Just few days after Torku, here I am in Hagfors Cross. I am told that Sven is soon leaving Scandinavia. I will visit him once we come back to the Luxembourg Challenge soon. But first, I have two important races ahead of me.
Hagfors bookmakers claim I have the nimbus of strength here. Hard to figure how I can be beat. But if there's no snow than Mazzarelli is really close as he had shown when I won. Torku gave a pretty good impression of another instance how I can beat and I don't want to see a re-match. Instead I will take this race by the horns and look to settle the score. In the Superprestige, Ostrava is coming up next and with Mazzarelli having won there and Sven missing, I have little to gain there on my last remaining opponent.
I am close to sealing the Superprestige now. Over 20 points. But no reason to start counting in fact. I won't let it slip out of my hand as long as I am racing. The snow will help me keep them off my back. The next one is for Sven.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The second best rider in the world, according to the UCI Rankings, is out for the rest of the season. The Superprestige now really looks like Vague's to lose.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: -5° C
Precipitation: Snow.
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Start List: No Sven Welling here, too. He's an ancient in the pack and has known a troubled career. This injury is another in a long list. To get the motivation to get back after each of them is mentally tough. Let's hope he can return to the peloton.
It's very cold today, and it's snowing lightly, so it feels even colder. Who can handle it and who can't?
The Superprestige seems finished, unless Mazzarelli can pull a magical rabbit out of his head. Let's found out, shall we?
Lap 1: The race has started. Markson has started on the front line because of both Lipawsky and Welling out.
This course is very technical. If you manage these obstacles well, you can get away early without spending too much time with your nose in the wind. No long sections where you're in a group advantage.
And Vague with a fast start. Mazzarelli is right up there with him. He still has an outside shot at the Superprestige, but it won't be easy at all.
Luckily we have the Ahlgren climb in this profile. It always offers good spectacle.
An acceleration by Francis Vague just over the hill! He uses the downhill to his advantage. Pieter Van Dyck is the only one trying to answer the attack.
But Vague's technique downhill is quite unmatched and Van Dyck loses ground quickly.
Lap 2: Vague is in the lead. He's increasing the gap on the chasers. Van Dyck is still within 10 seconds.
The course is very hard, especially with the ice. Many riders have already hit the ground. And if you look at Vague and then at the chasing group, there's an obvious difference in speed. Vague with a certain sense for taking risks, while the chasers take the corners slower and are more careful.
Matt Mazzarelli is handling the cold relatively well, for him. He's had worse days on the ice. Most noticably in the chasing group is Guido Visconti, who's doing work for Milan Listerijn.
Lap 3: Olivier Dubois has caught up with the first chasing group after a mediocre start. Van Dyck is within reach for the chasers. The Dutch rider was caught in no man's land and the chasers are coming closer than Van Dyck is nearing Vague.
Forcellini leaves behind Lachy Bauer, who's not having a good day on the ice.
The crowd here is very pro-Vague. He's being cheered on loudly. The only other rider enjoying this kind of attention, even more, is home rider Mikel Hammarling. It's his last Hagfors cross and so the crowd decides to shout him forward to a victory. The Swede is in the chasing group, so nothing is lost yet.
But they'll need to catch this Vague, who seems to have found the perfect lines and is now already 20 seconds ahead of the chasers.
Lap 4: It looks like the strongest Blue Bell rider today is Chris Young. Goldenberg and Markson see their Canadian team mate ride away quite easily. He joins up with Osorio and the duo are trying to find the chasing group, now consisting of Mazzarelli, Visconti, Van Dyck, Listerijn, Dubois, Hammarling and, surprisingly, McLaughlin.
The Brit McLaughlin is getting better every race and you just have to wonder where it'll end. His debut season was an impressive one and a victory seemed obvious for his second season, but then it went downhill. These last two seasons, he was only a shadow if his old self. And now, this.
30 seconds for Vague. The victory of the day seems gone well before halfway the race. You never know, but this seems game over.
Lap 5: Visconti is like a polar bear. He doesn't mind the cold and keeps working at the front tirelessly, with Listerijn in his wheel. For several laps now he's been at it alone. But gaining any ground on Vague is impossible for just one chaser.
And now there's a reaction! Finally someone realizes that they're handing Vague the win on a silver platter and he wants to do something about it. It's Olivier Dubois!
And there is no further reaction. It's a strange race, with strange behaviour from the pack. Is Visconti's pace that high? Perhaps, but Vague's is even higher.
Dubois made his choice and has to stick with it now. It's an ungrateful job he's up for. Trying to catch Vague alone. He was Vague's equel on the slopes of the Alpe d'Huez, so we know he can handle the ice.
Lap 6: Hammarling is getting fed up by this passive riding. He attacks! Listerijn answers his attack! The race has finally started. Visconti can't match the pace of Hammarling and falls behind. Mazzarelli and McLaughlin exchange a few words. Interesting, what might they talk about?
And now McLaughlin picks up the pace with Mazzarelli in his wheel. I guess we shouldn't be surprised to see McLaughlin offered a contract by Mapei for next season? Who knows.
Van Dyck is making many small mistakes and it's costing him a lot of time.
Lap 7: Chris Young and Camilo Osorio have Van Dyck within their sights.
Vague has 40 seconds over Olivier Dubois and a minute over Hammarling and Listerijn. If this is correct, the race is definitely run.
Forcellini and Louis Listerijn have teamed up further down the field. Behind them, Verboven isn't taking any unnecessary risks, with the road season coming closer for him.
Lap 8: Two laps remain. And it looks like Vague is now taking some pressure off. This isn't the pace he developed in lap 4, which is still the fastest of the race. With Trondheim CX tomorrow, this might be the wisest thing to do.
Olivier Dubois is riding a strong race. He's been out of shape a bit, but this is mostly technical and Dubois knows how to steer, in whatever form he might be.
Hammarling and Listerijn are technically inferior to Dubois, but they're trying to gain back ground in other ways, by riding harder whenever the road allows it. Hammarling is impressive on the ice, though.
Lap 9: The final lap! Vague is still comfortably ahead, and has the comfort of avoiding any risks.
Dubois is in a strange position himself. The gap to Vague is too big, but the gap back to Listerijn and Hammarling is big enough, too. Without any errors or accidents, he'll become second.
And Vague makes a fist, now, towards his crew. For the first time a sign that he's got it. He even high fives some fans in the crowd, who were waiting for him. This will be his ninth of the season, and he looks as happy as a neopro taking his first.
And here he is. Seven Superprestige victories out of nine races so far. Nine overall this season. Where will it end? He crosses the finish line with a wheelie! Better watch out with that ice, Francis!
Dubois has taken it easier this last lap, too. He waves at the crowd. He looks quite pleased with his second place today. And to be honest, it was the highest possible for anyone other than Vague today.
Sprint for third between Hammarling and Listerijn... It's Listerijn! Hammarling won't be on the podium in this only Swedish race in his last season. Too bad for him!
And a very impressive McLaughlin takes fifth. Mazzarelli rode a very bad last half lap. He probably realizes the Superprestige is truly gone now and it must've gotten to him. Mazzarelli isn't always the strongest mentally.
It's not the type of race that the audience love but I still got my cheers out of it. Around half of the race I figured it was going good enough but only in the last laps I decided to take it save energy. Of course Trondheim is on my mind now but when I race, it's the event that matters. In that way I honor the Superprestige in the best way I know how but also it's important that I recuperate well for tomorrow. Trondheim is a place of bad memories of last year, but I am ready to overcome them.
It's my 7th win in the series as of now. Things are going incredible well and I'm well on the verge of securing a back-to-back victory in this trophy. Hagfors Cross saw me as a big favourite and I was relieved when things were going great from the first lap. In those events I always like to keep myself upfront from the get-go. When the racing is risky it's best you go your own pace and can focus on the parcour rather than the other riders.
I have received news of Sven. He is doing better now but still not great. The pain may be lasting he told me on the phone. He also said I shouldn't worry about it. I still dedicate this victory to him of course. It's nigh impossible he'll come around this season again but it will motivate him more for training in the off-season, I'm sure of that.
Meanwhile I don't bother much about what Lipawsky answered to my critic of his Bauknecht's racing. I'm not sure what to make of it but I stand by what I said. Two BKCP riders, including myself, got knocked over Bauknecht riders in the past weeks. I was lucky I got away. Sven explained the situation well enough, but I can't be bothered to go deeper in this controversy in these hectic weeks. I want to concentrate on the racing, and I will do just that tomorrow. I hope Lipawsky gets well soon and will return to former strength.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
We're back at Trondheim. Last year, we saw a race full of twists. Vague went down regularly in one particular corner - still in the parcours, by the way. And looking at the World Cup battle this year, we see that Goldenberg actually finished two places ahead of Vague a year ago, so nothing is lost for the American in his bid for the World Cup against World Champion Vague.
Cornelis won last year's cross after Eldfjallsson was fined with irregular sprinting.
What tomorrow will give is anyone's guess. Vague wants to close the door on Goldenberg for the World Cup sooner rather than later because there's going a lot of energy in it, fighting for 8 manches already. He is in top shape, with the World Championships only two weeks away, but he comes back to a place where he'll have mixed feeling. A win in his debut season, but his most-dreaded corner in all of the season awaits him here, too.
Lastly, it's the final Scandinavian cross for Mikel Hammarling, retiring later this year. Will he finish his career with a victory in his last season or not? We wouldn't call this his last shot. But there aren't many races left, that's for sure.
Race Information
Country: Norway
City/Place: Trondheim
Classification: World Cup
Starting Time (Elite Men): 14h
Favorites: Mikel Hammarling, Francis Vague, Eddie Goldenberg, Pieter Van Dyck.
Record: 8x Pieter Gasthuys (1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1995)
Race History: Trondheim has been competed since the 50s, but it's only been World Cup since 1982, where Gasthuys won the first "new" edition easily. The profile is almost always frozen, cold and wet. Expect the guys who pack a few kilos more to come out on top here. This is no terrain for lightweights. Gasthuys tops the record here with an astounding eight victories. A record that might well stand there forever.
Route Information
Technical: 4
Sand: 2
Uphill: 0
Cobblestones: 2
Trondheim is a tricky parcours. It's pan flat, which seems a rarity in modern cyclo-cross, but that doesn't mean you can expect an easy ride here. True, the average speed will be quite high, despite the twists and turns.
The riders go through a tricky section filled with cobblestones, with an almost certainty of ice and snow on the ground. Stay upright and you have a good chance at winning, that's basically what Trondheim has to offer.
The riders move to the beach for the final straight, which is an amazing 700 meter long section right next to the sea. It's very wet there, with the sea usually smashing up to the rocks next to the profile. The riders will be able to sprint for the victory and the long straight offers the strong riders a chance to power away, but in the end, a more technical rider is expected to take this. Technical and - of course - well balanced on ice and snow!
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: -2° C
Precipitation: Rain/Snow.
Wind: 2 - 3 Beaufort
Wahoo! The sweet lips of victory embraced me again in the last lap of Torku - not instigating anything and instead doing my share of the pace - nothing more, nothing less - worked an absolute treat. There's no better feeling than raising your arms in celebration - I was blessed enough to do it in Finland. A perfect win, and finally a gap over 10 seconds Louis also did very well there for the first few laps for Vague - dropped off a bit but awesome for my bro to get his first Elite top 10 - he's really pushing for that WC spot.
Word on the crash - Sylvain did indeed go straight to the opposite fence cutting off Welling and mowed him over. Understand risks but gotta keep your head screwed on. I managed to change my line well enough to dodge while catching the leaders - but nothing on Vague's cat-like reactions. Compares much to this:
Hagfors was a Vague masterclass and I could do little to stop it - Dubois too was too good for me. Managed to pick up another podium with 24 seconds to the next group - also another nice ride with Mikel Hammarling, he's a class act.
Trondheim is next and another podium is on the agenda - should be hard but I think the form is picking up and the legs are liking these Scandinavian ice roads - can we stay here a bit longer? Familiar faces should be popping up - Goldenberg will defend his lead against Lord Vaguer, van Dyck will continue his form and Odfjell will bring strength in numbers for another good showing. McLaughin and Dubois impressing on the ice too - and of course given the chance I'm more than happy to deliver Guido to the line for his second as a thank you for his great work
Catch you there,
Milan
Edited by jandal7 on 26-06-2016 10:01
Long time, no see! A lot to catch up on then. Obviously first up want to send my thoughts out to still-reeing Kitakyushu, I was there and saw first hand the damage and hurt done that day and every day since. Hope it gets better quickly, though for some it never will.
So many races and a few decent performances missed, so let's start in Finland with my first ever Elite top 10! Great achievement but I'm more proud of the first couple of laps where I did some pacing nd riding on the front for Francis, one of my real ambitions for the season. The legs are slowly getting used to the jump up the levels and for the first time yesterday I was the one at the front, not the one in pain at the back. Until the miserable last two laps of clinging onto the top 10 spot. But what a great race and Vanbroucke said to me if I keep it up I could, maybe, just possibly, vie for the 5th spot at Worlds. It'd be an honour but head down and deliver Francis to more victories first. Speaking of Finland, Milan won well, so shot big bro, and Sven fell. Dangerous move by Lipawsky and not nice to see a teammate like that, but I think there is a bit of "s*** happens." around it too.
Talking of Francis and Sven, I'm starting to be less of the "fourth guy" on the team, though really I still am. I don't really know Francis or Christian, only Sven on a personal level, which is a shame but will always happen. I've renewed my contract, actually I just did it after Torku, where Vanbroucke in his emphatic style, came into my room whilst I was half-naked watching a movie, handed me an envelope and said "After the last few weeks if you want to stay on you most certainly can. Pay rise, too." I wasn't going to turn down any offer from the team and the pay rise was nice but really I'm not here for more money than I need.
Hagfors this afternoon was another good race for the team, with Francis storming to the win. His early attack meant Christian and I could ride for ourselves bit, I didn't want to waste energy for Trondheim tomorrow but in the end I put in a good effort to come 17th, another solid personal result.
Trondheim is up next, then there's only my home race left. After yesterday's victory at Hagfors Cross, I am confident as ever to pull it off here this time around. I don't care much about the corner or the mishaps of last season. New year, new race, new goals.
With the battle against Goldenberg going into the dramatic conclusion, I don't need much points. Just to finish ahead of him in both races. Ardennes Cross should be in my favor, however Trondheim should be the place where I want to make a first claim and preferably get as much ground between him and me as possible.
The previous World Cup races didn't so much go in my favor as I liked. So it turned out that Goldenberg got a very slim lead over me and for now he wears the World Cup jersey. He fairly exceeded the expectations some people had on him too, performing better than he was expected of him. In this way, he reminded some of Dries Cornelis run of last season, who magically turned the tides in the last few races to his favor. I actually think Goldenberg's recipe is much easier: He just ultra peaks for most of his World Cup performances. With the form I am in though and with such a team of Schiltz and Listerijn at my side, I am sure I can break him.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Trondheim CX! The World Cup continues and Goldenberg is wearing the leader's jersey. Vague will want to grab the lead today, though, with icy temperatures perfect to his abilities.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: -2° C
Precipitation: Rain/Snow.
Wind: 2 - 3 Beaufort
Start Line: Unfortunately Chris Young won't be starting today. He's hurt himself during the warm-up rounds after a nasty crash. Apparently a spectator was involved, which makes it twice as unfortunate not to see Young here, as he was certainly a top 10 guy here.
Can Goldenberg keep his World Cup lead over Vague on this icy ground? It won't be easy, that's for certain!
Lap 1: The riders are off! Eldfjallsson with a fast start, as usual. Goldenberg in Vague's wheel. The upcoming tactic for the race?
A first attack, and it's Louis Listerijn. BKCP seems to have something planned here.
Markson comes to the front and sets the pace for the peloton. He's Goldenberg's only team mate today, with Young a non-starter.
Lap 2: Listerijn is caught by an already thinned out peloton. Still about 15 riders here. The pace drops a bit and immediately we have a next attack. Andrew McLaughlin tries to sneak off. He gets a few meters and nobody follows him.
Jan Soucek already off the pace. He's had a few good days so far this season, but not enough to become a top contender, which many expected from this young lad.
And here we see Lachy Bauer, who's not been in the right form all through the season. He's already way back and won't play a role of importance today again. What can he still achieve in his cyclo-cross career?
Lap 3: Well this is a surprise visit. We see ex-crosser James Carlisle in the crowd, cheering on McLaughlin as the Brit is riding in first position. Since Elliot Cook's injury, the Brits have been waiting for a moment like this.
Behind McLaughlin, the favorites are playing a waiting game. Vague and Goldenberg won't give each other an inch. The others have nothing left to fight for in the World Cup and are thinking about the victory of the day.
Lap 4: We're closing into the halfway point and McLaughlin is still a little over 20 seconds ahead of the race leaders. It's a considerable gap but once the favorites turn up the heat, it'll be hard to stay away. Still, the Brit has been in great form and they shouldn't underestimate him!
Meanwhile, the pace behind is taking a toll on several riders. Small mistakes are being made and riders are dropping off the pace. Louis Listerijn, Osorio, Markson, Eldfjallsson.
Vague and Goldenberg still look comfortable in the group.
Lap 5: And now we have an attack! It's Vague himself, attacking Goldenberg's World Cup Jersey! The fight for the World Cup has begun!
Mikel Hammarling, Mazzarelli and Listerijn sense an opportunity and follow Vague's acceleration.
Christian Schiltz remains at Goldenberg's wheel.
Lap 6: Van Dyck and Dubois have problems following the pace. With Schiltz as a watchdog only, Goldenberg is isolated. Vague is riding away further. But Vague has weight dragging him down. Hammarling, Mazzarelli and Listerijn are only too happy to let Vague do the work here.
McLaughlin is 14 seconds ahead. Vague's acceleration hurt his lead.
Van Dyck has returned to Goldenberg. But what good can he still be if he dropped off earlier?
Lap 7: We come into the final lap!
It's not going fast enough for Hammarling and he accelerates out of the first chasing group. Mazzarelli and Listerijn look at Vague to close the gap, but the Belgian has done most of the work here already and has no answer to Hammarling's attack.
Meanwhile, Goldenberg is already over 10 seconds behind. He's still not cracking completely. He's keeping his options open, but we're into the final lap so he'll need to do something quick!
Hammarling is closing in on McLaughlin. With Hammarling retiring, this might be his last chance at a victory. He's close, too.
McLaughlin needs every bit of energy to keep off the Swede. But he manages! He crosses the finish line first! Hammarling was so close, but ends 2nd, just a second behind the race winner! So unfortunate for the Swede!
Vague wins the sprint for place 3 and takes back the World Cup! Listerijn is fourth, just ahead of Mazzarelli.
Schiltz outsprints Goldenberg and takes away some more points from the American. BKCP with a minor coup here. But Goldenberg did his best and keeps his options open for the World Cup. It isn't completely lost, yet! All will be decided in the Ardennes, Vague's home turf!
More changes are coming to Cyclo-Cross next season. The sport has seen a recent surge of new blood and new initiatives. This new dawn of Cyclo-Cross is far from over.
Coca-Cola is dropping out as the trophy's sponsor. However, alternate sponsors are already being named and the trophy will most likely stay in its current format, under a collection of new investors and sponsors. Solar Impulse, a renewable energy project, is said to have taken a great interest in this sport.
Moreover, a new project will be launched and tested in the upcoming season. It'll be an African cup by the name of Qhubeka. Thousands of local sponsors will pull together to organise a new trophy, concerning five to seven races on African soil. The focus will be on raising awareness on the Qhubeka project.
Next season certainly looks like an interesting one. We'll have the sport's first Winter Olympics, new projects, old and new faces fighting hard for glory. We're already looking forward to it!
Two races were left in the Coca-Cola Trophy. Unfortunately we couldn't be there with you for the conclusion of this Trophy, but we're here with an extra broadcast to give you the summary of those two final races!
#7: Luxembourg Challenge
Weather Conditions
Temperature: -2° C
Precipitation: Ice
Wind: 0 - 1 Beaufort
Race Summary: The race knew a relative slow start. Lone attacker Alessio Forcellini was caught after a five-minute solo. The actual race started 20 minutes in. Dubois acted on instinct and attacked. Home rider Schiltz followed.
Mazzarelli looked comfortable and wouldn't lose his Coca-Cola Trophy lead today. When Vague and Listerijn went, he followed.
Blue Bell CX had an off-day and would never compete for the race win. The Americans are probably already looking towards the World Championships.
Visconti had a slow start but managed to make his way through the peloton. In the end, he came short to break the top 5, but he had a good race nonetheless.
Schiltz won his home race for a second consecutive year. He dropped Dubois in the last lap.
Mazzarelli managed to gain some more time on Vague and Listerijn with a late attack, too. The Trophy is as good as his.
Full Result
1
Christian Schiltz
BKCP-Corendron
60'14”
2
Olivier Dubois
Team Red Bull
0:08
3
Matt Mazzarelli
Team Mapei
0:16
4
Francis N. Vague
BKCP-Corendron
0:19
5
Milan Listerijn
Team Lotto-Fidea
s.t.
6
Pieter Van Dyck
Randstad
0:25
7
Guido Visconti
Team Lotto-Fidea
0:29
8
Mustafa Moli
NamDeb CycloX Project
s.t.
9
Fred Markson
Blue Bell CX
0:49
10
Eddie Goldenberg
Blue Bell CX
1:03
11
Louis Listerijn
BKCP-Corendron
s.t.
12
Rudy Verboven
Topsport Vlaanderen
1:14
13
Estifanos Mutahi
NamDeb CycloX Project
s.t.
14
Iban Etxeberdea
Vittel
s.t.
15
Mikel Hammarling
Team Odfjell
s.t.
16
Alessio Forcellini
Team Red Bull
1:28
17
Lachy Bauer
All Blacks
1:33
18
Michael Bollinger
Glasgow City Council
1:38
19
Chris Young
Blue Bell CX
s.t.
20
Pierre Lipawsky
Vittel
1:58
21
Karol Konva
Bauknecht-Author
2:07
22
Baris Dao
Randstad
2:22
23
Jan Soucek
Bauknecht-Author
2:39
24
Dirk Accostella
Team Mapei
2:45
25
Matt Payne
All Blacks
3:00
26
Arda Akdeniz
Torku Şekerspor
3:08
27
Mohuti Sow
NamDeb CycloX Project
s.t.
28
Andrew McLaughlin
Glasgow City Council
s.t.
29
Ferdi Kloet
Randstad
3:31
30
Timi Kokkonen
Team Odfjell
s.t.
31
Matthias Barthez
Vittel
3:52
32
Camilo Osorio
Vittel
4:06
33
Thijs Van Lookeren
Glasgow City Council
s.t.
34
Milan Vermeulen
Topsport Vlaanderen
4:19
35
Amadou Bakari
Team BAKARI
4:25
#8: Lviv
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 0° C
Precipitation: Rain
Wind: 3 Beaufort
Race Summary: The final race of the Trophy opened with a frenzied pace. BKCP broke open the race with Listerijn and Schiltz setting the pace very high. Vague was still two minutes down on Mazzarelli so winning the Trophy was a far stretch. But that doesn't mean he didn't try.
Vague went hard all day long and Dubois was the only one able to follow, relaying himself a few times, too.
But Mazzarelli kept his head cool and was never further than half a minute away from Vague. His overall victory never was threatened. In the end, Vague beat Dubois in a sprint for the victory of the day. Markson completed the podium.
And so the Coca-Cola Trophy was concluded. The battle for place 2 proved immensely exciting and in the end, Vague beat Listerijn for place 2 with just a second in the rankings.
This was the final race in the Coca-Cola Trophy and with Coca-Cola ending sponsorship, there was one final after-party. Not many riders attended, with the World Championships and the end of the season nearby. But the crowd had a blast, and it was a proper goodbye to the Coca-Cola Trophy.
Welcome to 'The Cyclo-Cross', the Ostrava Circuit. It's an ancient cross which holds a legendary name within the cross scene and even beyond. Many have compared this race to the road race Giro il Lombardia. We can see the logic behind that: late season, monumental, prestigious... But above all, Ostrava is the race where you need every piece of skill you have. There is water, sand, cobbles, hills, bridges, jumping bars, ditches, sharp turns... Everything but ice, as the temperatures have stayed comfortably above freezing.
Adolf Brodsky holds the record here, with 4 victories. This just proves winning here isn't easy. Gasthuys, who managed to win everywhere so easily, only managed two wins here in Ostrava. Today, nobody can threaten Brodsky's record, as nobody in this peloton has ever won this cross before. Usually the older riders have an advantage over youth here. Experience does matter. Gasthuys won his first Ostrava Circuit race at the age of 31. He had won pretty much everything else a few times by then.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 2° C
Precipitation: Sunny.
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Start Line: Ostrava is a big name. Either way we'll have a new winner today, as nobody in this peloton has managed to win here before. Experience matters, but today the survival of the fittest may apply.
Only Mazzarelli can still threaten Vague's lead. But it won't be easy to beat the Belgian, who has been practically unbeatable in this Superprestige season.
This is the final race before the World Championships. Those still looking for a spot on the team will put in a great effort today. Others will try to hide their form and then surprise next week in Chicago!
Lap 1: A fast start by the riders! Many are dropping off the pace quickly and the group gets thinned out very quickly, under an impulse by Pieter Van Dyck.
Visconti with some great legs and eager to show them. He rides away from the group with an impressive acceleration. He'll get his ticket for Chicago, if that wasn't certain already.
Mazzarelli, recent winner of the Coca-Cola Trophy, is attentive and doesn't look like he partied much last night.
Chris Young has been struggling with form a bit lately. He's already getting dropped now, too, in the first lap.
Lap 2: Listerijn in a comfortable position with team mate Visconti up the road. Schiltz is doing hard work to bring back the attacker. Dubois is looking at all this from a distance, keeping a low profile.
A flat tire for Fred Markson! He finished on the podium yesterday, but that was a whole other race. I wonder where he'll end up next weekend in the World Championships.
Speaking about those Championships, here is current World Champion Vague, possibly in his last race as a World Champion. He'll be one of the top favorites, but you never know. He's been a very worthy World Champion, with 12 victories under his belt in this jersey. Not many can brag with these kinds of numbers.
Lap 3: And he attacks! The World Champion wants to add Ostrava to his palmares and is prepared to fight for it! Listerijn attempts to follow this attack on this upwards slope but he doesn't reach Vague's wheel. Vague on pure power!
And he reaches Visconti, who tries to latch on.
Lap 4: Vague and Visconti have a 12 second lead over Listerijn, Mazzarelli and Dubois. Obviously Visconti isn't relaying, but Vague doesn't seem to bother anyway. He doesn't look behind and keeps riding his high pace.
Eddie Goldenberg is already caught behind half a minute. His last few crosses weren't very impressive. A diminished form with Chicago up next or a tactical plan to hide his true form? We'll have to find out until next week to find out!
Lap 5: A bad crash by Eldfjallsson! But he's getting up and is ready to continue. This could've gone worse. Sometimes you need a little luck in life, and he certainly had it here.
Is this the moment? Vague drops Visconti on a cobbled section! Visconti immediately drops his pace, he had been riding on his limit.
And just behind him is his team leader Milan Listerijn. Can he still be of service for him?
Lap 6: Visconti is doing his best to bring Listerijn back to the front, but Vague has about 20 seconds and the two Lotto chasers aren't getting any closer. Bar accidents, this race is run! A strong race by Listerijn, though, at this age in Ostrava. But what then about World Champion Vague? Gasthuys only managed to win at the age of 31.
Mazzarelli is riding himself into some good form and he might cook up a plan for next week. Those rainbow stripes inspire every rider and everyone considers himself a possible contender with the right kind of plan. But here is the top favorite for next week: Francis Vague. He is about to enter the final round.
Lap 7: One more lap, and he has half a minute on Milan Listerijn. Most likely, he'll end his first, and probably not last, reign as World Champion with a victory in the Superprestige. His eighth in the Superprestige this season, 11th this season and 25th professional victory overall.
Pieter Van Dyck leaves behind Mustafa Moli in the background. Can he still catch Christian Schiltz?
Listerijn now leaves behind his team mate Visconti, but the bird has flown. A second place is now the highest possible, and he'll get that. One week ahead of the World Championships, we have two Belgians contesting for the victory. How will they work together next week, if at all?
Here he is. World Champion Vague crosses the finish line first. He aims at his jersey and then puts both hands in the air. Another race on his impressive palmares! And this makes him top favorite for next week for sure.
Listerijn is second, Visconti third. A fully Belgian podium today.
Dubois is fourth, Mazzarelli fifth.
Well, we'll see you next week in Chicago. Better be ready!
Welcome on Montrose Beach, Chicago, in the United States for the 68th World Championships. The women will contest the race on Saturday at 15h. The U23 on Sunday at 11h30 and the Elite men will do their race Sunday at 15h.
Francis N. Vague bids his Rainbow Jersey goodbye, but there's a good chance it's only for one race, after the race, he just might be on the podium with another jersey over his shoulders. You never know with the young Belgian.
Race Information
Country: United States
City/Place: Chicago, Montrose Beach
Classification: World Championships
Starting Time (Elite Men): 15h
Favorites: Francis N. Vague, Eddie Goldenberg, Milan Listerijn, Pieter Van Dyck.
Record: 7x Pieter Gasthuys (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1996)
Race History: The World Championships were first held in 1950, where Marcel Peters ensured Belgium took the first edition. The striped-jersey is the most wanted jersey in the world, and only a few riders have the honor of wearing it in their careers. Francis Vague was the last winner, in 2016. Pieter Gasthuys, cyclo-cross legend, holds the absolute record with 7 victories. It is yet to be seen that someone will ever break that record.
Route Information
Technical: 3
Sand: 3
Uphill: 1
Cobblestones: 0
Montrose Beach means sand. The riders start on concrete road but after the initial rush, the riders get into the sand immediately. It'll be a hard battle there, next to the sea. The riders then get into a flat but more technical section, with some sharp corners. They'll get into another sand section after that.
After that, the riders leave behind the sand to climb a minor hill, the only one in the profile. It's not steep but powerful riders can distance themselves from others here if they want to.
Then we head towards the golf course. Some more deep sand and some irregular terrain, where bike handling abilities come in handy. But overall, quite flat-ish.
The riders turn back onto the beach again for 80 meters, before turning back onto the road for a 170m sprint finish. Or, a solo celebration.
The weather will have a big impact. Freezing temperatures are expected and there'll be a lot of wind. What will this mean for the race?
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: -5° C
Precipitation: Windy, Dry.
Wind: 4 Beaufort
The young man takes a sip of beer as the press conference begins. Such is the demand for words with the two stars of the Belgian squad, they've organised two different conferences. It's been quiet in the media in terms of interviews the last week. Such comes, with rife speculation about the new changes for next season.
Milan, you've been in the top 7 since your return in Aosta, does the consistency bode well for you on Sunday?
It's not a unique stat I don't think, but yeah doing well across all the terrains is very nice for me and shows some form going into such a big event. I've been working hard on being less up and down and if it's paying off with stats like these it can only be good. However I'm not quite there as you can see with good form in Scandinavia then a fairly bad finish to the Coke trophy, before a good race last week in Ostrava.
What were your thoughts on your end to the Coca-Cola trophy?
Pretty damned terrible. Vague raced smart and well to catch me by the single second but I think the way I lost it was weak and poor. I've got to be better and not have weeks like that happen. I think I've earned this podium and it's still a proud moment for me.
Ostrava is usually considered a coming of age and experience race for young riders performing well, what does a second place at just 19 years mean to you?
Ostrava is a really special race for many people and I'm no different. What I did last week was great and I couldn't have done it without Guido who got himself a third as well. I found I had good legs but obviously not at the legs of Vague. The all-Belgian podium is good for Sunday as we've got some form on our side, but so do Mazzarelli, Schiltz, van Dyck, Dubois, and more.
A lot of discussion has surrounded the leadership of the Belgian squad, as friction is almost a mainstay of the setup. Any comment on where you stand in a team with Francis Vague?
Uh, I don't really know Vague as a person but I'm sure we'll figure things out at the meeting, which hasn't happened yet. At the moment he is our leader and I've no objections as he's the best rider in the world right now.
A lot of people talk about you as a favorite for this race.
I wouldn't say that, this is a different stage and I'm here to see how it goes within the team, maybe help Vague maybe try do well myself, hopefully both. I think there's at least 5 riders better than me on this course, Goldenberg, Vague, van Dyck, Schiltz, Power, likely Mazzarelli among more. I'll se how it goes.
Just a short word from each of my guys. I really don't have time to go to proper lengths (unless you wanted to wait two weeks ) but i have to get something up pre-race
Goldie
Go time. My entire year has been built around this one race. I've ridden the course more than anyone, popping over several times through the season to test it as often as i could fit in. This is it. The big enchilada. The big score. The big showdown. Basically, it's a big race!
Tactics? Win. Now i must go back down to the course and ride it again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again
Radio
Good rides in Luxembourg and Lviv have shown my form is spot on. It's all in for Team USA. Goldie is obviously the leader. If that means pulling a group i'll pull a group. If it means attacking i'll attack. Whatever gets the win, i'll do it. I got my Conti and my contract and some good races. I'm here for the team and for Goldie. Personally i want to see what Dao will do, will he help an old team and friend?
TDF
Little climbing and good sand. I can be of real use to Team USA and i know i could never win this one so it's all about getting those bands on the back of my teammates. No-one has as good a team as the USA here and that is out strength. You don't just have to beat one man, you've got to get past the three of us! Plus perhaps Osorio, if you belive the rumors about a team switch for next year!
Rock
The question is, will i be riding for my trade team? Simply put, yes. It's a course i would love under normal circumstances and i'd ride rings around the national level riders here. But at this top Elite level, i couldn't go it alone as i like. So i'm all in to get the win for my teammates, and if i can do that i know i'll get my own chance in the future when i've developed more.
Hammer Time
My last Worlds. Some people have asked if i'll go for my own chances, or help Odjfell or even other TMM Sports riders. I don't know really. We'll see what happens on the day. If i'm in a position to win i'll go for it. If i can help and Odjfell or TMM Sports rider win, i'll do that instead. I just want to go out there and enjoy myself at a truly special event. Can't wait to see the American crowds turn out and show yet again why this is the area to grow the sport.
A lot to catch up on over the last weeks since Trondheim, and goddamn if it hasn't been some of the best of my life!
Trondheim I chanced an attack as part of the team plan, but got caught after a lap ahead. I tried to help Francis in any way I could, but eventually I wasn't good enough for the long haul. 16th was another pleasing result which catapulted me into third row as a nice bonus for a season of clawing up the rankings.
Luxembourg was quiet overall but very good for me, Christian and Francis both had plans so guess who was plonked on the front for four laps? I kept the lads out of trouble and it was a quiet one for Francis but Christian took a great win, I was really pleased for him and quietly happy with 11th on the day for myself. Lviv less good for me - didn't have the legs to be of service. Francis one in fine style though - so a successful day out. Ostrava was good and I managed to give Francis some service before being dropped - I hung tough for 16th (again) though.
But the unequivocal big news - I'm going to the World Championships in my first elite year! It's such a big race and I'm excited to be serving - well, um, tricky topic. But Sven is making a comeback after a great recovery and it's just - just fantastic! I'm absolutely over the moon to be racing in Chicago and if I can be of a second's use, it was worth it. If I can't, worth it. It'll be an incredible experience riding with Milan - but again, tricky topic.
I feel like I'm being tested - and I'm not surprised. Vanbroucke and BKCP have been a huge help in getting me to the Elites and making me feel like one of them - despite being the fourth man in a star-studded team. It's finally recently become a homely environment - and I finally got on first name terms, at least, with Francis and Christian. On the trip to Chicago, Vanbroucke took me aside and told me - in no uncertain terms - my job on Sunday. Sven would do it to the end of the Earth and so with me Vanbroucke could "swing the majority" the BKCP, which is a wee bit ridiculous as my brother has repeatedly said he's here as part of a team. Yet still, Vanbroucke knows that's not what Cornelis may be whispering in his ears. I'll work for team Belgium. I can't say more because I don't know. Francis Vague is my leader, nothing more right now - Milan is my brother. I'm not sure if you can tell, but Francis is still not someone who I'm 100% comfortable with - purely as I don't know him much. I'm not sure how I'd react if I was given a choice - I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be crucial and at the front of the race though.
Team Belgium meeting was straightforward - Milan and Visconti are options but Francis is our leader. Sven is our captain and invaluable asset and I am water boy, and perhaps, liability in the eyes of those talking behind-the-scenes. Whatever happens, I won't let my country down. Already the idea of Milan and Visconti being a seperate unit - to do their own thing when things go south - but under the control of the team - first and foremost working for Vague, is stated. I know my brother could win on his day. I know Francis could win on most days. I know as our manager who I'd back. Milan was open with his contentment at the tactics - Francis uncharacteristically just agreed with what was being said. Well, no need for any of us to disagree.
The course isn't 100% for me - I have no ambitions here but a team gold medal and if I can help - amazing. Heavy recon has been done - with Milan, with Francis, with Sven, with the team. We're all in good spirits but all focused on the task ahead.
A late change in the start list, but an obvious one. Sven Welling made the list for the Belgian selection after the National Coach Assistant thought Welling would make the recovery before the World Champs. Now, it is quite certain Welling will remain out for the rest of the season and won't be appearing at the World Championships.
Rudy Verboven has been offered a ticket as the fifth member of the Belgian squad. Verboven accepted and will take up domestique duties, claiming he'll work for either leader and get that Gold Medal.
Guess what's back, back again? My preview's back, tell a friend. We'll hit the big teams, not those with favorites as there's plenty a one man team who could caus trouble, the big riders, and of course, my top guys, H2H
The Teams
Only three real teams (more than three riders) - so let's take a look.
Belgium
The Favorite: Francis Vague The (Very) Dark Horse: Milan Listerijn The Outsiders/Main Helpers: Guido Visconti Others: Louis Listerijn, Rudy Verboven Which Way is the Bread Buttered?: Vague hasn't yet commented, but Listerijn Major has been open about his support, at least initially, for Vague. Vanbroucke will be a little annoyed Welling isn't fit - aside from being a key player for any race Vague is in he'd havel assured BKCP outnumber Lotto - just in case. Verboven is loyal to the team, so expect his views on leaders to just be whoever looks the best and is at the front. The Lowdown: An unusually quiet build up to Worlds for Team Belgium, but they've got the most pressure to perform. Vague is of course defending rainbow jersey holder and the best crosser in the world, Milan Listerijn is consistent but not on Vague's level. Verboven is hit and miss so far but devoted to the team (lest we forget his heroic 2015 fourth place after a very good race in suport of Cornelis), Visconti has been regaining form to the point of being at his level of last year, and may look to also improve on 10th here last year, and Louis Listerijn doesn't have the strength to do very well but after recent performances is here on merit and will look for any opportunity The Verdict: Vague is the outright favorite and Listerijn is a solid backup. If they're as united as they say they are, they should get gold
United States
The Favorite: Eddie Goldenberg The Dark Horse: Max Power The Outsider/Main Helper: Fred Markson Which Way is the Bread Buttered?: All in for Goldenberg. Team unity is helped majorly by the same agent and same trade team - the latter sometimes can be more important than the national colours. The Lowdown: Goldenberg has planned his peak for this race all year and would be a favorite anyway on home soil, Power perhaps doesn't have the out and out strength to win but this is a perfect course for him, and Markson is completely loyal to use whatever he can to be of use. Chris Young is likely going to be of use from the Canadian "team" as well. The Verdict: Goldenberg seems a cert to podium or higher with a good team, knowing the course like his own house and really, he's just so good over these courses.
Netherlands
The Favorite ?: Pieter van Dyck Others: Thijs van Lookeren, Nicky van Drenthe Which Way is the Bread Buttered?: van Dyck, for sure. The Lowdown: van Dyck has been the revelation of the season, but he's got no real support as his teammates just aren't on the level of Belgium's or the United States'. The Verdict: van Dyck seems to be all about form so far with many places in the lower top 10 but no top 5s recently maybe it could be lacking? Kid's got real talent though and top 5 should be very possible.
The Favorites:
Francis Vague The Lowdown: The defending champion has an amazing team around him, pressure but less of it this year to succeed but if he wants to equals Gasthuys' record, now would be a good time for number 2. He's been the dominator of the season and has taken Ostrava and Lviv in the last two races. Ladders: He's the best crosser in the world for a reason and that his how good he is in every facet: he is one of the best if not the best technical rider, he'd have almost every other favorite in a sprint, need I go on? Snakes: This is the hardest part to write, but perhaps he's not the best on sand yet, however, none of the other favorites are, save perhaps Exteberdea. In races such as Rio he can now look at top 5s and with this one not being 100% sand it shouldn't be a huge problem. The Verdict: I'll leave the same as last year: He must win. Mustn't he?
Eddie Goldenberg The Lowdown: Strong team, high hopes. Goldie's been on many a recon ride and has the best knowledge of a course perfectly suited to him. His season had been built up to this and his form seems to be coming around at the perfect time. Ladders: Home country advantage could be huge, course knowledge is second-to-none and just overall strength makes Goldie a firm favorite in the eyes of many, including his feared and respected rivals. Snakes: We hope the pressure doesn't affect him much but he seems to be handling it pretty well. He'll need to win solo or with Mazzarelli as he's not known for his sprint. The Verdict: Safe podium bet, decent rainbow wager.
Iban Exteberdea
The Lowdown: Had a stunner of an early season but has been slowly fading. No team support, and will need to recapture his best form if he wants a shot. Ladders: A perfect course for his abilities, should be be in form he's instantly a real podium contender as one of the world's best in the sand. Snakes: Lack of form and maybe technical ability. The Verdict: Top 10 but don't be shocked if he pulls one out of the hat and gets a podium.
Christian Schiltz
The Lowdown: The best one-day tactical racer in the world perhaps returns for another stab at the rainbow jersey after coming so close last year against trade teammate Vague. Obviously has some form after defending his title in his home race the Luxembourg Challenge. Ladders: Decent enough form but always has a nose for these races, with a great tactical mind. Snakes: Isn't quite his course as he's not all there on the sandy stuff. His relationship with teammate Bernard is very well documented, however we feel Bernard wouldn't have been able to do anything even if they were inseparable friends. The Verdict: There or thereabouts, after playing a very good tactical race.
Milan Listerijn
The Lowdown: "The Jack" has proved his name with some consistent all-around performances and has a little bit of a view towards this race. Good but not outstanding form, with good ice results and a 2nd in a tough Ostrava debut the recent highlights. Ladders: The "Vague Effect", utilised many a time by Schiltz and even Welling for BKCP. When your teammate is Vague and he's sitting on his rival's wheel, and you attack, the other main favorites are less likely to tow Vague and will give you a gap. This is a double whammy as it also reduces your personal pressure as you have Vague on your team. Also is decent in the sandy stuff. Snakes: The "Vague Effect", which means that your boss wants you to help Vague and Vague will be your outright leader as he's better than you. This is a double whammy as if Vague crashes, sponsors and staff still want the result that he'd have got, except you are now the leader. Also lacks the winning instinct sometimes, he can't catch that break right at the start, he can't follow that brutal move from Vague or Mazzarelli. In fact, when he channels it, he tends to win or come close (see: Struisbaii 2015/16, Aosta 16/17, Rio 16/17 Pyeonchang 16/17). The Verdict: Top 5, but will have to sacrifice a little bit for Vague.
Olivier Dubois
The Lowdown: Has been, alongside van Dyck, the absolute star neo-pro of the season with consistently brilliant performances. He's been uncharacteristically quiet recently but is still a threat to anyone and everyone. Ladders: His technical ability is up there with Vague's, he was the only one to hold onto Schiltz and then Vague in the Coca-Cola Conclusion and was best of the rest to the Belgian podium in Ostrava, not known as a race for first timers, so his form in right at the top. Snakes: We don't know much of his sand ability so if it's decent then it's a ladder, but we'll keep it in the snakes for now as this versatile Swiss crosser doesn't have many. The Verdict: Who am I to argue against form and class in one man? Top 5, and who knows how much higher?
Pieter Van Dyck
The Lowdown: The much hyped young star has had a thrilling season with plenty of performances where he's right at the top, if not at the top. He's no stranger to World Champs, having come 2nd in front of a home crowd in the 2016 U-23 champs (ahead of one Milan Listerijn) and took it home the following year. Also, he's older than Vague and Listerijn. God damn weird. Ladders: A fan favorite with his hype train at full throttle and he has the guts and ability to follow Vague, which could be all important tomorrow, or even, y'know, anytime in the next decade. Technical ability is up there and could even get away on the hill. Snakes: Can I just copy what I put for Dubois? We don't know much of his sand ability so if it's decent then it's a ladder, but we'll keep it in the snakes for now as this versatile Dutch crosser doesn't have many. The Verdict: Could definitely go either way, but I'll say it's a top 5, and I think I've predicted more than 5 people to be top 5.
Outsiders: Mazzarelli - The second best crosser in the world, just not on this course. If he gets it right could still be right up there. Power - As I said in the USA preview, course that is great for him but as pledged allegiance to his teammate Goldenberg. Visconti - Third in the pecking order of the Belgian team but still could do well, and/or be of use to Vague or Listerijn. Gormley - The Irish powerhouse is out of sorts and has been for a while but still up there with the most powerful and best sand riders in the world. Bollinger - Ditto, out of form almost all season and may lack the ability now, but the Bollinger of the past seasons would have lapped up this course.
H2H(2H2H2H2H)
Here we simply compare my 6 top favorites (who almost certainly now won't be the top 6) Note some (like technical) finishing 6th doesn't mean anything, these are 6 very capable riders. My final calculation still involves no maths
Welcome to Chicago, the City of Wind, United States of America. It sure is special to be here, overseas, for the World Championships. We're here on Montrose Beach, ready for the World Championships Elite Men. So far we've seen two very different crosses with the U23 and the Women, so it's hard to predict what the Elite Men will bring.
Just a half hour before the actual race and there is one top favorite. Francis Vague can only lose today. Anything but a victory will be a defeat. Eddie Goldenberg is the big challenger. The American has worked towards this goal all season. He's proven to be a worthy adversary in the World Cup. He's only won two races so far this season, but the World Championships is always a strange race, where anything can happen.
Matt Mazzarelli is always a good bet, but the profile seems to suit him the least. He's technical, but the sand will prove a tough task. The flat terrain isn't to his liking, either. Milan Listerijn is a dark horse. With Vague as a leader, it can set him free and offer him room or it can imprison him. Pieter Van Dyck is having a strong debut season. On a good day, there isn't much to be done against him. He has been working towards this day. Can he deliver?
Other names will be on the lookout, too. Fred Markson, Olivier Dubois, Christian Schiltz, Shay Gormley, even Jan Soucek on one of his miracle days.
So many names, only one jersey.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: -3° C
Precipitation: Sunny.
Wind: 4 Beaufort
We have already seen two races here this weekend. The World Championship weekend started yesterday, with the women's race.
World Championships - Elite Women
21-year old Hansen was the big challenger of two-time World Champion Marlow. Both ladies have been good for about 8 out of 10 crosses this season, with Hansen top scorer with 15 victories so far.
After the first lap, the young Norwegian dashed off in the sand. The rest of the field fell behind immediately. Hansen increased her gap systematically. Marlow escaped from the larger group a while later but the damage was done. Hayley Hansen takes her first World Championship with dominance.
Elite Women - Top 10
1
Hayley Hansen
NORWAY
51'12”
2
Ada Marlow
POLAND
1:12
3
Kiyoko Sato
JAPAN
1:46
4
Ljuba Vanek
CZECH REPUBLIC
s.t.
5
Jeanne Poirot
FRANCE
1:56
6
Laura Severijns
THE NETHERLANDS
2:04
7
Angelina Tucker
UNITED STATES
s.t.
8
Maria Belinsky
RUSSIA
2:26
9
Emily Walker
UNITED STATES
2:41
10
Giulia Pirlo
ITALY
s.t.
World Championships - U23 Men
Just a few hours ago, the U23 race finished. Adrian Van Niek, in one of his last races as a U23 rider, wanted to take the title. Especially after missing out last year to Van Dyck and Huser, now both with the Elite Men.
The U23 race was a lot more open than the Women's edition. A group of 4 entered the final lap together. Ben Wauter and Joris Devuyst for Belgium, Anders Haugen for Norway and Adrian Van Niek for South Africa. Devuyst lead the group, working for Ben Wauters, the stronger sand rider.
Adrian Van Niek accelerated halfway the last lap. Haugen and Wauters followed, while Devuyst was left behind.
Unable to shake his adversaries, Van Niek fancied his chances in the sprint. Taking his first(!) victory of the season, Anders Haugen sure knows to pick what race to win. The young Norwegian made it 2/2 for Norway by taking the Gold Medal, rather surprisingly. This shows top favorites aren't always delivering as expected. Van Niek will have to come to the Elite Men without a U23 World Title.
U23 Men - Top 10
1
Anders Haugen
NORWAY
56'15”
2
Adrian Van Niek
SOUTH AFRICA
s.t.
3
Ben Wauters
BELGIUM
s.t.
4
Joris Devuyst
BELGIUM
0:04
5
Warren Dupont
FRANCE
0:26
6
Lenny Jefferson
UNITED STATES
0:31
7
Franky Uyttenhoven
BELGIUM
s.t.
8
Muhammed Awad
UNITED STATES
s.t.
9
Gorka Aguira
SPAIN
0:41
10
Junior Bakari
GABON
0:49
World Championships - Elite Men
In five minutes, the Elite men will start their World Championship race. The Belgium team was one of the first at the start line. Are they trying to prove a point? They seem more like a team than previous years. Vague is the clear leader, with Listerijn a wildcard. Listerijn has a trademark late attack that can decide a race.
The United States was one of the last teams here, as they took some time to greet the many fans here. Goldenberg is sole leader and the hope of a nation rests on his shoulders. Can he deliver on this moment of truth?
Start Line: It's very cold here, and some riders won't be happy with that. Goldenberg had rather hoped for warmer temperatures. However, the sand is still loose enough for him to take advantage. Mazzarelli is the biggest victim of these weather conditions.
Despite the cold temperatures, this isn't an ice race, though. It hasn't rained in a while and the ground is perfectly dry.
Andrew McLaughlin hasn't really been named in any of the race previews, but he's been on a good run of form and he seems to be growing stronger by the race lately. He even took a World Cup victory two weeks ago.
Switzerland will miss Lipawsky, especially in these conditions, but with Olivier Dubois they have an excellent substitute and we're curious what he can do on this here terrain. However, Dubois hasn't won his first race yet, so taking his first here seems rather unlikely, he's still a good contender for a podium spot.
The riders are all on their mark for the start of the race. Some riders look very nervous, others more relaxed. Goldenberg is very calm, or is that just on the outside?
There is only one ex-winner in this peloton. No Lipawsky, no more Cornelis. Only Vague here knows what it's like to win this race. Of course, some riders took titles in the U23, like Soucek or Van Dyck, but this is still something else!
Lap 1: The riders are off! The 68th World Championships have started! A fast sprint to decide who goes into the sand first. And it's defending Champion Vague who wins the opening rush! You can see the focus in his eyes. He won't drop his guard for over an hour now.
In the sand, he's not the very best rider, but he's grown stronger and perhaps because the Worlds feature so much sand this season. Vague strikes me as a kind of guy who'll do some extra training just on the discipline the World Championships will be decided on.
The American team is very well united around Goldenberg. They don't want leave anything up to fate. Even Young is there. Will he really sacrifice his own chances for his friend Goldenberg?
This is the only hill on the profile. Sure, there are three wooden bridges, but this is the only natural incline. Christian Schiltz comes to the front for the first time. He's an expert in Classics and Championships. A World Title would up his value a lot!
A first attack! Pieter Van Dyck wants to break up the big teams as early as possible. Louis Listerijn immediately picks up the pace for his team leaders. Visconti comes to the front, too. Belgium looks like a team. That doesn't happen often. With a leader like Vague, it comes easier, though. You just know he can deliver if he has to. With 11 victories this season, who would doubt him?
This section through the gold course is very well designed. Some interesting turns here. Van Dyck has been caught. This was just a poke, not a full-blown attack yet. The riders are very careful in these early stages.
But seeing Power, Visconti and Listerijn riding at the front, the outsiders know what needs to be done: break the Belgian and United States team.
Having had a terrible start, a camera finally found Mazzarelli. He's in 30th position. Can he come back from this?
An attack! Shay Gormley uses the deep sand to power away! And this is not just anyone, Gormley can and will deliver a good result in races like this! Once again it's Pieter Van Dyck who takes the initiative, as he rides away from the group, alone.
Van Dyck and Gormley are the leading duo, going towards the finish line for the first time.
Lap 2: We'll have seven laps here in Chicago. Gormley and Van Dyck have 7 seconds on the chasing group, where Listerijn and Visconti are doing the groundwork now.
Gormley is a tank, once he gets in his rhythm, he can keep going, no matter what blocks his way. The chasers know this. The gap increases to 10 seconds. Van Dyck has the perfect partner in crime in Gormley. The Irishman is a slow sprinter, but will never slow down and play tactical games.
The chasing group is thinning out, because of the pace. Still left in the first chasing group are: Listerijn, Visconti, Listerijn, McLaughlin, Schiltz, Dubois, Vague, Markson, Goldenberg.
Hammarling, Huser, Dao and Young have just fallen behind and try their best to catch up again.
The gap increases still. 15 seconds. Visconti and Listerijn are not strong enough to bring back Gormley and Van Dyck at the moment.
It certainly takes a chunk out of Belgium's strength. And if that's the plan, it's working. Listerijn and Visconti are using their energy in the chase. Verboven has already dropped off the pace with Gormley's acceleration. The United States only has Markson and Goldenberg left. So the big teams have been decimated to duos early in the race. Listerijn and Vague, Markson and Goldenberg. Although Belgium still has two helpers doing the work. As long as they'll keep riding, things still look good for the Belgians.
It's nice to see Great Britain represented in the chasing group. Without Cook, they're only a half-force, but McLaughlin seems on the mark today! What can he accomplish?
Goldenberg is getting worried, now, too. You see him exchange a few words with Fred Markson. Markson moves to the front and increases the pace.
Meanwhile, Van Dyck and Gormley have really teamed up well. Both doing their share of the work, only looking forward. A strong duo, these two.
Lap 3: The gap on the finish line is 19 seconds. This is a considerable gap and the favorites can't let these two ride away any further or these Championships are over before halfway the race!
Mazzarelli is already over a minute behind. The Italian won't take the rainbow jersey today. An off-day, very badly timed.
We cut back to the chasing group. Oh It's Francis Vague leading the group himself, now! He's using the climb to try and close the gap himself. He realizes the escapees are getting too dangerous, he needs to close that gap!
And now the pace really increases. Louis Listerijn has to let the group go. Schiltz moves up to Vague's wheel.
We're going through the golf course in record time. Vague is cutting corners as sharply as possible. The pace is really high, at the moment! Visconti and Markson can't follow. How long can Vague keep this up?
Gormley and Van Dyck have 8 seconds left on the chasers. Vague halved the gap himself with that move. Coming back onto the tarmac, Vague looks behind him. He slows down. There are still five riders on his wheel. He raises his arm, gesturing one of them should relay, now. But nobody does. What will he do, now?
The riders get into the 80m sand section. Vague attacks! He wants to get rid of the weight!
Gormley and Van Dyck cross the finish line together.
Vague comes out of the sand, back on the final straight section. He wasn't able to drop his companions in the sand. And still nobody will relay. And so Vague keeps his legs still. The two leaders ride further away again. Finally Dubois picks up the pace, but it isn't 100%. Vague drops back to 5th position and talks with Listerijn. Troubles in paradise?
Lap 4: Let's see the time differences at this point.
Can the second chasing group still return do work for their leaders?
Goldenberg with his move, now! He is isolated and has to come up with something. He attacks in the sand and leaves behind his companions! The crowd is going crazy, cheering for their hero!
His abilities in the sand are almost unmatched. He takes a few meters instantly. Dubois can't match Goldenberg's speed.
Goldenberg nears at 7 seconds from Gormley and Van Dyck as he gets out of the sand.
The chasers are 6 seconds behind Goldenberg. What an attack by the American! And now Milan Listerijn doesn't hesitate. He goes to the front of the group and ups the pace. So it's the Vague card after all.
Schiltz, Dubois and McLaughlin are keeping in the background. The pace is high enough as it is. Listerijn with invaluable work for Vague at this point, though. Francis Vague sits on Listerijn's wheel, fully focused.
Van Dyck and Gormley sense Goldenberg coming. Van Dyck stopped relaying. He's waiting for Goldenberg to join up with them.
And here it is. We have three leaders and an American in the front. The crowd is cheering louder than ever. Their hero Goldenberg at the front of the race, halfway the race. The dream is very much alive!
And now Vague attacks himself! Listerijn is very attentive. You can see he looks behind him first, then follows Vague's attack. Making sure nobody uses his wheel to catch up. And so the two Belgians have broken free from the first chasing group!
In the head of the race, Gormley is being left behind! Goldenberg has gone immediately to the front and kept his pace. Van Dyck and Goldenberg are alone, now. Gormley is quickly picked up by Vague and Listerijn, who are both riding.
Lap 5: This is racing on the highest level! What a battle within the war! Goldenberg and Van Dyck against Vague and Listerijn. Gormley has now been left behind by the two Belgians as well.
But Schiltz, Dubois and McLaughlin aren't too far behind, either. The three know they need each other if they want to stay in the race and that's what they're doing, riding together. No dead weight here.
The race intensity is getting to Van Dyck! He's been active from the start and it looks like it's taking a toll now! He has to let Goldenberg go, what a drama! One of the favorites for this race can't keep up with the pace at the front.
And he's really crossed his limit, as he immediately gets left behind by Listerijn and Vague, too. He'll need to take a breather and hope for strong finish. But it looks like his chance at a victory is over. We had expected better from Van Dyck, given this opportunity.
And for Goldenberg it's a disaster, too. Suddenly he's alone at the front, trying to fend off two Belgians. Will he persevere or let the two Belgians come back and wait for them?
Really a terrible situation for Goldenberg. If he keeps riding, he's going all in for this and there'll be no way back. If he waits, he gets caught between two Belgians and will have to play the tactical game, outnumbered.
Lap 6: Goldenberg perseveres. He tries to stay ahead of the two Belgians. But Vague is strong and they near at 4 seconds. They're so close, Goldenberg can smell them. And so it's foolish to keep riding. Goldenberg waits! This is a very important moment in the cross! Two laps from the finish and Goldenberg takes a small breath and lets Listerijn and Vague return! We have three leaders!
McLaughlin, Dubois and Schiltz aren't too far behind. But they're not keeping their legs still at the front.
Goldenberg is not sure what to do next. Listerijn and Vague keep the pace high and practically force Goldenberg to do his part of the work, too. Goldenberg takes a turn, but a short one.
Vague and Listerijn exchange a few words. Goldenberg doesn't speak Dutch so there's no fear he'll understand them. But it must be making him nervous. And still Goldenberg looks extremely calm - on the outside. It's a gift, really. He's not panicking at all. Doing what he needs to do, stay attentive. Judging the race situation and being prepared.
On the golf course, now. The are r-- AN ATTACK! FRANCIS VAGUE! And this is a full-blown eat-my-dust attack! Goldenberg jumps on his wheel immediately! Listerijn follows, too. Vague looks behind and keeps his legs still. The finale has begun! May the best man win. Two Belgians and an American.
Wait - what's this? Oh this is a disaster! Goldenberg has a flat tire! His tire is blown. But he still keeps up with Vague and Listerijn. It's still 300 meters before he can change his bike. Can he stay with these two until then?
Vague is now aware of Goldenberg's flat tire. Will there be an acceleration?
No, Goldenberg reaches the technical zone and changes bike. So do Vague and Listerijn. All three of them have a new bike, ready to fight for the Golden Medal, the Rainbow Jersey.
Listerijn attacks! Goldenberg has to go deep to answer the attack. Vague follows Goldenberg's wheel. Well, the Belgians are using their strength in numbers and are playing the team game excellent. They're tiring out Goldenberg professionally. How long can Goldenberg endure this?
And this is his answer! A counter-attack by the American! The crowd cheers him forward.
Vague reacts straightaway. The gap is a few meters, but he closes it immediately. Good, fast thinking! Listerijn is still with them, too. We still have three leaders. Schiltz, Dubois and McLaughlin are only 9 seconds behind, too. So everything is still open!
And now Vague comes to the front again, in the golf course. Listerijn on his wheel, Goldenberg forced in third position. Vague increases the pace, what a speed, through these corners!
OOOOH, a drama! The crowd yells out loudly! Goldenberg's pedal got stuck behind a fence in this U-turn! And so the two Belgians have a gap! This could be crucial!
Lap 7: We're going into the final lap! Goldenberg is about 20 -25 meters behind the two Belgians, who don't hesitate now and keep riding. A small mistake in a U-turn and the gap is made!
Goldenberg has no chance but to go deeper than he's ever gone before. If he can close the gap in this sand section, not all is lost.
And here we go! Vague leads the Belgian duo through the sand. Goldenberg powers through the sand, almost like he's possessed!
He nears... 15 meters... 10 meters...
And he's just short about 5 meters to get on Listerijn's wheel!
The two Belgians get out of the sand section with a lead over Goldenberg and a lot of flat terrain ahead of them. The wind blows mercilessly here and Goldenberg is alone. Only a few meters were between him and saving his race. Now it will be so much harder to return AND somehow get rid of the Belgians, both faster in the sprint on paper.
As Vague passes Listerijn to relay, he says a few words. Both in the lead, both eager for the World Title. But they'll have to keep working together to be sure to keep off Goldenberg. Now we'll see if the Belgian squad is really a team, united.
Goldenberg's only chance is that they start hesitating at the front. Meanwhile, Schiltz, McLaughlin and Dubois are sensing an opportunity to get on the podium. They see Goldenberg ahead of them. Can they still catch him?
Well, this says it all. The two Belgians won't attack each other, not until Goldenberg is further behind. The gap is still only 4 - 5 seconds. Goldenberg is very resilient, strong.
Oh and in the final sand section, Goldenberg almost catches the two leaders! He leaves the sand section with only 2 seconds behind the two Belgians!
We turn onto the final 170 meters. Vague forced Listerijn in first position. Listerijn hesitates for a split second and suddenly Goldenberg is back on Vague's wheel! What an impressive achievement!
Listerijn starts his sprint, from 150 meters from the finish! Vague stays in his wheel.
Goldenberg is completely dead from this last lap of chasing. He can't even get out of the saddle and has to let the two Belgians go in the sprint. No World Title on his home soil. He fought and lost. He's forced to watch two Belgians sprint for the win.
Listerijn doesn't look behind and just tries to ride the sprint of his life. The odds are in Vague's favour, though.
Vague now decides to get out of Listerijn's wheel. The wind is blowing hard so it's best not to start the sprint too early.
Vague comes next to Listerijn. But he doesn't gain any more ground! It's a side-by-side sprint! Listerijn with the edge? Vague with the jump!
Who won? It was a sprint of dying men after such a hard race. It looked to me like Listerijn was the fastest in the final few meters. But we'll have to wait for the finish photo to make sure.
Goldenberg crosses the finish line third. Completely dead, exhausted. Possibly the strongest man in the race, but he'll have to settle for a Bronze Medal. What a fight, though.
Dubois wins the sprint for the fourth place ahead of Schiltz and McLaughlin.
And here comes Van Dyck, outsprinting Gormley for place 7.
Markson is the second American in the top 10, ninth. And on a tenth spot in his debut World Championships, Louis Listerijn.
Two camera's, on Listerijn and Vague each. Both men are awaiting in anxiety. And here comes someone from the team. He nods his head and aims at him. He's confirming it, that he won. It's Francis Vague!
And here we can see why. The finish photo shows Vague edging out Listerijn with just a few centimeters, if that, by his timely jump. It's really the jump that did it. A few meters before the finish line, Listerijn was still ahead. Vague's reflex to still jump after this rough race made the difference!
Listerijn is second. A fine result, but he'll be disappointed, you can be sure about that.
Reporting from Montrose Beach, this was Ian Butler. I thank you for watching these fantastic and exciting World Championships. Francis Vague keeps his Rainbow Jersey for at least another year. But it was no picnic. A few centimeters were all that separated Vague and an incredibly strong Listerijn in the end. And Goldenberg, he'll have to learn with the fact that the strongest riders don't always win.
See you next week, for the Superprestige Weekend, with Ansbach and the Kwaremont Cross!
Power, Young and Hammarling give some thoughts. The big two coming soon
TDF
Well that was certainly some incredible experience. The fans weren't just out in force today, they were an army. I had tingles for every second of the race and perhaps that got to me, because 17th was way down on what i had hoped for given the course. No idea why really, it just didn't come together for me. And this is where we can all say "if" and "but" to eternity on various scenarios. But i was 17th and we didn't get the win. That's the fact.
Rock
12th in a debut Worlds, i'll take it. If you look at the names ahead it's not a surprise, they are all very strong and/or talented riders. It was a fun race and really well designed course. Each aspect of the parcours had an impact and it lead to an open and aggresive race, just as the Worlds should be. Certainly i can take heart in my continued development and look to the final weeks of the season to try and get another good result somewhere before the big break.
Hammer Time
I've ridden a few Worlds in my time, this was one that will go down as a classic. The race was fast, really fast. The crowd was huge, really huge, and very passionate. Wasn't perfect for me and i'll happily take 13th in the mid-field. The Worlds is one of the events i'll miss riding the most, it is just such a unique one-time race that you can't compare to anything else. I'll be back i'm sure, just not as a rider. Time to look at the final cobbled based races, i can still exit on a high.
Here's the other two... could have gone a very different path with Goldie, might still do
Radio
There's not much i want to say today. That was one of the hardest ridden races of the season, of the last few years. It really was 110% from start to finish. Certainly it put the USA hosts in a good light to have such a race to show off, and the crowds were insane and organisation second to none. We just lack the result to go with it.
I did what i could for Goldie but a touch too much sand and obstacles, combined with some super strong riders. As much as we, Blue Bell CX, have tried to bring more of a team aspect to the sport today really showed that CX is still about the strength of the individual. Give us more time though, we ain't going anywhere. And now we can wait to spoil some elses day. All they've done is poke the bear, and the bear is coming for you.
Goldie
I've got to pick my words carefully. There's a lot of raw emotion around and a lot to analyse that will only be understood in days or weeks from this moment. Like how i could puncture, how all three leaders could need bike changes at the same time! How i could get tangled on a fence. Honestly on that one i don't how a) i didn't fall, and b) didn't break my bike. So in some aspect i've got to be thankful to even get the podium.
I certainly can't fault Radio or Power or Rock. They did what they could and gave it their all. It's just a hurt i couldn't give them something back. So often they've worked hard and too many times it doesn't come with a result. Somethings gotta change or i can't ask them to give up so much in my support.
I also have to saulte the fans who came out to watch. Thousands of them everywhere. No issues with the cold, they were loud and proud the whole event and through all the races. We showed yet again what a great place the States is for racing and that the interest is out here. Any excuse to come and race here i'll take, i just love it.
Moving forwards. I'll put the Bronze dead center of my shelf. Not that i'm proud of it. I want the reminder there "You must do better". You can't beat me everywhere. The season isn't over and i've still go voice left to shout with. Then next year, just get out of the way.
Hagfors Cross - Report
Trondheim CX - Preview 
Louis also did very well there for the first few laps for Vague - dropped off a bit but awesome for my bro to get his first Elite top 10 - he's really pushing for that WC spot.
Luxembourg Challenge
Lviv
Ostrava Circuit - Report
) but i have to get something up pre-race 
Goldie
Rock
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
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