Merry Christmas to all of the EUROTRASH readers across the World, I hope you all had a good time. It perhaps vacation time, however there may be nonetheless a lot of information type the peloton. We even have a race report from the Telenet Superprestige Zilvermeercross in Mol with video, outcomes and rider quotes.
TOP STORY:
- Tom Boonen talks about his ex-teammate Lance Armstrong
Rider information:
- Geraint Thomas prepares for remaining season
- Victor Campenaerts makes debut for Visma | Lease a Bike in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne
- Chris Hamilton sadly sustains damaged collarbone in crew camp crash
- Annemarie Worst harm report
- Marianne Vos to have a brief cyclocross season
- Annemiek van Vleuten displays talks about Vollering’s switch and Van der Breggen’s comeback
- Mick and Tim van Dijke: “Parting methods with Visma | Lease a Bike on a very good notice”
- Rider agent David van der Poel: “I really feel higher now than I did the final two years after I was nonetheless racing”
Group information:
- Telefónica extends Movistar Group sponsorship till 2029
- The brand new Movistar Group 2025 jersey unveiled
- Fenix-Deceuninck builds for the long run: Arrival of Annemiek van Vleuten, extension of Fenix and new youth construction
- New Shirt Group SD Worx – Protime 2025: “Bursting with Vitality”
- Constructing on stable foundations: Liv AlUla Jayco confirms its 2025 roster
- Q36.5 Professional Biking Group 2025 roster
Race information:
- Giro d’Italia 2025: Albania to host the Grande Partenza
And the unhappy information of the dying of Pascal Hervé.
Time for a Christmas EUROTRASH espresso.
TOP STORY: Tom Boonen Talks About his Ex-Teammate Lance Armstrong
Tom Boonen has opened up about his troublesome relationship with ex-teammate Lance Armstrong in Stamcafé Koers, the Het Nieuwsblad podcast. Boonen was 21-years-old when he made his debut for US Postal, Armstrong’s crew, however by the tip of that season he had determined to interrupt his contract to switch to Fast-Step. This didn’t go down properly with the American.
Boonen joined the then US Postal crew as a stagiaire on the finish of 2001 and made his skilled debut for the American crew the following yr. Within the 2002 Tour of Flanders he rode alongside Lance Armstrong for the primary time, the nice patron within the peloton in these years. “However he was by no means intimidating at the moment”, Boonen appears to be like again on that interval greater than twenty years later.
“I nonetheless keep in mind that Gianpaolo Mondini (the Italian rode for US Postal) all of the sudden disappeared that yr. He was concerned in a scandal and simply all of the sudden left. I keep in mind Armstrong saying: ‘it’s higher with out males like that, they need to ship all of them house.’ A couple of years later you assume: significantly…”
Per week after first assembly Armstrong within the Tour of Flanders, Boonen completed third in a moist and muddy Paris-Roubaix. Boonen determined to search for a brand new crew on the finish of that season and with a yr left on his contract with USP, he went to Patrick Lefevere’s Fast-Step crew. Boonen knowledgeable his teammates at US Postal of his departure by e-mail. “Lance advised me: good luck, you’ll want it. I needed to swallow arduous then. I used to be solely twenty years previous, . For just a few years he didn’t communicate to me after we noticed one another in a race”, Boonen remembers.
With the data he has now, Boonen is pleased with how issues turned out. “Think about if I had raced for US Postal for an additional two years. Then I might have been ok to be chosen for the Tour de France. And you then go together with the system. It’s that easy,” Boonen factors out, referring to the large-scale doping use inside the crew. “It wasn’t a alternative. It was a system that you just ended up in as a younger rider. At Fast Step they mentioned: ‘We’re not going to try this.’ Later got here the blood passport and filling in whereabouts. I used to be one of many first riders to try this. However at US Postal they nonetheless needed to win the Tour de France. I ended up in a totally completely different mentality.”
Johan Bruyneel, Boonen’s former crew supervisor at US Postal, has since responded to Boonen’s statements. “Tom Boonen ought to simply preserve his mouth shut! And that’s what I’m going to do.”
Boonen and Armstrong – Not one of the best of associates:
Telenet Superprestige – Zilvermeercross in Mol – Males 2024
Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) received the Superprestige of Mol, as anticipated, on Monday. The World champion waited to see what would occur within the first few laps, Laurens Sweeck (Crelan-Corendon) put up a struggle, however ultimately Van der Poel soloed to victory. Sweeck completed second and Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal) was third.
Everybody was wanting ahead to the primary duel between six-time World champion Mathieu van der Poel and three-time World champion Wout van Aert on Monday. However sadly: Van Aert needed to withdraw from the Superprestige cross in Mol on the final minute as a consequence of sickness. It could be as much as the opposite riders to attempt to give Van der Poel a tough time, however that was questionable. On Sunday in his return to cyclocross within the World Cup of Zonhoven, Van der Poel dominated from the beginning.
Van der Poel went from the gun in Zonhoven on Sunday, would he do the identical on Monday. The Dutchman had a very good begin, however left the early assaults to the others. Within the first three laps we didn’t see the rainbow jersey, however Michael Vanthourenhout, Laurens Sweeck and Lars van der Haar have been on the entrance of the race. Van der Poel subsequently stored his ‘powder dry’ for a devastating and decisive assault. After 20 minutes, it was time. The World champion determined to place the stress on for the primary time within the fourth lap, however Laurens Sweeck was capable of observe, the sand specialist was on a very good day and managed to go along with the World champion. Van der Poel elevated the stress even additional. Sweeck gritted his enamel and even appeared to be stronger at sure moments. Van der Poel nonetheless had lots left in his tank.
on the fifth lap, the rainbow jersey put in one other arduous effort and now the drained Sweeck needed to let go. The Belgian blown up a bit in an try and observe Van der Poel, whose victory was now assured. Van der Poel prolonged his lead within the remaining laps and took his second win out of two races, after his victory in Zonhoven. Sweeck rode a robust race for second place. Michael Vanthourenhout saved the day for Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal by ending third. Joran Wyseure was fourth, whereas Niels Vandeputte completed in fifth place. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider is the chief of the Superprestige and elevated his lead by 1 level over second positioned Lars van der Haar.
Race winner, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “The intention was to take it a bit simpler within the first half. That labored out properly. Everyone knows that Laurens can journey very well within the sand. It wasn’t actually a shock, however he put up a very good struggle. It took some time earlier than I actually began using properly within the sand. I solely began discovering my good strains within the final 4 laps. Then it obtained higher and higher. I used to be primarily centered on myself. I simply didn’t journey so properly within the sand within the first a part of the race. It’s additionally a bit harder on the wheels than once you’re using in entrance. You then go away your personal tracks after which it’s a bit simpler. It received’t at all times be plain crusing.”
2nd, Laurens Sweeck (Crelan-Corendon): “Once I managed to get again on Mathieu in that sandy part, I had a very good passage. That felt good, however I quickly realised that it was going too quick. I noticed stars in his wheel. I took some sandy sections very properly, however on the intermediate sections I needed to hold on to his wheel. Final week, when Mathieu wasn’t there but, this might have been a victory. However now it is a second place. However this was my third cross in three days, I can look again on that positively.”
Telenet Superprestige – Zilvermeercross in Mol – Males End result:
1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 59:41
2. Laurens Sweeck (Bel) Crelan-Corendon at 1:03
3. Michael Vanthourenhout (Bel) Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal at 1:35
4. Joran Wyseure (Bel) Crelan-Corendon at 1:41
5. Niels Vandeputte (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck Growth Group at 1:55
6. Lars van der Haar (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions at 2:08
7. Kevin Kuhn (Sui) Charles Liégeois Roastery CX at 2:14
8. Felipe Orts Lloret (Spa) Ridley Racing Group at 2:29
9. Daan Soete (Bel) Ridley Racing Group at 3:18
10. Lander Loockx (Bel) TDT-Unibet at 3:24.
Zilvermeercross’24:
Telenet Superprestige – Zilvermeercross in Mol – Ladies 2024
Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Fenix-Deceuninck) took her ninth victory of the season. The Fenix-Deceuninck rider soloed to victory within the Superprestige Mol on Monday. Lucinda Model (Baloise Trek Lions) got here second and Inge van der Heijden (Crelan-Corendon) was third.
Within the busy Christmas and New Yr interval, the cyclo-cross riders don’t get a lot relaxation. After the double World Cup weekend with the races in Hulst and Zonhoven, it was time for the fifth spherical of the Superprestige on Monday. The course for the Zilvermeercross in Mol is usually sand, so there might be an upset. The sector of contributors for the ladies was inferior to the earlier days within the World Cups. Puck Pieterse determined to skip the cross in Mol, as did a number of different high riders; Blanka Vas, Marie Schreiber and World champion Fem van Empel was additionally absent. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado and Lucinda Model there have been there for the battle.
The perfect begin went to Inge van der Heijden, she was the primary to go off-road, however Alvarado and Model weren’t distant. After her quick begin, Van der Heijden put in one other assault. With just a few sturdy sand sections, the Crelan-Corendon rider put the others underneath a variety of stress. Solely Model and Alvarado have been capable of preserve with Van der Heijden, however not with out some problem.
After the opening lap, the hole had elevated significantly, so there can be a three-way battle for victory. The three Dutch riders have been clearly too quick for the competitors. The primary pursuers have been Belgian champion Sanne Cant, Aniek van Alphen and the surprisingly sturdy Julie Brouwers, they have been already at 40 seconds after two laps. At this level the three leaders appeared to be very evenly matched. The place Alvarado and Model have been strongest on the facility sections, Van der Heijden was higher on the sand, till she made a mistake on the fourth lap. Van der Heijden misplaced 10 seconds and was unable to get again to the entrance duo. There would now be a duel between Alvarado and Model within the final quarter-hour between the primary and second riders within the Superprestige competitors. Alvarado appeared to resolve this battle on the finish of the fourth lap. The Fenix-Deceuninck rider rode completely by way of the sand, however Model made two errors.
Alvarado took a niche and managed to increase her result in 10 seconds and by no means seemed again. The robust Model stored pushing behind, the race was not over but. The Dutch champion discovered her second wind within the penultimate lap and managed to halve her loss. The distinction in the beginning of the final lap was 8 seconds and so Alvarado lifted her tempo, this was an excessive amount of for Model. Alvarado couldn’t be caught within the remaining lap and soloed to her ninth victory of the season and helped in the direction of the ultimate victory within the Superprestige. Model, who has been on the rostrum sixteen instances previously sixteen races, was second once more. Inge van der Heijden crossed the end line in third place after her sturdy begin. Cant and Brouwers accomplished the top-5.
Race winner, Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Fenix-Deceuninck): “That’s simply nice in fact and I’m very completely satisfied. Did I make a distinction within the sand? Sure, though I’ve to say it was troublesome. If you arrived first, every little thing was trampled to items and there was no actual path to observe. And on the wheel you had no overview, so it was troublesome to choose. In the long run, midway by way of the race I did attempt to make a distinction as a result of I heard that Inge (van der Heijden) needed to run. After that there have been solely two of us, in order that makes a distinction. I heard that Model had fallen, however she hadn’t ridden that far at that second, so I definitely thought she would nonetheless have the ability to catch up. She didn’t, in order that was the second for me to open the throttle.”
2nd, Lucinda Model (Baloise Trek Lions): “Once I fell, I obtained caught within the pedal. Then I appeared to get nearer for some time, however then every little thing needed to go properly within the final sand part. I wasn’t flawless within the sand after which it was over, I’m glad the weekend is over. Now it’s going to be a day of mattress relaxation.”
Telenet Superprestige – Zilvermeercross in Mol – Ladies End result:
1. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck in 43:10
2. Lucinda Model (Ned) Baloise Trek Lions at 0:34
3. Inge van der Heijden (Ned) Crelan-Corendon at 0:59
4. Sanne Cant (Bel) Crelan-Corendon at 2:09
5. Julie Brouwers (Bel) Charles Liégeois Roastery CX at 2:15
6. Aniek van Alphen (Ned) Cyclocross Reds at 2:24
7. Lauren Molengraaf (Ned) Charles Liégeois Roastery CX at 2:43
8. Rebecca Gariboldi (Ita) at 2:51
9. Yara Kastelijn (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck at 3:03
10. Ella Maclean-Howell (GB) Heizomat RadTeam p/b Hermann at 3:09.
Zilvermeercross’24:
Geraint Thomas Prepares for Ultimate Season
Geraint Thomas had been considering of his future for a while, however now he has introduced that 2025 can be his remaining season. The 38-year-old, 2018 Tour winner will primarily compete in stage races in his final yr.
Thomas deliberate on using the Classics within the spring in his remaining yr, however has now determined towards it. “The classics are simply too hectic for the time being, or you need to be ready to crash. I don’t have the heart for that anymore,” he mentioned in a INEOS Grenadiers crew video, during which he appears to be like forward to the brand new season with teammate Michal Kwiatkowski.
For Thomas, that is his remaining yr within the professional peloton. He’ll begin his farewell yr within the Tour Down Below (21-26 January). “After that I’ll go to the Volta ao Algarve (19-23 February) and some extra stage races with Tirreno-Adriatico (10-16 March) and the Tour of Catalonia (24-30 March).”
Thomas hopes to work in the direction of his final Tour de France (5-27 July). Then: “Possibly the Tour of Britain (2-7 September) to spherical it off.” Final season Thomas confirmed that he nonetheless has lots to supply as a GC rider. Within the Giro d’Italia. Thomas completed third within the remaining classification, though he was greater than ten minutes behind Tadej Pogačar.
Geraint Thomas’ early 2025 race programme:
21.01: Santos Tour Down Below
19.02: Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta
Geraint Thomas’ remaining season:
Victor Campenaerts Makes Debut for Visma | Lease a Bike in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne
Victor Campenaerts will begin his first race for Visma | Lease a Bike within the Flemish Opening Weekend. The Belgian, who moved from Lotto Dstny, mentioned in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad.
When Campenaerts was requested about his plans for the vacations, he spoke of his plans. “The Christmas events are in Antwerp and we rejoice New Yr’s Eve with the opposite household. The vacations are cheat days, so I don’t have to concentrate to what I eat. The primary race can be Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on 2 March, so there may be nonetheless sufficient time to get again to weight.”
The preparation for subsequent season took ‘VocSnor’ to Oliva in Spain, the place he was on a coaching camp with the crew. He’s loved it, mentioned Campenaerts. “Every little thing may be very organised and I already know fairly just a few riders. Wout van Aert, and Tiesj Benoot who moved to reside close to me, have additionally been good associates for a very long time.”
Campenaerts had already said his objective for 2025 when he transferred. “First get into the Tour de France choice after which win the Tour with Jonas Vingegaard as chief. That received’t be straightforward, Tadej Pogačar can also be using very properly, however I strongly consider in it,” he has confidence in his chief. However first the spring, beginning with Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.
Victor Campenaerts to begin 2025 in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne:
Chris Hamilton Sadly Sustains Damaged Collarbone in Group Camp Crash
Throughout a coaching journey on the crew’s remaining day at GC and Dash camp on Sunday twenty second of December, Chris Hamilton, Oscar Onley and Tim Naberman have been sadly concerned in a crash on their method again to the lodge. Chris was most closely impacted, and a damaged collarbone was instantly suspected and later confirmed by native medical providers. He returned house instantly that afternoon and can endure surgical procedure on the collarbone in the present day.
Group dsm-firmenich PostNL physician Camiel Aldershof defined: “Sadly Chris sustained a crash in coaching and has fractured his left collarbone. The fracture would require surgical procedure which is deliberate for in the present day. With the break, it is going to seemingly be round 4 weeks till he can return to racing, which implies that his preparation for the Tour Down Below is impacted and there’s a likelihood that he doesn’t participate within the race. This stuff are actually on a case-by-case foundation so we’ll proceed to evaluate Chris throughout the restoration course of in order that he can return to coaching and racing in a great way. Oscar and Tim additionally each got here down throughout the crash, however each look like okay in the present day.”
Group dsm-firmenich PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna continued: “It’s in fact very disappointing for Chris to have this harm occur presently of yr. We have been coming to the tip of a pleasant GC camp in Spain, the place Chris was displaying off his qualities on and off the bike as a highway captain. Alongside that, he was performing very well on the bike and at a excessive stage already with a view to the upcoming races in Australia in January. Sadly, this harm implies that Chris’s participation for the Tour Down Below, the place he was set to play an important function in supporting Oscar as our finisher within the deep finals of the more durable climbing levels, is within the steadiness with a choice on his participation made nearer to the occasion. We hope that Chris’ restoration goes easily, and we stay up for welcoming him again to coaching and racing when it’s clear for him to take action.”
Damaged collarbone for Chris Hamilton:
Annemarie Worst Damage Report
Replace on Annemarie Worst (Cyclocross Reds) following her crash in Zonhoven (UCI Cyclocross World Cup race) on Sunday. Annemarie Worst suffered a heavy crash in Zonhoven’s iconic Kuil. Examination on the AZ Herentals emergency division revealed fractures in two metacarpal bones (left hand). Tomorrow (Tuesday, December 24), the bones can be surgically repaired and stabilised by way of osteosynthesis.
At this second, it’s too early to estimate how lengthy Annemarie can be sidelined. It is a main setback for Annemarie, who was in wonderful type throughout this significant a part of the cyclocross season.
Annemarie Worst out of cross over Christmas:
Marianne Vos to Have a Brief Cyclocross Season
Eight-time World champion Marianne Vos will return to cyclocross subsequent week after virtually two years. The 37-year-old Dutch lady’s intention is to not simply journey cyclocross, though she’s going to solely compete a handful of instances (probably the World Championships), however with ambition. WielerFlits spoke to Visma | Lease a Bike crew supervisor Jan Boven about her comeback.
“Although she was not within the cyclocross final winter, we now have at all times stored speaking to Marianne about cyclocross,” Boven defined. “Marianne actually likes to cross. She didn’t like skipping a winter final yr, so it is sensible that she is again. The primary purpose is just because she finds it extremely stunning to do.” Nonetheless, the crew didn’t plan an in depth program. Based on a press launch from Visma | Lease a Bike lists the Nationwide Championships in Oisterwijk (12/01) and the World Cups in Benidorm (19/01) and Hoogerheide (26/01), however Boven hints at one other essential occasion. “Her winter can be restricted, however we do have a giant primary objective. We actually seemed in the direction of the World Championships in Liévin, and her objective is to begin there in good condition.”
For Vos, the winter is not only about having enjoyable. “The objective is to go for performances anyway. Marianne does nothing with out aspiring to victories. Good coaching blocks, enough quantity and longer intervals within the solar are essential for a profitable highway season. That’s the reason we now have arrange Marianne’s cross program in such a manner that it suits in completely along with her highway preparation, with out making concessions to her ambition in cross.” It is usually troublesome for her entourage to say the place Vos at the moment stands. “We don’t actually know that both”, Boven provides. “Within the winter that she final raced, she additionally merely mentioned goodbye to the rainbow jersey. After that, she had surgical procedure on her leg. However we now have already seen on the highway that she has reached her highest stage of the previous and maybe even higher. We’ll take that with us into this winter.”
Vos was spectacular all through the highway season, with highlights similar to victories within the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Dwars door Vlaanderen, Amstel Gold Race and the World Gravel Championships, however a silver medal within the Olympic highway race shouldn’t be forgotten both. And that whereas she had surgical procedure on the femoral artery in August 2023. Not everybody returns to their stage after that. “That was additionally the query in Marianne’s case, whether or not that may work. That’s at all times thrilling after such a critical harm. In the end, final yr round this time was probably the most thrilling time there was for her in her profession. Luckily, she has carried out fairly moderately since then (laughs). We’ll see how troublesome it’s to return to cross. What’s her specialty on the highway? Her explosiveness. That can also be crucial in cyclocross, so it ought to nonetheless work out a bit.”
As well as, it will likely be enjoyable for Vos to race along with her teammate and World champion Fem van Empel, her successor. “They’re excellent collectively. Fem can be taught lots from Marianne, particularly within the course of the highway, and in addition to mix these disciplines. They’re each winners, who know what one another can do. They’ll undoubtedly assist one another in that,” Boven concluded.
Marianne Vos’ cross program:
29.12 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup – Besançon
12.01 Dutch Nationwide Championships CX
19.01 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup – Benidorm
26.01 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup – Hoogerheide.
A brief cross season for Vos:
Annemiek van Vleuten Talks about Vollering’s Switch and Van der Breggen’s Comeback
The following season for the ladies’s WorldTour, must be very attention-grabbing as Demi Vollering has moved to FDJ-SUEZ and the return of Anna van der Breggen. WielerFlits spoke to Annemiek van Vleuten about 2025.
Van Vleuten is one of the best choose of what may occur, because the retired Dutch rider has fought many a duel with Van der Breggen and Vollering. “I’m actually wanting ahead to it. It’s an excellent growth for ladies’s biking,” mentioned the 42-year-old Van Vleuten, who can be a efficiency mentor for the Belgian WorldTour Fenix-Deceuninck ladies’s crew subsequent yr.
“It additionally touches my coronary heart,” continued the a number of World and 2021 Olympic champion. “It was one of many motivations why I as soon as signed with Movistar. I felt: we now have to maintain it attention-grabbing. It’s extra enjoyable if we unfold the standard over a number of groups. Then you have got a number of groups with a plan.”
“That’s actually the case with this growth, it’s implausible,” the previous rider may be very enthusiastic. “Additionally with Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who’s returning as a highway bicycle owner at Visma | Lease a Bike. She can also be going to be an actual classification rider. It is usually implausible that Anna van der Breggen is returning. They may increase the extent. As a bench sitter, we’re in luck,” concluded Van Vleuten.
Van Vleuten talks 2025:
Mick and Tim van Dijke: “Parting Methods with Visma | Lease a Bike on a Good Notice”
For Mick and Tim van Dijke it was troublesome to say goodbye to Visma | Lease a Bike. The dual brothers, who will race for Pink Bull-BORA-hansgrohe from 1 January, advised Sporza. “It’s nice that we parted methods on a very good notice.”
“We discovered lots from Visma | Lease a Bike for 5 years. The crew was like a household to us. The farewell was emotional,” mentioned the Van Dijkes, who each progressed to the WorldTeam through the event crew. They confirmed themselves properly there final spring. Tim’s eighth place in Paris-Roubaix was terrific, though he was demoted within the outcomes as a result of he went bellow the blue lineon the observe. “I’m nonetheless disenchanted that I didn’t get my first high 10 in a Monument on paper, however I confirmed what I can do in that race and I’m coming again to do higher,” mentioned Tim. It was after Roubaix that the twins wished to take a step and in addition wished a extra protected function: “To discover what potentialities we now have within the Classics.”
At Visma | Lease a Bike that wasn’t an possibility with Wout van Aert, Dylan van Baarle and Christophe Laporte as leaders. “We had an trustworthy dialog about that with sporting director Merijn Zeeman. Merijn and the crew wished one of the best for us and that’s why they allow us to go. After that lovely Basic spring, we predict that this switch is the correct step for our growth. Our new crew believes in us enormously and can assist us in our ambitions.”
The Van Dijke brothers transfer to Pink Bull:
Rider Agent David van der Poel: “I Really feel Higher Now than I Did the Final Two Years after I was Nonetheless Racing”
Final yr, David van der Poel ended his profession after ending second within the Sluitingsprijs Putte-Kapellen. The 32-year-old Dutchman didn’t simply stroll away from biking. The older brother of Mathieu van der Poel doesn’t miss life as an expert bicycle owner, as he mentioned in an interview with the em>Brabants Dagblad.
But he nonetheless rides recurrently. “For enjoyable. Alone, with dad or with associates. I prefer it this fashion. I really feel higher now than I did the final two years after I was nonetheless racing”, Van der Poel mentioned. “I’m glad I made this determination. With an workplace job I would already be searching for one thing else, however as a rider agent I’ve discovered my place in my new life.” After retiring as a bicycle owner, Van der Poel utilized for a job within the company world, however in the beginning of 2024 he was given a serving to hand to remain in biking. Earlier this yr he obtained his diploma from the UCI to begin working as a rider agent. Along with three companions, he based the corporate Sportsflow. Six athletes at the moment are a part of the corporate, together with Mathieu van der Poel and Arnaud De Lie.
In an in depth interview with WielerFlits, he talked at size about his new job. “The phrase we like to make use of ourselves is unburdening. That’s as broad and as deep because the athlete desires it to be. In precept, they will come to us with every little thing they want. That may be very various. The obvious is contract negotiations with the groups. Nevertheless it can be, for instance, that an athlete desires to purchase a home, however doesn’t perceive it. Then we’ll discover out for that individual. In precept, athletes can come to us with all their questions. Additionally outdoors contracts, outdoors biking, outdoors sports activities. Full unburdening. We prefer to work behind the scenes. We consider that the athlete comes first and that we ourselves are literally not essential in any respect.”
“It isn’t our intention to contact simply anybody,” Van der Poel continues. “The character of the athletes should additionally match ours. And they need to particularly not see us as a boss or paymaster, to call however just a few. We intention for pleasant relationships with athletes. We’re going to attempt to construct a very good relationship with crew managers. We’re at the moment busy with that, to tell them about our mission. Folks should additionally get to know us.”
David van der Poel now a rider agent:
Telefónica Extends Movistar Group Sponsorship Till 2029
The ‘telefónico’ crew kicked off its forty sixth season within the elite class this Wednesday on the revamped Espacio Movistar on Madrid’s Gran Vía, that includes 9 new signings and the jersey it is going to sport in 2025.
Telefónica reaffirms its dedication to the Movistar Group, extending its primary sponsorship settlement for an extra 5 years. By 2029, this partnership will mark 19 seasons of unwavering assist for the biking crew.
The lads’s crew options 28 riders. New additions embody Venezuelan Orluis Aular, Spaniard Pablo Castrillo, Ecuadorian Jefferson Cepeda, Eritrean Natnael Tesfatsion, and Colombian Diego Pescador.
The ladies’s crew expands its roster to 18 riders. Making their debut with the Movistar Group in 2025 can be Swiss rider Marlen Reusser, Briton Carys Lloyd, Brazilian Tota Magalhares, and, beginning in August, Spaniard Paula Ostiz.
Madrid, December 18, 2024 – The revamped Espacio Movistar, positioned in Telefónica’s flagship constructing on Madrid’s Gran Vía 28, served in the present day because the venue for the official presentation of the Movistar Group biking squad for the 2025 season. The occasion was inaugurated by Telefónica’s Chairman, José María Álvarez-Pallete, and featured the lads’s and ladies’s groups as the primary stars of the day.
Throughout the ceremony, Telefónica introduced the renewal of its sponsorship settlement with the skilled Movistar Group by way of 2029, guaranteeing the continuity of Spain’s solely WorldTour crew.
Movistar has been the crew’s primary sponsor for the previous 14 seasons, supporting Spain’s premier biking squad, which boasts a 45-year historical past and over 1,100 victories throughout its skilled groups.
All through its 14-season partnership with Telefónica, the Movistar Group has lined greater than 4,500,000 kilometres throughout roughly 4,000 competitors days across the globe.
Movistar is the model most intently related to biking in Spain and Latin America, selling the game’s international development as an expert self-discipline, a sustainable mode of transportation, and an emblem of a wholesome way of life.
José Mª Álvarez-Pallete, Chairman of Telefónica, started his speech with heartfelt phrases in reminiscence of Javier Echenique, Telefónica’s Vice Chairman, who handed away final Sunday. Álvarez-Pallete described him as a noble man and a unprecedented skilled. Talking in regards to the biking crew, he highlighted: “Telefónica identifies with the values of perseverance, arduous work, and sacrifice embodied by sports activities. This is the reason we’re proud to announce the extension of our partnership with Movistar Group and biking till 2029—a self-discipline with numerous followers worldwide. Over time we now have labored collectively, Movistar Group has achieved quite a few victories, and we’re assured it is going to proceed enriching its file within the seasons to return.”
Eusebio Unzué, Basic Supervisor of Abarca Sports activities, expressed: “We’re very grateful for Telefónica’s belief in us, and we intention to repay it by reaching the objectives we’ve set. We’re constructing a really sturdy roster and are assured we’ll have the ability to ship nice outcomes. In instances like these, sustaining a long-term sponsorship is a testomony to dedication and offers us the peace of thoughts to plan for the long run, making our crew much more engaging to everybody.”
Throughout the presentation, the brand new jersey that riders will put on in 2025 was unveiled: a brand new GOBIK equipment that breaks away from the bluish designs of current years. Impressed by digital brutalism, the Yecla (Murcia)-based model created a daring, trendy design that includes a singular typographic collage and vibrant colors that reinvent the crew’s identification, guaranteeing it stands out in each race.
Due to its expertise within the World Tour lately, GOBIK has developed clothes that ship cutting-edge aerodynamics, ultra-lightweight development, and optimum compression. Each element, from 4-Means Stretch materials to Graphene chamois pads, has been designed to reinforce efficiency and meet the calls for {of professional} biking on the highest stage.
The lads’s Movistar Group will start its highway season on Saturday, January 18, on the males’s criterium forward of the Tour Down Below, the primary UCI WorldTour occasion, in Adelaide (Australia). The ladies’s crew will kick off its marketing campaign on Saturday, January 25, on the Problem de Mallorca.
Movistar Group – 2025 Rosters
*New signings are marked in daring
Males’s Group:
Jorge ARCAS, Orluis AULAR, Jon BARRENETXEA, Will BARTA, Carlos CANAL, Pablo CASTRILLO, Jefferson CEPEDA, Davide CIMOLAI, Iván G. CORTINA, Davide FORMOLO, Fernando GAVIRIA, Rubén GUERREIRO, Enric MAS, Lorenzo MILESI, Manlio MORO, Gregor MÜHLBERGER, Mathias NORSGAARD, Nelson OLIVEIRA, Antonio PEDRERO, Diego PESCADOR, Nairo QUINTANA, Iván ROMEO, Javier ROMO, Einer RUBIO, Pelayo SÁNCHEZ, Gonzalo SERRANO, Natnael TESFATSION, Albert TORRES.
Ladies’s Group:
Olivia BARIL, Aude BIANNIC, Jelena ERIC, Cat FERGUSON, Sheyla GUTIÉRREZ, Liane LIPPERT, Carys LLOYD, Floortje MACKAIJ, Tota MAGALHARES, Sara MARTÍN, Mareille MEIJERING, Paula OSTIZ (from August 2025), Paula PATIÑO, Marlen REUSSER, Laura RUIZ, Lucía RUIZ, Arlenis SIERRA, Claire STEELS.
The New Movistar Group 2025 Jersey Unveiled
The revamped Movistar Area, positioned within the Telefónica Constructing at Gran Vía 28 in Madrid, hosted the official presentation of the Movistar Group for the 2025 season.
Throughout the occasion, Telefónica introduced the renewal of its sponsorship settlement with the Movistar Group till 2029, guaranteeing the continuity of Spain’s solely WorldTour crew.
The presentation additionally revealed the brand new equipment for 2025: a daring Gobik jersey that breaks away from the acquainted blue tones of current years. Impressed by digital brutalism, the Yecla-based model has created a placing, trendy design that includes a singular typographic collage and vibrant colors, redefining the crew’s identification and guaranteeing they stand out in each race.
Gobik’s expertise within the WorldTour has enabled them to craft clothes with superior aerodynamics, ultra-lightweight supplies, and optimum compression. From 4-Means Stretch materials to Graphene chamois pads, each element is designed to raise efficiency and meet the best calls for {of professional} biking.
The Movistar males’s crew will start their highway season on Saturday, January 18, on the males’s criterium previous the Tour Down Below, the primary UCI WorldTour occasion, in Adelaide, Australia. The ladies’s crew will kick off their marketing campaign on Saturday, January 25, on the Mallorca Problem.
Movistar equipment for 2025:
Fenix-Deceuninck Builds for the Future: Arrival of Annemiek van Vleuten, Extension of Fenix and New Youth Construction
At a press occasion in Milan, Fenix-Deceuninck unveiled bold plans for the approaching years, specializing in sustainable development, expertise growth, and innovation. Annemiek van Vleuten will be part of as efficiency mentor, the crew will collaborate with NXTG Racing, and Fenix-Deceuninck is strengthening its long-term imaginative and prescient with an prolonged partnership with title sponsor FENIX and a brand new clothes collaboration with Alé.
Annemiek van Vleuten joins as efficiency mentor
Nice information: Fenix-Deceuninck is worked up to welcome Annemiek van Vleuten as efficiency mentor. Recognized for her unmatched mindset {and professional} method, the former World Champion will information riders to realize their full potential. Her experience and management can be pivotal in refining each particular person and collective performances, as Fenix-Deceuninck continues to compete on the highest stage.
Van Vleuten: “Within the remaining years of my lively profession, I knew I wished to work with cyclists and athletes, serving to them unlock their potential whereas sustaining steadiness. When Philip Roodhooft approached me about becoming a member of Fenix-Deceuninck, I used to be shocked however shortly impressed by the professionalism and their dedication to each efficiency and the human facet of the game. I’m excited to contribute to the expansion of this gifted crew. All through my profession, I discovered the worth of reflection and bettering by way of trial and error, and I hope to assist speed up this course of for the athletes right here. This new function is a implausible problem that completely aligns with my ambition to develop as a coach.”
Concentrate on ladies’s biking development: partnership NXTG Racing & assist Omloop van het Hageland
For the previous two years, we now have been working a ladies’s growth crew, the place we have encountered stagnant development within the expertise pool. To deal with this and strengthen the basis of girls’s biking, Fenix-Deceuninck is getting into right into a partnership with NXTG Racing. This collaboration goals to encourage extra younger ladies to take up biking and break down limitations to entry. By this funding, the crew reaffirms its dedication to nurturing the following technology of expertise and increasing the game’s attain.
NXTG founder Natascha Knaven-den Ouden: “We’re completely satisfied that Fenix-Deceuninck helps us on this renewed begin. Our mission is totally centered on the muse: offering alternatives for younger abilities, guiding them, and getting ready them for the elite. In our discussions, it shortly turned clear that we share the identical imaginative and prescient. In the event you really need to develop ladies’s biking, you need to spend money on the muse. We are able to’t wait to encourage and assist develop the following technology collectively.”
Extra, Fenix-Deceuninck crew continues to again ladies’s biking growth by offering monetary assist to the Omloop van het Hageland. This initiative secures the way forward for the race and paves the best way for U17 and U19 occasions alongside the ladies’s race within the coming years.
Lengthy-term imaginative and prescient with FENIX
A key milestone for the crew is the extension of its partnership with title sponsor FENIX by way of at the very least the tip of 2027. This long-term dedication offers a robust basis for continued funding within the crew’s development and organisational growth. The crew stays devoted to course of enchancment and fostering an atmosphere that permits constant high performances. This imaginative and prescient aligns seamlessly with FENIX’s philosophy, a model famend for its give attention to innovation, know-how, and excellence.
Stefano Mion, CEO of Arpa Industriale: “We’re proud to increase our partnership with the crew, supporting their development and success. Their dedication to excellence and innovation displays FENIX’s values, making this collaboration an ideal match for shared aspirations.”
FENIX can also be a “color of manufacturers,” representing a large spectrum of creativity and identification. Along with new equipment sponsor Alé, the crew will convey this idea to life by way of placing designs. Along with the long-lasting “verde commodoro” and the established crew blue, the 2025 season will introduce a brand new color: “rosso namib.”
Due to the UCI’s allowance to modify outfits as much as thrice per yr, all three colors will seem at completely different moments all through the season, each in and across the peloton.
New equipment sponsor Alé
Beginning in 2025, Alé would be the official equipment provider for Fenix-Deceuninck. “Ladies’s biking has at all times been a high precedence for Alé,” mentioned Alessia Piccolo, CEO of APG, the firm behind Alé. “We’re proud to collaborate with a world-class crew and look ahead to supporting them with high-quality merchandise.”
Ceylin Alvarado, Sara Casasola and Marthe Truyen:
New Shirt Group SD Worx – Protime 2025: “Bursting with Vitality”
Group SD Worx-Protime is proud to disclose its 2025 crew jersey, a design that celebrates each the crew’s historical past and its dynamic future. Drawing inspiration from the printed pages which have documented the crew’s journey, the brand new jersey encompasses a newspaper-print motif, symbolising the crew’s tales of triumph, resilience, and keenness. That is mixed with trendy colors reflecting the vitality and dedication of Group SD Worx-Protime.
One of many crew’s latest members, Skylar Schneider, expressed her pleasure in regards to the new design: “The 2025 Group SD Worx-Protime jersey is among the greatest designs I’ve ever seen, and I’m thrilled to have the ability to put on all of it season!”
Teammate Mischa Bredewold added: “Glossy however vibrant, it bursts with vitality. It’s a really cool {and professional} jersey energetic. Its character suits the crew completely.”
Past its symbolic design, the 2025 jersey is constructed for efficiency. Developed in collaboration with Specialised, the jersey incorporates superior supplies and know-how to make sure optimum consolation, aerodynamics, and sturdiness.
Since 2021, the shirt of Group SD Worx – Protime has been voted a number of instances by readers of assorted media as probably the most stunning shirt within the peloton.
Video in regards to the new shirt of Group SD Worx – Protime:
Constructing on Strong Foundations: Liv AlUla Jayco Confirms its 2025 Roster
Liv AlUla Jayco is happy to verify its remaining line-up for the 2025 season, which goals to construct on the sturdy foundations set in 2024. After a yr of massive change and development, the Australian squad has solidified its roster with some essential additions that can assist the crew in concentrating on each one-day occasions and stage races.
Climbing energy
The three Grand Excursions can be a giant focus for the squad in 2025 with skilled racer Mavi García heading up the crew’s crop of climbers. She may have some very promising younger expertise beside her in Silke Smulders and Ella Wyllie, who each confirmed their class and growing abilities with wins of their debut season with Liv AlUla Jayco. Monica Trinca Colonel will convey some Italian flare within the climbing group for subsequent season after becoming a member of the squad for 2025 following a formidable breakthrough marketing campaign in 2024.
Head Sport Director and Liv AlUla Jayco Group Supervisor Gene Bates said: “With our climbing group we’ll actually be concentrating on the three primary Grand Excursions, the Vuelta Femenina, Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France Femmes. We’ve obtained some nice alternatives there and there have been some actual standout performances in 2024 from the likes of Silke. We all know the category of Mavi, and I do know she’s very motivated for the 2025 season. Will probably be nice to see Ella again to her greatest once more and the signing of Monica Trinca Colonel is one thing we’re all actually enthusiastic about. Regardless that she has an absence of background within the sport, the outcomes she’s been capable of obtain is one thing we’re wanting ahead to leveraging throughout the season.”
Classics energy
Dash finishes and the one-day Classics stay one other main intention for the crew after some large development in that space during the last yr. Letizia Paternoster combined it with one of the best all through the spring Classics in 2024 earlier than taking her first win in crew colors later within the season. Regardless of an harm that disrupted the opening months of the yr in Europe, Australian champion Ruby Roseman-Gannon hit her stride in the summertime along with her first WorldTour win on the Tour of Britain plus a gold medal (combined TTT) and sixth place within the highway world championships.
In the meantime, Georgia Baker confirmed off her growth as a sprinter with some spectacular performances, together with shut podium finishes on levels of the Vuelta Femenina and Tour of Britain regardless of balancing a busy observe and highway programme. All three can be aiming to construct on these performances and take one other large step up in 2025.
“We’ve got a variety of energy throughout the board. There have been some large and provoking performances in 2024 in our Classics teams and I’m excited to see the place that may go in 2025. Letizia’s outcomes final yr have been very promising, as is the flexibility that Ruby is displaying, and I believe the world championships highlighted that. Then there’s Georgia, who may have her full give attention to the highway, and she or he’s going to be thrilling in a few of these flatter classics.” – Bates continued.
Secure palms
Finishing the crew is a robust core of assist riders which might be adaptable to all types of terrains. Dutch rider Jeanne Korevaar has proven herself to be a massively dependable highway captain, whereas Swede Caroline Andersson is a key addition to the climbing group. Australian Amber Pate, Dutchwoman Quinty Ton and Italian Anna Trevisi add all-round energy to the crew, significantly on the flat and rolling roads. Rounding out the roster are two new additions in Australian Josie Talbot and Dutch rider Amber van der Hulst.
“We’ve obtained a terrific division of leaders and a few very high quality assist riders, so we’re in a protected set of palms after we go into these larger races. I’m excited, I believe everybody else is just too and hopefully we are able to provide you with some nice outcomes that can do the expertise we now have within the crew justice.” – Bates
Liv AlUla Jayco 2025 roster (14)
Caroline Andersson (SWE)
Georgia Baker (AUS)
Mavi García (ESP)
Jeanne Korevaar (NED)
Amber Pate (AUS)
Letizia Paternoster (ITA)
Ruby Roseman-Gannon (AUS)
Silke Smulders (NED)
Josie Talbot (AUS) *New rider
Quinty Ton (NED)
Anna Trevisi (ITA)
Monica Trinca Colonel (ITA) *New rider
Amber van der Hulst (NED) *New rider
Ella Wyllie (NZL).
Liv AlUla Jayco stats
No. of riders: 14
No. of Australians: 4
No. of internationals: 10 (4x NED, 3x ITA, 1x SWE, 1x NZL, 1x ESP)
Youngest rider: Ella Wyllie (22)
Oldest rider: Mavi García (40)
Common age: 27.
Q36.5 Professional Biking Group 2025 Roster
We’re proud to share Q36.5 Professional Biking’s Group remaining roster for the 2025 season. Joe Pidcock is our twenty fifth and remaining rider. Kurt Bogaerts joins the crew as Head of Technical Efficiency and Xenia de Roose as carer and member of the diet and efficiency crew.
Bogaerts met the crew in Spain in December and remarked: “First impressions are at all times essential and within the case of the Q36.5 Professional Biking Group these impressions have been optimistic. It’s very particular to proceed working with Tom. Xenia and I’ve been a part of his profession since 2018, and we achieved nice outcomes collectively. On this new crew atmosphere, I’m wanting ahead to persevering with that journey. With the technical companions we now have, we need to play an essential function in the way forward for biking. We journey the long run because the crew’s motto states. It is a mission with a variety of potentialities for development. Along with the riders and employees we’re going to make 2025 lit.”
There are a minimum of 12 nationalities represented: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Eire, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Enekoitz Azparren is the youngest whereas Gianluca Brambilla the oldest rider.
Group principal Doug Ryder remarked: “On the finish of a yr you at all times look again and mirror however I’m wanting forward. How may I not? The Q36.5 Professional Biking Group will embark on a terrific, new journey with the addition of our new riders and employees. Final week we got here collectively in Spain for a primary crew camp. It was nice that we may lastly begin the preparations for the brand new season in earnest. This camp was extra of an integration camp, attending to know one another, and about season planning. With the addition of Tom Pidcock, the crew’s ambitions change undoubtedly however the crew philosophy of Ubuntu – I’m as a result of we’re – is extra alive than ever. I’m very pleased with this crew and really enthusiastic in regards to the future we now have collectively. For now, I want to want you content holidays.”
Group Roster 2025:
Enekoitz Azparren (ESP)
Xabier Mikel Azparren (ESP)
Matteo Badilatti (SUI)
Sjoerd Bax (NED)
Gianluca Brambilla (ITA)
Walter Calzoni (ITA)
Marcel Camprubí (ESP)
Fabio Christen (SUI)
David de la Cruz (ESP)
Mark Donovan (GBR)
Frederik Frison (BEL)
David González (ESP)
Damien Howson (AUS)
Emils Liepiņš (LAT)
Kamil Małecki (POL)
Matteo Moschetti (ITA)
Giacomo Nizzolo (ITA)
Nicoló Parisini (ITA)
Joe Pidcock (GBR)
Tom Pidcock (GBR)
Jannik Steimle (GER)
Rory Townsend (IRL)
Milan Vader (NED)
Hurt Vanhoucke (BEL)
Nickolas Zukowsky (CAN).
Giro d’Italia 2025: Albania to Host the Grande Partenza
The 108th version of the Corsa Rosa will welcome Albania because the host nation for its Grande Partenza, which is able to happen in three levels. The race will start in Durrës on Friday, Could 9. Monday, Could 12, can be a relaxation day in Puglia.
Watch the video of the presentation right here:
The 108th version of the Giro d’Italia will begin from Albania, which is able to host the Grande Partenza of the Corsa Rosa for the primary time in its historical past. The occasion will kick off on Friday, Could 9, with a medium-mountain stage beginning in Durrës and ending in Tiranë, a remake of the ‘mountain stage within the metropolis’ that includes a complete of 1,800 meters of elevation achieve over 164 km. On Saturday, Could 10, the streets of the Albanian capital will host a 13.7-km particular person time trial, an essential take a look at for the ambitions of the GC riders. The trio of levels on Albanian soil will conclude with one other medium-mountain stage on Sunday, beginning and ending in Vlorë, overlaying 160 km and over 2,700 meters of elevation achieve. The Corsa Rosa, whose remaining route can be unveiled in Rome on January 13, will then resume from Puglia on Could 13.
The presentation occasion for the Grande Partenza, held within the Prime Minister’s Workplace in Tiranë, was attended by Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, Paolo Bellino, CEO and Basic Director of RCS Sports activities & Occasions, Ogerta Manastirliu, Minister of Training, Sports activities, and Youth of Albania, Mauro Vegni, Director of the Giro d’Italia, Vincenzo Nibali and plenty of different visitors.
Giro d’Italia, Grande Partenza from Overseas
1965 San Marino (REPUBLIC OF SAN MARINO)
1966 Monte Carlo (PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO)
1973 Verviers (BELGIUM)
1974 Vatican Metropolis
1996 Athens (GREECE)
1998 Good (FRANCE)
2002 Groningen (NETHERLANDS)
2006 Seraing (BELGIUM)
2010 Amsterdam (NETHERLANDS)
2012 Herning (DENMARK)
2014 Belfast (NORTHERN IRELAND)
2016 Apeldoorn (NETHERLANDS)
2018 Jerusalem (ISRAEL)
2022 Budapest (HUNGARY)
The Trofeo Senza Effective in Skënderbej Sq.
The Levels
Stage 1, Durrës-Tiranë, 164km
A rolling stage with a difficult end that can convey crew leaders to the entrance proper from the beginning. The stage begins in Durrës with a barely undulating first part heading inland. All of the elevation achieve is concentrated within the remaining 90 km. Riders will first sort out the Gracen climb, over 13 km, earlier than reaching Tiranë, the place they’ll full a 22-km circuit that includes the quick however steep Surrel KOM (as much as 12%) midway by way of the loop. A large, quick descent results in the centre of the capital.
Stage 2, Tiranë-Tiranë Tudor ITT, 13.7km
A person time trial round a circuit in central Tirana. It follows largely broad, straight avenues, interrupted by a climb of about 1.5 km at 6% with quick, steeper sections. The second half is downhill and flat till the end.
Stage 3, Vlorë-Vlorë, 160km
One other difficult stage, with solely the ultimate 30 km really flat. The primary half undulates by way of the inland and crosses the quick Q. Shakellës move, resulting in the coast (max gradient 14%). Then comes the lengthy Qafa e Llogarasë climb, practically 11 km with gradients exceeding 7%. A protracted, quick descent follows, with a coastal end on the ultimate straight in Vlorë.
Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania: “It is a vital second on this planet of sports activities and we’re privileged to share with all of you. That is an distinctive alternative to showcase our stunning nation to 800 million viewers all all over the world. I’m really delighted that for 3 days, in Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë, we’ll host so many champions who can be our visitors, and who can be talked about all around the world, together with Albania. We’re going to host an occasion that’s not only a sports activities occasion however a terrific in style celebration the place everybody will get concerned. For us, that is the primary time, and I hope not the final”.
Paolo Bellino, Managing Director and Basic Supervisor of RCS Sports activities & Occasions: “Within the lengthy historical past of the Giro d’Italia, this would be the fifteenth begin from overseas—a supply of pleasure because it celebrates the worldwide scope of the Corsa Rosa and marks an essential step in solidifying the Giro’s place as a world occasion able to embracing completely different cultures and territories. This alternative permits us to advertise biking in a nation with which we share sturdy historic, sporting, and cultural ties. Furthermore, because of the worldwide consideration that an occasion like ours can appeal to, the Grande Partenza can be a chance to showcase a area that’s rising and stuffed with potential. We’re thrilled to take the Giro throughout the Adriatic, additional reinforcing its message of internationality, and we’re assured that this begin will stay etched within the reminiscences of everybody—from the riders to the followers”.
Ogerta Manastirliu, Minister of Training, Sports activities, and Youth of Albania: “A prestigious worldwide sporting occasion adopted by over 800 million spectators. The three beginning levels can be held in three municipalities of the nation: Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë. This is a wonderful alternative for Albania to showcase its pure magnificence and landscapes, because the occasion can be broadcast reside to 200 nations worldwide. Worldwide media can be attending it as properly. This occasion is a key driver for tourism, with each short-term and long-term advantages, and offers a golden alternative to advertise the game of biking. From an financial perspective, we additionally see it as a major alternative. Sport, as a growth engine, brings actual worth, and we’re thrilled to have been chosen by Giro D’Italia”.
Mauro Vegni, Director of the Giro d’Italia: “The route for the Grande Partenza of the Giro d’Italia 2025 in Albania has been designed to ship a spectacular present from the very first pedal strokes, combining the great thing about the area with a technical structure that can spotlight the riders’ expertise, following the mannequin we efficiently adopted final yr. Biking has developed, and we’re seeing how in the present day’s high riders are unafraid to take dangers. We consider these opening levels will problem the final classification contenders and that, because of the time trial in Tirana—a technical and scenic route by way of the center of the Albanian capital—we’d see the primary time gaps among the many large names. We’ll supply an exciting begin to the Giro, each for the native viewers and for these following the race from house”.
Vincenzo Nibali: “Each Grande Partenza from overseas is a unprecedented alternative to convey biking to new territories, connecting followers and communities with this excellent sport. I’ve skilled a number of first-hand, however probably the most particular one, definitely, was in 2016, after I achieved my second victory. That yr, the race began within the Netherlands, the place we rode by way of unimaginable crowds. This expertise made me realise the distinctive worldwide worth of the Giro. The 2025 route appears difficult from the very starting and guarantees nice spectacle—not simply due to the character of the levels but additionally as a result of the massive contenders should keep on the entrance from the outset to keep away from shedding treasured time”.
Pascal Hervé Taken Too Younger
Former French bicycle owner Pascal Hervé died on Tuesday evening on the age of 60, in accordance with the French Skilled Cyclists’ Union (UNCP).
The French Skilled Cyclists’ Union introduced the dying of former skilled bicycle owner Pascal Hervé: “The UNCP, the nice biking household is in mourning. It’s with deep unhappiness that we be taught of the dying of Pascal Hervé. Pascal was an emblematic determine and a vital voice of our sport. Our ideas are together with his household. Honest condolences to his family members.”
The reason for his dying is unknown, however final September it was reported that the retired French bicycle owner had undergone surgical procedure in the course of the yr for a abdomen tumour and within the operation they needed to take away the whole abdomen.
Pascal Hervé made his skilled debut in 1994 with Festina-Lotus, the place he remained till 1999, earlier than transferring to the Polti crew in 2000 and Alexia Alluminio in 2001, and dealing as a sports activities director at Garneau-Québec in Canada, the place he moved to reside for just a few years.
He retired in 2001 after a ninth place within the Giro dell’Appennino, three years after having been sanctioned for his involvement within the Festina case, together with Richard Virenque. All through his skilled profession he had seven victories: A stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné in 1994, stage of the Tour of Switzerland in 2000, the third stage of the Tour of the Basque Nation in 1998 and the sixth stage of the Giro d’Italia in 1996, the place he took the pink chief’s jersey.
Relaxation in peace:
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