5th place. That's about as worst as it has got so far. Talk about ambition and consistency. Vague's on a roll and even on a day when he has appeared vulnerable, he has done well to limit the damage; in fact make a significant contribution to his World Cup tally and UCI dominance. The media has dubbed it an off-day, Vague's camp is keen on labelling it race strategy, internet fans just call it Vague's special mind games - powered by the thought of Cook's shadowy outlines in the far distance. There's always the reminiscene of the man who can bring the pain.
With 4 riders within 17 points, the World Cup promises to become an uniquely thrilling affair this season; something that was hardly thought of in the past seasons, in the seasons of Cornelis' reign. Although Vague has done well in bringing back the punch, flair and excitement to the world-wide UCI Cup previously, there's limits to what it is and can be achieved. Do you want a two-man battle: Or do you want all-out war between 4 riders of astounding talent, riding through the mud and snow, grey skies deeming of an remedy of an apocalypse.
Vague looked like a certain winner after all until Trondheim, until it fell through his grasp when he fell to the ground. Three times, same corner. They used to write poems about that stuff, now they make memes.
So, notably the situation is different. Much to Vague's favor one might add. Although Lipawsky would like to put the pressure on the young World Champion, this is something that does not block Vague's ambitions in the least. The World Champion is a man to win hearts and trophies. He is bound to, given the credit of the jersey he wears.
It's seems like this is something Lipawsky has forgotten. The responsibility and elusivey imagery of a World Champion.
Antofagasta thus is a welcome sight for Vague. Having finished third last year, Vague is no stranger to what this race makes so different from the rest; the pace is higher but the danger is real on the stones; through the dust it's at times hard to keep your vision and sight. He also knows what it takes to be successful. Blue Bell has their tricks up the sleeves with Markson and Goldenberg both having clear-cut goals, and whilst Cook is presumably the only man - if in form - to succeed in a late solo win, Lipawsky has already claimed to lie the burden of the favourite to Vague. Thankfully Sven Welling is well known to be an expert on such races, the courses where he can rouleour and keep his speed, redeem himself of his lack of acceleration and panache. With Schiltz still missing and Vague's confidence in his own control schemes, Welling becomes a key member in BKCP-Powerplus' ambitions. Of course, the Belgian is used to be needed and to stepping up his game at the right moments. Then, when it counts for Vague.
Regardless of a likely bunch sprint, Vague knows fully well that there's danger of a significant point loss in the World Cup if one is to crash or miss the decisive splits. Whilst this has not happened in the past in Antofagasta, the experience and race instinct of the World Champion is hopefully enough to further keep him from such unfortunate misdeeds. But given the recent height of form combined with cheeky luck and undeniable class, Vague is well bound to keep a clear head down in Chile and eyes for another podium to further extend his impressive palmares of the current season.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
It's an honour and a rarity to receive praise in this day and age for me, ever since I stepped up to the elites, a decision I don't regret. But the honour is next-level when it comes from a guy like Sven he's a legend a privilege to work with in the quieter moments when he isn't servicing Vague. We talked a bit today about my riding and about tomorrow in Antagofasta. More on that later.
Much was made of my aggressive start to the NES in "support" of the Kiwis. Obviously being part Kiwi I had a duty with a Belgian squad in tatters, and Payne and Ledoux are nice enough guys. If I was Milan *insert J7Sports joke here*. But whatever, no paycheck, just a good time and a chance to ride at the front of an elite pack, albeit an NES one.
Speaking of the front once again that's where we have to be and I'm plan F, because if we were flashy roadies that's what we'd be hearing down our radios if it's activated. Basically Vague is doing shyte (ahahahahahahahaha these people have imagination. I mean, good plan Stijn.) and hoepfully, on my kind of course tomorrow, I'm somewhere in the top 20, at least for a bit. Antagofasta is my kind of course, if I were racing the U-23 World Cup again. I won the second-group sprint for 6th, if you must know last time.
Results recently have been just OK, more ~30ths keep me crawling achingly slowly up the pecking order, but not too bas, It's all about the team and keeping on progressing personally until I can be a valuable asset to christian and Vague in a few races and the hoepfully competing for the 5th spot in the Belgian team at Worlds. My biggest disadvantage there is the sand, but look at RvF for an example, if I can help or do OK on the rest of the course a few little sections aren't the end of the world.
Life in the pack is harder, slower, but just as much of a rollicking great time as I remember. I've been struggling for form a wee bit recently but riding with Guido and some friends such as Daniel is great, especially the two of them we were in a group together in Colombia where my form peaked up a bit, just in time for the eventual return to Europe and a couple of African races which I look forward to.
Atmosphere in the team is great, when Dries is around it's fun to have my best friend back, I've seen him a few times as a fan at races in my break but it's good to turn tables, though he's adamant he's the bigger engine as he retires after. One and a half more seasons to catch him so it can be fair. Naveed has gone quit recently but I know it's just a lack of form next to having a guy who is always so happy like Milan in the team and the other two young guys getting better results it's hard. Guido, well, we're focusing publicly on Milan just for the purposes of taking away the pressure, his old man is a legend and rightly so and he wants the best, always, but maybe what he thinks is for the best and what Guido thinks are different. But kid's doing well, he's determined to help in any way possible and the attitude will serve him well. He'll get there, mark (Dries will slaughter me, I try not to) my words.
Milan is a different beast, he's more relaxed than at the start of the season where the media pressure scared him a bit but he still prefers just riding with us if he's not racing, his bother and his friend Rosanski I think. But since Whakapapa he's had a good wee run going, it shook a bit in Cali but he's still growing, particularly his engine which, despite not being the best next to Dries anymore, is what I can teach him. We've got a mutual agreement that don't mention the bouncing. It's just natural. But kid's becoming a little brother (it's scary that I could almost be his father, let's go with kid brother) despite me joining this team while he wasn't even at school. But yeah, the rest I know apart from power and some technical and tactical advice is stuff you only get from experience, those little tics that for the most part can't be passed on.
Personally I'm having the goddamn time of my life here, almosy needless to say it's the most fun I've had since February 2014. My body is catching up on me but Pyeonchang, baby, and it's not the World Cup race that I mean. Olivier is growing into another friend in a high place, I just wish the little boys (despite being 8 years apart) got along better, though they haven't picked at each other so much in the media now. Olivier, he is exceptionally cool, but in a classier way, more like a guy like Giovanni Capecchi, a guy I learnt from way back in the stone age. But he's charming but genuinely warm between that, I don't see why people take his trying to make friends as anything more than that.
Vague, he still has a bit to learn (I swear McGormley is him being annoying ) but beneath the cocky (but still full of the right type of confidence) exterior he genuinely wants to learn and be one of the greats, if not the greatest. Personally i don't think he can keep a lid on all three trophies, but it's anyone's guess as to which one he can't claim. Mazzarelli improving his consistency and could be a threat in SP, Lipawsky and Goldenberg still looking good for the World Cup, Coke, um, his ambition for other stuff maybe? Daniel is a great friend now and someone who still has it, unfortunately unlike myself. I take 10% for his first win back, but perhaps that's a little greedy as that's what he generously gave me after his first one last time. Which I didn't deserve either.
Antofagasta, the big cross' sprint stage. A chance for those with fast legs to get their five cents in. With Verboven and Markson as winners here, you know what it takes to win.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 12° C
Precipitation: Dry
Wind: 4 Beaufort
Start Line: No Hammarling, as he's still recovering from his fall. No Milan Listerijn, no Lachy Bauer. But that doesn't mean we're not in for a potentially amazing race. Speed will be of the essence today. Can Goldenberg keep his World Cup lead over Vague on this profile? Who has the fastest pair of legs? All questions you'll find the answers too shortly!
Lap 1: Green lights! We've grown accustomed to it, Vague with a fast start. It's a thing he's doing this year and it's paying off. With 5th as a worst place, you can't say he missed the season start.
Lipawsky also knows a good start, and we can say the same for Cook, who hasn't had the best start this season. Still no win to his name, but surely he shouldn't wait too long for that win to come around eventually. He's coming into form, that we know.
The Blue Bell boys are eager to get to the front quickly. Goldenberg in the white World Cup jersey and Markson in the American Continental Jersey. They make a nice duo. They're trying to move up places, passing Eldfjallsson in the process.
The pace is high, as we could've expected. It's Schiltz who's setting the pace. He'll be working for Vague, today. Vague also has Welling near the front, so BKCP have not missed their start here.
We see one of the Van Eyck brothers on the ground. Bad corner and gone down, but it doesn't look to bad, he can continue.
A first attack! Pierre Lipawsky and Max Power! Neither have the legs to ride the finale in this race, and so they decide to get some air time by attacking early on.
Lap 2: Schiltz increases the pace and the two leaders have difficulties keeping their gap, let alone increasing it.
They've been caught, now. Just around this corner you face the wind head-on and that makes it difficult for attackers.
Pieter Van Dyck relays. His team leader Cook is here in the group, too, so that explains it.
We have a fall! Here in this short downhill his front wheel got stuck and he went flying. He won't be continuing. Bad luck for the Irishman.
Verboven must be kicking himself in the head, as he's only getting in rhythm now, but that's already 100 meters behind the race leaders. Let's see if he can come to the front group.
With Van Dyck, Wellin and Schiltz keeping the pace high, this is unlikely at this point, though.
Lap 3: We have another abandon. Paul Rosanski's bike is completely broken, probably fell somewhere off-screen. He climbs over the fence and walks away. Let's hope he isn't hurt too badly.
Yes, the pace is very high, and that increases the chances of falling.
Mazzarelli will try to do damage control today. He's not the fastest rider, not too good on the flat, but it'll have to do for today. However, you could argue his World Cup ambitions couldn't reach any higher than a 4th place anymore. But seeing as this is Mazzarelli, 4th may be exactly what he's going for.
The chasing group including riders like Verboven, Dao, Dubois and Moli reach the race leaders. We have a group with almost 20 riders here. That in lap 3. Quite unlike cyclo-cross, but I suppose it's a part of this parcours. You can be for it, or against it, but it's part of the World Cup and you'll have to live with it.
Power is now putting in quite some turns for his team mates Markson and Goldenberg. As long as they don't get down to just the two of them, it's all okay. But who would the team put forth in this race? Goldenberg, as leader of the World Cup, or Markson, as previous winner and favorite for the win of the day? Let's hope for them it doesn't come to that choice, today.
Bruggemann is moving up places. He came here with the chasing group, too, and wants to avoid getting the wrong end of the split should it happen.
Lap 4: What will happen now? Some riders are already at their limit, others are waiting their turn. It's almost suicide to attack so far from the finish in Antofagasta, so the real favorites won't break a sweat so early in the race.
Everyone wants to be close to the front, though. They sprint towards this corner.
OH! A mass crash! Jesus! Half the group is on the ground! We see the Eurasion jersey, Schiltz, on the ground. Bollinger, Etxeberdea. Oh and there's Cook! Elliot Cook is down, too.
The camera stays with these riders. Etxeberdea jumps back on his bike. Bollinger hurt his hand. He tries to get back on his bike but it hurts too much, he will abandon.
Now we're getting a replay of the crash. It starts right behind the World Champion. Looks like it's Eldfjallsson who goes down first. We don't know why, though. Maybe his chain broke off? Then it was like a game of dominoes. Verboven getting pushed to the left, him pushing Schiltz against the fence. Then behind them we see Cook riding over Schiltz and hitting the fence pretty badle. Bollinger tried to avoid the fall but his wheel slipped and he went down anyway.
The camera still stays with the crash site. Most of the riders have set off again. We see one man still on the ground. He's laying down on the ground while we see the medics coming up with a stretcher. It's Elliot Cook. He's laying so still it's a terrifying sight. Have we seen him move already? He went down rather badly, hitting that iron fence at that speed.
The director decided to go to the race again, away from this terrifying view. At the front, we now see a smaller group, those who remained upright. The crash happened behind them. They are Lipawsky, Vague, Mazzarelli, Welling, Markson, Dao, Bruggemann and World Cup leader Goldenberg.
Lap 5: The front group reaches the finish line. We're halfway the race but currently we're mostly waiting to hear some good news concerning Elliot Cook.
A chasing group is trying hard to catch up with the leaders. This chasing group consists mostly of riders who got held up at the crash. Verboven, Eldfjallsson, Schiltz... Dubois was able to catch on. He had missed the cut but thanks to the crash he caught up with this group.
Dao is now racing for himself. But he's not hiding behind anything, he's doing his part of the work.
Oh this is a relief. A big relief. We see another image of Cook, on a stretcher, he's talking to the medic, though. He's conscious. That's the main thing. He's being carried off, now.
And coming up the place of the crash, Vague attacks out of the front group! He decides to test the legs. He looks behind him and sees he has a small gap. Here in the dirt, Vague always finds a way to ride faster than the others.
But the wind blows him right back. He turns into the headwind and gets caught. But we don't believe it was a real attempt. Vague isn't stupid. It was a test or something. Welling takes charge of the front group, again. A valuable team mate today!
Lap 6: No further attacks in the front group.
And so we turn our attention to the chasing group. The pace is just not high enough, here. They're half a minute behind the race leaders. Etxeberdea can't hang on to the pace and let's the chasing group go. Is it a consequence of the fall or not? We don't know.
At the front, Bruggemann is the biggest surprise. But that's Antofagasta. If you latch on your wagon in time, you can hang on for quite a while. You just have to keep up with the tempo.
A flat tire! It's Moli, bad luck for the African. He was doing well but then suffered time loss at the crash and now a flat tire at a bad moment.
Lap 7: We get the confirmation that Cook is being brought to the closest hospital for first tests. Crashing out is never nice but in this far country, it's really uncomfortable.
Young Listerijn is riding a good race. He's riding well into the top 20. The same cannot be said for Guido Visconti, who has been struggling all season long.
Goldenberg is now doing his part of the work, too. Markson has a good chance at winning this race, now, so they're sharing the burden of the work.
In the chasing group, Pieter Van Dyck rode away on this short hill! An impressive move by the young Dutchman. Can he stay out of the reach of his chasers?
Only one thing is certain: we'll have to find our winner among these 8. The leaders are going into the final lap with a 35 second lead.
Lap 8: The bell rings. The final lap!
Will we see a late attack or is everyone preparing for an eight-way sprint? Some fast legs in this group with Dao, Markson and Vague.
Bruggemann tries to attack! But Markson won't let anyone ride away now and immediately kills the attack. don't give a meter, that's his motto.
Mazzarelli knows he hasn't a chance in the sprint, but it doesn't look like he'll try something. The pace is high enough, it's not easy to accelerate.
One man who still has the courage is Sven Welling. He moves to the front and goes through this corner with some style! Vague accelerates with him to take second position and now puts the handbrake on! A perfect manoeuvre, Welling gets a gap! Goldenberg is now riding fully for Markson and puts himself at the front, riding as hard as he can! There is still a quarter lap to go!
Welling's face is golden. He's really dying but he doesn't want to slow down a second.
And here is the final straight line. He keeps pushing the pedals and looks behind him. The chasers are getting ready for the sprint, but it'll be a sprint for the second place. He's got this! Amazing, it's been so long since his last victory, many seasons.
He looks besides himself. He's so happy. Quite an achievement, too, riding away from this group and keeping the gap until the finish line.
Markson wins the sprint in front of Dao and Vague.
Then we have Goldenberg, Lipawsky, Mazzarelli and finally Bruggemann, who didn't have any punch left to sprint. The pace has been so high for more than an hour. What a race!
Van Dyck was too strong for the chasers and finishes solo, ninth. Just ahead of the sprinting group for place 10. Won by Rudy Verboven, no surprise there.
That's it for Antofagasta. An eventful race, with a beautiful winner but also a scary moment when Cook wasn't moving. We hope he'll be all right. See you in Rio! A race where Cook would definitely race for the win, but right now it doesn't look like he'll make the start line...
Granted, Mazzarelli outsprinting Vague and Cook was a bit of an odd surprise down the line, but when Welling rescued himself over the line in the last lap of Antofagasta and was allowed to raise his arms as the winner of this race: That was the real deal right then; surprise of the year right there.
Though the shocker of the day was certainly the mass crash happening half an hour earlier, which even made Cook end up in the hospital. Sympathies from the entire peloton were shared, Welling's first sentence were wishes to the Briton. Get well soon, mate!
But undeniably, over the shock and the pictures of the crash, lay a face of relief, happyness. Of having arrived there. At the top step. Of the podium. Many years ago he left this place in the sun, now in Chile he returned to it. It wasn't unnatural to see Welling a bit emotional when he was asked what this victory meant to him. He replied: "It's like a thousand stones drop from my shoulders. Years of hardship and training feel like they have paid off.."
There wasn't much more to his joy than the simple realization that there's a purpose for most of your suffering somewhere down the path. Today, it all came together in Antofagasta to see him rewarded; from the crash to Schiltz great pacing and Vague's faux attack to Vague's decisive brakemove and Welling riding like the devil was behind him. "I feel like my part was the simplest really", he replied, modestly and slightly joking, but with a hint of truth. In his own regard, whilst anybody would claim different. It was his fight that made him win here today. No less than his legs.
He was interviewed when the BKCP team manager came to the camera and shed some champagne over the Belgian in celebration of this rare victory. They havn't done that with always serious Vague ever - not even when he won the Superprestige, but with Welling, with this routinier who has just shown his excellency and repaid all the trust, who has made it for now and who wants to enjoy it in the most human way, that is a welcome sign for him. "I want to thank Christian and Francis.."
Whilst Schiltz presumably did his work mostly for Vague's World Cup ambitions, the young Walloon has told Welling during the race that he would likely not get away and miss out in the sprint. In fact, the Blue Bell boys and Lipawsky had their eyes carefully laid on Vague which greatly decreased his options and forced him due to the fast course into a waiting position, where he was to lose the race in the sprint against Dao and Markson. "So, Vague told me to go for it and that he'd cover my move if I wanted to. I was genuinely surprised because Francis prefers to have his support around him, I could have even led him out in the final 100 meters. But he preferred me to have a shot at the victory, he let me take the chance. So I did and I attacked. I won't forget it. I won't forget what he did for me here."
It was all Welling who has made it over the line first though. No Vague, no Schiltz. Certainly not the Americans. Sven Welling has crossed it first, raised the arms. Winner of Antofagasta 2016. Sweet '16. Oddly enough, it's his 16th victory in his career, but the time in between them was never so long. Injuries, form-lows, mental crisis. For today, it lies in the past, as Welling has enjoyed the view over the Chilean crowd and the red mist over the dusty rocks made for a fitting line of hopeful, fulfilling stripes to look at when the sun went down.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
My first top 20 and so close to a top 15 and I'm absolutely over the moon. It was a parcours of my dreams and I leapt at the chance to get some rankings boost and have some fun nearer the pointy end of the spectacle. I was a bit disappointed in my sprint not being able to take the top 15 but that's life especially against a guy like Huser and so it doesn't take away from my performance individually.
But on the whole today was all about Sven. I'm chuffed for him, as arguably the best teammate in the pack whether you're a neo-pro or a World Champion he really deserves at least one more victory, watching it back he was amazing in that last lap after being set up with an inch-perfect manoeuvre from Francis. He's the first to admit he's not at his old level but a first victory for a few seasons must be nice and again, really deserved for him and I know the team and staff were all really upbeat for him.
Now for me coming up is Rio, the third of our South american trifecta, not so great for me but me and the team agree for me to be up the rankings right now I can't afford skipped races, and i should be hoping for some more decent results in races such as Port Elisabeth and Struisbaai, where I have fond memories of top fives in the U-23s. then Johannesburg and another race where I hope to do well, especially as it's an NES race.
Personally and longer-term now and my parents are coming out to Africa soon with some early leave in order to come back early and will be tiki-touring Europe and following our races until after the Christmas Classic. I've been trying to catch up with Milan quite a bit and that's been succesful, we had a couple of hours to relax at the airport before BKCP left for Antagofasta and later that day, he and one of his Kiwi mates left for Rio. He seems upbeat despite the media always being on his back about skipping races, as next to me and the San Marinese guy the third youngest in the pack his body isn't fully matured yet and though pride is nice I think he's content with rankings and such so long as he's front row.
Edited by jandal7 on 22-01-2016 19:44
With all the victories so far in this season, what probably meant more to some of the flandriennes seniors was the move Vague made to create a gap for his teammate Sven Welling, proud flandriennes himself. There's little team work in Cyclo-Cross in general but when you see it, it hits you clear. Blue Bell, Odfjell, BKCP-Powerplus. Three teams have made a lasting impact in that way so far, but BKCP was mostly reduced to efforts by Schiltz and most notable Welling doing their best for Vague. Now it was time for Vague to help Welling get away.
In an interview later, Vague explained his decision. "There's always some way of thinking to give something back to Sven, you know. I knew right from the start that I wouldn't get away here; the race was too fast, I wear a red warning vest for my rivals. I wouldn't get anywhere. I was lucky to avoid the crash and Sven was doing great in the race too. I wanted to make a move against the odds, as it turned out there wasn't much room. So, of course, I talked for a few seconds with Sven, it was mostly more exchanging looks. Sven is a rider who knows his body realy well after all those years, so he knows how long he lasts, what to do... when he is given the opportunity. The only thing - and we both know it from training together - is that he lacks a bit the punch of his younger years. So yeah, I wanted to have a helping hand in it and it was a little bit risky but worked out really well. I'm so happy for him to have made it to the finish line in time."
Vague is also content with the World Cup development. He now rests at 2nd place overall, just 2 points within World Cup leader Goldenberg. "Markson and Dao have the fastest sprinter legs in the bunch right now, having finished 4th and keeping my streak of top results gives me great confidence."
However, with the mass crash and particularly Cook's hospital visit, Vague is worried about his season-long nemesis. "I wish him a speedy recovery and hope he'll be back as soon as possible. But of course, first thing is that he is healthy and feeling good soon." Vague is also wondering about the race of Antofagasta. "It's not traditional Cyclo-Cross. With the rocks, the hard surface.. it's also dangerous. We've seen today what can happen on fast tracks, we as riders are not used to these difficulties." Whilst Vague prefers the course in Chile for his own scoring chances, maybe a change to more traditional CX set-up could help Antofagasta in the long run too.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
We're leaving Chile for Brazil, heading to the Rio Cross Challenge. Sadly, we see that Elliot Cook triumphed here last year. Tomorrow, he won't even start. At the moment, he is still in Chile in the hospital, with his family now trying to transfer him to a British hospital, to take him home. All that we know is that he'll be out for a long time, after a ghastly fall like that.
But the cross continues. And with Mazzarelli leading this trophy over Vague, Rio is definitely an interesting turn of events. Neither fare well in the sand, but Vague is expected to take those 4 seconds back here easily. And with Cook out of the picture, Vague will be absolute favorite for the Coca-Cola Trophy. He has the experience of riding the trophy, winning its first edition two seasons ago.
Race Information
Country: Brazil
City/Place: Rio De Janeiro
Classification: Coca-Cola Trophy
Starting Time (Elite Men): 19h
Favorites: Eddie Goldenberg, Michael Bollinger, Shay Gormley, Iban Etxeberdea, Max Power, Mustafa Moli.
Record: 1x Shay Gormley (2014), 1x Elliot Cook (2015)
Race History: Rio is a relatively new cross, only up to its third edition this year. It's established itself quickly as one of the big sand crosses.
Route Information
Technical: 3
Sand: 5
Uphill: 2
Cobblestones: 0
The race takes place on the Copacabana beach, so needless to say, sand will be a factor. In a classification on time, things could get interesting.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 16° C
Precipitation: Sunny, Dry
Wind: 2 Beaufort
I've got a lot of fond memories of Rio. And that cross race they hold sometimes is nice, too. Yes it's party time on the Copacabana and it's fond memories for me, sneaking into 2nd overall last year, if I can repeat half my trick it'll be progress. Yes, Lipawsky and I will be fighting for the last podium spot for today at least in all honesty but at the end of today I'm still going to be at least a minute behind the top two, I've never won (or really gapped big boys) a race by more than, what, four seconds? It's the type of rider I am, always explosive, still not quite powerful enough to be a regular threat for the win.
Rio will be a course that would be more suited for me if there was some reprieve, sand is one of my favorite things to ride in but not continuously. For the whole hour. Nevertheless a salvage job is at hand now I've got a degree of confidence about my abilities to claw some time back on at least Lipawsky. That's if, we weren't magically bound to end up within five seconds by the powerful magicians of Apulia, Wallonia, Brittania, and Vegasia. All jokes aside he's doing a sterling job with his consistency across all terrain and it will be tough to put seconds into any of my rivals.
Also, I got a puppy.
There he is checking out the course in Chile with Louis. Good thing my little bro is great with animals.
Back to racing and yes, the media as always, are on my back. But it's the same for everyone at this level, you can't help it. Obviously the "insert any numbers into my name that isn't the number 1" game is still alive, nice to see the creativity flowing. The other thing is, my lack of wins, they're coming, but don't expect me to win as much as last year, I don't have the NES or an outsider tag anymore but it's fine, I'm enjoying myself and still producing and doing well, so that's what really counts. Don't get me wrong, I want that win more badly than anyone. Some say they hate to lose more than they like to win, for me it's the opposite.
Around the team, well, I'm sole leader now and the pressure is quite high for such a reputable team as Lotto to have no top riders. Guido is still progressing much like me, he'll get there. I know he will. Mark and Dries are passing on a lot of knowledge to me and that's just surreal sometimes but some things only come with getting the experience as well, and hopefully just like them at my age I've still got another 16 years in the top 10 of the world (except Mark's injured season. We don't talk about that).
So, basically, racing is fine, new dog is fine, no wins isn't fine but I'm coping, and the situation at the team is adequate.
Stay tuned,
Milan
Edited by jandal7 on 22-01-2016 22:28
The last few weeks have been absolutely terrible since we left home, it's crushing to see my hope of one last hrrah taken away every time. I try hard in training, in the race but it does seem as though a pure climber can't transition well enough. It will always be the Verbovens or the Ronnies that come across well. I had a good run at it but unless it's a course like Tekapo or that Cauberg one I can't do it.
But I'm sure as hell still gonna try.
Especially as I draw closer to the end of my prime years, I know that the end of my cross career is coming ever nearer, but it won't happen until I get a proper win. Not the Continental Championships. Not some deal like Shanghai in 2015. even if the big boys aren't full gas. Just to raise my arms in front of the entire peloton of crossers. To be the best on the day. That's what I want. What I need to retire in peace. It'll haunt me if I can't say sayonara to the most beautiful of sports as a below-par mess of a rider, even if that is my fate in this technical world.
And so it must be this season. No ice, not anything but sweet, sweet hills. Tekapo was perfect, wind was far from it. I can't put all my chips on Worlds. Hagfors? Ice is a factor that's too likely to risk so far from the day. Ardennes? Don't get me started on how hyper-motivated Vague will be. More and more races run through my mind. Not Lisbon, not Ansbach anymore. Certainly not the Oude Kwaremont. And so there it is. There it is and it's so obvious.
I circle the date. I plan my peak. I'll recon the course, I'll plan my tactics. I'll assess the situation closer to the day. I'll be fit, I'll be perfectly nourished and in pristine condition. I'll draw the course like one of my French girls. It's so beautiful for me and I'll know it like the back of my hand. You'd think it was Worlds, you would. Everything else is a training ride and that's a huge gamble. But I need this win. 4th January. Fuji.
After a hectical race in Chile, we met Daniel Brüggemann, who finished 8th in the race, for an interview about the race and his placing: So, Daniel, you finished here eighth, are you happy about the result?
Of course I am. I came here with hopes for a good result, because the course suited me, but I know that you need a fast start, because it's a very fast race. Luckily I could join the leading group after a few rounds. At the last lap you even attacked, something which is very unusual for you. What was your idea behind that?
I knew that I couldn't stand a chance against the other guys in a sprint. Maybe except Mazzarelli (laughs). So my only chance for a good result was to come to the finish line solo. I attacked at the moment because the tempo dropped a bit. Both the Blue Bell and the BKCP-Guys were unsure for who they should ride. So I decided it was the right moment to sneak away. But the relay was very fast organized and I stood then no chance against the others. With Sven Welling won one of the few guys in the field who raced with you already some seasons ago. Are you happy about his win?
I think everyone in the peloton is happy with him. He worked the last years very hard for his team mates, first for van Fleming, then for Vague. So it's nice that he's payed off with a sweet win. A sweet win with a bitter taste, because the race was overshadowed by a mass crash with the most prominent victim being Elliot Cook. You was a survey of the crash, what was your imminent thoughts about the crash.
I think it was something about how lucky I was to not be involved in this. When I joined the leading group, I tried to be at the front of the group, because I know that when something happens, you becoming easily involved in such a mass crash in such big groups. But that's no offense to the guys who were involved in the crash, it's simply not possible for all to be at the front. And my condolences to the riders who are injured like Cook or our basque rider, Etxeberdea. Many people criticized the racing organization for the way the route was designed. Do you agree on that?
No. I think that the rocky ground was maybe unusual for most of the riders, but the course itself was not the main problem for the crashes. Maybe just because it wasn't selective enough, so that we had a big group after some rounds. We reached the end of our interview, so one last question:
What's your out view for the next race in Rio?
The sand and the few technical sections should suit me, although I'm not sure how I handle the heat, if there is some. And of course our team wants to be at the front of the classification with a rider.
With the race in Antofagosta over, I now have to concentrate myself on the Rio Race and just look forward. Of course I don't want to look back, although the race wasn't bad, for a course which doesn't suit me a 15th place is really good and I felt that my break payed off.
But I saw terrible things after the mass crash. I was at the back of the group when the crash happened, and so lost contact because I was blocked after it. But that wasn't the worst. The worst was to ride in slow tempo past all the riders, sitting or even lying at the ground. I never saw something like that, and I was flashed by this. One lap later, I nearly fell in the same corner because I wasn't fully concentrated. The news that Paul was also out of the race after a fall didn't make my fear less. So after the race I'm special happy about finishing it.
I now realize that I talked more about the incident than I wanted. So now really my outlook about the race in Rio. My goal is to stay in the top 10, and when I look at the time gaps I'm confident to achieve my goal, although some good riders in the sand like Goldenberg are still behind me. The Rio Cross is a special race, because we will have a great crowd who will watch the race and a beautiful scenery. I really hope that I won't blow up completely and that I can trust my legs.
Edited by Luxemburger on 24-01-2016 22:28
Well given Rio's status and Vague's special relationships to it, you'd think all eyes were on Vague this weekend. But unsurprisingly, the media goes on about Cook's crash and the lack of information in this regard.
For Vague this means mostly that he has enough time to do his preparations well enough to have a shot at gaining the Coke Trophy lead. In the end, it's not so much about him and Mazzarelli. Sure they are far ahead of the rest, but they are no men of sand, although Vague has significantly improved this year - but we've talked plenty about that already.
Rather the case has to be made that it's about limiting the loss against the superior sand riders. Whilst Bollinger, possibly Power and McGormley can focus on a sweet race win with Cook out of the picture, GC contenders have plenty of strategic thinking to do. The likes of of Listerijn, Lipawsky and young upcoming neo-pro Huser are well within striking distance, Goldenberg, Etxeberdea, Dubous and Eldfjallson may also be able to make a late bid for the podium. The fact of Cook's missing in the Trophy opens up well the classification for the possibility of great time gain and classification shake-ups.
For Vague, it'll be about keeping the fight for the Trophy open for himself. He may be better on sand but the Copacabana hasn't been the best place for him yet. The special relationship may last for a little longer than the stats give him credit for.
Without a single placing outside the Top 5, Vague may also find the race where he has to give in to this amazing streak of performances.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
It has been some time since the Cookie Monster has opened his mouth to talk to the press. Essentially the Randsted boys wanted to me get serious - the publicty shots of me and a couple of the teccie lads drinking champers from the Coca-Cola trinket did not go down well. In fact there was some complicated legal wrangle which eventually the pricks at Cola dropped.
Randsted basically started getting the idea that actually this cross thing was worth serious investment - I would be the dinner ticket but I think they perhaps rightly realised that I wasn't really the kinda guy for dinner speeches or even for publicity campaign. Money ladies and gentlemen does make the world go round. They have put a crack squad together for this season - I cannot fault them for that. It all sounds lovely doesn't it we all have a group meeting before races, have proper coaching, group hugs proper nutrition and all that marginal gains bullshit.
Only now I have had the spunk knocked out of me - I have become a faceless drone. I was happiest when I was ploughing my own field with my bunch of groupies massaging my massive ego.
Anyhows I gave the Coke boys their trinket and I noticed very quickly they had invested in a new gong and any reference of last season from their billboards have gone. But frankly I am not the guy I was last year - I am hiding in the wheels, but truth is Cookie needs a break. What luck really I got frigged up pretty bad in that last race. No way I will be racing again soon.
Screw Coke-Cola and frankly screw cross for the minute - you saw that big crash recently it buggered me up pretty bad. It may be time for me to cross over into the road, just got to find the right sort of team not to cramp my style. Not sure I still think the vibe of cross suits me. Riding around in a big heap 90% of the time probably will not suit me starin at some lycra butt for 3 hours isn't exactly exciting me. I've handed my notice in with the Randsted tossers anyways - they had me on a 'final disciplinary' anyhow, this provided an excuse not to pick up my medical bill - good job I have been able to build a nice nest egg with my success of the last two years.
Good luck to my comrades over the rest of the circus - knock the swagger out of ole Franny for me will you!
Rio has had a short but already exciting life. The first two editions were won by Shay Gormley and Elliot Cook. So you know what sort of profile we're getting under our wheels today. Sand is all around, and with Mazzarelli only having 4 seconds on Vague, who seems to have improved in the sand this season, it looks like the Coke Trophy is nudging towards Vague again.
Vague is riding an exceptional season, but with these sand crosses you never know. Welcome to Rio Cross Challenge!
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 14° C
Precipitation: Sunny, Dry
Wind: 2 Beaufort
Start Line: Well, before we start today, I think there's something we need to address. Elliot Cook. It was a relief to hear from him, he's taken the fall well. But it looks like we'll have to miss him for a while, and even after that his future in cyclo-cross is uncertain. Though he's a class act, I don't know how well he'd do on the road. We'd love to see him back doing what he does best: enjoying himself in the dirt, ready to throw a race up side down the way only Cook can.
Mazzarelli is looking relatively relaxed. He'll have a tough time defending his lead today, but he'll try. The warmth is not in his favour, though. Vague looks focused. In this weather it's no surprise his World Champion jersey is sleeveless.
Lap 1: We're off! For the last race on the American continent until the World Championships! A very strong start from Vague, the foundation of his strong season so far. Eldfjallsson is getting boxed in by an eager Milan Listerijn.
There are some changes on the profile here, but the sand is still all consuming. And so Goldenberg moves to the front. Vague is still leading the race, but that might change soon. Mazzarelli is six spots behind Vague.
And Listerijn goes. It's rumoured he'll ride the next World championships with a Belgian identity, but for now he's a young Kiwi riding for Lotto-Fidea.
Iban Etxeberdea doesn't want to let Listerijn get a gap and ploughs through the sand. Vague lets them both go. Etxeberdea is no risk in the trophy. Listerijn can be, though, but it's soon to attack. Too soon, perhaps.
Here's Welling, well loved in the peloton, you could see that after his victory in Antafagosta. He's keeping Vague company.
Lap 2: Gormley has finally come to the front. He decides to make some pace. Rosanski and Goldenberg latch onto his wheel. Vague makes no attempt to follow. It's clear he's using his head today. He's not riding for the win today. Mazzarelli is isolated but is riding a decent cross in the sand, following Vague.
Lipawsky is recovering a bit after a terrible start. He's in 20th position, but plenty of opportunity to move up in this race.
And Mustafa Moli makes an appearance, too. Not quite the season for the Namibian, but he has talent, we know that.
And here are the Randstad boys. They were brought in to support Elliot Cook. They were called a potential dream team. Cook, Dao and Van Dyck. A golden trio. Instead, Cook is gone and Dao is still not performing well. Van Dyck is progressing quite well, though.
Lap 3: Well, it looks like the race is locked for no. We have five leaders and a bunch of riders unable or unwilling to chase. The leaders are Listerijn, Rosanski, Goldenberg, Gormley and Etxeberdea. Behind them, Vague is now sitting at Mazzarelli's wheel. A new tactic for the Belgian! Moli, Power and Welling make up for the rest of the chasers, with Bruggemann just catching up.
Dao and Van Dyck are quite equal today, so they work together and try to limit their damages here. Though neither has a shot at the trophy podium. Maybe Van Dyck can crack the top 10, so why not try to?
And it's Olivier Dubois who joins the duo in their quest forward. But it won't be easy. The sand makes for a tough underground.
Here we see Mikey Bollinger. A race suited to his abilities, but he's riding an anonymous race today. He is in 19th position. Visconti is trailing closely.
Lap 4: It looks like we'll have 10 laps today. So plenty of time to race.
But at the moment, the five leaders seem content. They've increased their advantage to 32 seconds on Mazzarelli. The Italian is probably riding his best sand cross ever, though. Vague is still sitting at his wheel. A tactic, or a sign that his form is running out?
Almost no room to make any pace here in Rio. Sand, sand, sand. Really tough to keep up for an hour. And that's why the riders aren't always that keen to give 100% for the entire hour. You need to take a few places to recover a bit, sometimes.
Schiltz is still nowhere near his former level. He's being left behind by Markson and Bauer.
Clouds move over the sun, so the riders get some shade. A welcome sight in Rio for some!
With another World Cup race on Sunday, Goldenberg doesn't want to give too much in today's race, I think. But he is at the front and he is in the position to win, so what will he do? On the other hand, he's leading the World Cup, and that means the world to him. Will he hold back in the finale?
Lap 5: Lipawsky is moving up slowly, but he'll play no role today. Still, he's racing for the Coca-Cola Trophy so every second won is all right for him.
And there goes Etxeberdea! He wants to leave his fellow escapees behind! Listerijn tries to react but the sand drags him back. Goldenberg doesn't react, neither does Rosanski.
Gormley waits a bit. This uphill section is not his specialty.
In the chasing group, Moli now sets the pace. Mazzarelli follows with Vague still marking him closely.
Lap 6: Power is not having a good day, I think. He has to let the other chasers go. Welling's role is played out, too. And so Mazzarelli, Vague and Moli are alone to chase the leaders. But with a deficit of 35 seconds, it looks like an impossible task. Especially if you consider the names at the front.
And Gormley reacts! It's taken a while, but he's going for it. No other reaction. Gormley closes the gap to Etxeberdea surprisingly fast. He's in good shape. He could pull off a victory today with these legs. He missed in the Duinencross but perhaps Gormley will take his yearly victory here in Rio?
Lap 7: And Vague makes his move! Mazzarelli has been waiting for it and tries to react. But the Walloon is fast and gets his gap. He made his move on one of the wooden bridges. Terrain more to his liking than all this sand. But for once, the sand can be an ally. Can he dig a hole for Mazzarelli?
At the front, it's becoming more obvious that Goldenberg is keeping back something. He's banking on the World Cup and Rio has to suffer for it. Etxeberdea and Gormley now have a 14 second lead on Rosanski and Goldenberg. Listerijn is fighting hard and has left behind these two. He wants to get back to the race lead.
Lap 8: Lipawsky is coming close to the top 10. In the end, he's had a decent race, too bad about that start, though, otherwise he could've done much better.
We're getting a nice fight between Van Dyck, Dao and Dubois. Van Dyck now has a small gap. Up to Dubois to close it!
Another abandon. Another proof this race is really tough. There are no places to rest.
Meanwhile, Mazzarelli has already lost 6 seconds to Vague. Looking at Mazzarelli's history in the sand, let's say "only" 6 seconds, though. Vague is 4 seconds behind Mazzarelli in the Trophy, so he's got the lead at this moment.
Lap 9: Only two laps remain. It has been obvious for quite a while that the race win will go between Gormley and Etxeberdea. Listerijn needed to close this gap quick but he's still lagging behind. Getting back to the front and race for the win will be hard for him. But that doesn't mean he shouldn't keep trying. And even so, he's gaining seconds in the Coca-Cola Trophy!
Vague looks over his shoulder and can still see Mazzarelli. I'll bet he didn't expect this. The Italian is riding one hell of a race in the sand! Kudos to him!
And here we have Mark D'Anvers. He's riding alongside Bruggemann. This is a bit ahead of Dao, Dubois and Van Dyck, who are still fighting for every spot and every second.
Lap 10: Final lap! Gormley and Etxeberdea head into the final lap shoulder by shoulder. It looks like it'll be one hell of a finale! Listerijn is only 6 seconds behind the duo, can he still do it?
Rosanski has managed to shake off Goldenberg, good for him! Here comes the American. He looks pretty relaxed, though. I think he's accepted his defeat today and is already thinking about Sunday.
Moli has now joined Vague and the two finally get a bit further away from Mazzarelli! The Italian is alone, now. Can he limit the damage?
Lipawsky is doing his utmost best to catch Power and Welling and break in the top 10 of the day! But the two ahead of him don't wait up.
Gormley makes his move! The camera has caught this perfectly! A sudden burst of strength from Gormley, rushing through the sand! Is this the winning move? Etxeberdea bites down hard, but the gap is made!
And he keeps it up to the finish line! Gormley wins his first of the season. Etxeberdea is visibly disappointed! Listerijn is third, only 7 seconds behind Gormley. A good race from Listerijn, after an early, bold attack.
Rosanski ahead of Goldenberg. And here come Moli and Vague! As expected, Vague outsprints Moli for place 6. And here's Mazzarelli, to loud applause. He's lost the lead in the trophy, but he keeps the door wide open for taking it back!
Power and Welling complete the top 10.
It's not been the most exciting race, but all in all I think we're happy we've made it through!
The Coca-Cola Trophy continues to be close, though! Only 9 seconds separate Vague and Mazzarelli.
Only hours after the Rio Cross Challenge, the news reached the cyclo-cross top of the world. Port Elisabeth, the upcoming World Cup event, has been canceled. Port Elisabeth saw its first edition last year.
We haven't heard an official reason yet, and that has raised a few eyebrows in the cyclo-cross peloton. Randstad manager expressed his disappointment at the lack of transparency of the South African organiser. "These African races continue to be a weak spot on the cyclo-cross calendar. I'm all for globalisation, but the new organisers need to understand and respect the cross culture and live up to their promises. that's the second African cross canceled in their short history of the sport. Let's hope it doesn't turn into a habit."
For the world cup, this is a blow to leader Goldenberg, who wanted to increase his lead in this sand race.
Profiting once more of Welling's superb domestique qualities, Vague has had a solid ride in Rio. Given the sand circumstances and his late improvement, the World Champion may have hoped for more seconds between him and his italian rival, but Vague takes what he can get. "It's special sand you have to deal with here, thicker, deeper than anywhere else bar that Dubai cross back in my debut season.. Copacabana can be fun if you come here in shorts but feeling the sun burn you up when you are used to freezing temperatures.. you sweating in the sand.. it's very unusual racing."
For now, however, what he takes is the Coca-Cola trophy lead. "Mazzarelli was really strong today in the pits, fighting for the overall always brings us out some extra power for when it matters. But I'm glad I could distance him enough to gain the race lead and leave the Americas with two leads."
Vague did not see much of the race unfold as he was caught further back with a solid 30 to 40 seconds distance in general. This meant that Vague got his worst season result thus far, 6th place. "It was to be expected", smiles Vague and looks like he doesn't really mind at all. Rio Cross was about seconds and gaining the lead, never about the race victory. With Gormley and Etxeberdea, two sand specialists fought it out, however Listerijns's strong performance put him well within striking distance a minute down. "Of course my main rival for the trophy is and remains Mazzarelli but Listerijn has the a very vivid chance to still enter the fight. I figure Lipawsky is well distanced enough after today though at almost two minutes."
Without having much else to say and having dried his face with the towel, Vague turned to the podium for some press photos as the new race leader. However little interest was shown by the Copacabana folks who have already returned to their beach towels and fun little sand games.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
I'm one the plane and I've got a bit of time to reflect on what was the most beautiful part disappointment since I won the NES but lost the race in Japan. Rio was the race where the features were just too far for me. Sand is a place where I can gap people on raw grit but I'm not built for it, it's not an enjoyable place to ride when it's deep and for 60 minutes straight. But today I'm glad to say I was the best of the overall guys but not the best in the race, so I've still got a way to go.
I was asked umpteen times if I was regretful of my early attack. Does 36 seconds, 36 goddamn seconds, over a third of the time I had to make up of New Wave and the (surprisingly good today) Mazzarelli answer your question? I got rid of them half a lap in with the sun on my back and kept riding away. Sure, I didn't nab my win. But I'd rather have this than another four-second victory over my overall rivals.
But riding with Paul was a good feeling and so far no hard feelings after denying him his elite podium, haha. He was good today and a mark of how far he's come even in a couple months. The group of five that distanced the rest on the first lap was race-winning from the start with three of the best sand riders in the world in Goldenberg, Gormely and Exteberdea. I wasn't strong enough and that's fine.
Now off to Port Elisabeth, quick google search to see what's wha- Oh no. Oh no no no no no. I'm sure there's a good reason so I'm going to stay quiet on the issue for the moment but as a fan last time it's not a good look for African CX, which is a real shame. Hopefully it's not like last time where the reasons were messy at best.
Anyway, Louis called and he's on a flight there too, so I'll see what's up and if there is any kind of race on outside of the World Cup like there was in Struisbaai, I know I'd turn out and I'd be happy to help put the word out if anyone wanted it. In fact, whilst I've got some time why not make some calls, to the committee, to my team, to my friends, just to figure it all out. I'll keep you posted.
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
What a bullsh*t way to exit on. I bogged down at the start and then got boxed out. Then the front group just went away before i could get myself sorted out. On a course like this you could not pull yourself across groups so i quickly gave up serious chasing. I mean a Top10 is still ok but i really really wanted to win this one having come quite close in the previous editions. I'll settle for my earlier wins though and i can go away with my head held high. 14th with over 500 points, yeah i can go away now.
A few days break but i'll be diving into the Domestic scene pretty quickly, of which i will update after a few events. I'm looking forwards to an extended period State-side and racing in some domestic level events. I need a bit of a break and recharge, plus it will definately help my development. I'll be back mixing with the Elite guys at the major Championships next year.
Texas ho!
Goldie
What bullsh*t is this! 3 days, 3 days! Only 3 days notice of a major event being cancelled, what f*cking horsh*t. Lets put all the logistical crap aside, this has a major bearing on the World Cup as i lose a big chance for points. Plus i lost a chance to gain some good time in the Coca-Cola Trophy because i didn't want to burn myself up for the World Cup event. What a f*cking waste of a day and all because the UCI are incompetent sh*theads.
That bullsh*t anti-American bias is back. I thought we were past this. But apparently i'm too much of a threat for their beloved Vague. Can't have one of these non-traditionalists winning now can we. Goddamn bullsh*t.
I'll skip Struisbaai as well, no point making the trek for one event. Flight booked to head back to the States, might fit in a domestic race instead. Might as well skip Lisbon as well so maximise the remaining World Cup races. I'm so f*cking pissed, if you couldn't already tell. 3 days notice, goddamn.
Radio
Goldie asked me to join him and skip Struisbaai. It's not a competition i can do anything in overall wise. And we could go and tear up something back home. I don't like the way the UCI announced things so late and there is something seriously wrong to have two African races cancel, and no others. But it's not for me to get involved in really.
Having a small rest up would be good. So yeah i'll join Goldie heading back North, and TDF as well. Good job Blue Bell has no interests in the African market, they seem relived to not have to spend the money on flights and accomodation. Hope they can claim expenses back off the UCI.
So next Elite race will be Bristol then, to give Goldie as much help as possible for the World Cup. I anticipate a tense flight sitting next to him, hopefully there's some good films on the plane... or booze.
Africa has had a shaky start in their short history in the sport. The first year big events were planned, Struisbaai got canceled and the riders came to Africa for nothing. Last year, we had a successful run through the Southern part of the African continent, with some beautiful races.
This year, Port Elisabeth was canceled, just a few days before the race would be run. But Struisbaai has learned from its past mistakes and is ready to host a race, counting for two.
Race Information
Country: South Africa
City/Place: Struisbaai
Classification: Coca-Cola Trophy
Starting Time (Elite Men): 19h30
Favorites: Francis N. Vague, Sylvain Lipawsky, Mlan Listerijn.
Record: 1x Milan Listerijn (2015)
Race History: Struisbaai is an infamous name in cyclo-cross. The organisation doesn't seem too trustworthy but here we are, ready for the second edition in three years. Last year, Listerijn won after a smart move in the final round.
Route Information
Technical: 4
Sand: 2
Uphill: 1
Cobblestones: 3
Struisbaai offers a strange profile. The ground is quite hard and at times, rocky. There isn't that much sand, actually there are more rocky and cobbled paths than there is sand.
The amount of climbing is neglibible; two bridges and one rocky, short but steep, climb. No, Struisbaai will mostly be decided by the technicality of the profile. Lots of turning, riding on tough roads and natural difficulties on the road.
There are some changes from last year's profile. More protection from the wind should favor attackers and the overall length of a lap has increased, so we'll likely have less laps to complete.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 16° C
Precipitation: Rain.
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Aaaaaaah! Bit disappointed at the Pot Elisabeth news to say the least. No explanation given yet for the short notice and the reason why it was cancelled, which is a shame as the staff, riders and fans deserve to know. The main reason I'm disappointed, though, is it's the ground of my first top 5 in the U-23 race and I was anticipating testing myself, as in Antagofasta.
Rio was back to good but not great for me, a top 25 was nice and really I should be more pleased than I was with it on such a power-based course. A top 25 in Coke trophy isn't making me third row stuff yet but I'll keep trying, trying to impress, getting into form for Joburg. Impress who? The team are happy with me for now and my progress has been good but at the moment I'm not doing much in the way of assisting Francis, maybe if I reach that third row, I can. I was told to ride with Christian in Rio nad I took pride into trying to help him along but in the end he told me to just ride my own tempo.
It's good to have Granddad and Bomma here to watch us in Africa then back up to Europe, we met up in Port Elisabeth after they couldn't change flights. Anyway Struisbaai looks like another good good race for me personally and with many riders skipping Africa now it may be a good chance for me to do well. At the very least, it will give me some good preparation for the NES event in Johannesburg.
) but beneath the cocky (but still full of the right type of confidence) exterior he genuinely wants to learn and be one of the greats, if not the greatest. Personally i don't think he can keep a lid on all three trophies, but it's anyone's guess as to which one he can't claim. Mazzarelli improving his consistency and could be a threat in SP, Lipawsky and Goldenberg still looking good for the World Cup, Coke, um, his ambition for other stuff maybe? Daniel is a great friend now and someone who still has it, unfortunately unlike myself. I take 10% for his first win back, but perhaps that's a little greedy as that's what he generously gave me after his first one last time. Which I didn't deserve either.
Antofagasta - Report 
Rio Cross Challenge - 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)
Struisbaai Cross - Preview
