Etoile de Bessèges (2.1): Mathias Larsen - stage 8th.
Etoile de Bessèges (2.1): Mads Rahbek - stage 6th. Etoile de Bessèges (2.1): Marco Frigo - GC 16th (9)
Etoile de Bessèges (2.1): Mads Rahbek - GC 19th (6)
Tour of Mediterrennean (2.2): William Blume Levy - stage 7th
Tour of Mediterrennean (2.2): Mathias Larsen - stage 8th
Tour of Mediterrennean (2.2): Mathias Larsen - stage 7th Grand Prix de la Ville de Lillers (1.2): Mathias Larsen - 2nd (11)
Intro: The idea of this story is to do only the manager parts of the game and just watch the races unfold with all riders “automated”. As a contrast to my Trek story, where the management is minimal and all focus is on micro of the riders. I find it interesting to see how the team will perform with no help from me in the 3D races. All races will be run in 3D on normal settings. (not sure if that is possible with team time trails, if not they will be simulated). My task will be to develop young riders, hire new riders and staff, optimize the form before important races, adjusting calendar and so on. The 2021 season was simulated we start in 2022. I won’t use DB to look for talents or edit anything. DB is PCM2020 2021 update.
BHS-PL Beton Bornholm is a professional cycling team based and rooted on Bornholm Island, Denmark. The team is a superstructure of the former club team Bornholm Pro Cycling, and is now starting its 8th season as UCI Continental Team. Winner of the Team Competition in Post Nord Denmark Rundt 2018. Danish champions in TTT race in 2018, Danish champions in ITT 2016, 2017 and 2018.
2021
After a bad start of the 2021 season, with no notable results a new management team was hired, to take care of the 2021/2022 transfers and from 2022 take full responsibility of the team. Quite controversially the new management was not able or willing to extend with former team captain Martin Toft Madsen, who won National Championships Denmark ITT in 2016, 2017 and 2018. 29 years old sprinter Nils Broge and 19 years old puncher Nikolaj Mengel was not extended either.
This was not a savings round from the new management, a new interesting trainer was hired and the squad extended from 13 to 15 riders. Advised by Quick-Step sports director Brian Holm, they acquired William Blume Levy who was out of contract with his team ColoQuick. Also looking at the international scene they found Italian climber Marco Frigo at Dutch CT-team SEG Racing Academy, offering him a role as team new Captain. The first time they signed a rider without a Danish passport. Internationally they also hired Eritrean Nahom Zerai who did well in Tour of Rwanda riding for his national team, and Austrian climber Martin Messner formerly riding for Austrian CT-team WSA KTM Graz. From Denmark they further strengthen the team with Mathias Larsen from danish CT-team Restaurant Suri - Carl Ras.
The 11th of January the entire squad and most of the staff went to Wellington, New Zealand. Mainly to shake the new squad together and do some training passes in the pleasant weather. At the 23th some riders would race their first race in the Gravel and Tar Classic.
We really have no expectations in the race, just to get some race experience before the more important Etoile de Bessèges in early Februray.
Gravel and Tar Classic (1.2)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Joshua Gudnitz, we understand that you had a bad crash today. Gudnitz: Ya, I was the one supposed to look after William today, but sadly the gravel was not easy to handle, someone went down in front of me and I went down too. It is just some swollen knees and a few scratches, I will be fine.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Mathias Larsen, we expected to see you in the sprint today, what happened. Larsen: Everything was chaos, the peloton split and when I finally got close I had nothing to drink or eat. With no teammates in sight, I had to go back again. I made it to the front in the end, but with no power left to sprint in the final.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: William Blume Levy you finish 11th, so close to a few points. How was it today. Levy: Actually, I expected to do a lead-out, but Mathias had a hard day with the many small climbs. Guess 11th was ok, I’m no sprinter.
Exciting start! Really keen to see a new story and excited to see how this goes for you! I like the reporting style of the Gravel and Star Classic too! Great intro and great start!
25th January, William Blume Levy crashed during training. A dislocated elbow will keep him out until mid. February. In Etoile de Bessèges he will be replaced by Adam Holm Jørgensen. Not ideal but the best we can do in the situation.
The first important race of the season Etoile de Bessèges is coming in a few days, the squad with Adam Holm Jørgensen, Frederik Irgens Jensen, Joshua Gudnitz, Mads Rahbek, Marco Frigo, Marcus Sander Hansen, Mathias Larsen and some staff have arrived at their hotel in Arles for the start of the first stage in nearby Bellegarde.
Etoile de Bessèges (2.1)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Marco Frigo, its was your first race with the new team, how was it. Frigo: With two strong riders like Dries De Bondt and Frederik Wandahl in the breakaway, on a flat stage like this, it is not going to be easy for anyone. As you know, they were not caught and Frederik Wandahl won. We are just glad that most of us did not loose any time. That said I’m happy to be here with the team, fingers crossed.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Mads Rahbek, you were the best placed rider today. 51th may not seem a lot, but you did try, didn’t you? Rahbek: Yes, the original plan was go get in the break from the beginning, as that was not possible I did attempt a late attack, hoping the pack would slow down, realizing they could not win the stage. Sadly, the teams would not allow time losses and I was not able to get far.
The moral in the squad is generally good, knowing that the race is full of top World Tour and Pro Tour riders, most rider enjoy the experience and are happy with getting some km in the legs, after a long winter. Sprinter Mathias Larsen, he had some difficult days here and in New Zealand. Starting to complaint about the accommodation and organization of the race. Clearly frustrated about the hole situation. We might consider to change his role in the race, lifting some weight from his shoulder.
The race starts in Saint-Geniès-de-Malgoirès, just a 25 minute drive south of the hotel in Alès.
Etoile de Bessèges (2.1)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Marcus Sander Hansen, it looked like you really believed in the team today. Marcus: Yes, when we don’t get in the breakaways, we can’t just give up. So I used all the energy I had, trying to bring them back.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Mathias Larsen, 8th with this tough competition, amazing. Can you take the listeners trough the final. Mathias: Yes, getting within the last 15 km or so, I felt good. Was quite close to the front and started to surf between wheels to follow, getting some protection from the wind. From about 3km, I chose to stay behind Andrea Vendrame from AG2R.
After that, it was trying to get the moment right, and get as many watts into the pedals as I could.
Mathias Larsen's good result certainly lifted his spirit, can clearly see new self confidence in his face expression. Today’s stage is raced in and around the village of Bessèges, located in the scenic Parc national des Cévennes. About 33 km north of the hotel in Alès.
Etoile de Bessèges (2.1)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Marco Frigo, a comment on the stage? Marco: In general, satisfied with it all. Our team did good, working hard in the front to bring the escapees back, and a fine result too. Just a bit frustrating that the other teams, gave up in the end. Kristian Sbaragli, Edward Planckaert and Cyril Lemoine took way too much time with that win. Will be difficult to take a minute back for any GC contender.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Mathias Larsen, looked good for you, but you did not make it today. Mathias: No, it was all looking good with Marcus Sander and Adam Holm Jørgensen working in the front, I was well positioned all day, with Frederik Irgens Jensen's protection and help, over the last 30-40 km. Then studently the pack gave up the pursuit and it was mentally over for me, I got back to fetch some bottles for my teammates.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Mads Rahbek, you came out of nowhere and sprinted to 6th place. Mads: Yes, I was not too far back, when I saw Mathias and Frederik drop back. The pace was not too high and I saw the possibly to make a decent result with a long sprint, I knew the break had taken victory, but not how many was in front of me.
Editorial: Seemingly the game is not able to get water from one of the designated domestics, for the 2nd time the sprinter gets back after water at a critical moment. From here I will control delivery of water as it’s such a crucial element. Otherwise, everything automated.
Getting some decent results! Annoying about the water and the final part of the stage but still managed to get a 6th. Good start to the season for the team!
Thanks Jakstar
Luckily the water isn't as bad as I thought it would be as "auto" turns back on when the water cycle ends. I just thought it would be part of the "strategy system" but it isn't.
Today’s stage starts near the ancient Roman aqueduct bridge, Pont du Gard. Located about 45 km southeast of the Hotel in Alès. With a punchy finish at Mont Bouquet, the team strategy will be getting a result from Marco Frigo and/or Mads Rahbek.
Etoile de Bessèges (2.1)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: Marco Frigo, a comment on the stage? Marco: First of all, thanks to all my teammates. I believe the team did the best we could, impressed to see everyone stick together, and work hard for a good result.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: You finished 18th and Mads Rahbek 22th, sending you up to 18th in GC and Mads Rahbek to 20th. Your thought about that? Marco: I think that was ok, considering early form and the teams we face here. Hope we can improve a bit on that in the time trail, but honestly might as well go in the wrong direction.
While the others are still in France, a group of riders flew to Alanya Turkey, as we are doing two low tire preparation races, in the coming days. The first, Grand Prix Gazipaşa one day race, in the area of Gazipaşa town, some 45 km from Alanya city. The squad is Benjamin Hertz, Emil Schandorff Iwersen, Martin Messner, Mathias Bregnhøj, Nahom Zerai, Stian Rosenlund and squad leader Emil Toudal.
Grand Prix Gazipaşa (1.2)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: Emil Toudal, your 2nd race, and already chosen team leader, what can you say about that. Emil: Not much, honestly its just that my latest tests have shown good form and improvement compared to last year. Was given this opportunity to see how far it can take me. I like to thank all my teammates for the job they did today, from Benjamin coming with important supplies to Martin Nahom and Schandorff helping me over that steep climb again and again.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: You finished 11th, what is your thoughts about that. Emil: Obviously, the fact that we finish just outside the points, just as in New Zealand, is disappointing, I can’t deny that.
The final stage of Etoile de Bessèges is the traditional time trial, with a distance of 9.2 km, ending at the top of Montée de l'Hermitage in Alès. The last 2,7 km at an average of 5,9% with sections up to 16%.
Etoile de Bessèges (2.1)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: Joshua Gudnitz, when you crossed the line you took the hot seat and was sitting there for quite some time, seeing many World Tour Pro’s losing time. How was that. Joshua:: It was fantastic! Really show the good form I got right now. I knew right away that some of the best like Oliveira and Cavagna would beat me, but I think 15th on a stage like this is a very good result.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: Marco Frigo, this was the last day here in Gard, you thoughts about the race. Marco:: All in all, we believe it was a fine race. We got some stage top 10’s and from the general classification our first CQ points, with both me and Mads Rahbek in top 20. The management would off course have hoped for more, especially at stage level, but it is not easy with so many good teams here. DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: GC 16th and 19th is definitely impressive, congratulations. For the listeners back home, we can mention that Magnus Cort ended 3rd and Frederik Wandahl 18th in the general classification.
Mathias Larsen and Adam Holm Jørgensen took a flight to Turkey yesterday, right after the time trail, to join the squad for Grand Prix Manavgat. Replacing Nahom Zerai and Martin Messner, who will not be part of the squad in this sprinter race.
Grand Prix Manavgat (1.2)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: Emil Schandorff Iwersen, you attacked in today’s race. Explain what happened. Emil:: It was bad weather and I felt strong, thinking the weather might dampen the enthusiasm of the pack, I followed a group in pursuit of the early breakaway. We got quite close on the flat, but sadly all the better climbers were in the first group and my group crumbled when we reached the climbs, leaving me alone some 30” behind. From behind Burgos-BH did not leave anything to chance, so I was caught and so was the others. Anyway a good experience providing some nice TV time for our sponsors.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: Mathias Larsen you sprinted for the stage today, sitting really great before than last corner. Mathias:: Yes, the climbing was quite hard, worse than I expected actually, but I got to the front and as you say positioned myself quite well. The result was just not good enough, 12th simply does not count in these small one-day races, frustrating to say the least.
The team have had 11 days without a race since GP Manavgat. A few riders stayed in Turkey awaiting further races there. Most have been back in their homes, to get some days with the family, training locally. Now a squad and some staff, checked in to a hotel Nice, for the important Tour des Alpes Maritimes. The squad is Emil Schandorff Iwersen, Emil Toudal, Mads Rahbek, Marco Frigo, Martin Messner, Mathias Bregnhøj and Nahom Zerai. The race begins in the town Le Cannet-des-Maures, some 100 km east of Nice.
Tour des Alpes Maritimes (2.1)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: Emil Schandorff, you attacked again, just like in your last race. Is it a specific role, you have been chosen for? Emil: In Manavgat it was, but today it just happened, I was planning to stay with Marco, but things developed differently. Anyway, it did not last long, I had Rohan Dennis on my wheel and they could not let such a strong tempo rider get away.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: Marco Frigo, you where the leader today, a few words about the race. Marco: Just looking at the start-list and we knew this would be hell. Tadej Pogacar, David Gaudu, Benoît Cosnefroy, Alejandro Valverde, Diego Ulissi and many others riders from the absolute top of cycling. The pace was just unbelievable. I’m not even sure who was best from the team, but I know we all lost a lot of time.
The squad in Alanya Turkey will race Grand Prix Velo Manavgat today. The route is almost the same as Grand Prix Manavgat, but significantly longer. The squad is Adam Holm Jørgensen, Benjamin Hertz, Frederik Irgens Jensen, Joshua Gudnitz, Stian Rosenlund and Marcus Sander Hansen, the latter expected to lead the team.
Grand Prix Velo Manavgat (1.2)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: Marcus Sander Hansen, can you take us through the stage? Marcus:: We saw a bigger group form a breakaway and send Benjamin to the front. The squad did very well, everyone made it over the climbs in the pack and the breakaway was reeled in. From about 25 km several attacks were made from different riders and I also attempted to follow some of them, knowing that my sprint was probably not good enough.
Marcus:: The finish was quite difficult, the many new attacks made it a lot of stop and go, with tricky curves all the time, difficult to keep a good position. It came to a mass sprint and I was a bit to far back in the last curve. To be honest I’m quite satisfied with 16th.
The 2nd and last stage of Tour des Alpes Maritimes will be races in and around the town Draguignan about 80 km from Nice and just 30 km west of yesterday’s finish in Seillans. The stage is longer and has more combined altitude than the first, but this time the last 12 km is downhill.
Tour des Alpes Maritimes (2.1)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: Emil Toudal, despite the fact that Marco Frigo and others might usually be stronger on a profile like this, you was the leader today? Emil: Well, actually we set out with a split leadership between me and Marco. My form is quite good, so I was given this opportunity.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio:: Ok, can you take me through the stage. Emil: Yes, today was quite different compared to yesterday. 14 rather weak riders formed the breakaway and the pack was not really fast the first 130 km or so. Only over the top of the penultimate climb, they pushed it hard and we lost the first two, Schandorff Iwersen and Martin Messner who had been working hard for the team. After that it was pretty fast and we started losing riders from the pack one by one. I was the last man standing, making it over the last climb, but at that point not able to react to the decisive accelerations. Came in with the 2nd group at 56”. DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Ending outside top 50 in the GC is off course not perfect, but best from the team must give some confidence. Emil: Sure.
After his long period with a dislocated elbow, William Blume Levy is back and arrived at the hotel in Alanya to take part in the next race there. Also, Nahom Zerai and Emil Schandorff Iwersen rushed on a plane from France to take part in the race. Replacing Frederik Irgens Jensen and Adam Holm Jørgensen. The route is quite hilly, passing steep climbs on a circuit in Dim River National Park.
Grand Prix Velo Alanya (1.2)
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Nahom Zerai, a difficult race today. What was the plan. Nahom: The plan was, that me and Emil Schandorff should stay with the pack protected by the team, with William Blume Levy in a free role, attempting to get in the breakaway. William did not get away and quite frankly the team fell apart quite early. The pack was very fast hunting the huge breakaway. Just me and Schandorff left after passing the hilly section, the 2nd time.
DR P4 Bornholm Radio: Emil Schandorff Iwersen, you were the best from the team, how was it. Emil: Very hard race, I made in over the 2nd group of hills with Nahom Zerai, but already at that point we were both struggling with the high pace and awful heat. Nahom did the best he could, helping me over the last hilly section, but I soon lost him, after that I was just fighting to get the best result I could, well aware that it was not going to be anything noteworthy.
