You seem to be preparing well for the race today, obviously the weather must please you?
Yeah as soon as I saw the race was only snowy with no ice I got excited, I've been adjusting to the snow the last few days so it's good to see it hasn't suddenly frozen over.
You sit only 10th in the Superprestige ranking after missing some races, how has that affected your race plan?
I can't tell you my tactics, but obviously it gives me more licence to have a shot than if I was further up the ranking.
Your favorite for today?
Vague, he's a dark horse overall but he still will be allowed a longer leash than, say, Lipawsky. He looks good to make it back to back, and with luck or some help along the way he's a safe bet over Cook, who's got the classification to defend as well.
Thanks, you better get back on the bike then!
Haha, *remounts* see you around!
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
Welcome in Hagfors. The weather cleared up spectacularly here; the sun is up, bright and shiny. This is Sweden at its most beautiful. We have all the ingredients to make a great day out of it, so let's get on with it!
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 2° C
Precipitation: Snow, Sunny
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Start Line: You can cut the tension with a knife on the start line. Many riders have their eyes on today's race. With a lot of climbing and no ice on the profile, we should see some riders very relieved and hoping to do well today. Riders like Mazzarelli will do much better than they thought coming here!
Elliot Cook seems very relaxed, as he always does. He is not a guy you can intimidate easily, mentally. Vague is right next to him, the two of them chatting.
We're also curious about Sven Welling today, after his great race today. Though with the amount of climbing, a leading role shouldn't be expected of him.
Lap 1: We're off! The riders rush towards the first turn. After that turn, it's directly upwards. Vague is very eager today and turns the corner first, Eldfjallsson is in second. Flashback to the Continental Championships as we see a small gap to Bauer, who's taken his best start this season.
The first climb is not very steep, but it's rather long. Cook's using this to his advantage and moves up several places with a long sprint. He's now in fifth position.
This is some early fighting in the race, we love this! Vague wants to make a real battle of today's race. Eldfjallsson is not finding his rhythm and has to let the Belgian go. He does look mighty fine in that jersey, though.
Cornelis with another bad start, he's really out of shape lately. Doesn't look too good with the World Championships in less than a month. Sven Welling is strategically riding in front of the World Champion, bloicking his path. Cornelis lets it happen, though, he's not letting it get to him.
Schiltz turns up in the top 5, it's been a while since we've seen him at the front. The winter has been hard on him. Let's see what he can do today.
At the front of the race, Eldfjallsson has found a second breath and is now back at Vague's wheel.
Lap 2: There will be 9 laps today. Bauer must be thinking it's not going fast enough. He takes the reigns in the chasing group. At the moment we have Vague in front with Eldfjallsson. Bauer, Lipawsky, Cook and Mazzarelli follow not too far behind.
Eldfjallsson overtakes Vague and - unbelievable - increases the pace. He's all warmed up now! Worthy of that jersey, that much is certain.
Cook is not taking any risks on the downhill parts. It's really amazing to see how cool Cook can always play it. Nothing ever seems to bother him, really. He's letting Bauer do most of the work and waits patiently.
Lap 3: Christian Schiltz is having an off-day. He's dropping behind and is out for the top 10 at the moment. It seems he's riding around with yesterday's winner, Hammarling, and Shay Gormley.
Bam, what an attack by Vague! He leaves Eldfjallsson in his dust.
The chasing group is now at the foot of the famous Ahlgren climb. Like a jack-out-the-box, Mazzarelli comes to the front and jumps away! Wow, perfectly timed, too! Lipawsky tries to react but he realizes Mazzarelli is going too fast and gets back in the saddle. Cook lets it happen.
We're looking at a replay here. A crash, maybe? And it's Tane Tahawira. what a grgruesome fall! We're back to live image and Tahawira is on the ground. This is a very scare image, is he moving?
We don't see him moving, he's laying still, the medics have arrived now. The camera's are staying on him... Oh, okay, we're very relieved to see his mouth move to talk to the medic. Thank God.
As Tahawira is being removed from the course and brought to the hospital, we turn our attention back to the front. What have we missed? Oh, quite a lot, it seems. Mazzarelli has overtaken Eldfjallsson and has joined up with Vague, now. I think Vague likes this, he'll want to take Mazzarelli to the finish to collect as many points as possible.
And here, on the first gradual slope, we see Vague looking behind. He wants to know where Cook is, of course. With still a small chance at the overall Superprestige classification, Vague really needs to put as many riders between him and Cook as possible, and take the maximum points today.
On the Ahlgren climb again. And there is the acceleration from Cook! He leaves Bauer and Lipawsky behind and tries to make the jump forward in one move. Close to the top... And he makes it! We have three leaders. Vague looks behind, this must annoy him, for sure.
Lap 5: Vague is not sure what to do with Cook here. Cook is riding defensively, obviously. Mazzarelli senses this and tries to accelerate. Cook let's him ride and tries to draw out Vague.
Vague does react! Cook follows him. Mazzarelli notices he won't get away and keeps his legs still. And so Lipawsky and Bauer rejoin at the front of the race.
Lap 6: Cornelis is doing a bit better now. Still on time or is he too late? At the front, the riders are hesitating. If Cornelis wants to get to the front, he should do it now.
And as we speak, it might be too late for Cornelis! Bauer went into the attack and broke up the field. Vague is in second, Lipawsky on his wheel. Cook has been caught off guard and Mazzarelli is standing at the side of the road, his chain has fallen off.
Vague has caught Bauer and they keep the pace high. I think Lipawsky waits for Cook. Cook doesn't have to chase, because at this point Vague won't take back enough points to threaten him for the overall lead. Though Cook is not one to think much during a race, he races to win. And that's what he does today, he keeps his head down and the pace high.
Lap 7: Matt Mazzarelli is in great shape, that much can be said! The ice profiles lately didn't show it, but this is a rider in fine form. He's returned after his technical problem and is now on Cook's wheel.
On the gradual slope, Cook closes the gap to the head of the race. and so we have another regroup. Five riders, everything can start again. Cornelis is hunting them down, so they don't have time to hesitate and bluff.
They keep the pace high, now, but no attacks.
Lap 8: We're still waiting for a new move. Lipawsky has tried his hand at breaking away, but Vague professionally neutralized him with a flawless manoeuvre.
And there goes Vague! Cook counters and passes him! Bauer and Lipawsky are cracking under the moster pace! Mazzarelli is hanging on - barely.
I must say, it's great to see another duel between Vague and Cook once again, it's been a while. Just looking at their totally different styles is pretty great. Vague looks perfect on his bike, he riders around flawlessly and calculated. Cook just looks like he was thrown on that bike and every turn of the pedal is hurting him in more ways than one. but don't let that fool you, he's still packing quite a punch.
Mazzarelli is the one to attack, now, on the Ahlgren climb! Vague tries to draw out Cook, this time around. Cook will want to win, but he knows Vague wants to win, too. This could be dangerous, gentlemen! Remember te Tekapocross, remember Lancaster.
Cook looks Vague right in the eye, and accelerates. Vague steps on the pedal, this is hurting him, it has to be. What a pace!
Lap 9: We're already at the last lap. This race has flown by. Mazzarelli gets caught on the finish line and so we head into the final lap with these 3 riders.
Cook keeps the pace high. He knows he has achieved one objective already. Bar accidents, he won't lose his lead today. We're pleasantly surprised to see Mazzarelli still fighting for the win here. This day is only getting better. Still, that fall by Tahawira was pretty horrible to watch...
Final ascent of the Ehlgren climb. We wonder what will happen, now. We expect an attack. But Cook is setting the pace so high, it's impossible to attack. Both Mazzarelli and Vague are fighting to keep up. Cook is a very sly devil, they're learning that the hard way.
We're going into the final 200m with these three. Mazzarelli, notorious for his terrible sprint, tries to do it differently and goes from far out! It has caught Vague off guard. Vague overtakes Mazzarelli and decides to continue his sprint. Cook lacks the sprint that Vague has. He knows that, and 50 m from the finish, Cook plants himself back in the saddle. Vague points at himself as he crosses the line, or is he showing the sponsor? Either way, what a performance and what a race we've seen today! Cook is second, Mazzarelli third.
There comes Lipawsky, as fourth. Bauer is fifth after a good race. Cornelis is in sixth, Edlfjallsson wins the sprint for place seven from Bernard. Faizullah crosses the line ninth and the top ten is completed by Alinejad. Great race by the Iranian.
So, we've seen a fantastic show today. See you next weekend for the Coca-Cola race in Ukraine and yet another Superprestige event!
Hi,
Well as you saw I put in a decent show, but that's not what I'm thinking about. Tanē has broken his left cheekbone, left collarbone, left knee and fractured his shoulder. He's also got some really bad cuts, a concussion and some minor brain damages. Gruesome stuff. He's just woken up, I'm at the hospital now. He's definitely not returning for a while, more on that later.
It's a really sad day for us all, and this is what gives me the motivation for Lviv next week. I'm here for an extra few hours, I changed flights. Then I'm going to Ukraine, and I'm going to do better than ever.
Edited by jandal7 on 08-03-2015 09:23
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
With Vague regular missing from races and the more frozen grounds taking up lots of recent races, a duel of Cook and Vague hasn't really been seen for a while. But the two men showed again why their rivalry brings so much to this sport.
Francis, congratulations. How do you feel?
Great, of course. It's always great to win in such an exciting race. Ahlgren climb was particularly tough on every rider. It had a few mud tracks that I wasn't used to from yesterday inspection. Unfortunately for me, the weather was fantastic today. I accpreciate riding in sun as much as the next guy but I would have really needed a snowy conditions to take back as much points as possible from Cook and the others. I won, so it's not right to complain about it, but [sighs] global warming really did its part here today.
Indeed, with Hagfors being in such almost unique conditions, the race was much different than people had expected a few weeks back.
We had a nice show going on still. A strong core of five puncheurs fighting it out, trying to outride, outsmart and outclass their opponents. I wanted to gain allies today but with the snow missing, I was also missing my best card to play here today. Naturally, I had to diver a bit from my strategy and just force a selection. The other guys wanted it that way too. I think it was a very lively and active race.
Cook especially has been a real danger today. The missing snow played its part but his form is certainly high as well.
Yeah, he knows very well in which races he puts energy and which ones interest him. He's been riding great since October, a real marathon-man. He did some spectacular attacks today, I'm glad I could hang on and even give him counter at some point. Mazzarelli was also very, very strong. I'd been strange to see him in the Hagfors' history winner list with his inability to ride on ice, compared to all those great ice specialists of the past [smiles]
You are now third in the classification, is the podium your goal here?
Since I crashed out of one race and missed another one, I am really, really satisfied with my points tally so far. Carlisle had an awful day and he lost lots of ground today. This is certainly a very nice bonus to today's race. There are still 3 races left to run, everything's still up for grabs. Cook's lead is comfortable though, only Lipawsky is anything close to him. Maybe I can take advantage of that at some point.
Cornelis seems to be dropping in form, regurally missing top 5 lately. Chances for you to be Belgium's leader?
He's maybe racing this month a bit below expectations. Normally his consistency is his strong side, the ability to always score high points. He's an unbelievable good rider and I'm sure he'll be in peak shape once Valkenburg comes close. He's been far too long in this game to ever miss his peak I think. As for captaincy, I'll try to ride my race and he will ride his. We will keep the nation aspect in mind but I definitely want to go for the jersey myself and so will he. What counts is that Belgium gets the medal.
You have won your fourth race now this season. How is this maybe an advantage or disadvantage to have such a breakthrough season?
For me, it doesn't matter much, no difference. Your trophy on the chemin doesn't help you. But it does matter for other riders. When you feel the obligation is on you to chase, that's because you are a race winner. But why wouldn't I work and attack? Right now, everything is great and happens natural for me. The legs feel fantastic. It has been much different in November still, so I enjoy this period very much where I can race in the top tier. After all, this period can go away more quickly than you knopw. That's why I have to keep focused with my mind on Valkenburg. I'm glad I could snatch those wins. Mazzarelli for examples does great racing but he always ends up short of the top step. With time, I understand, this becomes increasingly frustrating.
Lots of rumours lately about your contract...
Yeah, let me stop you right there [laughs] I'm in no mood to discuss this with the media yet. What is important to me is the racing.
Okay, we respect that. But you pointed at your jersey, is this a sign of the contract...
It's a normal thing to do. After all, they pay me to race. Might as well show their name when I win.
Another question then, Thawira crashed very badly today. First news is that he might have to abandon the sport. Have you seen something of it?
It's really unfortunate. I hope he'll recover over time and won't have to give up on cycling. I havn't seen anything of the crash and only heard of it a few minutes before actually. Get well soon!
Has Hagfors been surprisingly a bit of a dress rehearsal for Valkenburg?
With the sunny conditions, it has been a great hilly race for riders and audience. I think that the top 5 guys today will all have great chance when the World Championships are around the corner but it's still some weeks to go. With such a strong core of puncheurs, there won't be a definite favourite. Everybody can win of those guys. Maybe Ukraine next week will be the final rehearsal, since Abu Dhabi surely ain't the dress rehearsal, that much is certain.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Well yesterday's Hagfors Cross in Sweden lived up to the high expectations both fans and riders had set, with Francis Vague taking out the victory in a sprint with classification leader Elliot Cook and Matt Mazzarelli. Sylvain Lipawksy and Lachy Bauer, back seven and sixteen seconds respectively, rounded out the top five. The overall podium now has Cook and Lipawsky remaining on the top two steps with Vague boosting himself up to third, within touching distance of Lipawsky.
We can't take much from the race, the result was fairly routine, the biggest surprises being two Asian youngsters proving their potential, Afghan Tariq Faizullah and Iranian Naveed Alinejad finishing in ninth and tenth respectively, both within a minute of the leaders, Faizullah also boosting himself into 10th overall.
One thing I would like to mention is the unfortunate potential career-ending crash of Tanē Tarawhira. No footage of the crash itself was recorded, but standing at that corner I can tell you what happened. Tanē was relaying with Lue Khamse Khampan when some careless turning from Khampan completely swept Tarawhira's wheels from under him, causing him to hastily smack his head on the metal barriers and his entire left side of his body onto the rocky surface. He was unconscious for 30 seconds until medics revived him and he was taken to hospital. Khampan slid, forcing a dismount while he picked us bike up, but nothing more than a graze affected him and he rode calmly to a 27th place. Speaking to Ronnie Hira at the hospital today, I found out he won't be returning next season but will try to recover over the next year or two. Get well soon!
The Inside Scoop
Transfer rumours are really heating up, with the main rumor doing the rounds are that Shay Gormley is in deep talks with Randstad. I can't confirm nor deny this rumor, but one I can prove true is Matt Mazzarelli was having an informal chat with not BKCP-Powerplus, but SAP-Bianchi on a possible Italian-Swiss-German Superteam. It is understood that this would involve most of Mapei and SAP's riders joining together, with another sub-top rider, possibly a powerhouse over ice and flats being pursued. How the Sylvain-Matt dynamic would work is yet to be seen, but if they get along then they'll be tough to beat on any hilly race. And if a flat powerhouse comes in, he'll have the reliable support of Pierre Lipawsky.
Lviv - Preview
This course should suit an explosive puncher, the cobbles are only light and the technicalities easily negotiated for any of the top riders. With Vague, Cook and Bauer all looking in top shape and all within touching distance of each other, this race looks to be an intriguing mix of explosive attacking and tactical games. The course looks cold but we may not be even receiving snow, nevermind ice.
Top 10 Favorites
1. Elliot Cook - Will be determined to gain back seconds on Vague, and though he may get caught up in little mind games, he should still be there or thereabouts by the end
2. Matt Mazzarelli - He looks ultra-motivated and, without the burden of being too close to Vague, Cook and Bauer overall, should be let go. This may be his last chance to make up lost time, but after Fuji the big two may be more wary.
3. Francis Vague - In an incredible run of form recently, he does have an overall to defend tooth and nail, and will want to put maximum time into Cook before the looming sand race to cap off the trophy next weekend.
4. Lachy Bauer - A parcours that suits him, a great motivator in Tanawhira's crash, a win could be on the cards for the Oceanic Champion. His cobbling but especially his bike handling has come a huge distance since he started, but he may not be let go as easily now. However, he and Cook have a common goal, so I'm tipping a possible alliance brewing.
5. Sylvain Lipawsky - No strings attached for the Swiss sensation, has looked out of sorts but a decent show in Hagfors could signal a return to his best.
6/7. Gregory Bernard/Christian Schlitz - The two Lux punchers, their rivalry could come to the fore after a controversial Torku, these two are both outside shots for victory here.
8. Rudy Verboven - A very good punchy sprinter, he has been out of sorts recently but this is as good a race as any for the young Belgian to herald a return to form.
9. James Carlisle - Former leader in this trophy, he's lost time in the last few races but the course could suit him well
10. Arda Ardeniz - I finish with a complete outsider, much hype surrounded him a the start of the season but he hasn't done all that justice. Yet.
Up here in the Arctic circle I haven't been feeling super super, the sniffles took me over a bit and I really had to miss the freezing cobbled race in Torku. It is good for the sport that we had another new winner in Mikel, you do feel for the guy who clearly struggles on Sand and hills but this was great to see. I like to see guts shown and this guy and all these ice maidens really have power if indeed they are slightly nuts.
Hagfers cross was certainly something to aim for though and I am glad I came into it fairly fresh. I wanted to take the fight to the Sprog Vague and whilst he got the nod for the win I feel as if I took a really nice step forward from some pretty humdrum stuff from me in recent weeks. I have been fighting this little virus as well as a bit of bad luck here and there. So to be able to climb up there with the best and I feel as if on circuits like this Mazarati and Franny are up there with me in the top 5. The way Fran is riding he is pretty confident he has the fastest kick so he can just wheelsuck to the line which is a big advantage.
His one weakness as far as I can see is his riding in the shyte - he has technical skills though so I am sure he will get there on that. You feel as if the Belgian fans and press are beginning to put all their waffles onto the mistress. The old maid looks really haggard at the moment - the guy needs a break - the camaras are not going to go away from the guy who has dominated the sport for some time. I have suspected all year that Dries just cannot climb like he used to, but he seems to be lacking that spark off the startline and this really is key as I have found recently. It is something I have been working on really getting out of the blocks - obviously being on the front row helps.
The French lip battled well on this course today it didn't suit him so to come out of it 4th really is important for him. Getting used to this superduperpesty title thing - I get a lovely sash to wear makes me feel all warm - The moneybags coca cola trophy is something else I am looking for - got that sandy shyte race down with the Arabs coming up really looking forward to that.
The press though are banging on about the worlds and I am getting calls from British coaches hoping to reel me in. The only reason to race this at the moment for me is to beat the Belgians - we shall see I still 50-50 to ride it.
I'm not really in high hopes regarding the next races, I'm still hoping for a win but seeing what I've done lately I'm not as enthusiast about it anymore.
Nevermind, lol. That's what I call a Matt-worthy performance man! I was like Ironman today. WOW, just wow. The best thing is that for once I managed to attack without being caught for more than 30 seconds, and that's another step forward for sure. I attacked in almost every lap on that wall and everytime someone was letting me go away, and I'm completely confident that's not why they didn't rate me strong enough to win, but that's why they weren't strong enough to keep up, and that's quite a boost to my lately underdog mentality...
That said, that f*kin Cock has always got something more in the last lap, and Franny is always up there with him, so I tried to do a Pirazzi but unlike him they weren't watching each other like two morons and they caught me once again. I can't hide that it was frustrating, to be caught every single time, but not as much as not being able to launch a decent attack. This counts like a win for me, that's the important for me.
Speaking about the next season, I've received several offers lately, but I don't want to leave my friends at Mapei. Nonetheless, I didn't see one of those coming, not at all: looks like Franny is not that happy as it seems at BKCP Powerplus and is looking for a new team. Among the likely candidates there is my team, I was like:
I mean, no! I'm not a very self-centred person, but having the most popular cyclocross rider right now in my same team would just be masochistic! It would just obscure me, as he's done with any other rider in his same team. No one, except the true fans and the insiders know Sven Welling, that like a true professional extended his contract until the 2016. He's probably not aware that no one knows him haha.
On the other hand though, I'm sure that having such an important rider in my same team would be positive under a certain point of view. Thanks to his advices I would get better in the specialities I lack. But I don't honestly give a fuck so I'm good as I am right now.
Speaking about the next race instead, I see that I'm the second favourite according to this brand new newspaper all about cyclocross. Seeing that I was the 9th favourite the last time and I came second this would mean that I've already won it? Well of course not, but that's another interesting thing that probably motivated all my thousands of fans and I don't want to disappoint, so my target is definitely another podium, seeing that it doesn't suit me too bad, either: no sand, and that's better for my chances. Once again, I'll give everything, and you know what I mean. "Good luck Matt!"
The Coca-Cola Trophy is nearing an end. There are two races left, with only 21 seconds between the classification leader and third placed Bauer. Lviv is do or die for Francis N. Vague, who leads the classification but is almost certain to lose time on Cook in the final Coca-Cola manche.
Race Information
Country: Ukraine
City/Place: Lviv
Classification: Coca-Cola Trophy
Starting Time (Elite Men): 15h
Favorites: Francis N. Vague, Lachy Bauer, Elliot Cook, Sylvain Lipawsky, Matt Mazzarelli.
Record: New
Race History: Lviv is new on the calendar. With social and militaire problems in Ukraine, the race has been on the brink of being canceled all through the season. However, Lviv is located in the West of the country and the organisers have guaranteed a race on Saturday: "The people need these kinds of things. They want to think about something else for a change, we want to give that."
Route Information
Technical: 2
Sand: 0
Uphill: 4
Cobblestones: 1
The race takes place in the industrial zone of the city, but that doesn't mean we're in for a bland profile. On the contrary, the route has been chosen well, with dirt and mud all along the trial. A race for powerful riders.
There are plenty of steep ramps and bridges, offering the power-climbers a way to the top step. Explosivity is a must! The weather predicts ice, so bike handling might turn out to be more decisive than expected.
I've been thinking about the rest of my season and I've narrowed it down to two goals, the super prestige and the world championships. So where am I now? Ostrava! In the Czech Republic, I'm going to stay here, for the Superprestige race, before heading to Tabor, in my time here I will recover and I will also train specifically for the World Championships, including reconnaissance of the course, Pierre will come down with me for some time as well, but he will compete in most of the races.
Anyway, I'll also be concentrating on the long term while I'm here, I can't bank on the world champs because I know how cruel this sport is, anyway, far too often have I lost out to riders based on technical ability, so I'll be training that, so I will be at the least even with Vague and maybe even Cornelius come the World Champs, I might even visit Gent and the Blaarmeersen course to try out a special hill.
Lviv is a course that should suit Vague quite perfect, in theory. Now with the chance of ice and snow in the cold winter of Ukraine, it is likely that Vague gets a special card to play, that he was hoping for all along.
A week has passed since Hagfors, how are your legs?
I can only say they same thing I've said the past weeks: They are fine. I'm eager to race and will ride aggressively to achieve my goals here today. Lviv is a course that has lots of parts that I can take advantage off, that suit me as a rider. The likelyhood of ice is an immense plus.
Coca-Cola is famous by now for its eyecandy routes. This is time it's different?
Yeah, it looks very industrial and grey around here. Winter in such areas is especially harsh and bleak because it all goes down to waste. In Skandinavia for example, you have this winter wonderland vibe-style, here it's industriezed coldness. Ukraine is in terrible status right now and you feel that despite being far away from the conflict. I wish the people all the best and that this crisis is soon solved.
Your goal is to drop both Bauer and Cook?
Indeed, that is my primary goal. It's strange but I won't care so much for the race win here. I'd like to win of course mind you, but if I end up with a chance of claiming a minute instead of a couple of seconds I'll ride like that. Of course, anything can happen. Maybe I hit the ground in the first corner of the race, but generally I'll be racing to put my opponents under pressure. The course allows me that.
How much will be the ice play a role in Lviv?
It depends of course. It's not a traditional ice course but maybe that plays in our favor. The main thing are either way still the climbs and the cobbled sections. It's really the dress rehearsal for Valkenburg, though it missed the technicality of this race.
Cook claimed he was a bit under the weather lately, still he put in some impressive rides?
Yeah, not sure what to make off that. Illness is something omnipresent in our sport though, it's not something that just hits you surprisingly. We dress, train and live to avoid this stuff. He also claimed I wheelsucked I think, well - excuses of a sore loser.
With a tough schedule in the past weeks and the World Championships coming closer, do you think you will have an disadvantage?
For me it's important to be in contention and race fully. It's still the best way to keep your form, the rhythm of racing is really vital. There's no better thing than winning to boost your form for the World Championships. I've carefully planned my season, took breaks when needed. I just hope it works out. Unfortunately Abu Dhabi is right ahead of the World Championships but I fully know that this race doesn't suit me at all.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Coca-Cola time! There are two races left, and only a handful of seconds between Vague and Cook. Bauer looks like a dark horse, but with the talent between number one and two, it looks like a real dark horse.
One course that suits Vague, with the ice and the explosivity, and another course that suits Cook, with the sand. Coca-Cola couldn't have planned this better for their first Trophy. So bring it on!
Weather Conditions
Temperature: -2° C
Precipitation: Ice
Wind: 2 Beaufort
Start Line: Things are quiet at the start line. The riders are getting ready for the race and it's pretty cold. It's minus 2 degrees Celsius but the cold wind makes it feel even colder. And the desolate, industrial area doesn't help. There is hardly a spectator here. Coca-Cola wanted to avoid another Struibaai at all costs, but with the social tension in Ukraine, maybe today's race shouldn't have gone through. But we're here, and we're ready to race!
Lap 1: The whistle blows and we're off for the one but last Coca-Cola Trophy race! Francis N. Vague knows it has to happen today, if he wants that trophy! He rushes away and even leaves Eldfjallsson behind in this fast start. He heads into the corner and puts the entire pack under a lot of strain. The ground here is treacherous, because you have mud trails, but they've frozen over last night.
Eldfjallsson does everything in his power to keep Vague on the leash. Of course, he's no fool, if you let Vague go now, you won't see him again until the finish, with this kind of form he's in.
Lachy Bauer hits a bad patch of ice and goes down! This is a dramatic start for the number 3 in the Coca-Cola Trophy.
Lap 2: 8 laps today. We have Vague, Eldfjallsson, Kokkonen and Cornelis at the front. Gormley, Hammarling and Lipawsky follow at a few seconds. The ice on this profile is less prominent than the last few races, but it still plays a vital role.
Where can we find Elliot Cook? Oh, he's in tenth position, 18 seconds behind Vague. Cook's not looking happy, not at all. I think there's something wrong with his bike, he shakes his head. Let's see what happens in the technical zone... Yes, he changes his bike.
Christian Schiltz is coming back after a bad start. He's been moving up in this trophy gradually, with every race. Yet at this 8th spot it seems he might have reached the limit. Nonetheless, An 8th place would be a good result for this young upcoming talent. He's no Vague, of course, but he could turn into a regular contender.
Lap 3: I think everyone is muttering curses under their breaths, all at the address of Francis N. Vague. He hasn't dropped the tempo a single second today. Cornelis is right on his wheel. Kokkonen and Eldfjallsson are falling behind, now, it seems.
Cook is trying to ride for every second but in the corners he loses seconds on Vague. There's a big difference in class on this icy terrain, that much is certain. Luckily Cook has those climbs to make up some time.
Lap 4: Vague asks Cornelis to relay, and the World Champion doesn't hesitate. Eldfjallsson and Kokkonen managed to get back at the front. Meanwhile, Gormley and Hammarling get the company from Elliot Cook.
Would you look at that? Matt Mazzarelli entertains the crowd as he crosses the finish line. Crowd is putting it optimistically, though, let's say about 10 guys and a dog. He's in twelfth position, quite good on a terrain such as this.
Lachy Bauer is doing a bit better now. He's had a terrible start and is not having a good day, but he's fighting his way to the front anyway.
Lap 5: We're at the halfway point of the race. And there is an attack! Vague accelerates on one of the ramps and wants to shake loose his companions. Cornelis is biting down hard to keep the wheel. Eldfjallsson and Kokkonen have to pass.
With a few U-turns, Cook sees what's happening at the front. He can't let this happen and he knows this. He, too, accelerates!
Lap 6: Carlisle hits the ground! He started the season fantastically, but the last two months have been below expectations. He's dropping hard in every classification and hasn't finished on the podium since Lisbon. Where is his career going?
No time to ponder on that question as Cornelis now launches a counter offensive. Vague has anticipated this and follows. I think he's happy Cornelis can follow, because he can use him on the tarmac. On the other hand, Cornelis wants to win this race, he doesn't care about the time, so he might slow him down going into the final lap.
Lap 7: Shay Gormley is doing very well today. There's a lot of uphill riding, but it's all very short so he can do it on the power, something Gormley will never lack!
Akdeniz is doing good again, too, he's still looking good for riding top 10 again today.
But the main action happens at the front, with Vague now definitely leaving Cornelis behind, it seems! He blasted away on one of the climbs, seems vaguely familiar!
If he wasn't top favorite for the Worlds in two weeks, he is riding himself in that position now. Francis Vague immediately puts 5 seconds between himself and the World Champion.
Lap 8: Final lap! Vague won't give this away anymore. Cornelis has to keep off Eldfjallsson and Kokkonen for the second place, but that shouldn't be a problem with his experience.
What's more interesting is what Cook is doing. He's clocking 35 seconds behind Vague already!
And there comes Francis Vague. Another great victory, who can stop him in this shape? Nobody... No wheelie today, as every second counts. He only puts up a fist: victory!
Cornelis comes in, Kokkonen takes his first podium of the season. Eldfjallsson with a decent ride. And there is Cook! 37 seconds is the verdict. That final race will be extremely exciting! You can count on that.
Another win for Vague. A lovely routine in the past weeks has been established: Rasterhoff, Hagfors and now Lviv. Punch, balance, willpower. On icey climbs and tricky descents. With the current run of form, the joy of Vague at the finish line was understandable. But his first look went still up to the clock and down the line, to see when Cook & Bauer were coming around. How's that for wheelsucking.
If he wasn't top favorite for the Worlds in two weeks, he is riding himself in that position now.
Francis, congratulations - again. Pretty stoked after this win?
I don't think I've ever had a race quite like it since I turned pro. I said before that I'd race hard and right from the start, I took the lead and never really let it go. Dries and I were working together a bit but I had to always challenge myself to push the limits here today, to take the maximum. I had to after all. I wished for more time but almost a minute onto Cook for Abu Dhabi, it'll be close then in Dubai. For me, today was about creating a chance to win this Trophy and I did that. Now it's about taking this chance and not let it go to waste next week, I want to win this thing.
You rode very aggressively today, risked a lot right from the start. Just remember going into the first corner. Was this Make or Break-approach really necessarcy today?
Necessarcy, yes definitely. But we speak different tongues I guess. Normally, nothing should happen. When you are professional rider, you do not plan to crash. You do not crash. When you go fast into a corner, you always ride like it that you come out of it. You don't head into a descent and think: Need to go fast. You go as fast as possible knowing the situation very well. So, aggressive, yes. But risky no. We do this for a living, we know our abilities and limits.
We actually think this was your first man-o-man duel with World Champion Cornelis. Ever. How did it feel?
Really, you think so? Well, we had something good going on but when Hafthor and Kokkonen came back to us, I knew I had to accelerate again as we were dropping pace. Cornelis had a different motivation than me here today. You race differently when you know that every second counts. That may have been vital here today. It was a strong race from Dries and after the recent weeks, I think he looks to come in peak shape for the Belgium at the World Championships. Just like I predicted, mind you.
Cook is still within a minute, Bauer almost two minutes. Is this enough for Abu Dhabi?
For Bauer, yeah. I hope so. Anything can happen. For Cook, I really, really don't know. Time-wise, he was riding well today. Taking half a minute on him is alread a great success because he has this strong sense of comeback mentality, where he is just really hard to break. He hangs on, strikes back and all. But even if he rides alone, he still has this pace that makes him so dangerous. I think he loves to suffer, and just embraces riding on the limit. Other riders might get worried, confused - their spirits may bonk. Not the case with Cook, he has really an impressive mental strength when it comes to racing.
Any time to enjoy today's victory?
I enjoy it right now, but longer than a few hours isn't possible. Czech Republic is another nice race where I aim to do well. Abu Dhabi, World Championships. After that, there might be some room to relax, depends on how I do tomorrow's race. Cyclo-Cross season lasts only about month, there will be plenty of time celebrate at the end of the season I think, however I first have to claim some things that I'm actually allowed to celebrate.
Looks like you've learned quite a bit from your little night-stunt after Blaarmeesen?
First comes the work, then the enjoyment. It was great back then but I havn't touched a beer since then. Racing is life, they say, don't they?
Edited by Shonak on 09-03-2015 23:48
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
One week after Hagfors, we are back with the Superprestige. After today, the Superprestige will be concluded in the heavy Superprestige Weekend.
But first, a race in the Czech Republic! If the Eurasian Championships can be an indicator of the race to come, we'll have a good time. But the profile is way different this time!
Race Information
Country: Czech Republic
City/Place: Ostrava
Classification: Superprestige
Starting Time (Elite Men): 14h00
Favorites: Shay Gormley, Lachy Bauer, Ronnie Hira, Sylvain Lipawsky, Hafthor Eldfjallsson, Francis N. Vague, James Carlisle, Dries Cornelis, Elliot Cook.
Record: 4x Adolf Brodsky (1958, 1959, 1960, 1961)
Race History: Ostrava is one of the older routes on the calendar. Adolf Brodsky made his name on this profile. Ostrava is known for producing young, promising riders. Brodsky, Kelly and Tennant all won their first race here, and all three of them went on to win over 50 races in their careers.
Route Information
Technical: 5
Sand: 3
Uphill: 2
Cobblestones: 4
A route where any weakness can be used against you. Ostrava requires every bit of skill a rider has. We need technicality, power, finesse, smarts and, as every race, that bit of luck. Having Ostrava on your palmares is a beauty, no matter who you are. Even Pieter Gasthuys, cyclo-cross' greatest legend, still talks proudly of his two victories here.
The route is full of sandpits, cobblestones, dirt, ditches, jumping bars, U-turns, bridges and even 100 meters through very shallow water. The water is a new addition to the profile, let's see how it works out this year.
The climbs won't decide the race, but they contribute to the race tiring character. No doubt the winner will be a happy man.
Things haven't been going as well as planned for Dries Cornelis lately, no victories and only one podium, it's not the usual dominance. 'I think I'm having a bit of a worse shape for the last few weeks. Snow and ice are not my favourite conditions, and well, I think it's not the end of the world. World Cup seems in the pocket and I'll now focus on the worlds.'
Next up is Ostrava, a very prestigious race. 'Of course I want to win this. Who doesn't? It's very technical and I don't have the feeling the frost will harm this parcours. It seems perfectly suited for me and my last race in Lviv was already my best result of the Coca Cola Trophy this season. If that's a sign of growing shape then this could very well become one of my greatest wins ever. I'm certainly dreaming of coming over the finish with my arms raised.'
Lately almost every race he participated in, Francis was in a Make or Break or at least in a favourite situation. Nice mental training ahead of the World Championships, but is it good for his psyche?
Francis, Ostrava Circuit is one of the most prestigious races in this sport. How do you prepare?
For me, a race in classic cross territory is always that bit more exciting than normal races. Their exist names that inspire you as an athlete, I was always very impressed as a child by Ostrava. Everybody knows Ostrava, its a place rich of cycling history. I'm racing here for the first time and I hope to do well. As for special preparations, well, it's pretty much the same. In Cyclo-Cross, once you start, every race pretty quickly gets its own vibe and you just follow or try to dictate it.
You've finished most of your races lately on the podium, winning 3. Is their some pressure on you to perform, even though the race doens't suit you so much?
It helps here that people don't think I'm a favourite, even though I had a great run of form lately. That's true. The profile doesn't suit me that much really, since there's also quite some power griding involved. It'll be nice to ride a bit under the radar for a change. Maybe I can deliver a surprise, maybe I just can grab some vital points. I have the Superprestige classification on my mind and I'd like to finish on the podium there. Cornelis looks very motivated, so does Lipawsky I guess. I'm happy when I'm not too far off from them today, maybe even make up some points again.
So, your plan is to not be so active as in previous races?
We'll see how it goes, I wouldn't say no to winning here obviously and if the race gives me a chance to take on an active, dominant role, sure. But other riders see this race as a big opportunity and I guess they'll cause enough action, so that I'm left to react and try to follow wheels a bit. Which is a nice change after most recent races. If I see a chance to distance some rivals or even grab the win, I take it of course. But my main ambitions is to keep the form and score some good points in the fight for Superprestige classification.
It's one of the most technical races though, certainly that's a big advantage for you.
I plan to take full use of the many opportunities you see here on the circuit. U-turns and jumping bars make any day of the week better [laughs] Ostrava is a great way to determine some of the most all-round cross riders in the sport. I think I've proven that I'm combative on many sort of terrains, so I ride to be upfront too. The shallow water section will be tricky though, I'm excited to see how it pans out in race situation.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Looks like I am going to give the worlds a go-go, I had a long talk with one of my former cycling buddies and he said to me look Cookie you are in the form of your life you owe it to yourself to give cyclo-crosses biggest race a go.
Bottom line is and as some of the guys in th paddock have explained to me that the worlds in cyclo-cross is the one time of the year when the mud-slingers really get noticed. Indeed a lot of the professional road cycling scouts are there looking for potential riders to contract. It starts me thinking that maybe ole cookie could give that a go in future years.
Back to the cross racing and feeling as if Franny has got that buffer on me now in the Coke snorting time competition thingee. I'll give him a hard time on the shyte down in Arabia. He'll suffer down there in the heat and dust and I'll give the whippersnapper some retribution but as I say he is way ahead on points.
We are getting some of the real traditionalists races and yeah I have heard and seen vids of Ostrava. It isn't the type of race for new crossers like me - but hell I am game to give it a go. Sorta finding myself in the second tier of guys in these technical twizzles - I am possibly one of the stronger riders overall but just not used to this fannying around over obsticles and the cobbled stuff. Obviously I am fighting for the superpretiogious awrd of excellence so every point counts.
Welcome in Ostrava, a true classic cyclo-cross profile. Today we race for the Superprestige, but just as much for the victory of the day. It's raining lightly and it feels pretty cold, but it's not freezing, so we should see a race with real power.
Start Line: A lot of anxious faces at the start line. Ostrava can strike real terror to the hearts of young riders. If you're here for the first time, it can really overwhelm you. The race has no U23 or Junior race, so all new professionals are here for the first time.
But the old show signs of nerves, too. Ostrava is probably the biggest gap in Cornelis' palmares. He only has a few chances left to fill up that gap. He seems to be coming into a good form so today might be a good time to cash it. Vague would also be a good bet, but he might lack the experience on today's course.
Lap 1: And we're off! Faizullah with a surprising blast start, coming from the second line. Eldfjallsson missed his start after his foot got out of the pedal. Schiltz turns into the field as second rider!
And here we go, the real mud section, it's soaked and extremely hard to plough through.
And Schiltz with a real strong effort, he goes into the lead now.
And there is Francis N. Vague! He rushes past Schiltz. He must be feeling good today, because he immediately creates a gap!
But the sand is getting to him now, and Cook closes the gap on him, he won't let him go today.
Mazzarelli is still at the front after a long sand section and looks like he wants to profit from the pace dropping, he attacks! And immediately gets countered by an aggressive Vague, who brings Cook across on his wheel.
In the background, Cornelis is moving to position 5, on his wheel are James Carlisle and Shay Gormley. Will one of the two finally stand up again today?
Lap 2: Despite the strength of the race leader Vague, the pace is very low, so only 7 laps today. The mud, sand, constant turning and the uphills make for a slow pace.
The door is open at the back of the large leading group. Mazzarelli can't keep up in this deep mud. Alinejad, Hammarling, Akdeniz, they're all falling behind now. Cook overtakes Vague in an attempt to slow down the pace. But there comes James Carlisle! How long has that been? Carlisle at the head of the race and with quite a sprint!
Gormley and Lipawsky are fighting for position here, hope they stay upright as they're shoulder to shoulder.
Oh but there's Cornelis like a Jack-in-the-box! He goes over the jumping bars and accelerates uphill through the deep mud, what a strong move by the World Champion! Amazing effort by Lipawsky as he keeps Cornelis close. Gormley is hanging on to Lipawsky's wheel.
The three have five seconds immediately, and then it might look good for them. Vague is catching his breath and Cook is nowhere to be seen for now. Carlisle is looking behind. And now Schiltz makes the move forward! He doesn't want to miss this and it looks like he has the legs to compete today!
Lap 3: Lipawsky crosses the finish line here. Let me give you some time differences:
And now it's going quickly! Schiltz is at the front and just in time, as Gormley powers through in the sand, now.
Lipawsky overtakes Gormley right before a short but oh-so steep climb, making Gormley put his foot on the ground and having to dismount. Cornelis has taken the other side of the track and rides all the way up, just like Lipawsky. Schiltz gets caught behind Gormley and dismounts, too.
Elliot Cook is riding hard to bridge the gap to the group with Vague. That group has stalled a bit, everyone is watching everyone. And so the leading group has 15 seconds.
We have never seen him better. Amadou Bakari is riding around in 45th position. It seems cyclo-cross might be growing on him after all.
And now Pierre Lipawsky goes down! He gets up and jumps back on the bike. He gets a lot of criticism of ruining his talent and career by riding 100% for his brother, but when you see Sylvain's results, it seems to pay off. Don't forget Sylvain Lipawsky is third in the UCI Ranking. And how old is he? 22, now? Yes, he turns 23 in June. So he's a real talent, that's obvious. Pierre is only 20, now.
Lap 4: Bam! Cornelis drops a second bomb. And the earth trembles! Schiltz' head is so skewed, it looks like he's going to fall off his bike. Gormley keeps up and doesn't even get out of the saddle. He has one of the strongest backs in the sport, what a muscle.
In the back ground, Vague seems the better man now. He decides to head off alone. Cook has no choice but to let him go as he's at the side with a broken wheel. 150 meters to the technical area, Cook. Better make a run for it!
Vague nears on the race leaders. He decreased the gap from 20 to 12 seconds!
Lipawsky is dictating the pace at the front now, relaying with Cornelis. Gormley looks more comfortable by the lap, while Schiltz looks dreadful, but looks can be deceiving.
Lap 5: Vague is stalling. He's been at around 10 seconds for a while now. He's falling into limbo, here. If you make a jump forwards, you need to connect with the front as quickly as possible. Now he's just in between two groups, wasting energy. Ostrava is no forgiving course, every piece of energy you spend, comes back to bite you in the ass!
And it's happening, now. Back to 15 seconds. It looks like our four leaders will battle for the victory of the day. Gormley is leading the group, now. In the background, Carlisle seems to be growing in form. He's riding a two-men time trial with Eldfjallsson and they have their sights on Vague, now, who's having a real hard time with his wheel burried deep into the sand/mud here. The rain has stopped, but it's done the damage, the route is in terrible condition.
Lap 6: Looks like Lipawsky grows restless, he attacks in sight of the finish line! Gormley is quick to react, though, and the attack doesn't get through. Cornelis has been keeping at the sideline now, for a while. Gormley, Lipawsky and Schiltz are all relatively new riders on the scene. But I've known Cornelis for a long time now, and I think he's saving himself for one hell of a final lap, now. These young guys seem oblivious of it and are throwing around their strength. Better be careful, boys, you've got a master on your wheel and he knows Ostrava better than anyone else.
Schiltz is constantly in fourth position now, Cornelis in third. Lipawsky and Gormley are playing a power-game, both blind to Cornelis and Schiltz. Are they brooding on something, or are they finished? Cornelis is getting older and some say, too old. But with 5 victories on his name already this season, it's too early to write him off.
And Vague cracks! Vague cracks and Carlisle passes him. Carlisle seems to have shaken off Eldfjallsson, too! The Brit is back! Talking about Brits, where is Cook? With Cornelis at the front, the Supeprestige might turn into a thriller after all!
Cook is riding around in 8th position, following his own pace and nothing else. He's using the sand to make up for time lost on the cobbles.
Lap 7: And we're already at the final lap! Lipawsky, Cornelis, Gormley and Schiltz will battle for the victory of the day. They all have qualities, so let the best man win!
Both Lipawsky and Cornelis jump over the bars. Schiltz and Gormley dismount, but the gap isn't big enough to leave them behind.
This is a tough section here, lots of corners, deep mud. Constantly ploughing through the terrain and finding a good track, if that's possible.
Bam!! DRIES CORNELIS! Attack number three, we were waiting for this!
Oh and it seems Gormley is the only one who has an answer to the attack, from the saddle he powers through and keeps his wheel! But it costs a lot of energy, you can hear him grinding his teeth all the way to Tokyo.
And so Cornelis and Gormley have broken loose from Lipawsky and Schiltz! Lipawsky bows his head now, he seems broken. He asks Schiltz to relay and Schiltz does this.
Carlisle seems to be growing stronger - will he be in top form again for the World Championships? - and will finish fifth, most probably.
Cornelis has never been closer to a victory in Ostrava. Well, that's not true, he lost the 2007 edition in a millimeter-sprint. But this might be the best chance he's ever had at taking this prestigous race. Surely the World Champion will want this race on his palmares, can he keep his head cool? Gormley seems glued to Cornelis' wheel now. We head into the final 450 meters. Gormley won't take the lead, he's keeping Cornelis' wheel.
Cornelis swerves to the right side of the road, and left, and right. He's drawing out Gormley. Cornelis looks behind and sees Schiltz and Lipawsky in the distance.
Cornelis goes left, Gormley follows. He goes right and immediately left and accelerates! Oh what a move from the World Champion! 150 meters left! And he sprints Gormley out of his wheel! Cornelis crosses the finish line with his two fingers pointed towards the sky. At the age of 35, Dries Cornelis takes the final big race that was left for him to take, in the Rainbow Jersey. Ostrava is finally his, after two 2nd places, two 3rd places and another five top 10 places! Cornelis is truly one of the greatest cyclo-crossers of his generation, even of all-time!
Gormley crosses the finish line dead tired. Lipawsky takes third place in the sprint.
It'll be close for the Superprestige classification...
Riding for the first time in Ostrava was certainly a special experience. The crowd was a bit distant at times, but once they see that you ride your heart, at least some clap for you. Not that I could have paid special attention to that anyway since the race was a full throttle challenge from start to finish.
Now, Ostrava isn't a circuit that suited me particularly well, however with the tricky conditions and the form I've been recently riding on, I had the chance of getting something out of it.
So, unlike my words before the race, I immediately wanted to test the contenders and my own legs. For the first few laps, everything was going fine. I was in the second group and even got rid off Cook. Maybe I was then a bit too ambitious or wild when I set off to reach the front of the race. Unlucky or not, my power wasn't strong enough that day to manage such a feat. Instead, I was caught in limbo. Things got worse when I bonked a little and rode for too long in the red. It's another lesson learned, but I'm a lousy student at times. I've such moments before this season but this is a price to pay when you want to win a race. You gain some, you lose some.
Well, another missed chance of scoring vital points. 7h isn't good enough if I still aim to finish on the Superprestige podium. With two races left, the fight for the overall win is extremely close between Cook, Lipawsky and Cornelis. I won't play a role in it though, outside chance for the podium. But the next goal is the Coca-Cola competition. Abu Dhabi is waiting.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The race in Ostrava wasn't particularly special, but it's noteworthy to me. 15th place is a good result and i am getting more competitive in a wider variety of races. So much so that i've resigned with Odjfell for next season.
I'd spen much time thinking about whether i could cope at this level. Ultimately, yes i can. I probably won't win many races but my results are fairly solid. Plus the team evironment bult at Odjfell is great, unlike any other CX team i've ever known. It is a true team, not just a group of riders in the same jersey.
I dearly hope this attitude continues next season, and if it does it will be a pleasure to ride for them. Consequently i'll race a reduced Road calendar in the summer time, just a few races and Nations to keep my fitness up to acceptable levels but a result is never far way.
TDF
Progress is slow going. Now that winter is starting to ease up i found the Ostrava race a bit easier. Still not used to the harshness of a European winter compared to that back home in Texas. I don't think it's something i'm ever going to get used to, at least not for several years.
The season is starting to enter it's closing stages and i am in contact with several teams about a new contract. I've had some good races and some good results, and you can't beat the publicity i bring along. I'm going to take my time and make the right decision for me.
I'm enjoying the racing but i'm thinking of calling quits a bit early on the season. After the upcoming Middle East races there's not much left for me to really target this season. Give 200% on the sandy courses and head home for some rest? Sounds like a plan to me...
Well it's been a whirlwind week in the world of Cyclocross, with plenty of delicious racing action, but more notably an abundance of juicy gossip. First up here's a round-up of the mainstream goss before The Inside Scoop, in a bit of a short gossip special before my actual transfer preview and season review after the closing classic.
Gossip Centre
The biggest confirmed story, of course, is the eyewitness report and photos that both Kimi Hakkinen and Ronnie Hira have been in what looks like deep talks with BKCP-Powerplus, as a powerhouse/ice specialist and potential foil for Francis Vague on a range of terrain, respectively. Hira has confirmed he has been chatting to both BKCP and current team Fonterra-Genesis about contracts, and over the off-season there looks to be a thrilling battle for his signature.
Elsewhere, Mikel Hammarling has confirmed a re-signing with Odfjell, and rumors persist over the possible unition of Elliot Cook and Shay Gormley, a prospect that even has some Belgians drooling. Also SAP-Bianchi co-manager Damien Regösser dropped a potential bomb when he seemed to give some major hints towards the possible Mapei merger.
The Inside Scoop
Doing some digging in the Czech Republic I can confirm time and patience is running out for Gregory Bernard, not with the UCI, but with his Corsio team, and in particular things apparently reached boiling point last night with team-mate Christian Schiltz. Both are now almost certain to not be riding together next year, but it's anybody's guess as both are yet to confirm a renewal. Meanwhile, nobody has yet commented on the alleged fight or Bernard's behavior in-race recently.
A fairly short edition, please forgive me, but I find my opinion doesn't differ from the riders or the general media on the last week's racing.
Edited by jandal7 on 26-09-2016 04:56
Hagfors Cross - Report
Lviv - Preview
Ostrava Circuit - Preview
TDF
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
