I've begun contract talks with Odjfell for next season. I still feel like i can compete and compete well and this team is still a pleasure to ride for. We will also talk about possibly cutting my schedule for next season. I've ridden basically every race for two seasons now but a lot of the time i can't compete. The idea is being discussed that i skip a significant portion of October and November, so i can come to the colder races in better condition and compete more consistently through January and February.
As for this season. Ostrava has some good cobbles but i'll see on the day how much i attack. Ansbach, Kwaremont, Arenberg and Dunkirk are all good routes for me and come close together so i might save myself for a tough final two weeks.
Goldie
I'll take 10th in the Coca-Cola Trophy. Wasn't something i particularly targeted but is a great validation of myself and my skills. It's still probably not going to be a target next year either though. The Ardennes World Cup race is big in my sights now. I'm going to skip Ostrava and Kwaremont in preperation for it. The Worlds i've got to ride and i'll give it a shot, whilst Ansbach is a great conditioner.
All about that Ardennes race and i will give it everything. No thoughts for the following classics, might well skip them to be honest. All in on the World Cup. I'm also holding off new contract talks with Blue Bell until after that World Cup race. I do want to stay with the team but if i can get more money and a greater role then i will.
Radio
I have some complaints to lodge. Two flats and broken brakes? Seriously? Am i the only one that thinks that is suspicious? I'll tell you this: That wasn't my bike. Just before the race Goldie was complaining about his saddle so we did a quick bike swap (we ride very similar positions). His bike then gets into that much trouble?
Through the paddock i've heard a suggestion that not everything was fair. Allegedly a person in Santos branded kit was seen around our bikes before the race. I wasn't there so i don't know but it's an accusation to take seriously as the "Mr 80% Saga" rumbles on. If i were Santos, i'd steer clear of us for a while or accidents might happen.
TDF
Things are realy quietning down for me. My skills aren't up to scratch on routes as tough as these recent ones. I did ok in Lviv and i will do ok in Dunkirk i think but yeah. Overall the season has been a big improvement. I'm getting better at everything but i'm still way behind the good guys on most aspects. At least i can rely on the sand!
I'll be back next year, i already signed for Blue Bell again. It looks like i'll have a different style of schedule. Coming into the season at peak fitness for the hotter and sandier races before taking a break around Christmas when i can't compete or really help my team. All to be confirmed nearer the time of course, but i'm feeling good and i want to enjoy the rest of this season.
After the allegations made by various media outlets and mentioned by a rider, we would like to say that it was no member of the team at Santos-ASB, backroom, management or a rider. If this is true, we suspect a fan, or even a non-fan trying to discredit us, and, unfortunately, hinder a Blue Bell CX rider. If it was a fan, we can say that no true fan of ours would ever behave like that, and that we had nothing to do with it.
Also mentioned is the saga surrounding Milan Listerijn's recent saga in the media. From all points of view, including his, this is over and we think it best that everyone moves on to racing.
"I just felt really, really good and felt like I should go for it", was Guido's easy explanation, coming off the podium. In the abscene of Belgium big new star Vague and the underperformance of Belgium's big old star, Visconti took well advantage of the attention he could and would receive of the Belgium public at home. Now after the NES podium, this is his second time on the top step within a month. Great feeling? "The racing is way different when you contest for the win, even if it's just for two, three laps. It doesn't make racing any easier but you feel better doing it."
Attacking early on, Visconti left the chasers in style to do the work. Unfortunately a hard to catch Cook and an almost as formidable Mazzarelli were a cut above the rest in Lviv, showing Visconti his limits fairly early mid-race. However Guido managed to find his pace when he got dropped and defended his podium to the line ahead of Schiltz and World Champion Lipawsky.
"I took inspiration out of Bauer & Verboven who have made this a classic move in last season. This year we have seen way less of such ambitions, maybe Listerijn was the last case of that for a while in one of the first Coke races. Unfortunately, I didn't win today, it wasn't my victory meant to be, Cook and Drunk In Matt were too strong. But this podium is a huge step upward for me. The NES was special, but this podium shines even brighter."
With his recent success, Visconti could be characterized as a lover of the snow and a true flandriennes. The trickier the parcour the better? "My recent result certainly point in that direction. But right now I feel like my legs can help me in any race", hinting towards great aspirations in Siena.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
He crossed the line dazed and disappointed, maybe, but a hard look shows this was no fiasco for Milan Listerijn.
Milan, perhaps an underwhelming performance there today, can you shed any light on it?
Well, yes it was underwhelming but after a few laps, I think, you could probably see this wasn't my course. It required quite a lot of power, and Cook and Mazzarelli had it constantly and consistently whilst it's something I need to work on. I'm happy with the performance though and 7th doesn't break my combo [laughs].
Any words on the performances up front by fellow young gun Guido Visconti?
I haven't seen much of it but he attacked early on, good for him and for the sport, and to hold on like that for a podium is great for him, he's on the rise and I am sure one day at this rate could do the legacy [father's, Raphael Visconti] he carries justice.
He recently made comments on the move he made, saying it was dying and needed to be fixed. Your take?
Definitely, recently a subtop rider hasn't challenged or been allowed to challenge Cornelis, Vague, Cook and the other top riders like that. People like Verboven and many more in the last few years executed it well, and it's great for the sport to see a daredevil take the fight to the favorites. Alongside Baris Dao I have succeeded with it once but unfortunately despite my efforts I don't get that long of a leash anymore.
Yes, you aren't allowed a long leash, I agree. Does your lack of a victory concern you?
Ummm, what? Yes, as you just stated, I don't get as big a license anymore, I'd love to do what I did in Seattle again and I do try but it's also nice, to be noticed and having Schiltz or even Francis Vague in the last race chasing you down is a "pinch me" moment. But yes, I would like a victory, but I'm not expecting one to come to me, I must take it!
You are now within ten points of your very own front row spot on a regular course. Will you take a detour to Ostrava to realize this before Worlds?
Yes, it's an idea, one I've been contemplating since Scandinavia. Ultimately though I loved the last two races being there with the absence of Dao, I am prioritising the Worlds now, it's my everything now I've been made team leader.
And lastly, your take on the allegations towards your team made recently?
Yeah I was just told. It's horrible if true, I know it isn't a member of the team but whoever it was, please don't do that, never ever. It's very disrespectful to a professional rider and, even more so, the team mechanics who prepared that bike to pristine condition.
Ostrava. The final Superprestige meeting before the traditional Superprestige ending weekend, with Ansbach and The Kwaremont Cross. Those have formed the end to the trophy since 1981.
While December is endeed the Superprestige month, February offers three consecutive classification races from the Superprestige with history as old as the sport. With Ostrava, The World Championships, Ansbach and Kwaremont, we have some heavy and important weeks ahead of us.
This late in the season, it usually comes down to this: who can still start a race with relative fresh legs? Absolute talent comes to the surface in races like these. Let us start with the ancient race: Ostrava Circuit.
Race Information
Country: Czech Republic
City/Place: Ostrava
Classification: Superprestige
Starting Time (Elite Men): 14h00
Favorites: Francis N. Vague, Elliot Cook, Dries Cornelis, Christian Schiltz, Matt Mazzarelli, Sylvain Lipawsky, Milan Listerijn.
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. Last year, Dries Cornelis finally filled up that last hole in his amazing palmares, putting himself with the greats of cyclo-cross.
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 50 meters through very shallow water.
The climbs won't decide the race, but they contribute to the race tiring character. No doubt the winner will be a happy man.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 3° C
Precipitation: Rain, light
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Team BAKARI are confident of a ground-breaking result for Amadou Bakari in Ostrava. Apparantely, Amadou has been surfing the web and came across a great new training idea from an Italian rider. If it works for him, it will surely work for Bakari!
Things went much better in Ukraine than expected. Good to know that the good feeling I have in my legs are based on reality.
As the last race before the worlds we have a very complex race in Czech Republic. There's some cobbled stretches but I hope to make the most of the sand as that is my home turf. Also there is a part of the route that is flooded a bit. That is where I have to make the difference as I'm used to that from riding on the beach back home in San Sebastian.
I'm optimistic and I think my form will only get better towards the worlds next weekend.
Last year, Ostrava Circuit was maybe the only race were both Cook and Vague looked vulnerable and have shown weaknesses. Add some bad luck on top of that and it came that neither of them was able to be in the Top 5. The Duinencross at the start of the season springs in mind as another place where this was the case but back then again, both Cook and Vague had their pro debut and just were at the start of their fast rise to CX fame. Later in the year the Ansbach Cross also made a case for both Cook's and Vague's lack of talent for the flat pavé, just for them to redeem their skills at the Kwaremont.
However both have matured as riders and whilst the rivalry between Cook and Vague got lately overshadowed by their respective fights in other competitions (namely, the belgian battle royale and the All Against Cook's show in the Coke Trophy), the Superprestige is largely reduced to an affair between the currently two best riders of the sport. Sure, Lisbon helped Vague's case largely and that point loss by Cook surely has played a huge factor in the decision for the competition back then. But Cook would never give up, and Vague would never celebrate something before he hasn't won it for real.
That Cook has shown to be in absolute top-form in Lviv hasn't gone unnoticed by Vague. On facebook he congratulated his ever so stylish and brute nemesis Cook to the trophy triumph and of course gave his sincere congratulations to his second-placed teammate Schiltz. He must have well spotted the irrepressible, natural force that was Cook's riding in Ukraine, and might well hope that Lviv left him exhausted at least a bit for the Ostrava Circuit.
Vague's eyes are still on the double; a life-time challenge for most of the peloton. In Czech Republic, Vague can again prove to the world that his talents are unique; well hoping that last year was a fluke and that the ancient one, "The Cyclo-Cross", is actually a race that he was made for. Because certainly saying that the race was made for Vague is an affront to its magnificient history and tradition.
Be it as it may, bookkeepers have Vague listed as an favourite alongside his archrival Cook. Maybe they havn't seen last year's race. But it also goes well with a prediction for the World Championships: both of them will want to be in ubershape to contest against the ultrapeak of Lipawsky and Mazzarelli. Whilst Cook had two podiums including a win recently in the Coke Trophy and seems to have just come to a form heigh right in time for the World Championships, Vague's results have been more modest since his return. Trondheim's failure and a so-and-so performance in Luxembourg seem to indicate a drop since the first Scandivanian adventure. Maybe however there's already been a drop in performance since his glorious win at Alpe d'Huez due to the off-time around Christmas, maybe racing got to him and he's not able to seal the deal anymore (Note: No win since Vague's). Yes indeed, despite some nice podium places, Vague has remained without a victory in 2016 so far. This is unusual for this talented 20(?) year old but nothing to worry about just yet. The chances were there, Vague just missed maybe the final lucky punch, maybe his numbers wern't quite there at 100% yet.. The young Belgian will look to settle the matter at 'The Cyclo-Cross', even if the trend is against him right now. Both he and Cook have fairly built up a reputation by now to go against the predictions and celebrate their own way.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Welcome to 'The Cyclo-Cross', the Ostrava Circuit. It's an ancient cross which holds a legendary name within the cross scene and even beyond. Many have compared this race to the road race Giro il Lombardia. We can see the logic behind that: late season, monumental, prestigious... But above all, Ostrava is the race where you need every piece of skill you have. There is water, sand, cobbles, hills, bridges, jumping bars, ditches, sharp turns... Everything but ice, as the temperatures have stayed comfortably above freezing.
Adolf Brodsky holds the record here, with 4 victories. This just proves winning here isn't easy. Gasthuys, who managed to win everywhere so easily, only managed two wins here in Ostrava. Today, nobody can threaten Brodsky's record, as the only rider in this peloton who's won this race is Dries Cornelis. Usually the older riders have an advantage over youth here. Experience does matter. Gasthuys won his first Ostrava Circuit race at the age of 31. He had won pretty much everything else a few times by then.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 3° C
Precipitation: Rain, light.
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Start Line: No Listerijn, no Bauer, no Dao. Three remarkable absences in today's cross. But we have all the ingredients we need to make this one hell of a race either way.
The Superprestige is nearing its end and Vague is comfortably in the lead. But with a maximum of 45 points still to be earned, an 11 point lead only means so much.
A recent news item also pointed out Vague has been without a victory since the Alpe d'Huez demonstration. Nothing unusual in the modern cross-scene, with such a diverse and international peloton, but a star like Vague won't like it, either. Can he deliver today?
Lap 1: We'll have to find out! The riders are off! A fast start from Francis Vague. Positioning is fairly important in a race like this. Though there is always time to claw back, you're better off at the front from the start.
Dries Cornelis, with all his experience, takes these first few corners very smoothly. We see Lipawsky coming forward. This is quite possibly his last race as a World Champion, unless he can defend his jersey next Sunday. Unless he can take a win today, he'll have won two races as a World Champ. There have been better, but also worse Champions in the history of the sport. Moreover, he raced with a lot of heart, and we appreciate that.
The rain has made the mud even worse. It's hard to plough through. Young rider usually lack power to go through it well. But Vague seems to do well.
The sand is less kind on Vague. Cook passes him. Cornelis comes to the front here, too. Welling comes up next to his leader, Vague. Eldfjallsson is still near the front after a fast start. It's what we've come to expect from him.
Cornelis jumps over the bars, and is the only one. Vague decided not to risk it as he was boxed in by Goldenberg and Lipawsky. Cornelis turns onto the cobbles now and accelerates. Mazzarelli doesn't hesitate a second and tries to follow the old lion! Vague, Cook, Welling, Eldfjallsson, they all want to follow, too. But somehow they're lacking the speed. Cornelis takes this small but steep uphill with style. It's a strange little climb. So steep you have to use your speed to get up it, but there's a 90° angle in the middle of it, so you need to steer perfectly not to lose to much speed and make the top without having to dismount. Cornelis did it. Mazzarelli, too.
The two have a gap. Cornelis and Mazzarelli are in the lead. Mazzarelli proving his great late season form, just in time ahead of the World Championships!
Behind them, it's Cook who takes matters into his own hands, now. The Brit never gives up a fight and attacks Vague for the Superprestige! World Champion Sylvain Lipawsky is the first victim of this acceleration, he falls off the pace.
Lap 2: But Cook is still obviously inferior to Vague when it comes to pure bike handling. Technically, the young Belgian is one of the absolute best. If not the best. Cook can't shake him off.
Here on the cobbles, he tries again! Welling sees Vague doesn't react immediately and jumps on his wheel. Eldfjallsson doesn't want to let them ride and increases his pace. Goldenberg and Vague move along in his slipstream.
At the front, Mazzarelli and Cornelis are working together quite well. The two have 12 seconds on the chasers.
Cook and Welling have been caught. And now the pace drops... Lipawsky uses this drop in pace to regain contact with the group. The two leaders ride away even further. Who will pick up the pace in the chasing group?
Behind them, we see Gormley and Mutahi trying to cooperate to return to the front. They are being followed by Schiltz, Bollinger, Etxeberdea and a strong Moli.
This 50m of shallow water is not to be underestimated. Though the underground is hard, the water slows down the bikes and even more importantly, can be harmful to the bikes' gearing and chain. Everyone here is afraid on some level, that their bikes won't make the end of the race. The water pit is still controversial and has been toned down to 50m after a 100m section last year.
It's nice to see Mazzarelli and Cornelis at the front. They ride flawlessly at the moment. And with Cornelis, Welling and Eldfjallsson near the front of the race, you can see experience is rather important here. A rider like Welling needs a race like this to excel.
Lap 3: Two laps of the seven completed. And it's a real war out there. Abandons left and right. It had been a while since Bakari has thrown in the towel so fast. Only one lap completed and it was enough for him. The rain doesn't help.
Also at stake today are the final World Championship spots. The top 30 of the UCI can go. Kloet is 3 points behind Hira, absent here. If he finishes within the top 33, he's in the Worlds! And he's fighting for it! Moli also still makes a small chance of going to the Worlds. Though he'll probably need a pretty great result and count on others to abandon. But he's fighting for it and is actually doing very well today.
And here goes Hafthor Eldfjallsson! On a short climb, he attacks! We see no reaction. Lipawsky is visibly struggling, same with Goldenberg.
And now Cook goes on the offensive! Welling jumps on his wheel again, BKCP tactics at work? Vague has trouble keeping up on these cobbles and has to let them ride.
Cook and Welling have caught up with Eldfjallsson, but Vague has left a gap. And that's enough for Cook to keep the pace up.
But this is all happening behind Mazzarelli and Cornelis. At the moment, they are comfortably ahead by half a minute already!
Welling obviously leaves the work up to Cook and Eldfjallsson. He has Vague behind him and has no reason to ride at the moment.
Look at those time differences. Incredible. Ostrava delivers as its reputation requires it to. As if to illustrate our point, Visconti goes down hard in the sand.
Cook now launches an attack! Eldfjallsson and Welling have to let him go. Vague is now 10 seconds behind his team mate.
A loud gasp by the crowd, followed by a big round of applause. That can only mean one thing. Yes, Vague has jumped this slippery, muddy, ditch. Look at this slow motion. A perfect jump. Risky, but rewarding if it works. Goldenberg is 10 meters behind immediately.
Lap 5: Oh, this is an important ruling. UCI have just decided Karol Konva is to be disqualified for riding through the technical zone without changing his bike. While this is, in fact, not obligatory, it is necessary that a rider puts at least one foot on the ground to pass through the 'pit-stop'. Konva apparently didn't and has been disqualified. But he doesn't realize this yet and is still in the race. A UCI official is now trying to tell him, but either he doesn't want to hear or he can't hear, he keeps riding!
Konva is 29th in the UCI Classification, so this could even cost him a World Championship spot. But we'll have to wait for the other results before we can such a statement.
Welling is not sure what to do in this situation. Eldfjallsson asks him to ride with him, but Vague is trying to claw his way back, so Welling doesn't cooperate.
And here he goes! Dries Cornelis, for his second Ostrava win? He leaves Matt Mazzarelli behind in the sand! The Italian tries to keep up but burns himself up in this deep sand.
Lap 6: Two races left. Cornelis has taken 6 seconds on Mazzarelli. Meanwhile, Eldfjallsson and Welling have caught back up with Cook. We've witnessed a rare moment of weakness here from the Brit, as he had to give up his gap. Eldfjallsson must see that Cook is not too hot right now and attacks!
Welling and Cook have been left behind. Vague can still see them riding ahead of him, but he isn't getting any closer. That must be frustrating to him.
Muller is down on the ground. He's not the only one, though. If that's any comfort to him. And we can also confirm Konva is definitely out of the race now. He's just passed underneath our commentary position, on foot.
Talking about the commentary position, this particular cabin has been around for ages. It's almost as old as the cross. It breathes history, but it wouldn't kill them to fix it up a bit, it's pretty cold in here for us.
Lap 7: We're coming into the final lap! Kudos to Matt Mazzarelli, he's doing his best. But Cornelis has experience enough, he won't let the pressure get to him. Just stay cool and he's got it. A second Ostrava win is within reach. Who would've thought Cornelis could still upgrade his palmares like that at his age.
And Eldfjallsson has got a comfortable lead on Cook and Welling. Welling is still playing it passively. No need to ride with Cook as Vague is behind him. Goldenberg and Lipawsky are about 10 seconds behind Vague, constantly passing each other. It's like a chess game with those two.
Another perfect sand section by Cornelis. I think he's got this. He's in the clear. And Mazzarelli realizes this, too, it's too late.
Here he comes. A second consecutive win for the one and only Dries Cornelis! Well done, Dries.
And here comes Matt Mazzarelli. A very respectable second today. And a major competitor for next Sunday.
Eldfjallsson managed to keep off Cook and Welling and completes the podium. A good race for him, too.
Welling wants to take away another point from Cook and succeeds! Vague finishes behind them so Cook managed to claw back one point in the Superprestige today. A small victory for the Brit.
Goldenberg outsmarted Lipawsky here in the end and so Lipawsky finishes 8th in his last race as World Champion. Well at least of his first reign.
Mutahi and Gormley complete the top 10. And Moli is a surprising 11th! Is it enough to send him to Siena, though?
Ostrava delivered excellent action today. But not too many will look back on it for too long. The World Championships are just seven nights away. And for some, there is much to be done. We now have the 30 riders who'll start in the World Championships. See you in Siena!
It was a good race for me when it comes down to it. Ostrava Circuit is unlike any other race out there, the Ancient One did well to treat me like a little green-nosed rookie. Indeed the race was particularly tough in that regard and I'd lie if it was down to just the route. The mix of all this different terrains demands a special flow of a ride, in this regard it's true: You need experience first and foremost to adapt the fast change of the surface and the many barricades you encounter. It's not down to speed and virtue, it's really most experience that decides the race and guys like Cornelis gain a huge advantage upon someone like me. Someone who's getting his butt kicked by the Ostrava Circuit. Shout out to my team mate Sven Welling; he did an excellent job and I loved to see him finish ahead of Cook. Kudos!
But I still finished better than last year, or at least my feeling was better. I must admit last year Ostrava was a side-race for me, so I wasn't too much bothered back again. Additionally the World Championships were around the corner back then and I convinced myself it wasn't something to worry about. Now a year later, the situation is different but all the same. Finishing around the same position, Cook was better than me this time around all throughout the race but still only gained a point on me. Frankly, this today and the past races should give me plenty to concern myself.
But: With 10 points lead and two more crosses left, my lead isn't all that good but I am not too much bothered about it. Last year I might have taken the SP if it wasn't for Lisbon, this year Cook might would take the Superprestige, but again: it is Lisbon that made the difference. What is it about this race? Go figure. What counts is I'm still leading and the chance for the double is still much active.
I must admit: I have not forgotten about the World Championships but they came sooner than I expected. Suddenly they are here and I havn't much thought about since the route was announced. The biggest race is up at my doorstep and I forgot we had a meeting together.. My racing schedule was occupied with the prestigious events of World Cup and Superprestige, my recovery time was always meant to provide me with some off-time from racing all together. Tomorrow I'll head to Siena then. We have a fancy hotel and my bikes are yearning for the gravel roads. Time enough for me to get to know the course, adjust to the weather, enjoy a tiny bit the tuscany and of course, make sure I'm at 100% in Siena.
How's it gonna be like? Conferences will be held surely, some interviews with the cycling websites and tv stations and magazines. Especially Belgium has already caught the fever. With Dries and me far up the ladder, we have good chances for the win. There's an enigma above my form, maybe yes. Mazzarelli has fairly impressed everyone in the latest race but so far his season is well below the things he did last season. Ostrava isn't a race I would have gussed suited him that much so his form must be even more incredible than most of others gave him credit for. It's his home race and so he'll be even more motivated; something that may harm in the long run of the race, although it seems he has evolved on a tactical level. Lipawsky finished after Goldenberg, I'm sure he'll be all different next week and burning with power. There's a certain myth about his ultrapeaks by now in the peloton. Cook was impressive in the past weeks but I have been doing some thinking: I had the form last year before the race and although I crashed and never could show how good I was, maybe my peak was too early. The triple header of Luxembourg-Lviv-Ostrava might be just much if you ride it at 100% like Cook did. Well at least I hope so with regards to Siena.
But that's just some thinking I have done recently. I'll let you know more soon when I know more about Siena.
Take care.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Oddly enough it was for them all the first question: "Was it okay for Francis that you left him alone?!"
What was going on, wondered Sven. Surely some of them must have forgotten that Cyclo-Cross was a single man sport. That Sven was riding for his own results much more than for those of Francis. And Ostrava Circuit was always a course that suited him well enough. He finished a couple of times on the podiums actually, 3 times in a row. But never did he manage to win it. Looking at Cornelis and Gasthuys, it's clear that he still has some time left to win the Ancient One at least once when he's well in the thirties.
But once the journalist accepted that Sven Welling was in fact a grown man and did in fact not need Vague's permission to do go to the toilet, they seemingly cared about his performance too. Maybe there was a podium possible but Sven preferred to play the Vague-card indeed and keep himself from the chasing duties. Especially with Cook he did not want to risk to lead an all-hungry beast over the course, just for him to attack him in the sand- or hillsections. WHilst Cornelis and Mazzarelli were cut above the rest and Hafthor made the podum-achieving move with some risk, Welling has raced fairly passive and preferred mostly to follow decisive moves. "You say it's about experience. This is part of it. Knowing what moves to follow when it counts. And also knowing when you can and when you can not follow someone. I am very good with this result although early from the start I had hopes to contest for the podium. I thought keeping with Hafthor and Cook throughout the race was the smart thing to do. I would have blown up had I intented to follow Cornelis. Mazzarelli and Dries were too fast for me. But I made up my lack of top speed with the many times I had ridden The Cyclo-Cross."
Going now with such a possible highlight of his late season into the World Championships, certainly helps Sven boost his motivation. But he is modest about his ambitions. "The course does not suit me really from the looks of it. I'll be working for my captain, whoever it is." But even at his age, Welling's eyes sparkle when he talks about the upcoming Championships and talks in excitement of the many things he loves about this event, to summarize it: "It's a weekend where everything is better and bigger and Cyclo-Cross seems to be the centre of the universe. Even if it's just for one hour."
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Milan Listerijn watches the race in Ostrava shrewdly, analyzing every single detail of his potential rival's in Siena. You could even say, from interviewing him from his hotel in Siena, that it meant more to him than his own birthday.
"Yes, haha, I did get a few presents from my family but I guess this will happen for the rest of my career, not being able to celebrate my birthday because I will be preparing for the World Championships." he says cheerfully. He has been splitting his time between rest, practice and quite a bit of time indoors which he won't share with us...
But for one hour, one edge-of-your-seat hour, the now 19-year-old studied his television in his hotel very closely, seeing who's hot and who's not. "Yes it was interesting watching from the comfort of my bed, I was surprised how many people didn't come straight here, but I guess the lure of 'The Cyclo-Cross" is too much, and many are still competing for the Superprestige trophy." When asked of his aspirations after another skipped race there, he pauses for a moment's thoughts before answering "Yes, I would like to maintain my top 10 place and with Dao coming here as well for some recovery time I stayed in 8th, so I'll try keep that over the cobbled weekend. But the Worlds is a much bigger priority for me right now."
For now, we can only wait and see if Milan Listerijn can keep his top 10 streak (We say: Yes), keep breaking the top 5 (We say: 33% Chance), maybe get one of his desired podiums, (We say: 1 in 10 chance) or even become an unlikely rainbow man (We say: No).
This year, we have a whole new system for the start list. While National Coaches used to mean something in selection their names, the UCI now does their job for them. It's quite simple, really. 30 riders are allowed to start in the race.
One issue has been talked about recently, though. What if a top 30 rider is injured or has already retired? Well, then, the UCI stated its place will be left vacant. 30 or less riders to a World Championship. It's not something we're used to, we'll have to see how it goes and then see if we should go back to the old system or not.
Some notes:
Francis N. Vague is Belgium's prime pick. The number 2 in the UCI Ranking is officially co-leader next to Dries Cornelis, but it is believed the others will have to assist Vague. Cornelis' recent raise in form might make him someone to be reckoned with, though. Belgium will start with 6 riders.
Elliot Cook will be pretty much on his own. Only Carlisle is selected alongside him for Great Britain, but the Brit won't expect much help from the ever fading Carlisle. The funny part is that Cook will probably ride better as a lone wolf than surrounded by fellow countrymen who are not really on his side.
No Pierre Lipawsky, no Fabrizio Lorenzi and so on. The new UCI ruling is cruel to the riders lacking the absolute talent. Should such riders be denied the chance of riding the world's greatest cross? We believe not. Some of the big names will come to the start without any help. While Belgium comes here with quantity and quality. Will this lead to a fair cross?
Ferdi Kloet has earned a right to start. Yet over more than 30 races so far this season, only 1 point separated him from now coming here. Mustafa Moli will be cursing this weekend as he misses the Worlds, having only 370 UCI Points, next to Kloet's 371.
Only one rider from the Netherlands, none from France. That will be very weird.
Here is the full list of riders for the upcoming 67th edition of the World Championships:
Country
Riders
Belgium
Francis N. Vague
Dries Cornelis
Sven Welling
Rik Van Fleming
Rudy Verboven
Guido Visconti
United States
Eddie Goldenberg
Fred Markson
Max Power
New Zealand
Milan Listerijn
Lachy Bauer
Great Britain
Elliot Cook
James Carlisle
Luxembourg
Christian Schiltz
Gregory Bernard
Czech Republic
Jan Soucek
Karol Konva
Switzerland
Sylvain Lipawsky
The Netherlands
Ferdi Kloet
Kenya
Estifanos Mutahi
Italy
Matt Mazzarelli
Afghanistan
Tariq Faizullah
Turkey
Arda Akdeniz
Ireland
Shay Gormley
Iran
Naveed Alinejad
Denmark
Baris Dao
Sweden
Mikel Hammarling
Iceland
Hafthor Eldfjallsson
Australia
Michael Bollinger
Spain
Iban Etxeberdea
Many fear the UCI have screwed up with this new arrangement and that this edition will be a fluke, with Belgium clearly in the advantage.
Others praise it for only sending the very best here.
Either way, we believe we'll see a great show and we'll be right here to analyse it after the race.
Expect the preview to the race tomorrow.
Edited by Ian Butler on 29-10-2015 07:39
Welcome in Siena, Italy. Over the course of this weekend, we will witness the 67th World Championships. The women will contest the race on Saturday at 15h. The U23 on Sunday at 11h30 and the Elite men will do their race Sunday at 15h.
Siena, that means, strade bianchi. The famous white roads. The parcours obviously takes advantage of these unique roads. Siena hosts its very first World Championships Cyclo-Cross. However, for Italy it's already its 8th time hosting the event.
It's the biggest race of the season and for one hour, cyclo-cross will be the main stage of sports around the world. We have many different nations here, ready to contest for the win. Belgium's got the upper hand, but can they set aside their differences and race as a team? In the past 66 edition, we've seen this is a hard task for cyclo-cross' leading nation.
Sylvain Lipawsky says goodbye to his Rainbow Jersey but gets a chance to win it back. However, many candidates will think they stand a chance on this profile. After a heavy-hill profile last year, we expect a more open race this year. Less demanding climbs, no impossible obstacles. The two major challenges in the profile are a tree trunk and a short but steep climb.
Race Information
Country: Italy
City/Place: Siena
Classification: World Championships
Starting Time (Elite Men): 15h
Favorites: Francis N. Vague, Elliot Cook, Matt Mazzarelli, Sylvain Lipawsky, Dries Cornelis, Christian Schiltz.
Record: 7x Pieter Gasthuys (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1996)
Race History: The World Championships were first held in 1950, where Marcel Peters ensured Belgium took the first edition. The striped-jersey is the most wanted jersey in the world, and only a few riders have the honor of wearing it in their careers. Sylvain Lipawsky was the last winner, in 2015. Pieter Gasthuys, cyclo-cross legend, holds the absolute record with 7 victories. It is yet to be seen that someone will ever break that record.
Route Information
Technical: 4
Sand: 0
Uphill: 3
Cobblestones: 0
The route is located fully outside the city. The organisers have opted for a perfect terrain over visibility. A race within the city limits would mean a greater income, more crowd... But the countryside offers the riders the perfect parcours fit for cyclo-cross: cross country.
The terrain around Siena is rolling, no doubt. We're not here for a flat World Championships. The riders start the race on the typical white roads in Tuscany. This means it'll be a tough start. On the tarmac, the riders can accelerate fast, but on these roads, there's more risk involved. After about 125 meters, the riders turn into the field. Remarkable is that the riders turn right. In 95% of the crosses, the riders turn left. A right turn at that speed is a bit uncomfortable for most riders. So a course recon is of the essence.
The first part of the terrain is slightly downhill. The ground is very uneven and covered by a very light sort of dirt. This means the terrain won't give at all so the riders will need power to make any speed here, even if it's downhill. There are a few tricky corners here, too, but no U-turns.
Then, we have a more technical section. A wooden bridge, followed by a few U-turns and a tree trunk of about 40cm of height: the highest legally possible. On this ground, where it's hard to create real speed, we don't expect many riders to try and jump it. Only the very best will attempt it, and still then it's a risk.
A first gradual climb is introduced here. It's a long, steady climb. It goes for about 150 meters, but the underground is merciless and the incline is tricky. It's not very steep, but you have the tendency to underrate it. It's like a bridge that is much longer than it seems and just doesn't seem to end. You can really make a difference here.
The riders then turn onto a more flat section. They get back on the white, Tuscan roads for about 100 meters and turn back into the field for more flat-ish underground. But it doesn't last for very long. The riders now face a short but immense technical and steep climb. Most riders can make it to the top, but you can never be sure in a race situation. You need some speed to do it, and if hindered, you might have to set foot on the ground.
Now, the riders are on a plateau. Two U-turns and then a longer, straightforward section. The terrain is a bit better here than before. You can make some speed here and finally turn your watts into some real pace.
Another corner and than a long, slighty bending road. With some wind, riding alone here is deadly. You can make a lot of speed here and time trial experts will like this part of the profile.
Without many obstacles left, the riders go up a wooden bridge, come down, ride 50 meters, take a left turn and find themselves back on the white, Tuscan road. Only 125 meters now separates them from the finish line.
The first part of the profile is rather demanding, with a tough underground, some obstacles and some climbing. However, the second part of the profile is mostly flat (still slightly rolling terrain) and has a harder underground. This offers many riders a chance to place an attack, use tactical play, work together... If you ride away in the first part of the race, you're left alone in the wind for the second part. So think twice before going solo too early. The most probably scenario is a small group sprint (2-5 riders), but anything can happen.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 4° C
Precipitation: Dry
Wind: 3 Beaufort
With the worlds coming up it means we have just had the Ostrava cross. Dries Cornelis turned out victorious in what turned out to be a hell. 'It's nothing unexpected for this race. It's possibly the hardest race of the entire season, and always proves to be hard to win for anyone. I don't think many people can say they've won here more than once in a row. Of course, Brodsky was a class apart here in the past, but to be the best active rider in this race, and winning it twice, it feels more than special, it feels like an honor.'
Obviously this makes Dries Cornelis one of the favourites for the World Cup, after such a performance. 'The World Championship is obviously my season goal. After my awful start I luckily started finding some shape, but Ostrava was not my best yet. At the World Championship I'll hopefully show the full power I still have left at this age. I am confident I will be able to do so.'
However, the Belgian team consists of more than one possibility. Francis Vague may be very young, but already rides as if he's been around for at least ten years. Dries Cornelis expects some serious rivalry. 'Francis and I know each other very well. He was brilliant at the youths. He is brilliant at the elites now. He won't let me win if he can stop me, I will stop him as well if I can. I don't care we happen to wear the same shirt, we both want to win no matter what. I would love a great battle between the generations, with a Belgian winner. Hopefully that is me.'
After a season in rainbow, it's rather disappointing to have to relinquish it, hopefully it's just for the one race, where I'll wear the Swiss national jersey. I've peaked for the race again this year and I'm not going to lie, I'm feeling good, I know that can all change in the race, but it always helps. I showed up at Ostrava, I hate to mess with my formula from last year by racing it, unlike last season were I skipped the few races before, but I didn't put in everything and just had a good ride, so hopefully it benefits me.
The first previews are coming out now, I'm not nearly as much of a dark horse as last year, but c'est la vie, I did win last year and now I'll be a favourite as the defending champion. Hopefully people still place Vague, Cook, Matt, Schiltz, Cornelis, etc. above me as a man to mark, but I'm dreaming here. I'll just give it my all and hopefully it ends well, preferably with a rainbow jersey.
I'm reconnoitring the course now, getting a feel for it, I want to know as much of it as possible, I've came off twice so far, not badly and it was just part of testing it out, but it looks really good, not quite hilly enough for me but it could still be great.
My pick for the win is Cook, he was riding very well in Coca-Cola and it'll be hard to beat him, the Belgians will also be tough to beat if they work together, with Vague, Cornelis and Verboven, amongst others. Plenty of other riders are worth watching though, Milan, Lachy, Matt, Shiltz, hopefully we can have a good race and some unexpected rain please.
Well I've been all off and about writing pieces for bigger and better things but I still wanted to give you this piece freelance, just like last year. Far out, already twelve months? Time flies...
The Teams
Belgium
The Favorites: Dries Cornelis, Franics Vague The Outsiders/Main Helpers: Rudy Verboven, Guido Visconti Others: Rik van Fleming, Sven Welling Which Way Is the Bread Buttered?: This is a toughie, Cornelis has already openly stated he will be riding against Vague and so it is a question of loyalties. My take? It's down to trade teams, van Fleming and Visconti for Cornelis and Welling for Vague. Verboven is a wildcard with his own chances but did work well in a double-act last year. The Verdict: Belgium should seal a medal at least, but after last year for their sake it must be gold.
Great Britain:
The Favorite: Elliot Cook The Who-The-Actual-Hell-Knows-What-He-Is-Thinking: James Carlisle Which Way Is the Bread Buttered?: This depends on if Carlisle shows up with his undeniable talent or continues to not care. Cook will want it all and not care what Carlisle wants, but if the soon-to-be road convert Carlisle turns out for once, he might want a co-leadership. The Verdict: Cook is worth a whole lot but he won't get help, but if Cook is feigning only half-caring about the Worlds anything can and will happen.
United States
The Dark Horse: Eddie Goldenberg The Outsider/Main Helper: Fred Markson Other: Max Power Which Way Is the Bread Buttered?: Goldenberg is sure-fire, the Yanks have proved throughout the season they gel when needed. Markson and also Power if he can make it will be happy to help. The Verdict: If Goldenberg plays it right a top 5, maybe a podium if he catches the right break could happen for the North Americans.
New Zealand
The Dark Horse: Milan Listerijn The Outsider/Main Helper: Lachy Bauer Which Way Is the Bread Buttered?: Up until a couple of weeks ago it was unclear but we know now Listerijn is leader and has an able helper in last year's bronze medalist Bauer. The Verdict: It's always been difficult to read Listerijn but a top 5 could definitely happen.
Luxembourg
The Favorite: Christian Schiltz The Outsider: Gregory Bernard Which Way Is the Bread Buttered?: Schiltz has been named leader but don't expect Bernard to care or indeed Schiltz to expect help. The Verdict: As I will get too, I smell a medal for the 'Burgers
The Favorites:
Francis Vague The Lowdown: The confident youngster comes in potentially with less tired legs after a season with less races, 100% motivated to achieve rainbow in the elites to complete his Junior, U-23 and Pro trifecta, Ladders: He's the best if not the best all-around cyclocrosser in the World, and his sprint on an easier finish will come in handy, no doubt. Snakes: It's hard to find any potential snakes for the 20-year-old but maybe a lack of form? He hasn't won for a while now but I'm not buying it as meaning anything, particularly as he hasn't raced as much as his rivals. The Verdict: He must win. Musn't he?
Elliot Cook The Lowdown: "The Cookie Monster" hasn't missed a race for a while and seemed disinterested in coming here for a while but take any of that as a weakness at your peril. Ladders: Vanautreve and Gasthuys have both been quoted as saying don't go solo but tell that to one of the most powerful guys around. Still probably the most gifted puncher in the pack. Snakes: We all know Cook doesn't do explosive or sprinting as well as some, despite his power he may be praying for many to be wrong and a solo win. The Verdict: Will show more daring than last year and get a top 2.
Christian Schiltz
The Lowdown: The young Eurasian Champion comes in off the back of second place in the Coca-Cola Trophy and a home win in the Luxembourg Challenge. He's proving himself more and more as a race hunter for championships and classics and seems zoned in and primed. Ladders: Excellent technical and uphill skill as well as race smarts and a strong sprint make him a great candidate on this course. Snakes: Is he as good as Vague and Schiltz in the nitty-gritty hills, where it matters most? The Verdict: For me the safest money for a medal and a likely candidate for the coveted jersey.
Matt Mazzarelli The Lowdown M4tt M4zz4relli is along gone now, he's on form and getting podiums like nobody's business so long as we are in positive degrees temperature. He seems motivated (like everyone else here). Ladders: Technically better than the competition except maybe Cornelis, uphill on his day as strong as Vague and Cook, and the tifosi. Snakes: His sprint. Matt Ma22arelli is a real possibility is he can't defeat the odds and go solo. The Verdict: He will be in the front group but won't have the legs to go solo. 3rd place.
Sylvain Lipawsky The Lowdown: The man who won here (figuratively ) last time is back and has apparently scheduled an über-peak once again. Ladders: Technical skill is vital and he has it. Rarely is involved in a sprint at the front but doesn't actually lost much. Snakes: Maybe not enough hills? I'm not convinced it's a problem for him but he's been playing it up in the media. The Verdict: I'm not underestimating him again but still probably hasn't got enough to win. Damnit that's what I said last time.
Dries Cornelis
The Lowdown: Just won in Ostrava, very prepared, course and rider, match made in heaven, it's all set up for the King to prove he's not done yet. Ladders: Experience. Every other big favorite still had a squeaky voice when he was making the jump up to the pros, dark horse Listerijn wasn't even at school yet. Technical skills? Still beyond all others. Not as many hills as many courses but I ate my word last year when he proved that doesn't matter. Snakes: His start. It's held him back many a time this season and with the addition of a right turn as well he will have to practice if he wants to not be playing catch-up. The Verdict: I won't. Misjudge. Again. The King has still got it, that's all I'm gonna say.
Head2Head(2Head)
Here's my take on the skills of the contenders, Head to Head with some of their main rivals.
Francis Vague
Elliot Cook
Matt Mazzarelli
Uphill
2nd
1st
3rd
Technical
2nd
3rd
1st
Freshness
1st
3rd
2nd
Sprint
1st
2nd
3rd
Mental (In-Race)
2nd
1st
3rd
Mental (Prep)
2nd
3rd
1st
My Pick
1st
3rd
2nd
Christian Schiltz
Sylvain Lipawsky
Dries Cornelis
Uphill
2nd
1st
3rd
Technical
3rd
2nd
1st
Freshness
3rd
2nd
1st
Sprint
1st
3rd
2nd
Mental (In-Race)
2nd
3rd
1st
Mental (Prep)
3rd
2nd
1st
My Pick
1st
3rd
2nd
Baris Dao
Milan Listerijn
Eddie Goldenberg
Uphill
1st
3rd
2nd
Technical
3rd
2nd
1st
Freshness
2nd
1st
3rd
Sprint
1st
2nd
3rd
Mental (In-Race)
3rd
2nd
1st
Mental (Prep)
3rd
1st
2nd
My Pick
1st
2nd
3rd
I can't wait, and I'm sure none of you can either, it will be an absolute cracker, and a very open race, for example Eldfjasson, Soucek, Exteberdea didn't even get a look in as this is all I have time for.
Edited by jandal7 on 30-10-2015 09:20
Some dick told me I had to share a room with Jimmy C. If they think I am risking my anal wings on that chutney ferret they can just do one. Thankfully I have found some alternative accomodation near Siena - I am fairly popular in Italy they love a guy like me.
I am in two minds here - I am thinking about offering an anti Belgian alliance with the Italians. Matty Mazz would be great in the rainbow bands and I had been discussing it with my host. He is in great form and the fans will be going nuts for him - let's be honest though one look at the course screams the maiden or the old git. It involves those dreaded 'technical' sections that those Flemish buggers love showing off on. It is exhibition stuff really - but thats cross it caters for all.
I have to put the colours on tomorrow - the muppets at Blighty HQ wanted to haul our asses up to Scotland to do some team building exercise - I hear even Jimmy C didn't sell that kind of crap. Look I know I come off hard nosed sometimes but these guys in charge don't know nothing about cross even the morons at Randstads helm understand to give me a wide berth.
I feel going in Belgium have so many cards to play - but they have to go with form which may mean leaving the Golden Goose to do some grunt work. I don't mean to be a hater but it has become a bit of thing when it comes to the Worlds as a the World against Belgium. Old Crusty aint playing ball with Franny I hear - but I am not convinced surely they will not some Johnny come lately snatch the bands again?
I have been carrying around the Coca Cola jobbie - it's a nice thing I asked for some champers out of it on the flight over. It just so happened that a couple of the guys were on the flight with me and they enjoyed some too - thats how to celebrate in style. Apparently the Cola bosses were not too impressed with the image but they are happy to plaster my dirty rostrum face all over their Euro ads. I got asked to miss a few Cola races next year by them - I wonder if Franny had the same I get the impression he was more of a hero for their kids. I can dig that - I am a lot of things but I ain't a role model thats for sure.
Enjoy the worlds I will be tryin to light it up - we will see how my legs are on the startline.
My first world championships have seemed to roll around so fast. It'll be an honour to even be at the startline of the most prestigious race in the sport, especially with plenty of guys missing because of the new rules. I hope I can justify my spot and have a respectable finish, although the lack of cobbles on the circuit could hinder my chances. I'll just have to see how I feel as the race begins and go from there.
Finally there is something positive to report about the dutch cyclocrosser that was involved in a dramatic accident with a car at the beginning of this year. After bad news a week ago, when doctors decided to keep Van Hennep longer in an induced coma, as his progress wasn't as fast as hoped, now the dutch's condition is improving. According to the hospital "Van Hennep is conscious and already talked a little bit." The doctors will want to keep him one more week under observation, before he can back home. Still Van Hennep won't be able to return back to riding a bike before the end of this cyclocross season. Approximately Van Hennep could return to the second half of the road season.
Vermeulen disappointed to not ride the world championships
The decision of the UCI to only let the top 30 riders in the UCI rankings start at the World Championships this weekend in Siena already has caused some discussions.
One of the riders being disadvantaged by this decision is Belgian Milan Vermeulen. He'll have to watch the Championships at the TV.
The latest form peak of the Belgian makes it more bitter for him to miss out. Since the Continental Championships in Japan Vermeulen hasn't missed out on the top 20 not once. He even neutralize his pro record of 12th at last years World Cup at ExCel Center twice. Becoming 12th at the Continental Championships and his top result this season: 12th at the scandalous Trondheim CX. Before Vermeulen still suffered from the consequences of a cold in late 2015. That's why he is only 38th on the UCI's leaderboard and thereby missing the race in Siena.
The 21 year old let us know that he is "already used to stupid decisions by the UCI" and knows "it's of no use complaining, it won't change anything." Instead Vermeulen saw the chance and trains at home with the goal of breaking into the top 10 in one of the last season races. Preferably one of the two Belgian races.
Hammer Time
Goldie
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
Ostrava Circuit - Preview
Belgium
Great Britain:
New Zealand
Luxembourg
Matt Mazzarelli
Sylvain Lipawsky
) last time is back and has apparently scheduled an über-peak once again. 
