Well what a storm we have had in the last 24 hours! It feels as if I am somewhat in the center of things but let me start my blog this evening with a few words about Amadou Bakari. Yes the guy is to two wheeled car wreck but like almost everyone it seems it is hard not to warm to the dude. I mean he is my kind of guy just living it up but his blunt statement of intent following what is the most blatent powerplay I have seen in my life really did strike a cord with me.
Onto my decision then, it quickly became a no brainer. The long and the short is there is nothing wrong with the course. The course runs far better than several we have been on this year and indeed like all of the Coca Cola trophy events there was what promised to be an amazing atmosphere throughout. The race was looking set to be yet another cracking atmosphere, I can honestly say throughout these Coca-Cola events things have been a notch above the UCI world Cup and Classic events. These ones have been for the anoraks whereas the Coca-Cola trophy has been for the new fans and has really gone mainstream. Pay no attention to that ancient who rode round in the dark - what was that absolute nutter thinking I tell ya, you do that on Rio beach or in Central Park the same thing would have happened.
This decision by the UCI was nothing short of a sabotage decision for the Coca-Cola Trophy and I now am beginning to wonder Elliot Cook and the new breed of the international peloton itself. They took one look at the results sheet in Rio and just could not stomach the lack of 'their men' throughout. They scan down and see that their maid Cornelis and mistress Vague are beginning to fade into oblivion only to be replaced by the new breed to them the mongrels. It was telling they couldn't bear to place the GC standings following the Rio event and the subsequent Struibaai Cross may well have emphasised the shift away from the Belgian seat of power.
I have been on the phone to the Coca-Cola boys tonight - who were pretty pissed also. They are actually thinking of semi-sanctioning the TMM race that is going to happen tomorrow. The guys are looking into it with their team of lawyers, so things really are getting serious. With the next official Coca Cola race in Aosta Valley in mid december things could get very heated. I think they are planning on publishing their own mini-leaderboard based on tomorrows race with non starters given a five minute penalty.
I don't think I will be paying much attention to that, basically UCI have taken the Coca Cola trophy and flushed it down the toilet with what they have done and they know it. It really is crazy times, I am certainly not a man of the people but actually I beginning to enjoy the company of the lads left in South Africa. What do ya know Lachy Bauer is a Kiwi? I was wondering why he was getting so hacked with the Yank tag. He has the passion though, a real fighter him and I think well he can ride I tell you that. The TMM boys look like they have done a bang up job bringing us all together for this big FU UCI race tomorrow - I am really excited to get out on the bike and give Africa at least some of the show. It's a pity the suck-ups are in Lisbon, they can suckle on UCI's teet i they like I prefer cows milk with my cookies!
I've ditched the big Macs but I have no condition really for tomorrow not that I care whoever's there we are going to have a good time. It's wierd this morning I was thinking of not having a race for as long as it takes, but now I am just pumped to be able to get back on my bike and do my thing.
Merely hours after the UCI and Coca-Cola statements, Ghent is offering its services to host the replacement for the Coca-Cola Trophy race. Having previously featured Blaarmeesen already this season in front of the great crowd, the mayor of Ghent promises an even bigger spectacle should Coca-Cola decide to fund their efforts this time around.
"The public will go crazy, hell - why not even have a third race here too for World Cup?! This will guarantee my re-election!!", applauds the mayor his own cunningness.
BKCP - Powerplus is certainly joyful of this option, hinting at Vague's recent win at Blaarmeesen and his general strength on such courses. At least the team is not pretending to do it for fair-play, but rather hopes that their precious star rider will get to make up for lost time in more beneficial circumstances this time around.
Meanwhile, Vague himself has stated at his arrival at Lisbon Airport that he likes the thought of the Geraardsbergen-Cross realized. Looking at the race heritage of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, he'd be keen to adapt the race to his schedule.
"It'd be a stunning race in front of a fantastic crowd. It may turn out to be the toughest race of the season."
Meanwhile, other cities are slowly coming forward too. Valencia is suggesting a reschedule of the british week, giving them a place at the end of this week on sunday. The riders then have 3 races in Great Britain in one week, but the spectacle in Valencia would certainly make up for the unfortunate cancelation of Struibaai Cross.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The 5 riders of the NamDeb team are still infuriated at the UCI for their decision to remove the South African race from the calendar. Moli and Muller are particularly pissed off and understand the frustration of team mate Bakari but both believe he will return when a Namibian race is introduced as a replacement in the calendar.
#UCIout #corruptionexists #whydotheyhateAfrica
There has been a minor storm in the media lately. The cyclo-cross world is not one to be easily disturbed, but canceling the South African race certainly did it. The best way to leave all that behind us, is to simply continue on our way. Life goes on, and so does the cross.
Race Information
Country: Portugal
City/Place: Lisbon
Classification: Superprestige
Starting Time (Elite Men): 14h30
Favorites: Dries Cornelis, Lachy Bauer, Elliot Cook, Matt Mazzarelli.
Record: 6x Dries Cornelis (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
Race History: Not the oldest race around, but it is up to its 24th edition anyway. Dries Cornelis used to dominate the course and won it six consecutive times. Only last year a fall robbed him of the victory. Will he take a seventh victory?
Route Information
Technical: 5
Sand: 4
Uphill: 5
Cobblestones: 0
A demanding race to say the least. Technical, lots of sand and some hills to die for, I mean, on. No, you don't do this for your pleasure. Six real hills, two of which completely in the sand. Add countless bridges, regular bumps in the terrain, constant turning around and two sets of jumping bars and you have a cross to get excited over. The Superprestige will see a battle between leader Vague and the rest. Vague, not a big fan of the sand, will have to be in top form to protect his first place here!
So, the UCI just released a preview of Lisbon, and Cook, Matt and I are all listed as favorites. Well isn't that a right shame for them, as me and Cookie are up for the big FU UCI race, and Cookie isn't up for any race (though he didn't say Coca-Cola trophy or every race). And judging by Mazzarelli's initial reaction (he hasn't released a blog yet), I don't think he is pleased with the UCI. So I guess Dries is going to win. Which, given as Franny probably won't do anything, is exactly what the UCI would want.
24/02/21 - kandesbunzler said “I don't drink famous people."
15/08/22 - SotD said "Your [jandal's] humour is overrated"
11/06/24 - knockout said "Winning is fine I guess. Truth be told this felt completely unimportant." [ICL] Santos-Euskadi | [PT] Xero Racing
After Saturday's cancellation of Sunday's Struibaai Cross, the press meets Francis N. Vague ahead of Wednesday's regular Lisbon race. He looks grim and focused, taking a few easy, last inspection rounds on the circuit. Rain they said in the forecast. Having had the time to enjoy and train decently in the past days, Vague is looking forward to defend his lead at the Superprestige Classification.
How have you coped with the latest, extensive travel periods?
Very good, I feel good and I'm ready to race. Then again, I've said that so often lately; when it came to Rio or Antogfasta, maybe that doesn't mean anything anymore. With the week's rest from racing, I don't feel any fatigue though and for me, it's been a proper week of recovery mixed with some regular training rides, which I havn't been able to do in a bit of a while.
Lisbon organization does not list you as a favourite for the competition, are you surprised for that?
Naturally, my latest results havn't done me any favours in that regard. Also, it probably got something to do with the sand-hills. I've ridden them though, this sand is not comparable to Oostende or Rio Cross. I believe they wanted to set it up a bit like Dunes but well, not really at the end of the day. In return, it's the very technical aspect of the race that should suit me. I think it's a great race and I expect lots of great laps.
Have you studied the way Cornelis rides this race regularly?
I think everybody knows that this is Cornelis' race to win. He has the form, and 6 times in a row is just an impressive feat for the history books. Indeed I'm well aware of how he usually rides here. I know people like the thought of racing against the current leader of Superprestige Classification - which would be me, but I'm sure everybody knows that if you want to win this race, the only way is to beat Cornelis.
Have you watched the Struibaai Cross?
No no, I meant to watch it on some illegal stream but I couldn't find the time. You know, when you are training and following schedules, you don't really have the time to follow the sport sometimes in the way it deserves. I hope it was a great race, the audience in South Africa deserves it. Props to TMM Sports Management though, I liked the idea when I heard of it.
How do you see the entire situation concnering the Struibaai Cross?
I really prefer to not talk about this stuff anymore. It was a messed up situation down there, in my opinion UCI did the right call to move on.
Just, let me quote some of your fellow riders statements. Bauer has called you a "little cocky Belgian stuck-up arrogant goody-good crybaby" for supporting the UCI, have you heard of that, any comment?
Yeah, I heard about it... [takes a moment] But what do you want me to say? He obviously likes to insult people for no apparent reason. Does he feel threatend by a 19 year old, I don't know?
I'd fine him if it was up to me because this has nothing to do with sports, this is just hateful disregard for respectful treatment with your fellow cyclists, and I'm getting tired of all that hate in the past weeks, by him and by other people. This latest comment is an unnecessary step over the line, but it fits right into the hostile attitude of some riders. The atmosphere is just, so poisoned you know, and I don't even really know why.
I mean, what's next? Punch in the face when I ride faster than him. Maybe he sees himself as some sort of Bad Boy, or maybe a savior to Cyclo-Cross, looking at his campaign against UCI, but to me this is real childish behaviour....
And what about Cook's McDonalds stunt and his recent pitch against you, "mistress Vague"?
Everybody is used to him talking trash. He's sometimes a bit of a strange guy. I've come to know him as a cool fellow though, but it's also a lot of show. He's a bit of a showman in the races, why shouldn't he be in life too? He might be a politician one day. I don't take him all too serious, he's been a fun guy so far who made an impact this season that he should be proud of. It's strange that he'd be willing to throw it away over a single UCI decision but I guess he could go back to riding Track or the Road - if they want to take him there that is? He shouldn't eat too many Big Macs though, otherwise he may never end up winning a race.
You were recently in the lead in two competitions, now it's only one. Do you fear you are about to lose this competition too?
What do you mean, I havn't lost any competition yet. You do know how to count, right? Maybe I missed out on World Cup, but that was on purpose - especially after Cornelis score in the first races. I'll strike back in the Coca-Cola Trophy later on, and I intend to keep lead in Superprestige [winks]
Edited by Shonak on 18-01-2015 19:38
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
I wanted to start off with a message to Vague. I know what I said crossed the line, and I shouldn't have said it like that. But you really don't get it.
You see, I am not a bad guy. I am a decent man with his own opinion. I respect you, I really do. Such strong character from a teenager, and you're a model professional. Sticking with the UCI after all that, that's the kind of guts me and Cook don't have. That's not why I called you that. You know why, I know you do. But it's your reaction that bugs me. You throw the insult right back, and I know I deserve it. But why would I threaten you. I take offense you think I would punch you. I don't see myself as a saviour, in fact I don't want the attention. I just want to show my voice, because almost nobody else will. You can keep your media, your attention, your showmanship, your slight arrogance which really turns them on. But man, I'm a human too, and I know you could've said that to me. If I was like you I would be ashamed, but everyone's different. I don't like your personality, and you don't appreciate mine, or where I'm coming from. I've admitted I'm in the wrong, but for this over the top backhand comments to stop from both ends, you need to as well. I stand by what I said, though I shouldn't have put it like that. You can slag me off as a wuss for suddenly apologising, the media will lap it up, oblivious to the fact that you are almost exactly like us when it comes to insults, but you're less front-on insult, more arrogance, though what I called you was over the top.
Anyway, the FU UCI race looks great, really looking forward to it. Been out training heaps, hope it pays off.
#NoToUCIDictatorship
24/02/21 - kandesbunzler said “I don't drink famous people."
15/08/22 - SotD said "Your [jandal's] humour is overrated"
11/06/24 - knockout said "Winning is fine I guess. Truth be told this felt completely unimportant." [ICL] Santos-Euskadi | [PT] Xero Racing
The arguments, I know I starting everything, but it's kind of gotten a little out of hand and I think the race getting cancelled was the real problem, the course is fine. Let's all race there with TMM's sport management and be done with it.
Stop arguing with each other, the only problem is the UCI, nurturing their precious Belgians, but you know, there has always been a few riders from other places around the world and I don't see the difference, between a European winning and a New Zealander or an African, so if they want trouble, if they want races called off, let's all stage a sit-down strike next week, let's see Amadou Bakari cross the line in first place, followed by other non-Europeans, We can let Nic Hashir finish in the top 9 and take the leaders jersey from Vague their wonderchild.
So who's with me for a sit-down strike and non-Europeans first in Lisbon, that'll wipe the smile off the UCI's faces.
Soooo, in the last hrs there was a big mess around that UCI decision of cancelling the race in South-Africa... I'm not going to leave, as I've arrived in S.A. 3 hours ago and the news about it came to my head while I was flying, and I obviously couldn't hijack the flight so that's it. Since I'm already pissed of enough, I decided to participate to the cross organized by TMM's Sports Management, that's still an occasion to meet the other guys and still train a bit. Nonetheless, what pissed me off the most was the fact that Bakari quitted, I didn't care that much about that race, I'd have probably lost precious time in the coca-cola ranking. Yet, that's still a race to run, so I didn't like at all UCI's reaction, all in all we're still pro-cyclocross riders and getting dirty with mud and sand is our work, so who fuckin' cares about a little more spoilt route? Ah, I would like to kindly respond to Cocky Monster the spin doctor, that indirectly called me gutless. Perhaps he's too good to be an ordinary cyclocross rider? Maybe he should turn into a miner, as he likes so much getting dirty, and as he says "he's the only one"? I don't really understand why he's so fuckin' asshole. Yes, Frenchy, an asshole, how would you call him otherwise?
By the way, anger aside, I'm looking forward to Lisbon's race, to kick some asses and -hopefully- take my first win. See you there then, so that I can prove Lachy wrong.
Edited by matt17br on 19-01-2015 08:40
A visibly disappointed Dries Cornelis is sitting here at the airport in South Africa after the cancellation of the Struibaai Cross. 'I feel disappointed, as I was looking forward to this cross. It should have suited me well and I think this was one winning chance gone.'
While other riders responded furious, the reigning world champion doesn't feel that way. 'I of course think it's not improving the UCI image, but I can say it's understandable. Next year's crosses should be organized better. I myself have now decided not to race the alternative cross and head for Lisbon now, and I think it would be childish to boycott that race. Sometimes the UCI has bad luck as well, and it would be unfair to punish them for this. A fair warning, okay, I understand, but some measures taken really go too far in my opinion.'
About the upcoming race Cornelis seems more optimistic than ever. 'Of course I am confident. It's pretty much 'my' cross, very technical, and we've seen in the past where that leads to. Even if everyone looks at me for the race, I'm still confident I can pick up my next win there.'
#FU UCI were the words from Arda Akdeniz and Gregory Bernard.
Especially Bernard saw how a crybaby was Schiltz who was with UCI.The capitalism has taken the world and because of the fucking UCI there are no races in the Africa
Hello there,
it's me, Irelands one and only pro cx rider, Shay Gormley! Following the succes of Nico Roches' Grand Tour blog on the road front, I too now have a blog with the Irish Independent, where I will talk about life on the cyclo cross tour. Many of you might not know very much (or anything at all) about that, but I'll try and explain it as we go along.
Spoiler
Never mind that I know shit all about CX myself.
The circuit has been slowly making it's way across the Americas (my personal highlight there being the Copacabana beach cross, where I won under the gaze of the Christ Redeemer statue), we were set to continue over to Africa. However, the cancellation of the Struubaicross there stopped that and caused a lot of fury amongst the peleton, and even a strike. I personally did not see much wrong with that, and did not take part in the strike, but others may disagree.....
That's all for now, I have to get back training.
It's all over - the last day has once again been a manic one with numerous calls from the worlds press and indeed the UCI president. It looks like the list of guys who have been grovelling to the Cookie monster keeps growing, some out on the slopes and now others in the murky world of real politic. I have been asked to move on and after seeing the recent statements from the Coke boys I am afraid me and my fellow rebels have been hung out to dry.
But that is not really the case, we have made a statement and we have made a lot of friends here in South Africa. That is not a statement that a guy like me makes that often, from my fellow rebels to the South African cross community and indeed the African cycling scene in general. It was great to give the circuit a ride for the locals, they got a show at least.
Anyway enough - I am currently writing on a last minute charter flight hooking me up to Lisbon. I don't know how the atmosphere is going to be down on the startline, it is a bunch of angry hornets the cross pack at the moment. I have watched a couple of Grandad's wins sort of sick the way he dominated the pack for years. The old maid though has been drifting of late, but he needs that technical stuff or the cobbles.
I don't know how I will feel in Lisbon, I actually feel quite eager to just get back on the bike. It looks like a decent course for me though I aint no technical expert I am feeling more than confident on the shyte and the hills are thick and fast.
Welcome to Struuibai! The local volunteers have put in some long hours overnight to get the course ready but they are happy for us to get going. Coca-Cola may hav distanced themselves from the race but that doesn't mean this small event is unsponsored. You'd be amazed how fast corporations can move and Pepsi managed to get us a selection of jerseys to wear today. So let's get going on the Pepsi Struuibai Challenge!
Lap 1: Clearly fired up for their friend Bakari, Mohuti Sow and Ketso Tembi lead the race away. Ronnie Hira leads the chase through the first series of turns. The sand section drags the leading duo back as we see Max Power push forwards with Mazzarelli following his tracks.
The exit of the sand leads into the routes short climbing section. Two rollers, not particularly steep but enough to provide an attacking platform. Mazzarelli pushes onwards. Coming of the hills Mazzarelli leads by 7" over Power. The Hira lead group follows another 7" behind. The only rider in difficulty so far is Mikel Hammarling another 10" down.
From here the ground is rough and rocky, comparable to cobblestones, and like the previous sections it messes around with the order. Power joins back up with Mazzarelli out front. Cook, Van Flemming and Eldfjallsson push away from the pack. Meanwhile Hammarling closes back into the pack.
Some more technical turns bring us back to the start line. The organisers signal for 5 laps. Mazzarelli leads with Power. 8" to Cook, Van Flemming, Eldfjallsson and Bauer's come across. The main pack has dropped a further 15".
Lap 2: The initial turns bring the two lead groups together guided by the skills of Cook and Van Flemming. Dobransky and Moli try to bridge the gap but can't do it before the sand. On the sand Power pushes solo again whilst Dobransky and Moli can't quite merge into the second group. Surprisingly no-one seems to be dropping at all but the overall pace isn't fast.
Power stays clear over the climbs as Dobransky and Moli reach group 2. They are 10" behind Power with the third group dropping off to almost 30". The thrid group seems to have lost serious impotus and is just soaking up the atmosphere.
End of the lap and it's Power out front! 12" is the gap as Cook leads group 2. 45" and group 3 rolls through, grabbing some Pepsi to refresh themselves.
Lap 3: Cook powers through the opening corners to catch Power. Hitting the sand The two work well together and extend their lead to 20". Bauer raises the chaseing pace and sheds Mazzarelli from the group.
Power is visibly struggling to keep with Cook on the climbs but he does so. Bauer goes clear of the chase group as well and gets stuck in between the groups. Mazzarelli looks beat and slides to the thrid group to grab himself a delicious Pepsi.
Completeing the course Cook and Power still lead, though the American looks the more tired of the two. It's 15" to Bauer who's working hard but making little progress. Another 15" back to the Van Vlemming, Dobransky, Eldfjallsson, Moli group. The "peloton" is now well over two minutes down having given in completely. They seem to be having fun through showing off the crowd.
Lap 4: Cooks pulls himself and Power further ahead through the techincal opening turns. Power then takes over to guide them quickly through the sand. Bauer can't make any progress thanks to the their teamwork. Meanwhile Van Flemming pulls hard in group 3 to close the gap to Baure.
Off the climbs Power and Cook are still clear. Bauer is still stuck between the groups but now Van Flemming and Dobranksy are clear and chasing. Moli and Eldfjallson have no answer to the more traditional crossers.
Completeing the penultimate lap it's still Cook and Power out front. Bauer is 22" back but only 5" ahead of Dobransky and Van Flemming. Moli and Eldfjallson have slipped to 20" back. The final group is pulled off so as not to impeed those still racing.
Final Lap: Moli finds an incredible line through the turns and rockets across to Van Flemming/Dobransky. Bauer is also caught by that group in the corners. Cook and Power lead by 27" entering the sand.
Power makes his move here and stamps his pedals. The gap slowly opens on Cook but not quick enough! The sand ends and Cook eases himself past Power on the first climb. The American has spent too much energy and crumbles backwards now. Behind Moli is riding like a man possessed and moves into a clear 3rd place.
Off the climbs now and Cook heads Moli by 12" but the gap is closing. Dobranksy and Van Flemming have dropped Power and Bauer now as well. The final two just don't have the freshness left to challenge.
Moli fires into the final sequence of corners, the crowd going nuts for him. Cook turns back to look.... and clips the barriers! Cook slips his feet unclipping. Almost in slow motion the bike falls sideways and into the lead goes Mustafa Moli! Incredibly Cook doesn't go all the way down but all momentum is lost.
Mustafa Moli has time to savor his Pepsi Struuibai Challenge victory. Cook holds onto second place but he must be furious at that mistake, always keep your eyes forwards Elliot! Van Flemming outsprints Dobransky for the final podium spot.
A thrilling conclusion to the short event. The atmosphere has been incredible, the local fans loving the chance to see some cyclocross. The riders seemed to enjoy themselves and Pepsi really cashing in on the events publicity.
This was probably the most entertaining week of my career, so apologies for not staying in touch. Of course, you will have read most of this in the newspaper by now, but there's also some stuff that didn't make the papers, so I'm trying to catch up with my blog again.
Lancaster, the name will be in my memory forever. Nice weather, an even nicer hill, I knew this could be my race. The legs were good all day, and when Josiah Bennett attacked, I decided to follow. We worked together well, until lap 8, where I felt his best part over. I attacked and got away solo. They came close and I had to take a few risk in the descent, but they didn't got back. I could raise my arms for the first time!
My first professional win, I couldn't believe it. In a superprestige race nonetheless! I won't be fighting for the overall standings anywhere, but this is a great win. I decided to celebrate, after all, I had been sober all year for my Euskaltel management. We went to a club, yet it didn't end that well..
Yes, I'm sure you've all seen the pictures, a big thank you to my team mates Bert and Rik for carrying me home. I may have drunk a bit too much. I barely made my flight to Chili, and I celebrated my first visit to South America by throwing up over the tarmac. Anyway, as soon as I was on my bike again, the shaking stopped and my focus was back and apparently the next race was a race about to start.
My team mate Rik thought it would be funny to set a good pace from the start. While I used all my energy to follow and not getting sick again, I kinda lost track of the race. Suddenly a bell sounded, was this the last lap? I saw Mr. Dries Cornelis (you gotta show some respect to that guy) was with us and asked him. He said we were about to sprint for the win. A sprint? I can do that!
And so, for the 2nd race in a row, I could cheer as I passed the finish line. It turns out this was a World Cup race!
Well, this was certainly an interesting week, little did all know all hell was about to break loose..
Christian would like to address rumours that he is in fact German, and recently signed for NetApp Endura. These are of course incorrect. Not only does Schiltz have no desire to sign a professional road contract, but he has no desire to be German either.
Whoever this imposter is, he is clearly a fake, so please be aware of this!
Welcome back in Europe, for the race in Lisbon, Portugal. The rain is pouring down here, but at least it's warm. Puddles are everywhere and the sand is slowly turning into mud. We're ready for our 4th race of the Superprestige!
Start Line: Leader of the Superprestige Francis N. Vague must be happy with this rain. The sand has been reduced and he's looking on top form to extend his lead today. But they real man to beat remains Dries Cornelis. He knows the profile by heart and will be looking for win number 3 this season. In his last year as a cyclo-crosser, he is finding his second youth. There are already rumours he'll extend and stay in the field for another year at least. We can only hope this is true.
Lap 1: We're off! Eldfjallsson with a blitz start, followed by Sylvain Lipawsky, Of course, for Lipawsky it's now or never. If he wants a shot at the Superprestige, he has to perform today.
Rik Van Fleming takes the lead here. Watch out, now, where is Rudy Verboven?
It seems he's planning to fly solo today, though. Verboven is caught way at the back.
The leaders in the Superprestige all clutch together early in the race. Right behind Van Fleming, Eldfjallsson and Lipawsky, we have Mazzarelli, Cook, Vague, Bauer with a fast start for his standards and Carlisle. Cornelis is in 15th position. He's not panicking, though. The terrain is tough and this race always seems to last for hours.
Halfway the first lap, gaps are already appearing. Besides the usual suspects, we also have Max Power, riding around in 7th position. This boy has been making real progress this season. Watch out for him, he's still young and quite talented.
Lap 2: It's confirmed: 8 laps today. The rain keeps pouring down and things are turning messy now. This could be dangerous for the equipment, especially the gearing.
Dries Cornelis is now only 6 seconds behind the race leaders. He's slowly coming to the front, he's still not panicking. Meanwhile, Vague has taken the head of the race, with Power in second.
Lap 3: Let's hit the chrono after 2 full laps.
Gormley, Lipawsky, Power, Vague, Cornelis, Bauer, Mazzarelli, Cook, Carlisle and Smith lead the race.
Bollinger and Van Lookeren follow at 14 seconds.
And then... A big gap already. Arda Akdeniz crosses the finish line at 43 seconds already. That's an eternity.
Cook goes to the front. He wants to use whatever sand is left to put some pressure on leader Vague. Cornelis marks Cook closely. Vague steps on the pedals. OH and he breaks his chain! Carlisle has seen this and looks ready to accelerate, but then he doesn't. Cornelis overtakes Cook and sets the pace for now. We see Vague turning the corner in the distance, with his bike over his shoulder. We're not that far from the technical zone, he can still come back from this.
Onto the next hill and Mazzarelli attacks! Cook draws out Cornelis, who has to react. Lipawsky keeps his own pace and bridges the gap easily. Mazzarelli is holding back now.
Lap 4: Vague catches up with the head of the race again, but it has cost him a lot of energy. Cook turns his head and looks him right in the eyes. What is he seeing? An opportunity?
Carlisle with an attack! This is a big one! Cornelis reacts straight away, Cook is right on his wheel. Vague steps on his pedals and forces himself to join them, too. Gormley and Lipawsky try to follow, but they have to leave a little gap.
In the background, we are witness to an unfortunate fight between team mates Schiltz and Bernard. They're fighting for every inch. This is sad to see, we're certain to see one of them change teams for next year.
Bauer's front wheel gets stuck in the dirt and he takes a nasty fall. Looks painful from up here. But he looks like he's going to continue.
The top 7 of the classification is riding at the front, that's nice to see. In truth, this race is make of break for both Cornelis and Lipawsky. They're behind 12 and 10 points, so they need a win to get back in the game.
Vague has a flat tire! More bad luck for the young Belgian. Cook passes him, so does Carlisle.
Lap 6: Cornelis accelerates! Cook it like a pitbull today, he won't let him go. Carlisle follows, too. Vague is chasing them, he's about 10 seconds behind. He's hurting bad, now, though. Another turn through the sand, not his strong suit.
Lipawsky and Gormley are losing terrain now. I think we'll have to look for our winner at the front.
Vague reconnects with the front. He stays at the back of the group, though. He has to gamble now, he has no energy to waste left. Cornelis with another acceleration. He may be experienced, but he should know you can't drop Cook like that uphill, you'll have to find something else to do. Cook looks really branded on a victory today. Or is he eying an ultimate prize?
Now it's Carlisle who's turning on the heat. He's moving fast through the technical section. Cornelis has his wheel. Cook is trying to hold on. Vague is showing signs of fatigue. Keep your concentration, boy!
Lap 7: Two laps to go. Bauer is only 10 seconds away from the group Mazzarelli, where the Italian and Power are trying to keep the pace high. This is all happening half a minute behind the head of the race, though.
Vague and Cornelis use the jumping bars to their advantage. Cook and Carlisle always lose a few meters there. But it doesn't look like this will decide the race today. It'll be a fight of sheer power and stamina. Maybe even a battle of the mind. Cook is weighing down heavy on Cornelis, marking him closely. Every time Cornelis makes a small mistake, Cook shoots to the front and accelerates.
But now it's Cornelis who is in charge. He rushes through the sand. It has stopped raining now, but the riders are soaking wet. OH NO Vague makes a mistake and goes down.
What now? Vague abandons. He looks like he's in pain, but it's hard to see when his face is all black from the dirt. Is he abandoning because he can't or won't continue? This is dramatic for the Superprestige classification. Carlisle is almost certain of topping the league tonight! All he has to do is finish with this group.
Lap 8: The final lap! Cornelis, Cook and Carlisle will battle for the victory of the day. C3!
Lipawsky and Gormley seem to hold off Smith, Power and Mazzarelli, who on their turn have problems holding off Lachy Bauer.
Cook attacks uphill! Cornelis and Carlisle follow. They're cracking, but the hill isn't long enough, they catch him again on the downhill. Now we're heading into the technical section. Cornelis speeds to the front and pushes the limits! Now it's Cook's time to sweat. He loses a meter, two meters... Cornelis and Carlisle are gone! Cook cracks. He looks beaten, now.
Cornelis and Carlisle are fighting a legendary battle now. They're riding side by side. An elbow by Carlisle underlines the sharpness of the battle. Jumping bars are next. Cornelis will jump, but will Carlisle?
He does! Oh and his back wheel slips on the bar but he's over and he's still with Cornelis. One final hill. Cornelis makes a steering mistake and dismounts. Carlisle crashes into him and also dismounts, but way slower. Cornelis jumps on his bike at the top and rushes downhill, he's loose now! Carlisle has been had. Was this a move of sheer brilliance by Cornelis or just a stupid steering mistake?
Cornelis takes his third of the season! Carlisle takes 2nd but takes the lead in the Superprestige. Cook lost 23 seconds in the end, but moves up the classification, too.
Great race, great atmosphere. I enjoyed the wrestling show in the mud, just turned out I had the unluckiest day in my life so far.
Chain broke off - no problem. I ran to the technical and got my next bike. I had to switch it anyway, no biggy.
Flat tire - shit moment but my legs needed some action anyway. I mean, what's with all the racing anyway nowadays?
Struggling with fatigue, no energy left - get a grip Francis, you are THE man. That's the stuff in my head when I need to hold onto, barely. Secret is out. Finally.
Crash... - crash?! That one put me out. I tripped into the fence, and I thought blood was going down. With all the mud in my face, it could have been anything though. My right arm hurt as hell, must have fallen really in the wrong place there.
Just a half an hour later, I was in the hospital. Only there, I heard which rider won. Cornelis 3rd win - or isn't it already his 4th win of the season? Looks like I'm better at keeping track of the season in my antibiotica-fueled state of delirium than the CX experts out there.
Didn't matter much to me though. A lost race is alright to deal with. Abandoning a race is a bit different affair. Another kind of disappointment.
As it stands, Superprestige hopes got shattered to the ground. Merely 5th after this race, and here I was having a comfortable lead. That's what you get for racing on your limit. I'll be coming back but it's more important to recover well now and to find out what exactly is up with me. If I can cope with the pain, I'll move to Britain soon. If not, Belgium gets to receive a surprise visit by me.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Lisbon - Preview
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
