope to begin on Sunday with good legs, then I can compete for that podium. Immediately was good and I hope that will probably be the identical subsequent week.”
third, Lars van der Haar (Baloise Glowi Lions): “I didn’t count on this on this course. The reconnaissance didn’t go effectively and that’s why I believed: I simply should concentrate on myself in the present day. And on the finish I nonetheless had one thing left within the tank. I made a decision to attend till the final two laps after which went for all or nothing. That resulted in a 3rd place. For me this can be a shock. I’ve been using with good legs for some time after which it’s good that it comes out. I actually had a surplus within the final two laps. It’s additionally good to complete a race with no mechanical. If it’s muddy, then the ways are simple. You then primarily have to concentrate to your self. But when it will get quick, then it turns into extra tactical”
UCI World Cup Cyclocross – Hoogerheide Males End result:
1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 57:00
2. Michael Vanthourenhout (Bel) Pauwels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines at 1:42
3. Lars van der Haar (Ned) Baloise Glowi Lions at 1:57
4. Toon Aerts (Bel) Deschacht-Hens-FSP at 2:21
5. Joran Wyseure Alpecin-Deceuninck Growth Crew at 2:28
6. Eli Iserbyt (Bel) Pauwels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines at 2:33
7. Emiel Verstrynge Alpecin-Deceuninck 2:41
8. Joris Nieuwenhuis Ridley Racing Crew at 2:43
9. Jens Adams Lotto-X-Oats Athletes For Hope at 2:51
10. Ryan Kamp Fenix at 3:02.
UCI World Cup Cyclocross – Hoogerheide Girls 2025
Lucinda Model confirmed her kind for the World championships subsequent week with a robust solo victory within the Hoogerheide World Cup. The Baloise Glowi Lions rider was already sure of the ultimate victory within the World Cup, however she was flying within the Brabant cross. Model had an ideal race, in distinction to Puck Pieterse (third) and Fem van Empel (fourth), who noticed Blanka Vas come second.
The battle for the ultimate total of the World Cup had already been settled after the spherical in Maasmechelen: Lucinda Model was the ultimate winner of the sequence this season. Everybody was trying to see who would present themself in Hoogerheide, per week earlier than the World championships.
Hélène Clauzel surprisingly had the most effective begin within the GP Adrie van der Poel, however Fem van Empel and Puck Pieterse additionally acquired off to a superb begin within the heavy mud. The Dutch champion shortly took the initiative, along with Model. Behind them adopted Blanka Vas, Zoe Bäckstedt and a gaggle with Van Empel, Ceylin Alvarado and Inge van der Heijden. Marianne Vos dropped out early with a doable harm. On the finish of the second lap, Model was using alone within the lead, as a result of Pieterse fell away in a gaggle with Vas and Van Empel. Model’s lead grew steadily to greater than 20 seconds. The truth that Pieterse and Van Empel fell once more within the chase gave the chief much more of a lead. Vas was on her approach to second place because of the errors of Pieterse and Van Empel.
In the beginning of the ultimate lap, Model had a 27-second lead over Vas. Pieterse and Van Empel have been already greater than 45 seconds behind the chief. Model stored growing her lead and despatched a powerful sign to the others for the World championships subsequent week in Liévin. She additionally consolidated her World Cup win.
Race winner, Lucinda Model (Baloise Glowi Lions): “It’s nice to finish the World Cup season like this. My begin was good, however not nice. After that I labored with Puck Pieterse and I felt good. I needed to proceed collectively, however she made a mistake. Then I needed to take my probability and hold using. And the remainder didn’t come again. I knew I needed to push via, so that they had a tough time coming again, and that confirmed. We simply say that each one the items of the puzzle are falling into place in the mean time, so I’m positively going to the World Championship with confidence.”
2nd, Kata Blanka Vas (SD Worx-Protime): “I began the race very badly. The operating passages don’t swimsuit me as a lot anyway and so they have been actually arduous. However by some means I discovered the suitable rhythm. Lucinda Model actually was flying in the present day, so this second place was the very best doable. This was a terrific weekend. Whether or not this places me among the many favourites for subsequent weekend? I don’t depend myself amongst them. The opposite riders have been higher than me for those who have a look at the season. The shape is sweet, although. I additionally have to see the course. I’ve already seen some photos, however I have to discover the course myself first to evaluate my probabilities. I’m hoping for a course just like this weekend’s. Possibly rather less operating, however nonetheless difficult and technical. Anyway, this weekend provides me confidence.”
third, Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck): “I’m proud of the rostrum, as a result of it was shut with three riders for the rostrum. That’s the reason I’m comfortable to nonetheless be third and I’m proud of the sensation. I felt significantly better than final week and I’m proud of the nice battle we had. I feel everybody was using on the restrict, then a mistake is definitely made. For those who see the hole Lucinda nonetheless has. I rode full throttle the entire race and he or she stored pulling away, so it wasn’t simply the crashes. It might probably solely get higher. If I do good issues, I can go to the World Championships with confidence. I’m nonetheless focusing a bit extra on restoration, so I gained’t be using an excessive amount of”
UCI World Cup Cyclocross – Hoogerheide Girls End result:
1. Lucinda Model (Ned) Baloise Glowi Lions in 47:47
2. Kata Blanka Vas (Hun) SD Worx-Protime at 0:28
3. Puck Pieterse (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck at 0:38
4. Fem van Empel (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike at 0:53
5. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck at 1:31
6. Zoe Backstedt (GB) Canyon//SRAM Racing zondacrypto at 1:48
7. Sara Casasola (Ita) Crelan-Corendon at 1:57
8. Inge van der Heijden (Ned) Crelan-Corendon at 2:05
9. Amandine Fouquenet (Fra) Arkéa-B&B Inns at 2:11
10. Isabella Holmgren (Can) Lidl-Trek at 2:20.
UCI World Cup Cyclocross – Maasmechelen Males 2025
Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) gained once more on his return to cyclocross. The World champion rode virtually the complete Maasmechelen World Cup race solo, after Wout van Aert made quite a lot of errors within the early a part of the race. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider did end second, however greater than a minute behind Van der Poel. Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ridley Racing Crew) was third.
The Maasmechelen World Cup was billed as a duel between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert for the final time this cyclocross season. Wout ended his cyclocross marketing campaign in Maasmechelen, as Van der Poel needed to sharpen his kind earlier than the World championship in Liévin. It was essential for Van der Poel, as a result of the Dutchman revealed earlier than the beginning that he had suffered a rib fracture within the Loenhout cross.
Van der Poel didn’t have a terrific begin in Maasmechelen and misplaced a couple of positions on the beginning straight. Van Aert additionally did get off to a superb begin. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider needed to begin a bit additional again, however shortly moved up. Too shortly, as Van Aert collided with a pole. Within the meantime, Van der Poel had began his race correct. He shortly moved as much as second place behind Joris Nieuwenhuis, who had handed greatest starter Emiel Verstrynge on the entrance. Nieuwenhuis and Van der Poel began the second lap with a small lead. Van Aert was in a gaggle behind them, however didn’t keep there. He rode to the entrance and tried to cross to the main duo. He succeeded. Michael Vanthourenhout additionally joined him, after which Van Aert settled into the lead. He clearly had good legs and put the remainder below strain. That didn’t final lengthy, as a result of he fell on a descent. Van der Poel noticed his probability and went off on his personal. When Nieuwenhuis additionally fell behind him, Van der Poel shortly had an enormous hole, and he shortly expanded that hole. On the second crossing of the end line, he already had 18 seconds on Van Aert, who hadn’t given up but, however stored making errors. The Belgian acquired caught in a gaggle with Nieuwenhuis, Vanthourenhout and Joran Wyseure. Later, Lars van der Haar and Toon Aerts additionally got here again to them.
Van Aert was clearly the most effective of the chasers. After three of the seven laps, he got here via in second place, 37 seconds behind Van der Poel. Within the subsequent laps, the distinction grew additional and additional, till it was over a minute when the bell rang. Van der Poel was due to this fact in a position to take it comparatively simple within the ultimate lap and rode to victory with none issues. Van Aert had in the meantime gained increasingly more time on the pursuers, which secured him second place. The battle for third place was extra thrilling. Nieuwenhuis and Wyseure stayed shut to one another for a very long time. The Dutchman had a small lead at first of the ultimate lap and would ultimately preserve his lead. He crossed the end line in third place. For Van der Poel it was his sixth race and sixth victory of the present cyclocross season. He’ll begin within the Hoogerheide World Cup on Sunday after which the World championships in Liévin subsequent weekend. Within the World Cup standings, Toon Aerts (fifth in the present day) got here a bit of nearer to chief Michael Vanthourenhout (sixth), however the distinction between them is 32 factors. Vanthourenhout has virtually secured the ultimate victory. Aerts can solely win if he takes the day’s victory on Sunday, within the final spherical in Hoogerheide, and Vanthourenhout stays outdoors the factors, which is unlikely.
Race winner, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “It was okay. I nonetheless felt it (the rib), however possibly that was a superb factor, in order that I didn’t suppose an excessive amount of about my legs. I’m comfortable. I loved this race. It was tremendous stunning, additionally with the viewers. It was an actual cross in the present day. Evidently I’m at all times fairly good once I come again from a coaching camp. Even when I’ve quite a lot of coaching load in my legs. I feel a course like that’s higher after a coaching camp than a quick cross. You simply have to choose your personal tempo. Technically I used to be additionally good in the present day, so I’m proud of this victory. It’s Remco’s birthday in the present day. I despatched him a message this morning to congratulate him. He requested me to do that if I gained in the present day. Therefore this reward. Ought to he do one thing like that for me in return, for instance in Liège? I’ll give it some thought, I’ll see if I can provide you with one thing for him. However possibly that was good. Name obtained bro”
2nd, Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike): “I felt like I might do it. It was positively a terrific race, due to the situations in the present day, it was a really powerful course. This was the most effective I might do in the present day. Possibly. I used to be decided to get to the entrance shortly at the start of the race as a result of I used to be by no means within the race final week in Benidorm because of my unhealthy beginning place. I actually tried to get to the entrance as shortly as doable. Once I attacked within the second spherical, I made a silly mistake. I feel that’s a disgrace. Mathieu ultimately rode distant from me, however I might have most well-liked to struggle for some time. I did really feel like I might do it. After that, it was tough. Would I’ve been nearer with out that crash? In fact I might have been nearer, however I’m not going to say that I might have gained once I’m a minute behind. It did throw me off steadiness for a bit. It’s totally different when you may race for the win than whenever you’re instantly pressured to chase once more. I made the most effective of it and had a pleasant race afterwards. I favored the lap we have been allowed to do the primary time, with out the sloping facet, higher. I didn’t actually like the sensation there. Then it’s in your head and it solely will get worse. I wasn’t afraid of falling, as a result of the pace was very low. However no, it wasn’t my favorite half. It was a brief winter. It wasn’t the season I hoped for, however given the harm I ended the earlier highway season with, it was clever to minimise the variety of races. I actually loved the races I did do. I additionally achieved good outcomes, so I look again with a superb feeling. I had years once I rode all the pieces, as much as Oostmalle. I actually loved that. Once I get again on the cross and meet all of the supporters, I wish to experience much more, however my objectives are additionally on the highway now. There might be a future when I’ll do extra cyclocross once more, however now I even have to make use of my widespread sense once in a while.”
Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ridley Racing Crew): “This was the very best doable in the present day. No, I needed to begin from the third row. So my first objective was to begin rather well. As a result of on this lap it will get fairly powerful whenever you’re additional alongside. I attempted to comply with Mathieu and Wout a bit, however I additionally knew that I needed to experience at my very own tempo. It was fairly a troublesome battle with Joran (Wyseure) ultimately, however fortunately I used to be in a position to get a podium place.”
UCI World Cup Cyclocross – Maasmechelen Males End result:
1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 57:51
2. Wout van Aert (Bel) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:14
3. Joris Nieuwenhuis (Ned) Ridley Racing Crew at 1:53
4. Joran Wyseure (Bel) Crelan-Corendon at 2:05
5. Toon Aerts (Bel) Deschacht-Hens-FSP at 2:16
6. Michael Vanthourenhout (Bel) Pauwels Sauzen-Cibel Clementines at 2:54
7. Lars van der Haar (Ned) Baloise Glowi Lions at 3:12
8. Laurens Sweeck (Bel) Crelan-Corendon at 3:24
9. Kevin Kuhn (Sui) Charles Liégeois Roastery CX at 3:36
10. Thomas Mein (GB) Hope Manufacturing facility Racing at 3:37.
Maasmechelen’25
UCI World Cup Cyclocross – Hoogerheide Girls 2025
Blanka Kata Vas (SD Worx-Protime) gained the Maasmechelen World Cup. After an thrilling battle, she narrowly beat Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon//SRAM Racing zondacrypto). Lucinda Model (Baloise Glowi Lions), who did safe the general victory within the World Cup, completed third. Fourth place went to Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck).
Fem van Empel, Lucinda Model, Puck Pieterse and all the opposite massive names in girls’s cross have been there in Maasmechelen for the penultimate spherical of the World Cup.
Van Empel had the most effective begin: she was the primary to go off-road. Puck Pieterse and Marianne Vos have been lots additional again after the beginning. Within the meantime, Vas took over the lead from Van Empel. She briefly gave it as much as Alvarado, however on the finish of the primary lap the Hungarian was again on the entrance. The quartet Vas, Alvarado, Van Empel and Lucinda Model had created a small hole on the others. Pieterse’s deficit remained restricted to seven seconds, Vos adopted 23 seconds later. However at the start of the second lap the scenario modified once more. Van Empel slid down on the hostile camber, inflicting her to lose some positions and see Pieterse go her. Vas and Model took benefit and rode away collectively. Quickly Vas, who clearly had good legs, was left alone. Model fell again to Bäckstedt and Pieterse. The Dutch champion then chased for the Hungarian chief on her personal, however Bäckstedt got here again. Within the third of 5 laps the British rider went previous Pieterse and rode in the direction of Vas. Bäckstedt was not glad and he or she put the strain on once more. She gained a couple of metres on Vas, who noticed Pieterse and Model come again. Van Empel adopted, at half a minute, in fifth place.
The World champion gave the impression to be entering into the race, however when turning onto the hostile camber, she fell once more. This was the ultimate blow for her. She wouldn’t get again to the entrance, the place Bäckstedt had additionally slopped. The British rider misplaced her lead over Model, Pieterse and Vas, who discovered it more and more tough after her quick begin. The alternative was true for Model. She took the lead for the primary time and instantly rode arduous. It stored altering locations on the entrance, as a result of after her acceleration Model abruptly fell again to fourth place. Now it was Bäckstedt who appeared to have the higher hand once more. In the beginning of the ultimate lap she had a lead of as much as 8 seconds over Pieterse, Vas and Model. The variations turned smaller when Bäckstedt, whereas operating, slipped away once more on the sloping part. Vas profited essentially the most from this. The SD Worx-Protime rider raced to the entrance and created a niche on the pursuers. With only some minutes left within the race, we nonetheless had 4 contenders. Three of them remained when Pieterse fell on the beams. Bäckstedt and Model stored up the strain, however Vas held sturdy. Nonetheless, Bäckstedt particularly got here very shut. The British rider was virtually on Vas’ wheel on the ultimate straight, however the Hungarian managed to dash to victory. Bäckstedt got here second, Model third. With that ending place, Model secured the ultimate victory within the World Cup, the ultimate spherical is in Hoogerheide on Sunday.
Race winner, Blanka Kata Vas (SD Worx-Protime): “After three years, I’m lastly again on the high. I at all times stored believing in it. I made quite a lot of sacrifices and the arduous work was all price it. This win feels just like the reward for all my arduous work. The place, amongst different issues, did I make the distinction? On the technical difficult passage. I had practised this one arduous. Yesterday I did a reconnaissance of the course and I did that passage 5 instances in a row to get the cling of it. It was additionally sensible that I solely modified bikes as soon as. That’s how I managed to get again to the entrance ultimately. It was a very shut battle with Zoe Bäckstedt and Lucinda Model. Simply earlier than the final ascending run part, I believed for a second that I had the win inside. However after the descent I regarded again and noticed Zoe coming a lot nearer once more. Happily, I nonetheless had the legs to squeeze out a superb ultimate dash. Whether or not I’ll take pleasure in it now? Not but. Tomorrow with Hoogerheide a brand new World Cup and subsequent week the World Championships are on the programme. So the main target now could be primarily on restoration. As soon as the World Cup is over, I’ll take the time to take pleasure in myself for a couple of days. As a result of this win means lots to me.”
2nd, Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon//SRAM Racing zondacrypto): “I’m a bit disillusioned. I used to be so shut on the finish, however I made a couple of too many errors within the ultimate. Nevertheless it was in all probability my greatest cross of the season, along with Dendermonde. I’m utterly coated in mud. This is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do. Final week, in Benidorm, it was only a gravel race. Now we’re again in Belgium and we had actual cyclocross climate. I fell on the slope and determined it was higher to vary bikes. If one thing was damaged, I would want a brand new bike. It was a precaution. How tough was that slope? Very tough. The nook the place you turned onto the slope was very tough. You needed to go tremendous sluggish or stroll, so it was a little bit of a bet within the ultimate. The choice has already been made (for the World champs). It is usually going to be an enormous struggle for the U23s. It’s positively not going to be simple. I’m actually trying ahead to it. Tomorrow I can even do my greatest for the win in Hoogerheide, however first I’ve to recuperate from this.”
third, Lucinda Model (Baloise Glowi Lions): “It’s nice to win this classification (the UCI World Cup) after the powerful, but additionally enjoyable struggle in the present day. I had a really unusual feeling, on the primary a part of the course I felt excellent, however on the second half I had some hassle. It was tough to get one thing out of this. However the different women have been additionally tremendous sturdy.”
UCI World Cup Cyclocross – Maasmechelen Girls End result:
1. Kata Blanka Vas (Hun) SD Worx-Protime in 48:58
2. Zoe Backstedt (GB) Canyon//SRAM Racing zondacrypto at 0:01
3. Lucinda Model (Ned) Baloise Glowi Lions at 12
4. Puck Pieterse (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck at 28
5. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck at 1:17
6. Fem van Empel (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike Girls at 1:23
7. Manon Bakker (Ned) Crelan-Corendon at 1:38
8. Inge van der Heijden (Ned) Crelan-Corendon at 1:45
9. Marie Schreiber (Lux) SD Worx-Protime at 2:03
10. Sara Casasola (Ita) Crelan-Corendon at 2:04.
Maasmechelen’25
Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana 1969 – Gran Premio V 2025
The 1969 Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana was gained by Marc Hirschi (Tudor) on Sunday. After a tough 184-kilometre race, the brand new Tudor rider was the most effective of an elite group of three, who had damaged away on the final climb of Alto de Turrón Duro and break up up within the ultimate. Hirschi beat Christian Scaroni (XDS Astana) in a dash. Third place went to Antonio Morgado of UAE Emirates-XRG.
After victories by Arnaud De Lie and Dylan Groenewegen, the race organisers had made the race tougher for sprinters. The place the Alto de Barx (6km at 5.6%) was usually the final categorised climb, it was now the primary climb of the day. Then got here the well-known Coll de Charges (6.6km at 5.3%) within the run-up to the steepest climb of the day: the Alto de Turrón Duro (3.5km at 9.5%), about 10 kilometres from the end.
The break of the day consisted of Eric Fagúndez (Burgos-Burpellet-BH), Baptiste Veistroffer (Lotto), Martin Pedersen (Lidl-Trek Future Racing) and Xavier Cañellas (Sabgal-Anicolor). The Uruguayan from Burgos-BH then dropped again, leaving three leaders. Their lead fluctuated between 2 and three minutes for a very long time, as a result of Bahrain Victorious and Tudor managed the bunch. Tudor newcomer Marc Hirschi was the large favorite, however he needed to take care of Santiago Buitrago, Jan Christen, Matej Mohorič, Alex Aranburu and Antonio Morgado. The favourites acquired the possibility to struggle for the victory, as a result of simply earlier than the Coll de Charges the final escapees have been caught. A thinned out peloton got here excessive and headed for the steep final climb of the day.
Because of the excessive tempo, a gaggle of eight riders rode away within the run-up to the Alto de Turrón Duro, however they didn’t keep in entrance. It turned a battle of the titans on the steep climb. Buitrago attacked early, forcing Christen, Hirschi and Christian Scaroni to reply. It turned a man-to-man struggle, by which Christen attacked simply earlier than the highest and rode away from the remainder. Scaroni fought again and Hirschi additionally joined simply earlier than the descent. The three leaders dived down the steep descent in the direction of the end in La Nucia. On the flat roads it then turned a tactical recreation. Scaroni tried to play the Swiss off in opposition to one another and rode away, after which Hirschi was the one one in a position to make the bounce to the Italian. Christen had no reply and was even caught by Buitrago and his teammate Antonio Morgado. They arrived too late to catch Hirschi and Scaroni, who sprinted for victory within the ultimate straight and the Tudor rider was a lot too quick, so he took his first victory for his new crew. Scaroni in flip took essential UCI factors for XDS Astana and Morgado got here third behind them. The Portuguese rider gained the GP Castellón within the Valencia area on Saturday
Race winner, Marc Hirschi (Tudor): “I had a superb feeling all day. The plan was to go solo within the tremendous steep final climb however the legs didn’t enable it. I knew I’m fairly good in sprinting so I stored calm and waited till then. It labored effectively and I’m very comfortable I might take my first win within the Tudor Professional Biking jersey. I skilled effectively this winter however the first race is at all times particular, you by no means actually know the place you stand. I now look ahead to subsequent week in Mallorca the place now we have a powerful Crew.”
tenth, Davide Piganzoli (Polti VisitMalta): “We did a superb job, we began the final climb, which was arduous, effectively positioned and with a superb feeling, crowning among the many greatest. The legs are good, we performed for the place on the end in a lowered dash. The efficiency was good.”
Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana 1969 – Gran Premio V End result:
1. Marc Hirschi (Sui) Tudor Professional Biking Crew in 4:26:31
2. Christian Scaroni (Ita) XDS Astana at 0:02
3. Tomás António Morgado (Por) UAE Emirates XRG at 0:07
4. Santiago Buitrago (Col) Sanchez Bahrain Victorious
5. Jan Christen (Sui) UAE Emirates XRG at 0:25
6. Anthon Charmig (Dan) XDS Astana at 0:26
7. Clément Champoussin (Fra) XDS Astana
8. Alessandro Pinarello (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
9. Jack Haig (Aus) Bahrain Victorious
10. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Crew Polti VisitMalta.
Clàssica Valenciana’25:
Gran Premio Castellón – Ruta de la Cerámica 2025
António Morgado gained the Gran Premio Castellón (1.1). The Portuguese rider of UAE Emirates-XRG was the quickest of a small group that escaped within the ultimate and narrowly stayed forward of the peloton. Eric Antonio Fagúndez (Burgos Burpellet BH) was second, Clément Champoussin (XDS Astana) third.
The European biking season opened on Friday with the Classica Camp de Morvedre (1.2), however the larger class, Gran Premio Castellón (1.1) was on Saturday. This 171-kilometre one-day race might swimsuit the sprinters if they’ll recover from the ultimate climb. Within the finale, the Collado de Ayódar (5km at 4.4%) was the largest risk for quick males. Michael Matthews, who gained the primary version final 12 months, was as soon as once more the highest favorite.
Early within the race, a number one group of eight broke away. Carlos García Pierna (Burgos Burpellet BH) was solo for some time, however was joined by Baptiste Veistroffer (Lotto), Jokin Murguialday (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Unai Esparza and Sergio Trueba (Illes Balears Arabay), Kévin Avoine (Van Rysel Roubaix), Harrison Wooden (Sabgal/Anicolor) and Jack Brough (AVC Aix Provence Dole). They constructed up a most lead of three minutes.
Within the peloton, Cofidis, Q36.5 and Jayco AlUla have been in management. They stored the break shut and Lotto’s Veistroffer was the final rider to be caught, early on the Collado de Ayódar. The riders of UAE Emirates-XRG began the battle. Alessandro Covi and António Morgado escaped along with Davide Formolo (Movistar), Christian Scaroni, Clément Champoussin (XDS Astana) and Eric Antonio Fagúndez (Burgos Burpellet BH). They have been the primary to begin the descent to the end line. Behind, Jayco AlUla, Cofidis and Bahrain Victorious tried to shut the hole, however they have been simply too late. The leaders sprinted for the victory on the uphill end. Morgado had the most effective end to gained his first race of 2025. Fagúndez sprinted to second place, and Champoussin crossed the road in third place. Matevž Govekar gained the bunch dash in sixth place.
Race winner, Tomás António Morgado (UAE Emirates XRG): “It was a really arduous race. On the high of the climb I managed to get to the entrance however I needed to undergo lots, I’m not a pure climber. Excessive myself and Covi ended up in a small group and we gave all the pieces till the end. It was an enormous struggle ultimately. I’m drained however I’m very comfortable to begin the 12 months with a win, it’s a terrific begin for the crew to this point.”
Gran Premio Castellón – Ruta de la Cerámica End result:
1. Tomás António Morgado UAE Emirates XRG in 3:59:14
2. Antonio Eric Fagundez Lima (Uru) Burgos Burpellet BH
3. Clément Champoussin (Fra) XDS Astana
4. Alessandro Covi (Ita) UAE Emirates XRG
5. Christian Scaroni (Ita) XDS Astana
6. Matevz Govekar (Slo) Bahrain Victorious
7. Davide Formolo (Ita) Movistar
8. Mike Teunissen (Ned) XDS Astana
9. Sandy Dujardin (Fra) TotalEnergies
10. Jenthe Biermans (Bel) Arkéa-B&B Inns.
GP Castellón’15:
Rohan Dennis Case Postponed Till April 14
The case in opposition to Rohan Dennis over the demise of his spouse Melissa Hoskins has been postponed once more. Dennis was alleged to be sentenced on Friday, however the case will now be heard on April 14.
Melissa Hoskins, 32, who was additionally a high bicycle owner, was hit by a pick-up truck simply metres from her household house on Saturday 30 December 2023. She was then taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in vital situation, the place she handed away. Dennis is alleged to have been behind the wheel of the car. The Australian was arrested that very same day for inflicting demise by harmful driving. He was later launched on bail and was in a position to attend his spouse’s funeral along with his youngsters.
The case has been postponed a number of instances, the final time in December. Dennis was initially charged with three counts: harmful driving, careless driving and endangering human life, leading to demise. The prosecutor dropped the earlier expenses on that final event. Dennis did plead responsible to the irritating cost of ‘creating the chance of hurt’. Dennis additionally pleaded responsible to that cost throughout the newest listening to on Friday. The choose will ship a verdict on 14 April. Dennis, the World time trial champion in 2018 and 2019, faces seven years in jail and a five-year driving ban.
All very unhappy:
Juan Pedro Lopez Expelled from the Tour Down Beneath for Sticky Bottles
Juan Pedro López was not at first of the ultimate stage of the Tour Down Beneath on Sunday. The Spaniard of the Lidl-Trek crew was disqualified. López obtained a sticky bottle twice throughout the fifth stage to Willunga Hill. This was clearly seen on the TV display, after which the jury intervened and eliminated him from the race.
Photos present how López tries to return to the main group within the Queen stage of the Tour Down Beneath, on the highway to Willunga Hill. The 27-year-old managed to rejoin after some time, however with quite a lot of assist from a impartial bike. López’s sticky bottles have been clearly seen on the display by the tv motorcyclist, however this was initially not seen by the officers. After the race, the jury was confronted with the pictures and felt compelled to intervene: López was disqualified and brought out of the race.
Lidl-Trek, López’s crew, accepted the choice of the jury. “Lidl-Trek has obtained a message from the jury of the Tour Down Beneath that Juan Pedro López was taken out of the race previous to the ultimate stage, because of irregular provides throughout the fifth stage,” the crew introduced by way of social media. “Lidl-Trek accepts and respects the jury’s choice on this case.” López has additionally apologised. “I need to apologise to everybody for my actions on Saturday. I made a silly choice within the warmth of the second and I remorse it very a lot. I take duty for my mistake and can be taught from it,” he wrote on X (Twitter).
Juan Pedro Lopez out of the TDU:
High quality and Suspended Jail Sentence for Marion Sicot
Marion Sicot has been sentenced by the courtroom of Montargis to a suspended jail sentence of 10 months and to pay a high quality of €5,000. The French lady beforehand admitted to having used doping a number of instances between 2016 and 2019. After a constructive doping check for EPO, she was already suspended for 4 years on sporting grounds, however she was additionally prosecuted for ‘possession and import of doping merchandise’.
On the courtroom of Montargis, the 32-year-old Sicot beforehand admitted that she used EPO and clenbuterol throughout her profession. In these years, she raced for Servetto Footon, an Italian crew, and in addition for Doltcini-Van Eyck Sport from Belgium for 2 years. After a constructive check in 2019, she pleaded not responsible, however she subsequently admitted to having ordered EPO on-line.
Sicot pointed to then crew supervisor Marc Bracke and filed a grievance of sexual harassment with the French courtroom, however the courtroom dismissed the case in 2022. The prosecutor in Montargis dominated that it couldn’t be stated that Bracke, who had been accused a number of instances, had been responsible of sexual harassment. Bracke took his personal life in October 2022.
Sicot’s doping suspension was initially two years, however after an attraction by the French anti-doping company AFLD, this was prolonged to a four-year suspension in March 2022. That suspension has now expired, however Sicot nonetheless had a prison case hanging over her for transporting doping substances. The general public prosecutor demanded a one-year suspended jail sentence and a high quality of €5,000.
The courtroom in Montargis largely agreed with the general public prosecutor and so Sicot was sentenced to a suspended jail sentence of ten months and a high quality of €5,000.
A buddy and former novice bicycle owner – who facilitated the EPO – has been sentenced to a ten-month suspended jail sentence and a high quality of 10,000 euros. The physician who prescribed the EPO additionally obtained a ten-month suspended jail sentence, in addition to a high quality of 20,000 euros. He’s additionally banned from practising his career for six months.
Ban for Marion Sicot:
Marc Madiot Appreciates Jonas Vingegaard’s Statements on Carbon Monoxide
Jonas Vingegaard just lately known as for a crackdown on carbon monoxide abuse. A lot to the satisfaction of Marc Madiot, the Groupama-FDJ crew supervisor advised Eurosport that he appreciated Vingegaard talking out.
Vingegaard and his crew Visma | Lease a Bike additionally inhale carbon monoxide themselves, however different groups use the strategy to unfairly enhance their efficiency, the two-time Tour winner just lately advised Le Monde. “My crew makes use of carbon monoxide to measure blood quantity and whole haemoglobin mass,” stated Vingegaard, who identified a distinction with different groups. “Some groups abuse it by often inhaling low doses of carbon monoxide, which results in a big enchancment within the efficiency of their riders. That is unfair and the World Anti-Doping Company (WADA) ought to ban it.”
Madiot says it’s ‘excellent’ that Vingegaard is elevating the difficulty. “I wish to congratulate him,” he advised French Eurosport. “It’s uncommon {that a} rider of his degree takes a reputable place. Particularly on this space,” Madiot stated. “I feel it’s good that he speaks out. Whether or not he used it or not just isn’t essential. What issues is that riders will now not use it. That’s the reason I appreciated his phrases.”
Madiot himself believes that using carbon monoxide needs to be utterly banned. “It needs to be banned. I’ve been saying this for a number of months and I even despatched a message to David Lappartient who learn it out on the World Tour basic assembly. Allow us to be sensible and all say: we’ll cease doing this. That’s all and that’s it.”
Madiot believes that the UCI will really take motion. “Lappartient will embody it within the guidelines in order that it’s banned. He’ll put it within the guidelines that it’s banned. I’m sorry, however we’re not going to let riders breathe fuel. That’s nonsense. Think about for those who let this sort of factor occur. The general public sees the riders on TV, figuring out that within the night they’re going to breathe carbon monoxide. It’s a lethal fuel. What message do you ship out?”
Marc Madiot not proud of carbon Monoxide use:
Alejandro Valverde Wanting Ahead to Being Spanish Nationwide Coach
The official announcement just isn’t anticipated to return till subsequent week, however Alejandro Valverde has confirmed that he might be taking on as Spanish coach. Some particulars nonetheless have to be labored out, however he expects the four-year contract to be signed quickly, he advised Marca.
“It’s an thrilling step,” Valverde admits. “We’ve been engaged on this for some time and now we have 4 years of arduous work forward of us. We’ve got nice riders, so I’m stepping in on the proper time.”
The rationale for the delay within the announcement is that Valverde desires to mix a number of roles. The concept is that he can even stay an envoy, advisor and gravel rider at Movistar. “I feel that may go collectively. In any case, issues are regularly taking form. I’m actually trying ahead to it. Whether or not or not I proceed working for Movistar, it’s nonetheless my crew.”
Valverde additionally regarded forward to the World Championships in Rwanda. He thinks he has a number of riders who can do effectively there. “Ayuso for instance, who is certainly a part of my preliminary plans. And we even have Enric (Mas), Carlos Rodríguez, Landa… However it’s nonetheless an extended season till then. Though these are our greatest riders on paper, they nonetheless have to point out themselves.”
New Spanish coach Alejandro Valverde:
Caleb Ewan Indicators for the INEOS Grenadiers
Australian sprinter and a number of Grand Tour stage winner, Caleb Ewan, has signed a one-year contract with the INEOS Grenadiers for the 2025 season.
The dynamic 30-year-old brings a decade’s price of expertise on the very highest degree and boasts a powerful palmarès that features over 60 skilled victories.
Famend for his blistering pace, the Sydneysider has claimed 5 Tour de France stage wins, 5 Giro d’Italia stage victories and a stage triumph at La Vuelta a España.
Ewan’s additionally gained a number of phases on the Tour Down Beneath, UAE Tour and the Tour of Britain together with twice ending on the rostrum at Milan-San Remo.
Caleb Ewan stated: “This can be a actually thrilling new problem for me and a incredible alternative to get again to my greatest with the unbelievable assist of the INEOS Grenadiers. In 2025, my objective is to return to successful massive races. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve gained a few of these main occasions however I firmly consider I’ve it in me. I’m nonetheless solely 30, and with the suitable steering and the experience that INEOS brings, I consider I can rediscover my greatest kind right here. We haven’t finalised my race programme but, however I’m trying ahead to having these discussions with the crew. It will likely be thrilling to mix their concepts with my ambitions and collectively create an thrilling race calendar. Whereas the INEOS Grenadiers are sometimes seen as a GC-focused crew, I see enormous potential within the wider group they should assist a sprinter. Over the previous few years, I might usually reference INEOS in dash phases as a result of their riders constantly positioned themselves completely within the decisive moments. That’s precisely the sort of experience I’m excited to work with. Becoming a member of a brand new crew at all times comes with changes, however I already know lots of the guys, and all the pieces I’ve heard about how the crew operates provides me confidence that the combination might be clean. I can’t wait to get began and see what we are able to obtain collectively.”
Dr. Scott Drawer, Efficiency Director, INEOS Grenadiers, stated: “Caleb’s palmarès, expertise and talent to win massive races speaks for itself. In our discussions with him we clearly perceive the place he’s at the moment at and what his ambitions are. We all know that now we have work to do collectively to attain these, however each relish the chance. We’ve got made vital modifications to our efficiency crew for 2025 and that experience might be key in enabling not solely Caleb however all our riders, to be in the absolute best place to problem at each race. Caleb will go straight right into a crew camp and because of our world-class employees we count on his integration to be fast and seamless. We’re all very excited to welcome him and look ahead to seeing what we are able to obtain collectively this season.”
John Allert, CEO, INEOS Grenadiers, stated: “Caleb is a confirmed winner and one of many nice sprinters of this technology. Collectively we need to write an thrilling new chapter for Caleb as an INEOS Grenadier, and the arduous work required to attain this begins in the present day.”
A Partnership Constructed to Final: FDJ-SUEZ and SHIMANO Energy Ahead, Extending Partnership an Further 4 Years
Shimano deepens assist in the direction of girls’s racing, combining elite efficiency with rider-driven innovation to encourage the subsequent technology
In a sport the place groups and sponsors can transfer and alter as shortly as any racecourse, SHIMANO broadcasts its continued partnership with the UCI Girls’s WorldTour Crew, FDJ-SUEZ.
Since 2023, Shimano has been the crew’s fixed companion and can stay the official technical associate into the 2025 and 2026 highway biking seasons, with a dedication by each organisations to increase for 2 extra years.
Shimano will present FDJ-SUEZ its newest merchandise and applied sciences together with its DURA-ACE Di2 wi-fi groupset, which can assist the crew’s bold racing calendar. With essentially the most superior shifting and braking expertise, FDJ-SUEZ will profit from DURA-ACE’s lightning-fast, correct and dependable shifting efficiency, supplying the crew with the aggressive edge it must deal with the largest races.
The addition of high riders to this 12 months’s roster, together with Demi Vollering, winner of the 2023 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, and at least 4 consecutive stage race wins in 2024, alongside French Nationwide Champion, Juliette Labous, Elise Chabbey, and Ally Wollaston will imply even larger ambitions and targets for the approaching season.
FDJ-SUEZ picked up 13 victories in 2024, together with two nationwide titles, quite a few stage wins throughout a number of Normal Classification races, and two One-Day Traditional races.
Stephen Delcourt, Normal Supervisor of FDJ-SUEZ, stated: “In a interval the place the crew has skilled vital modifications in sponsorships, it was essential for us to protect this unbelievable journey with Shimano. This model not solely represents technical excellence but additionally stands as a long-term associate with whom we’ve constructed sturdy connections over time. Extending this partnership was a precedence for us, because it displays our shared values and dedication to efficiency and innovation.”
Yuzo Shimano, Senior Govt Officer, Vice President, Bicycle Advertising and marketing Division and Planning Division, Shimano stated: “The extraordinary development of the Girls’s WorldTour has proven us what’s doable in a brief period of time. What we’re seeing in the present day, when it comes to tactical brilliance, fierce competitors and a rising world viewers, represents a brand new period within the sport of biking.”
Rik Bossuyt and his Scooter on the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne Poster
Within the 2024 Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, the large second was when steward, Rik Bossuyt, stole the present by accompanying winner Wout van Aert to the interview zone on his scooter. This picture, which went viral, is on the poster for this 12 months’s race.
“One man, one legend: our head steward Rik Bossuyt!”, wrote the Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne organisers when saying the poster on social media. On the poster, we see Bossuyt, on his scooter, using over the Flemish roads. ‘At all times one step forward’, is written on the tarmac.
“This 12 months, we’re placing Rik within the highlight because the face of Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne”, defined the organisers. “Because of Rik and our volunteers, #KBK continues to excel. Collectively we make the race stronger, quicker and higher.”
In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, Bossuyt described the eye he obtained following the scooter second as ‘unbelievable’. He obtained lots of of messages and even Wout van Aert shared a humorous, edited picture on Instagram. “It’s good that Wout can giggle about it, as a result of I already felt a bit uncomfortable about it. It needs to be about him, not about me. I used to be simply doing my job,” stated Bossuyt, who was aggravated by some ‘impolite feedback’ on social media. “They have been about my weight. As for those who can’t do something bodily in case you are a bit heavier.”
Rik and his scooter:
Further Gravel Part in Strade Bianche Route
The route of the 2025 Strade Bianche has been introduced. The Italian one-day race may be even tougher, an additional gravel part has been added. In whole, the riders must deal with sixteen gravel sections this 12 months. The brand new gravel part is the Serravalle part, 9.3 kilometres of gravel. The part is simply earlier than the essential Sante Maria part. That’s the place Tadej Pogačar attacked final 12 months and left everybody behind.
Because of the addition of the brand new gravel part, the lads must cowl 81.7 kilometres of gravel. The whole distance of the Strade Bianche has not modified. The peloton will nonetheless should cowl 213 kilometres. The part to Serravalle can be on this system for the ladies this 12 months.
Extra gravel in Strade Bianche:
Volta a Catalunya ‘Wildcards’
The organisers of the Tour of Catalonia has introduced the groups that can begin within the subsequent version of the seven-day stage race. Along with the eighteen WorldTeams, there are the 2 greatest ProTeams on the 2024 UCI rating and 4 Spanish groups.
Burgos Burpellet BH, Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, Equipo Kern Pharma and Euskaltel-Euskadi have obtained a ‘wildcard’ from the race organisers. Identical to Lotto and Israel-Premier Tech, however these groups are mechanically invited due to their place on the 2024 UCI Rating. Uno-X Mobility, the third ProTeam on the record in eighteenth place, is barely sure of a ‘wildcard’ for WorldTour one-day occasions and won’t be within the Catalan tour. The race will happen from 24 to 30 March this 12 months.
The organisers introduced the stage schedule for the 104th version on the finish of final 12 months. The Tour will, as in earlier years, begin with a stage, beginning and ending in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. On day two, there might be a stage from Banyoles to Figueres. Stage three would be the first mountain end. The end is on La Molina (12.2km at 4.4%). The day after the end on La Molina, there’s a new mountain stage, to the monastery of Montserrat (8.5km at 6.7%). After the fifth stage, from Paüls to Amposta, the final mountain stage to Queralt is on Saturday. The ultimate climb is 6 kilometres lengthy at a mean of seven.2%. If the race isn’t determined after this stage, the standard ultimate stage round Barcelona with the well-known Montjuïc climb, will-
Final 12 months, Tadej Pogačar gained the ultimate total, with 4 stage wins. The Slovenian is not going to be there this 12 months, however Jonas Vingegaard might be at first with Visma | Lease a Bike.
Groups for the Tour of Catalonia (24-30 March):
WorldTeams
Alpecin-Deceuninck
Arkéa-B&B Inns
Bahrain Victorious
Cofidis
Decathlon Ag2r La Mondiale Crew
EF Schooling-EasyPost
Groupama-FDJ
Ineos Grenadiers
Intermarché-Wanty
Jayco AlUla
Lidl-Trek
Movistar
Picnic PostNL
Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe
Soudal Fast-Step
Visma | Lease a Bike
UAE Emirates XRG
XDS Astana Crew.
ProTeams
Burgos Burpellet BH
Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
Equipo Kern Pharma
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Israel-Premier Tech
Lotto.
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya Levels:
24.03 Stage 1: Sant Feliu de Guíxols – Sant Feliu de Guíxols
25.03 Stage 2: Banyoles – Figueres
26.03 Stage 3: Viladecans – La Molina
27.03 Stage 4: Sant Vicenç de Castellet – Monasterio de Montserrat
28.03 Stage 5: Paüls – Amposta
29.03 Stage 6: Berga – Nuestra Senore de Queralt
30.03 Stage 7: Barcelona – Barcelona.
Tadej Pogačar successful stage 3 of the Volta a Catalunya 2024:
19-year-old Italian Bicycle owner Dies after Coaching Crash
Italian bicycle owner, Sara Piffer, has died after a collision throughout coaching. The 19-year-old Piffer was biking in her house area on Friday morning when she was hit by a automotive. Piffer died from her accidents.
Tuttobiciweb reported that Piffer was biking together with her brother Christian, an novice rider. The 2 have been hit by a automotive that was overtaking one other automotive. Sara Piffer was in a critical situation, her brother Christian suffered minor accidents. The 19-year-old lady, who rode for the Italian Crew Mendelspeck, was resuscitated by the emergency companies, however sadly it too late.
Taken too younger:
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