Schlagwort-Archive: ASO

Deutsche Nachwuchsfahrer erhalten Einladung für die Deutschland Tour

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Saris Rouvy Sauerland Team, Team Lotto – Kern Haus, Team Dauner | Akkon und eine deutsche Nationalauswahl starten bei der Deutschland Tour. Sie erhalten eine Einladung zu Deutschlands wichtigstem Radrennen und ergänzen die 16 internationalen WorldTeams und ProTeams.

Das Saris Rouvy Sauerland Team beeindruckt derzeit in der Rad-Bundesliga. Die Mannschaft ist gleich mit vier Fahrern in den Top5 vertreten. Mit Jon Knolle führt sie die Tabelle an. Nach 2018 und 2021 erhalten die Sauerländer zum dritten Mal eine Einladung zur Deutschland Tour.

Für die Teams Lotto – Kern Haus und Dauner | Akkon ist es bereits die vierte Teilnahme bei der Deutschland Tour. Lotto – Kern Haus überzeugte in der ersten Saisonhälfte sowohl in der Bundesliga, wo das Team mit Jan Hugger den Zweitplatzierten stellt, als auch bei internationalen Rennen der Elite- und Nachwuchskategorie. Mit dem Gewinn der Gesamtwertung der Rad-Bundesliga setzte Dauner | Akkon in der vergangenen Saison ein Ausrufezeichen.

Zusätzlich zu den drei UCI Continental Teams nominiert der Bund Deutscher Radfahrer eine Nationalmannschaft für die Deutschland Tour. Sie gibt Nachwuchsfahrern aus weiteren deutschen Kontinental-Mannschaften die Möglichkeit, gemeinsam mit den weltbesten Profis zu fahren. Wie im Vorjahr wird das Team von einem deutschen WorldTour-Profi angeführt. Der Freiburger Simon Geschke tritt die Nachfolge von John Degenkolb an und übernimmt die Kapitänsrolle für die Kontinental-Fahrer.

Die Deutschland Tour findet vom 24. bis zum 28. August statt. An fünf Renntagen führt die Strecke über 710 Kilometer von Weimar nach Stuttgart. Erstmals hat die Rundfahrt einen Prolog und eine Bergankunft im Programm.

Teams der Deutschland Tour 2022:

UCI WorldTeams
• AG2R Citroën Team
• Bahrain-Victorious
• BORA – hansgrohe
• EF Education – Easypost
• INEOS Grenadiers
• Intermaché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux
• Israel – Premier Tech
• Jumbo-Visma
• Lotto Soudal
• Movistar Team
• Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team
• Team DSM
• Trek – Segafredo
• UAE Team Emirates

UCI ProTeams
• Alpecin-Fenix
• B&B Hotels – KTM

UCI Continental Teams
• Saris Rouvy Sauerland Team
• Team Dauner | Akkon
• Team Lotto – Kern Haus
• Deutsche Nationalmannschaft

Tour de France makes debut in Singapore with Mark Cavendish

Kriterium und Rundstreckenrennen, Tour de France, Vorschau, ,

TOUR DE FRANCE MAKES DEBUT IN SINGAPORE WITH MARK CAVENDISH: PRUDENTIAL IS TITLE SPONSOR OF FIRST EVER TOUR DE FRANCE CRITERIUM EVENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Singapore will make history as the first Southeast Asian country to host a Tour de France criterium event, supported by leading life insurer Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) as the event’s title sponsor.

The Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium marks the arrival of cycling’s most prestigious brand in the region. The race will take place from 29 to 30 October on a specially-designed street circuit in the heart of the city and features 32 riders from eight of the world’s best professional cycling teams including decorated British cyclist Mark Cavendish, who holds the joint record for the most Tour de France stage wins (34). Memorably, he secured four Tour de France stage wins last year. Cavendish is also widely regarded as the sport’s greatest sprinter, with four world titles (three in track cycling and one in road) and an Olympic silver medal.

Mark Cavendish said: “Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium marks a few firsts – a first Tour de France road race in Southeast Asia and a first race for me in this part of the world. Cycling has given me so much and is a great part of my life. It’s a privilege for me to do what I love and I’m looking forward to getting out there and to share the adrenaline, excitement and fun that comes with criterium racing.”

The Tour de France is the pinnacle of professional cycling – watched by over a billion viewers annually. Elite cyclists compete in a gruelling test as they cover an average of 3,500 kilometres over three weeks in their quest for sporting glory. In contrast, the Criterium is a shorter race on a closed circuit, which makes the format more suited to Singapore streets. The Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium race weekend will comprise races for both professionals and amateurs and is expected to reach millions of viewers through a variety of international broadcasters.

Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme said: “The Tour de France Criterium is a cycling performance, showcasing the speed and intensity of cycling through a race on an inner-city circuit. The Criterium format allows us to bring an adaptation of the Tour to more places, while still retaining the essence and spirit of the Tour De France with top riders in the heart of the city.

“With the Tour de France Criterium, cycling becomes a cultural bridge, celebrating the Tour de France atmosphere in territories the race has not yet explored. Given Singapore’s geographical location and reputation for organising great events, not to mention its enthusiastic cycling community, it was a natural choice for introducing this Criterium format to the entire Southeast Asian region.It will be a very exciting first trip to Southeast Asia for the Tour de France, and we’re looking forward to sharing the experience with the community here.”

Commenting on being part of the inaugural Singapore Criterium, Mr Dennis Tan, Prudential Singapore’s CEO, said: “As a leading life insurer, we want to support Singaporeans in leading healthier lifestyles, so we can all live well for longer. We decided to promote cycling because it is an accessible and sustainable sport. This sponsorship is a great opportunity to encourage people and families from all walks of life to bond while staying healthy and active.”

The event is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board. Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said; “We are delighted to be the first Southeast Asian country to host the Tour De France Criterium, a premier sporting event that reinforces Singapore’s position as a leading destination for sports in the region. Cycling is an environmentally-friendly sport that is popular with locals and visitors, and events like this strongly align with Singapore’s sustainability goals, as well as our ambition to be an urban wellness haven. As we welcome more visitors to Singapore, it is also a timely addition to our exciting calendar of events.”

The Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium is being promoted by TEG Sport in conjunction with Evoke EXP.

Geoff Jones, Group CEO of TEG said: “TEG Sport is proud to be working with the iconic Tour de France brand on what will be a world-class and exclusive new major event for Southeast Asia. We look forward to welcoming some of world’s best professional cyclists to take part in the dynamic criterium format raced through spectacular central Singapore. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast, a recreational rider or major events fan we encourage you to get involved in this exciting new event. On behalf of TEG Sport I’d like to thank the Singapore Tourism Board and Prudential Singapore for their partnership to bring this innovative global event to fruition.”

Visit singaporecriterium.com for more details on how to get involved and register your interest for the latest updates about the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium. Latest updates are also available on Facebook and Instagram.
@ASO

TOUR DE FRANCE: INFO WITH ONE DAY TO GO

Etappenrennen, Tour de France, Vorschau, ,

Key points:

 The 109th Tour de France, the 24th starting from abroad, begins with an individual time trial in Copenhagen. First rider on the ramp: Jérémy Lecroq at 16.00. Last rider to start: Marc Soler at 18.55.
 Mathieu van der Poel to hunt for the yellow jersey in the first week like last year.
 Tadej Pogacar feels stronger and more confident as he aims for the triple crown.

ENRIC MAS’ CONFIDENCE IS AT 10 OUT OF 10
There is no trident this year, not even a leading duo: Enric Mas is the unique leader of Movistar Team for the 2022 Tour de France. “I will have one more rider at my service to solve any problem”, said the Spaniard in a pre-race press conference. “We’re here to make the podium in Paris. At the confidence level, I’m at 10 out of 10…, or even more. The physical form has been good throughout the year, and it has been the falls that have deprived us of getting a good result in the races contested so far. Let’s hope the bad luck is over.” The rider from the Baleares didn’t manage to finish Tirreno-Adriatico and the Critérium du Dauphiné due to crashes. He went down on the last stage of the Itzulia Basque Country as well and lost a few places to end up ninth overall. “I improved my way of working and I trust my training at 100% now”, he added. “It is normal that Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic are the references. If they focus too much on their duel, others will have to take advantage of it. However, we have to look for a result and I’m not going to attack just for the sake of attacking. The first week is very complicated. I’m very motivated by the pavé stage. We’ve recognized it two or three times. On that day, you can make as many differences as on the high mountain stages. For me it’s a new challenge, something to learn.”

VAN DER POEL SEES THE HUNT FOR THE YELLOW JERSEY MORE DIFFICULT THIS YEAR
Mathieu van der Poel is set to take part in his second Tour de France with the same kind of ambitions but a completely different run in. This year, he missed out on the early part of the season due to injury and completed his first Grand Tour with the Giro d’Italia in which he wore the pink jersey in the first three days. With a time trial to start with, it might be more complicated for the Dutchman to take the Maillot Jaune but he still believes in his chances. “Tomorrow, if I can put myself in the top 10 and do a good time trial then maybe there’s something possible again, but it’s going to be more difficult than it was one year ago. Last year, with the first two stages, the yellow jersey was really a big chance for me. I’ve made it so it’s a bit less of a stress factor. I just have to see what’s possible. I don’t know where I will be against specialists in a time trial, and if I lose 10 to 15 seconds, which would be a really good performance, then I can maybe try something in the days after, in the Roubaix stage or another one. I prefer to be in a breakaway than in the peloton but I will also be there some days to help Jasper [Philipsen] in the sprints. We’ll share the chances of winning stages.”

ROMAIN BARDET: THE COME-BACK
Romain Bardet hasn’t competed on French roads since the 2020 Paris-Tours he finished 7th on his last season with AG2R Citroen Team. He’s back to the Tour de France with Team DSM. “We’ve had a nice teams’ presentation that made me realise how much I missed the Tour last year. Now I appreciate the greatness of the Tour even more. I come back with an even greater desire through the eyes of a kid again.” Forced to pull out of the Giro on stage 13 while he was fourth overall, he resumes racing at the Tour. “I’m unsure of my level”, he admitted. “I’ve done my best at training but racing is a different story. So I’ll first evaluate where I’m at compared to the other riders and I’ll race offensively like we did last year at La Vuelta with the whole team.”

CHRIS FROOME FEELS “PRIVILEGED” TO RIDE HIS TENTH TOUR DE FRANCE
As his team Israel-Premier Tech launched a campaign “Help Fund the Field of Dreams” to support woman cycling in Rwanda, Chris Froome expressed his happiness to start his tenth Tour de France despite all the hiccups he went through since his horrendous crash in June 2019. “Getting to Paris last year was a huge accomplishment as I had to overcome quite a few hurdles”, the four-time winner of the Tour de France said, “but yesterday was just a whole new experience. Chapeau to Copenhagen for that team presentation. I feel privileged to be part of the race. Only the last few months I’ve been feeling issue-free for the first time in three years. From January to now, except for the sickness at the Dauphiné, I’m on an upwards trajectory. I haven’t had a chance to test myself properly in a race environment. It’s unknown where I am, but rest assured that I’m gonna give 100% and I’d like to rise the occasion to win a stage.” Both his team-mates Jakob Fuglsang and Michael Woods expressed the same desire to win a stage over riding for GC. The Dane mentioned the cobblestoned stage 5 that brings him memories from the 2014 Tour de France in which he finished second at Arenberg.

DEFENDING CHAMPION TADEJ POGACAR EXCITED TO AIM FOR TRIPLE CROWN
After winning the Tour de France in the past two years, Tadej Pogacar declared: “I’m excited to start the Tour again. Like at any other race I want to do my best. This is the biggest race of the calendar, I’m happy to be at the start to fight for the title. The preparation went well with an altitude training camp and the Tour of Slovenia. I think my shape is good, not too much different compared to last year. Maybe I feel more confident, I also feel stronger but we’ll see in the race if it’s true or not. There will be difficult moment but I hope that I won’t have a bad day. There’s a tricky first week with possible crosswinds on the flat, bridges and cobbles. If we manage to remain united as a team, we don’t need to ride aggressively, we just have to fight for positions. We’re ready for that so we shouldn’t be worried. Looking at the weather forecast, we have decided that I’d be the third rider from the team to start. This is the most comfortable way. I don’t think I can win it but I’ll give the maximum and I can go well. It’s not too long. As soon as there’s a chance to take the yellow jersey, everyone likes to that, myself included. You never say no to the yellow jersey!”

PETER SAGAN: “WHO SAID I’M NOT GOING FOR THE GREEN JERSEY?”
Superstar Peter Sagan is once again at the Tour de France but for the first time with French squad TotalEnergies. “Finally I’m here at the Tour de France after some complications”, the Slovakian said. “I’m glad that tomorrow we can start. The Tour de Suisse confirmed that my preparation has gone well and I’m still able to win. I don’t think I’m doing that bad… It’s hard to predict what will happen in the race. All we can expect is three weeks of hard racing. I’ll try and win some stages and do my best. We are here with a very good team. It’s a new team for me. The atmosphere is very nice and very relaxed. It’s important to have some good time in this period as Covid makes life difficult for everyone. The first time trial will decide who will be able to hunt for the yellow jersey in the second and third stages. I will try to lose the less time possible. After that we’ll see… After stage 4, we’ll have a very interesting stage with cobbles. Who said I’m not targeting the green jersey anymore? Not me for sure…”

@ASO

BORA – hansgrohe mit Aleksandr Vlasov in der Kapitänsrolle zur Tour de France

Etappenrennen, Teamnews, Tour de France, Vorschau, , ,

Ein Grand Départ in Skandinavien, das Kopfsteinpflaster von Roubaix, die Pässe der Alpen und Pyrenäen – am kommenden Freitag beginnt in Kopenhagen die 109. Austragung der Tour de France. Bereits zum neunten Mal steht eine Mannschaft von Ralph Denk am Start der prestigeträchtigsten Rundfahrt des Jahres. Beflügelt vom Erfolg der letzten Wochen reist BORA – hansgrohe hoch motiviert und mit dem klaren Ziel in der Gesamtwertung mitzumischen nach Dänemark. Mit Aleksandr Vlasov, Lennard Kämna, Maximilian Schachmann, Nils Politt, Felix Großschartner, Patrick Konrad, Marco Haller und Danny van Poppel steht das Team aus Raubling mit einer schlagkräftigen Mannschaft am Start der Tour.

„Es war definitiv keine leichte Entscheidung, wir haben aktuell ein wirklich starkes Team und hätten leicht zehn oder mehr Fahrer nominieren können. Jene acht Fahrer die jetzt zur Tour fahren haben dies mehr als verdient! Alle befinden sich in sehr guter Form und haben im Laufe der Saison starke Leistungen gezeigt. Wir konnten in diesem Jahr bei einigen Rundfahrten glänzen und entwickeln uns mehr und mehr zu einer Mannschaft, die in der Gesamtwertung ganz oben stehen kann. Dieser Tour-Kader ist ganz klar auf unsere Ambitionen in der Gesamtwertung ausgerichtet, zugleich wollen wir aber ein aktives Rennen fahren und je nach Situation auch Etappenerfolge einfahren. Aleksandr Vlasov ist unser Kapitän für die Rundfahrt, mit Felix Großschartner haben wir einen Mann für die Berge und das Zeitfahren und mit Patrick Konrad ebenfalls einen Kletterer, der aber auch schon bewiesen hat, dass er als Solist Etappen gewinnen kann. Danny van Poppel ist nicht nur endschnell, er kann eine Mannschaft leiten und speziell in der Nervosität einer ersten Woche den Überblick behalten. Nils Politt ist ein Spezialist fürs Kopfsteinpflaster, ein Fahrer, der sich zu 100% in den Dienst der Mannschaft stellen und zugleich auf die Jagd nach Etappensiegen gehen kann. Lennard Kämna sehen wir in einer ähnlichen Rolle wie beim Giro, seine Kletterkünste und seine Renninteligenz sind von enormer Wichtigkeit für die Mannschaft. Max Schachmann hatte ein nicht ganz einfaches Frühjahr, kam aber bei der Tour de Suisse in bestechender Form zurück. Marco Haller als Road Captain ein wichtiger Charakter und mit seinem starken Sprint auch ein Kandidat für Etappensiege.“ Rolf Aldag, Sport Direktor

„Wir hatten in den letzten Jahren drei top-ten Ergebnisse bei der Tour, jetzt streben in Richtung Podium. Klar ist das ein hochgesteckt Ziel, wenn ich mir aber die Leistungen von Aleksandr Vlasov in dieser Saison anschaue, dann ist es kein unrealistisches Ziel für uns. Wir haben ein starkes Team und er wird in jedem Terrain und auf jeder Etappe die bestmögliche Unterstützung erhalten. Insgesamt wollen wir eine offensive Tour fahren, das Rennen aktiv gestalten und neben dem Fokus auf die Gesamtwertung vielleicht auch noch eine Etappe für uns entscheiden. Sollten wir diese Ziele erreichen, wäre ich am Ende auf der Champs-Élysées ein sehr glücklicher Teamchef.“ Ralph Denk, Team Manager

Marta Cavalli: «I have gained confidence in myself”

Etappenrennen, Frauenradsport, Tour de France, Vorschau, , ,

IN THE PELOTON ….

She is the revelation of the spring. Winner of the Amstel Gold Race by catching out the favourites before the red flame and of the Flèche Wallonne Femmes by being the strongest on the Mur de Huy, Marta Cavalli changed her profile during the Ardennes Classics. Now sure of her strength, the world n°6 confirmed this at the beginning of June with a new success at the top of the giant of Provence, the end of the Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenges. The 23-year-old Italian is now widely feared. She dreams of claiming the pink jersey in the Giro this summer and wants to support her teammate Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig in her quest for the general classification in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

At the age of 20, Marta Cavalli made her mark by winning the Italian championships. Wearing the champion’s jersey, she started the following year to make a name for herself among the classics riders that matter: 2nd in the Flèche Brabançonne, 4th in the GP de Plouay. The newcomer to the FDJ-Nouvelle Aquitaine Futuroscope team, who had already made a name for herself in the spring classics in 2021, 8th in the Strade Bianche, 6th in the Tour of Flanders, ended the year the same way, finishing 9th in the first edition of Paris-Roubaix Femmes.

During your climb of the Ventoux, you were seen glancing at the Tom Simpson stele. What does this victory on these slopes laden with history mean to you?
It’s a new step up for women’s cycling. We entered a new dimension. It was a great feeling to be the first to arrive at the top of a cycling monument. There was a huge turn-out of people on the side of the road. It was a great day for us.

You were born in Cremona, in Lombardy. Is that where you grew up?
Yes, and I still live there! I only leave home for the races. I know it’s not the ideal place to train. It’s very flat, the winter is cold, it’s foggy… But I like it! I don’t fancy moving at the moment.

Are you still living with your parents?
Yes, we live together.

Like Alberto Bettiol, when he won the Tour of Flanders in 2019.
Of course, sometimes it’s nice to be independent. But it’s good not to be alone at home and to have someone to help you, especially when you travel all year round. But I’m still young. I’ll probably think about it in the future, but not for the time being!

Did cycling come into your life through your father?
Yes, but it also comes from my grandfather, who loved the sport. He used to manage a youth team, about 50 years ago, and my father raced as an amateur. From the time I was 2-3 years old, I went to see him race every Sunday with my mother. There were always bicycles around. I think that made the difference!

„I knew right away that this was the sport for me. And today it’s my profession!“

How old were you when you started?
I was 11 years old. I waited a bit! I started doing artistic gymnastics and volleyball, among other things. Eventually I told my parents that I wanted to have a go. There was a small youth team near Cremona. I knew right away that this was the sport for me. And today it’s my profession!

What motivated you to start at the age of 11?
Because it was an individual sport, maybe. I wanted to show all my determination and strength in an individual sport. In the end, I learned that it was not just about that. For example, at the Ventoux, it wasn’t just my victory, but that of the entire team.

What is your first memory of the Tour?
One of the very first is Chris Froome… running on foot on the Ventoux.

Did you think about this during your race?
Yes, a little! The day before, I looked for videos of the Ventoux, to try to memorize the turns, and I also came across this one.

When you were young, did you go and watch the Giro, or other races, from the roadside?
Yes, and still today, because I still love it! In 2013, the last stage of the women’s Giro was a time trial that finished in Cremona. I went there with my father and took a photo with Marianne Vos. I look at it sometimes and think: „I was young, I knew nothing about women’s cycling and now I’m racing with Marianne!“

Did you have an idol?
Yes, Mark Cavendish. Once the Giro sprints were over, I would get on my bike and try to imitate him on the road! Maybe that’s one of the reasons I got into cycling.

Was it a dream of yours to become a professional rider?
No, I didn’t really think about it. It came naturally, year after year. When I think back, I ask myself how I ended up doing it!

Was there another profession that you wanted to do?
No, not that I can recall.

What did you study?
I was a science student in high school. I went to university but it was hard to reconcile with cycling. I had to stop. But I think I’ll go back in the future, because I like studying. For now, I have decided to put all my energy into cycling.

What does it mean to you to know that you can beat anyone in a race as tough as the Flèche Wallonne Femmes?
A lot of things. Before, I was never sure of myself and this uncertainty used to drain me of a lot of energy. Now I know I can do it. And so do the people around me. They trust me. It’s a whole new dimension. But on the other hand, nothing has changed in my life. I’m still with the same team, I want to go in the same direction. I’ve just gained confidence in myself.

Does this change your outlook for the Tour de France? Is the plan still to support Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig or will you race for yourself?
No, it’s still the same game plan. I’ll go to the Giro for the general. And I will support Ludwig in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. We have had a look at the final three stages, I liked them! We will have our opportunities and I am sure it will be a great experience. The team is motivated, we have already won a lot. We will go to the Tour with determination.

What would be a successful Tour?
If we can wear the Maillot Jaune for just one day, that would be great. But we also want to make a splash, to put on a show for the people and cycling.

Track racing was your entry point to the top level. Do you still compete on it?
Not really. In training sometimes, because it’s good exercise and good for the head. But having decided to improve in the mountains, it wouldn’t be a good idea to combine road and track again. Before (until 2020) I raced a lot with the national team. The track allowed me to understand what kind of efforts are made for me. I have developed technical skills there. On the track, you are always flat out and you have to make decisions quickly. This helps me on the road. I am confident when the speed is high and riding downhill. It has helped me to become a complete cyclist.

In her fourth participation in the Flèche Wallonne Femmes, Marta Cavalli took a prestigious victory, ten days after winning the Amstel Gold Race. In the middle of a classics campaign in which she burst onto our screens, Marta Cavalli played a decisive role in the 2022 edition of Paris-Roubaix Femmes, finishing in fifth place.

Marta Cavalli (FDJ-Nouvelle Aquitaine-Futuroscope)
Born 18 March 1998 in Cremona (Italy)
Professional teams: Valcar PBM (2017-2018), Valcar Cylance (2019), Valcar – Travel & Service (2020) et FDJ-Nouvelle Aquitaine-Futuroscope (2021-2022)

Major results :
• 2015: Team Pursuit, European Juniors Track Championships
• 2016: Team Pursuit, National Juniors Track Championships
• 2017: Team Pursuit, European U23 Track Championships
• 2018: Italian Road Race champion
• 2019: 1st Stage one of the Giro delle Marche en Rosa, 2nd Flèche Brabançonne, 4th GP de Plouay
• 2020: 3rd Italian Road Ace Championship, 5th Gent-Wevelgem, 10th Tour of Flanders
• 2021: 1st mixed team relay European Road Race Championships, 4th Ceratizit Challenge by la Vuelta and Chrono des Nations, 6th European Road Race Championship, 8th Strade Bianche, 8th Olympic Women’s Road Race, 9th Paris-Roubaix Femmes
• 2022: 1st Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne Femmes and Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenge, 4th Tour of the Basque Country, 5th Paris-Roubaix, 6th Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes

Distinguishing trait: „She is the most serious girl I know”, says her teammate Marie Le Net. “When the assistants suggest putting cream on her legs, she puts it on herself. She prepares her post-race snacks. She is very self-sufficient and pushes all the cursors of performance to the max.”

**************************************

Next episode:
• Ashleigh Moolman Pasio (ZAF / Teams SD Worx)

TdF – Info with two days to go

Etappenrennen, Tour de France, Vorschau, ,

Key points:
 The teams’ presentation in the Tivoli gardens at Copenhagen marks the beginning of a popular Grand Départ in Denmark.
 Lots of ambitions expressed by the riders during the pre-race press conferences: Taco van der Horn, Wout van Aert, Michael Matthews, Geraint Thomas and Ben O’Connor are the selected few.
 Groupama-FDJ to race with David Gaudu as sole leader.

A GUARD OF HONOUR FOR THE CHAMPIONS
The teams set to take part in the 109th Tour de France have gathered in the Tivoli gardens, the world’s oldest theme park (since 1843), to be introduced to the fans. It gives the riders an indication on the crowds that also await them on the road sides for the first three stages to be held in Denmark. The teams’ presentation is also an occasion to discover the Tour de France special jerseys, since Jumbo-Visma, Bora-Hansgrohe, EF Education-Easypost, Israel-Premier Tech, Trek-Segafredo and Alpecin-Deceuninck have decided to modify their image. It’s party time as well, hence the presence of the Lukas Graham band, well known worldwide on the pop scene a couple of years ago and still very popular on home soil, maybe as much as the likes of Tadej Pogacar, Primoz Roglic and especially local favourites Jonas Vingegaard, Mads Pedersen, Kasper Asgreen and Michael Morkov…

VAN DER HOORN SEES MEINTJES IN THE FINAL TOP 10
Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux opened the series of pre-race press conferences to express their multiple ambitions: GC with Louis Meintjes who aims at delivering the first top 10 overall for the team that had Guillaume Martin 12th in 2019 as their best final result so far, sprint stages with Alexander Kristoff and breakaways with the likes of Taco van der Horn and Georg Zimmermann. “The chances to win from a breakaway are very small but I’ll take them as much I can”, said Van der Hoorn ahead of his first participation to the Tour de France. “We also have a good sprint train with Andrea [Pasqualon] and Adrien [Petit]. Furthermore we have Louis for GC, I told him: don’t count on me on the last climb but on the first climb I’ll be there. He showed he was good at the Dauphiné.” The Belgian squad also sets his sights particularly on stage 5 featuring the cobblestones including a pavé sector dedicated to his local rider Adrien Petit.

JUMBO-VISMA TO GO FOR GREEN AND GOLD
Jumbo-Visma also has multiple ambitions in the 109th Tour de France: the green jersey with Wout van Aert and the overall win with either Primoz Roglic or Jonas Vingegaard. “Going for the Maillot Jaune is the dream this group has been hunting for a couple of years already”, Van Aert explained. “I’ll contribute again but the green jersey takes energy as well. I’ve showed that I can as well help the team and go for stages. I’ll have more freedom to try and catch as many points as possible. It’s a good thing to have two captains for GC because some bad things like crashes can also happen. Wearing the yellow jersey myself at the beginning of the race has also been a big goal for me all season. I don’t want to give up on that with just a setback. I don’t really feel pain anymore but I have to be careful with my knee every day. It’s quite a technical course, a bit longer than a prologue and it suits me. I’m looking forward to this start in Denmark. The first time I rode in this country, I was surprised by the amount of people on the road sides. After two years, we can finally have a Grand Départ with huge crowds as it should be.”

MICHAEL MATTHEWS FORECASTS A VERY INTERESTING FIRST WEEK
Australia’s Michael Matthews gave some interesting comments regarding his seventh participation to the Tour de France and his new cooperation with Dylan Groenewegen at Team BikeExchange-Jayco: “The Tour de France has been a roller coaster for me, with lots of lows”, the fast man from Canberra said. “Right now I’m just excited to be back on the bike (Giant) I won the green jersey with (in 2017). But I’m not aiming for the green jersey this year. To win it, you have to go for every intermediate sprint and bunch sprint. With Dylan [Groenewegen] who is the fastest guy in the world at the moment, our goal is to try and assemble as many stage wins as possible. Ahead of the flat sprints, I’ll put him on the best position, on the undulated stages when it’s too hard for him, I’ll go for it. I also want to see on Friday how close I can be to the time trial specialists because I have the big goal to take the yellow jersey in one of the first few stages but many fast riders have the same goal and it’ll it a very interesting first week.”

GERAINT THOMAS COUNTS ON THE NUMBERS
One of the three Tour de France winners back in contention along with Chris Froome and Tadej Pogacar, Geraint Thomas, the 2018 victor, offered his views on the 109th edition. “In the past we had one of the big favourites coming into the start: Froome, Wiggins, myself, Egan…”, the Welshman said, “whereas now, Roglic, Pogacar, the MVPs for the last couple of years, are our rivals. In the end, men will be men. We’ve got a strong team, we will have numbers come certain moments of the race… and we hope to use them to our advantage. The vibe on the team is as good as ever. It’s been a good group and it’s the same now. We have a good atmosphere at the minute and we will try and enjoy a great Tour de France together.”

BEN O’CONNOR BEST OF THE REST?
Third of the recent Critérium du Dauphiné, Australia’s Ben O’Connor thus confirmed his fourth place at the Tour de France last year. “I wasn’t that far off the best riders of the world, so even though Primoz [Roglic] and Jonas [Vingegaard] were one step above, I’m maybe the best of the rest. Lots of things are going, so I might be at their level or even ahead of them at the end. I’m here to try because occasions like this are rare in a cycling career.

GROUPAMA-FDJ BEHIND DAVID GAUDU
Team boss Marc Madiot opened the Groupama-FDJ press conference with some news. “Earlier this year we said we were going to ride the Tour with three GC guys, David Gaudu, Thibaut Pinot and Michael Storer”, the Frenchman said. “But things have changed during the season and our sole leader is Gaudu. Pinot will be his garden angel in the mountains.” Clearly, the recent stage winner at the Tour de Suisse who finished third overall at the France back in 2014 and appeared like a potential winner in 2019 until he injured his knee before the Alps will target mountain stage wins and will alternatively support Gaudu. Pinot confirmed that he didn’t feel himself able to ride for GC this time around. The team’s ambitions are openly to place the Breton climber on the final podium. “Except for two or three Slovenians, everyone else is playable”, Madiot noted.

All information about the Tour de France on letour.com

Mit Olympasieger Felix Loch den Schauinsland bezwingen

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Als Rennrodler hat Felix Loch alle Titel gewonnen – Zeit für eine neue sportliche Herausforderung. Bergauf statt bergab, zwei Räder statt zwei Kufen, Straße statt Eiskanal. Felix Loch steigt auf das Rennrad und stellt sich der Plan International Challenge zum Schauinsland. Im Windschatten des Top-Athleten fahren ambitionierte Hobbyradsportler*innen eine komplette Etappe der Deutschland Tour, um Spenden für die Ukraine-Nothilfe zu sammeln. Die wenigen Startplätze gibt es auf challenge.deutschland-tour.com.
Am 27. August steht die Königsetappe der diesjährigen Deutschland Tour an. Von Freiburg geht es über den Kaiserstuhl zum Schauinsland. Direkt vor den Radsport-Profis eine kleine Gruppe Hobbyradsportler*innen und Prominente die sehenswerte Strecke durch den Südwesten. Sie können am gleichen Tag ausprobieren, was sonst nur den Top-Fahrern offensteht: eine komplette Etappe der Deutschland Tour in kleiner Gruppe, inklusive Strecken-Verpflegung, Begleitfahrzeug und professioneller Rundum-Betreuung!

Exklusives Profi-Erlebnis für Rennrad-Fans
Nur die Plan International Challenge bietet Radsport-Fans dieses einzigartige Profi-Erlebnis. Gemeinsam mit Prominenten fahren sie die Etappe und sammeln Spenden für die Ukraine-Nothilfe des Kinderhilfswerks. Plan International setzt sich unter anderem für dringende Hilfsmaßnahmen zum Schutz geflüchteter Kinder und ihrer psychosozialen Betreuung im Grenzgebiet von Polen, Moldau und Rumänien ein.

Felix Loch engagiert sich bereits seit 2014 bei Plan International. Als Botschafter des Kinderhilfswerk unterstützt er unter anderem sein Patenkind Evelyn aus Peru und weitere Plan-Projekte zum Schutz von Kinderrechten.

Mit Olympiasieger und Tour de France-Fahrer unterwegs
An der Seite von Felix Loch begleitet auch der mehrfache Tour de France-Teilnehmer Johannes Fröhlinger das Charity-Peloton. Als ehemaliger Radsport-Profi, der in Freiburg zuhause ist, kennt er die Strecke zum Schauinsland aus unzähligen Trainingsfahrten.
Wer mit Felix Loch und Johannes Fröhlinger die Deutschland Tour erleben möchte, kann sich unter challenge.deutschland-tour.com anmelden. Nachdem der Schauinsland auf dem eigenen Rennrad bewältigt wurde, geht das Radsport-Erlebnis weiter. Direkt am Zielstrich ist ein Bereich für alle Teilnehmenden reserviert, um die Ankunft der Profis hautnah zu verfolgen.

Paula Patiño: „I know Colombia has its eyes on me“ (3/5)

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IN THE PELOTON ….

From the 24th to the 31st July, we will be looking at a handful of favourites for the Maillot Jaune on the Super Planche-des-Belles-Filles. Nevertheless there are many riders amongst the 144 taking to the start-line that will be looking for their moment in the sun on this historic first edition. Let’s meet 5 champions with an ambition to shine.

Paula Patiño: „I know Colombia has its eyes on me“ (3/5)

From the heights of Antioquia, Paula Patiño has developed her climbing talents to shine in stage races and hilly classics alongside Annemiek van Vleuten, her leader in the Movistar Team Women outfit. The young Colombian, who grew up as a rider with Fernando Gaviria’s father and then discovered European racing in the UCI’s World Cycling Centre, returned home to prepare for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, where she will be the only rider from her country to chase the „sueño amarillo“ (the yellow dream).

Paula Patiño’s road to professionalism took a decisive turn with a one-year stay at the World Cycling Centre based in Aigle, Switzerland. It was „the best cycling school“ according to the young Colombian, who was then able to join Movistar. Fernando Gaviria represents the Colombian school of sprinting and was the first wearer of the Yellow Jersey of the Tour de France 2018 during his only participation. His father Hernando, at the helm of a cycling club in Antoquia, introduced Paula to competitive cycling. Rigoberto Uran has been a pioneer for the current generation of Colombian champions. He won a stage in 2017, the year he also stepped on the final podium (2nd). He’s also a mentor to Paula Patiño, who even shares training rides with Uran in Colombia.

Where do you prepare for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift?
I’m currently in La Ceja, Antioquia. It’s where I was born and where I’ve lived all my life. I return there when my race schedule allows me. This year, I returned very recently, after staying in Spain since January. I’ll go back to Europe on June 23rd, and it will soon be time for the Giro Rosa and then the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

Many Colombian cycling talents come from Antioquia…
It’s a great place to ride. For example, these days, I’ve seen Sergio Higuita a lot. We have a good relationship and he also trains in Eastern Antioquia. We often meet each other and, depending on our program, we ride together a bit. Dani Martinez is around here often too. He’s not from Anitoquia, but he lives there with his wife and their kids. And there’s Rigo Uran who is from the area. So I see those three a lot and we share some training rides. Antioquia also attracts many foreign riders.

What is so good about cycling in Antioquia?
I think it comes down to the landscape, the mountains and especially the altitude. I live 2.200m above the sea. And you can ride on the flat, hilly routes or into the mountains. Antioquia is also a region with very open people. So when foreigners come here, the people will always try to help them find their way and understand the language.

And you got into cycling with a local figure…
I started with Hernando Gaviria, who is the father of Fernando Gaviria. With my brothers, we were doing all sorts of sports with the municipality programs, and Hernando is the one that really pushed me towards cycling. He had a club and he saw that I could have a talent for this. But at first, I was telling him that I didn’t see it for myself, I was saying myself that it was too hard a sport for a girl. Women cycling wasn’t as visible as it is now, it was only the men’s races that would get broadcasted. I told him I didn’t think I could do it, that there wasn’t a future there. And he was convinced that he could train me and that I could be a great rider. So one day he came to my home with an iron bike and a helmet and he told me: „Tomorrow morning I expect you at 7 for a training ride.“ I couldn’t say no anymore. The next day, I was riding with the club and he trained me until the junior ranks.

We know the Colombian fans and how they wake up early to support their riders in Europe. What is your experience with the Tour de France?
With my two brothers, we loved all sports, but it was always cycling that got us more excited. We would get up for the Grand Tours, especially the Tour. And I think that’s something that really defines the Colombian people. We are very patriotic people and cycling runs in our veins. If there’s a Colombian to watch, we get up and support any Colombian. Here, my family and everyone, they love it when I’m in Europe. They wake up at 2 or 3 AM, whatever it takes to watch the race. I think it’s lovely and it says a lot about Colombians.

Who were the idols that got you to get out of bed?
In the men’s peloton, I’ve always admired Rigo, not only because he’s Colombian, but also for the way he is. He’s always very natural. On or off the bike, it doesn’t matter if things have been going his way or not, he’s always the same person. I love what he shows us and what he teaches us. About the women, I’ve always admired Anna van der Breggen, Marianne Vos and Annemiek van Vleuten for the type of riders they are and everything they’ve accomplished. I’ve been able to race with the first two and I’m a teammate with Annemiek. She’s a great leader. At first, we were all a bit stressed when she came, because she’s number 1 in the world ranking, and we had to be up to helping her. I think she’s happy, and we’re happy as well. We’ve learned a lot from her.

What does it mean to represent Colombia in this first Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift?
I’m immensely proud. It’s one of the biggest goals, one of the biggest dreams that I had for this year. When we got aware this would happen, we all wanted to be there. The Tour de France is the biggest cycling event in the world, so to have it for the women means a lot. It’s a big achievement. To represent Colombia makes me happy and I feel a responsibility as well. I know the country has its eyes on me, that people will be thinking: ‚There’s a Colombian, we hope it will work well for her, that she will do great.‘

The Giro Rosa is a reference in Paula’s young career: she finished 8th in the overall standings in the 2020 edition, won by Anna van der Breggen. The 2022 Vuelta a Andalucia was particularly successful for Movistar: while her Cuban teammate Arlenis Sierra won two stages and the general classification, Serbia’s Jelena Eric won the third stage, and Paula was rewarded for her efforts with the 4th place in the final hierarchy. The Spanish classic contested in Irurzun, in the Basque Country, saw Paula Patiño display her ability to shine in one-day races. She takes 3rd place here, just after her teammate Sarah Gigante victoriously concluded a breakaway.

Paula Patiño (Movistar Team Women)

Born on March 29, 1997 in La Ceja (Antioquia, Colombia)
Teams: UCI WCC Women’s Team (2018), Movistar Team Women (2019-2022)

Major results :
• 2018: 1 stage of the Tour of Colombia, 4th GP de Plumelec-Morbihan
• 2019: 18th La Course by Le Tour, 20th World Championships
• 2020: 8th Giro d’Italia Donne
• 2021: 2nd Colombia Nationals, 22nd Olympic Games
• 2022: 4th Vuelta a Andalucia, 3rd Emakumeen Nafarroako, 9th Itzulia Women

Particular sign: the only Colombian in the Women’s World Tour! In the ranks of Movistar Team Women, Paula Patiño has one Latin-American teammate, Cuba’s Arlenis Sierra, five Spanish companions, and one from France, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Serbia and Australia.

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Next episodes:
• Marta Cavalli (ITA / FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuroscope)
• Ashleigh Moolman Pasio (ZAF / Teams SD Worx)

Weltspitze kommt zur Deutschland Tour 2022

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Deutschlands wichtigstes Radrennen unterstreicht erneut seinen Stellenwert im internationalen Radsport-Kalender. Zwei Monate vor dem Start in Weimar steht fest, dass die Deutschland Tour mit dem Maximum von 14 Teams aus der WorldTour stattfindet. Dazu werden zwei ProTeams und vier weitere deutsche Mannschaften zur Rundfahrt eingeladen.

BORA – hansgrohe führt das Aufgebot der 20 Teams bei der Deutschland Tour an. Mit Nils Politt als Gesamtsieger hat die Mannschaft ihre Heimatrundfahrt im letzten Jahr geprägt. Für den August hat sich starke Konkurrenz für das einzige deutsche WorldTeam angekündigt, denn die weltbesten Mannschaften kommen nach Deutschland. Jumbo-Visma, INEOS Grenadiers, UAE Team Emirates und Bahrain-Victorious bilden mit BORA – hansgrohe die Top5 der aktuellen Weltrangliste.

Intermaché – Wanty – Gobert Matériaux hat Fahrer in ihren Reihen, die der letzten Ausgabe ihren Stempel aufgedrückt haben. Alexander Kristoff hat mit zwei Etappensiegen seine Vorliebe für deutsche Rennen unterstrichen und Georg Zimmermann zeigte mit dem Gewinn des Nachwuchstrikots sein großes Talent. Deutsche Radsport-Fans werden sich auch auf die internationalen Mannschaften vieler heimischer Profis freuen. Neben dem Team DSM können auch EF Education – Easypost, Israel – Premier Tech, Lotto Soudal, Movistar Team und Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team ihre deutschen Fahrer für die Deutschland Tour nominieren. Das AG2R Citroën Team und Trek – Segafredo machen die Liste der WorldTeams komplett.

Aus der zweiten Liga erhalten Alpecin-Fenix und B&B Hotels – KTM die Einladung zur diesjährigen Deutschland Tour. Nach den Deutschen Meisterschaften, die am kommenden Wochenende stattfindet, werden vier weitere deutsche Mannschaften ausgewählt, die einen Startplatz bei der Deutschland Tour 2022 erhalten.
Die Deutschland Tour findet vom 24. bis zum 28. August statt. An fünf Renntagen führt die Strecke von der Kulturstadt Weimar und Meiningen im Freistaat Thüringen zunächst in das hessische Marburg bevor das Finalwochenende komplett in Baden-Württemberg ausgetragen wird. In Freiburg startet die Königsetappe, die auf dem Schauinsland mit der ersten Bergankunft der Deutschland Tour endet. Der Schlusstag führt von Schiltach im Schwarzwald durch die Region Stuttgart bis in die Landeshauptstadt. Dort wird nach 710 Kilometern dem Gesamtsieger das Rote Trikot verliehen.

Teams der Deutschland Tour 2022:

UCI WorldTeams
• AG2R Citroën Team
• Bahrain-Victorious
• BORA – hansgrohe
• EF Education – Easypost
• INEOS Grenadiers
• Intermaché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux
• Israel – Premier Tech
• Jumbo-Visma
• Lotto Soudal
• Movistar Team
• Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team
• Team DSM
• Trek – Segafredo
• UAE Team Emirates

UCI ProTeams
• Alpecin-Fenix
• B&B Hotels – KTM

Vier deutsche Mannschaften
• Bekanntgabe nach der Deutschen Meisterschaft

CERATIZIT CHALLENGE BY LA VUELTA 22: TEAMS SELECTION

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The organizers of the CERATIZIT Challenge by La Vuelta 22 have chosen the teams that will take part in the 8th edition of the women’s race which will be held from the 7nd to the 11th of September. The most important Spanish race in the women’s World Tour calendar continues to grow and will feature five stages in total, from Marina de Cudeyo, Cantabria, to Madrid.

The following 14 UCI WorldTeams are automatically invited to the race:

Canyon//SRAM Racing (GER)
EF Education-TIBCO-SVB (USA)
FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuroscope (FRA)
Human Powered Health (USA)
Liv Racing Xstra (NED)
Movistar Team Women (ESP)
Roland Cogeas Edelweiss Squad (SUI)
Team BikeExchange – Jayco (AUS)
Team DSM (NED)
Team Jumbo-Visma (NED)
Team SD Worx (NED)
Trek – Segafredo (USA)
UAE Team ADQ (UAE)
Uno-X Pro Cycling Team (NOR)

In addition to these 14 teams, the organizers have awarded the following wildcards:

Ceratizit-WNT Pro Cycling (GER)
Valcar – Travel & Service (ITA)
Team Coop – Hitec Products (NOR)
Cofidis Women Team (FRA)
Rio Miera – Cantabria Deporte (ESP)
Massi – Tactic Women Team (ESP)
Bizkaia Durango (ESP)
Soltec Team (ESP)

More information about CERATIZIT Challenge by La Vuelta: www.challengebylavuelta.com/en

ARCTIC RACE OF NORWAY 2022

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CHINA AND AUSTRALIA TO MEET UP IN THE NORTHERNMOST PRO BIKE RACE

Key points:
• Six UCI WorldTeams to take part in the ninth Arctic Race of Norway, 11-14 August 2022.
• Team BikeExchange-Jayco, China Glory Continental Cycling and Trinity Racing to line up for the first time.
The ninth Arctic Race of Norway will be held from 11 to 14 August 2022 on the same 4-day format as in previous years but for the first time below and not above the Arctic Circle. The event will welcome a well-balanced field of 19 teams, 10 of which will also take part in the 2022 Tour de France.

Accustomed to hosting the only African formation (Qhubeka) which has faded from the highest professional level, the race will be contested by teams from all other continents this time around: Oceania with the first ever participation of Team BikeExchange-Jayco, America with the return after a two-year hiatus of Human Powered Health that won a stage with Colin Joyce under the name of Rally Cycling in 2018, Asia with the brand new China Glory Continental Cycling Team, and of course Europe which keeps composing the majority of the peloton.

Two of the selected squads are from the hosting country: Coop that hasn’t missed a single edition of the ARN and won the mountains classification last year with Fredrik Dversenes, and Uno-X, the current talent factory of Norwegian cycling that developed the past two winners of the Tour de l’Avenir, Tobias Foss in 2019 and Tobias Halland Johannessen in 2021. Four UCI WorldTeams have famous Norwegians in their ranks: Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux (Alexander Kristoff and Sven-Erik Bystrøm), Team BikeExchange-Jayco (Amund Grøndahl Jansen), Team DSM (Andreas Leknessund and Jonas Iversby Hvideberg), as well as Israel-Premier Tech (Carl Fredrik Hagen).

August Jensen, a stage winner and second overall in 2017, first world class cyclist from northern Norway before the coming of age of Leknessund, is now with Human Powered Health along with Kristian Aasvold who came fifth overall in the 2021 Arctic Race of Norway. TotalEnergies features the inexhaustible Edvald Boasson Hagen who hasn’t said his last word on a bike yet.

Norwegian fans on the road side love their home favourites but the event equally attracts attention all over the world. It’ll be the seventh participation of Astana Qazaqstan Team that already bagged three overall classifications: with Rein Taaramäe in 2015, Sergei Chernetski in 2018 and Alexey Lutsenko in 2019.

“We appreciate the great loyalty of the teams who have regularly participated in the event and renowned runners like Warren Barguil also ask to come back”, commented technical director Yannick Talabardon. “There is something new this year with the BikeExchange-Jayco Team, the China Glory Continental Cycling Team, which represents a very big project for the world of cycling, and Trinity Racing, which should allow to discover new talents of international scope. It’ll make it a very interesting start list.”

The teams of the 2022 Arctic Race of Norway:

UCI WorldTeams (6)
Astana Qazaqstan Team
Cofidis
Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux
Team BikeExchange-Jayco
Team DSM
Israel-Premier Tech

UCI ProTeams (10)
Alpecin-Fenix
Team Arkea-Samsic
B&B Hotels-KTM
Bingoal-Pauwels Sauces-WB
Burgos-BH
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Human Powered Health
Sport Vlaanderen-Baloise
Uno X-Pro Cycling Team
TotalEnergies

Continental Teams (3)
Team Coop
China Glory Continental Cycling Team
Trinity Racing

The stages of the 2022 Arctic Race of Norway

Thursday 11 August, Stage 1: Mo I Rana – Mo I Rana (185 km)
Friday 12 August, Stage 2: Mosjøen – Brønnøysund (155 km)
Saturday 13 August, Stage 3: Namsos – Skallstuggu summit (180 km)
Sunday 14 August, Stage 4: Trondheim – Trondheim (160 km)

Find more information about the Arctic Race of Norway on arctic-race.com