Welcome in Ghent, Francis, how are you feeling today and your opinion of the Blaarmeesen?
Very fine, I had a good night sleep. I rode yesterday some laps and it’s a really demanding climb, as we all know. I looked forward to riding it the whole week, so I’m happy to have had a decent enough week of training behind me and, yeah – I just look forward to riding this man-made monstrosity. I think it’s a route that suits me.
You had a decent start to the season in Oostende, hope to improve?
Definitely, 12th was a good start. I finished behind Cook, with whom I could have gotten back and cracked the Top 10 if the race lasted one or two laps more, I'm sure of that. I think there would have been more possible since I had some multiple misfortunes during the race. I'm not one of the favourites here but I always race to win and that's the goal here too.
Some words on your competition?
Well, Cornelis and Gormley had a great season-start, they are one step ahead of the competition. Lipawsky should be on fire after his third place in Oostende, same goes for Mazzarelli.
You won here last year in the U23 competition, some secrets to winning? Don’t risk too much. The downhill is really dangerous and slippery and people with less technical skills will really endanger other riders I think. So, I hope I’ll stay out of trouble in the first two laps. Other than that, just be first on the bottom of the climb and be first on the top of it.
You were really crazy last year when you attempted to fully ride the Pastoors-climb. You failed, but will you try again this year?
[Laughs] Yeah, that was stupid of me last year but I had a good lead on the other riders and I thought I’d give it a go. I almost didn’t manage to get any speed afterwards, completely standing still for ‘bout 3-4 seconds. I've learned and improved since then. Maybe one day I can make it to the top. Honestly, it will depend on the race. If I come with lots of speed into the climb and feel like I can make it, why shouldn’t I try at least once?
Your hopes for the Superprestige Classification?
Uh, I hope to make a good race today and we’ll see how the classification pans out then. So far, I have scored zero points for now, but so did everybody else. I definitely find many Superprestige races in the calendar very, very appealing. Due to the points distribution, it’s also a bit less important to perform in every single race. In the World Cup, you lose more points on a weak day than here. Finishing 5th or 15th, that’s some points. In World Cup, the relative difference is bigger I think.
Edited by Shonak on 23-12-2014 11:24
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Did you see me at my first cyclocross? I was the guy with the crazy start and the complete fade away afterwards. Don't worry, it was planned! It was just a test to see hwo far I could get. Of course, after that great first lap, I lost my tv time, but it was a success for me after all. After that first lap, I did bike handling training while tired. I really had to stay mentally sharp for the rest of the race, but I did not crash, which is all I wanted today. The perfect training run!
Tomorrow we'll have another Belgian race in Gent, not too far from my hometown. It's going to be my first real test of the season. It's not the perfect track for me, but it should suit me well enough. My fanclub will be making the trip to Gent as well, so I'll have an advantage over the foreign riders. I hope to get some more tv time, but this time until the finish.
Looking at the track, it has some nice hills for me, but unfortunately, there are some jumping bars as well. I'm not confident enough to try a jump yet, especially not that high, so I will have to dismount there. The sand is also not good for me, but it won't be as bad as in Oostende. It will be a race of following for me, until that final hill. Then the question will be, what's left in the tank?
So it's the second race of the season, but the first of the Superprestige series. So, we have headed over to Ghent, in Belgium for this tough and hilly race. The race is just about to get started, but before we have the chance to talk to the Dutchman, Thijs Van Lookeren!
Yes, hello all watching the 'behind the scenes' video!
Thank you Thijs for talking to us in this very important part of the day, but first we've got to ask you, what do you feel about the race today? Well, the Blaarsmeersen has never suited my abilities, but I have done pretty well here in the past, and I think that I feel fantastic today, and in the build up to the race, and yeah, I want to get the Superprestige off to a good start!
So Thijs, what do you want top aim for today? It's a difficult question, but of course I'd like to come in the top 10 and possibly a podium, but I want to show my team colours here back in Belgium!
Last question, who do you think will win here today? Belgie! A home win for sure but if not I'd look out for the Irish riders again.
Good Luck, Thijs Thanks WillEdited by EwanWilson on 23-12-2014 12:17
The lady in high-heels looks unnaturally slim, even for cycling standards. The strange mix of heels, lipstick and a cycling jersey bend around her waist makes her slightly awkward without herself noticing it. However, she’s a beauty and for a 17 year old youngster, this really is something. All that attention from this famous woman from the TV can make you a happy lad. She is a cycling reporter for Sporza. He is the son of famous Raphael Visconti. In his debut season, Sporza wanted to an interview with him ahead of Blaarmeesen, a race where his father holds the record of 5 wins, achieved in the 1980ies. For TV reporters like her a perfect opportunity and maybe a story that’s just written by life.
Guido, it’s great to have you here tonight. How are you doing?
Thank you, i-i-it’s great to be h-here… [cough]. I’m fine, and erm… how are you?
I’m great. Guido, you have your first race behind you. Want to share some thoughts with the audience?
Yeah, it was really nice. I mean, I did not finish but I sorta expected that. I’ll definitely will ride mainly Junior and U23 Races this season but when you get the chance to ride in the same jersey as Cornelis than you just take the opportunity. So, I plan to ride Belgian and some french or dutch races with the team when the opportunity arises and the rest of it is more like learning stuff and going to school and trying to find a date to prom.
Cornelis, is he a rider that brought you this sport?
Well, he has been the most successful rider in the past decade or so, so naturally you look up to him and want to learn stuff you know. But of course it’s my dad who brought me into all of this, he’s my idol and my greatest inspiration and it’s some sort of birth duty to try my luck in Cyclo-Cross.
Your birth duty – or your privilege?
I guess, both?
Your dad certainly has left you some big footsteps. He has won an impressive number of races in a time when almost everything was dominated by two even bigger legends of the sport, including two World Championships.
Yeah. I mean, obviously I’m too young to have experienced all of this live but my dad has like this huuuge archive built in the basement, with a huge wall and there have been countless screenings of older races. There have been some real intense fights between the three and four of them. Actually, Vandewalle shows up at our doorstep now and then, and when you have two former riders of that caliber at your side, than that’s always a bit like a school lesson in a Cyclo-Cross academy but it’s also great fun to watch them.
Sounds lovely, I hope you watch Sporza coverage then.
Sure. Your coverage is the best. Ok, will I get paid for saying that?
Maybe when you win your first races, darling.
I’ll hold you to that.
What are you goals this season?
Well, that’s some pretty standard question, isn’t it? I don’t have goals. I have aspirations and that is to find how out more about Cyclo-Cross… not in knowledge, you know, but in the feeling. In riding with style, and grace. Efficient, successful. To feel the bike as much as you feel the mud in your face. I’m very young and right now, the only thing I’m really, really good at is running with my bike on the shoulder.
Maybe you’re a runner?
Sssshhh, don’t say that. You make my dad angry!
Your dad will be on the podium for the ceremony, won’t he? It’d be a special gesture if you were there too.
That is taking it way too far. He has told me that the climb is particularly tough but the downhill is where it’s really tricky and deceive. I shouldn’t rush and I shouldn’t risk anything. I listen to him in that regard. It’s a dangerous course and one where you can easily trip or feel the exhaustion, make a mistake because of fading. It will be quite some carnage.
You are one of several young Belgian riders, what do you think of the current state?
Well, people like to complain, and they complain a lot. I think we have a solid mix of riders in the peloton and it should be great fun following us. Cycling should be a joyful activity, to practice and to follow from the sidelinse. Right now, Belgium needs time to just get the next generation going, Vermeulen, Vague etc.
How's Junior racing for you?
I didn't have a single race yet this season yet but last year it was great fun and I hope to score my first win maybe this year, since many superior riders switched to U23 or became even full-time professional.
Your tip for the win?
I’m feeling patriotic and say a Belgian will win today. Cornelis, Vague, Verboven…
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Shortly after he crossed the line, Gormley is ushered in to a small room with two chairs in front of a background of sponsor logos, with cameras pointed towards him from the other side of the room. He's sat beside a young, well groomed interviewer, who speaks excellent English, to Shay's relief.
Congratulations, Shay! What a way to start your career at the top!
Thanks, thanks. I still can't believe I actually won it, that will have to sink in later on, I think. I knew I was one of the outside favourites for today, but so early in the season, no one knows where everyone else is yet, both from a physical and a mental point of view. I actually thought the seasoned pros would be well ahead of me at the start, but it seems not!
How do you think your race was affected by it being your first one? Did Cornelis underestimate you?
Well, it's fair to say that I had an advantage because no one really knew me. Of course that was arguably the case for a lot of guys today, so I'm not sure if it was really much of an issue. On the flip side, my lack of any experience at all at this level was never going to help, and maybe even outweighs my wildcard "luck".
Yes, that's very true. At what point did you feel like you had the race won?
When I raised my hands to celebrate. [laughs]
No, but seriously, I had a very good feeling as I forced Dries to go first, knowing his lack of any real speed would make things easy for me if I stayed calm. Of course I didn't want to think like that at the time, with all that could go wrong, but I have to admit I felt pretty good there.
Was there a time you felt like you were out of it?
Well, as Dries attacked away for the first time, I panicked slightly, but it was alllright. Then, as Vague was in front and I wasn't in the first chase group, I was getting pretty worried. I wasn't sure what I would need to do, so I went full gas on the sand, and sure enough, I connected up with the main chase group. From there on, I tried to not lose control of the race again, and succeeded.
Looking ahead to your next race, I assume it's the Superprestige in Blaarmeersen?
Of course it is! The race itself only half suits me, but I'll still need to give it my all, because the Superprestige classification is my main aim this season. I'm hoping I can be there in the Top 10 to remain in contact with the leaders, but if that doesn't work out, it's not too tragic either, as long as I can build some form.
Thanks for the interview, good luck in Gent!
Cheers, great of you to have me.
For the next race we find the first points available. World Champion Dries Cornelis is going for the maximum of 15 tomorrow in his home country. 'The race of tomorrow should suit me very well. It's very technical and it's not considered very likely it'll end up in a sprint. The more you look at the parcours, the better it should suit me.'
After the defeat against Shay Gormley in the Duinencross Dries seems to have a new rival for these races. 'I had heard many good things about Shay. However, I hadn't expected him to be so strong already. With the weather forecasts being good for tomorrow, I'm pretty sure he can be considered a candidate again. Although, of course, I hopefully can stay ahead of him just a bit longer, preferably until the finish.'
Dries didn't want to share too much about the other riders though. 'I guess it's the usual suspects for this type of race tomorrow. However, a name I didn't see mentioned too often is the one of my teammate, Guido Visconti. We obviously all know his father, and I think he could turn out to become just as good as him.'
After the opening classic, the superprestige is about to begin also in Belgium. It's a tough course once again, less sand but more uphill, a lot more. The weather conditions look favourable. Less Sand will definitely play into my hands but I'm still relatively untested in CX. I'm a fairly decent uphill on the road, we'll see if that translate.
I'm aiming to better my 28th tomorrow. Race tactics will be fairly the same, maybe a little bit more conserved after the start and pace myself on the uphill. I think it's important to pace myself and still in a similar group while I'm still finding my legs.
My pick for tomorrow is Sylvain Lipawsky, he took 3rd in the Duinencross but World Champ Dries Cornelis will be looking to take his first win too. Something I've learnt since starting, it's a complete open ball park, anything can happen.
Sylvain Lipawsky, third in Duinencross, has agreed to a short interview on his chances at Blaarmesien.
So Sylvain, how are you feeling about your chances in Gent?
Great, the bookmakers saw my performance last week and have listed me as a favourite, so there will be some more attention on me, but I'm feeling pretty good and this course really suits me, climbs and technical descents.
So the team are behind you to win, because Stolz wouldn't be too bad on this course either?
Yeah, the team are confident in me and they will support me tomorrow. Hopefully their work will pay off and we can take a win.
I understand you are not targeting winning the superprestige trophy, how will this effect your chances?
It'll really mean I can take more risks for that win, I don't have to worry about riding for a conservative top 5 place, I can really attack and go for the win while other riders don't give to hard of a chase in case they need to sprint for second against other riders in their group.
And who is your pick for the win?
I think Vague will win, he was unlucky last week, but he was very strong before that and he know the course, but we will still see some good racing. Gormley, Mazzerelli and Cornelis are also up there, Gormley and Cornelis were very strong last week and I don't think we've seen everything from Mazzerelli.
Well. the Blaarmeersen is coming up, and you know what that means. Yep, that's right, the Superprestige season is about to start. After a good warm-up at the Duinencross, it is time to go to the place where I am among the favourites. There's less running, and it's exactly what I like in a race - technical and with a bunch of it going uphill. Fortunately there won't be much sprinting, and more fortunately it is one of the main uphill races on the calendar. In case you didn't know, bike handling and racing uphill are my main strengths, and fortunately this race has emphasis on both.
My tactic is simple. Unfortunately for the viewers it won't be extraordinarily exciting, but it should still be effective. I want just stay with the front guys - you know - follow all the moves. Then as we progress through the race, I want to make it tough for the guys on the uphill, you know, separate the men from the boys. Of course I won't do all the work - I'm not stupid - the other favourites will have to pull as well. Then, in the last lap or two, depending on how many there are, I will really push the pace and try to get away. I am one of the better climbers in the so-called peloton, so obviously I'll make my moves on the steepest sections.
Thankfully, Matthias is a very good climber as well, and after speaking to him we have our shared tactics sorted out too. He will try to stay with me for as long as possible, keeping me off the front as we progress through the race. As I said - separate the men from the boys - he'll be doing that, at least for as long as he can. Hey, that's the life of a domestique, even in Cyclocross, work hard for your leader. I think he's okay with it, which is good.
We're ready to kick-off the Superprestige competition here at recreational park The Blaarmeersen in Ghent. The weather conditions are great for the thousands of fans who've gathered here today. The sun is shining and the climbs are in perfect condition. We'll see several riders ride all the way to the top today. Though I'm not sure if the same can be said for the Pastoors-climb.
The riders have been arriving over the past few hours. Rik Van Fleming is still very popular here, despite his racing style in the last few years. Among the crowd, we see banners for Dries Cornelis, Rudy Verboven and quite a lot from Ireland for Shay Gormley, last week's surprising winner of the Duinencross. Dries Cornelis has sworn to take revenge today. But there are others looking to take their first of the year. We've all the ingredients for a perfect day. So let's get it going!
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 8° C
Precipitation: Dry, Sunny
Wind: 2 Beaufort
Start Line: We're in for another great race as the sunlight licks our faces. It's a bit colder than last week's race, but not cold enough to have a big impact. The Blaarmeersen is filled with people, it's amazing. The Pastoors-climb is packed with fans of Rudy Verboven.
At the start, we see some nervous faces. It's an important day, after all. Last week it was all or nothing, but today there is more at stake. Superprestige favorites Elliot Cook, Dries Cornelis, James Carlisle, Nic Hashir, Thijs Van Lookeren and Shay Gormley will all be looking to score the most points possible. Now that there's time, we ask Dries Cornelis' manager for a word before the race.
'Dries is very focused today. The young riders may have a bit more explosiveness on the climbs, but there is nobody that can handle a bike as well as Dries, so he'll make up in time on the rest of the parcours. Who is our biggest competitor today? Jack Smith was really strong last week and he has remained in the shadows this week. We definitely expect him to battle for the win.'
Lap 1: The lights flash green and we're off! Oh no, a dramatic start by the World Champion Cornelis as his foot is out of the pedal! Bad luck for the top favorite! A super start by Robert Wells. He's the first to hit the sand. Elliot Cook with a perfect start, side by side with Rudy Verboven. Andrew McLaughlin is right behind them in fourth. Shay Gormley is around 10th position, Nic Hashir in his wheel. Matt Mazzarelli not with the best start - around 25th. The riders pass by our cabin here. And then, finally, Dries Cornelis, about ten places from the last. What a drama. I don't see him coming back from this. But he'll fight for every spot, he wants those Superprestige points!
Thijs Van Lookeren is the first out of the beach. Now they're headed for the forest, a very long and technical section. McLaughlin takes the corners perfectly. Cook is in third, Mazzarelli has moved up a few places already and follows in 20th position. Is there any sight of Francis Vague? Yes, there he is, around 15th position. He's leaving a gap to Eldfjallsson, this is probably to be safe in the technical section. Sylvain Lipawsky is a few meters behind him, with his brother behind him.
In the forest now, it's braking, turning, accelerating, braking, turning, accelerating... McLaughlin takes the lead and immediately takes a few meters on Van Lookeren and Cook. Rudy Verboven is in fourth, Shay Gormley has moved up spectacularly to a fifth place already. Nic Hashir is still stuck in about 10th.
We're still in the forest, on a bridge now, McLaughlin is still increasing his margin. Cook is keeping the tempo high in the background, but he doesn't seem worried by the attacker. The peloton is breaking apart in the many bends. Dries Cornelis tries to move up a few places, but there's not a lot of room to do so.
We're approaching the main attraction. The climb is in perfect condition. The strongest riders will ride it all the way to the top. The others might have to climb the final steep section on foot. MacLaughlin tackles it aggressively. Then comes Cook, Van Lookeren, Shay Gormley, Rudy Verboven, Nicky Van Drenthe, Max Power, Honchar, Sven Welling, Nic Hashir. That's the top 10 at the bottom of the climb.
Cook has rushed past McLaughlin on the climb. He's making a huge impression here. Verboven is just behind him, but the gap back to Shay Gormley is growing by the second. Cook is almost at the top now.
Let's stay at the top and measure some differences. Elliot Cook, Rudy Verboven... McLaughlin at 6", Van Lookeren at 8", Shay Gormley at 9" with Nicky Van Drenthe overtaking him now to tackle the downhill. Sven Welling in 7th, 14" behind Cook.
The downhill is the most tricky part of the race. Cook is not taking any risks. And so he gets down safely, with Verboven stuck on his wheel. They're headed towards the Pastoors-climb now. McLaughlin is almost back with them thanks to a great descent.
Francis Vague has reached the top in 12th position, already half a minute behind the race leaders. Pierre Lavigne is bringing James Carlisle to Vague's wheel. Carlisle not with the best start, either.
On the Pastoors-climb one. Neither Cook nor Verboven try to ride it. McLaughlin makes the connection now.
Only the jumping bars are left, then another 300 meters and the first lap is already over. As predicted, it'll be just below 9 minutes. We'll have 7 laps today.
Neither of the three leaders jumps. The first one to jump is Sylvain Lipawsky, who is in 6th position now.
The rider cross the finish line. The situation after the first lap is as follows: We have three leaders; Elliot Cook, Rudy Verboven, Andrew McLaughlin. Following about 6 seconds behind is a group of 5, with Sylvain Lipawsky, Nicky Van Drenthe, Shay Gormley, Sven Welling and Jack Smith. Then we wait 10 seconds for a big bunch, among them Vague, Calisle and Mazzerelli.
Lap 2: Cook makes a great impression today. He takes a few meters in the sand. Be careful, Elliot, you don't want to fall alone too early in the race. Andrew McLaughlin with a terrible sand passage. He's being overtaken by the chasing group, lead by Shay Gormley, now.
Neither Cook nor Verboven seem very at ease in the technical area. But with the big climb approaching, their mind is most probably elsewhere. On the bridge in the forest, we hit the timer again.
8 seconds: Shay Gormley, Sven Welling, Jack Smith, Sylvain Lipawsky, Nicky Van Drenthe, Andrew McLaughlin, Max Power.
15 seconds: Francis Vague, Nic Hashir, James Carlisle, Matt Mazzarelli, Lachy Bauer, Craig Hepptern, Josiah Bennett and Michael Bolinger.
21 peloton: the peloton, or what's left of it.
Oh and what a battle to the bottom of the climb! Verboven is eager to hit the climb first and accelerates past Cook, who is noticably annoyed. He lifts his hand in complaint. The move was a bit questionable, but I think it was done correctly. They hit the climb.
-- Oh what a move by the young Englishman! He overtakes Verboven in a sharp corner and forces Verboven to put his foot on the ground. There's no way he can get his bike going on this steep section, he'll have to run to the top now. What a bummer!
Sylvain Lipawsky overtakes a running Verboven right before the top of the climb. Jack Smith is right on his wheel. Meanwhile, we hear Bakari has abandoned after the second sand section. He is complaining about stomach problems, we hope he's not ill this early in the season.
Going downhill, Cook takes the safest way. Lipawsky is moving faster. Smith is trying to follow him. A little behind, we see Rudy Verboven, Max Power and Nicky Van Drenthe.
Lap 3: The situation has been sort of the same as it's been for half a round. We have Elliot Cook in the lead. Sylvain Lipawsky is chasing, with Jack Smith, Rudy Verboven, Max Power and Nicky Van Drenthe taking relays.
Behind them, we have Francis Vague, Nic Hashir, James Carlisle and Matt Mazzarelli, working good together. Nic Hashir is not taking any relays, of course, with Jack Smith up the field.
We're headed towards the third big climb now. And Elliot Cook takes it perfectly, again. Then we wait for his chasers. 7 seconds behind him, they're not coming any closer.
Cook seems to grow in confidence and takes the descent with a certain sense of risk. Max Power rushes to the front in the chasing group and heads first in the downhill. He's trying to bridge the gap to Cook. Let's se ----- OH AND A TERRIBLE CRASH! Max Power is on the ground, a horrible accident going downhill. Nicky Van Drenthe and Rudy Verboven go down as well. Sylvain Lipawsky and Jack Smith were just able to avoid going down and continue the chase on Cook.
Power is laying still on the ground, this is not looking good. We really don't need to see this.
We cut to Cook, who's approaching the Pastoors-climb. But he's keeping his head cool and gets off his bike. Meanwhile, Francis Vague, Nic Hashir, James Carlisle and Matt Mazzarelli have caught up with Sylvain Lipawsky and Jack Smith. They're 10 seconds behind Cook.
Vague and Lipawsky are the only ones who dare jump and they are coming closer to the head of the race now.
Meanwhile, in the background, we see Craig Hepptern and Lachy Bauer making a great impression. They're working together to get to the front of the race, too.
A bit behind are Shay Gormley, Josiah Bennett, Frederick Muller, Alfonso Munoz, Oleksandr Orlov and Arda Akdenis.
Dries Cornelis is terribly lost. He's in around 30th position, more than a minute behind. He's constantly stuck behind lesser riders. This is a lost situation. He'll be lucky to get a point here today.
Lap 4: We're in lap 4 now, over halfway. The sun has disappeared behind some clouds and it looks like there is rain in the air. After Max Power's horrible crash, rain is the last thing we need today.
After changing his bike, Cook is now caught in the technical forest area. We have six leaders. Cook, Vague, Hashir, Carlisle, Mazzarelli, Lipawsky. Smith is lagging behind after a slip in the sand.
Approaching the big climb now. Cook is recovering from his solo ride, last in the group. Mazzarelli looks like the one with the initiative as he is leading the group to the foot of the climb.
Halfway the climb, Hashir overtakes him, but no differences are made.
In the downhill, the riders are taking it easy. Max Power has been taken away by an ambulance, he'll be taken to a hospital in Ghent. Let's hope he is okay. Van Drenthe and Verboven are long back in the race, too. We'll never know where they would've ended up without that crash, though.
We're in the long, flat section between the big climb and Pastoors-climb, now. Nic Hashir is making the pace and he's keeping it very high. Lipawsky doesn't give him an inch. Cook remains at the back of this group. Is he keeping something behind, or is he finished already?
Sylvain Lipawsky impulsively rushes forward and attempts to ride the Pastoors-climb. He is the first to do so. The crowd gathered on the steep hill gets excited, as if they have been waiting for this moment all day long. He hits the climb full speed aaaaaand... Fails! He comes a meter short and has to dismount. Oh but he loses his grip with his footing and falls down, sliding down the hill again.
Mazzarelli, Cook, Vague, Carlisle and Hashir are the five leaders, now.
Lipawsky and Craig Hepptern are lagging behind together, they're about 27 second behind. Lipawsky will be mad at himself for attempting the "impossible".
Right before the finish, Vague attacks! Cook decides he shouldn't miss this and follows closely. Mazzarelli looks at Carlisle to bridge the gap. Carlisle stays calm and sustains his pace.
Lap 5: Vague and Cook seem to have found each other. They're relaying now. Cook takes the sand section, Vague goes to the front to take the forest for his account. Behind them, Mazzerelli and Carlisle are not working together as well, they're losing seconds, fast!
The two leaders continue to ride away. They make no mistakes. It's started to rain now, let's hope everyone stays upright. In the background, Jannick Stolz has another flat tire, that's his fourth today.
Lap 6: We're two laps from the finish, and it's noticable. It seems like the riders are taking this lap to recover a bit. They're saving up their energy for the final round. So it's the perfect time to give you some time differences.
Vague, Cook.
Mazzarelli, Carlisle: 30 seconds.
Nic Hashir: 35 second.
Sylvain Lipawsky, Craig Hepptern: 39 seconds.
Lachy Bauer, Jack Smith, Frederick Muller, Alfonso Munoz: 47 seconds.
Josiah Bennett: 1 minute 5 seconds.
Shay Gormley, Arda Akdeniz, 1 minute 20 seconds.
And the two to complete the top 15: Oleksandr Orlov, Nicky Van Drenthe.
Dries Cornelis is now in 18th position. With two more laps, he is dangerously close to the top 15, allowing him to fight for some points after all. He's had a formidable day. If he hadn't missed his start, what could he have done here?
Oh and another crash in the downhill. This time it's Bohdan Honchar to go down. He's also taken down Guido Visconti, who was right behind him. Visconti seems hurt. But he decides to keep going, probably his dad being record holder here has something to do with that.
Lap 7: We head into the final lap. Now the real race will start. We have Francis Vague and Elliot Cook. With half a minute on Mazzarelli and Carlisle, it is probable they will fight for the victory of the day. Cook has wasted a lot of energy at the start of the race, but he has been recuperating in these last two laps.
The sand doesn't split the riders. They head into the forest now. Vague takes the lead and tries to shake off Cook. But it's no use, he doesn't give him an inch.
So we head towards the climb. Cook has made the best impression so far uphill today. But Vague is oh-so talented. And it's Vague to hits the climb first. He accelerates! Cooke is not letting him go.
They reach the top together. Neither wants to take any risk so they take the downhill with a sense of safety.
We're approaching the Pastoors-climb now. Meanwhile, we see James Carlisle jumping away from Mazzarelli on the big climb. He's got five seconds on top. Is he headed for a third place with this jump?
Cook doesn't take any risk and dismounts for the Pastoors-climb. Vague uses his head and follow his lead. Only the jumping bars left now!
Vague and Cook rush side by side now. There are the bars. It's been raining and the ground is slippery now, but they can't afford to dismount. If the other one jumps, he's home free!
Vague takes the jump perfectly. Cook gets over, too. The second jump now. Vague with another perfect jump. Cook gets over - no, his back wheel lags on the bar!
Vague sees this and starts his sprint early, he rushes away! Cook recovers, but Vague's away!
The final 150 meters, Vague turns the corner. He raises his arms with 50 meters to go. His first professional victory, but not his last, we're sure of that. What a victory today, what a race. Cook crosses the finish line 2nd, with his head to the ground, obvously disappointed.
Mazzarelli and Carlisle will jump for place 3. After an amazing downhill, Mazzarelli has caught up with Carlisle again. But oh, only to lose in the sprint. Carlisle - a favorite for the Superprestige, takes 13 points here, Mazzerelli is 4th.
Nic Hashir takes 5th.
Sylvain Lipawsky outsmarts Hepptern and takes a perfect jump over the bars. He's 6th.
(...)
Dries Cornelis finishes 12th. He's spend his entire race catching up. In the end, he has taken some points, but he can't be happy about it, for sure. Arda Akdeniz is the last to take a point today.
How'd you rate your 4th place? A bit disappointed about that failed podium, but I'm cool with that, y'all know my sprinting skills. *laughs* Today I was in great shape, going back to the race I'd only administrate my energies a bit better but yeah, you learn by your mistakes.
Looks like the people is estabilishing an excellent relationship with you, what do you think is encouraging this? I'm sure that the people likes my perseverance, I never give up, and the way i ended up 4th today demonstrated this i think, especially with a contender like Carlisle, he's certainly one of the strongest riders in the current cyclocross' panorama. I hope to keep this relationship with the people, it is a fair exchange, I try my best and they make me race better.
And what about Vague and Cook? Oh my, they look absolutely unbeatable, really! I'll try to catch up with them in this kind of races but if they keep racing like this it will be tough as hell! But, seriously, i promise that I'll get better for all my supporters, and why not, a race win would be awesome!
Thank you Matt, best of the luck for the next week Thank you Sven, feel free to interview me every time you feel like it!
Interview by Sven NysEdited by matt17br on 24-12-2014 11:51
Nicky Van Drenthe opened his Superprestige campaign with 17th place, funnily enough like his number in Blaarmeersen although that wasn't the full story.
Post-Race Interview
Hi Nicky, good to see you again, nice race for you, bit of bad luck for you today...
Yeah I was in a really good position today, I did what I said I wanted to do, fast start, measured effort and composed on the climb. I felt really good and after the first few laps I knew the top was on the cards but unfortunately it slipped away with the crash.
It seemed as if the crash was caused by your Koga teammate Max Power?
It seems so, he was riding strongly in the same group as me. The guy has a lot of power if you pardon the pun but maybe just over did it in the heat of the moment.
Do you know the severity of the injury, you realise he went to hospital?
No I didn't realise this, is he okay? I hope it's not to bad but it looked like a nasty impact for him, obvisouly it didn't help myself and Rudy Verboven piled into the back of him. Anyway I hope he has a speedy recovery and a quick return. I saw he was on the ground for a while when I got up but I didn't know he had to abandon.
We still don't know of his condition unfortunately, but a slight confidence booster for the team though?
Yeah sure, we both were mixing it up in the top 10 of the highest competition of the sport, we don't have any current stars in our team but it shows we can compete.
And for yourself
Yeah I felt good today, I was confident but in cyclo-cross there are so many external factors going on that you can't control, thats why we love it so much I guess?
Will you be continuing with your planned schedule?
You can't really get ahead of yourself, we are only at the start of the season. The plan was to ride the whole of October, November we'll see
A torrid day for Amadou Bakari as he came to blows on the second sand section and after staying down for a minute or so, pulled out of the race - complaining of stomach issues.
It turns out that the Gabonese rider actually swallowed quite a lot of sand as he went down, which really isn't a healthy thing to be doing. Fortunately the NamDeb CyloX team are taking the ferry from Calais to Dover this evening, on the way to tomorrow's race in Hertford, and the expected bout of sea sickness will conveniently clear all sand from his stomach - and Bakari will be as fit to race as he usual is.
A first finish for the season for Eldfjallsson, taking 34th place. He was still towards the front early in the race, but took it somewhat easier compared to last week. By saving his explosiveness for the climbs, it allowed him to at least make it to the end this time.
Bike handling is developing into a notable concern though for Hafthor, it seems to have got worse since his big breakthrough year a couple of years ago, and the team are looking at ways to address this.
Things are going in the right direction for Schiltz, an improved finishing position of 24th this time around. He is getting to know Timi Kokkonen an awful lot at the moment!
In other news, Schiltz will skip tomorrow's Great Hertford Classic in order to compete in an U23 Event in the Netherlands. Organisers of this U23 race were spotted at Duinencross last week offering an entry fee to a number of young riders in the field. So many young riders have turned to the Elite division this year, it has meant a weakening of the U23 field, and organisers were desperate for a bit of talent for their race, before the whole peloton jet-sets around the world throughout November. It remains to be seen if Schiltz is the only Elite rider to head to the Dutch race, but he is looking forward for the chance to compete at the high end of the field for a race.
Boy am I pumped up - this is me this is Elliot Cook and this is what I do. Hell yeah! Feel the hurt guys - feel the hurt - feel the power of the cookie monster!
It was great to put the hammer down, I was really stinging after hearing several of those britpack drones bang on about teamwork and coach plans. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than to go out there and have those robots grovelling over their handlebars. Jimmy (Carlisle) and Jack (Smith) did okay on the results sheet I suppose - they'll get the column inches no doubt for the press sheets. Screw them.
But for all the big whooping and cheering - I have that tinge of disappointment as I know had I raced that cross a bit better I could have got the win. As said in my last post Franny (Vague) is one hell of a prospect I think - this young man has a great instinct and he really is a great competitor to boot. Caps off he worked his ass off with me as we came to the finish there and he showed better technical ability than me on those jumps. His attack on the climb was superstrong too - I'll be honest he is the first guy since I started taking this seriously who I generally fear climbing.
Grandad was nowhere this time and you could tell we got a bit of peace and quiet - I felt it would be a bit dangerous here to sit in midpack so I attacked early and I was strong here the man made climb suited me perfectly. I here Dries Cornelis got some points at the back end - good for the old man he can crawl along down there for all I care.
So second it is in my first superprestige and time for me to get on the plane down under now I think. I know the guys are nipping over to Hertfordshire for a rough road type race tomorrow, but I ain't in any shape for that. Randstad are talking to Lars (who frankly still cannot climb for toffee - I have given him a few real beatings out on the training rides recently and his confidence is shot) about riding in some sandstorm kids event tomorrow. I am getting our first flight though and catching some zzesh.
Disappointing, but I got too cocky early. After falling on the descent, I decided it would be best to cut my losses and wait until next race. Well, I suppose no more aggressive pushes on the 2nd lap, eh? Good day, folks, I'll check in after Great Hertford!
#31 Jack Smith
Blaarmeersen - 9th
A bit disappointing, but it was a damn tough field. Congrats to Vague for the victory -- rally a pull out of nowhere to take a win was quite a thing to watch. Overall, I'm happy with all of us at BP, I think we all performed well enough, and I'm happy that we had 2 points grabs.
Great Hertford - Expectations and Thoughts
I'm going to be straight with you lot -- I'm going to take another one here. I feel it, something is telling me I'm ready to take my 8th win at this brilliant circuit, and I want it. Furthering my record count here would be fantastic, and a great point for my career. As far as the field goes, more of the same riders are going to challenge victory. Hashir has been having a lot of form, so maybe a top 5 from him also. I suppose it's up to the start! -Jack Smith-
#32 Robert Wells
My Result - Blaarmeersen
Not great, but I'm happy with it. Being mentioned for holeshot was nice, and I never expected to have the lead at any point. Turned out to be less a practice ride, and more a chance to take a top 30.
My Outlook - Great Hertford
It looks like Smith has another win under his belt tomorrow! The field is thinning, with a few riders apparently deciding not to come along for it. We (BP) are all headed there as I tell you, and we could never imagine not racing on English soil. I'm ready to lead my folks to victory, hopefully without stumbling into any riders.
Until Next Time...
#35 Nic Hashir
Blaarmeersen
I've gone and screwed myself again. I keep approaching victory after a perfect day, then running out of gas on places like that downhill. It wasn't my race.
Great Hertford
I've got a shot at winning this thing, maybe even beating Smith on this route. Smith is going to be my rival and friend this race, as we are the two most likely to win. Of course, I'll be doing all the leader duties, as that's my job. Smith may be a mentor, but it's my turn to be the champion!
#36 Marcus Flinch
Hey folks! Another great day on the bike for me! Hashir and Smith did great out there, and I'm really happy for the both of them. As for my personal day, I'm proud to have finished alongside some bigger names like Wilson and McLaughlin. Top 30 may not be great, but I'm cool with it nonetheless. Going over to Hertford, I'm real prepared to help Smith to his 8th victory. Could you imagine winning on home soil 8 times? What an accomplishment -- even 7 is crazy! Well, I'll see you all soon!
"America. Show a nipple on television and the whole country goes ape-shit." -DubbelDekker
Seemingly exhausted Vague gets stopped by his soigneur. In a matter of seconds, he is surrounded by a legion of reporters, who all bombard Vague with the same questions. Is a new star born here tonight?
Francis, Francis, Francis! Your first words?
Shit man… crazy race. I’m really out of breath… Fuck… I need a bottle. [gets one, uses it to cleans his face]
So, you had some great victories in the past, but this is your first one as a professional. How does it feel, how would you rank this win?
Erm, that’s impossible to say, really. It’s really fresh and I’m happy obviously. I’m the winner of a Superprestige race now, go figure. I’m alongside all those big names of my childhood and teenage years. I don’t know what it means. But I’m sure it’s not yet a reason for Rapha [Visconti] to start worrying about his record [laughs]
The race was really a stunning edition, wasn’t it?
Yeah, I think seeing as how exhausted everybody is [looks around him, but only sees Cook]… The race had basically everything. Wild weather changes, a good, tricky parcour, a thrilling fight to the end, lots of special moments. Lipawsky even dared to take on the Pastoors-climb – that will be part of any season highlight overview [laughs kindly] Unfortunately also some very bad moments. I saw some riders crash in one of the earlier laps in the downhill. It looked really bad, I hope they’ll be alright.
You mentioned the tricky parcour and you really know it by heart. Surely an advantage?
Yes, of course. Being from Belgium, I rode this race as a Junior and U23 rider and I won here last year in the U23 competition. It’s always an advantage to know the course by heart, even though they change and tweak the parcour on a regular basis. The technical parts in combination with the brutal uphill parts really suit me. I’ve declared that I came here to win this race and I’m lucky that it worked out. It’d be awkward if I have had to abandon or something like that.
Some words on Elliot Cook?
Crazy guy. Unbelieveable strong. I have the utmost respect for him, not only today but also because of last week where we worked together in an effort to crack the Top 10. That’s what racing is about, you know. Last week we tried for a Top 10, today we fought for the win.
Cook really teared up the entire race. I actually said to my teammate Welling: Cook will tear us apart! Actually, big thanks to Welling; he was right up there in the first one or two laps, which gave me a bit of breathing room and an excuse to not go ballistic in the chasing group early on.
But you remained calm?!
Yeah, I decided it was better for me to take it a bit slower. I knew that the start would be fast and that I would have to watch out but on the top of the big climb in the first lap I was already about half a minute down on Cook. Things wern’t looking good at all. Maybe I was a bit too cautious since I wanted to avoid getting caught into a crash – or actually, crashing myself like last week.
Then I got really lucky with the groups, twice actually. We did some decent relays and everybody could save some strength in order to get Cook back. Then I thought: Fuck it, and I made the attack, as I just thought I’d go for it. Honestly, I had expected other guys to follow me but Cook was a bit of a surprise since he was just so hellish fast in the first half of the race. But he recovered well and I knew that he’d want to race for the win, so in that way it was natural we both looked to distance the other guys before fighting it out for the win.
The last lap was a real nailbiter for your fans, wasn’t it?
Totally [takes a sip from the bottle] We had – I think – two laps in which we both knew we had to work together. But it was clear to me that I had to make the final lap really, really tough for him. He had invested lots of energy the entire race, being upfront all the time, and this way I may have had some bigger reserves. Or at least, that’s what I was speculating on. So I definitely wanted to make the lap damn fast. It didn’t work out to drop him on the big climb but hey, it’s often the small details like a jump that make all the difference then. For a second I even thought about taking on the Pastoors-climb in that last lap, since we went with lots of speed into it. Luckily, I wasn’t that stupid this time around.
You are now the leader of the Superprestige classification, any ambitions?
Honestly, that’s a great feeling but I doubt it will last for long. Like I said previously, I find many Superprestige races really interesting and all, but this year is more about winning single races than fighting for Classifications. Maybe after the next Superprestige race, I can make a better assumption of my remaining goals this season.
Will you ride the Great Heartford Classic?
Of course. Great Britian is an evolving new center of Cyclo-Cross. You see it with a guy like Cook. From the talent, he could be straight out of the deepest core of flandriennes cyclo-cross terriorty. So, I definitely want to show myself but it’s not a race that suits me. If I see that I won’t be racing for the win, I think I’ll just take it lightly and enjoy the crowd. British fans will be enthuasistic, especially if the Cookie Monster is to arrive and highlight the race. I bet there’ll be some serious hype in the coming months if he keeps racing like this.
Thank you Francis, congratulations to your victory. I think there’s Raphael Visconti coming for you, pushing away us annoying reporters, who ask way too many questions!
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
I have to begin with some words for my TMM Sports Management associate Max Power. I didn't see his crash but rode past the section and he was still on the ground when i got there. If a rider is down that long it cannot be good at all and i pass my sympathy onto him, his family and his friends at this time.
On a brighter note i finished todays race, albeit very low down the field. I guess it's one thing to be good in a country where CX isn't mainstream and then to come to the top level of the sport. I made big steps foward from the first race aided by the easier parcours. This season will very much be a working progress towards the race in Torku later on. Hertford could go either way for me really so we'll just see what happens.
TDF
Hi guys. I'm still in hospital in Ghent following my crash in the race today. There is no way i'll be competeing tomorrow in Hertford, just no way. It's a real shame because i need all the experience i can get right now, clearly. The accident was all my fault and i accept the blame. I wanted to show what i could do and went out to attack across to the lead on the downhill. It was slippery and in my eagerness i lost balance and decked it. Van Drenthe and Verboven had no room and just ploughed into me. That was what caused the injury but it wans't their fault.
As said i won't make it to Hertford tomorrow. Against the odds i hvn't broken any bones or done any serious damage. I've sprained an ankle and have two nasty cuts on my left leg where Van Drenthe hit me. When Verboven came over the top his bike cracked my head and i have a concussion as well. To keep it brief the doctors have advised me to take 3-4 weeks rest and recovery. This would keep me out of action until the Strubaai Cross.
But that is not an option. I refuse to miss my home events in the States, i just refuse. Instead i am seeking permission from the UCI to take some steroid injections to aid the healing process, or at least get an exemption from the "no needles" policy in an attempt to be in some racing shape for New York. I will be pushing the limits of my body and going against all the doctors advice but i will be at the startline in New York, even if someone has to hold up upright!
This also means i will skip the Hobart Classic, Melbourne World Cup and Tekapocross Trophy races. It's a huge blow to miss 4 races so early on but i can't do anythign about it. And don't think this will change my way of racing. I am still here to learn and to get myself noticed, but perhaps i'll listen to my manager and teammates a bit more. I'll keep you updated on my recovery progress and any further developments as they happen.
See you all in New York.... hopefully
In yesterday's race 24 year old Namibian Frederick Muller finished in 10th place. Here are a few of his words after the race. "Hello all, yes it was an amazing race for me and the team. I not only finished this one but actually managed to finish inside the top 10. I was an underdog for a good result from the get go but I showed the NamDeb spirit and did my best and it resulted in a good performance. Best of all, I beat that tall scum, Starc, in fact he finished 23 places behind me. He has some catching up to do if he wants to be as good as me. Anyway, thanks for all the support and I shall see you again wherever our next race is."
Sow's Performance
(Belgian reporter) Mohuti, how was the race yesterday?
It was tough once again but not because of those stones but because of how uphill it was. I didn't like it but there is a lot I don't like.
Your team mate Muller did very well?
Yes! He performed extremely well. He handled the pressure of team leader and gave us a great top 10 finish when it counted.
For other teams a top 10 is not overly special?
Maybe yes, but we are not one of the top teams, and we know that, but it was special to us and to the people of Namibia and Botswana. It showed that one of their own could do well in Europe.
You finished 49th today, how do you feel about your position?
I wasn't as good as Frederick but no one expected anything of me.
When are you going to start performing then?
Rude bloody Belgian (mouths to Muller who laughs in response), when the sand does come along I will show people what kind of rider I am. Not all riders perform on all terrain. I am only 19 where as you look 65?
(shocked) No! I am 35
Oh well you look a lot older.
(gasps) Good bye then
It was lovely talking to you (smiles), and to the fans and my family in Botswana. I hope everything is good and I hope you are very proud of me. See you when the season is over!
20 year old Mustafa Moli, 19 year old Mohuti Sow and 22 year old Ketso Tembi have decided not to take part in the Great Hertford Classic in Great Britain. After their last experience on cobbles against such a field they would rather have a recovery race. The trio will instead by participating in a Youth race in the Netherlands. Mustafa Moli said, "Neither of us have ever been to the Netherlands so we shall enjoy a nice race there rather than travelling to Great Britain for a race we have no chance in. We look forward to this youth race which we were told would be fun compared to this Elite madness, according to Bakari's friend, Schiltz".
So I'm writing from the bus on the way to Hertford. They picked me up early in the morning, 6 AM and we went from my place to Hertford. The whole team. I thought I could get some sleep on the way but turns out, the recent autumn sun is shining like it's summer. I put my helmet ahead of my eyes to get some protection from it. Every bump in the road is an attack on my ears. I tell the other guys to keep it down. I was cranky almost the entire ride. I was really hungover too.
So, as it turns out, the one celebration-beer I wanted to enjoy with my family and some friends quickly became a whole lot more. My dad actually had a scotch bottle reserved for the day of my first professional victory. Little did he know at the time of buying the bottle, that I'd have another race the next day. We kept drinking until I passed out. Which was around 1 AM, thankfully. I'm still young and still a cyclist. So naturally, I'm shitty at drinking. I fell into some sort of special coma, one of my friends told me in a message.
Most of the stuff I knew was back at the race. I remember details of the race but it's also a bit of a blur. When I stood on the podium, next to me Cook and Carlisle, the crowd was going wild and screaming my name. I had a big grin on my face. I don't know if it's news worth sharing but my facebook fanpage hit the 1.000 Fans mark (thanks to you guys obviously) and if it keeps going like this, I'll soon hit the 5.000 region come the end of the day. From there, the 100k is only a matter of time? *Wink* But I guess the win is reason enough to celebrate anyway? The photo with the Superprestige manager and the Race Organizer guy and Raphael Visconti got a shit ton of likes. Uhm, maybe I shouldn't have made that into a drinking game...
Well, thanks for all your support in Blaarmeesen. I couldn't have hoped for a better side of my first elite pro victory. Like I said yesterday, I will race the Hertford Classic. I can't just back out of that now. But boy, I'm in the worst condition ever. Honestly, I'm just happy if I finish the race without vomiting.
Need to get an hour's sleep now. Hopefully.
Edited by Shonak on 25-12-2014 23:06
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Nicky Van Drenthe
Blaarmeersen - Report
Eldfjallsson
Schiltz
Bakari
Hammer Time
TDF
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
