That was a great performance, wasn't it? Hmm, great performance? I came 6th, meaning that I didn't win, that's nothing special! Nah, just kidding *laughs*
Wow, I like your mentality! Some more thoughts on the race? Haha, thank you. Well, to be honest I'd have never expected to come 6th in a race that doesn't suit perfectly to me, I mean, I can handle both sand and cobblestones, but they are not my best options. Probably the weather helped me a lot, let's hope I can keep up all along the season, it would be amazing, as my favourite races, the ones where I can aim to a victory, are yet to come
Thank you Matt, best of the luck Nothing Sven, very much appreciated!
Interview by Sven NysEdited by matt17br on 22-12-2014 14:19
First race of the season behind me. My tip of Sven Welling wasn’t fulfilled, no surprise there. World Champion Cornelis got beaten by Shay McCormlay. The Irish rider has been around for a while but looks like he has really significantly improved his riding in the off-season. I watched the final lap later while I was staying at the soigneur. Some impressive skills in the sand and it takes a lot to beat Cornelis in a race that has parts named after him.
I’m a bit disappointed by finishing just outside Top 10, yet things really didn’t go as planned. I was caught up at the start by an African rider and lost some important places. I spent the next few laps catching up. Things were looking very good then for a while, I even managed to attack and get some gap. I knew I wouldn’t make it to the end but it was important for me to keep the race tough. I had a great rhythm and wanted to take advantage of that. Well, that was until I hit the ground in the dunes. I thought I’d had a real shot here after being in the leading group mid-race. The crash put me out of contention for victory and unfortunately, also out of the Top 10. I finished behind The Cookie Monster, but just ahead of Nashir.
Big shout-out to the Belgian crowd. It was a spectacle. I know we don't have so many races as in previous years but this only means you enjoy them all the more. The way you guys come to the events to support us is unique. Thank you all!
See you next week in Ghent for Blaarmeesen!
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The first race, Duinencross, is the first time the big cyclocross press got to know me, Timi Kokkonen. Not that I played a big role, no, not at all.
I got a respectable 25th, on a course that I don't like at all.
But who am I, actually?
I'm a Finnish Cyclocross rider, which is, I admit, a weird combination, or at least it was, up to now. But you see, with the globalisation of the past years, it seems cyclocross got more popular in a lot of countries, and Finland was one of them.
Personally, I already got interested at a young age, when visiting Belgium. Somehow the sport seemed really cool, and since I already liked cycling, I decided to just go for it. Turns out there are actually a few cyclocross races in Finland, but they're quite rare.
Born in Lapinlahti, a small town up north, we often had to travel all the way to Helsinki to participate in the cyclocross races. Yes, we, because my parents supported me in everything they did.
It turned out I had a lot of talent, actually. Either that, or Finland just had a big shortage of talent. Anyway, I had an easy time winning most Finnish championships and I kinda got used to that. Until a rival came up.
He's a bit older, but he appears to be a late-bloomer.
His name? Kimi Hakkinen.
Since his appearence, we've been fighting for the titles, and not everyone was that easy. We share some of our qualities, both of us are very good in cold circumstances, which makes sense, both growing up in Finland.
But while he's a technical rider and I'm not, I'm a lot more powerful than him.
It has to be said that this ''rivalry'' had its good sides, I believe we both train harder to get better than the other, and we both developed.
This year I decided to make the step to international cyclocross, and funny enough, so did Kimi. We're at different teams though, so it'll be a very interesting fight.
I found myself where I hoped I'd be, at a Scandinavian team, Team Odfjell. A medium budget team with 2 other riders, Hammarling & Edfjallsson.
Both very good on ice, just like me, but with different qualities. Hammarling will be the main threat on cobbles this season, while Edfjallsson is mainly very powerful and explosive. I think we got a very nice team, and I'm thinking we can achieve some very nice results this season.
As mentioned, my first race got me a 25th place. I'm not entirely unhappy with that, especially considering I have trouble with cobblestones, but I was only 3 seconds behind my eternal rival, meaning it's 1-0 for him.
The race wasn't exactly a success for the team, Eldfjallsson had a good start but dropped away, and I was the best finished for the team.
Needless to say, we can't wait for the cold races, which should be where we're very strong.
Gregory Bernard was looking happy after the race.Here is our interview with Gregory.
What do you think of your performance,Gregory?
It was a great race.Duinencross is a good place and my first race was very good.I finished 5th 40 seconds behind the winner after a slow start.And I beat Schiltz who finished 26th.
What do you aim for this year?
Hmm,the competition is unknown so I am aiming for a top 5-10 overall in one of the classifications as I have got the most chance for it inSuperprestige and beating Schiltz and getting ready for the road season.Oh and I aim for a good result in World Championships
Which races do you look forward to?
I look forward to:
Hobart Sunny Classic,Great Hertford Classic,Christmas Classic and Arenberg Classic for the classics
Bristol,Ardennes Classic and Torku in World Cup
FujiCross,TekapoCross,Lviv and Aosta Valley in Coca-Cola Trophy
Lisbon,Kwaremont Cross,Ostrava Cross,Lancaster Challenge,Hagfors Cross and Blaarmeersen in Superprestige.
What do you thin about your ''teammate'' and rival Christian Schiltz?
He is so arrogant,I hate him.Unfortunately we are in the same team,Corsio
Bye,Gregory,your girlfriend seems to have come.
Bye!
Arda Akdeniz The Digital lover,Cycling and Cyclocross lover
Arda is looking a bit disapponited.Here is our interview with him:
What do you think of your performance today,Arda?
It was disappointing.After a slow start I couldn't come back and finished 9th 1:02 behind the winner.
What do you aim for this year?
Hmm,the competition is unknown so I am aiming for a top 5-10 overall in one of the classifications as I have got the most chance for it in Superprestige and getting ready for the road season.Oh and I aim for a good result in World Championships
Which races do you look forward to?
I look forward to:
Hobart Sunny Classic,Great Hertford Classic,Christmas Classic and Arenberg Classic for the classics
Bristol,Ardennes Classic and Torku in World Cup
FujiCross,TekapoCross,Lviv and Aosta Valley in Coca-Cola Trophy
Lisbon,Kwaremont Cross,Ostrava Cross,Lancaster Challenge,Hagfors Cross and Blaarmeersen in Superprestige.
What do you think of your team?
MTN-Qhubeka CycloX is a good team with medium budget and I hope to make a good impression in this team and do my dreams come true.
Rudy Verboven, great start, but it seems you burned yourself early there?
Not at all, it was the plan to start fast. I gave our team some tv time, now everyone in Belgium knows Topsport Vlaanderen has a cyclocross section as well. For myself, the idea was to get to the sand first to anticipate, and I think that worked rather well. I knew I wouldn't keep it up all race, so the rest of the race was practicing on my steering skills, especially when tired. This cross wouldn't have worked out for me anyway, way too much sand for me, but I really hope to show something in the later crosses that suit me more.
Kimi Hakinnen, how would you describe your race?
Well, it's way too warm for my liking, so I focused on defeating my rival Timi, which I did. Timi and Kimi, it's almost like those South Park characters. He's definitely a Timmy though. But yes, this isn't my part of the season yet. It was almost 12 degrees, what is this? Summer? When it gets cold, it's my time to shine.
Mario Guido, how disappointed are you not to finish your first race?
Very disappointed of course. I know I wasn't going to win, but I was hoping I could avoid this shame. Still, I learned a lot today and it was a good training. Sand is not my thing, but I just kept going until it was over. It seems my challenge for the next race is to actually finish!
Hafthor Eldfjallsson has won the first race of the season! With an explosive turn of speed the Icelandic rider made it to the sandy finish line in first place, beating Rudy Verboven and Rik van Fleming.
In other news, it appears that many riders contested a separate race on the same course, at the longer 9 lap distance. Hafthor was taking a comfortable ice bath by the time that ended, with his day having already been a success.
In his first professional Cylocross race of his career, Christian Schiltz finished a very encouraging 26th place. It was not a course that particularly suited him but he rode a consistent race, without accident, to finish just over 2 minutes behind the winner.
He relaxed in the company of friends and family post-race, many having made the short trip over to watch and provide encouragement. He made no comment to the Luxembourg media who were keen for a reaction after the childish comments made by his teammate post-race. Schiltz' teammate Bernard, who had a slow start to the race, apparently gloated to the press about beating his inexperienced team mate. The press were surprised at how poor a role model Bernard was being, and were left to speculate which of the two was actually 19 years old, and which was 25.
Not last! Bakari didn't finish last!
True, he did not finish at all, but that is but a small detail.
After heroically overcoming 3 tough crashes, he was unfortunately pulled out of the race because the inconsiderate rest of the field had not waited for him.
Bakari can take pride at not giving up, which is more than can be said for Naveed Alinejad!
Number of cyclists Bakari has now beaten this season: 1!
Nicky Van Drenthe finished in 28th 3 minutes and 12 seconds down on the winner Shay Gormley after 9 laps of racing. After a warm shower, Ncky appears in the Koga tent by himself greeted by some interviewers ready to ask the Dutchman some questions.
So Nicky how did that go for you today?
It was tough, very tough. I was expecting it to be honestly though. I didn't get the start I wanted but hey I didn't get lapped I think I can be happy with 28th in the end. Sand is a new experience for me so its definitely an area I look to improve.
You seem to be right at home with the cobblestones though...
Yeah cobbles are my strength and is definitely my advantage over some other riders. Despite my power I think my cobbling ability has got me to were I am today.
Has the race influenced your riding schedule at all?
Not really, I remain positive, I stated before I will mostly aim for the world cup. I will skip the race here or there if it doesn't make sense to ride but it's all about learning and developing this year.
I understand you had some cultural differences at Caja Rural, how do you feel to riding for a dutch team this year?
I'm very happy to be racing in the Koga jersey, I've met my team mates also for the first time today in person. Max stormed his way to the front for a while but looked to burn out and Blazej was able to hang in there. We've got a good bunch here and we'll shock a few this season.
First race is done and me and Lars celebrated with the Belgian fans with a few beers. It is always good to give something back - we didn't worry too much about heading for the showers it was just great to soak it all up. Cross absolutely rules.
That Irish dude looks the business though talk about taking it to the man - the guy in rainbow stripes sure was on it here and why not it felt like the guy frigging designed the course. 'Grandad' was barking out the orders like anyones business and fair enough he is the patron at the moment.The Belgian fans were definately a bit disappointed but I think with Shay winning it really does give everyone the confidence to give it a go.
Personally I took it maybe a bit too easy early on - several riders set off like maniacs and there was definately some raw nerves and talents on the line. Some of the continental racers fell off several times in the first few laps. I was in around the first 20 though from about lap 2 onwards - I felt good on the sandy hill - I frigged up my gearing once or twice and with it being dry there were some deep patches. But yeah I dropped a few names out there on that climb - I'll look forward to hopefully returning sometime.
I am not one for sprinting for minor places really and there was only really two winners in the last couple of laps but still 11th is decent. I finished just ahead of this youngster Frannie Vague - this boy I think has some set of swingers he was really unfortunate to crash when he did would have loved to see him win here. It was nice to ride with him and duel over the sands with this guy - future world champion there I said it.
I'll be under a bit more pressure at the weekend - I think everyone will be scrapping for those superprestige points and I'll be practicing my climbing legs a bit for the upcoming superprestige event. I was feeling a little heavy climbing today so I will be looking to drop half a kilo by saturday - better do something to work off these sugary Belgian beers.
Finally and this is with a heavy heart - I am not sure I am going to make it over for the Hertfordshire Classic race this weekend. The cobbles don't really take and a didn't feel great on them today to be honest. I could do more damage then necessary - I have some good races in Oceania coming up. I dunno some of the British lads were bullish about it down on the dunes - I can't be bothered with that bravado crap - to be honest that one looks like one for the roadies and funnily enough I don't think I am really one of them any more. Anyway it'll be a seam of the pants type decision possibly made after the next race so maybe the Cookie Monster will be comin home after all!Edited by Smowz on 22-12-2014 18:55
So, we sent our roving reporter for the team, Will Tyrer, on a mission to interview today's racers: Thijs Van Lookeren and Ewan Wilson. So, he ended up outside the Glasgow team bus and waited for the Dutch and Scotsmen to come past!
Hey Thijs, how was the race today? Yes, I had a decent day today for me, pretty good placing in the race, y'know 8th. I just cracked on the cobble section on the 8th lap. It was very tough and difficult, but it suited my strengths. But, I couldn't deliver in the end, which was a shame because I know that the team wanted to get to a great start. And it was also Ewan's first race outside of Britain so I thought I could try and show him what winning is like!
So, what happened there at the start? Well...I don't really know why, but I attacked right at the start of the race. From then I ended up in the front group, but I just had a bit of useage in my legs, so it didn't exactly help later on in the race, when I cracked in the cobbles. So I think it was a stupid move of mine.
Talk us through the final there, it seemed like you came into your own in that little gallop? Yeah, I had it in my legs there in the final, which was weird, because I wasn't feeling it for any other point in the race, but I worked and I came 8th in the end, which gave me couple of points leeway on the others behind me!
What did you think of the Flandrien crowd here today? Well, it was spectacular you know the wall of noise, people shouting my name and cheering on my home country. I think I even saw a few Saltires going round, so that spurred me on. Yes, so the Belgians, especially the Flandriens have a great passion for cyclocross and they just get engrossed in the sport when it comes to cross season you know.
How is your form coming into the next classics then Thijs? Well, my running was really good today, It seems like I'm hitting form, so I will aim to do well in the Great Hertford Classic, and the other races coming up! I want to show what I can do here at Glasgow City Council, because I fell that people are underestimating the team at the moment, and say that it was a waste of money for the City Council to put money into us, so I really want to build up a reputaion here on the cyclocross tour, as do the other Glasgow riders!
Thanks Thijs for talking to us today! Thank you, it's been a pleasure!
So, a tough day here in Oostende Fuuuuck, I was knackered after the first lap! It was extremely intense, probably one of the toughest races I've raced! But, Thijs did a good job, getting in top 10, and I did alright, coming in at the middle of the field at 20th.
What was it like racing outside the UK? the fans are definitely a lot different to the ones back home in Glasgow, so yeah...a whole new atmosphere, mainly Belgian people shouting 'Kom Op' at me, which I found quite intimidating!
Do you think that the race could have gone any better? Yeah, we could have won!! No, but seriously, I wanted to come back up and help Thijs out in the final few laps, because he seemed like he was really cracking, which lost him the race fundamentally because if he stayed up with the others, I think he would've raped them in the sprint!
So, what are you going to do in the future then? I hope that I can deliver next week in Hertford, and I want to deliver Glasgow's first victory of the season there, especially back home in the UK.
Well, thanks for talking to us today Ewan! Thanks.Edited by EwanWilson on 22-12-2014 19:34
We managed to reach today's second place, Dries Cornelis, after today's cross in Oostende. He seemed clearly disappointed. 'I feel like I let the audience down. I can't say cobbles is my strongest discipline, but I had victory in my own hands. Shay however did a very good job outsmarting me and I think the Duinencross has a nice winner on its list of honor.'
About the rest of the season Dries didn't want to share too much. 'I feel like today's start was good, and despite the slight disappointment of a second place I think I'm ready for the next races, so expect me to do well for the next races.'
More disappointment seemed to be for Dries' teammate, Naveed Alinejad, who was the first drop-out of today. 'I can't believe it. Three material failures, three! It seems I've been overenthousiastic and that cost me some material on the cobbles. I'll quickly forget about all this and try to do better next time, in a race hopefully without cobbles.'
Lars Lejeune wanted to share some more on his team mate Dries Cornelis. 'Watching the race from the background I only got small bits of information, but I do have the feeling something more would be possible for Dries. His experience should have played a role here, but I guess everyone, including the veterans, still has a youthful instinct. I can't blame Dries and I don't think anyone is more disappointed about his second place than himself.'
Name: Mikel Hammarling
Nickname: Hammer Time
Age: 26
Nationality: Sweden
Speciality: Ice/Cobbles
Hello my name is Mikel. This season i will be riding for Team Odjfell in the brand new CX structure. I have raced for 10 years at a domestic level in Sweden in a mix of CX, MTB and Road across the year. In my time i've picked up National CX titles at Junior, U23 and Elite levels. Linkoping is my hometown but i live in Stockholm.
Odjfell were keen to sign me to their team of ice and snow specialists. I can also go hard on cobblestones and overall have a good diesel style engine. The running and jumping i'm not good at, nor am i explosive or a good sprinter. Realistically i should go to a road career but no team will sign me so hopefully i can make it work on the CX scene.
Target races for me are those in icy and snowy conditions or those over cobblestones. At the very least i should be able to pick up another National Title later into the season alongside some Top10 finishes on the circuit.
Max "TDF" Power
Name: Max Power
Nickname: TDF
Age: 20
Nationality: Texan
Speciality: Sand/Heat
Hi i am Max Power. My friends call me TDF due to my obssesion with the race and Lance Armstrong. I live and grew up on the Texas coast and in sport i have always idolised Armstrong, the USPS team and riders like Landis and Hamilton. In the wake of the USADA report i stopped road cycling completely, hopes and dreams shattered.
My parents suggested i try other disciplines and CX is the one i've been picked up for. I sent some videos to Koga of my riding and they asked me to come see them on Holland. A couple of days later they signed me up with a grand experience of CX totaling 10hours. 10 hours of CX riding and racing and i will be lining up alongside World Champions at the top level of the sport. Some story right!
This whole season will just be about learning and improving because my CX skills are understandibly very poor. I've got a good turn of speed and acceleration alongside good stamina. If the race is hot, looking at the Middle East races, i will happier than anyone else in the field but if it's not hot, looking at almost every other race, then i will legitimately die. Wish me luck, cause i'm gonna need it.
The first nation that comes to ones mind when thinking of cyclo-cross is Belgium, shortly after one would probably think of Netherlands. This, however, is the past now with a very multicultural field at the start of the 2014/15 winter season. The field of 64 starters only contains 9 Belgians, the number of Dutch cyclists is even only 3. Cyclo-cross threats to drift away from its two former strongholds.
In this blog on Nieuwsblad.be, which will also be posted on the Dutch news site of de Telegraf, I'll follow closely two rather less known young talents out of those two countries. The hope is to get cyclo-cross back into the sight of many young dutchmen and belgians.
Lars Van Hennep from Amsterdam is 23 years old and will in this season take part in his first year at the top level. He was able to sign a contract at the Randstad team as the second man behind big prospect Elliot Cook. He mainly will have to take domestique duties and won't be riding for big results in his first season here. Talent scouts, though, agree on the fact that with the right commitment Lars could become one of the very big guns in the field. 2 years ago he already almost made it to become a pro at BKCP-Powerplus, but after loosing his driver's license after an alcohol test, the contract was voided pre-season. His agent let us know that Lars' alcohol issues are a "matter of the past" and that the athlete "is looking forward to show himself and surprise the top-favourites in some races."
Milan Vermeulen, 21, will be the Belgian rider we'll accompany through the season. It's also his first year in the professional field of cyclo-cross. He is a late starter as he only started to cycle at the age of 15. But soon it became it passion and he worked hard until he got the contract offer from TopSport Vlaanderen. As soon as the race gets bumpy with a lot of ups and downs and ideally some cobblestones, Milan will sense his chance and can surprise many. Still he will most likely be behind the two team leaders Rudy Verboven and Rik Van Fleming and only play the third fiddle of the team.
~ Author Name
The cyclo-cross fans could witness a very exciting opening classic of Duinencross. Irishmen Shay Gormley could beat world champion Dries Cornelis in a sprint to the line. But more of an interest for us is how our two youngsters Vermeulen and Van Hennep did today. Both could finish at the rear end of the field. Van Hennep became 30th and Vermeulen came three positions behind him in.
The dutch was the first of the season to suffer under a mechanical, destroying all the hopes he had for the race. Accordingly his mood at the finish. We only could get words out of him, that are not to be repeated in a blog entry. We had a little bit more luck with Vermeulen and could reach out to him for an interview after his home race.
Nieuwsblad: Some words on your result today? Vermeulen: To be honest I hoped for a little bit more than 33rd, but that doesn't matter. Experiencing the atmosphere at the side of the race today, was totally worth it. Nieuwsblad: You are from Gent. Were there any familiar faces in the publicum today? Vermeulen: Yes my parents were there and also some friends came to cheer for me. Seeing that motivated me only more, but in the end it was just too hard to keep up the high pace of a professional field and I dropped back. Nieuwsblad: Your plans for the next races? Vermeulen: I'm already looking forward to improving my result in Blaarmeersen, which is even closer to where I'm from. Getting into the top 25 would be a great result for me. I'll then spend some time home with my family and skip the Great Hertford and the Hobart Sunny Classic and travel a day later to Australia then my team to be fresh at the start of the first World Cup race of the season in Melbourne.
I'm really surprised -- I finished top 20 on a climbers' route! I'm ecstatic and overjoyed to get back racing after my offseason, and it looks like my form wasn't too much an issue. I'm going to get training again -- see you all at Blaarmeersen!
#31 Jack Smith
Duinencross - 4th
I'm quite happy with my result here. I must say, Mr. Gormley really shocked me! He's got lots of power, lots of speed I didn't see in him last season. Kudos to him. Nonetheless, I'm good with seeing a top 5, as it is well within my expectations and a good way to start the "Big 15".
Blaarmeersen - Expectations and Thoughts
I'll be honest -- I've got a hot at winning here. BP in total looks strongly suited to this race, especially with the lack of super-difficult terrain. Even Flinch may yet have a shot to redeem himself after that piece of shit ride yesterday. Ah well, we shall see. -Jack Smith-
#32 Robert Wells
My Result - Duinencross
What a disaster! I was so far behind by Lap 4 I was ready to go home right then. My apologies to Bakari -- I accidentally rubbed him and knocked him over!
My Outlook - Blaarmeersen
Another technical, intense ride, another practice day for me. This time I'll try to at least finish, but it's looking rough. Though, Smith may have a real chance at victory here. No jokes, he could be the victor!
Until Next Time...
#35 Nic Hashir
Duinencross
What a horrible ending I put in! I slowed down mid-race thinking I'd catch my breath, but I slowed up just too much and wasted all my hard work! My sincerest regrets for that balls-up. I'm disappointed in my ride overall, but at least I stayed with the leaders for a little bit...
Blaarmeersen
The ride for me and Smith. We will DOMINATE should we get away, as we both excel in technical, hilly circuits.
#36 Marcus Flinch
Hey folks! I've gone and made some errors at Duinencross, but overall I was happy to be a part of the pro peloton. I am pleased that Smith was able to finish so well, even if I myself didn't classify. Ultimately, I'll be waiting on what seems right for me to really get started with my season. I'm going to continue giving 110% in training, as I have to get prepared for Blaarmeersen (who names these towns). Again, not my route, but it looks like Smith could take a top 3 or better or here! Good day!
"America. Show a nipple on television and the whole country goes ape-shit." -DubbelDekker
At the start of the Duinencross, we had a chance to catch up with Sven Welling for some quick words. The Belgian veteran has done several seasons in Cyclo-Cross by now. After he fully committed to this special discipline by leaving the road racing scene, he could celebrate some wins but has ever since hitting 28 been struggling with his form & injuries.
Sven, you finished 36th. Your take on the race?
I think it was really exciting race to watch. Many youngsters tried to show themselves. I heard Francis made some moves but he was unlucky. Crashing is a part of CX though, we all know that too well. It’s interesting to see so many nations in the peloton by now, and it’s a bit weird to see Cornelis losing a race in such a way. I’m not happy with my performance but better days will come again.
The uphill killed you?
Yeah, I lack the proper legs for some years by now to get over the climbs decently enough to still be in contention. There will be flatter races coming again though. When I climb, I really feel the many crashes I have experienced, feel how I can't produce the watts.
But no crash today.
Yeah, I count me lucky. I heard Bakari crashed 3 times, that's a lot. He'll go home with some bruises. Hopefully he can improve in that regard. It's awful for him but it's also a danger for other riders. Honestly, I've seen better cyclists than me, who had to throw away their cycling career because they kept crashing at every turn. Yet they flew up any climb you'd throw at them. But what's worth that when you can't get down.
This is your 6th season with BKCP – Powerplus. How’d you describe the development of the team?
It’s a bit strange. When I first joined BKCP – Poweplus, it was this larger than life team really. It has a great heritage, some fantastic champions rode in our colours. But in the last 2-3 years, most riders retired or switched teams. We have experienced an Exodus, so I’m particularly happy that they have signed Francis [N. Vague] this year, he’s a real talent – and only 19 years old. I mean, what do they give kids these days in their youth that they become so good so fast?
They are more athletic than you guys of old?
Definitely. I think some of them already are born with this big dream of becoming superstars. It took me until 25 till I realized what sort of rider I’d want to be. Maybe I just wasted my best years, but at least I still got some nice rides out of it and enjoyed the years.
Speaking of the youth, how’d do you rank Belgium’s Cyclo-Cross future?
That’s really too far to talk about. We have just started the season and Cornelis showed today that he is very much the present and this is all what we should care about.
Your goals for this season?
To get some solid results and just be in the mix when the hills are low enough for me to shine. I’m over my peak, I know that, but there’s no reason why I shouldn’t continue riding.
Anything you want to share with the public?
Yeah, keep coming to those events. I know they aren’t so many Belgians and Dutchies around like there used to but it should be all the same when someone comes from South Africa or Southern Belgium.
Newsflash
With a decent ride, Rik Van Fleming has finished just outside the Top 15, on 16th. He was seen early on in the race, enjoying the particularly fast race after putting in a decent initial starting sprint. This is a race tactic all too well known by Van Fleming. Get a good start and let them have all their turn. Rudy Verboven and Max Power were his companions in the first lap, however Van Fleming was held up by his teammate in the sandpits and lost a bit of his rhythm. The ongoing laps were then too tough with multiple uphills and sand pits, losing ground fast. The wind has done Van Fleming certainly no favor either in his endeavor to get dragged back to the main groups by some youngsters.
The current Belgian champion won the sprint of 4 against Acord, Power and Burbank. None of them really seemed interested in the sprint but in Van Fleming’s eyes this is simply an excuse, since they knew fully well they wouldn’t have had a shot against him anyway.
Edited by Shonak on 22-12-2014 21:32
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The opening event of the season has just completed. My own race was fairly poor, being lapped out of contention not long after the halfway mark. The pace was high with all of the big boys being very eager to make an early statement and win. Odjfell had a weak race as a team but these weren't the best conditions for us. Things should get better at the weekend with Blaarsmeesen and Hertford.
"TDF"
What an experience! I was so pumped up off the start and flew across the early sand sections. Pushing hard i almost lead the opening lap just being overtaken on the cobbled section late on the lap. After the impressive start i slipped away from the main contenders but against the odds not only did i finish but i finished well! 18th place in only my 11th hour of CX racing. I've certainly made one hell of an impression. Everyone must now beware of the Lone Star.
I'm in the front group, but where is Jannik? I move around in the group, I can't see him, he must be behind but he could be ages back and he can't catch back up to a group like this, Cornelis, Carlisle, Gormley, Smith, Vague, Van Lookeren and Bollinger are just some of the riders here, I need to decide, this group will make it, we are coming to the uphill, I have to decide, I go, Cornelis and Gormley follow me, Dries Cornelis! I've watched him for so long and now I'm racing with him, they are staring each other off but I can't stay on the front, Smith is catching up, but they won't work, Smith joins our group. We reach the technical section and Cornelis goes, I can't follow I don't have it in me, but Smith can't either, he is tired from bridging the gap, I attack him and hit the line alone, I'm estatic, I raise my arms despite being third, in my first pro race and a classic like this! I wasn't even a favourite, the course doesn't suit me too much but I came third! A soigneur grabs me but I'm mobbed by reporters, I decide to answer their questions:
Third in your first pro race, you've got to be happy with that?
I'm amazed, it feels great I saw Jannik wasn't going to make it back and I went. I just can't believe and the course doesn't even suit me that well.
So what does this mean for your world cup and Coca-Cola trophy chances?
yeah, well I might be able to win one of them, that would be pretty good, but don't mistake me, some of those riders are very strong and that attack from Shay [Gormley] and Dries [Cornelis] was too strong for me, but you never know.
How about the team? How did they go today?
Jannik didn't have his best day on the bike, but I think he had an off-day, he'll have a better race next time he leads, I'm a little confused at Philipe who attacked against team orders, but I didn't see the event, so I won't comment and thanks heaps to Pierre, amazing work on the front of the group. He did deserve to finish though and was just unlucky not to reach the end.
So will we see you in Ghent next week?
Yeah, I think I'll show up, go for a win, it won't compromise my performance in Australia, although I will skip the Great Hertford classic though and go down to Australia to train for the Australian races and Tekapo.
All right, we'll let you get going.
À bientôt.
Hoi,
Just got back from my race and I'm mad, my teammates won't do anything useful, nobody gave me any kind of strategy, so I tried to attack but was brought back by one of the Swiss riders on SAP but come on, my team, the manager and riders have to get it together and work out what they are doing, anyway, all I can do for now is train hard and try to convince a better team to offer me a contract for next season.
So yeah, I'll keep this blog short and see you guys later.
Sven van Vliet,
I'm on a new team this season and it's pretty good. I really enjoy riding with these guys, although I do want to let Arda know that he won't get to lead in all those races he was requesting in that earlier interview. Ali, Nathan and I all want some goes in leadership as well, so we will support whoever is strongest on the course, or the day. Ali was racing pretty well for him and he was amazing on the sand, but those cobblestones killed him and I didn't have the best day today, but our team will see better days, so see you guys in Ghent, were we'll be right up there fighting for the win!
Sylvain came third!!! I'm stoked, watch out for SAP guys, we'll be right up there and winning, maybe even good enough to take a trophy home at the end of this and Sylvain thinks he can target the worlds. As for me, the race was pretty good, I did my job, limited breakaways and gave everything until I dropped when the favourites went. It was a shame not to finish, as I was overlapped near the end.
I also find it kind of silly how nobody mentioned Sylvain when talking about the race or doing their post-race interviews, I understand that before the race he wasn't a favourite, but show a little respect for 3rd place.
Anyway, I've got an interview scheduled just before Blaarmessen, so I don't want to take to much away from the journalists there.
Shortly after the end of the Duinencross the Namibian International Reporters caught up with Mustafa Moli to talk about how he felt that race had gone, here are the interesting parts of the interview.
Mustafa! Mustafa, Mustafa, my friend, how do you feel after such a difficult race?
It's good to see you too... The race was indeed difficult as seen by only 38 riders reaching the finish line. I feel exhausted.
It looks as if you are shaking quite a bit?
Yes! Those big stones scattered throughout the course What the hell were they?
They were cobblestones, Mustafa, many of the courses in Europe have them and you will have to deal with them.
Oh, well, yeah, I guess I will have to get used to riding on them. As will the rest of the team.
Talking about the rest of the team, how did they go?
Well, I was the best finisher of the team in 35th while Sow came last out of those who actually managed to finish and that will make the whole of Botswana very happy.
Were you at all disappointed by the performance of your team mate Bakari, who should be better at riding on the cobblestones?
No, not at all. He is going to be very helpful at teaching the rest of us how to ride over these unnatural stones. Placed here for my demise. Although he did not finish neither did Muller or Tembi.
Do you think you have a better chance in the next race?
I have heard that it will have a bit of sand so I personally am looking forward to that but it apparently has a few hills. Therefore I believe the team will be working for Muller who is our best when it comes to the hills.
The whole of Namibia is behind you, everyone that has a TV that is. So good luck, now go return to your team.
That's great to hear! Thanks, and I shall do so.
Namibian German
Frederick, you were unable to finish? What happened today?
Umm well, my lack of cobblestone experience and training lately is what happened. It was a tough race for the whole team.
It looks before the race, like some words were said between yourself and that South African cyclist, Nathan Starc. He didn't look particularly happy?
No, he wasn't very happy. He rides for the MTN-Qhubeka team but wanted to ride for our NamDeb team. So there is a bit of bad blood between us and him.
When he was dropped earlier in the race than yourself you looked quite pleased with yourself?
Oh yes, it is always good to beat one of those Southerners. The whole team found it amusing but I especially took great pleasure out of his demise.
Mustafa said that the team will be working predominantly for you in the next race, do you feel any pressure now?
Of course I feel some pressure but I thrive when I am under pressure. The course is supposedly quite uphill similar to my daily route so hopefully I can achieve a good result for the team. But if not, they will understand because ,other than Bakari, we are all very inexperienced.
Well, good luck. You should probably go train a bit now.
Thank you, and yes I should. See you all at the finish line!
So, the first race of the season is over. Unfortunately I wasn't able to finish, but it was very technical, so I wasn't expecting anything else. Unfortunately I heard of some things being said by Frederick Muller. What a dickead, pardon my French. Honestly before today I had nothing against him or his team, it is true I wanted to join them, but that was before the MTN team was formed. Hopefully he's not speaking for his whole team like he says he is. I'd love to see how he does when the powerhouses come out to play, not to mention I had to sacrifice myself for pretty much the whole race for Arda.
First race, first Top 10. A good result, but it could've been better. Matthias was pretty good but didn't last long, while Pierre Lavigne could've been better. Really, I had to do it all myself, which I've come to expect honestly, but it still would've been nice to have some support. I had to work pretty hard and I had to waste energy on some attacks. Not the best day, but I can take positives from a 7th place finish.
Well, the first race of the season is done, and I've achieved a pretty good result. 14th place is better than expected, and the guys at Vittel have been great. I'm loving it here, even though I'm in the same team as a bunch of K*wis. Just kidding. Loving it.
As we're about to kick off the Superprestige, the words on everyone's lips are: generation clash. We have only 2 Superprestige winners in this peloton. Can they stay out of the reach of the young upcoming talent or not?
Dries Cornelis is a four time winner of the Superprestige, but hasn't managed to take the most prestigous trophy in four years now. A lot of people tend to forget once winner Blazej Dobransky, who took the Superprestige after the leader in the league literally fell out of the competition in the final race, but this is so long ago and Dobransky has never reached this level again.
This is a Superprestige race, which means it's about more than the victory of the day here. Riders like Elliot Cook, Dries Cornelis, James Carlisle, Nic Hashir, Thijs Van Lookeren and Shay Gormley can't afford to let their heads hang if things wouldn't go as planned. You have to fight for every spot if you want those points, and you'll need them to claim the overall trophy!
As usual in the Superprestige, the winner will receive 15 points, the runner-up 14 points and so on until the 15th gets one point. An off-day can be dramatic for your season plans and a victory today can put you at the best possible position from the start. Besides that, there are always those who are just here to swoop up a victory, not worried about points. They always have that bit more freedom than those bound to ride smart for the points.
A remarkable fact is that the son of the record holder here will appear at the start here today. Guido Visconti is the son of former 5 time winner Raphael Visconti. Did daddy share his secret winning formula and will we see the son take on a same approach as the father?
Race Information
Country: Belgium
City/Place: Ghent, recreational parc 'Blaarmeersen'
Classification: Superprestige
Starting Time (Elite Men): 14h30
Favorites: Dries Cornelis, Matt Mazzarelli, James Carlisle, Jack Smith, Sylvain Lipawsky, Lachy Bauer, Arda Akdeniz
Record: 5x Raphael Visconti (1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1990)
Race History: The Blaarmeersen have always been a popular location for cyclo-cross and cross country running. The man-made hill and little beach, combined with the forest, open a wide variaty of grounds for the cyclists to cover. In the 20s, the race was organised for local policemen. The first official edition was in 1934. It was an instant hit. Between 1950 and 1972 it was used as final race in the Superprestige. In the 1972-1973 season it was moved to November and a few years later, finally, to where it is now, early in the season.
Route Information
Technical: 4
Sand: 2
Uphill: 5
Cobblestones: 0
This cross has the famous reputation of changing route constantly. The current profile has sort of remained constant since 2007. Yet this year we also have some minor changes. The route is technical as well as it is uphill. There are only a few places where you can use your power and flat riding to create some real speed. Mostly it's about turning, climbing, running and - not unimportant - the extremely technical downhill. The last 4 editions were all decided going downhill. There is a big chance of a rider arriving solo. The last sprint dates back from 2006. But with no man above the rest, this may be completely different this year.
There are two jumping bars, set at 40 cm, which is as high as officially allowed. We only expect a handful of riders to jump them. With the jumping bars being near the end, jumping or not jumping can make the difference of victory or loss. But would you risk it in the final round? The sand is usually not too deep, not like at the real beach. Definitely not enough for a sand expert to make the race there, but more than decent to make the race tough enough. The climb is the main attraction, though. Not only is it steep, but it's long and the ground can be slippery with enough rain. Depending on the precipitation, the top part of the climb may or may not have to be climbed on foot.
Besides the main climb, there is a small uphill, too. Small, but extremely steep. Riders will have to climb it on foot. In the last decade, only one man has been able to ride to the top. The technical yet powerful Eric Pastoors claimed his victory after riding it to the top with a combination of power and technical brilliance. Let's see if there is someone to fill his shoes in the pack this year.
Finally, this is one of the longest circuits of the calendar. With lap rounds around 9 minutes in the last few years, it's 95% sure we'll see a total of 7 laps tomorrow. Still, 7 times up that hill is more than enough for any sane man.
All we know for sure is this: if you can't climb, you will curse that man-made hill more than once during the race. But you're braver than I am.
Mikel "Hammer Time" Hammarling 
Max "TDF" Power 
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
Blaarmeersen - Preview
