Jesleyh - Indeed. However, this season he's already won Tirreno, so that's already great

JuanMotr - I'm sure he will And Willy will listen to him! Willy has developed into quite a beast when it comes to recuperation, so expect him in the final week

PCM rulezz - Hope so, too! Maybe Costa can get in the top 10!

rogvi97 - Rolland always evolves into 80s of climbing in my savegames, so good luck with that

locodoco - Losing of Sánchez ain't no shame, that's true. Especially after such a hilly finish. Hope to Tour will be exciting, too Really curious where Willy will end up.

Jakstar22 - Thanks. I agree, but that's cycling, I guess. Maybe he can get a break in the National Championships

Marcel Kittel, one of the world's fastest man on a bike, stops cycling early in his career. Having a brilliant season in 2012, he has been unable to win in 2013 so far. After months of media-silence, the German sprinter finally offers an explanation. The world was shocked upon hearing that Kittel does not enjoy cycling anymore. He's lost his motivation and will be looking for a major career switch. His current team, the dutch team Argos - Shimano, reacted surprised and regrets his decision. Kittel is selected for the upcoming Tour de France. It's unknown up to this point when he'll retire and if he'll still ride in the Tour.

cunego59 - Sure is a nice raise, they'll be earning the tenfold of what they earn now But their points in the WT Ranking justify it! About Kittel, I try to keep the story interesting by putting in some unexpected things every now and then, hope it's appreciated

dienblad - It was a surprise for me, too! (it just came to me as I was typing it)

Ollfardh - Boasson Hagen is turning into a great all-round rider!

sutty68 - Things are still uncertain in that matter, so we'll see. The contracts are a relief. That's 2 years that they're secure in great team!

Stijn Van Gent won the national championship by finishing in front of Boonen and Goddaert in a mass sprint. "Stijn who?" is the question on many's lips. Not particularly known to the masses, Van Gent is becoming a household name in the (Belgian) cycling milieu.

Who is Stijn Van Gent?
Stijn Van Gent was born on the 22nd of February, 1990, in Oudenaarde. Being born in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes, he turned out as a real Flandrien. In 2012, he joined Lotto - Belisol and made his name by winning the Druivenkoers and a stage in the Eneco Tour. In 2013, he joined Team Argos - Shimano. This season he's finished 2nd in the Omloop, 7th in De Ronde and won Strade Bianchi. On his 23 years of age, he outsprinted Tom Boonen for his first, and possibly not last, Belgian National Jersey.

National Road Race
The National Road Races are always an important event in the year. All over the world, people battle for prestigious jerseys. In Belgium, Geel will be organizing the most Championships, after making a deal with the UCI and the Belgian Bond. With fairly cold temperatures for this time of the year and rain, Flandriens Boonen and Van Gent felt at home. Omega Pharma - Quickstep controlled the race and it came to an expected mass sprint. Van Gent started his sprint far out and Boonen was on his wheel. Boonen cracked in the final 25 meters.

Reactions
Stijn Van Gent: This is just amazing. I've never felt happier than today. All sorts of things crossed my mind when I rolled over that finish line first. Winning a championship is very different from winning a stage. I will wear this jersey with pride for an entire year. I hope I can do it justice in the cobbled season. I'll be starting in de Tour in a couple of days, and I certainly would like to show it off as soon as possible. I think I'll enjoy every single race in this shirt! Thanks to the team for the fantastic lead-out!
Tom Boonen: The race was long and it was a nervous one. The team did great controlling the race. Luckily nobody fell (Jurgen VDB did fall at the start, red.), because the rain made the roads slippery at times. I saw Van Gent launching his sprint quite early, but I couldn't wait and had to react. I think he got me on my age. He still has the energy of a 23 year old, I'm almost ten years older. I'm happy for him and I think we'll see a lot from him in the future!
Kristof Goddaert: I didn't think I'd end up on the podium today, so I'm very happy! Many will say this result is a surprise, but Van Gent is a renown rider in the peloton. How is his reputation? He's an old school Flandrien, who likes it hard, tough and who doesn't give up easily.