The eye openers have been run and it has to be said two little islands off of the European mainland should feel plenty happy.
The Gormless one was once again useful in the thrasher event - I was feelin a bit heavy in that one truth be told. It was great to get out and racing against the boys again and the new names sort of found out that it is harder than it looks in the ring with us.
I recall what it was like for me - it took me a few races to find the pace. Some races don't get really going until 2 or 3 laps to go whereas others are pretty much done in like a minute.
Duinen was a bit like a long range chess match the big guns were feeling each other out a bit. As I say I was feeling a bit heavy legged but I thought I was in with a shout. I was a bit suprised to see the old git up here - he must be running on fumes. He can probably still go on the shyte and in a long tactical one he still can go I guess.
The first race is a shaker gets the old last nights spunk rolling out of our dicks - the subsequent races will see the cream of the cream come along. Speaking of spunky fellows Mazerati was going real great in Blaarmeusen - but we all know it would have been a really hard one to stop Franny had he not had a really bad technical.
The maidan is looking good really and despite winning and feeling a little bit of that rostrum joy - I still have that lingering fear that Vague is going to be the big dog this year. I still don't quite feel I have em grovelling for my back wheel this year but I knew for once I had a guy I could outkick at the finish in Mazarati. The Italians usually have a good finish on the road - so I don't know why he just had no real punch. Still I was grateful enough and it adds nice to the palmaries.
I get to numero uno on the UCI rankings this is my season goal and it is good to get my head up there - need to keep snaffling the points - It makes we wonder how the unfavoured Coca-cola races may need to be ditched in favour of resting up for the higher booty? Not sure I want to pull a Vague though?
His second appearance in the season is a game of what could have been. And a showcase of unforeseen team strength by BKCP - Powerplus. With Schiltz doing a phenomenal job and also Welling doing vital work, Vague would have nearly achieved the impossible. But it's a game of almost.
Francis, you've lost the race when you suffered a mechanical, how did it happen?
Well, first off: I didn't lose the race in that moment. The team and I have fought hard to come back and to make something happen. We've tried to keep in the game. Mechanical or not, it's a race and it's part of it. Maybe with one or two additional laps, I don't know. I was fairly empty and it was incredible task we had to accomplish. My sincerest thanks to Christian and Sven, they have been such a tremendous help to me and they knew how much this race meant to me. Just amazing what they have done for me today. And also the fans have been great. They felt what I went through. Usually, you are very focused and don't hear much of the crowd but I really felt the presence and the support this time around. It's really special in Belgium for me. The best thing I can imagine.
Any words about Christian Schiltz, is this a new super team coming up?
He was really incredible strong today. First, Sven did a solid job of pacing us and helping us to get some seconds and then Christian just turned up the turbo. We've shared some relay duties and we've done just great work to get back to the front groups and then distance them. I think both of us have been on fire today. In the last one, two laps we've been riding on pure adrenaline because we've distanced great riders like Hafthor or Lipawsky. I'm really, really optimistic for both our seasons. Racing is fun in such a way.
For a while, you seemed to have taken a mental blow and ridden with your head quite ducked in.
Uh, no. No at all. It's just, when you suffer a mechanical in such an unfortunate place you spent a lot of energy to get to the zone and get a new bike. It's been in the first or second lap, I had a long race still to go. I couldn't just ride like mad man but despite all the risk I took, it was vital to manage my energy too. Blaarmeesen is unforgiving otherwise. When I shake my head or put it down, it's only to dig deeper [smiles]
So, your form is better than you've imagined?
Right now, I'm confident about the Superprestige but the gap to Cook of two points is already something that I wanted to avoid at all cost. I think anyone will agree when I say that it will be a close battle between 3, 4 riders. I hope I am one of those to challenge for the win.
It may be a provoctive question, but would you have won if not for the mechanical?
No, yes... doesn't matter. After the mechanical I lost almost a minute and it gave me the liberty to ride with a certain extend of risk and aggressiveness that you can't allow yourself when you ride for the victory. There are races where you just have to risk things to get the best out of it. Christian and I were in a position where it was either that we ride in a conservative way and get 5-6 points, or we risk something. Make zero points or get something real out of it. I'm glad we took the right decision. Racing is always the best option.
Elliot Cook took the win today, your opinion?
He was really strong in the first half of the race and we all knew that the victory would be over him. And that is what happened. He was close to the win last year, it's nor surprise that he is on this level already. Congratulations. It'll be an exciting Superprestige competition I hope.
What went through your head when you had the mechanical?
Shit. That's pretty much it.
In the end, you tried to attempt to fully ride the Pastoors-climb?!
Indeed, yes. The pastoors-climb is not only a special climb that played a key role to my tactic in this sense. I had nothing to lose in that moment. I had a certain 3rd place and I could only improve if I tried. Unfortunately I failed, but the pastoors-climb is also a challenge to history. You ride against the past when you attempt to take on this climb. There's a legacy about this steep, narrow part that makes it seemingly impossible to get on top. Today, I was close. Today, I understood that I was close to that level. Today, I though it was possible for a brief second until it wasn't [laughs]
The Belgian crowd was in full support of you today. Francis shouts were heard all over the place. A new era?
Yes, some amazing support today. It really pushed me forward and as a rider you can rarely focus on this stuff but today it was so loud. I imagine some people have been enthusiatic about this ride. Of course there are some things I can't forget about last year but I interpret them as further motivation to do well here in my home.
There won't be another Superprestige race for almost a month. Your plans for the coming weeks?
Well, like most other riders I ride the Hertford classic and then get over to Australia. There arn't races that particurarly suit me but I achieved a 3rd place last year in Melbourne, maybe thanks to Sven Welling, so I hope for a great time in Down Under this time around again. But of course, Twin Peaks is vital for me in the coming weeks then.
Edited by Shonak on 07-05-2015 00:09
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
It's time for our final race on European ground for almost 2 months, before returning with the 4th Superprestige race in Lisbon. Great Britain hosts another edition of the Great Hertford Classic.
Last year, Hertford was a surprise race, with lots of riders at the front who would remain silent for the rest of the season. Hertford is known as the 'cyclo-cross for runners', meaning dismounting and running quite a distance is essential if you want to win this race.
This year, the race has been pushed up to Saturday at 13h30. This means the riders might catch a plane to Australia comfortably in the evening, as they have to ride the Hobart Sunny Classic there in exactly one week.
Race Information
Country: United Kingdom
City/Place: Hertford
Classification: Classic
Starting Time (Elite Men): 13h30
Favorites: Sylvain Lipawsky, Francis N. Vague, Dries Cornelis, Hafthor Eldfjallsson,
Record: 7x Jack Smith (2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013)
Race History: The Great Hertford Classic has been around since the mid 50s. It's not known as a tough profile, but turned into a real classic nonetheless. It was the season opener for 10 years, but has been moved back again.
Jack Smith is the record holder here, with an impressive 7 victories. Smith finished 11th last year and was forced to retire later in the season. Tomorrow, he'll be here among the audience, hoping to see another Brit winning. Although it is said that he'd much rather see his old rival Cornelis take it than the young Elliot Cook.
Route Information
Technical: 5
Sand: 0
Uphill: 2
Cobblestones: 3
The route is known for its technicality, but also for its speed. Three quarters of the field is all about flat riding and power. It's pretty straightforward hard riding with some twists and turns and a few bridges. But once it turns into the old playing field at the school, a technical zone begins. Only a quarter of length, but it's constantly up and down, left and right, with quite a lot of running. It is here that the race is usually decided. Technicality and running are a must.
Overall, it's a profile for fast, powerful riders, but technical abilities and running can't be counted out at all. There is not much to say about this race, so instead it's best to let the riders speak through their actions.
Ronnie, last year you were generally billed as a favorite and cemented that with a fourth. This time around it seems only a couple rate you for a good result, do you agree?
Hmmm, slightly I'd say, it's a fast profile and knowing my start... Plus there's still quite a lot better than me anyway. But I'm here to get a result and I'm aiming for top 5 again.
You've settled into the double-act with Shay Gormley well so far this season, will you continue to ride for him or could we see a role reversal tomorrow?
Yeah I've been having great fun with him, I've raced for him early on and then I've just ride myself a decent race in two races that didn't suit me. Now he's said he's going to try power it for me and that's great, it'll be great to lead the team for the first time and see how the legs go coming back from the injury.
With two races done and a solid performance by neo-pro Baris Dao so far, it was obvious that the first interview question appeared. And as Danish neo-pro, who else would be better to make the first interview than a specific Danish sport journalist under the synonym CT.
CT: You are in your first CX season. What can you say about your first two races?
Dao: Well. I had low expectations really. I knew that I got some potential and obviously I had strong legs after my first few road seasons. But CX is another thing. You need to have a lot of different skills to perform with the best and win a CX race. So I had to learn a few more things like running or riding through the sand. But as first two races have shown, I already did better than some might have expected, including myself eventually.
CT: On the road you always had a team of 8. The leaders were put out of the wind and you as sprinter had to concentrate for the final the most. In CX you are often solo or in small groups. Was it easy to make the change?
Dao: As you say. It`s hardly comparable. Obviously in CX you go a lot on your own even though the team mates are still important. You have seen it last race with the team work of Schiltz and Vague. Our Blue Bell CX team was pretty much spread so far. I thought to make more supporting stuff but at the moment our best riders are usually further ahead of me before I am able to jump to them from row 4. And others are behind me. So it`s pretty much me against the conditions and riders around me fighting for the UCI points.
CT: First a Top30, then a Top20. Is the Top10 coming next?
Dao: (laughs). Yes. That would be awesome and I think I have the possibility to jump into the top spots. Obviously it`s difficult when starting in the later rows as the first selection happens before you really find the room to pass some slower riders ahead. Plus the next race is about running I heard. Not really my biggest strength.
CT: As you just mentioned your running skills. You had to run in your first race and still finished on a good result. Did this help you?
Dao: Of course. Even though some spectators obviously laughed about me there, I was better than I had expected. My trainer was asking me to work on it and so I am having a morning run every few days and can say I am still not the fastest. But I can run at least 2-3 km now without bigger problems (laughs).
CT: Your strength are the sprints and the flat sections but apparently you don`t perform too weak on the uphill sections neither. So can we expect you to be a tough opponent, who is hard to get rid of in future?
Dao: I surely hope so. Since my youth I am training hard. The flat Danish roads with strong wind surely helped me to get the needed power and made myself a good sprinter. When travelling to the USA as 17-year old I was training in the hillier terrain a lot and were able to survive in many groups there to play out my sprint skills.
Surely I hope to show this in CX as well in future. Best would be in this season already.
CT: The next race is the Great Hertford Classic. What do you expect there?
Dao: I don`t really know yet. I am going to visit the route tomorrow and get a better look. But from what I heard a lot of the course should suit me. Flat powering and it might be hard to distance me there. The technical area I have to get a closer look first. But obviously it`s in all directions. Uphill, downhill should be okay. All those corners though I can`t say yet and surely the running does not help me even though I improved there clearly as I didn`t even know I need to run that much in CX.
CT: I wish you good luck with this event and maybe the next time we meet, you already have the first top10 in your palmares.
Dao: Thanks a lot. I clearly hope so.
Blaarmeersen was another race where I performed below my legs. The sole highlight was riding with Lorenzi (I think the sand and woods battered him) for a while then outsprinting him and guy Barthez. This time I can't stick it to the bullies on the side as much, just one time I had to actually stop and calm down before setting of again. I try to stay solid but...
Now we are in Britain and I've got the Belgian Burden off my back and I've got a license to ride for myself, I love the parcours here but the one problem I see is the flat beasts- I've got a decent kick so I can keep with the pace at the start but if they power - that's not my thing. I'm targeting a top 25 - gain some points and confidence before we head to Oceania and the NES kick-off.
See you then!
Edited by jandal7 on 08-05-2015 09:44
Last year, the Hertford Classic was a bad wake-up call after I celebrated (maybe) a bit too much. The win in Blaarmeesen was grand and the feeling had to get out there, frankly I couldn't contain myself. It was a slip-up and a mistake I've learned from. I've also suffered enough through that hour of racing. Maybe I came back stronger out of it in the long run. Learn to suffer.
With an adjusted schedule and in full strength, I'll get to Great Britain to try and take on the Hertford Classic another time. I've little doubt that I'll be more successful this time around but that's not exactly hard to predict. It'll be an interesting challenge nonetheless. Due to my strong form in the first two races, the bookmakers have me done as one of the favourites. Surely enough there'll be some interesting racing going on, or running as a matter of fact.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Blaarmeersen was good fun, I didn't rocket off as planned but I raced for Michael, basically back to my old domestique days, the hill shattered him so it was nice to ride with him until I let go and rode with young guy Dao and old Sven Welling, nabbing a top 20 whilst I was at it, nice to have some personal success.
Hertford I want to rocket off, I may not be able too but otherwise ride my pace and try get some more points on a race which maybe doesn't suit me.
After that we're back in Oz and I'll see Cesca and Laura, I've missed them recently.
See you there then mates!
Edited by jandal7 on 08-05-2015 09:47
Dirk climbed Pastoors every time, or attempted too! Dirk almost goes the whole way, only a few more bikes! Dirk also scores big points in UCI. Move over, Brendan Honchar! Dirk has more points than you!
Other news, Dirk is in Bliiiiiighty-wighty-nighty-tighty, and Dirk loves new course. But Dirk has epiphany on course! Dirk rockets up to near front and works for great Quarto Mazzarelli! When Dirk tells Quarto, Quarto says yes, if Dirk can. Yes, he said yes!
We have a quick pitstop in blighty and Hertford is the pits by the way, sweet FA here and a pretty uninspiring course. Still no doubt I'll get a reception, I come here with the number one UCI ranking too which should mark me out.
I did take a home win last year but not here and Hertford will not be number two - it is hardly any more different to the first two races. I understand Cross needs variety but you will not find too many of the guys speaking highly of this flat runners fest.
It is easy to forget but I am still learning my trade and I do really need to work on my running and technical skills and whilst this aint the greatest course in the world it is not the piss take that the Excel indoor rubbish was last year. It'll have to do before we get on the jetplane and do the globetrotters thing. I was feeling pretty apprehensive about it all last year. But I know now some of these places are really excited to have us comin'. It's goin to be a lot of fun just got to try and remember that when I am grovelling my guts around this crappy course.
Ronnie Hira could be the one to upset the favoured ones at Hertford. It is flat so Old Crusty might be there showing his last hurrah before he fades away into the retirement shack. I am intrigued to see if any of the new guys can make a jump certainly on this flat track they have their chances.
Sven Welling's off-season wasn't as relaxing and beneficial like the belgian pro has hoped initially. With the last race of the season coming close to a disaster, Welling went with bad vibes and some minor injuries into his holiday.
Unfortunately his training soon was disturbed by an accident in the family, as his brother got hit by a car during a training ride. Whilst his brother survived the crash, Welling's training sessions took a hit thereby since now he was missing his usual training partner for the rides. During the hospital beds and the lone CX courses, Welling spent much time in front of a couple therapist, since his wife was close to divorcing him. Whilst the couple intends to try it for another CX season, Welling himself is slowly wrapping up the relationship in his mind.
Be it as it may: Sven Welling has welcomed the start of the season eagerly. He claimed at the press conference that he may lack a bit the proper preparation but that he hasn't been this excited for a season in a long while. And truly, for a man who has almost announced his retirement two times from the cyclo-cross sport, Sven Welling looks like he has found a new passion by now. Also thanks to his teammates Francis N. Vague and Christian Schiltz, for whom he has only words of praise. "They are young exceptional talents, that bring a lot of youth spirit to this team and that unbound esprit is what helps you every day."
Unfortunately, Welling was noticing the lack of racing routine compared to other riders, who have debuted the season with waving flags. Welling had hoped for a decent result at Duinencross, seeing as how he prides himself as an all-rounder of the sport but 22nd was a poor showing on his part. In Blaarmeesen, Welling was an helpful ally to his teammate Vague in the latter's reconquest of Blaarmeesen, but unfortunately Welling could only take a lap and was then close to his limit.
Regarding the questionable schedule, Welling is keen to admit that he'll need maybe a few races to get to full fitness. "Whenever I could, I trained hard, but there's only so much time you can spare when your life falls apart", explains the Belgian Rider. "This gives necessarcy fitness but I lack the top level still to be competitive." His hope is surely that once the circuis returns to Europe, the legs are grand again. Until then, Welling admits that it's probably better to help his two teammates, who have both started the season on a strong note, rather than to go for his own results. Because Welling has seen last season already, that a slow season start doesn't mean the end of things, and that his races will come again.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
For hotspring Van Overberghe, the Blaarmeesen sure was something different alright. Hailing from the area around Ghent, Stan unfortunately lost already early ground on most other riders due to a bad start. His father later stated, that Stan had suffered mechanical problems, but it more looked like he just didn't have the legs that day. "His morale is intact but he'd loved to show himself more to the crowd."
On the ensuing laps, Stan Van Oberberghe managed little to make up ranks and instead continued riding in limbo and no man's land, oftentimes on his own. And if not alone, he was probably stopped by a two, three riders, unable to pass them on the man-made monstrosity or the pastoors climb. Climbs he usually trains on and whom he knows very well but he usually rides them on his own. And today, those so recognizable climbs looked much different to him. Like a puzzle he had faced before but was unable to solve this time around. His expression in his face remains a similiar enigma to us then.
It wasn't a race much to Stan's liking. Though happily presenting himself in Topsport Vlaanderen's outfit, Van Overberghe is far from the results of his former american U23 rivals. The team may have hoped for more, and it may still take some adapting but the pressure of the sport weighs certainly down on him already. "He's still young, we know that", explains Topsport's manager and rather points towards Verboven for the accomplishment of results, who has started the season well so far.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The Great Hertford Classic is what it is. To some it is the most boring classic on the calendar and not a real classic at all. To others, it's a sacred race that can't be missed on your palmares.
Either way, the Great Hertford Classic is a race where the underdogs can come out to play, where the new riders can move up to the front and where important early season UCI points are distributed.
Start Line: It's not too hot here. The fog is in the advantage of the solo riders, but the terrain isn't. There's a lot of flat, straight terrain, even a big part on the tarmac.
Among the favorites is this Shay Gormley. Can he make it 2 for 3? We'll find out in the next hour or so.
The route is different from last year's, but not too much. The profile is longer, now, with some added tarmac and a long, wide grass section.
Lap 1: The riders are off! It's a fast start here, on the tarmac. Riders like Rudy Verboven certainly have the drop on other riders here.
We see some of the neopros using this long starting road to move up places, with success! Baris Dao and Estifanos Mutahi manage to gain quite some ground here!
Josiah Bennett has moved up to the front and tries to shake the peloton. An interesting move, for whom is he riding?
Icorda Racing, with Gormley and Hira, are both near the front, too. Have they got a battle plan today? Two potential winners of this course, will one work for another?
Lap 2: As expected, we'll have 11 laps today. Short laps here. We still have a big bunch together after the first lap, which in Hertford is the traditional recon lap. The race can really begin, now!
And we have a first real attack! We didn't have to wait long. Shay Gormley attacks, on the flat cobbled roads.
Mikel Hammarling is quick to close the gap. We have a leading duo!
In the technical zone, it's every man for himself. We see the riders try to get through these bends as quick as possible. The organisation should do something more interesting with what they've got here. Now the technical area is not that deciding and is over fairly quickly, too.
Lap 3: The peloton is slowly splitting open. Riders like Bakari, Konva, Osorio, Tembi and Barthez are already riding their own race and have been left behind. There are gaps everywhere.
We have Hammarling and Gormley at the front. Behind them follow Lipawsky, Cook, Cornelis, Vague, Schiltz, Hira, Van Fleming.
Baris Dao makes use of this long stretched road to catch up with the first chasing group, too. It's the first time we see this neopro near the front of the race.
Sven Welling and Matt Mazzarelli have difficulty keeping up on the flat and are falling behind now.
Lap 4: The chasers are working well together and so Hammarling and Gormley don't get further than 5 seconds.
We reach the technical zone. Vague takes the lead in the chasing group and closes the gap with three great corners! He's joined the leaders and we now have three men at the front!
Oh and we have a fall! Muller tried to pass Soucek in the technical zone and apparently has knocked Soucek in the fence. Soucek has abandoned, clutching his shoulder. Hope it's not too bad.
Meanwhile, Cornelis has closed the gap to the three leaders. And so we are back together. We can start again!
Lap 5: So who's at the front? Let's hit chrono and find out the differences.
Big groups here. We're seeing confirmed what everyone has been saying: Great Hertford is slowly turning into a road race. The race organisors should take a good look at this profile for next year, or else this race is ready to throw in the bin. We are sorry to say so. Not a lot of room to cross here, really.
Lap 6: Moving on in the race. Who is the next one to try and attack? Go too early and it's suicide. But wait too long and this turns into a mass sprint. Of course, Van Fleming won't complain! He'll try to keep everything together if he can. This is a race for him.
A new attack! After Gormley, Icorda Racing wants to see some action; Hira attacks! He looks behind, who's coming with him?
Vague! Vague makes the jump and joins Ronnie Hira.
But the duo doesn't get far as Cornelis and Van Fleming keep the bunch together for now. What is Cornelis up to? Does he have a plan?
Lap 7: The group is back together. It certainly is a strange race. We're looking at a road race here.
And another fall! Just before going into the technical zone, the riders were slowing down to take the corner when Cornelis and Cook tried to go into the corner together. Both riders went down. Their bikes were entangled and so it took too long to get back on their bikes.
This seems to be a sign for the leaders to really start racing, now. Gormley attacks! Icorda Racing is most aggressive today. At least it's something worth watching in this race.
Lap 8: For the first time, a leader has 10 seconds. This could turn interesting. Gormley is off on his own. Who will do the chasing?
Van Fleming has found an ally in Vague and Schiltz to bring back Gormley now. They head into the technical zone, where Gormley can't use his power. His advantage is melting away again.
Right before exiting the technical zone, Gormley is back in the group. It's impossible to get away here. These flat roads offer no shelter for the breakaway.
Lap 9: Well, three more laps in this uneventful Great Hertford Classic.
Let's take a look at some of the neopros. Baris Dao is hanging on well in the leading group. A bit further behind is Mutahi, a bit surprising. He's trying to move up further by attacking. Kloet, Goldenberg and Accostella still have a top 20 in their sight, which would be a boost to their young career and some welcomes UCI Points!
There we have Markson, not his terrain today. And even further is Konva, who's struggling, too. Osorio is around 35th position. Lorenzi will be happy just to finish.
Have we seen Van Overberghe? I think we missed him. Let's look where he passed over the finish for lap 9... Oh, in 28th position. Not bad.
Lap 10: Two laps left. We're getting closer a possible mass sprint. Who still has the guts to try something here? Who can stay away? We're on the wide grass section now, right before the technical zone. We're getting ready to take a turn and move onto the narrower cobbled road. Schiltz and Vague move to the front, is this planned? Schiltz rushes through the corner and dashes away! Vague is holding up the group on this narrow road here!
Schiltz is a technical rider and manages to gain some time in this technical zone. Coming out of the zone, he's got 7 seconds. Let's see how this plays out.
Who's doing the chasing? Hira attacks! Vague is right on his wheel. Hira sees this and decides to abandon his effort. Now Baris Dao moves to the front and tries an attack, nice to see from this young gun! Vague moves to the wheel.
Vague is keeping everyone in check. The group is getting demoralized, this could be the turning point... Where is Schiltz? We hear 13 seconds! This is promising, now! Schiltz is the man in form, he won't slow down in the last round!
Lap 11: The final round and Schiltz is leading! He's got 19 seconds already! Only now, Hira decides to increase the tempo and work for Gormley, who is not that slow. Is it too late?
Van Fleming, Dao, Gormley and Hammarling now all join in the chase. But Schiltz is strong and keeps the gap at 19 seconds.
The technical zone offers some shelter for Schiltz. He moves through the turns with style. Vague is doing excellent work keeping the chasing group in control and moves to the front in every corner, slowing down the pace. This is perfect team work!
He's in the clear! We've seen many attacks, but the last one was decisive. Christian Schiltz wins his first professional victory here in Great Hertford. He may not have been the strongest, but he was the cleverest and he made the winning move.
Then we have a sprint for place 2. Van Fleming wins it and hits his handlebars, he could've won here today! Baris Dao is a very beautiful 3rd here! What a race from the neopro. Nice to meet him here and what an impressive speed at the finish!
Vague finishes 4th, then we have Hammarling, Gormley and Hira.
Cornelis and Cook cross the finish line, now, too. They couldn't catch back up after their crash but they managed to stay in front of last year's winner Wells and Lipawsky, who now cross the finish line, too.
Further is Eldfjallsson and then another neopro Mutahi! Some great riding from the Kenyan.
We're moving to Australia, for the final of the early season classics. After today, it's all about World Cup, Superprestige, Coca-Cola and the new NES competition. Hobart offers us one final non-calculating-points race. All or nothing. Which rider adds this classic to his palmares?
Race Information
Country: Australia
City/Place: Hobart
Classification: Classic
Starting Time (Elite Men): 09h00
Favorites: Dries Cornelis, Elliot Cook, Christian Schiltz.
Record: 4x Pieter Gasthuys (1984, 1988, 1990, 1995)
Race History: The Hobart Sunny Classic is the oldest Australian race on the cyclo-cross calendar. Its name derives from the early days, when the start was around noon. The record holder is the sport's most famous legend, Pieter Gasthuys.
The race organisers in Australia were forced to move all Australian cyclo-cross races to the morning when a rider almost died of his exertion in the heat.
Route Information
Technical: 4
Sand: 4
Uphill: 4
Cobblestones: 0
Hobart hosts this race on a parcours created for cyclo-cross, literaly. The sand has been brought in by the nearby coastline and spread across the route. The circuit is filled with obstacles, two batches of both times two jumping bars of 37.5 cm high. There are a few bridges but - more importantly - the route tackles the Sunnyside-hill a total of 4 times, two times on each side.
The sand is deep and prominent, and this'll be the toughest sand the peloton has faced in the season. The uphill is demanding, but the climbs are relatively short so they can be taken on power. But the big challenge is keeping your concentration. With 4 jumping bars, 7 bridges and 3 stairs, this profile is constantly turning around, danger is behind every corner.
The final sprint will be interesting, to say the least. If it comes down to it, you can't come out of the final corner with a lot of speed. In fact,there is a 90° turn - while getting over a small bump. If someone's on your wheel, you can have the professional "wait" and force your tail to set his foot on the ground. The final 150 meters will be sufficiant to take the victory, then.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 14° C
Precipitation: Dry
Wind: 0 - 1 Beaufort
One might argue that hardly BKCP - Powerplus tactics have been this great in recent years. Whilst the duo of Vague and Welling had some moments of tactical excellency, it often came down to Vague's strength at the end of the day. With Christian's recent win in Great Britain, Schiltz and Vague seem to be rightfully heired as the new dream combo of Cyclo-Cross?
Francis, you came short of the podium but seeing as how your teammate Schiltz has won the Classic, did your personal placing even matter to you today?
Of course. I would have liked to win the sprint but against Van Fleming and Baris Dao it was difficult. I'm glad I could score some good points to keep high in the UCI classification. At the end of the day, in a classic the win is what counts and it's great to see Christian take his debut pro win here today. He was really clever when he attacked and quickly got the lead. I tried to keep the others from chasing, by covering some moves. I'm glad I could be of assistance but it's Christian's win and he has performed remarkable today.
Your support may be seen as a thank you for Schiltz' Blaarmeersen performance?
[Laughs] It may have played a role but honestly, I think both of us share a bit the same racing brain & instinct and it's always good to take advantage of numbers. I think as a team, we couldn't have done it any better and like I said, Christian is excellent so far in the season. He came to BKCP - Poweprlus to win races and he's just doing that.
But both of you had actually some luck. Cook and Cornelis crashed out, Icorda Racing Team a bit in limbo...?
Gormley and Hira both wanted to win very much and we could take use of that. Cornelis crashing was probably a key moment though, since Van Fleming lost his main helper... Helper, Dries Cornelis [laughs] This just sounds wrong. But luck, that's always necessarcy in Cyclo-Cross. There's so much dynamic going on, each race has its own flow. It's part of the sport.
With another potential series winner, there might be soon a conflict of interest?
Certainly not. That's media rumours, not important. We race in a field of 50, 60 riders. All of them out to beat us. We have a strong early season form, Sven will be there soon enough too hopefully. We don't need to ride against each other. It's always better to see a teammate on top than any other rival. Additionally, whilst we seem as a team particularly strong so far, there will be probably a bit different schedule as soon as the classifications are in full swing. I've no worries in this regard at this point.
You have mentioned Sven Welling, how is he fitting into the plans of both you both young prospects?
In the same way he has been in the last years at BKCP - Powerplus. He's a great rider and mentally very strong to come back from these events this year. I've visited his brother with him in the hospital; he'll use it as a pool of strength now.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeees!
I still can`t believe it. I made it. My first ever CX podium and it was only my 3rd race! I knew that those flat sections did suit me a lot but I thought the technical section was harder. Luckily the attacks there often weren`t successful except for that final one by Schiltz.
Once I was gapped a bit but powered back to the leading group. Afterwards I was more concentrated and did not lose contact again.
The final sprint for 2nd was tough. I wanted to win it but I did not have the best legs in the end and so I finished 2nd there. Not sure if I can repeat this result in the next races. I actually doubt I am going to do so in the Hobart Sunny Classic. I like the hills on the course but not too sure about the sand and technical sections, where I am still quite an amateur. But todays performance will surely give me some more motivation for the races to come. Later I am flying to Australia and will check the course first. Then let`s see what I can come up with.
The Hobart Sunny Classic must be around the corner, with the past week been being a bit of a busy affair. Getting your plane, getting your bikes, getting a kiss from mum for the next two months... BKCP - Powerplus have already reserved hotels in every destination. We are going on a field trip and with us is a ton of bikes.
I'm always a bit worried at first when we start the travelling. Usually because I worry that my bikes get stolen or lost. Either in the plane or the bike thieves surrounding our hotels. But so far, all's good and most teams operate with an immense level of professionalism in this case. When everything comes down to an hour of racing, you get a bit paranoid over time with your preparation. Everything has to be great when you are the start line. Otherwise, the stress of the past weeks can drag your performance down to a bad level.
So, I'm sitting here in Australia and wonder why I wasn't born here. With great scenery in front of him, I decided to even take a swim and merely didn't want to step out of the water again. The parcour itself promises to be a fun experience and with Schiltz getting his first win, we may be able to double-spearhead the race and play an important role. We have proven great tactical synergy so far, I hope it'll continue. However, the Classic is one thing. If I find out that I don't stand much chance, I rather reserve my strengths for my return to Melbourne, when I came - surprisingly - third last year. But I've been thinking and do I really want to pass up a chance of winning a race, where Pieter Gasthuys has left his mark for eternity? I admit, there's a certain allure in trying to follow his footsteps of greatness.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Welcome to Australia for the first double weekend in this cross season! Today we have Hobart, tomorrow Melbourne. A classic and a World Cup race, lots of points to be earned in just two days!
While the contract negotiations. for the road season are in full motion, we sit back and enjoy another cyclo-cross race, here in Australia!
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 14° C
Precipitation: Sunny
Wind: 0 - 1 Beaufort
Start Line: All the riders made it here okay. Let's also see today who's suffered most of that dreadful flight from Europe. Last year, we had some complains in that department, but this year, the UCI seems to have adjusted the calendar a bit to make this better.
Anyway, we're getting ready for the final classic until Christmas time. One minute before the start. Gormley will be looking to score another victory. In the sand, he's the strongest, without a doubt. But there's more climbing today, so that could work into his rivals' hands. Though Gormley always manages to take those short hills on the raw power. Nobody has more power than him.
Lap 1: And we're off! Christian Schiltz shoots away immediately. You have two types of top riders: those who come in blasting, like Vague, and those who come in steadily and claw their way to the top. Schiltz and Bollinger are fine examples of that type.
We get in the sand immediately. And who else but our friend Gormley should take the lead. Watch out, boys, Gormley isn't afraid to ride away and take a stroll through the sand for about an hour. Schiltz and Bollinger, close to the front, realize the danger and dig in his wheel.
And we already see a gap appearing. Vague is the next rider but he's not making a lot of speed, given Schiltz is at the front. He looks behind and gets passed by the World Champion, Lipawsky.
Lipawsky looks strong and reduces the gap. Gormley doesn't seem interested to ride away immediately and they get caught.
That seems the sign for Hira to move forward. Gormley gets in his wheel and makes a sign, which probably means: "ride!". Hira increases the pace.
And now the group is suffering, Hira is a powerful rider himself. And his old team mate, Bauer, now comes up next to him, bringing Bollinger in his wheel. It's a sprint towards the first stairs!
Riders are falling off the pace as Bauer and Hira, old team mates, both work hard for their respective leaders Bollinger and Gormley.
Lap 2: We'll have 9 laps today. The leading group is down to 12 riders. We give you the names quickly: Bauer, Hira, Bollinger, Gormley, Cook, Vague, Schiltz, Alinejad, Lipawsky, Cornelis, Mazzarelli, Goldenberg.
A bit behind those riders are Eldfjallsson, Power, Faizullah and lots of neopros, doing quite well here. Listerijn, Etxeberdea, Dao.
An attack at the front, now! On one of the climbs, Elliot Cook accelerates! Bollinger has him marked and bits down hard to follow the Brit!
Schiltz is on the form of his life and seems to follow - quite easily. That's how it looks from here.
Now what? Cook pushes through, and who will do the chasing?
Everyone seems to be looking at Gormley. But he's bluffing now, he won't do all the work.
Cook, Bollinger and Schiltz are gaining a lot of ground now, through the sand. They're on their way to the first jumping bars now.
Meanwhile, Listerijn is attacking in the background, he hopes to join the first chasing group. It's the perfect moment to do so, with the hesitation there.
Because of the hesitation, Hira managed to regain contact with the group and now moves to the front. He'll ride himself empty for Gormley.
Lap 3: Moving on to the next lap, and the three leaders are 21 seconds ahead! This is a decisive moment. Don't expect these three to fall back at the end of the race, they can all ride a finale very well. Cook and Bollinger were both good for a few victories last year, and Schiltz just won his first race last year, after a smart, perfectly timed move!
Hira can't produce enough speed in the sand to gain any ground on the two leaders. The bridges, stairs and jumping bars don't pose enough difficulty for the leaders to lose any time, too. This won't be easy.
And now Gormley attacks! It doesn't go fast enough! He attacks out of the chasing group! Lipawsky follows immediately! Alinejad follows, too.
We hear Jan Soucek has abandoned.
A strange race. Three groups of three and then lots of individuals, all trying to make the most of their position. Let's hit chrono at the start line to get an overview.
Lap 4: the leaders have just crossed the finish line, now we wait...
Big differences, but on the sand, that can be expected.
The three leaders are working well together, while Gormley is doing most of the chasing in the background. Lipawsky relays on the hard ground, but in the sand, Gormley always takes the lead.
In the third group, it's harder. Both Vague and Cornelis have got a rider ahead of them, so neopro Goldenberg is left to do the chasing. But kudos to the young lad as he picks up the glove and rides hard without looking back.
Fred Markson, Goldenberg's team mate, has quit the race. We're not sure what happened.
Lap 5: Not a lot is changing at the moment. The three leaders continue to gain ground, both on group Gormley and on group Vague.
In the third group, Vague is now working together with Goldenberg, though. Schiltz is in the front group, after all, so chasing the group Gormley is not an unwise thing to do.
Lap 6: Over halfway the race, now, and we can start to think our winner is already at the front of the race.
Bollinger is the best rider in the sand, so on today's profile, that definitely counts. Though Cook isn't bad on the sand, too. Cook also has that extra touch of being an absolute top rider. He's got power, speed, you name it. Schiltz is the man of the moment. A great all-rounder and hard to shake once he gets something in his head. He's a little pitbull and seems so much freer after leaving Corsio for BKCP-Powerplus.
Meanwhile, disappointing races from the African racers. Moli, Sow... are usually a bit better in the sand. Maybe it's too early in the season for them? We don't know.
Lap 7: Three laps remain!
A lot of the neopros are doing really well here today. It's hard to find an explanation for that other than the fact that they're adjusting the the professional rhythm. Goldenberg is in contention for a top 10 place, same goes for Listerijn. Dao and Etxeberdea are well inside the top 15, Kloet is around 25th.
The Colombian, Osorio, is having a harder time. Before the start, we had a little talk with him. He's a great fella, real friendly. He was telling us he had some problems from the jetlag. And the Kenyan? Mutahi is riding around a bit ahead of Bakari, who enjoys immense popularity in Australia.
Some riders just seem to attract bad luck. Sven Welling goes down hard on his shoulder. He tests it out a bit and decides to get back on the bike. Hopefully it's not too bad.
Lap 8: The finale is nearing, now. Things are changing a bit, let's take a look.
Well, look no further. Who of these three will have the edge today? Cook and Bollinger won't be looking for a sprint. I don't think Schiltz would mind going to the finish with these two.
A fall! Ronnie Hira has gone down bad! He dismounted to take the jumping bars but somehow tripped over one of them and went down. Is it due to fatigue? I could be.
And now we have an attack at the front! On one of the bridges, Cook tries to shake off his companions and attacks! Bollinger and Schiltz are taking by surprise a bit, but react!
And now we see a replay of Konva missing a step going up the stairs. That always hurts!
Back to the front, though! Meanwhile, Bollinger and Schiltz have closed the gap to Cook, but the finale is on! The cooperation is now lost and we have an attack by Schiltz!
He gets a little gap! The crowd edges him on!
Lap 9: Final lap and we have Schiltz leading again! Cook and Bollinger are just three seconds behind!
Now Schiltz jumps the jumping bars. Bollinger and Cook... don't! Another second won! Is Schiltz heading towards a second victory in one week?
In the background, Lipawsky tries to shake off Alinejad and Gormley, but they're too evenly matched to let anyone ride away at the moment!
And even further behind, Listerijn leaves behind Eldfjallsson on one of the sand sections! Only Mazzarelli stands in the way of a top 10 now! But that might be out of reach this late in the race!
We return to the front! Schiltz is having a hard time on the stairs. Cook and Bollinger are closing in!
In the next sand section now, and Bollinger goes deep now. Schiltz is caught! What an exciting finale!
And now Cook attacks on the middle section of the sand, where the sand is thickest! Bollinger tries to follow! Schiltz does his best to hang on, but he's blown his fuse!
The little hill now, will anyone do the professional "wait"? No, they're going for speed today! Cook takes it with style and heads into the first 150 meters, he's making it one long sprint! Bollinger is close on his wheel, out of the saddle and ready to sprint! Schiltz has lost their wheel and is lost for the victory. He doesn't give up and keeps a high pace, but it's lost!
Cook is still going strong, what a power! Bollinger has problems getting out of his wheel. But now he comes! The wind blows head on. Cook is suffering hard now, but he won't back down. He moves a bit to the left, but he leaves Bollinger enough room for a fair sprint. They cross the line now!
Who was it? We couldn't see it from the front.
Schiltz crosses the line 3rd. He looks disappointed and tired.
Now the sprint for place 4. Gormley goes from far! Alinejad overtakes him and wins it! Lipawsky had no punch left and finishes 6th.
Vague wins the sprint for place 7, ahead of Cornelis and Goldenberg, who put in a great performance today.
Any word on the winner of the day? Yes, we have camera footage shown from the side. And it seems Bollinger has timed his jump best. He wins the race, with barely a centimeter difference! What a close finish, but it's a victory for Michael Bollinger ahead of Elliot Cook!
So the race pretty much like I had expected it to be and as such, I'm happy with the effort I put into this. I have kept reserves for Melbourne which is the thing that counted as soon as I saw that the chance to win was a bit too slim for me.
Whilst I still had to race of course, I missed all sorts of accelerations. In that way, I'm fairly happy with the result and finishing 7th. This time it was mostly down to the well-timed start in the first row and keeping the position throughout the race.
I got lucky that I ended up riding next to Cornelis and both of us could rely a bit on the relay services of Eddie Goldenberg, due to our teammates upfront. Schiltz with another strong performance will be hot for gold as soon as the Coca-Cola competition kicks off. I heard about a crash of Sven Welling, which is a real shame. I hope he isn't injured because last year he was a great asset to our Melbourne race. Looking forward to that race already and I don't have much time as we already pack our bags to head out to the city in one hour.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Sorry for the lack of updates recently. My PR manager has locked himself in his room for 2 weeks to play some online cycling management game...
Really happy with my performance in Britain at the Great Hertford Classic! I felt really good and with a profile suiting my style everything was in place for a great result. As the race began I set off quickly and tried to move towards the front of the field. Soon I found myself on the second group on the road with the likes of World Champion Lipawsky.
I stayed with them for as long as I could, before dropping back a few places. I was nearly caught on the line by Mazzarelli and Bollinger, but managed to hold them off and finish 13th! A brilliant result, one I'm very happy with in just my neo-pro season.
After that high, we went to Australia for the Hobart Sunny Classic. I dropped off straight away, assisting the others on the team before riding at my own pace. I was last finisher in 39th place, but I think after my previous performance it was ok to have a bit of recuperation. Next race, I'll hopefully be right back near the front.
Great Hertford Classic - Preview
Some Random 
Hobart Sunny Classic - Preview
