It's been a long day's work for the Fonterra-Genesis duo of Bauer and Bollinger. They make their way back to the 2014 Winter Olympics athlete's village where many crossers have been invited to stay. However, on the way back, they are stopped by a huddle of journalists. As Michael tries to slip away, Lachy simply accepts his fate with a grin.
You two look like you've been practicing hard.
Yeah we have, just practicing together. I can't do anything less after some big Russian sponsor paid the team to cancel my flight to Wallonia and come over here for this race.
As we have become accustomed to by now, Fonterra-Genesis bring a strong duo here for the race. How do you rate your chances?
Yeah I think we can pose a threat to be honest, and as for who is leader, I'd say until we find out how much the sand affects the other dimensions of the race, it didn't look like too much, but that may have been Michael going easy on me (laughs)!
Who should we watch out for here?
Well I'm hoping that the rest of the pack actually keep an eye on Shay Gormley for once, if we don't we've pretty much lost. Otherwise a guy like Mazzarelli could do well due to all the other factors than the beach.
Are you telling us tactics, as you two are both in the front row now it should be easier?
Welcome to Sochi for officially the start of the end of the season! Only a handful of races remain.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 2° C
Precipitation: Dry
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Race Summary: The race was off to a tough start. First Josiah Bennett, Sylvain Lipawsky and Mikel Hammarling broke free from a hesitating bunch. In lap 3, though, the usual suspects moved up to the front. A spectacular attack from Matt Mazzarelli made the split of the race. Seven riders would be competing for the victory: Dries Cornelis, Francis N. Vague, Naveed Alinejad, Matt Mazzarelli, Michael Bollinger, Shay Gormley and Elliot Cook.
Halfway the race, Cook went with a terrible attack on the sand. Only Michael Bollinger managed to hang on. Gormley and Cornelis were the strongest of the chasers, but going into the final lap, they had to settle for a fight for the third place.
For the victory, Elliot Cook smartly overtook Bollinger 400 meters before the finish. He kept the lead until the final, short, straight. Bollinger made his acceleration but it came too late and so Elliot Cook won his second classic of the season!
Welcome to what will quite possibly be the last ice race of the season.The harsh part of the winter is over for now in Europe and after Trondheim we only have Belgium and France awaiting.
The World Cup is ending its conclusion. While its victor is long known, there is still lots to play for.
Race Information
Country: Norway
City/Place: Trondheim
Classification: World Cup
Starting Time (Elite Men): 14h
Favorites: Mikel Hammarling, Hafthor Eldfjallsson, Francis N. Vague, Dries Cornelis
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.
Route Information
Technical: 5
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: -3° C
Precipitation: Clear
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Not much time to write something down. Between Sochi and Trondheim are a several hundred kilometers I had to cross. The team was busy keeping all my bikes with us, but here we are now.
I've taken a first few laps on the course, which will have to do. It's a very dangerous parcour, where you can easily crash. The snow & ice play in my favour and I'll try to play it technicaly. Though the race is usual something for powerhouses, I think I can hang on. We'll see how it works out. Important thing is to not crash actually, especially looking ahead to the Ardennes Cross. I've had about my fair share of crashes and bad luck this season, no need to add any more if it'd be up to me.
Sochi was a decent run of a race, with Cook dictacting the terms in the sand. I'm pleased I came 5th and I'm not sure but I reckon this might actually be my best classic result this season. Bollinger is a young lad who seems to have made some huge improvements already this season, probably someone to really keep an eye on. I was a bit unlucky with a bikechange, when a chain didn't properly work. Nothing major but that lap was a bit of unnecessarcy struggle. Alas, the incident happened mid-race and wasn't crucial at all, but I preferred to run through the sand with the bike in that particularl lap.
Besides that, Sochi was quite some fun. It was impressive to see the old complex of the Olympic Games. There's still some spirit of that left in the huge area. I hope we'll get to compete in the next olympic games, in Pyeonchang.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
With two days to go until the penultimate race of the World Cup kicks off, the city of Trondheim is packed with Belgians. There is also a few other nationalities, but mostly Belgians and Norwegians. There is, of course, the Cookie Fan Club, the tifosi, the Swiss Lips and the BOK (Band of Kiwis), but mostly it's Belgians. There's a few Irishmen and Swedes, out to support Shay Gormley and Mikel Hammarling. But mostly Belgians. Some things never change. In total, hundreds are expected to be following the World Cup weekend. The atmosphere is superb and the beer is chugging in anticipation. Many fans are visiting the course to watch their favorites training.
After completing a few laps, noting where to stay out of the ice and when to battle it, where the harder technical sections are, and of course, soughting after his beloved cobblestones. When he gets back to the pits he finds not only his trusty mechanic, but more journalists than he has ever seen in front of him.
'It's worse than Tekapo' he laughs to his mechanic. And it's true. The hype surrounding everyone and everyone near the top of the World Cup ladder or expected to do well later today is immense. The Kiwi Spartacus has never been in this much demand in the Cross world, not even in his native New Zealand.
Hello Ronnie!
Kia Ora!
It looks like you've been training hard, particularly on the icier parts of the course. How do you find it?
Yeah it's a technical rider's course, add in it's flat and got cobbles and it sounds like me. Obviously there is the ice, but I still feel I can survive that, not for the win but for a respectable position.
Many in the media have crossed you off for this race due to the ice, how do you feel there?
Yeah I 100% understand their point more than anybody, but I'm trying hard to predict it and overcome it, and that is all I can do.
With the Eldfjasson point everyone is making, I understand Hafthor is a beast on ice and can get the jump on me, but I believe in my capabilities compared to him to attack technical sections, handle cobblestones and ride over sand. It may not be my thing but I feel I could be better than him there, I guess I'll find out in four hours.
For me the first step with him and my other podium rivals is to first defend second, and then attack third, fourth and fifth, even sixth knowing Sylvain and Jimmy C. I know I'll be dropping points in Wallonie, but with Mikey, J and Lachy I believe in my support there and I am confident I can stay on the podium if I do well here.
Edited by jandal7 on 11-04-2015 20:48
Well, three days ago, something quite amazing happened. Eurosport invited me to guest comments he for the Great Sochi Circuit. I duly accepted, and it was great fun commentating over a fairly exciting race, even if it wasn't as big as Ansbach and Kwaremont. I thought I'd share with you my lap-by-lap analysis.
Start Line: The atmosphere around the Great Sochi Circuit may feel subdued compared to the heights of Oude Kwaremont, but I promise you it still looks to be an entertaining race. It'll take a strongman to win here, and we've seen plenty of them before this season, so who will step up.
Not much wind to speak of and above zero temperature means the sand will be rode through by many, which should suit many familiar faces. Despite some of the young talent, I do believe it might take a repeat winner to win here, but as Matt Mazzarelli showed a few days ago, the biggest of races can be won by new winners.
Lap 1: And they're off! But not that fast, as the regular jostle for positions is happening more sideways than anything else. And around the first corner we see young Josiah Bennett taking advantage! He shoots off down the straight with Mikel Hammarling in tow! And now we see the rainbow stripes latching onto Hammarling's wheel. That's right, it is Sylvain Lipawsky in the break of three.
The pack keeps riding at a steady pace, and we see Sven Welling leading the intact pack. The rest of the Fonterra-Genesis team and all the main favorites sit just behind, with Welling's BKCP teammate Francis Vague right on his wheel.
Lap 2: Through the timecheck it's a full 8 seconds back to the pack, which looks to be split in two now. The pace is still gentlemanly, and there is, for once, a certain sense of order. And as I speak it looks like 8 laps will be raced today.
Now let's see how we handle the stairs now, the break is fine, and so is the pack now. A few seconds later, the third group rolls in and...
CRASH! Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. It looks like Thijs van Lookeren is down, yesthat's Thijs van Lookeren, winner in Shanghai. It looks like the biggest names he has held up were James Carlisle and Arda Akdeniz, who are both straight back up on their feet and steaming off.
Sven Welling still going strong on the front, and more splits have occured, including Kokkonen, Hakkinen, and Nicky van Drenthe being shelled off the back, amongst others.
Lap 3: Over the line once more, and the break has increased to 10 seconds now, and it looks like Mikel Hammarling has dropped! Also now we see Sven Welling has imploded! Francis Vague slides off to the side and it's up to the three youngsters here now, Moli, Alinejad and Faizullah, but they don't want to work! Nobody wants to expend energy, and so it's Matt Mazzarelli who takes the initiative! Lachy Bauer says you're not going alone, and latches on to the Italian's wheel, with teammate Michael Bollinger in tow! This gets the alarm ringing for the sand specialists, and now we see the young Tanzanian working like a madman to claw back time! Young Mustafa Moli now in the front, showing his incredible skill.
Anyway Mazzarelli has a gap, a gap which Lachy Bauer is trying to shut! And shut it he does, but he slides off now, leaving Mazzarelli and Bollinger out front.
Up in the break, Josiah Bennett attacks again, and gets a gap now! Lipawksy is dropping back voluntarily, presumably to help his brother in the chasers!
And now let's see who is in the front groups!
Lap 4: As we see the groups pass:
Head of the race: Bennett
Chasers (4 seconds): Lipawsky, Bollinger, Mazzarelli
Favorites Group (10 seconds): Moli, Vague, Alinejad, Gormley, Cornelis, Faizullah, Lipawksy, Cook, Schiltz
Eldfjasson Group (28 seconds): Eldfjasson, Bauer, Hammarling, Burbank, van Drenthe, Kokkonen, Hakkinen,
Carlisle Group (49 seconds): Carlisle, Akdeniz, van Vliet, Khamse Khampan, Hira, Stolz
And now we see Gormley, Moli and Faizullah working hard to reel in the chasers, which they have almost done. But Mazzarelli has almost reeled in Bennett, with Bollinger playing the team card, but I don't think he can do that much longe-
WOW! We cut back to an image of Hira and Stolz going down. It looks like a chain problem for Stoltz caused Hira to crash into him, and they both look they will be down for a while. Stoltz looking the worse for wear here though, the former Superprestige winner with a nasty gash from one of the stairs, so it seems. We'll give you more info as it comes.
What have we missed? I don't know how it happened, but now it's only Bennett out in front, and it looks like he's about to crack completely. He's only go a few bike lengths now, as Pierre Lipawsky now powers on.
And he's reeled in as we come into the sand. And what just happened? Cook with a inhuman attack over the sand. Now it's only Bollinger who comes close to following, and it looks like only five remain in the chasers now. My oh my, I don't think I've seen anything like that in my lifetime other than around the time when the end of the Golden Generation drew near when I was just a kid!
And as look ahead to the stairs from here, it seems Stolz and Hira will be lapped by the marauding duo at the front!
Lap 5: As we cross the line it is already 5 seconds from the leaders to the chasers, who seem like the only people with a chance now! They are Francis Vague, Matt Mazzarelli, Dries Cornelis, Shay Gormley and Naveed Alinejad, what a performance from the young Afghan!
Anyway Bollinger does unfortunately eliminate his teammage with an apologetic smile and a wink, whilst Stolz was still lying on the ground, his injuries to his leg looking pretty gnarly, with a long gash.
We see everyone taking turns at the front of the chasers, and it's beginning to seem like Gormley and Cornelis are the strongest of the chasers.
Behind the chasers we see the Lipawksys, Fauzullah and Moli have been joined by Eldfjasson, Schiltz and Bauer, who has been gathering strength again after his work for Bollinger. Bennett slides through them, fatigue showing after his early move.
And now at the pits Vague needs a bikechange, it looks like his chain is the root of his problems. He looks severely pissed off, and is stuck in no man's land, four seconds behind the chasers.
Lap 6: Bollinger and Cook, Cook and Bollinger, they're keeping their status quo but the way they are looking at each other, they know what's coming. They have stretched their lead to a full ten seconds over Cornelis and- Cornelis goes! He stamps on the pedals, the Irishman Gormley hot on his wheels! We see Mazzarelli and Alinejad just can't handle him, but they have received a helping hand now in the form of Francis Vague, who has been making it seem effortless to get back up. So now we are left wondering, what would have happened if he didn't have that bike change. Would he have been able to following Cornelis and Gormley?
Speaking of the devils, we see Cornelis and Gormley working hard, but the lead is still 8 seconds! The two monsters at the front keep putting out some esteem power over the sand!
Lap 7: As we enter the penultimate lap it remains status quo, and at this rate the leaders are going to have room to cat and mouse! Gormley and Cornelis realise this, they are still going as hard as ever, they are all in for the win, no racing for third for these two powerhouses!
We see Vague, Alinejad and Mazzarelli working together well, but despite their best efforts they aren't getting anywhere! The four in front of them are simply too good on the day!
And now back in the next group Moli goes across the sand! Faizullah, Eldfjasson and Schiltz start chasing hard, leaving the Lipwasky and Bauer behind! Those three do look like they have half a mind on the Trondheim & Ardennes Cross though!
Lap 8: The final lap begins, and the leading duo still have 9 seconds to the main chasers! Incredible stuff here!
And now we see Vague taking matters into his own hands, he wants to brige across alone, it seems! He manages to shake the persistent Mazzarelli and Alinejad, and he's off!
Back to the next group, and Moli is still powering away solo, but he won't reach anybody, he's still a good 30 seconds back! Ten seconds from him is Faizullah and Eldfjasson, who have dropped the young Schiltz. Then another 10 seconds back is the Lipawskys, with a further five to Bauer, who looks like he's just resting his legs for th e Ardennes, which he need to be in prime condition for.
And coming over the sand, nothing happens at the front, but as we enter the final 400 metres Elliot Cook goes for the long game with Bollinger, who sits on his wheel, waiting for the right moment.
75 metres, it's the final straight, Bollinger thinks he has it, but Cooks has been bluffing! He wasn't sprinting at all! Bollinger makes up half a bike length but the Cookie Monster knows he has this, he sits up and salutes his fan club, a huge grin on his face! Over the past few weeks it looks like he has finally found his place in Cross, and he seems to be loving every minute of it!
Four seconds back after the cat and mousing, Gormley pips Cornelis by half a wheel for the final podium step, and 8 more seconds Francis Vague rolls in. Another four and Alinejad easily overpowers Mazzarelli's infamous sprint. What a performance from the youngster!
Speaking of which, Mustafa Moli keeps clear of a tired duo of Schiltz and Faizullah, another three youngsters with bright futures. Eldjasson slots between them.
Then Pierre crosses the line ahead of big brother Sylvain, and Bauer a further 8 seconds back.
Edited by jandal7 on 12-04-2015 05:01
Well, with almost 100% certainty, we can announce the final ice-race of the season. We enter the final week of the season, with four races left in only 8 days. Talk about going out on a bang! Today we have Trondheim, followed by the World Cup finale on Wednesday, Ardennes Cross. We end the season with two classics: in Arenberg and in Dunkerque.
But let's not run ahead. Today, we have a final chance for those riders keen on the ice. The World Cup may be gone already, there is still much to play for.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: -3° C
Precipitation: Clear
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Start Line: Lots of anxious faces. The conditions of the road are dreadful and nobody would like to end his season early after crashing out. Still, this is World Cup, so everyone wants a victory here. The ice and snow is even more prominent than the last few years, and so the impact of it cannot be underestimated. It has rained overnight and so caution is advised!
No Elliot Cook here. Which might mean trouble for the Ardennes Cross!
Lap 1: And we've started! Eldfjallsson skyrockets out of the peloton. Of course, he sees a chance of a lifetime to overtake Hira for place 2 in the World Cup today. On this profile, he could do it, being only 8 points behind!
Looks like we're watching a replay from the Continental Championships, as Francis Vague is quick to react and moves with the Icelandic rider. They turn into the field with a minor advantage on World Champion Lipawsky.
The cobblestones are covered under a layer of ice. One mishap and you're on the ground. One little steering mistake and you're out of the running. The riders are extremely cautious. We see Van Drenthe coming to a full stop and dismount. Something wrong or a precaution?
Mikel Hammarling decides to bridge the gap to the front! Dries Cornelis moves with him. As he's decreased in pure strength over the last few seasons, Cornelis has definitely improved on stealth. We have four leaders!
Hira doesn't like to see it happen, he tries to make the move forward but hits the ice as his front wheel slips away completely!
Lap 2: We will have 7 laps here. The riders cross the finish line in small groups. Hammarling, Eldfjallsson, Cornelis and Vague lead the race with already 16 seconds on a smaller group containing Sven Welling, Lipawsky, Hira and Shay Gormley.
And Sven Welling is doing brilliant work in the background! With Vague up front, he manages to slow down the chase constantly, to the obvious annoyance of Lipawsky and Hira. Gormley seems a bit absent, we wonder if anything's the matter with him.
Vague, Hammarling, Eldfjallsson and Cornelis continue to ride away. The foursome has got 18 seconds on the chasing group, still heavily handicapped by Sven Welling sabotaging every attempt at setting up a chase.
Wow, what an attack! Dries Cornelis shows some of his old brilliance with an amazing acceleration. Francis Vague tries to react but can't quite make it to Cornelis' wheel immediately! Hammarling and Eldfjallsson seem at their limit right now and just try to keep up a decent tempo.
Lap 3: Let's take a look at the front of the race.
Akdeniz and Bernard are nearing the World Champion, as the cooperation is completely lost. Only Hira is still pulling hard now, to secure his 2nd place in the World Cup from Eldfjallsson.
Cornelis with a good effort on the cobbles. Vague still sees him riding and does his best to close the gap. But it's 6 seconds now!
Meanwhile, Hammarling and Eldfjallsson seem to crack under the high tempo. The difference raises to 20 seconds in a matter of only half a lap, and if we know Cornelis, he is only getting started!
On the beach now, a very long straight section, and Cornelis with all his experience knows how to divide his power throughout such a race. But Vague is strong and he gets into his usual position, bend over his bike, to decrease the gap to... 1, 2, 3 seconds!
Lap 4: On the finish line, and Vague has caught up with Cornelis! He sits in the ex-World Champion's wheel. But now he overtakes Cornelis right before the corner! He takes it wide and accelerates from the saddle on the icy cobbles. Cornelis has to let him go, the cards have turned now!
Eldfjallsson and Hammarling only now cross the finish line. Eldfjallsson is doing most of the work, trying to keep Hira behind him. They're 34 seconds behind the race leaders.
And Bernard and Akdeniz have now caught up with the distressed group containing Hira, Welling, Gormley and Lipawsky. 47 seconds is the verdict, and that's mainly Hira's doing. Welling sits easily on his wheel. Looks like he heard me as Hira now tries to ride away from the group to find Eldfjallsson alone!
He looks behind and sees Welling still on his wheel. That's very discouraging. Welling playing the team game perfectly.
Back to the front! Cornelis is 9 seconds behind Vague, now. Has the prodigy gone off for another wonderful solo?
The victory of the day will definitely be for either, as Hammarling and Eldfjallsson now seem more concerned with what's happening behind them, rather than in front of them.
Bakari gets passed by an unchained Vague and gets off his bike. It's hard to find a rider less suited to the cold as Bakari. He must be wearing 5 jerseys by the look of it.
Lap 5: Cornelis is slowly clawing his way back to Vague, now! Only 4 seconds left. Vague has troubles leaving Cornelis completely behind! And now Vague's back wheel slips away! As an artist, he manages to stay upright, what a bike skill! But it has cost him his lead, and the two are back together. This is a battle everyone has been waiting for all season; the long-expected generation clash. One on one: one of Belgium's most celebrated cyclo-crosser in history against the upcoming man, subbed as an even bigger talent. Right now, they're fighting for more than for the victory of the day. This is for the history books. People will remember who won here for a very long time!
And they know that, because Cornelis now moves onto the attack again! Vague doesn't want to give him a meter, he's right on his wheel. Cornelis turns on the heat and wants to force Vague into making a mistake. This is top notch racing!
World Champion Lipawsky takes a fall in the background! He takes Ronnie Hira with him. It doesn't look too bad, though, but it illustrates the conditions the riders have to race in here. Keeping your bike upright is a challenge even for the top riders in the world.
And now Sven Welling goes on to the attack! He's so strong today, he leaves everyone behind! No, wait, Akdeniz moves with him!
Matt Mazzarelli is caught with a flat for the third time today. I wonder how he does it... He's helped quickly but any hope for a top 10 has vanished two laps ago already.
Lap 6: Cornelis moves to the front to attack again! Oh he misjudges that corner completely and hits the fence! He's spread over the road, Vague tries to avoid him and hits the brakes! He goes down, his bike slides over the ice and hits Cornelis. The two leaders are down! Cornelis stands up quickly and jumps on his bike. Vague slips as he tries to get back on his feet. He must be getting tired of all this falling this season. He takes his bike, takes a quick look at it, jumps up and rides away.
In the background, World Champion Lipawsky obviously grows into his rhythm and leaves the group behind. We don't see any groups larger than 3 riders left at this profile. You can only ride your own pace on such a course. If you try to go any faster, you go down. Simple as that.
Vague is once again left to chase Cornelis. We count 4 seconds.
Shay Gormley isn't giving the best impression and gets passed by Kokkonen now.
The leader is approaching the finish line. That means...
Lap 7: ...One more lap! Don't go anywhere, now. This highly exciting race is coming to a spectacular showdown with Cornelis and Vague seperated by a mere 3 seconds! Who will come out as the better man?
I think the race for place 3 has been fought, as Eldfjallsson has now, finally, left Hammarling behind him. He has 10 seconds on the Swedish cobbler. With Hira in 9th position, this means Eldfjallsson can end up on the 2nd place in the World Cup after today!
But now we turn all our attention to the front of the race. Cornelis slips away with his back wheel but manages to stay upright. Still, he slows down just a little bit. Just enough for allowing Vague to get back on his wheel! A U-turn coming up now. Vague decides this is his moment! He moves into first position and takes the U-turn on the inside, with Cornelis taking it wider! Is this the moment?
Vague opens up a small gap! It's the final lap, Cornelis has to keep his wheel now!
Vague flies out of the final turn and heads into the final 700 meters now. We wait... Oh and there's Cornelis already! Both man are preparing for a very, very long final sprint! Cornelis is but 2 seconds behind, but it must be frustrating not to be on that wheel!
Vague steps on the pedals now! Cornelis, too. But he doesn't get any closer!
Cornelis drops back in the saddle. Vague crosses the finish line first! He throws his arm into the air and manages the biggest smile, followed by a big sigh. This is a hard-fought-for victory. The clash of the generations has been won by Francis N. Vague!
Eldfjallsson rolls in third, almost a minute and a half behind today's winner. Hammarling is a disappointed fourth. Welling is the better man in the sprint against Akdeniz, what a performance today. He puts his fist in the air, too.
Lipawsky is 7th. And only now there is Hira. He's lost his 2nd place in the World Cup to Eldfjallsson! The Ardennes Cross will be very, very exciting indeed!
And with this victory, Vague completes a nice cyclo-cross hattrick: winning a stage in all three classifications. Only Lipawsky and Gormley can still follow in his footsteps if they'd win the Ardennes Cross come Wednesday.
We're down to the final three races. Belgium bids cyclo-cross goodbye with the traditional late-season Ardennes Cross. Cornelis will receive the World Cup at the end of the race, that's about the only thing we know for sure.
Francis Vague has called the Ardennes Cross among his three big goals of the season. After failing to win the Superprestige as well as the World Championships, Vague will be extra motivated to succeed in winning his home-turf race. The Walloon can count on lots of support from the local crowd.
Who can threaten the young lad who's already got 6 races on his palmares? Elliot Cook is prime pick. Perhaps we will see another duel between the two. Matt Mazzarelli can't be discarded on a profile as this. Bauer has also proved his strength on the hills.
The World Cup is ending its conclusion. While its victor is long known, there is still lots to play for.
Race Information
Country: Belgium
City/Place: Ardennes
Classification: World Cup
Starting Time (Elite Men): 15h30
Favorites: Francis N. Vague, Elliot Cook, Matt Mazzarelli, Lachy Bauer, Sylvain Lipawsky.
Record: 3x Hughes Vanautreve (1975, 1977, 1978), 3x Henry Goddet (2003, 2005, 2010)
Race History: There is room for discussion on when the first Ardennes Cross was raced. The fact is that the race is one of the oldest in the country. Ardennes Cross is one of those crosses which never lost its soul. The route doesn't change much, its classification all the more.
The Ardennes are unforgiven. The route takes the riders through the woods, constantly up and down. The trees pose a real danger in the downhill sections.
The riders start just out of the woods, though, on an old road, which looks more like a dirtroad with some stones here and there. It's small, so it's the only race of the calendar where the riders start on rows with 5, instead of 10. A good start is definitely a plus, here.
The riders move into the woods quickly and take on tough terrain, with steep gradients. Halfway the race there is the famous stairway: a wooden stair in the middle of the woods, part of an old hiking trail. It's a long way to the top, especially if you're caying a bike over your shoulder. When you finally reach the top, you jump on your bike and ride another 25 meters upwards, before plunging down into the most dangerous descend of the day. You can't win this race on the stairs, but you can certainly lose it there. It's not for nothing the locals call it the 'Dodentrap', the stairs of death.
The finale is even more technical. There are several bends, coming down to slaloming between the trees, after which there is a small trench. Some riders might jump over it, others will dismount. Here, the riders get back on the dirtroad, but not yet for the sprint. They briefly return into the woods, for a final steep climb of only 4 meters, but oh-so steep. Only a handful of riders in the world can ride it to the top. Reach the top, and you have only 250 meters left to race. Downhill, one more 90° turn and you turn onto the dirtroad for a 150m sprint.
It's a real strenght sapper, and only the best riders can prevail here.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 6° C
Precipitation: Clear
Wind: 0 Beaufort
Trondheim was the side of Francis N. Vague's first World Cup victory with the Pros, and he is thereby the first - and only rider - to have won so far in all three competitions. With Vague and Cornelis delivering a great battle of the generations, Trondheim has also been the side of one of the best mano a mano duels this season.
Francis, congratulations. A really tough race is behind you, and at the finish line you were seemingly relieved.
Yeah, I was really happy when the race was over. Because it was difficult to ride in these conditions and when you ride with great pace the danger is just higher. Cornelis and I were fighting it out throughout the race, and so we didn't give an inch to each other.
The crash looked a bit awkward when you feel into Cornelis. Any injuries?
Nah, I'm good. I didn't really understand what happened when it did, because it happened so fast. As a first reaction, you just want to avoid the crash you know. You act on instinct and don't think what should I do. Unfortunately I was too late. Dries and I havn't talked about it yet but I'm glad both of us could continue the fight.
What does this victory mean to you, especially from point of view as it is your first World Cup win.
Well, the World Cup this year didn't play much of a role to me honestly. I was hoping I could get some decent results, yes that's true, but when I was leading Superprestige and Coca-Cola I made a concious decision that putting myself deliberately out of contention would be the best. This decision has probably allowed me to be still in such good form at this point. So, the World Cup isn't important for me but the race itself was really thrilling and it means a lot to me to have beaten Cornelis in a fight like this. He's one of the best riders I know.
Ice and Cobblestones. Dangerous mix. How did it feel to race it?
Like you ride on your death sentence [laughs] Nah, I mean, I think A LOT of riders crashed here today. Honestly, it was not a question of IF you crash but HOW many times you crash. Due to that danger, the speed wasn't so high as usual and Cyclo-Cross isn't a sport of 40, 50 kph anyway. I think most riders went into this race with the mindset that they would get some bruises out of it, and that's alright. You prepare with that feeling and you expect it, and when it happens, it's mostly only half so bad.
Next up is the Ardennes Cross. One of your big goals. Your last. Anything but the win a disappointment?
Yeah, for sure. I'm happy with Trondheim and the recent races since the World Championships. I've sorta been in contention most of the time. I start in the second row still in the Ardennes Cross so that will be a bit of a disadvantage but other than that, I think this race will really suit me and I know it very well. My home crowd will be amazing, I'm sure of that and I hope to deliver another great race for them.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The exploits of the great names in history will never be forgotten. We know hundreds, if not thousands of stories from the times of the great Gasthuys and Vandewalle, we could talk for hours about Hughes Vanautreve, we sit in awe reading about Dries Cornelis' palmares.
Yet some of the greatest stories are those left untold. Some men know one moment of genius and then get forgotten throughout the sands of time. In the Ardennes Cross of 1938, an unknown man made all the headlines, just for one day. It was his moment of glory, before dying an obscure death in World War II. This is the story of Alfredo Giacco.
February 1938
Alfredo Giacco was the son of an Italian immigrant, who had moved to Belgium. Giacco's family was on the run from the fascist regime. Luckily, Giacco's parents were well off, and so Belgium had opened its doors for the Italian family.
Alfredo grew up in the suburbs of Liège, a city in Wallonie. He went to school there and quickly learned to speak French fluently. He was a smart boy, but had an unchallenged passion for bicycles. Those days, studying was a privilege for the rich, but it came with a price, too. Alfredo was at school or studying from Monday morning to Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, he was expected at church. But on Sunday afternoon, young Alfredo was on his bike, free.
In 1937, at the age of 17, he started entering a few cyclo-cross races. His best result was an 8th place in the old Bastogne Cross. Yet Alfredo loved racing more than anything and couldn't be kept away from them.
In February 1938, Alfredo was at the start line of the Ardennes Cross, one of Belgium's most prestigious and famous crosses. The other riders didn't quite like the young, slim Italian with high cheekbones. The crowd had their Walloon darling, and wouldn't know anything of this Giacco boy, too.
Alfredo was still more an amateur than anything else and in the first lap, he crashed into a tree going downhill. At the start of lap 2, Alfredo was in last position, 43 seconds behind the head of the race. And then, history was in the making.
Alfredo picked up the riders one by one. This young, Italian boy, who looked ever so elegant on his old racing bike, found his way to the front of the race by the final lap.
On the final long climb, he made the winning move and left some of the biggest names in cyclo-cross in the 30s behind with a singly swift acceleration. He crossed the finish line 4 seconds ahead of the Belgian Champion. It was a winner nobody was really happy with: the organisers didn't like an unknown name on the palmares, the riders didn't like this Italian coming up and the crowd despised the Italian, calling him "a fascist immigrant". But Alfredo couldn't care less, he thanked his parents and the Belgian goverment in his post-race interview, before going back home for dinner.
Four years later, Alfredo Giacco was stationed in Tobroek, as part of the British (foreign legion) army. On June 21st, the city was conquered by the Germans and Italians. An Italian soldier identified Alfredo as an ex-Italian and shot him as a traitor. His parents were never found again after the War and were presumed dead, too.
Alfredo was quietly forgotten. Cyclo-cross, just like entire europe, had to rebuild after WW II. Alfredo Giacco would not be missed. Just a photograph would remain of him. A photograph showing a young, handsome Italian Belgian raise his arms in utter shock, the crowd around him yelling angrily and the Belgian Champion in the background, with his mouth open, unable to catch up with the Italian boy, who loved cycling so much.
Edited by Ian Butler on 06-09-2015 10:14
With the end of the season approaching, we shouldn't be surprised at a few rumors surrounding the transfer market. But we try to restrict ourselves to facts. And this is just hot off the press: Bank of Ireland - Guinness won't continue to support Shay Gormley in his cyclo-cross adventure. This means the Irish strongman is a free agent and will have to find a new team for next season.
There is no doubt many teams will want to give Gormley a contract. The Irish rider has been good for 3 victories in his debut season!
With the 2014 - 2015 season nearing its end, the UCI has already started contacting riders and teams with regard to their licenses. The UCI has already started on next year's calendar, too.
The UCI is putting together the list of professional cyclists for next season. Their UCI number will be decided on the current UCI Classification. Neopros will be added to the list after being cleared by the license-committee.
As seen so many times before, two Fonterra-Genesis Cross riders ride together around the course, the day before the race at hand. The atmosphere around them is intense, but Lachy Bauer and Ronnie Hira won't stop for autographs or meeting the fans until the day is done.
The brown eyes of Lachy Bauer, usually twinkling mischievously, have the same stone-cold determined look they take on in the pivotal moments of a race. Hira's eyes flicker around, taking every inch of ground in, but with no trace of nerves, surprising for a man preparing for a seemingly impossible task.
Every lap, Bauer increases his pace on the front, pushing Hira, showing him what he needs to do. It's a good tactic, and whether Hira feels it or not, it's working, he seems to be increasing his pace on Bauer's wheels effortlessly. Luckily for them, their rivals still don't understand the plan, even if they understand the goal.
After two laps at a speed near what Bauer would be normally going, competing for the win, albeit with Hira holding on for dear life, they complete the final technical section flawlessly, now with Hira in front, and stop in the pits with their mechanic and trainer.
After some words with the trainer, a mob at journalists invade their space and start asking questions.
Bauer, you are a race favorite, but Hira is looking to reclaim second spot overall, an unlikely task. Will you sacrifice your whole race for him?
L: Yes
You two have been training like madmen for an impossible task. Do you think it's worth it?
L: It's not impossible.
R: And of course it's worth it.
How are you planning to approach tomorrow from a tactical standpoint?
L: I'd really like to tell you. But I can't. I am so so sorry but I can't.
Name us your podium?
L: Cornelis, Mazzarelli or Lipawsky third. Then despite the script saying Vague wins, Cook hasn't read the script and does a very Cook thing and winning from under Vague's nose, which will really rark up Franny.
R: Mazzarelli third. Then reverse Lachy's top two. It seems destiny that Vague wins, he believes it's his right to win and so do his Waloons. Cook second after Vague puts in a really determined attack.
And you two?
R: Don't care so long as we get ahead enough of Eldfjasson.
It's a course I know by heart. Ever since I've decided to favor the cross bike to the road one, this was a special home for me. Wallonia isn't so fanatic about CX as its in Flanders, but they have provided all us hopeful riders a CX-track to train hard and gain experience.
When it comes down to it, my development as a rider is majorly influenced by this track. Talk about the technicality of the narrow forest roads or the steep slopes with the pain awaits you on top.
The mayor of the near-by town has invited me to a little brunch the day before the race. I sat down with him and we shared some nice waffles. He told me, "It's damn time one of our guys wins here again", rubbing his well-fed belly. I was a bit nervous late in the evening, took my road bike for a spin around the towns and forrests. With enough light to guide me home, I've felt especially close to home. Ever since the Cyclo-Cross circuis started in October, I havn't been home much between the weeks. Lots of travelling, training camps, press stuff. It was good to be home I thought. And I was thinking to show it the whole world by winning tomorrow.
Like I said, it's a course I know by heart and I don't plan to make it easy on any of my competitiors. Trondheim has given me back the confidence I needed for a special tricky track like the Ardennes Cross. The trees make it sometimes difficult to keep sight of things. In addition to the forest stones, it can harm you in a nasty way, especially at the start of things. Fighting for positions becomes tricky when you have to keep the barricades such as trees in sight. The Dodentrap then challenges your best downhill skills. At the 4 meter climb towards the end you can turn the climb into a "waiting-climb" for the guy behind you, to force him to stomp down the feet. It's always worth the gamble but certainly worth it.
Well, Welcome back to Wallonia, Francis.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Welcome on this beautiful Wednesday afternoon in the Ardennes, Belgium! We're ready to finish the World Cup in style. The winner is already mathematically certain, Dries Cornelis. But that doesn't mean this race has no importance. The fight for place 2 will be fought for today. And then look a bit further in the classification. Places 5 and 6, Lipawsky and Carlisle, are both on 140 points. Mazzarelli (7) and Welling (8) are on 137 and 136 points, with Hammarling (10) and Cook (11) on 124 and 123 points. There is so much left to fight for today! Welcome!
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 7° C
Precipitation: Sunny
Wind: 0 - 1 Beaufort
Start Line: The famous ex-cyclo-crosser from Bruxelles Hughes Vanautreve is here to give the start shot today. As shared record holder, he gave us his prediction before the race: 1. Vague 2. Mazzarelli 3. Cook. We'll know if he's right in little over one hour!
Cornelis looks relaxed. He's got the World Cup no matter what, so there's not a lot at stake for him today, he could go all in. Though Cornelis is one of the only riders this season that hasn't missed a single race, and hardly ever finishes outside the top 10, too. He's growing tired and this last week might be a bit too much for him.
Vague, on the other hand, couldn't be more anxious. After missing out on the Superprestige and the Championships, he faces his final big goal of the season. Winning the Ardennes saves his season. Losing today, doesn't of course mean he's had a bad season, but the young Walloon is ambitious and he'll go into the summer with quite some doubts in his head.
Lap 1: Vanautreve has given the start shot! He won two of his three Ardennes Cross editions by breaking away in the first lap. Let's see if we have a similar situation today! Only 5 riders on the front row, which makes for a different start! Eldfjallsson and Vague are blocked. Lipawsky turns into the woods first.
Vague makes a very eager impression and can already be found in third position. We're moving onto the first big climb, and now Elliot Cook turns up at the front. Mazzarelli follows, then Vague, then Lipawsky. Eldfjallsson is climbing well today and is in fifth.
Cornelis has taken a bad start and is already in 20th position! Dramatic start. His explositivity isn't what it once used to be...
The leaders turn downhill, now. We see gaps appearing, big gaps. Bakari is really struggling on the climb. The same goes for Honchar, who seems to have problems with his gearing. After the official announcement that Children of Chernobyl Foundation p/b Nemiroff will stop at the end of the season, its riders are hoping to ride themselves into the picture to secure a contract elsewhere. It won't be easy, though.
Vague takes the initiative here and moves into first position. Right in time for the Dodentrap! The riders dismount and start the long way up. This really gets in your legs. In the final laps, these wooden stairs just kill you and sap you off all remaining strength.
Lipawsky, the World Champion, is a good runner and now passes Vague. At the top, he has a few seconds on the other riders. This might come in handy in the final lap, he can run away from them here!
As they plunge downhill, he is caught again, though.
A very technical section here. The riders slalom between the trees. Ouch, Eldfjallsson's wheel gets stuck between the roots of a tree and he goes down! That means we now have four leaders.
Lap 2: We will have 8 laps today and we have 4 leaders remaining: Cook, Lipawsky, Mazzarelli and Vague. The crowd is over the top to see their rider, Vague, in the leading group.
The four leaders are sharing the workload, but nobody seems keen to try and ride away from the other. This is a profile where you definitely don't want to go too early. A fall back here could have dramatic consequences.
And we see Hira crossing the finish line. He's being towed by Bauer. Will it be enough to regain his second place in the World Cup? Eldfjallsson is ahead of him, so he'll have to do better!
Young Visconti is not doing that bad, now. He's had a rough season, with a lot of small injuries. Let's hope he can show his true potential next season.
And in the background, Hammarling is making quite an impression! He's completely missed his start, but now he's moving up places. Here he passes Welling, who played a vital role in Vague's victory last Sunday.
The four leaders are closing in on lap 3. Here is the dryed out trench. It might be interesting to see who jumps here and who doesn't. Vague and Lipawsky make the jump, Cook and Mazzarelli don't risk it. Let's take note of that!
The "waiting climb", as Vague called it, is dry, so it could be raced to the top. Still, nobody has done it today, and nobody does it, now, too.
Lap 3: Rik Van Fleming goes into the top 20. He's moving up slowly. He's never quite been in great form this season. Van Fleming has been growing stronger every year, with last year a few victories, even, like the Belgian National Championships. But this season he seems to have struggled hard against the new generation and hasn't ridden good results for him.
The four leaders continue to grind it out without any real attacks. They're putting quite a distance between themselves and the closest chasers, Eldfjallsson, Schiltz, Akdeniz and Bollinger.
It's nice to see Rudy Verboven ride around here. After the Superprestige weekend, he went back to the road full time, but today he appeared at the start nonetheless, to get some extra power training. It's always nice to have a rider of such class race, though today it doesn't look like he'll come close.
We're going into the 4th lap. Still no major attacks at the front. The Ardennes Cross really invokes fear into the riders. Nobody wants to go out to war here unless they're certain they can win the Battle of the Bulge.
Looks like we spoke too early! Cook accelerates on the slopes! Lipawsky is quick on the draw and reacts straightaway! Vague steps on the pedal to react but he has a problem with his gears! Mazzarelli, in Vague's wheel, has noticed this, but the damage is done! Both riders have almost come to a standstill and are now forced to chase!
Vague changes his bike and can chase properly, now!
He's getting nervous. Stay calm, lad, there's still time! He gets a bit angry at Mazzarelli, who's sitting at his wheel. Big gestures, forcing Mazzarelli into relaying with him. Just as Mazzarelli makes a move to relay, Vague powers away from him. Mazzarelli holds on for dear life as he tries to keep up with an anxious Vague.
Lipawsky and Cook have found each other and are 9 seconds ahead of the fighting duo.
Lap 5: Four laps remain. And already you can see riders at the edge of their seat, at the last of their powers.
It's true what they say, and we repeat it every year: The Ardennes are unforgiven, merciless. After a good run, Hammarling has pushed his limits too much and is struggling hard at the moment. He's really hit a brick wall. Sven Welling is dying on his bike. Blazej Dobransky's face has turned completely grey. And this is a sunny edition of the race...
Mazzarelli is relaying with Vague now. The young Walloon looks like he's gotten over his panic and is now focused on bringing back the World Champion and The Cookie Monster! The difference is 5 seconds. They see them right ahead of them.
Vague jumps the trench, leaving Mazzarelli behind! He gets to the short, extremely steep climb and ... Yes, Vague is the first rider of the day to ride it all the way to the top! If you're alone and there's nobody ahead of you, you can try it. This brings him immediately to Lipawsky and Cook!
Lap 6: Crossing the finish line, things at the front slow down a bit. Lipawsky and Cook are a bit surprised to see Vague back to soon, while Vague is resting up after his jump.
This allows Mazzarelli to return to the front. He rides hard and finds Vague's wheel. The foursome is complete again!
Elliot Cook doesn't want to take Vague to the finish line, that much is obvious. He accelerates on the exact same spot as two laps ago! Mazzarelli doesn't want to make the same mistake twice and follows him. Vague won't be surprised this time. What's this he's doing? A brilliant piece of mental warfare as Vague follows Cook's attack next to him! He comes up on his right to show him: you won't be dropping me here!
Lap 7: Only two laps remain, now!
Michael Bollinger is making excellent progression this race. Now in sixth position, he's right behind Eldfjallsson. There have been talks of a new cycling team, sponsored by Santos and based in Australia. Bollinger is their number one priority, assumingly. A move away from the New-Zealand team might do Bollinger good. Though he'll have to step up and be a full leader, that's not always easy to do.
Transfer rumors aside, it's Vague who's making the pace, now. Continuing his mental warfare, he's constantly putting pressure on Cook, Mazzarelli and Lipawsky by demonstrating his excellent technical skills. Yet on the Dodentrap, it's always Lipawsky who comes out on top first. You can see the fatigue of the riders going up the stairs.
And now Mazzarelli with a monster attack! This is quite the acceleration, and it has caught Vague by surprise! But the young Walloon is strong enough to get on the wheel and grind it out!
The two reach the top with a small gap on Cook and Lipawsky. Mazzarelli looks behind and sees Vague on his wheel. After such an attack, it'll be very demotivating to see someone holding on, and making it look easy doing it.
If the race would be won on points, Vague would be today's winner. He's mentally and physically tiring out the competition systematically. As a show of strength, he jumps the trench, where Mazzarelli has to dismount.
Lap 8: The bell of the final lap! We're going into the last lap with four leaders. Eldfjallsson follows 32 seconds down, so as we've expected for some time now, the victory of the day is for one of these four riders: Mazzarelli, Vague, Cook, Lipawsky.
The crowd is going wild, as the riders head into the woods for one final time.
Meanwhile, where are Hira and Bauer? Let's see... They're not to be found in the top 10. With Eldfjallsson in fifth, that means Hira, despite his best efforts, won't win back his 2nd place in the World Cup. Bad luck for the Kiwi. Though, with a good final effort, Hira can become the first ever Kiwi to podium the World Cup.
At the front, we're experiencing some strange behaviour. It seems everyone has accepted their fate that they just can't beat Vague today. Will it come to a sprint? Does Vague trust himself in a four-way sprint?
Cook must've heard me and defininitely disagrees. He attacks where you wouldn't expect it, going downhill! A very dangerous tactic, only matched by Vague's daring!
And now it seems they have permanently shaken off Mazzarelli and World Champion Lipawsky.
Going into the final phases of the race, now! Vague jumps the ditch, he looks behind quickly... Cook has jumped, too. This is unexpected. Cook jumps the trench for the first time. He realizes he must take risks now, or Vague is gone!
The final, steep, short climb now. Vague is the only one who has managed to race up it, today. He's getting ready to do it again...
When Cook, with an amazing move, shoots ahead of the Walloon! To the dislike of the crowd, Cook dismounts and forces Vague to dismount, too! They jump back on their bikes and turn the final corner. 150 meters left and we have a sprint with Cook and Vague!
Lipawsky and Mazzarelli turn the final corner, now, too, but that's for place 3.
Cook starts in first position and looks behind him, he's trying to draw out Vague. Vague waits, waits, waits... And he goes! What an acceleration! Cook tries to answer it, but there's no match. Vague's speed is superious, and so he crosses the finish line with both hands high in the air. The crowd cheers his name, loudly. Cook crosses the finish line second, disappointed. He's done all he can, but in the end, Vague was unbeatable today.
Lipawsky wins the sprint for place 3!
Eldfjallsson gets 5th place, then we have Bollinger, Schiltz, Carlisle, Cornelis, Akdeniz, Gormley.. And then Hira and Bauer. Hira is completely empty. He's done what he could, but it wasn't enough.
Meh, I guess I'll have to live with that forever. What am I talking about? Come on, I'm sure you know it. Some call it podiumphobia, I just know that I'm finally getting used to that. Even my family doesn't call me Matteo anymore. They instead prefer to call me "quarto". I'm seriously thinking of changing my name, by the way. Matt Mazzarelli sounds quite cacophonous to be fair, I'm not even sure myself on how to prononuce it. Quarto Mazzarelli sounds muuuuuch better, doesn't it? Also I've had it up to the eyeballs of losing sprints against Lipawsky. Dear Sylvain, you know I love you, but f**k off. Not that bad thinking twice, though. I'm 5th at the moment in the World Cup standings, would you freakin' believe that if I ended up 3rd yesterday I would now be 4th? Shite, that's a persecution! Ah, almost forgot to mention that my racing number will be #4 the next year. lol'd hard when I got to know it haha.
Sooo, looks like the shy Gormley is a free agent at the moment: nice! Wouldn't be too bad if he joins me and Mario at Mapei. The guy is a nice presence, although he seems to be a bit dazed lately. I know how it feels when you leave your home country for a while, must be even worse for an Irishman. You know, beer is far worse in the rest of the world, he's lucky Belgium is quite an exception. Anyway, I'm just waiting for an official statement by him, as I were hinting, me and one of the managers had a chat with him straightaway, once we heard the news coming from Dublin. He said that he would like to wait a bit more and see if any other teams would contact him. Hopefully BKCP, the Team Sky of cyclocross, won't convince him, I'm starting to be worried!!!
Now that the season is almost over for me I can finally give an assessment of my season. When I started my adventure few months ago, I would've never thought to be so succesfull and so beloved already since my first season. Actually I thought I could only be good for a bunch of top 10s in the most suitable races, nothing more. Let alone that I'm pretty pleased of the outcome: I mean, the nth 4th place of the season still hurts, but it can't be thrown away at all. I would've preferred if it escalated more slowly, though. The drunk Matt story didn't show me up in good light, and if I have to find a plausible reason, that is indeed the immediate success I experienced. But I hope I've now learned by my mistakes, at least I'm glad that it happened so early on the season and not later on, so that I had some time to recover and to restart stronger than ever. Kwaremont Cross is definitely the highlight of my season, I doubt I'll feel so happy ever again, but it'd be great to raise my hands up once again, the next season. And no, I'm not saying that I want to bend the elbow once again.
The Cyclo-Cross Federation (CCF), an organisation with all cyclo-cross teams in it, has something special planned after the final race of the season, The Dunkirk race. Three days later, on Wednesday, the CCF wants to organise a football match, consisting of all professional cyclo-crossers, in the Ghelamco Arena in Ghent, Belgium. The match would be for the Fight Against Cancer, the tickets will be available tomorrow at 18:00 GMT+1 time on the CCF site and on the Fight Against Cancer site.
To draw the biggest crowd possible, the CCF have put the rivalry of the season to its best use: the two team captains will be Francis Vague and Elliot Cook.
The riders can now subscribe to take part in the football match against cancer. You can help by purchasing a ticket, or donating money to the cause.
Almost tears of joy were running down when Vague collapsed in the arms of his father. Later, on the podium, the wallonish crowd was going crazy whilst the flandriennes lion was waving wildly in the air by all the flemish people joining in. Vague was on the top right there. He wish he'd been in Valkenburg. Or in Oude Kwaremont. But this is was good enough for him. At last. Elliot Cook took his first season goal, Lipawsky the second. The last once Vague to treasure.
If it comes down to it, Vague would never say anything against the Coca-Cola competition but for a boy who loves his history so much, there are some wins who hold a special place. There are races you love and grow up with. Kwaremont Cross, Ardennes Cross, Blaarmeesen, Rasterhoff. With a little emblem of the town hanging round his shoulder, Vague nears the reporters.
Francis, congratulations. What a stunning race by you and the other three guys. Where did you take the mental strength to race like this today?
Yeah. My legs gave in couple of times actually, and you just sorta try to play it cool and keep your wits about you. Each time you suffer it's likely that the others suffer as well. I was lucky to have such a fantastic home crowd on my side that really helped me when he hurt the most, and that can carry you when it gets tough. Cowbells, shouts, trumpets --- just everything. It sounded all a bit louder than usual. I was racing with focus and a clear mindset. I was not afraid to fail, or to bonk. Today it was all about winning, you know. Nothing else. I'm glad it paid off. It was incredible to stand on the podium. I've never heard my name shouted so loud.
There were multiple attacks in the group. At first you missed the move of Cook and Lipawsky. But later on you were on the tail of everybody till the sprint.
Indeed, it was difficult at first. I expected them to make so powerful moves this early, but it's dangerous to follow because the race really --- destroys you. What played in the cards for us, and which helped us to ride aggressively and to deliver an exciting race, was that no one was concerned about the overall. We didn't ride for the World Cup, we rode it like a classic. And because each of us had a solid lead on the competition. It gave us room for tactical games, similiar to Kwaremont Cross. This is typical racing for the late season. You don't need to save your strength for the remaining season, you are usually in a peak condition. You can attack, attack, and usually you ride in big races. Prestigious races with lots of fans and love, that are a great challenge.
You seemed to be quite angry with Mazzarelli who was first reluctant to help you chase the two?
That, oh -- minor inconvenience. You know, it's alright. Everybody rides his race. I'd like more help and I told him that. But of course, maybe he wanted to play a similiar trick on me like he played on Cook in Kwaremont Cross, than, uh -- maybe I would have raced differently. But he helped me chase then, and we got back to the front two. All good.
How much was Lipawsky in an advantage today at the Dodentrap, almost everytime he ran past you and the others.
Yeah, he's quick with the legs, both riding and running. It's not a good feeling when a guy sprints past you after you try to keep position and be on the front in such important key moments. But he's really fast up there and you have to think for yourself how much energy you want to spend in the running here. As long as the four of us were together, it was alright.
Regarding this race, one has to ask how much did you progress as a rider, not only physically but also on a mental level.
There are things you learn, that's natural. I think I had a first great debut pro season and I'm very, very thankful for that. What's important is to know that just because you mess up in one instant you don't lose all the race. In the first races I was really afraid to get dropped and don't come back but in Trondheim or Ardennes Cross, you see that you can come back. And that's something you have to learn the hard way, by racing and by winning races. So, that's something I think I've improven on. I'm sure there are some other things - also in terms of riding, but I'm a bit too happy right now to think of them.
Only two races remaining, how do you intend to race them?
I was focused most of the season on the classification races, so actually I'm still looking forward to properly race some classics. I hardly did any this season. Arenberg Classic is something I really look forward to, although it doesn't suit me. At all. To avoid crashes will be my main priority.
Cook vs Vague. A great rivarly of this season. You have dueled today maybe for a last time this season on the bikes, but the CCF has also announced a football match with you two guys as captains.
Yeah, that'll be great fun. I usually don't play football because it's really not good for your legs but as a season wrap it may be a fun activity to do so. I'm really not good so I'll be mostly hanging around where I can do the least damage to my team [laughs]
And the race today; Cook seemed keen to ruin the day for you [laughs]
People think I might be a bit too cocky at times but you know, I want to win every race. I love riding and love Cyclo-Cross and as a professional athlete there's always the desire to win every race you enter. That's normal. You need a high level of ambition, and you can't be easily satisfied. Gasthuys, Vandewalle, all the great champions have this treat. And Elliot Cook isn't in any way different to them. He may not show it, but winning the Superprestige doesn't come from nothing. He rides to win races as well. And, the best way to win a race is to ride to your strengths and he did that. He is a great rider, and we had some great duels this season, I'm glad I could get the win ahead of him here today one last time.
Hey guys, the Kwaremont Cross is behind me and my legs are still pretty damn sore. Heck, this race was a bit too much for me but I'm incredibly proud of myself that I have finished it. The tips of my dad really came to fruition. Slow and steady doesn't win the race but you finish 17th at least. At the race where my father was part of so much history, it's a special feeling to shine a bit yourself.
I watched the race three times when I was at home. I was surpised that the belgian tv had a heart for me and showed me a couple of times. The joy of my dad was apparent to see, he was really lucky for me. Honestly, seeing him like that, I am now finally sure that Cyclo-Cross will be my future. I wasn't so sure at first, at the start of the season. People were saying I have had many talents. But a race like Kwaremont Cross opens your eyes. It was spectacular to race here. Once in a lifetime. I wish I could sleep a year and race here again - - - well, maybe with some even better legs than preferrably. It's a place you want to call home just to train here.
Anywsay, I was later part in the Ardennes Cross as well. I'm not too good with this super steep climbs. I can take a climb like Kwaremont fairly well but it gets tricky when you head up the steep slopes that are in the Ardennes forests. In the past soldiers may have fought here, today it was me fighting to catch my breath. Kwaremont Cross and Ardennes Cross are two beasts of races. Trust me, if someone ever says Cyclo-Cross is for pussies, demand of them to race this parcour for an hour and they will change their mind then.
Might be part of Dunkirk and Arenberg as well. I'm sorta getting the hang of the pro racing now that the amateur season is done. Lotto-Fidea has approached me recently, so maybe I end up with the pros full-time next season.
The last race of the World Cup is behind us. Welling's team mate got the win, seemingly to Welling's joy. In Trondheim, the Belgian played a key role in keeping Vague's opponents behind him, now Welling had his own to celebrate at the end of the race.
"I was really, really happy for Francis. But I was even more satisfied with myself. To have finished 10th in the World Cup is something I didn't think was possible anymore. I had a couple of rough seasons behind me and this is just a great sign that I gain consistency again. I'm glad that the team believes in me and I can remain with them for the next year at least." Welling is also happy to highlight Vague's influence for himself: "Truth is, some people may think it's demotivational to ride for such a youngster who is so gifted. But he gives me back some of the joy of cycling. To train and ride with him, to know you have a guy on your team who is on the top of this sport, this is a big, big help to one. I hope I can teach him a thing or two still, but honestly, I think I have learned more from him than he did from me. On a mental level, he is really outstanding."
Welling looks forward to racing the last two classics. He has been part of every race so far but the belgian rider actually doesn't want it to end. Instead, he thinks aobut doing some road racing soon. Some minor paved classics in Belgium are on his list for example. "My legs feel so good as they havn't done in some years. Why not enjoy the time and discover the road a bit." He also already has goals for the next season. "I want to podium a race. Maybe, can I dream? - Maybe even win one. Preferrably a Classic. I havn't won a classic yet."
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Great Sochi Circuit - Report
Trondheim CX - Preview 
Ardennes Cross - Preview 
