Whilst I was feeling sorry for myself in Canada, the Europcar were having a great time at the 2015 edition of the Vuelta a Espana.
Rohan Dennis, who already had a 4th place at the Giro d'Italia under his belt, led the team, and performed admirably to finish 2nd on the GC Podium behind the surprised winner Michel Kwiatkowski (OmegaPharma), with Chris Froome (Sky) finishing off the podium. Dennis took a Stage Win on the Individual Time Trail on Stage 7, and never dropped out of the Top 5 throughout the entire Vuelta. Amazing ride from the Australian, and it had been a pleasure to ride with him over the course of the year.
The 2015 World Championships would take place in the Canadian City of Hamilton, Ontario. Flat in profile, the Road Race will favour the Sprinters, whilst the Time Trial will be suited towards one of the Power Testers.
I got my call from the South African Team Principal, Douglas Ryder, on the day following the GP de Montreal. MTN-Qhubeka had ridden the race, and he had seen first hand how I wasn't at my best. I was the clear candidate for the ITT, but with a flat route, he was favouring others ahead of me. Whilst it was difficult for him, I understood his decision. I just needed to concentrate on a good performance in the Time Trial.
Shame to miss out. Especially as it's deceptive route where the ability to climb will play a significant role (according to my sources). Still it means Matijn can give it all for the ITT and still have plenty left to attack Lombardia just afterwar.ds
@TMM: It favours Jense Van Rensberg, Impey and Chisiza, so they will take precedence I'm afraid. Only two places are available to South Africa in the RR.
Great results in Canada, despite not being in the best form. Dennis has had a great year with a great Giro and now 2nd at the Vuelta. Wouldn't be surprised if he'd win a GT next season.
Too bad the WC route doesn't suit Martijn, but hopefully he can get a good result at the ITT.
After the Canadian Classics, I had something to look forward to. The big reveal of the new team for 2016. I was invited down to New York, along with a select number of other riders for a Press Conference, couple of interviews and general greeting to the Cycling World.
The press gathered, and there was a certain buzz about the place. The rumours circling around had been great to read, with Panasonic, Mapei, Rabobank and Bianchi all being mentioned. The location of New York had put some rumours to bed, but it certainly left many up in the air.
The room darkened, and everyone stood ready with their cameras and microphones. Out walked Bob Stapleton, the Founder of HighRoad Sports, followed by Ralf Aldag and Brian Holm. Everyone instantly knew what was coming next.
The video ended, and it was time to introduce some of the riders. One-by-one, 8 of us walked out on the stage area; Mark Cavendish, Nicolas Roche, Tony Martin, Tejay van Garderen, Geraint Thomas, Lawson Craddock, Matthew Busche and I.
I was almost blinded by the flashes on the cameras, and trampled by the Press who wanted to get an interview. Only a few words were said by us all, but the main part came from the mouth of Bob Stapleton to end the Conference - 2016 would see the return to the WorldTour peleton for Team HTC-Highroad.
@sutty: It would take a miracle for Martijn to win the ITT! A good performance would be nice though
@mvh: Dennis has been in great form, and somehow was bettered by Kwiatkowski. I do think that a GT win could be on the cards next season though. The Worlds profile doesn't suit him, but I'm sure he will get his chance next year, depending on the route.
I'm a bit disappointed with the new team sponsors, anyway the squad looks very strong and we all know what they are capable. It will be hard for Martijn, but I believe he is good enough to get a lot of opportunities for himself
It seems to be a good choice for Martijn! An Anglophone team should suit him, and he could still get a leading role in the classics, but with a strong support.
@HuDCC: HTC were and always will be one of my favourite teams. It was choice between them, Bianchi or Jogos SantaCasa (Portuguese team). I have made jerseys for all 3, but I had to be HTC. Motivation will stay high being them and don't worry about Martijn. His stats now easily make him the leader in the Hills
@selwink: He will be leader in the Ardennes, and it will be good support for him. Full roster to be announced at the end of the season. I'm sure people will be happy with it
Martijn has certainly landed on his feet being signed up by HTC Highroad and with company like that in the squad this is going to be a very exciting season, cannot wait now
Very strong riders already announced for HTC next year, should be able to provide better support than most of Europcar with that kind of quality involved.
On the Worlds' - understandable that there is no room for non-sprinters in the road race, but two big days still to come for Martijn. Good luck!
@OZ: It will be a strong team, with strong riders in all areas. It will not be OP though. The World will be watched by Martijn from the team car, so there will be still be a report
I arrived back in Canada from New York, and felt really up for final races of the season. The HTC Big Reveal had put a spring in my step, and I was almost counting down to the end of the season.
First in the countdown was the World ITT around the outskirts of Hamilton. Completely flat in profile, on the last 1km-1.5km will cause any strain on the legs. I know that I will not be one of the main contenders, but I still want to make South Africa proud with my performance.
Race Report
I don't know what it is with the Starting Gate of a Time Trial, but the nerves hit me as the 1 minute countdown started. I was perfectly fine beforehand during the warm-up, but the butterflies really kicked in just as I was ready to go.
Despite the nerves, I settled very well into the ride. The weather was good and the lack of wind was also in my favour. Approaching the first Checkpoint, I was looking good, and the DS was giving me good feedback on my time. Only 15" down on Provisional Leader Alex Dowsett (GBR) in 7th!
CheckPoint 1
1. A. Dowsett 18'34
7. M. North+ 15
Whilst I thought I might struggle to hold my speed on the flatter terrain, I was really comfortable on the bike. Coming up to the Second Check, I was surprised by what the DS was telling me. I had only dropped to 14th, and I was only 52" down on Dowsett.
CheckPoint 2
1. A. Dowsett 41'24
14. M. North+ 52
At the finish, I knew that I had given it my all. Knowing that I dodn't have a Road Race in 5 days time, I went deeper into my reserves than I normally would, and crossed the line in pieces. I was provisionally 27th, and just 1'27" down on a great Time Trialist like Alex Dowsett. I was more than proud with my performance, and so was the DS in the car.
The Time Trial Crown would again go to Bradley Wiggins (GBR) would was untouchable throughout his ride. The usual suspects for the title; Tony Martin (GER) and Fabian Cancellara (SWI), failed to perform, and it showed when Alberto Contrador (ESP) was his nearest rival, and finished 2nd. Taylor Phinney (USA) completed the podium in 3rd.
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
A. Dowsett 18'34
Alberto Contador
Taylor Phinney
Fabian Cancellara
Tony Martin
Adriano Malori
Richie Porte
Edvald Boasson Hagen
