The season correct has began with the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route, Faun-Ardèche Traditional and Faun Drôme Traditional. We now have all of the studies, outcomes, rider quotes and video.
TOP STORY:
- Will World champion, Tadej Pogačar, trip Paris-Roubaix this 12 months? Extra rumours
Rider information:
- Declassification and yellow card for Kaden Groves in Kuurne
- Wout van Aert wore a time trial helmet in Omloop: “I needed to mislead everybody a bit”
- Frederik Frison had a nasty 12 months attributable to canine chew
- Patrick Lefevere: “The dominance of UAE Emirates XRG is scary”
- Tom Boonen on the 2015 Omloop: “I nearly fought with Niki Terpstra”
Crew information:
- Strangest race end ever! | INEOS Grenadiers | Behind the scenes video
- Franky Van Haesebroucke reinforces the efficiency workforce
Race information:
- Sep Vanmarcke discusses race safely with the UCI
- 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ within the UK?
- Groups introduced for Strade Bianche Ladies Elite and Sanremo Ladies
- La Vuelta Femenina’25 by Carrefour.es: Groups choice
Opening weekend espresso time!
TOP STORY: Will World Champion Tadej Pogačar Experience Paris-Roubaix this Yr?
Tadej Pogačar beginning Paris-Roubaix for the primary time this 12 months has been one of many largest questions in current weeks. The workforce beforehand appeared to place an finish to all uncertainty and dominated out a debut in 2025, however the World champion is now leaving the door large open once more.
With one quick video of 1 and a half minutes through Instagram, the Slovenian beforehand confirmed himself filmed whereas he was using on the cobbles of Wallers along with teammate Tim Wellens. After the route reconnaissance of the Tour of Flanders, the three-time Tour winner added a trip on the roads of Paris-Roubaix. However that race was not on his schedule The hearsay mill began at full velocity, however based on UAE Emirates XRG, a debut within the ‘Hell of the North’ isn’t on the playing cards.
Pogačar himself appears to be occupied with a primary participation in Paris-Roubaix. He hinted in an unique interview with the programme ‘Bartoli Time’ on the French tv channel RMC. “After my reconnaissance, I’ve to say that Paris-Roubaix has caught my consideration. I really thought that this race could be too robust for me, however I’ve discovered that it needs to be attainable. There’s a good likelihood that I shall be in the beginning within the close to future. I can’t but say whether or not that shall be this season or subsequent 12 months. However it’s attainable that I’ll take part this 12 months. There may be all the time an opportunity. If the shape is sweet, why not? We are going to see. I feel the choice shall be made after Milan-San Remo (22 March).”
The robust hearsay is that Pogačar has made a wager that if he wins Milano-Sanremo, he’ll trip Paris-Roubaix…. we are going to see.
Will he or received’t he?
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2025
The primary ‘actual’ race of the season, the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, surprisingly completed with a bunch dash and in an in depth fought lunge for the road, it was Uno-X Mobility’s Søren Wærenskjold who received the higher of Paul Magnier (Soudal Fast-Step) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck).
It didn’t take lengthy for the early break to type. Six males escaped: Julius van den Berg (Picnic-PostNL), Enzo Leijnse (Picnic-PostNL), Elmar Reinders (Jayco AlUla), Hartthijs de Vries (Unibet Tietema Rockets), Victor Vercouillie (Flanders-Baloise) and Giosuè Epis (Arkea B&B-Motels). Siebe Deweirdt (Flanders-Baloise) joined them a bit of later. The attackers have been allowed to take an 8 minute benefit. However Visma | Lease a Bike and UAE Emirates XRG didn’t give them any extra time. The 2 massive groups took management and slowly decreased the lead. The seven leaders have been stopped by a closed railway crossing. However they nonetheless had nearly 6 minutes once they turned onto the cobbles of the Lange Munten, 90 kilometres from the end. On these cobbles, UAE Emirates XRG determined to placed on the strain. They pulled the peloton into an extended line. The acceleration didn’t result in a cut up. The principle motion hadn’t come but, however there had been a warning shot. Not a lot later, there was a crash within the peloton. Victor Campenaerts was one of many victims, however the Belgian of Visma | Lease a Bike was in a position to come again shortly. After a sequence drawback, he managed to rejoin.
Arnaud De Lie was additionally having bike issues. The Belgian champion first had a flat tyre after which additionally had issues together with his chain. He then had a giant hole to shut to get again to the bunch, however he managed to rejoin earlier than the Eikenberg. There Matthew Brennan opened up the race. The 20-year-old British Visma | Lease a Bike rider attacked and was joined by Tim van Dijke (Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) and Vito Braet (Intermarché-Wanty). The three have been shortly caught, nevertheless it wasn’t lengthy earlier than the following acceleration got here from Visma | Lease a Bike. Per Strand Hagenes got here by on the Wolvenberg with Matteo Jorgenson on his wheel. It went quiet for some time, after which Joshua Tarling noticed his likelihood. The British time trial specialist took off on his personal. On the foot of the Molenberg he had closed the hole to inside 15 seconds of the main group, the peloton was at 1:30 behind the early break. There was no actual assault on the Molenberg, however the peloton cut up into a number of items. On the prime, 42 kilometres from the end, De Lie, final 12 months’s winner Jan Tratnik and Wout van Aert needed to chase again on. That they had been in a second group. Alpecin-Deceuninck had not missed the transfer and had 5 males at entrance with Kaden Groves and Jasper Philipsen. The Belgian workforce continued to trip at full velocity to the Berendries. Within the Van Aert group; Visma | Lease a Bike had began to chase. On the Berendries, Benoot additionally helped the chasers. A smaller group fashioned behind the peloton, which first caught Joshua Tarling after which additionally caught the seven early escapees. The merger was full when Van Aert and the others rejoined with 28 kilometres to go. De Lie wasn’t there for lengthy, as he was dropped once more just a few kilometres later, attributable to his earlier efforts.
It was completed for De Lie, however many different riders have been nonetheless in a position to observe. There was nonetheless a reasonably large peloton within the run-up to the Muur van Geraardsbergen. Simply earlier than the cobbled climb, Tratnik disappeared from this group, the Slovenian punctured on the worst attainable second. On the entrance, Tim Wellens took the initiative on the primary troublesome sections of the climb, after which Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) took over. The younger Lidl-Trek rider stored the tempo excessive. On the summit there was nonetheless fifteen to twenty riders. Amongst them Philipsen, a number of UAE riders and Van Aert, who tried to get away on the flat. Tim van Dijke moved up, however the Dutchman didn’t take over. The race went quiet, after which Jorgenson and Wellens tried, however received nothing. The Bosberg was the following likelihood. Vacek did put strain once more, however he couldn’t create a spot. The primary to get away, after the Bosberg, was Stefan Küng. The Swiss went solo as a TT specialist can. Matteo Trentin tried to cross on his personal, however couldn’t get to him. Jorgenson closed the hole to the Italian as Küng gained extra time on the group of chasers, which grew significantly. The dropped Pidcock was in a position to return. The peloton now consisted of round 50 riders. Visma | Lease a Bike took the initiative to place Van Aert able for a dash win. However Küng nonetheless had 17 seconds. Simply earlier than the beginning of the ultimate kilometre, Küng was pulled in. That meant that there could be a bunch dash in Ninove. INEOS Grenadiers took the lead after the final bend, however the fast-finishers got here up from behind. Jasper Philipsen and Paul Magnier began their dash, nevertheless it was Uno-X Mobility’s Søren Wærenskjold who got here up on the best aspect of the street to take the victory. Magnier completed in second place, Philipsen needed to accept third. High favorite; Van Aert completed in eleventh.
# You possibly can see extra images in the total race report HERE. #
Race winner, Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility): “I used to be really speculated to race tomorrow (Kuurne). Tomorrow it is going to be extra of a dash race, however immediately it additionally turned a dash because of the headwind. It feels a bit surreal. I’ve no phrases for this, however I’m very proud of this victory. I feel it would solely resolve after just a few hours. I needed to go left, as a result of I used to be afraid of getting locked up on the best. However there was a gap. So I first went proper after which discovered a gap on the left. It turned out completely. I’m simply tremendous joyful. In the previous few meters I gave every part. I noticed that Magnier was sitting subsequent to me, it was very shut. I did my finest to reach first. That it labored, provides an important feeling. Definitely. Distant. With this peloton, with all these massive names. This can be a massive step for me in the best course. I didn’t assume this was attainable, nevertheless it labored. That’s very good. I used to be behind a fall on the Molenberg. I then tried to hunt the outlet, however didn’t have the legs. That’s why I attempted to save lots of as a lot power as attainable. I additionally didn’t attempt to go all the best way up on the climbs, however ultimately I nonetheless needed to go nearly full. The tempo was so excessive. It was exhausting, however I had the legs to lastly do a very good dash.”
2nd, Paul Magnier (Soudal Fast-Step): “The workforce inspired me the entire day and guarded me your entire time, ensuring I used to be in a very good place going into all of the essential climbs, whereas I attempted to save lots of as a lot power as attainable. It was a nervous race, however we did a very good job and we may be pleased with this. Second place is a bit irritating, particularly as I used to be so shut, however on the finish of the day, it’s a podium in my first cobbled Traditional, so on the identical time, I’m proud of this consequence after a tough race and an equally exhausting dash within the headwind. It’s a very good consequence for us and for our confidence to kick off the Classics. Now I’ll concentrate on Le Samyn subsequent week and hopefully I shall be within the place to combat for a very good consequence additionally there.”
third, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “I screwed up the dash. I feel I waited too lengthy. I used to be really ready for the dash of Wout van Aert, however he didn’t come. I don’t assume he had the legs. After that it turned a combat towards Søren. I feel I missed the killers mentality in that dash, hopefully I’ll discover it once more within the coming weeks. I didn’t assume I might have such good legs, so I’m proud of the sensation I had within the recreation. The workforce additionally did an important job immediately. Truly, the victory is the one factor lacking now.”
eleventh, Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike): “I wasn’t feeling good in any respect within the race. I used to be by no means in the best place. I simply didn’t have the legs for it. After the Molenberg I used to be too far behind the break, whereas I knew upfront that there was going to be a site visitors jam… Positioning is essential in a race, however after all that positioning additionally has to do with the legs and I didn’t have these immediately. I really all the time had the sensation that we might come again. Many groups had missed the beat and now you might see that it was nonetheless going to be okay. Lastly, within the dash I didn’t have sufficient confidence, I feel. There have been nonetheless plenty of guys with quick legs. I seen myself that there was nothing left.”
Arnaud De Lie (Lotto): “My wheel broke, that was clearly not the most effective second. Coming again through the vehicles was not best. On the Molenberg I used to be nicely positioned, however sadly I needed to put my foot on the bottom. It was battle. Within the dash I feel one thing was undoubtedly attainable for me, however I used to be merely not there. That can be the game. I used to be in a bloc. For me personally it was not good, however we now have to remain optimistic. There are nonetheless nice races to come back, however that’s life. Generally you win, immediately was not the most effective day of my life. However I keep optimistic. And due to Brent Van Moer’s fourth place it was additionally a very good day for the workforce.”
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad End result:
1. Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility in 4:37:53
2. Paul Magnier (Fra) Soudal Fast-Step
3. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck
4. Brent Van Moer (Bel) Lotto
5. Samuel Watson (GB) INEOS Grenadiers
6. Lukas Kubis (Slov) Unibet Tietema Rockets
7. Piet Allegaert (Bel) Cofidis
8. Vincenzo Albanese (Ita) EF Schooling-EasyPost
9. Marijn van den Berg (Ned) EF Schooling-EasyPost
10. Lewis Askey (GB) Groupama-FDJ.
Omloop’25
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad – Ladies 2025
Lotte Claes was the stunning winner of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. The Belgian of the Arkéa-B&B Motels workforce proved to be the strongest within the early break, which was given an enormous lead by the peloton. In a remarkably lengthy dash, she beat her fellow escapee Aurela Nerlo (Winspace Orange Seal). Demi Vollering and Puck Pieterse went in pursuit on the Muur van Geraardsbergen, however have been too late. They completed third and fourth.
Marianne Vos wouldn’t repeat her Omloop Het Nieuwsblad win of final 12 months. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider is not going to begin her street season for one more three weeks, in Milan-San Remo. Demi Vollering, Puck Pieterse, Silvia Persico and Lorena Wiebes have been amongst the opposite prime riders in the beginning in Gent. From there, the riders needed to cowl 138 kilometres to the end in Ninove. Within the remaining, they have been confronted with the Muur van Geraardsbergen and Bosberg.
Within the opening half, 5 riders went on the assault: Elena Pirrone (Roland), Aurela Nerlo (Winspace Orange Seal), Lotte Claes (Arkéa-B&B Motels), Julie Stockman (DD Group) and Mieke Docx (Lotto). A couple of different riders tried to cross, however they couldn’t. The early break took an enormous lead. At one level, they’d nearly 14 minutes and with 40 kilometres to go, they nonetheless had 11 minutes. Stockman was dropped, however the different 4 have been going nicely. The lead didn’t get any smaller, even if FDJ-SUEZ have been going full on within the chase. It regarded just like the 4 would make it. On the foot of the Muur they nonetheless had greater than 6 minutes, however the main group instantly fell aside. Pirrone and Dockx have been dropped, which meant that Nerlo and Claes have been going to combat it out. The 2 have been unable to drop one another on the Muur and so they stayed collectively on the Bosberg. There was no extra hazard from behind.
On the Muur Demi Vollering attacked. Solely Puck Pieterse may maintain her wheel. The 2 Dutch riders had a small lead over Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Liane Lippert, who jumped simply earlier than the highest. They couldn’t catch Vollering and Pieterse, who would additionally not catch Nerlo and Claes. Nerlo and Claes gave the impression to be now not going to combat one another within the remaining, till Claes attacked. With just below 5 kilometres to go, she tried to depart Nerlo behind. The Belgian created a small hole, however the Polish rider managed to shut up once more, so there could be a two-woman dash. Simply after the beginning of the final kilometre, Nerlo assault once more. Claes was shocked and created a spot. Within the remaining straight, Claes received again on the wheel, after which she handed Nerlo. She needed to give every part till the end line to take the win, for her first skilled victory. Nerlo, who was additionally preventing for her first victory as an expert, needed to accept second place. Vollering and Pieterse got here in over three minutes later for third and fourth place. Pieterse was fourth and fifth place went Lorena Wiebes.
Race winner, Lotte Claes (Arkéa-B&B Motels): “That is actually essentially the most stunning day of my life. It’s actually improbable, I by no means anticipated this. I didn’t count on it both as a result of I don’t have such quick legs, however after a troublesome race I usually nonetheless have one thing left. The opposite woman began fairly early. That was to my benefit, as a result of I’m not that explosive. I believed: maintain going, despite the fact that it harm throughout my physique. I can’t imagine it. She is a little more explosive. I do know her from different races: she will begin shortly, however then she falls a bit quiet. I’m fortunate with a giant engine. I can then give a bit of push. We have been in the beginning right here with ambitions. However extra with the punchers, as a result of it’s often a dash on the finish right here. My job was really to assist the sprinters. However I’m very joyful that they gave us such a giant lead and that it ended nicely. When did I begin to imagine in it? After the Berendries. Then I believed: we now have to work nicely collectively till the Muur, keep a very good tempo. After which make it a time trial on the finish. It’s actually unbelievable. Truly, that is solely my second 12 months as a professional, as a result of earlier than that I mixed it with working within the hospital, as a nurse. I hope that this can be a step in direction of a shiny future. What was harder, this Omloop or Kamp Waes? The final 200 meters of this race”
2nd, Aurela Nerlo (Winspace Orange Seal): “I feel that collaborating with Lotte within the remaining was the best choice to go as first to the end. I knew that the peloton was chasing, that we had a giant hole however our benefit decreased progressively. I actually believed it with three kilometres to go. So it was an excellent plan to go within the breakaway, I thank Damien (Pommereau, DS) for this! After all, victory was very shut however I feel I did every part I may. If somebody had informed me earlier than the race that I might end second, I might not have believed it! It’s a particular feeling to obtain so many congratulations from the general public and requests for autographs after the rostrum. It’s one thing new for me! We now have now to proceed to be bold for the longer term.”
third, Demi Vollering (FDJ-SUEZ): “At one level it was twelve minutes… I rode subsequent to Puck (Pieterse) for some time and mentioned: ‘Wow, that’s going to be thrilling.’ However no, I don’t assume it was essentially as much as us to take the initiative. There have been a lot of groups with sprinters. And if you wish to go for a dash, you need to shut the hole after all. My teammates have been actually using tremendous exhausting on the entrance. Generally I used to be extra involved with slowing them down, since you don’t wish to drive too quick too early within the season. Then everybody shall be you for the remainder of the season. However I’m very pleased with how my teammates did. And the way we nonetheless made the most effective of it. I really loved it. I requested (SD Worx-Protime) in the event that they didn’t wish to trip. They mentioned: ‘No, we’re not allowed to, from the automotive.’ I feel they have been additionally aggravated that they weren’t allowed to chase. However then that’s how it’s huh? I feel that everybody is simply too afraid to place their palms within the fireplace too early at first of the season. And that they’re afraid that they should trip first for the remainder of the season. Then it’s generally a bet. Whoever gambles finest, wins. Otherwise you don’t win. None of us received immediately. I’m very proud of my type. And with how we rode as a workforce. There have been solely 5 of us immediately, however we nonetheless did an important job. I’m very pleased with how these ladies rode. On the factors that we needed to make it exhausting, we simply did it. So sure, I don’t remorse something. And my teammates don’t must both. As a workforce, we rode an important race.”
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad – Ladies End result:
1. Lotte Claes (Bel) Arkéa-B&B Motels in 3:53:43
2. Aurela Nerlo (Pol) Winspace Orange Seal
3. Demi Vollering (Ned) FDJ-SUEZ at 3:25
4. Puck Pieterse (Ned) Fenix-Deceuninck
5. Lorena Wiebes (Ned) SD Worx-Protime at 3:35
6. Eleonora Camilla Gasparrini (Ita) UAE Crew ADQ
7. Francesca Barale (Ita) Crew Picnic PostNL
8. Clara Copponi (Fra) Lidl-Trek
9. Ilse Pluimers (Ned) AG Insurance coverage-Soudal Crew
10. Margot Vanpachtenbeke (Bel) VolkerWessels Ladies’s Professional Biking Crew.
Omloop’25:
Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne 2025
As anticipated, the 2025 Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne got here right down to a bunch dash. Pretty unsurprisingly, it was Jasper Philipsen who was completely piloted to the finish-line by his Alpecin-Deceuninck teammates to take the win. He soundly beat younger Olav Kooij of Visma | Lease a Bike and Hugo Hofstetter (IPT).
It took nearly 50 kilometres earlier than the ‘break of the day’ managed to get away: Huub Artz (Intermarché-Wanty), Tomáš Kopecký (Unibet Tietema Rockets), Dries De Bondt (Decathlon AG2R), Ward Vanhoof (Flanders-Baloise), Marius Mayrhofer (Tudor), Ceriel Desal and Axandre Van Petegem (Wagner Bazin WB), the son of former classics specialist Peter Van Petegem. They constructed up a lead of virtually 5 minutes. The distinction had been decreased to lower than 4 minutes when there was some motion on the Hameau des Papins (1,2km at 6.6%). Jan Tratnik crashed, whereas Lewis Askey (Groupama-FDJ), Timo Kielich (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Jhonatan Narváez (UAE Emirates-XRG) went on the assault. Riders on the again have been being dropped, together with Søren Wærenskjold, the winner of the Omloop on Saturday, there have been 95 kilometres nonetheless to go. Resulting from a puncture for Kielich, there have been solely two counter-attackers left. At Le Bourliquet (1,3Km at 6.8%), Matteo Jorgenson put the hammer down within the peloton. The Visma | Lease a Bike rider prompted the peloton to separate, nevertheless it all got here collectively once more going in direction of the Mont Saint Laurent (1,3km at 7.8%). There, Tim Wellens compelled the tempo. He rode with Jonas Abrahamsen and Stan Dewulf to Askey, who needed to let Narváez go.
Over the summit, Wout van Aert additionally crossed to them with about ten different riders. In addition they picked up Narváez. This group dropped again into the peloton within the run-up to the Kruisberg. Then, on the Hotond, Van Aert made one other try and get away. He appeared to be using higher than the day earlier than within the Omloop, however he couldn’t break free. So, it was a big peloton that headed to the Côte de Trieu. The main group of seven began the penultimate climb with a lead of virtually 1 minute. Two riders have been between the main group and the peloton: Wellens had attacked on the climb and was on the prime with Stefan Bissegger, who had escaped earlier. They then caught the dropped Artz and joined the seven leaders simply earlier than the Kluisberg. Behind; Van Aert, who needed to chase again when the peloton cut up, went on the assault. Solely Roger Adrià may observe the Belgian. The Spaniard of Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe didn’t work, so Van Aert needed to do all of it to get throughout to the leaders. Van Aert was unable to catch them with out assist. After chasing for nearly 10 kilometres, he gave up. The 2 dropped again into the peloton with 50 kilometres to go. Tim Merlier’s Soudal Fast-Step workforce was now main. Aided by Jonathan Milan’s Lidl-Trek, Jordi Meeus’ Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe and ultimately Milan Fretin’s Cofidis, they stored the hole to the 9 leaders quick. The distinction fluctuated between 30 and 40 seconds.
The collaboration within the break had fallen to items. First there was an assault by De Bondt, after which Wellens. This led to scaling down on the entrance. De Bondt and Wellens remained with Mayrhofer and Desal. They held out till about 12 kilometres from the end, simply after the passage by end. After that, the peloton may put together for a bunch dash. Three kilometres from the end, there was a crash involving Matevž Govekar, who tried to dodge a warning flag. The stage was set for a bunch dash, involving Merlier, Milan, Meeus, Fretin, Kooij, Philipsen and Van den Berg. Van den Berg was on the entrance with one kilometre to go on the wheel of a teammate, however then it was Visma | Lease a Bike who got here by. First Van Aert, then Jorgenson, however Alpecin-Deceuninck stormed to the entrance for Jasper Philipsen. The boys in gray led-out Philipsen completely and he completed off the work of his teammates. Olav Kooij was shut, however couldn’t get subsequent to the Belgian. Philipsen received the second day of the Opening Weekend, after his third place within the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Olav Kooij needed to accept second, Hugo Hofstetter was third.
# You possibly can see extra images in the total race report HERE. #
Race winner, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck): “It’s unimaginable to win on my twenty seventh birthday. Possibly that additional 12 months gave me some additional energy. We had a really robust workforce within the remaining. With out them it will not have been attainable. I knew that the prospect of a dash was massive. There was some motion within the hilly zone, however a big peloton all the time stayed collectively, preventing to come back again. It was very troublesome to come back again. To be sincere, my legs have been not so good as yesterday on the hills. In earlier years, the Opening Weekend was by no means actually successful. Yesterday was a day with blended emotions, however to win immediately, on my birthday, makes it additional particular. We had considered one of our strongest lead-outs, with Jonas Rickaert and Kaden. Usually he may win sprints himself, on the highest stage. It’s tremendous good to get this on the identical web page and win the race as a workforce. I feel Groves may even go to the Tour this 12 months. Usually we now have a extremely good combo. Throughout the race I requested how everybody was feeling, however everybody had already misplaced their finest legs. Within the authentic plan, Kaden, if he had felt nice, may have taken his likelihood. However everybody was a bit out of their finest energy. However on the flat we are able to all the time do our factor.”
2nd, Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike): “It was a battle in direction of the final nook, I needed to be in a very good place there. That was additionally mentioned upfront. From there you’ll be able to’t make up rather more. Wout and Matteo did an ideal job on the final half. Alpecin-Deceuninck began the dash and I now not had the legs to meet up with Jasper. It was a good dash. After all I might have preferred to win, however Jasper was very robust. I couldn’t cross him anymore. Plenty of issues to look ahead to. After two weeks of struggling, I hope to get again on monitor now.”
third, Hugo Hofstetter (Israel-Premier Tech): “Philipsen and Kooij are two of the most effective sprinters on this planet, and there have been additionally massive names behind me. So that is only a very good consequence that I’m very proud of. I knew that the final left flip was essential, you need to be in an excellent place there. I used to be in a position to catch Olav Kooij’s wheel. The dash was so quick, it was inconceivable to maneuver up any additional.”
4th, Arne Marit (Intermarché-Wanty): “This can be a nice consequence and excellent for my confidence. Huub, Dries and Taco made plenty of efforts to characterize our workforce within the breakaway. Due to Huub within the entrance, the duty of the chase was on the shoulders of the opposite groups, permitting us to concentrate on positioning within the peloton. Vito then centered on all assaults within the early remaining, whereas I stayed within the neighbourhood of the opposite sprinters with Jonas. Collectively we made a very good transfer to the entrance with 3 kilometre to go, after which I solely needed to observe the slipstream of the quickest riders. I launched my dash with 500 meter to go and completed fourth. After my work in service of the workforce within the first race half yesterday, I’m very joyful I grabbed this chance immediately. Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne is likely one of the solely classics with a dash likelihood, that’s why we’ve been coaching on the parcours since November with the workforce. Ending so near the rostrum in such a significant basic is satisfying. Particularly with this stage of taking part sprinters.”
fifteenth, Tim Merlier (Soudal Fast-Step): “It was really already misplaced with a kilometre to go. We have been a bit too far after which needed to soar over a site visitors island. A missed alternative. I didn’t get into the race the best way I needed, however I used to be all the time there. That was irritating, however I all the time stored believing. I feel I nonetheless had the legs to drive one thing within the dash, however immediately it wasn’t going my method.”
seventy fifth, Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike): “There wasn’t extra in it when it comes to outcomes. Did my legs really feel the best way I needed? Sure, they did. However many groups needed a defensive race, in order that made it troublesome. I’m extra glad than yesterday. We had come for extra, however immediately we knew that such a state of affairs was attainable. We had Olav with us for that and he sprinted to an important second place. We tried. I performed a bit then after all. I knew that I might by no means trip there alone. I needed to maintain attempting to persuade him (Roger Adrià) to trip on the entrance. At first I used to be additionally informed that Meeus was now not within the group, so I didn’t actually perceive it then. However afterwards I noticed that Jordi was there. Then it’s an comprehensible tactic. To have a barely higher likelihood, we must always have been in that main group already.”
Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne End result:
1. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 4:42:24
2. Olav Kooij (Ned) Visma | Lease a Bike
3. Hugo Hofstetter (Fra) Israel-Premier Tech
4. Arne Marit (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty
5. Rick Pluimers (Ned) Tudor
6. Jonathan Milan (Ita) Lidl-Trek
7. Marijn van den Berg (Ned) EF Schooling-EasyPost
8. Pavel Bittner (CZ) Crew Picnic PostNL
9. Lukas Kubis (Slov) Unibet Tietema Rockets
10. Kaden Groves (Aus) Alpecin-Deceuninck.
Kuurne’25:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfeOv8DoFSs
O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route 2025
Magnus Cort received the Second Stage of O Gran Camiño, to go together with his stage 1 win. The Uno-X Mobility Dane was in bother for some time on the penultimate climb, however returned and was by far the quickest on the uphill end. Martin Marcellusi (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè) and Carlos Canal Blanco (Movistar) have been second and third on the stage, Cort held the general lead.
After Magnus Cort opened O Gran Camiño on Wednesday with a dash win, Thursday had a harder stage. It went up and down all day, after which two extra climbs within the remaining. The summit of the Alto de San Vincenzo (2.5km to 7.2%) was 12 kilometres from the end. This was adopted by the ultimate climb to A Estrada, which climbed about 3 kilometres at round 4% common.
The break of the day consisted of Rémi Daumas (Groupama-FDJ), Ander Okamika (Burgos Burpullet BH) and Alvara Sagrado (Illes Balears Arabay), they’d a lead of greater than 3 minutes. Israel-Premier Tech did a lot of the work within the peloton. Twenty kilometres from the end, Okamika and Sagrado have been caught. Daumas had been pulled in already. On the final climbs, the favourites fought it out. It was Derek Gee who attacked on the Alto de San Vincenzo. The Canadian pushed exhausting, placing general chief Cort in bother. 5 different riders adopted Gee to the summit: Mauri Vansevenant (Soudal Fast-Step), Rémy Rochas (Groupama-FDJ), Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (Movistar), Davide Piganzoli (Polti VisitMalta) and Corts teammate Andreas Kron.
The assault didn’t final lengthy. Six kilometres from the road, a big group, led by Uno-X Mobility, returned to the entrance group. The Norwegian workforce additionally shut down an try by 19-year-old Maxime Decomble. The youngest of the Groupama-FDJ devo workforce, who rides for the WorldTeam this week, held out for a very long time, however at a kilometre from the end he was caught. Uno-X Mobility ready the dash completely. Kron was first by the final nook with Cort on his wheel. Then Iván Cobo (Kern Pharma) tried to shocked with an early dash, however Cort had him in his sights. The Dane received with a robust dash and had time the rejoice earlier than the end line. He took his second stage win and stored the general lead. Second place within the day’s consequence was for Martin Marcellusi (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè). Carlos Canal (Movistar) completed third.
Stage winner and general chief, Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility): “It’s nice to win once more. It doesn’t occur usually to win on consecutive days and within the chief’s jersey. The workforce did a brilliant, tremendous job all day after which they introduced me again on after the climb and set me up completely for the end. I knew the end was excellent for me as a result of plenty of quick guys had been dropped. This end was perhaps even higher than yesterday’s stage as a result of solely half the bunch survived.”
2nd on the stage and general, Martin Marcellusi (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè): “Right now’s stage suited my traits and I knew I may do nicely, though there was the uncertainty of fatigue after yesterday’s effort. On the finish there have been three of us in entrance and, due to the good work of my teammates, I used to be in a position to put together for the dash in the very best method. (Cort) Nielsen was stronger within the dash, however getting second place behind him continues to be an important satisfaction.”
eighth on the stage and tenth general, Davide Piganzoli (Polti Go to Malta): “The assault within the hardest half allowed me to check my legs and ensure that I really feel good. I used to be in a position to be with the most effective, it was a really demanding day within the remaining half. With this consequence, I’m assured for tomorrow’s time trial.”
eighth general, Samuel Fernández (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA): “We knew that the stage could be on the second climb to San Vicenzo. We tried to start out nicely positioned and in that second cross the break fashioned by which the primary 25 completed. From that time on, each Abel and I attempted to do our greatest and, due to yesterday’s energy, I received this white jersey and received on the rostrum.”
O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route Stage 2 End result:
1. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility in 3:13:05
2. Martin Marcellusi (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè
3. Carlos Canal Blanco (Spa) Movistar
4. Thomas Pesenti (Ita) Soudal Fast-Step Devo Crew
5. Ivan Cobo Cayon (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma
6. Antonio Eric Fagundez (Uru) Lima Burgos Burpellet BH
7. Remy Rochas (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
8. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Crew Polti Go to Malta
9. Sergio Geovani Chumil Gonzalez (Guat) Burgos Burpellet BH
10. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech.
O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route General After Stage 2:
1. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility in 7:31:34
2. Martin Marcellusi (Ita) VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè at 0:14
3. Carlos Canal Blanco (Spa) Movistar at 0:16
4. Thomas Pesenti (Ita) Soudal Fast-Step Devo Crew at 0:20
5. Antonio Eric Fagundez Lima (Uru) Burgos Burpellet BH
6. Ivan Cobo Cayon (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma
7. Remy Rochas (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
8. Samuel Fernandez Garcia (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
9. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech
10. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Crew Polti Go to Malta.
O Gran Camiño’25 stage 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEKcqxP4C_s
Derek Gee received the time trial Stage 3 of the O Gran Camiño on Friday. The Israel Premier-Tech rider was the quickest on the 15.6 kilometres to Pereiro de Aguiar, and is now additionally the brand new general chief. Davide Piganzoli (Polti VisitMalta) was second at 17 seconds and Maxime Decomble (Groupama-FDJ) was third at 0:21 seconds.
The O Gran Camiño time trial was not simple. Within the first 7 kilometres, the climb goes from 100 to 400 metres in hight. Within the opening hours of the stage there was good occasions from the Dutchman Alex Molenaar, the Basque Urko Burrade and the Norwegian Frederik Dversnes, however they weren’t among the many prime favourites to win.
The favourites earlier than the beginning have been Vansevenant, Gee and Jefferson Cepeda, who have been tipped as attainable remaining general winners of the race. Nevertheless, Vansevenant and Cepeda didn’t trip nicely on Friday and would lose plenty of time. Gee, as the highest favorite, received. Gee, who was ninth within the final Tour de France destroyed the competitors and now seems to be to be prime favorite to win the O Gran Camiño with two robust levels to go.
His largest competitor would be the Italian Davide Piganzoli. The 22-year-old Italian of Polti VisitMalta completed in second place within the time trial, 17 seconds behind Gee. The younger Italian is finest recognized for his third place within the Giro dell’Emilia in 2024 behind Tadej Pogačar and Tom Pidcock and in addition completed thirteenth within the 2024 Giro d’Italia. Magnus Cort is second general, between Gee and Piganzoli.
Stage winner and general chief, Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech): “Actually, actually joyful. I put plenty of strain on myself to ship on what was the expectation from the workforce – and myself – going into immediately, so I’m actually joyful. “We did some work on the TT bike over the winter and I needed to start out the 12 months strongly within the self-discipline. This TT holds a particular place in my coronary heart as a result of in 2022 my consequence on this race’s time trial is what helped me get my first professional contract. It was a tough one then and it was one other exhausting one immediately! It’s uncharted territory however I’m wanting ahead to it. Tomorrow shall be a brilliant exhausting stage after which the final day could possibly be chaos! Magnus did an important TT immediately and there are a few guys right here who’re actually, actually good climbers, so it’s going to be attention-grabbing.”
O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route Stage 3 End result:
1. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech in 23:17
2. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Crew Polti VisitMalta at 0:17
3. Maxime Decomble (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 0:21
4. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility at 0:25
5. Ivan Cobo Cayon (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma at 0:27
6. Txomin Juaristi Arrieta (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi at 0:33
7. Urko Berrade Fernandez (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma at 0:35
8. Fredrik Dversnes (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 0:38
9. Hugo Houle (Can) Israel-Premier Tech at 0:44
10. Alex Molenaar (Ned) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 0:45.
O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route General After Stage 3:
1. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech in 7:55:11
2. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility at 0:05
3. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Crew Polti VisitMalta at 0:17
4. Ivan Cobo Cayon (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma at 0:27
5. Maxime Decomble (Fra) Groupama-FDJ at 0:39
6. Txomin Juaristi Arrieta (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi at 0:40
7. Antonio Eric Fagundez Lima (Uru) Burgos Burpellet BH at 0:46
8. Nelson Oliveira (Por) Movistar at 0:47
9. Abel Balderstone Roumens (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 0:51
10. Fredrik Dversnes (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 0:59.
O Gran Camiño’25 stage 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr_72-o1IBQ
An enormous shock within the O Gran Camiño on Saturday, the place Guatemalan Sergio Chumil (Burgos Burpellet BH) received the queen Stage 4 forward of Canadian general chief, Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech), who completed second in the identical time and consolidated his lead within the basic classification.
Chumil and Gee attacked from the thinned out peloton on the penultimate climb of the day, Alto a Pitinidoira (10.1km at 6.4%), after which they progressively rode away from Jefferson Cepeda and Davide Piganzoli, who solely misplaced 18 seconds to the 2 escapees within the final 11 kilometres. There was additionally a very good efficiency from 2nd general, Magnus Cort, who completed sixth on Saturday, 42 seconds behind the winner. The Dane misplaced his second place to Piganzoli, however with one stage to go, he ought to keep on the rostrum.
General chief and 2nd on the stage, Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech): “It was nice – the boys have been wonderful, I used to be actually hoping to tug off the stage win for all of the exhausting work they did,” says Gee. “I simply couldn’t fairly go solo on the climbs, however I can’t thank them sufficient. I imply, I’m glad I gained some additional seconds earlier than the gravel, as a result of it’s unpredictable. It will probably go very nicely, it may go poorly. However I really feel good, and I’m assured that with the workforce we now have right here we are able to convey it dwelling.”
third on the stage and 2nd general, Davide Piganzoli (Crew Polti VisitMalta): “Sturdy performances in demanding races like O Gran Camiño are essential for each my progress and that of Polti VisitMalta. Tomorrow, we are going to defend what we now have constructed and goal for one more nice consequence!”
O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route Stage 4 End result:
1. Sergio Geovani Chumil Gonzalez (Guat) Burgos Burpellet BH in 3:42:27
2. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech
3. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Crew Polti VisitMalta at 0:18
4. Jefferson Albeiro Cepeda (Eu) Movistar at 0:19
5. Jesus David Pena Jimenez Col) AP Motels & Resorts/Tavira/SC Farense at 0:41
6. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility
7. Antonio Eric Fagundez Lima (Uru) Burgos Burpellet BH
8. Jonathan Klever Caicedo Cepeda (Eu) Petrolike
9. Viktor Soenens (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step Devo Crew
10. Mauri Vansevenant (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step.
O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route General After Stage 2:
1. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech in 11:37:32
2. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Crew Polti VisitMalta ay 0:37
3. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility at 0:49
4. Ivan Cobo Cayon Equipo (Spa) Kern Pharma at 1:14
5. Antonio Eric Fagundez Lima (Uru) Burgos Burpellet BH at 1:33
6. Jefferson Albeiro Cepeda (Eu) Movistar at 1:48
7. Viktor Soenens (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step Devo Crew at 1:51
8. Sergio Geovani Chumil Gonzalez (Guat) Burgos Burpellet BH at 1:52
9. Mauri Vansevenant (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 2:01
10. Johannes Kulset (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 2:14.
O Gran Camiño’25 stage 4:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pn4fzlXIlE
Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility) took his third stage victory on the ultimate Stage 5 of O Gran Camiño on Sunday. The Dane was by far the quickest in Santiago de Compostela after 160 kilometres. The general victory went to Derek Gee (IPT).
The ultimate stage of O Gran Camiño took the riders from Betanzos to the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela. The stage had 2,800 metres of climbing and 6 gravel sections. The non-tarmac sections have been on the penultimate climb of the day, which was on the ultimate circuit, to be climbed twice. The Alto de Lampal (5.2km at 5.4%) was the primary impediment. General chief Derek Gee was defending a lead of 37 seconds on his closest rival, Davide Piganzoli.
There was a fierce battle to get into the break of the day. It took some time earlier than a number one group lastly received away. Finally, 9 riders escaped. Josh Burnett of Burgos Burpellet BH was the most effective positioned rider within the break and at one level received near Gee within the digital general, nevertheless it was by no means harmful. His workforce Israel-Premier Tech workforce, helped by Soudal Fast-Step, stored the attackers inside vary. On the Alto de Lampal, with the summit 25 kilometres from the end, the main group was caught by the peloton. Rémy Rochas managed to get away. The Frenchman crossed the summit alone and headed in direction of the gravel, however simply earlier than the primary of three sections, he was caught. There have been just a few assault makes an attempt, however Israel-Premier Tech and Uno-X Mobility had every part beneath management. An assault by Luca Paletti (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè) was shortly closed down.
Gee needed to chase down Viktor Soenens when he made transfer. The 19-year-old Belgian of Soudal Fast-Step, who usually rides for the devo workforce, gave it a very good shot. The 2 have been caught, however then Soenens went once more, however Polti VisitMalta and Uno-X Mobility needed to make it a dash. After Soenens was caught for a second time, it was full fuel to the final kilometre. After the crimson flag, Soenens took the lead once more, this time for his teammate Thomas Pesenti, nevertheless it was Uno-X Mobility who took over. This was for Magnus Cort, who had already received the primary two levels. The wearer of the inexperienced jersey then went on the assault. He created a spot on the opposite quick males and crossed the end line nicely forward. Gee completed within the peloton as the general winner of 2025 O Gran Camiño. Piganzoli was second and stage winner Cort, third.
Ultimate general winner, Derek Gee (Israel-Premier Tech): “I used to be fairly harassed going into it however I couldn’t have requested for a greater workforce. I imply, I used to be on the entrance all day. They received each combat into all of the essential sectors, they managed the breakaway, and there was nearly no stress as a result of they have been so good immediately. These are class bike riders. They’ve wonderful palmarès, and we even introduced in a few our IPT Academy riders [into the squad], and so they have been wonderful. They needed to do plenty of work however they stepped up.”
third on the stage, Giovanni Lonardi (Polti VisitMalta): “That is already my third podium of the season, and my second right here at O Gran Camiño after opening the race with one on Wednesday in Portugal. Once we noticed Piga securing these essential bonus seconds with 5 km to go, we knew his place was protected so we may focus fully on the dash. I received on Cort’s wheel, however I received boxed in and needed to accept third once more. Nonetheless, it’s one other nice consequence that enhances my morale forward of my subsequent race, the Tirreno-Adriatico.”
O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route Stage 5 End result:
1. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility in 3:43:42
2. Carlos Canal Blanco (Spa) Movistar at 0:01
3. Giovanni Lonardi (Ita) Crew Polti VisitMalta
4. Cesar Macias Estrada (Mex) Petrolike
5. Mirco Maestri (Ita) Crew Polti VisitMalta
6. Xavier Canellas Sanchez (Spa) Anicolor/Tien 21
7. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Crew Polti VisitMalta
8. Francisco Juel Penuela (Ven) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
9. José Antonio Prieto De Luna (Mex) Petrolike
10. Thomas Pesenti (Ita) Soudal Fast-Step.
O Gran Camiño – The Historic Route Ultimate General End result:
1. Derek Gee (Can) Israel-Premier Tech in 15:21:15
2. Davide Piganzoli (Ita) Crew Polti VisitMalta at 0:37
3. Magnus Cort Nielsen (Den) Uno-X Mobility at 0:48
4. Ivan Cobo Cayon (Spa) Equipo Kern Pharma at 1:14
5. Antonio Eric Fagundez Lima (Uru) Burgos Burpellet BH at 1:33
6. Sergio Geovani Chumil Gonzalez (Guat) Burgos Burpellet BH at 1:52
7. Jefferson Albeiro Cepeda (Eu) Movistar at 1:54
8. Viktor Soenens (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 1:57
9. Mauri Vansevenant (Bel) Soudal Fast-Step at 2:01
10. Johannes Kulset (Nor) Uno-X Mobility at 2:20.
O Gran Camiño’25 stage 5:
Faun-Ardèche Traditional 2025
Romain Grégoire received the 2025 Faun-Ardèche Traditional in a weird method. The Groupama-FDJ rider was the primary to cross the end line in Guilherand-Granges, as a result of the main group took a fallacious flip in the previous few hundred metres, after which the Frenchman soloed to victory.
The beginning listing for the Faun-Ardèche Traditional included the names of Marc Hirschi, Mattias Skjelmose, Enric Mas, Brandon McNulty, Romain Bardet and Michael Woods. It was a tailored course within the hills of the Ardèche with the climbs to Saint-Romain-de-Lerps (6.3km at 7.1%) and the Val d’Enfer (1.6km at 10.3%) within the final 30 kilometres.
When the peloton began the penultimate climb of the day, an early breakaway with Kamiel Bonneu, Jonas Gregaard and Xabier Azparren, had simply been caught, after which it was a matter of ready for the following assault. It got here within the first kilometre of Saint-Romain-de-Lerps, when Valentin Paret-Peintre tried. The Frenchman was shortly caught, after which Lorenzo Fortunato put in a soar.
The XDS-Astana Italian’s assault was profitable, as a result of he shortly had 30 seconds on the group of favourites. Fortunato gave the impression to be on his method to victory, however behind him, the group got here nearer and nearer. Within the finale Mas managed to hitch Fortunato, however the two have been nonetheless caught 2.6 kilometres from the end. It regarded like a choose group of favourites would dash for the victory, however then a lot of the riders went fallacious method, 200 metres from the end. Grégoire took benefit and completed solo. Marco Brenner (Tudor) was second, holding off three XDS Astana rider.
Race winner, Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ): “I’m standing right here with a wierd feeling, however I feel the riders ought to know the course. We handed this a part of the course 3 times immediately. I used to be actually joyful, as a result of final 12 months I used to be second right here and earlier than that fifth. I actually needed to win as soon as and this 12 months I succeeded. The Ardèche Traditional is for me just about the most effective race of the 12 months, and I rode my first race as a professional right here. That’s why my bond with this race is particular.”
third, Lorenzo Fortunato (XDS Astana): “I attacked on the penultimate climb, and it created an important state of affairs for our workforce – I used to be in entrance, whereas Christian (Scaroni) and Clément (Champoussin) stayed within the group, saving their power for the ultimate. The final kilometres have been robust because of the headwind, so I couldn’t keep my benefit and received caught two kilometres earlier than the end. The finale was chaotic, however I nonetheless managed to take third place. General, it was an important day for us, we earned plenty of factors for the workforce, and we are going to maintain preventing.”
Faun-Ardèche Traditional End result:
1. Romain Gregoire (Fra) Groupama-FDJ in 4:13:22
2. Marco Brenner (Ger) Tudor at 0:03
3. Lorenzo Fortunato (Ita) XDS Astana
4. Clément Champoussin (Fra) XDS Astana at 0:07
5. Christian Scaroni (Ita) XDS Astana
6. Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek at 0:10
7. Javier Romo Oliver (Spa) Movistar at 0:22
8. Brandon McNulty (USA) UAE Emirates XRG
9. Enric Mas Nicolau (Spa) Movistar at 0:31
10. Juan Ayuso Pesquera (Ita) UAE Emirates XRG at 0:41.
Faun-Ardèche’25:
Faun Drôme Traditional 2025
The Faun Drôme Traditional was the primary win of the season for Juan Ayuso (UAE Emirates-XRG). The younger Spaniard rode the final 40 hilly kilometres solo. Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) completed solo in second place. Ben Tullett (Visma | Lease a Bike) was third.
Walter Calzoni (Q36.5) and his Dutch teammate, Sjoerd Bax, joined Baptiste Poulard (Arkéa-B&B Motels), Matisse Julien (CIC-U-Nantes), Jonas Gregaard (Lotto) and Kenny Molly (Van Rysel Roubaix). Calzoni and Poulard have been the primary of the leaders to be caught on the robust course, however that was earlier than the ultimate had actually began.
The others within the break couldn’t dream of the win as they have been stored shut by the peloton. There was a giant crash within the peloton, by which Alex Aranburu was concerned. Juan Ayuso attacked simply over 40 kilometres from the end. Simply after the leaders had all been caught, he began on the Col de la Grande Limite (3.9km at 6.6%), dropping Mattias Skjelmose, who couldn’t maintain him. Ayuso put in a really robust trip to take a formidable win. Skjelmose additionally rode a very good solo for second place. Ben Tulett (Visma | Lease a Bike) received the uphill dash from the peloton, a minute behind the winner.
Race winner, Juan Ayuso (UAE Emirates XRG): “We had a plan from the begin to assault proper the place I did and the lead out from Isaac was deliberate and he did it completely. Isaac actually put me within the excellent place to have the ability to assault so a giant thanks should go to him. Within the remaining kilometres there was numerous headwind and my radio didn’t work so nicely, so I used to be wanting behind a bit as I knew Skjelmose wasn’t too far-off and I had no time references. I simply did a time trial effort and pushed to the tip and all of it labored out. I’m thrilled to get this primary win and get the season off to a very good begin with the workforce.”
Faun Drôme Traditional End result:
1. Juan Ayuso Pesquera (Spa) UAE Emirates XRG in 4:31:48
2. Mattias Skjelmose (Den) Lidl-Trek at 0:23
3. Ben Tulett (GB) Visma | Lease a Bike at 1:15
4. Marc Hirschi (Sui) Tudor
5. Andrea Bagioli (Ita) Lidl-Trek
6. Dorian Godon (Fra) Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale
7. Clément Champoussin (Fra) XDS Astana
8. Quinn Simmons (USA) Lidl-Trek
9. Warren Barguil (Fra) Crew Picnic PostNL
10. Lorenzo Fortunato (Ita) XDS Astana.
Faun Drôme’25:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCeYFaX65jw
Declassification and Yellow Card for Kaden Groves in Kuurne
Kaden Groves acquired a yellow card after Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and was additionally demoted within the outcomes. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider piloted his teammate, Jasper Philipsen, to an ideal win on Sunday within the Belgian semi Traditional, after which he celebrated whereas nonetheless within the bunch. That is now not allowed based on the brand new UCI guidelines.
Groves performed an essential function in Philipsen’s victory. The Australian, who has additionally received bunch sprints within the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, led-out the dash completely for his workforce chief. When Philipsen threw his palms within the air, Groves additionally did the identical. Nevertheless, the UCI banned that at first of this 12 months. Within the UCI rules are: “A rider who decides to decelerate throughout a dash and thereby endangers different riders: intentionally retaining to the dash line of different riders, cheering within the peloton, speaking through the radio or taking his palms off the handlebars whereas nonetheless within the peloton.”
A violation of this rule doesn’t essentially result in a yellow card, however in Groves’ case the jury determined to take action. He may count on a superb of between 100 and 500 Swiss francs. Groves was additionally declassed, as is the rule. He crossed the road in tenth place, however has been demoted to the final place within the entrance group: 57th.
You possibly can’t rejoice for those who haven’t received:
Wout van Aert Wore a Time Trial Helmet in Omloop: “I Needed to Mislead Everybody a Bit”
The time trial helmet and Wout van Aert. It has been a much-discussed subject in current weeks. Throughout the reconnaissance of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Van Aert rode with a time trial helmet once more, which made everybody assume that the Belgian would seem in the beginning like that on Saturday. Nevertheless, he out of the blue appeared on the beginning podium with a traditional helmet, however that was a deception.
Niklas Behrens within the UAE Tour, Wout van Aert within the Volta ao Algarve… The boys from Visma | Lease a Bike have already shocked a lot of occasions this season with a particular helmet. Final Friday they did that too, with your entire workforce even. All riders from the Dutch workforce reconnaissanced the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad with the time trial helmet.
It made many individuals assume that Van Aert and co would really end the Omloop on Saturday with that particular helmet. Simply earlier than the beginning of the Omloop, the Belgian appeared on the beginning podium with a daily helmet. Nevertheless, that meant nothing. “I needed to mislead everybody a bit, haha”
Aero van Aert:
Frederik Frison had a Dangerous Yr Resulting from Canine Chew
Probably the most notable accidents in 2024 was suffered by Frederik Frison. After years with Lotto Dstny, he switched to Q36.5 Professional Biking final winter. Nevertheless, a canine chew in his personal elements put a cross over his spring. To make issues worse, he then broke a number of bones within the 4 Days of Dunkirk and so he solely had 22 racing days.
A person’s balls are generally a ‘sensitive’ topic to speak about, However the Belgian didn’t thoughts chatting with WielerFlits. “I’ve to say that issues are going nicely,” he mentioned concerning the aftermath of the canine chew. “After all it’s not like earlier than, it’s a scar. But it surely doesn’t trouble me on the bike or in regular life. That’s crucial factor. It’s one thing extremely annoying and folks additionally make jokes about it. Me too. That needs to be attainable, I can actually chortle about that. However as a rider and an individual it’s a very annoying damage. It will have been higher to not expertise it. However what I say, they’re nonetheless animals.”
Later within the 12 months extra accidents and diseases adopted. Nonetheless, Frison by no means gave up hope: “The brand new workforce has all the time motivated me. They all the time stood behind me and supported me. That feels actually good, which definitely didn’t make me lose motivation. And naturally my spouse and two youngsters helped me by this era. My spouse has recognized me for fairly just a few years now. She stored me calm and stored speaking to me, with what I’ve already achieved. That doesn’t simply go away. If I might maintain working, every part could be superb once more.”
Frison himself is hungry for the spring Classics, the place he desires to succeed in his highest stage. The brand new chief, Tom Pidcock, may even have to do this. “I used to be actually joyful after I heard that he was becoming a member of us. It is extremely optimistic for the workforce, all of the riders and the workers. Tom can be a massive title. If he joins, it provides everybody additional motivation. As a result of for those who can work for a rider like Tom within the remaining, then that can be a dream, I might say.”
A nasty canine chew for Frederik Frison:
Patrick Lefevere: “The Dominance of UAE Emirates XRG is Scary”
Patrick Lefevere will expertise the Opening Weekend at dwelling with none strain. He’s now not the massive boss with Soudal Fast-Step, as that’s now Jurgen Foré. However Lefevere nonetheless retains a watch on cycle sport: “Within the meantime, the ability of cash additionally performs a job right here in Flanders,” Lefevere wrote in his column in Het Nieuwsblad.
Lefevere began his column by writing that he doesn’t miss the monetary aspect of his previous job. “For the ‘aggressive stability’ of biking, it is going to be essential to not let the budgetary hole with the oil dirhams of UAE Crew Emirates turn into too massive. I discover their dominance actually scary. Final 12 months they received 81 races and their workforce has solely turn into stronger. Within the Tour of the Algarve, I bear in mind the face of Joao Almeida on the Alto da Foia. He clearly didn’t like ending second behind teammate Jan Christen. Within the spring workforce of UAE, it’s also possible to stack up the leaders. Tadej Pogačar isn’t taking part within the Omloop, however Mauro Gianetti grabs the basket as soon as and on every of his fingers hangs a rider who can win the race. Anybody who has adopted the races in Australia, Spain or Portugal with even half a watch prior to now few weeks noticed Antonio Morgado, Jhonatan Narváez and Tim Wellens prominently biking by the image. I count on all of them within the Omloop as nicely. As a reminder: final 12 months UAE already completed in third, fourth and fifth place within the Tour of Flanders. Even with out Pogačar,” mentioned Lefevere.
The previous basic supervisor continued: “In soccer it is not uncommon information: if you wish to predict the ultimate rating appropriately earlier than the beginning of the season, it’s best to rank the groups based on funds. The race – and particularly within the spring – adopted that logic a lot much less, however within the meantime the ability of cash additionally performs a job right here in Flanders. Have a look at UAE and see Purple Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. With Laurence Pithie, Oier Lazkano, Jan Tratnik and the Van Dijke brothers, they merely shopped collectively a really robust spring workforce in a single ‘mercato’. They introduced in everybody who was in the marketplace. Plus Maxim Van Gils, who was really not even in the marketplace.”
Lefevere nonetheless has rather a lot to say:
Tom Boonen on the 2015 Omloop: “I Virtually Fought with Niki Terpstra”
Within the 2015 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, the break was made up of three riders from Patrick Lefevere’s workforce and Ian Stannard. You’d assume it was a simple win, nevertheless it went fully fallacious for Tom Boonen and workforce. Stannard received, which led to anger among the many males of Lefevere. “That was nostril to nostril”, Boonen mentioned in Wielerclub Wattage.
Within the podcast, Boonen talks about that version of the Omloop once more. “Stannard had already been on our wheel for 50 kilometres. The three of us (Boonen, Niki Terpstra and Stijn Vandenbergh) had been using for a very long time. Fitte (DS, Wilfried Peeters) got here up and requested how we have been going to rearrange it. Probably the most logical answer was that we might go to the end collectively and that I might beat Stannard within the dash, however Niki and Stijn mentioned they needed to win too,” Boonen mentioned. “What I usually did within the opening weekend was attempt to assist them. That method I had super-convinced helpers within the following weeks. So Stijn attacked, Stannard closed the hole. I believed it was my second then and I went myself, however after 500 meters I already felt that the most effective was gone from my legs. Stannard performed it tremendous good, stored using and got here again. After which got here the epitome of how to not do it. Niki jumped with Stannard, I hung behind them and was exploding. As a substitute of ready, Niki pulled the dash and that was really for Stannard. The remainder is historical past.”
An enormous disappointment for Boonen, Terpstra and Vandenbergh. As well as, there was additionally anger. “I’ve already digested it, you realize. However that’s the one time I nearly fought with Niki Terpstra. That was nostril to nostril, shouting for fifteen minutes. It was a merciless fuss then. Although it was a mistake by all of us. I ought to have mentioned I might dash and Niki shouldn’t have been using to this point up entrance with Stannard on his wheel. However after fifteen minutes it was okay and we may discuss once more. You have got to have the ability to put one thing like that away, as a result of the following day it was racing once more.”
All of it went fallacious within the finale:
Strangest Race End Ever! | INEOS Grenadiers | Behind the Scenes Video
Be a part of the workforce for an eventful Volta ao Algarve. Go behind the scenes on a controversial end to the opening stage and watch as Laurens De Plus put in among the finest rides of his profession.
Franky Van Haesebroucke Reinforces the Efficiency Crew
Intermarché-Wanty welcomes Franky Van Haesebroucke to the Efficiency Crew as a brand new sports activities director. The previous Belgian skilled bike owner brings his useful expertise to the construction led by Jean-François Bourlart, with twenty years of expertise behind the wheel throughout 5 continents.
Following his skilled biking profession, which concluded in 2001, Van Haesebroucke found the function of sports activities director in 2002 with the Australian workforce iTeamNova. Since then, he has labored on 5 continents, in each the lads’s and girls’s peloton. His versatility and expertise have been acquired inside worldwide buildings similar to Champion System Professional Biking Crew, Veranda’s Willems Biking Crew, Wiggle Honda, and most just lately, the New Zealand-based workforce Bolton Equities Black Spoke.
He led the latter to turn into the most effective UCI Continental workforce within the two seasons following its founding, enabling its promotion to the Professional Continental stage. The workforce made a splash in Europe with successes in occasions such because the GP Cerami, La Roue Tourangelle, and the Tour de Luxembourg, highlighting his potential to develop expertise and obtain outcomes with various rider profiles.
Franky Van Haesebroucke will make his debut behind the wheel of the Škoda-Steveny vehicles this opening weekend of the Belgian classics. Inside the Intermarché-Wanty construction, he reinforces the workforce of sports activities administrators managed by Efficiency Supervisor Aike Visbeek, which additionally contains Dimitri Claeys, Steven De Neef, Sébastien Demarbaix, Ken Hashikawa, Kévin Van Melsen, Pieter Vanspeybrouck, and Bart Wellens.
Franky Van Haesebroucke: “I’ve all the time felt a sure affinity for the Intermarché-Wanty workforce, with whom I’ve had many contacts, as they’re the most effective instance of these groups thought-about outsiders, able to attaining prestigious successes with restricted assets. This was additionally the case with my final workforce, Bolton Equities Black Spoke. Like Intermarché-Wanty, we received the most effective out of our riders by being opportunistic. As a sports activities director, you need to persuade the riders that they will accomplish nice issues by profiting from good methods at essential moments. My energy lies in inspiring and motivating riders. Working with an expanded Efficiency Crew provides new views and the chance to develop methods collectively. That is my first expertise in a World Tour construction, so I look ahead to working with many acquainted faces and attending to know the remainder of this massive household this week, discovering my bearings, and placing my expertise to good use.”
Aike Visbeek (Efficiency Supervisor): “With Franky Van Haesebroucke, we welcome to our workforce a Belgian sports activities director who brings his wealthy worldwide expertise behind the wheel. He strengthens our Efficiency Crew, each organizationally and sports-wise. With the Bolton Equities Black Spoke workforce, Franky demonstrated that he could lead on his riders, from various backgrounds, to outstanding outcomes towards the most effective groups within the peloton. A working technique and improvement technique that completely align with our philosophy. We’re subsequently joyful to welcome him earlier than a baptism of fireplace this Belgian opening weekend at Omloop Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.”
Franky Van Haesebroucke and Aike Visbeek:
Sep Vanmarcke Discusses Race Safely with the UCI
After a number of current incidents, the dialogue on security in cycle racing is as soon as once more on the desk. Former bike owner Sep Vanmarcke has concrete concepts to make biking even safer. The Belgian will quickly meet with the UCI, the place he’ll clarify his ideas.
In Sporza Every day, he defined extra, though Vanmarcke additionally desires to emphasize that racing on public roads merely includes dangers. “It’s troublesome to safe every part. Racing is just a harmful sport and we may be pleased with how we strategy it in our nation (Belgium).”
Vanmarcke, who’s a commentator and analyst, does see room for enchancment. The previous bike owner simply doesn’t wish to level the finger too shortly. “It’s too simple to all the time complain concerning the organisers from the sidelines. It is usually too simple to all the time level the finger on the UCI.” He prefers to enter into dialogue with the UCI. “You can’t cease what may be improved. And that may be completed tomorrow. I can definitely listing 5 issues that may enhance the issue. Subsequent month I’ve a gathering with the UCI the place I can talk about my concepts. I have no idea if they’ll do something about it, however then I’ll have completed every part myself.”
However what are attainable options to the protection drawback based on Vanmarcke? “Farmers’ straw bails work very well for those who are available in contact with one. It doesn’t all the time must be spectacular with arrows and strips. It may be environment friendly. However you even have to take a look at the rider and what has modified on the bike that makes us go quicker. For instance, go for an honest handlebar width. Now you’ll be able to go as much as 36 centimetres and the riders additionally put their brakes inwards no less than. That’s tremendous slim. In addition they try this to have the ability to lie aerodynamically, like on a time trial bike. However it’s not allowed and but they do it. A width of 40 centimetres is extra secure.” Vanmarcke additionally talks a couple of longer stem, shorter seatpost and tyres with extra resistance as attainable implementations.
Vanmarcke additionally has his doubts about using bike computer systems. “I cannot make myself in style with it, however within the automotive you aren’t allowed to take a look at your cellphone whereas riders are always observing that display on their bike in entrance of them. You then take a look at the route on that display, however you miss the manoeuvre of a colleague. Folks even fall on a climb as a result of they take a look at the wattages and the display on a climb. Solely present kilometres and the time there after which there may be nothing extra to expertise.”
Sep Vanmarcke discusses race safely:
The 2027 Grand Départ to be in Britain?
The BBC is for certain that the Tour de France will return to Nice Britain in 2027, 13 years after the Grand Départ was in Yorkshire. Based on the BBC, ASO will make an announcement subsequent month. The Netherlands, which was additionally , appears to overlook out on the Grand Départ.
After the profitable Tour de France Femmes in Rotterdam and The Hague, it was introduced that Rotterdam and The Hague have been additionally within the working for a Tour begin for males in 2027. “Christian Prudhomme has knowledgeable the directors in Rotterdam that there could also be prospects for 2027. Cash has already been put aside in Rotterdam for a Tour begin, however it’s all the time the query how a brand new political coalition and mayor of the port metropolis will view this,” WielerFlits reported in August 2024.
Authorities physique, UK Sport, didn’t wish to verify the information concerning the British Grand Départ to the BBC, however didn’t deny the studies both. “We make no secret of the truth that we’re very eager to convey the Tour de France to Nice Britain to let much more folks take pleasure in biking and to offer varied cities a lift. Nevertheless, communication about this can undergo the ASO. We proceed to work exhausting on the potential for bringing the Tour to Nice Britain.” It’s not but recognized which cities will host the Grand Départ in 2027. Behind the scenes, the primary levels in Nice Britain are nonetheless being mapped out. This 12 months the Grand Départ will happen in Hauts-de-France, in 2026 it is going to be Barcelona’s flip.
UK to host the Tour de France in 2027?
Groups Introduced for Bianche Ladies Elite and Sanremo Ladies
RCS Sport has introduced the listing of groups set to take part in its spring UCI Ladies’s World Tour races: Strade Bianche Ladies Elite Crédit Agricole and Sanremo Ladies introduced by Crédit Agricole.
Strade Bianhe Ladies Elite Crédit Agricole (March 8) – Sanremo Ladies Offered by Crédit Agricole: 15 UCI Ladies’s WorldTeams, 4 UCI Ladies’s ProTeams, 5 UCI Ladies’s Continental Groups (24 groups of 6 riders every)
15 UCI Ladies’s WorldTeams
AG INSURANCE – SOUDAL TEAM
CANYON//SRAM ZONDACRYPTO
CERATIZIT PRO CYCLING TEAM
FDJ-SUEZ
FENIX-DECEUNINCK
HUMAN POWERED HEALTH
LIDL – TREK
LIV-ALULA-JAYCO
MOVISTAR TEAM
ROLAND
TEAM PICNIC POSTNL
TEAM SD WORX – PROTIME
TEAM VISMA | LEASE A BIKE
UAE TEAM ADQ
UNO-X MOBILITY
4 UCI Ladies’s ProTeams
COFIDIS WOMEN TEAM
EF EDUCATION – OATLY
LABORAL KUTXA – FUNDACION EUSKADI
VOLKERWESSELS CYCLING TEAM
5 UCI Ladies’s Continental Groups
AROMITALIA 3T VAIANO
BEPINK – IMATRA – BONGIOANNI
ISOLMANT – PREMAC – VITTORIA
TEAM MENDELSPECK E-WORK
TOP GIRLS FASSA BORTOLO.
The girl’s Strade Bianche:
La Vuelta Femenina’25 by Carrefour.es: Groups Choice
The organisers of La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es have chosen the groups that can participate within the third version of the Spanish Grand Tour. La Vuelta Femenina 25 by Carrefour.es will begin on Might 4 and end on Might 10.
The next 13 WorldTeams will take part:
• AG INSURANCE – SOUDAL TEAM (BEL)
• CANYON//SRAM ZONDACRYPTO (GER)
• FDJ-SUEZ (FRA)
• FENIX-DECEUNINCK (BEL)
• HUMAN POWERED HEALTH (USA)
• LIDL – TREK (USA)
• LIV-ALULA-JAYCO (AUS)
• MOVISTAR TEAM (ESP)
• TEAM PICNIC POSTNL (NED)
• TEAM SD WORX – PROTIME (NED)
• TEAM VISMA | LEASE A BIKE (NED)
• UAE TEAM ADQ (UAE)
• UNO-X MOBILITY (NOR).
Along with these 13 groups, the organisers have awarded the next wildcards:
UCI ProTeams y UCI Continental Groups:
• ARKEA – B&B HOTELS WOMAN (FRA)
• COFIDIS WOMEN TEAM (FRA)
• EF EDUCATION – OATLY (USA)
• LABORAL KUTXA – FUNDACION EUSKADI (ESP)
• BEPINK – IMATRA – BONGIOANNI (ITA)
• ENEICAT-CMTEAM (ESP)
• LOTTO LADIES (BEL)
• TEAM COOP-REPSOL (NOR).
La Vuelta Femenina 25 by Carrefour.es will happen from Might 4 to Might 10, 2025. All of the particulars of the route shall be revealed on March 10 in Barcelona, the town that can host the official begin of the race.
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