Welcome to Rasterhoff for another round of Superprestige racing. The weather will have an impact. It's make of break for Mazzarelli today, both the cold and the terrain is to his disadvantage. Is Rasterhoff the breaking point in the Superprestige? Follow it here live!
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 1° C
Precipitation: Dry.
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Start Line: It's a profile for strong riders. So this might be a more open race than the last few races. Some underdogs with power can make something of today, someone like Gormley could easily ride for the race win here.
Let's get this show on the road!
Lap 1: The riders are off! Vague turns into the field first.
Mikel Hammarling senses the pace could be higher and takes the lead. He increases the pace but Vague isn't planning to follow this, so Hammarling takes an early lead.
Welling comes to the front to control to pace for Vague. Most riders are content with the current pace. All but D'Anvers, who attacks out of this group, looking for Hammarling.
It's an early breakaway, like we know on the road, but much less in the field. Let's see how long they last.
The riders go through the sand. And it's not the easiest sand here, really for sand experts.
Lap 2: The two leaders have a 7 second gap to the peloton. And we say peloton because there's still over a dozen riders together. No fast start here in Rasterhoff. In this period of the year, it's impossible to go full gas every single time.
And so Gormley takes the lead in the sand. He's very powerful , using his back muscles to plough through the sand. Mustafa Moli jumps on his wheel and follows the Irishman.
Welling looks behind to see what Vague's says about this. Let it ride, he must mean, since Welling doesn't make an attempt to match the pace of the two attackers. Vague is taking the defensive here, which is remarkable. Everybody thought he'd go on the offence against Mazzarelli on today's course.
Lap 3: BKCP continues to control the race. Gormley and Moli have caught D'Anvers and Hammarling. There's an 8 second gap, nothing too creditable, yet.
Goldenberg thinks the pace isn't high enough and rides away from the main group. Vague gives his okay and so neither Welling nor Schiltz react to it. BKCP has some definite plans today. I think they'll only keep watch of Lipawsky and Mazzarelli today.
Goldenberg joined the four leaders and just in time, as Gormley is feeling strong and increases the pace even further.
Ouch! Faizullah and Dubois bump into each other going into this corner and both go down! Dubois looks like he's hurt his thigh.
Lap 4: Gormley is completely unchained, now. He rides through the sand with a beastly manner. D'Anvers and Hammarling, the early attackers, can't match his pace. Goldenberg and Moli are sand experts and follow relatively easily. Although "easy" might not be the best choice of words in this cross.
That's a considerable gap back to the favorites. Looking at the talent up front, I'd say they're gone for the race win.
Back in the group of the favorites, everyone looks afraid to attack. Vague keeps them all in check, with Welling and Schiltz still taking turns.
Lap 6: The three leaders are riding full gas, now. The main group, however, is almost making a mockery of this race. The gap has grown to 40 seconds. They're not riding at all. This is a strange tactic, we haven't seen this before much. Is Vague completely out of shape and is this a way to keep his opponents in check, perhaps?
And Lipawsky has grown tired of this! He attacks! Now we'll see what's the matter with Vague!
And with this acceleration, the main group completely falls apart. Welling and Mazzarelli fall off the back immediately, tired out from the sand or the short punchy climbs.
Schiltz tries to bring his leader back to Lipawsky, but he's out of energy. What will Vague do now?
He reacts! He gets out of the saddle.. And get's back in the saddle straightaway. It look like he doesn't have a real acceleration in the legs today. Van Dyck overtakes him and ups the pace.
Lap 7: Lipawsky is like a steam train now, riding further and further away from the others.
Meanwhile at the front, Goldenberg has made an important move! He's used the jumping bars to get a gap! Gormley is trying hard to close it. Moli is at his limit and loses time quickly!
Lipawsky must be beating himself up by now. Looking at how he's riding now, he surely has the legs to win today's race, but he waited way too long before realizing Vague wasn't at his best today. Goldenberg and Gormley are still half a minute ahead in the field. Not even Lipawsky can bridge that gap in less than two laps, unless they'd start playing mind games with each other for the win.
Van Dyck is a godsend for Vague right now. The young Dutch rider relays with Vague and keeps the pace constant. Vague can't handle accelerations today, maybe he's ill? It's not his usual self, that much is certain. Markson is hanging at the back.
Mazzarelli is fighting for every spot. He gets over the climbs well, but the sand always puts him back several seconds.
Lap 8: Lipawsky has Moli in his sights! With some luck, he can still grab 13 Superprestige points! Can he get back in the race for the Superprestige Trophy?
Markson has to let Vague and Van Dyck go in the sand.
Goldenberg and Gormley are going towards the finish together. Neither sprint very well. Both look impressively strong and fresh today.
Oh Gormley with an amazing and probably necessary move! He takes the lead right before the jumping bars, so Goldenberg can't use his position and the bars to his advantage to ride away, like he did before.
And so they stay together. The finish is coming closer...
Gormley starts his sprint from far out! Goldenberg gets out of the saddle and tries to follow.
He's still in Gormley's wheel. He has to come out to win! He waits... And now tries to pass Gormley, but gets his by the wind right in his face.
Side by side, now, with just a few meters left!
Who won? Gormley looks at Goldenberg, who gestures with his hand, asking if Gormley was first or not?
There comes Moli, ready for third place. Oh but there's Lipawsky, coming strong! Can he still make the podium? He starts a long, long sprint...
And picks up Moli! Moli has given everything and doesn't even sprint. Lipawsky crosses the line third after a spectacular second half of the race.
Here comes the duo. Vague gets out of the saddle to sprint, but when Van Dyck reacts, Vague doesn't persist. Maybe he can't, maybe he feels bad to, since Van Dyck did like 80% of the work today. Either way, Van Dyck is fifth, Vague limits the damage to sixth. Given his legs today, it's a relative success. But the bigger question is: what is going on? With Aosto tomorrow and Alpe D'Huez soon, this is bad news for the World Champion!
Markson is seventh. Hammarling eighth. Schiltz is ninth and Mazzarelli completes the top 10. Not a bad result for him here, he gets some Superprestige Points at least.
It certainly wasn't the race the team and Vague were hoping for. If you ask them what was up with Vague, they only shook their heads. It's part of racing, they say, and defend the young World Champion as a rider who is doing his best to be competitive in all races, but has to pay for this huge effort at times by lackluster performances.
This however was ground he had won before. "But it wasn't a race that particularly suited me", explained Vague and smiled that by ways of clever team use, they could keep Lipawsky from the win. In fact, due to Mazzarelli's 10th place, the gap isn't as large as they intended it to be, but it's enough for now. Alpe d'Huez, so Vague's claim, will be another story all together again, and even as far as tomorrow, Vague intends to be up to his usual racing.
Is it fatigue or the pressure to perform? Weak legs and an off-day? Vague smiles and shruggs his shoulders. These things happen, and with the claim "I don't worry", he leaves the reporter's corner.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Finally we're getting away from the Superprestige, even if it's just for one race. Aosta Valley was a special race in the Trophy last year, especially with Vague skipping it to go fully for World Cup and Superprestige. With arguably Vague's worst performance of the year yesterday, do we have the same scenario coming?
Sylvain Lipawsky's form can't be underestimated and thus he is put forward as only top favorite, with Mazzarelli, Listerijn and Vague just below that. Lipawsky is rarely a top favorite, can he do something with this?
Race Information
Country: Italy
City/Place: Aosta Valley
Classification: Coca-Cola Trophy
Starting Time (Elite Men): 15h
Favorites: Sylvain Lipawsky, Matt Mazzarelli, Milan Listerijn, Francis N. Vague
Record: 5x Giovanni Brocci (1970, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976)
Race History: The race is an old one, but only since two years ago it's part of an important trophy. Two years ago, Lipawsky beat Mazzarelli in a millimeter sprint. Last year, the Italian took revenge by riding away in the penultimate lap, unchallenged in the uphill.
Route Information
Technical: 3
Sand: 3
Uphill: 4
Cobblestones: 0
The profile is a spectacular one. The Aosta Valley offers the inevitable climbs necessary to make the race hard. Besides the hills, there is a crossover stairway and plenty of sections through the sand. The sand, however, is not as we know it at the beach. This is hard sand, next to the farmer's fields. We shouldn't expect a sand expert here at the top of the table, but the sand could definitely get in the way for the victory of the day.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 8° C
Precipitation: Dry
Wind: 1 Beaufort
I'm ready to give a go, Italy has been kind ground to me, the country where I became World Champion. However going up against the local in-form hero Mazzarelli, 13 seconds can be easily lost. On a bad day that this. Normally, Aosta Valley suits me well enough to be in contention. I have proved that in 2014, I intend to keep the streak, possibly improve.
It's beyond me how people think I'm in limbo. I heard from the corners of Lipawsky' managemtn that I was possibly injured or ill but still finishing 6th in a race that does not suit me would be too good, even for an injured Vague. Sporza and Scope have speculated about my 'worst performance of the year' - mind you, this is a 6th place we are talking about.
So no, I'm neither ill nor fatigued. I wanted some points and I got them. In fact, whilst I lost some marginal bit of my lead to Lipawsky, I could distance at least Mazzarelli enough to satisfy me for now. Arguably, the result is better than my performance - this is very much true, but this is down to my grander scheme of things. At times it's difficult to be the center of the race and the classification. Of course, this is pressure that I like and where I exceel in; I do not complain because this is what I want, to win them. But Rasterhoff was a good example in how the racing can limit your abilities at times, too. When you don't have the kick that easily. On-off day. I have the strength to make it so that it doesn't matter.
The best way is by going to win in Italy. My team was particularly strong in Rasterhoff but Aosta Valley is much more open again, especially with Listerijn returning to the scene after an hiatus. However with Lipawsky recent performance, I figure that he and Bauknech-Author are out for blood if they still want to have a chance in this competition. They are far down the table though, so my primary concern remains 'winning' and 'distancing Mazzarelli'. This is sort of becoming my mantra in the past few weeks.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Well, this is the closest thing I’ll get to a home race this year, and it’s the first race in a decent length run I’ll have in the pro peloton, It’s nice to have my family here to support me for this one and I’m going to be looking to show myself in the race and make them proud. I know I probably won’t be able to win but it would be nice to at least show my face and have some sort of an effect on the race, even if it’s only for a couple of laps.
I've got to say that I've enjoyed my last week away from the circus, I started off by going to france and having a training session in the Arenburg forest, it was good fun to ride all the trails there and I got to practice my cobbled ability a little on the famous Truee d'Arenburg section from Paris Roubaix.
After that I headed over the brder to Belgium and got to participate in a couple Amateur races, there was an Oudenaard cross which is possibly the worst thing I've ever encountered. Whoever thought up the idea of racing up the Oude Kwaremont and Paterburg climbs in the winter, then taking to the fields to complete a lap must have been a mad man. The locals told me that it is a really old race, in fact they claimed it is what Ronde Van Vlaanderen was based off but I think that might be a little bit of embellishment fuelled by what they were drinking. they say that used to be a mainstay on the National Belgian calendar, only losing it's place when the cobbles needed tending to one year after a particularly heavy storm ripped a hole in one of the banks leaving loads of mud and grass all over the climb tending it unraceable that year. I can't imagine the damage that the best riders in the world would do on a course like that, I'm certainly glad I wasn't racing against them that day although I think my ability up the hills did help me a little even if I kept spinning out every time I tried to get out the saddle. Anyway that sounds like it could make a brutal Classic and with the authorities wanting to bring back classics well I think I just found a way for them to add another one with some lots of existing history and prestige.
After I left Belgium, after my cobbled training session I came back home for a couple of days, resting a seeing family for the first one then putting in a ride on my local climb again to keep the legs free and turning well the second day before preparing to travel up to the Aosta Valley Cross. My family have decided they will come to see me in action in what effectively is my home race seeing as there isn't a Sammrinese cross but hopefully next year the Monte Titano will be successful in it's application to host a race.
Looking ahead to the next few races I think this will be a crucial point in determining whether or not I will step up to the pro’s fully next season. This is the first prolonged period I’ll have racing the best and will be a good chance to test my recovery between races compared to the elite guys and to se if I have what it takes to contend on my favoured hilly terrain and whether I’ve got the stamina to be involved in a race until the finale, I know I won’t be matching the likes of Vague, Mazzarelli or Lipawsky but hopefully I will still be able to gain a few positions towards the end of the races and be just a fresh as those around me.
Hopefully this experience will help me when it comes to the last of the NES races which is my big season goal in a couple of weeks time and following on from that if I can make an impact at the Continental championships in Belgium, then it will be about seeing how I feel come the under 23 Worlds. Seeing how well Van Dyck has kicked on since moving up I'm hoping to gain as much from my little run as he has from this season, allowing me to potentially step up full time next year unless I feel I could do with another half and half season.
Edited by sammyt93 on 05-04-2016 01:50
I really do hate it when I crash, even more so when it is my fault, but especially when it costs me a chance to be competitive and causes me a minor injury.
Finishing 12th than 7th in Britain I was starting to build some form up towards a triple header of Aosta Valley, Alpe d’Huez and my home race the Christmas Classic so to see this crash potentially ruining that was a bit of a nightmare to say the least.
I tried to dive inside Tariq going into one of the turns as I attempted to move up the group as I sensed a reaction to Eddie getting away and didn’t want to get caught behind other riders if guys like Matt, Francis or Sylvain put the hammer down to chase him. Unfortunately he didn’t see me and cut across my line, with me sustaining some bruising and a small cut to my thigh. From that point on I decided that I would get round and try and pick up some UCI points as every point will count in my quest for a top 10 but I wanted to take it easy whilst doing so in case there was anything more serious wrong with me. Having got my leg checked out by a doctor after the race he managed to remove the bit of snapped metal that was still sat in my thigh and said that I was lucky it was only minor injuries. I don’t know how well I’ll go tomorrow at Aosta as I’ll have to ride with a bandage across my thigh to stop it getting infected but at least I know the wound shouldn’t slow me down and that it will be fully healed by the time we get to my home race.
Reflecting on the performances of others, it turns out that Francis is human after all. I was starting to think he might be part machine due to him never having an off day but Rasterhoff proved that he is, I just wish it came a day later on a course more to my suiting. I imagine he’ll be up against it tomorrow as Matt’s bound to be really fired up by the home crowd so if he’s not back to 100% then I can see things being made tough for the young Belgian.
Speaking of home races it’s nice to see Alessio step back up to the elite level for what is effectively his home race. I imagine he’ll want to impress as I’ve heard this is one of very few races that will be shown live on Sammrinese TV. I bet if you told him at the start of the season he would jump the legendary Eliot Cook in the Coca Cola Trophy rankings after Aosta Valley then he wouldn’t have believed you but if he gets to the finish within 3’46 of the winner then that’s what will happen.
They were called the Coppi and Bartali of the dirt. Giovanni Brocci and Antonio Andolini.
Antonio Andolini was the young and upcoming talent. A pedaleur du charme, he always looked so elegant on his bike. He was a tall man, and very handsome. Multi-talented and tipped as the next big thing in Italy, both in the cross and on the road.
Giovanni Brocci was the old fighter, a veteran. Not the biggest palmares, but a star in the cross scene nonetheless, mostly because of his long career, his lust for attacking and his never-ending endurance.
In the 1975 Aosta Valley, Andolini looked finally set to take over the reign from Brocci and become Italy's hero.
December 1975
Aosta Valley was the most important (and the last) race in the 10-legged 'Italian National Trophy', where 10 crosses spread over 3 months decided the best Italian racer of the season. This was a time when only a few foreigners rode crosses in Italy and few Italians rode crosses anywhere else in Europe.
Brocci had turned 35 and had been a racer since he was 19 years old. Winning one more time in Aosta meant he would become sole record holder in this race with 4 victories, as well as take the Italian National Trophy for a consecutive 10th time, as the final race counted double.
Andolini was only 22, but had an air of invincibility going into the race. He had won 6 out of the 9 former manches and had crowned himself National Cyclo-Cross Champion earlier that year.
The crowd couldn't have been more divided. Brocci or Andolini, you had to be for one and against the other. A record amount of spectators came to see the clash between two opposites. Before the cross, fights had broken out.
When Andolini fell in a downhill, Brocci took this as a sign to attack. At the finish line, Brocci had a 3 minute gap to Salvatore Lucci. It was a tremendous victory for the 35 year old. He'd come back a year later to take his final victory here. In 1982, the now 42 year old Brocci would ride the last race of his career here, finishing 7th.
Andolini was badly cut from falling flat on his face at high speed. The handsome young Italian would never be handsome again. In 1977, he switched to road cycling indefinitely. Andolini went on to win the Giro d'Italia four times, Il Lombardia twice and the World Championship Road Race. And yet we will always remember him as the young handsome boy, going full gas against veteran Brocci in Aosta Valley. The young boy who'd never win Aosta Valley.
Well i certainly wasn't planning on winning Superprestige events! But when the course suits and the main contenders are too busy watching each other i won't say no. Shay did put up a serious challenge though. He moved infront of me perfectly before the bars, i was lining up my attack for that spot. But when he launched his own move he couldn't snap the elastic and took the edge off his own sprint.
It made for a great finish and actually i'd say he deserved it more than i did because he rode tactically spot on, i just got the lunge. Radio should have been up here instead of me and he would have crushed a sprint like that. He's really missed his chance to establish some bargaining power in the team.
Radio
Ah shit. I felt good today but apprently not good enough. It took too long to get to the front and then i couldn't get through the group. A plethora of small riding mistakes and boom i was done for the day. 7th isn't bad but this was a great chance for me to challenge for a win, as proven by Goldie.
With Goldie now established well ahead of me in the Superprestige ranking there goes my chances of leadership in that competition. I'll still be allowed to ride free but if Goldie calls for help i must answer. I'm barely clinging ontop the Top20 UCI ranking. I need a really big result somewhere if i am to move my career forwards.
Milan Listerijn has returned from what Francis Vague has called a "hiatus", his brother has called a "break" and his Lotto manager has coined "body training." But we don't care. He's here to race, as usual.
Milan, you've been here for a while, can your freshness and time on the course combat your lack of recent racing?
Well, it won't be easy to combat the racing rhythm guys like Vague and Matt have got, but they've had a night and some of this morning to get used to the course, whereas I've been here nigh-on a fortnight and I'm fresh, where they looked a bit weary last race. I'm not saying it means anything for a brand new race today, but it means I won't have too many butterflies today.
Can you win?
Wow, ease me into it, huh? Yes, anything can happen but I'm looking at a guy like Matt, like last year he'll need some initiative for a home win. I see Vague and Sylvain, the usual suspects fighting for the win, along with van Dyck, who's done great whilst I've been away and should always be treated as a favorite with the kind of form he had. It was good to see him do well but I fear, like most neo-pros who do well around this point, he's got a big target on his back. He's got a shorter leash to run on, not that he can't win anyway. So yeah, I've got a long way to go before I can win here, on this course.
With discussions of changes around the place in CX, what do you think?
As I said I've talked with the team about raising awareness of mechanical doping and more rigorous in-team checks to make sure nobody is doing it. I'd urge other teams and even race organisers to pay more attention to the threat here. On the SP, I see the UCI's point but the Superprestige is the Superprestige and the gruelling amount of manches is exactly what it needs. I'm only in my second year of the comp but I know last season and this I've skipped some because of the nature of it and I can't finish it without hurting my season. It's for the best of the best and it pushes you to the limit. Maybe the UCI want a more even and compact season but you can't shorten the Superprestige to the level of the other comps. It's almost close to disrespecting the legend and the prestige of the Superprestige.
What about rumours of a return to Belgium for you?
Urgh, here we are. I'm in talks, that's all I can say, did you expect different?
You're fourth but with a long margin to the podium in Superprestige, slipping in the UCI rankings and a minute down in Coke. What are your aims for the season?
Well, Superprestige I'm only shocked I'm still in fourth and obviously not a threat, but in a race such as Alpe D'Huez I'd love to have a go at it, especially after Whakapapa. But yeah, sticking in fourth would be nice. UCI rankings with my breaks I only care about staying in the front row, anything else is a bonus. Coke? Ask me in a couple hours (laughs). Worlds are on the radar as well now, I'd love to make a fist of it, certainly more so than last year. And I'd love to win a race. Louis is dangerously close now (laughs).
How are you looking to play this one?
Use my freshness and knowledge of the course, and have some fun too. What? I'm not gonna spoil it for you (laughs).
Welcome to Aosta Valley, we're ready for a beautiful day of racing. The sun is shining, it's a good 8 degrees but it feels warmer with the sun. Mazzarelli is the absolute top favorite in these circumstances in his home country.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 8° C
Precipitation: Sunny
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Dubois is starting half-injured, but we saw him this morning and it didn't look too bad, he looks well rested. Vague had an off-day yesterday, but is still having an amazing season and can never be counted out. Today it's all about time, and that might be interesting to the course of the race. Vague leads the Coke Trophy and Mazzarelli is his closest challenger.
Listerijn is young, but not unwise. He decided to go fully for the Coca-Cola Trophy this year and take plenty of rest to accomplish his goal. A podium in the Coca-Cola Trophy looks the highest possible spot now, and he's ready to do anything to get it.
Lap 1: Let's get this show on the road! A fast start by Van Dyck, who's slowly growing into a subtop contender in just about any race. Still, it's strange to realize Vague is from 1995, while Van Dyck is actually older, born in 1994. But Van Dyck seems to be a late bloomer and is coming to his full potential slowly. While Vague is already at the top of the sport, aged 21.
Lipawsky comes forward and dives into the field second. He doesn't want to miss the right move again, after yesterday. Here's Dubois, Schiltz, Vague, Mazzarelli. All the big names have started well. Except.. Listerijn, who's in about 15th position. Not dramatic, but not the best start for young Milan.
Robin Huser tries to move up some places, but ends up in a wrong track and loses all his speed. Dubois is looking strong at the front. Despite his fall yesterday, he's not afraid to fight for a spot at the front. Right now he's just kept Schiltz from passing him.
And it's Jan Soucek who goes into the attack first today! Van Dyck hesitates to follow and so Soucek gets a gap. Beware when the Czech has good legs, because on a good day this is one of the strongest riders there is. Especially in the hills-department.
Lap 2: And there goes Mazzarelli! The Italian has no intention of waiting today! Vague gets out of the saddle and matches Mazzarelli's pace.
And that's the end to Soucek's escapade. He had the right idea, but with the big ones opening early today, there's no chance for anyone to solo away for an hour.
The pace drops, and that allows Listerijn and Lipawsky to catch up. These two, together again.
And here comes Dubois, with an acceleration he catches up with the race leaders. Van Dyck glued to his wheel. What a start to Aosta Valley!
Lap 3: The pace is very high, with Schiltz now joined at the front and working hard for Vague. Don't let yesterday's performance put you off, Vague is still in good shape. And Schiltz has been most helpful so far this season, controlling the race in the first half. Invaluable.
Soucek attacks again! The Czech knows what he wants! But Schiltz is keeping the pace too high, so Soucek only has 4-5 seconds. The gap doesn't get any bigger.
A short climb and Vague with a brilliant move! He overtakes Schiltz right before the climb and then flies up the climb. Schiltz slows down a bit on the top of the climb, forcing the others to dismount. Some would call this a dirty trick, but it's perfectly legal and that's cyclo-cross.
Vague joins Soucek and immediately takes the lead. Soucek realizes this is a golden opportunity and gets in Vague's wheel.
Lap 4: The pace is tower high now! Mazzarelli and Lipawsky are the main forces chasing down Vague and Soucek. The fight for the Coke Trophy is on! Vague is strong on this short climbs. Mazzarelli is stronger on longer climbs, like the one halfway the lap, but even more so like in Blaarmeersen, Kwaremont Cross...
The chasers are 9 seconds behind Vague and Soucek. It's a considerable gap. Just went up to 10 seconds. This could be a breaking point.
Vague is using every trick in the book to gain time. Cutting corners, stepping on the pedals. Soucek has all the problems in the world trying to keep up with Vague.
The two leaders are going dow---Oh they're both down! Soucek got stuck in a wrong track going downhill, tried to get back and took down Vague in the process. Both riders are on the ground. Vague got the worst of it, though, he fell into the iron fence and looks like he's hurt his shoulder.
We're looking at the slow motion now. Soucek's front wheel hits a root and he loses control of his bike. Going downhill things went down fast, he tried to get a grip but just fell into Vague. He took the biggest blow, going into the fence.
The pace has slowed now. We have a lead group of Listerijn, Lipawsky, Mazzarelli, Dubois, Schiltz, Soucek and Van Dyck. Behind them is a group, consisting of a few interesting names: Etxeberdea, Faizullah, Goldenberg, Verboven. If they can come back, they'd make a dangerous bunch.
But Mazzarelli has taken up the pace again. Vague is behind him now and he can take back valuable time. It's not the way he wanted it, probably, but he's now the virtual leader and he's taking the responsibility that goes with it.
Lap 5: Lipawsky attacks on the tarmac! Listerijn quickly reacts! Mazzarelli looks over his shoulder. Van Dyck, Dubois, Soucek and Schiltz don't look cooperative to this and so the Italian has no choice but to keep his pace.
We hear Vague is back on the bike, still in the race. If that's true, that's great news, because it didn't look good for a moment. Is this confirmed?
Yes, the here he is. The camera's have found him. He's way down the field, though, approximately 2 minutes or so. Louis Listerijn and Welling are with him.
Mazzarelli uses one of these hills to try and make the connection with Lipawsky and Listerijn. Dubois tries to hang on, but can't quite!
And so Mazzarelli is caught between two groups. He's 5 seconds behind the race leaders and just about 5 seconds ahead of the three chasers. Soucek has been dropped.
Lap 6: The Italian is not disappointing at the moment, he's caught up with the two leaders.
The sand has not made a real impact yet. It has been overrated going into the race. Good for Mazzarelli, but of course he'll know that. Listerijn knows it, too, he's been here a while on reconnaissance. Will it bear fruits today?
Vague is reported at 2 minutes and a half. He's still being sided by Louis Listerijn and Welling. Has he gotten over the first shock yet? It can take a while, especially after such a big fall.
The sun's disappeared now, going behind some dark clouds. Any chance of rain in the next minutes? We'll have to see.
Visconti is feeling pretty good today. He's just left behind Bauer and is in contention for a nice top 20 place today. We've gotten to expect more of him, though, but it hasn't come out this season yet.
Lap 7: Last lap! Listerijn, Lipawsky or Mazzarelli? Or someone else? Dubois, Schiltz and Van Dyck are only 10 seconds behind the race leaders.
Lipawsky goes! Is this the winning move? He's got a gap!
Listerijn won't let it happen! He's bringing back Lipawsky and Mazzarelli's all too happy to see it happen.
Behind them, Dubois attacks! Van Dyck counters, but Schiltz can't quite follow. For the podium, it shouldn't matter anyway. Because we have these three here.
They are still together. Mazzarelli will need to think of something soon, he can't handle it in a sprint.
And he does! Last climb of the day and Mazzarelli attacks! He gets a small gap!
But Listerijn throws himself downhill and uses his terrain knowledge to get back on Mazzarelli's wheel. Lipawsky's going deep into his reserves but he makes it, too!
Oh and Listerijn takes advantage of an unguarded moment from Mazzarelli and Lipawsky to try and sneak away! He's accelerated from the saddle and has a considerable gap. What a move! Perfectly timed, too. He's developing quite a nose for these late attacks!
Mazzarelli and Lipawsky hesitate. They are looking at each other. And then I'm afraid that's it.
Final 180 meters. Listerijn looks over his shoulder. And again. But he's got it. He zips up his jersey so the sponsor is visible and takes an important win for Team Lotto-Fidea. Their first since Cornelis left.
Mazzarelli is strong and takes second, riding away from Lipawsky in the final 180 meters. And if we're correct.. Yes, this is Lipawsky's seventh(!) third place this season. Talk about consistency.
Van Dyck beats Dubois for place 4. A good ride from Dubois after yesterday's fall. Schiltz is 6th and BKCP's first rider. In the old battle of Belgian teams, Lotto took the upper hand today.
Soucek takes 7th, a few seconds before a chasing Goldenberg. Faizullah is ninth and Eldfjallsson wins the sprint for place 10 against Etxeberdea. Bollinger is 12th and then we have a big gap.
We'll conclude this live broadcast with a sprint for place 13. Dao, Markson and Verboven, talk about your sprinters! It's Verboven who takes it!
We're about to go off the air. Still no sign of Vague. Last we saw him with Listerijn and Welling and he was still 2 minutes and a half down, riding a bit better already. We'll have to wait for the official results to see the damage. But one thing's for sure: the Coca-Cola Trophy just tilted into Mazzarelli's advantage big time! Aosta Valley has been kind on the Italian.
It's hard not to feel this has been a long time coming for Milan Listerijn. It's been over 12 months since his last win at this level and his face says it all - pure joy as he points, no to himself but to the Lotto-Fidea symbol on his chest, and punches the air. He's surrounded by his team staff before being lead away to the podium ceremony. Some sincere shaking hands and congratulations after a tough race. After the race in a tent, with coke for the cameras and beer for his stomach, journalists get a word from today's victor.
Milan, a well-earned victory after a bit of a drought for you. Gotta be stoked?
Yeah, uh, well it's been tough for me going so long without some success and this is an awesome feeling to take one here where I needed it most, but at the same time I'd be just as happy if I'd won last week, it's just relief the pressure is off from some, but for me I've got to keep pushing hard, I can't just sit up and take it easy now. My lack of fatigue is a weapon I can utilise over the next couple of races but not for long after, and there's a long way to go yet.
You were absolutely on fire today, talk us through it.
Cheers, yeah I felt confident after my break and today started not as good as it could have, I was lacking some attention and they flew past me. Luckily for me, I latched onto Sylvain's wheel and we caught back up to the chasers before much harm was done. Then Vague crashed behind Soucek, and I hope he's OK because he stayed down for a while. I marked everything because I felt I could, and it was one of my best days on a bike. I didn't want to let anything go and when Sylvain went it stuck. Mazzarelli eventually chased on. I felt I had a 50/50 chance in a sprint, I know Sylvain's style well but at the end of a race like that it's down to who's got the most left. Sylvain attacked and Mazzarelli left it to me to chase down. I managed to do that, and then what can I say, I took a risk and they looked at each other for a moment too many.
What does this mean for your overall hopes? As Vague crosses the line you're in second, a minute down on Mazzarelli, 40 seconds ahead of Lipawsky and a minute on Vague.
Wow, big gap, huh? Well obviously it's all to play for now, I could come anywhere from first to 4th if it all goes good, and further down if it doesn't. You can't discount anyone from taking a full minute, Vague could put himself in second next race so his hopes are alive. I'll just take it one race at a time and see if I can claw back some time on Mazzarelli whilst keeping the other two close. It will be an interesting finale, for sure. It's my number one focus right now, but with the World Champs on the horizon I've got them in the back of my mind, too.
You are developing quite the reputation for your last gasp attacks.
Really? Yeah I guess I've won doing that a couple of times now and other times I've tried it without success. It's not something I'd put down to anything other than situational awareness, in Struisbaai last year and today it was just at a moment when the group's guard was down when they needed a sprint. And then and now they looked at each other for a split second long enough for me to get going, and I'm home free. It's not a move I go into a race where I could win looking to use, it's just an instinctive attack that has worked.
This was Lotto's first win since Cornelis left, what does that mean for the team?
As much as everyone at the team supported me and understood that Guido and I weren't winning, there's no bigger shoes to fill than Dries', and I could mean that quite literally. Guy's a 48 or something strange. But seriously it's good for the team morale I guess going into life without Dries, but we don't have a top rider at the moment so there will be some adjustment.
What has it been like over the first part of the season with legends like Cornelis and D'Anvers to dish out advice to you youngsters?
Well, Dries has a lot of commitments but when he drops in he's an amazing guy. True professional but still a really good man. He's given me a lot of advice, not just technically but off the bike. Being the leader for a big team in a transition stage is not easy and the pressure is immense sometimes. I guess it's a strange time for CX with the power vacuum he left, where Mazzarelli and Lipawsky are filling. Also with Cook gone now- but question, yes. Marl is an awesome guy, very knowledgeable and it's nice as he's a more similar rider to me than Dries is. It's a privilege to be on the same team as him, and to ride with him and learn from him for Naveed, Guido and I.
What can we expect next week from L'Alpe?
On the surface it looks like Whakapapa and while that's the closest we'll get to it they're different beasts. Vague is huge huge favorite on paper, I'm hoping I can hit the others hard if it snows, even though I'm not a big threat in terms of the Superprestige overall anymore I'd like to turn victory into some form.
Over a year into the sport, do you feel you've got any rivals?
It depends how you mean. Everyone bar my temmates are rivals. But in terms of rivalries like Cook-Vague, not really for me, I've got a little rivalry going with Goldie I guess, but that stemmed from both of us being a bit stupid in what we said to and about each. We haven't talked despite my attempts to apologise for being an egg last season, which probably and certainly hopefully means he's moved on but doesn't care, rather than he's not over it. But I'm not bothered. A lot of people in the media go on about one with Sylvain, on sites like daily and CN you see people hyping it, apparently it's got it's own name, LiLi. I won't mention the rest of it (mock-shudders). But yeah we are quite competitive as we're sometimes battling around that third place spot.
Superprestige Rush is coming to a close! Alpe d'Huez will be the location for the climax of the Superprestige Month! Last year, the race made its debut and it's an instant classic. We're finally seeing snow this season and it's come at a right time. Let Alpe d'Huez decide who's coming out of the Superprestige Rush with all his chances intact!
Last year we had a dominating Vague, taking over a minute on his team mate Schiltz and with the top 10 over 2 minutes down on Vague. This year, he looks even stronger. The question is: who can stop Vague from collecting 15 points?
Race Information
Country: France
City/Place: Alpe d'Huez
Classification: Superprestige
Starting Time (Elite Men): 14h30
Favorites: Francis N. Vague.
Record: 1x Francis N. Vague (2015)
Race History: Alpe d'Huez is a new cross. Arguably the most famous mountainside of France has made an interesting bid on the cyclo-cross world and now features as a Superprestige race. Obviously the climb itself is not used. Long climbs and tarmac don't go with cyclo-cross. Instead, we stay at the foot of the climb and dive into the fields.
Route Information
Technical: 4
Sand: 0
Uphill: 4
Cobblestones: 0
Alpe d'Huez is a famous climb. Unfortunately we'll hardly see it in this Alpe d'Huez cross. Instead, we start at the foot of the Alpe and head straight into the field next to it. We "splash around" a bit before finally moving in: the riders climb through the trees, upwards and onwards!
The snow will make it a technical climb. After the climb, the riders stay up a bit, but the slope is skewed and it'll be hard to keep their balance, before finally going back down in a downhill honouring the Alpe d'Huez the best way they could've done: through the field in a technical downhill with... yes, 21 bends. The riders get back to the foot, where they have to go over a crossover bridge.
After that, there's a smaller climb, before finally returning to the start line. The final straight is only 80 meters long, but the terrain isn't smooth at all so it'll be a slow sprint. Power is off the essence here.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: -1° C
Precipitation: Ice, Drizzle.
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Iron fence. Stupid iron fence at a Cyclo-Cross event. The cameras may didn't want to look at him that much today, but Francis Vague still fought his way back to a solid finish alongside his compatriot Welling. The physical and mental support helped Vague once more to come back and with just a bit over 2 minutes down, Vague is relunctant to write the Trophy off.
Quite an unfortunate crash, how are you feeling, does it hurt much? It's alright. The doctor took a look at it right at the end of the race and it's fortunately just some cuts. It's not that bad but it's not helping either. I'll see in the coming days how it's going but it's fortuantely nothing to worry about. When I hit the fence, I managed to cover myself still a bit it's mostly just at the arm and shoulder, so it hurt when I had to carry my bike and it took some energy of course but I was still able to finish the race off in a good way.
You were not responsible for the crash, however Soucek seems to be quite hot-headed. Some comment on that?
No, not really. Crashes happen in the race and when riders are on the limit, especially when you are in the attack, these things happen. I wanted to get a good gap there and Soucek wanted to hold on, so we were both racing full. He got in the wrong track and tried to get back and so, I went down with him. We were really close riding together so I had no chance to react. It's more like, why was the fence even there, you know. The way I see that corner wasn't ideally set up and so coming down from the hill and there should have been way more room to manevoure in any way. Instead, they give you some narrow passage that leaves you no room to breathe. But alas, that's that.
With two minutes down, the Trophy seems all but lost. How will you treat the Coca-Cola Trophy now? You still have two competitions open.
Well, I don't know really. Obviously World Cup and Superprestige are important to me, and I need to be in great shape for each race. But I said before that I wanted to try my luck at the Coca-Cola trophy and the sponsor also is eager to have me in the race, so I won't start skipping races you know. I think that 2 minutes is a hefty time margin on Mazzarelli, but it also opens up new possibilites. Maybe I can ride a bit more opportunistic now that I am down, maybe the winter can help me beat Mazzarelli and the other two. I definitely want to gain back time from here on out, we'll see how much is possible. So, I'm still part of the competition and I still like to finish on the podium, possibly I can win one or two Crosses, too.
This weekend didn't really work out for you. Does Alpe d'Huez come at the right time?
I looked forward to this race for a long time now, it was really special to me to win here last season, and I obviously want to it again. Maybe I can also get some points between me and the others. This weekend was definitely a set-back, it just didn't work out in some cases, and that's stuff that happens, stuff you learn from.. No one is always upfront, no one. So, this weekend it hit me hard but I want to strike back even harder.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Well that went well, finishing in the top 5 was a great result, especially as the bandage felt tight about half way through the race. The cut itself wasn’t a problem it was just that I’m not used to the bandage and I think the doctor wrapped it up abit tighter than I would have liked.
Luckily I won’t need it now that it’s starting to heal over but I just didn’t want to risk leaving it uncovered whilst it was still open due to the risk of infection being so great when you consider we are racing through dirt and mud.
Apart from that though the race went well and it was nice to return to the top 5 and as I continue to heal from that cut I should be able to perform better. Things are looking good in that regard going into Alpe d’Huez, I won’t need it covered anymore so my thigh won’t feel so restricted anymore and I’ll be able to ride as if it wasn’t there and unless I split it back open again then it will be fully healed by the Christmas Cross.
I’ve got to say Aosta Valley was a weird cross in general really, Francis was loking super dominant again there and that probably would have been competition over had he stayed up as having seen the race replay he was looking like he could keep going all day and I think he would have kept taking time out of everyone if Jan didn’t bring him down.
Having seen it back a few times that crash looked scary, in my opinion it looked worse that Elliot’s one, ok Cook’s involved more riders but he didn’t hit an Iron rail at speed. I still can’t believe that Francis didn’t break his collarbone going into that shoulder first, he’s really lucky to have gotten away with that one and he surely must be hurting. I know he’s said otherwise but look at how he finished Aosta, the way he rode after his crash was nothing like how he was going beforehand, you don’t see a rider have that drastic change in pace unless there is something wrong there. Maybe he was just being cautious but I’m sure he must be hurting and wouldn’t expect to see him at his best in the next race.
Seeing Milan pick up the win was a surprise, I know he’s been here practicing forever as he wouldn’t stop going on about it but no matter how much practicing you do you still need some race shape and I thought he would have missed that. Maybe his little break is what caused Matt and Sylvain to underestimate his last attack and why he got the room to make such a late solo escape from them. I just hope this win doesn’t go to his young head and that D’Anvers can help him stay grounded and focussed on the future races. If Lotto Fidea are to return to the top step more often then they’ll need that to happen. Enough about him though.
Looking forward I’d like to think I’ll be on the podium at Alpe d’Huez, it’s the kind of technical course that I really enjoy and thanks to my background it’s one I should thrive on and is one of those I picked out when the calendar was released as a target to peak for and one where I thought I’d have a good chance of getting my best result of the season. Recent results suggest I’ve timed my peak right so hopefully I’ll get some luck here.
Well despite trying to be relaxed around it I'm not going to lie that that was a pretty big weight that got lifted off my chest on Sunday. Usually I really have no clue why the media say what they say other than to get a story, but I guess as the leader of the great Lotto team there is pressure, especially after going over a year without a win. I've recounted the race to death by now and although it was a nice moment the next race here in France is the priority now.
It was good to hear though that Vague was OK after the crash into the fence, just some cuts which I guess means he should be back in business to dominate L'Alpe. I just can't see anyone getting near him on this kind of course, see Whakapapa but more dominance. I'd like to think it could be exactly like Whakapapa in that I could be the best of the rest but alas I fear not, looking to the Eldfjassons, the Hammarlings, the Lipawskys and the Duboises (Duboiseaus, Dubouisi?) to be competing for those last two podium places. The amount of ice and snow should suit the Odfjell guys whilst the technical/climbing combo adding to that is right up the alley of Sylvain and Olivier. Perhaps a Schiltz? We'll see, but now I'm just listing off the top ten of last year.
Speaking of Dubois, of course I've got some tweets to his blog post where he mentioned me in passing. Yes, I saw it, we post on the same goddamn press feed. It didn't bother me much, it came across as a warning from a more experienced guy in terms of top level sport to a less experienced one. We don't know each other well so I can forgive him for the whole "staying on the ground" thing. As for the other bit, I'd like to think I earned the victory a little more than the same "surprise, it's the youngest guy in the pack" thing from Struisbaai last year (which apparently would still be a thing if it wasn't for Louis and Forcellini) but I guess he's got a point. As for me banging on about it, maybe I did, maybe I didn't, obviously someone else analyses my words much more than I do, it's more a stream of consciousness than an interview with me I guess. I'm not sure if I was over-emphasising it, but it was obviously something I was asked about a lot and then it's hard not to talk about it. So sadly you, the one on twitter with the popcorn ready, that was just his advice and it's nice to receive some. That was probably a way longer answer than you guys wanted but this blog is just my stream of consciousness...
Back to myself and the team then, and a lot of people in the press were really doubting us, you all know I don't care but the atmosphere with some people who were here from the glory days of Dries and Mark is less than impressed with our lack of results. The four of us have been doing our utmost to keep improving, asides from Mark we're a really young team with only around 5 full seasons between us, and afaik Guido and I are 3rd and 4th youngest riders here (yes yes, Vague, yes yes). I know a lot of our fans have been a little disgruntled but I think you might have us confused from the gods that were Dries and Mark five or six years ago.
Alpe D'Huez for me is a chance to see where I sit here, I say that a lot but going into Scandinavia soon (well, a few weeks away) I've got some hopes after a really good ice campaign for the most part last year. The course is technical and hilly, so not exactly my strengths but with a good race anything can happen, just as it did in Aosta or Rio, but also just as it did in Tekapo or Struisbaai. Hoping for the former obviously as it'd be nice to get a run of form going on the back of a victory. Realistically a top 5 would be great but as always, aim for the moon and if you miss hopefully you'll land amongst the stars.
The past weekend was a bit of a draught frankly. I tried to come back from a weak Superprestige showing and lost lots of ground onto Mazzarelli that way. The form continues to be good, I just didn't have the right rhythm lately in winning races in a way I would have liked.
But it's about to change, it actually has to. I looked up the bookies and saw my odds. Little to no pay-out you'd get due to my performance of last year, and me already leading the table again. But I expect a hard-fought race this time around. Going off alone only works in certain moments when the right riders can't or won't hold up to your wheel. I got a game-plan and I want to set it in motion but the pieces always have to align, too.
Seeing as how the snow returns to Cyclo-Cross finally I am relieved it comes about this time. It'll give me an advantage on a tough hilly and technical route that could have suited my rivals, too. But I gain the edge over them when the surface becomes frozen.
For the cuts I visited a special doctor who has made a name for himself lately in the road scene: Dr. Ryckaert helped me make some quick improvements. Cuts ain't so bad, but some bruises are still there. Fortunately, it's nothing all too major so I should be can come close to my best on a good day. Guess we'll find out how exactly I can improve still though. I felt pretty good at the new doctor, so although the team has its own doctor as far I can tell, maybe I can some additional opinion when I need it. I definitely have to work out a way on how to reduce fatigue in fact. I don't feel it just yet, it's just that the recovery gets tougher the longer the season goes..
The team delivered some great showing lately, especially Christian has quickly returned to his best level, and arguably without the early season crash, he'd be in contention for one or two classifications himself. It's selfish of me but occassionally it's good to have a great rider on your disposal who can help you, a rider of the ability to win the race himself. Christian is in this way really the best help you can imagine because we have been dueling each other for such a long time, we knwow how we race. There's little I havn't said about Sven Welling so far, my great friend and training parter has been great support to me in Italy and helped me even gain back some time. I also appreciated the work of Louis Listerijn who was probably well-aware that he was riding against his brother at some point then. I like to think I can win any race on my own but the team strength comes to your favour at times. Our team manager was lately thinking about extending our team but I'm wary of the additional cost/benefit. There's only so much benefit you get from having teammates, the benefit curve is almost in the flat, economically-speaking.
Well, a team can help you in many ways certainly. In that regard, the team can also help you take out the rivals. I've re-watched the race and I'm baffled at how risky Soucek was heading into this downhill, completely ignoring his brakes in fact and just looking for an impossible angle in a curve. It wasn't that he chose the wrong track - he just ignored me on the right one. Bauknecht-Author have been a respectable team all the way but I don't think Soucek would have been so aggressive if it was someone else up there with him. So, of course I doubt sincereley it was delibarte but subconsicousness and will to win can make for a bad pairing. It was Vague there with him, apparently that's reason enough to go extra hard. To dig deep, risk it all in a corner. To not retreat. To not give me a single inch. No free space. Keep close - and keep him from winning.
But I don't mind. It's racing. I'll be back in Alpe d'Huez though, and I hope I can sent them a message right back.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
It's been a few weeks since I've been on my blog, if I'm honest my form was lacking a bit after the high that was racing towards the front in Rio and eventually coming 13th. I felt like a giddy little grasshopper with that achievement, Milan got a nice podium and time on his Coca-Cola rivals which just made it all the sweeter. Port Elisabeth was then cancelled and with no reason still given I'd usually go with the organisers on this one, neither them nor the UCI would cancel another South African race without a good enough reason as they wouldn't want to risk tarnishing the African brand, just as Moli rises and a guy like van Niek dominates the U23s. Hopefully the much better organisation in Struisbaai and very good setup in Johannesburg the last two years will keep them there, even if one may get canned. Let's just hope not.
In Struisbaai I failed to finish which was a tad dissapointing as I felt I had something starting in Rio, but then it was more the 20 guys who finished Lisbon were amazing rather than the 40 who didn't weren't. Bristol I finished in the forties (something I plan to do with my career, incidentally. No?) which was to be expected as ice never cut the mustard for me anymore. Lee Valley equally dissapointing.
Rasterhoff though, I felt like a damn spring chicken. I followed Hammarling from Odfjell on an early attack on a fast course and we were soon joined by young Moli and Gormley, the sand master from Ireland. Gormley's a force of nature, even if he doesn't have the technical skills needed to be a top climber he's got raw power which I couldn't follow. I ended up with the big boys, the new Golden Generation, as it were. I've seen him endless times on TV but Vague never ceases to impress me with his technical skill, even with an off-day he's the most naturally talented guy since Dries, and I mean that sincerely. I had to let them go in the end and rose in 11th. I'm still loving progressing like a neo-pro really, I know deep down I'll never win another World Cup or Superprestige but I'm giving my all to be competitive and good enough to help out Milan or Guido when they need it. Aosta wasn't near as good and then here we are now.
Olivier as I've said is fast turning into a friend of mine in the pack but he did sen out a bit of a warning to young Milan. I must say Milan needs no help keeping his feet firmly on the ground (or on his pedals, whatever). But of course as he said it is important for any young neo-pro doing well, the van Dycks and the Souceks, to not get too big for their boots. Speaking of the younger riders, Bristol was an awesome race to rewatch as it was a nice battle between the younger riders on the brink of breaking through (some of them have already) at the front, with Young, Huser and Soucek doing battle. Van Dyck has been phenomenal, too, recently. Soucek, van Dyck, Huser and Young seem to be a second wave coming at us with enormous amounts of talent and potential. Them all being older than Vague and Milan is just weird.
Milan certainly got some people off his back in Aosta, it was a smart move for the win and it was good to see him pull it off. He that would eat the kernel must crack the nut, I guess, and he sure did crack our nut. Figuratively. But as Guido works for some form, and he's getting there and working hard, it was nice that the team could get a win in the Post-Dries-Drought. We can't expect the bird to fly into our mouth already roasted now though, we've got to push on a lot and take some confidence from Milan's victory. I know every rider in the team's season is a work still in it's progress and that's completely OK.
Of course it feels whenever I have an interview I get asked when I'm going to retire. I've done it once and it was no fun. So my plan is still not even consider it until i become an Olympian, and that is my goal, to get in the squad for Pyeongchang in 2018. I'd like to ride for as long as I can, maybe stop if it feels I'll ruin my health for the rest of my life or it just feels a natural time to end it. Maybe that's why I don't have a wife yet.
The Alpe d'Huez cross is set to become a classic quickly. Quite a new cross, but already a big name on the calendar. Who doesn't want to win here? The tilted/skewed section of the profile is rumoured to be even harder than last year, due to recent rain and frost. Riders will have to dismount and even then it'll be a challenge to get through it without slipping at least once.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: -1° C
Precipitation: Ice, Drizzle.
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Start Line: And the winter has finally arrived. Icy temperatures, a light drizzle, frozen underground. All the ingredients are present for an interesting race.
Young Frenchman Chetout starts with the elite men. A bold choice as he was one of the top favorites for the U23 race.
Lap 1: The riders are off! I'm sure we'll see a big fight for the early positions. You don't want to have to move up a lot of places on this slippery terrain.
And it's Vague with a perfect start. Does he have something special planned for today? Last weekend he wasn't at his best, but he seems in form now. Eldfjallsson is happy the winter has finally arrived and takes the first turn in second position.
Vague lets Dubois pass him and decides to let someone else dictate the rhythm for now. No flying start for the Belgian today.
Lipawsky comes to the front now. The pace increases slightly as we start the technical climb.
This is the toughest part of the course. The ground is tilted here. Add the frozen underground and it's nigh to impossible to stay on your bike here. And indeed, we see all riders dismounting and running. Well, running is exaggerating, more like sliding over to the other side. Multiple riders lose their footing and slip down into the soft fences set up.
Chris Young moves up a few more places. He's having a good start!
This downhill is very demanding for the riders. You have to use all the muscles in your body just to keep your bike balanced. Vague demonstrates how you can do it effectively. Young Guido Visconti is bringing Milan Listerijn forward after Listerijn missed his start. Lotto-Fidea seems to be growing as a team. They're finally starting to recover from Cornelis' departure. They're accepting their role as an outsider team, rather than the big team it's been for a while now.
Lap 2: Pieter Van Dyck is a bit too eager to move up places and goes down! He's not the only one, though. Many riders have made contact with the ground today, and we'll see many more.
Lipawsky once again takes the lead of the race going up the climb. Is Mazzarelli still with the main group? Yes, he's right at the back, good for him.
Oh Dubois surprises Lipawsky completely by overtaking him at the top of the climb. And brilliant timing by the Swiss rider, as he can dictate the pace on the tilted section now. Wait - unbelievable! Dubois shows world class bike handling by staying on his bike! And that gives him an instant gap, as Lipawsky dismounts. Vague wants to try and ride it, too, but gets caught behind Lipawsky and is forced to dismount as well.
Vague overtakes Lipawsky and turns up the heat in the downhill. And now the group is shattering. Mazzarelli has to take back some gas. Vague is really flying downhill here.
Lap 3: Dubois still has a creditable gap, while Vague only has Lipawsky and Listerijn left on his wheel. Eldfjallsson is trailing just a bit. Behind that, there's a larger gap back to Young, Visconti, Markson, Hammarling and some others.
Eddie Goldenberg is not the biggest fan of ice and we see why, he's having problems keeping his bike balanced.
This time Vague takes the climb for his account. I have a feeling Vague wants to win here today. Dubois is no threat to the Superprestige but he won't let him go.
Dubois once again rides the tilted section a-- he has to dismount now, though. He's gotten halfway before slipping eventually. Now let's see if Vague can do it too... Yes! Of course. Vague leaves Lipawsky and Listerijn behind as they're forced to dismount. Vague closes a big part of the gap to Dubois with his move, he stays on his bike all the way to the end. Two very talented bike-artists; Dubois and Vague.
Lap 4: With some sense of risk, Vague has caught up with Dubois. Two leaders. And by the looks of it, it won't be easy to bring them back. They're working together easily and increasing the gap. Further behind, Lipawsky makes a steering mistake and goes down! Listerijn is now suddenly a lone chaser. Not an easy task ahead of him.
Robin Huser is eyeing the top 10 today as he leaves Van Dyck and Dao behind with an impressive attack! He's now found Sven Welling.
And what about Etxeberdea. He's still in contention for the top 5, catching up with Lipawsky now. A strong race by the Basque.
Vague and Dubois have really found each other. They're relaying smoothly. Though at the tilted section, there's a small fight to be the first one. That's only logical: if you make a mistake, you can force the other to run, too. If you're in second position and you make the mistake, you let the other one go.
Mazzarelli is still within the top 10 and is riding with Chris Young. If he can survive today and limit the loss, the Superprestige isn't all lost for Mazzarelli.
Christian Schiltz is riding a formidable second half of the race. He completely missed his start but now he's coming alongside Markson and Hammarling.
Lap 5: Listerijn is 20 seconds behind the two leaders. He's not gaining any ground and is caught in no-man's land. But the young Belgian Kiwi keeps a steady pace and is not giving up hope just yet.
And we hear Chetout has abandoned the race. He never really got in his rhythm, starting at the back.
Jan Soucek is having an off-day, too. He's crashed for the third time.
And a flat tire now for Lipawsky. Oh, wait, apparently is Pierre Lipawsky, not Sylvain.
We're down to 40 riders in the field. We won't be looking at too many finishers today. About 30, I think.
Lap 6: The race is locked a bit, now. Everyone is at his righteous place. The strongest two riders are definitely at the front.
And now there's an attack! Vague attacks Dubois uphill! Can the Swiss answer the attack? He has to leave a little gap!
Eldfjallsson is strong, very strong, today. He and Lipawsky are trying to get back to Listerijn, but the gap is rather large.
Vague is taking some time quickly now. Is this the moment the race is lost for Dubois? The gap is 8 seconds. That was one formidable attack.
It's nice to see Visconti back at a high level. He'll most likely finish top 10. In a race like this, it's telling. You can't finish today's race well without a decent form, be sure of that!
Vague keeps the gap at 8 seconds. Dubois is not cracking completely, but it's a considerable gap heading towards the final lap. The race is Vague's to lose.
Lap 7: Final lap! Welling is struggling. The toughness of the race is catching up on him and he's losing places rather quickly now.
Huser, too, hasn't continued his strong first part of the race. He's stuck at about 13th position. We thought he was setting himself up for an assault to a top 10 place, but Hammarling and Markson are still 15 seconds ahead of him.
The gap is 4 seconds. Is this confirmed? Yes it is. We see it on camera now. Dubois is making up ground! Vague looks over his shoulder - he can't believe it! Olivier Dubois in a heroic performance, gaining back time on the World Champion!
And he's making Vague nervous... Vague makes a mistake and Dubois is back on his wheel! Incredible. He's closed to gap to the World Champion and is back in contention for the race victory!
Vague opens the gas in the downhill, he wants to get rid of this guy! But Dubois won't let him go, now. He's hanging on for dear life! It's an intense duel between a world class talent and a multiple World Champion Trial Bike! Two artists on the bike, two guys who know what it's like to win! But Dubois hasn't experienced victory in cyclo-cross yet, so Vague has the edge there! If anyone knows how to win a cross, it's Francis Vague. Especially a Superprestige race.
We're going to a sprint! Vague couldn't shake him off. How fast is Dubois at the finish line? We'll find out!
One final corner and Vague starts his sprint immediately coming out of the corner! Dubois is ready for him and gets out of the saddle.
Vague keeps the road open and plays it fair. Dubois needs to make his move now if he wants to win! He tries to move into the gap between Vague and the fence... But he can't make up those few metres necessary to win! Vague started his sprint from the head and finishes first! Nothing to be done against the World Champion. He raises his arms, after making sure Dubois won't overtake him before the finish line. Dubois is a very creditable second here on Alpe d'Huez.
Listerijn is third, a nice race from him.
Eldfjallsson has broken free from Lipawsky and is fourth, Lipawsky fifth.
Etxeberdea in sixth, Visconti a nice seventh. Young wins the sprint against Mazzarelli and Schiltz for the remaining top 10 places.
We've seen a nice race today. The Superprestige is once again fully in Vague's control. But with five manches left, who knows what this beautiful trophy still has in stock for us? We'll see you on Christmas Day for the Christmas Classics!
As you know, the Christmas Classic is in Switzerland. Dubois is a Swiss. We'll leave today's broadcast with that thought!
And than that's that. Vague is back on the top and all the discussion has ended aprublty, as he puts his arms into the air. The last check on Dubous was necessary, after all you wouldn't want to get zabeled right there. But the heartful performance was enough and he got rewarded. The second win at Alpe d'Huez puts Vague a step ahead of his competition in the Superprestige. Most notably Mazzarelli has been lacking behind and has now a gap of 17 points on the belgian World Champion.
Enough for Vague yet? "It doesn't matter so much at this point, there are still some races to go. What I am happy about is that I won again today. Alpe d'Huez counted for me personally, I wanted to win here. To prove myself. This is my terrain and so I am glad I'm able to win here regardless of the talk."
The form certainly speaks for itself. Vague is close to the 100 points, already. And his run through the ranks hasn't ended yet. Vague is determined to take home many more race wins. "I am feeling very good still. It's true, I was a bit disappointed at the last weekend but you think about it for a day and then all is good again. My aim is to break double digits this season and I can't slow down for that. If I want to make it a reality."
Without the slightest glance of worry but a hopeful look in the future, Vague steps up the podium and enjoys his wave of congratulation. Mountain of Walloonia.
"Dubois gave me a real run for the money. He was perfect in some of the technical sections and I was genuinely surprised when he managed to get back. I thought I had him there and that I could save it to the line but he made a strong comeback. I was glad my risky sprint paid off. It's clear to me that Dubois is here to stay. He has winner's blood and I think it'll be soon that he starts collecting the wins. Maybe he can fill the gap left by Cook."
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Media encountered a very pleased Vanbroucke later in one of the famous five star hotels of Alpe d'Huez. "Today we saw why the Superprestige needs 12 races. There's no competition like it. You get the best races, the best fans. The best wine too, haha." The red nose tells you he already hit one or two bottles. His golden boy Vague and the team back in traditional winning harmony.
But there was more to tell in fact. Vanbroucke was present with CEO of Corendron and the two of them had big news to spill. "We have sent the paperwork to the UCI and have informed them of the change. Starting with 1st of January, the team will be known as BKCP-Corendron. It's official."
"We'd like to deeply thank Powerplus. They'll remain in fact still as a sponsor and Sven Welling has recently signed on for some commercial spots. He's a very reliable guy and they have reliable tools. It's a great fit for all."
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
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Goldie
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
Alpe d'Huez - Preview
