My name is Matt Payne, born and raised in the Central North Island of New Zealand. I have been given the chance to step up from the amateur scene to the World Cyclo-Cross league. The team giving me this chance is the All Blacks, a New Zealand based team looking to expand the sport in the country and get us out on the world stage. I have two team mates at the moment and they are Lachy Bauer, an experienced crosser, and Arthur Ledoux, a talented 22 year old Kiwi who I raced against early in my amateur career. The three of us should work very well together.
When this season begins I will be only 20 years old, an age at which I have many years of racing ahead of me. I will look to start strong, especially at the Whakapapa Challenge which is the second race of the Superprestige season, and only days before the Tekapo Cross which is the only other NZ race on the calendar. This is a new race where I believe I will have a good chance of a great result due to my experience riding in this area.
I look forward to the start of what should be a fantastic experience for me and hopefully a successful first season!
For the first couple of weeks, little was heard of Vague as an media-embargo has been established throughout the field. The first news amidst Cornelis' farewell tour were that BKCP - Powerplus was increasing its sponsorship money by a whole lot to try to both keep World Champion Vague and Eurasian Champion Schiltz on the team. Although no concrete numbers were listed, the price tag around the rainbow jersey of Cyclo-Cross poster boy must be easily one of the finest in the peloton.
Enjoying his well needed holiday, Vague returned to racing soon after at the Strade Bianche, where BKCP Powerplus was invited due to Vague's enormous efforts in Siena. There in his hometown, Vague was featured amongst the best on the gravel roads and showed his natural abilitiy for tough surfaces. Up the many climbs and through the dust, Vague was not able to hold the wheel of the likes of Valverde, Sagan and others, but in a daring sprint up to Siena, Vague managed to make a highlight Top 10 performance much to the joy of the local italian fans who have grown fond of him despite Vague beating Mazzarelli to the line a few weeks back.
Back on the belgian scene, Vague also firstly talked about his past season and the high- and lowpoints of it. Whilst touring around some kermes races and professional CT events throughout the Benelux states, plenty of questions regarded his past rather than his future (something that was always asked usually more by roadie journalists - 'When will Vague hit the road?' ). Yet however Vague remained professionally cool about it then, he gave short answers whilst he was known in the past to always form his own story out of the questions. Eventually, he looked seemingly wary of this but the core essence and message was: That no matter if you failed it's only a reason to try harder next time. 7 wins were not enough. Vague secretly hopes for a double digit, with Cornelis gone a possibility. Yet 7 wins were good enough for him, just a few points more and it would have been the most perfect season, Vague admits. And yes, indeed - Vague looks forward to race in the rainbow jersey.
But the illusive dream of the Triple hangs now even larger in Vague's ambitions than it did before. Of something that was 4 points away from him has now become a desire to relieve it, with success this time around. Because what would have been there had he achieved the triple? Maybe superstardom, but a fall into obscure perfomances, lacking the passion for the sport after having won it all.
Has he accepted his defeat at his home race? He says yes, because nothing else is there what he can do about it. When you look at the boy from five, four months ago, you know it's not just the truth he speaks. That Vague is bitter, that he never forgets a defeat like this. That he hates losing. That it will only make him stronger eventually. Or atleast, that's the hope of the belgian public when they talk about their poster boy, yet some of them also fear that Vague may be that tad too much focused.
In summer during the Tour de France there were plenty of rumours going on around Vague. There were screens of him and Ada Marlow training again together, the polish had signed with BKCP - Powerplus and atlhough the two riders strictly denied any relationship, the fun they shared was obvious to the belgian paparazzi. Of course the training camps were then spent alone with Sven Welling, Vague wasn't then seen again with Marlow anyway again.
Currently there is talk of a participation of Tour de l'Avenir for Belgium. Vague as one of the CX biggest talents is said to try his luck there, and although it'll be a built up towards the important cross season, Vague can already show a bit how he spent his summer.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Star signing for the upstart Murican PCT team Lachy Bauer was back in business at the first stage of the Vuelta, taking a nice fourth in an undulating final KM. "I feel good, I'm trying to peak again for the cross season but enjoy the road as well.
Of course, energy saving was the name of the game this season for the punchy Kiwi, with some small races before a 17th in De Ronde and taking 8th in the Amstel Gold Race. "I'm trying to save energy this season more than I did last year, to be ready for the cross season." Then a 7th in Flèche Wallone in an exhausting race before unluckily crashin while in a position to line up a sprint for 2nd in a large group in Liege-Bastogne-Liege cemented his place as "being more mature" as his measured team boss put it.
Then he raced some of the Amateur NZ Cross scene alongside new teammates Ledoux and Payne. "They're two good youngsters with huge potential, I'll try and guide them to be the best in New Zealand. Ledoux is he smartest kid of his age I've ever met, and quite some technical talent to boot. Payne has potential and a will to win that can't be matched, and is great in the cold." said the 'Yankiwi' enthusiastically.
Whatever the doubters say, Bauer has been much more sensible in balancing his passions, if he's been sensible enough will be told by time only.
Edited by jandal7 on 23-11-2015 05:26
There is a nervous tension as Louis Listerijn arrives at the BKCP press conference for their three confirmed signings. He's the third confirmed team member (read: we are waiting on Schiltz), and the only one unproven. He's a neo-pro, and not a much-hyped one like Vague was, but nevertheless is tipped to be more than just the grandson of the first Louis Listerijn, and the brother of Milan. Nevertheless, he soon gets over his nervous shock of being among Vague and Welling, two stars who have such a close relationship, and answers the first question.
"Louis, you've chosen a different path to your brother, does that affect your relationship in a bad way at all?" You can see in Listerijn's warm eyes he was awaiting it. "No not at all, there's friendly banter and all over me siding with the Walloon from our parents and Granddad, but I've never wanted to just follow Milan. BKCP are a great team and I can't wait to work with such talented riders and staff, and of course face off against Milan and our rivals Lotto, presuming I can even follow [laughs]." he says shyly. You can instantly notice the similarities in the brother's mannerisms and speaking, but the shy but bubbly exterior has certain differences, too. He seems calmer but just like his brother and grandfather before them, his eyes twinkle and his grin widens when you get to know him.
With his performances in Torku and Port Elisabeth he's touted as a up-and-coming Flandrien with a good kick at any point in the race, particularly the start. He may be a slightly more focused version of his brother, but despite the riding style and the out-of-the-saddle approach to riding, you can see the difference. Already Louis seems to have more power and a different tactical style, wait or go for it, never backing down, never staying still, figuratively.
He spends the rest of the conference mainly watching as Vague gets asked questions and Welling overlooks his protege, an owl in the wings. But one thing does stand out for us when he is handed his biggest question: "Of course helping Vague is my biggest role. Would I chase Milan for him? I don't know the answer to that yet, but most likely it depends on the situation. But yeah, we're very close and the cross isn't a job for me or anything at all. I'm not sure." the Belgian says. If he can move up the ranks well enough this may become a reality and a choice for the neo-pro.
Edited by jandal7 on 20-11-2015 07:06
With a satisfying, solid 10th place, Sven Welling has finished another season inside the CX peloton and can look back on some favourable moments but also some time spent in the obscurity of the middle fields. Being characterized as a Top 20 rider who can rise to the challenge when the cry of his teammates wakes him up, Welling is not satisfied with his overall perfomance.
The highlight?`Easily Ostrava Circuit, mostly because it is such a special race with a long history and Welling has by now expressed hopes to win it one year. With him hitting the thirties now, Welling can look back on some great wins but Ostrava Circuit has eluded him now for the past few years until the many retirements of the great Cornelis' rivals in the past few years have opened up the Ostrava Circuit for himself.
Welling has expressed that he falls in between the generations. "There are always generations coming up and taking over the sport and they dominate it for a while until a new generation swamps over them." With Cornelis and Van Fleming retiring, two of the last flandriennes champions have retired by now. Welling is still at large and with a contract still running, he isn't yet to go anywhere.
"But I want to improve next year. My off-season wasn't the best, I had many personal and motivational problems, but I'll do better now. Francis and I have agreed to do some training work together to help each other. Our sponsor provides us with great help during off-season, I will also do some low-level road racess in Belgium but my focus will be of course the CX events."
What Welling wants from the next season is easily explained by him. More personal success, preferably a return to winning ways at least once, and make an early claim for the four olympic spots for Belgium.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Paul Rosanski arrived at the Hotel very relaxed and showed no sign of tension. But who was he again? He is one of the major signings of Giant-Alpecin, the german CX squad. He has to prove himself in the World of Cyclocross, but he doesn't think that he HAS to prove himself. "I am quite new here, but I think that I will make a lasting impression during the season.", he explained in a really relaxed tone. "I already have a really close friend in the sport, with Milan (Listerijn) and ,I will make no big thing about it, orignially wanted to join him on his Team, but then I've got a really good offer from Giant, which I accepted. I really know that its the best for my career, because I will be looking forward for a nice challenge next season."
His english might not be very good, but we get what he means, when he starts answering questions about his heritage.
"I was born in East Germany, yes. Saxony to be precise and Löbau to be very precise. I really love the fact, that I am from Germany, because Germany means efficiency and I am efficiency. I started out with running, when I was 6 years old and altough I was a really promising talent in my club, I didn't really like it. What I liked instead, was pushing me to the limit onto my bike. I never had many friends...", Paul stopped there for a few seconds, "...thats, why I am really happy, that I went cycling a made friends with Milan on a local CX event. He really changed my life and I am really happy for that."
Paul competed in some U23 races last season and he showed with some nice placings, that he can step up his game. He is really technical, he can run, due to his running heritage and his acceleration is unseen. With his new Team, Giant-Alpecin, he really can and will make an impact on the Cyclocross scene.
I can remember back to the earlier parts of last season when i just could not compete at all and was on the edge of quiting. Now here we are at the end of a second season and i nearly cracked the Top10 of the UCI Ranking. Lot of change then!
I did manage to crack the Top10 of the Superprestige. In no small part due to the more cobbled races like Kwaremont, Ostrava and Ansbach all being SP races allowing me to pick up relatively simple points. The World Cup where i was up to 8th place! Quite a few icy and cold races as well as my beloved Torku really make this a good competition for me, unlike the Coca-Cola trophy i won't talk about.
Two wins and three more trips to the podium, much better than last year. My skill and ability in the cobbled crosses has even attracted some attention from Road teams. In the summer months i'll tackle a handfull of road races just to test the waters. If things go well i could net a nice contract. I'm not getting any younger and i feel at the limit of how far CX can take me, and i've got a family to think about. Quite possibly this could be my final season of CX.
So i'm going to come in hard and push for some big races. It's been a while since the World Cup headed somewhere snowy and that would be some way to end things. And all assuming i can get a Road contract. It will be an interesting year.
It's hard to believe, but even with the many international races, the World Championships Cyclo-Cross have always been in Europe. Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Italy, Great-Britain and Germany most prominently. But that's about to change. An exact location is not yet known, but probably thanks to their increasing performance in the sport, the UCI have now confirmed we'll have a first World Championships in the United States. We've had to wait for it way to long, but we're happy to finally see it happen.
It's a mild Saturday evening after the NZ Championships, won by Arhur Ledoux. He's hot sauce here, and less so abroad until you get people to think about his last name. Ledoux? Like Adrien and Phillipe Ledoux? What's he playing at, New Zealand Champion?
Yes we're here to see the grandson of the brothers, legendary for their panache and introducing the short-lived practice of getting one to block the other's rivals with their bike horizontal across the rode, claiming a brotherly argument over team leadership ended in a forced crash. It was entertaining while it lasted but luckily didn't come up during Phillipe's Christmas Classic win, or Adrien's three World Cup titles, or World Chanpionship victory.
The grandson is a different beast, excitable but nervous, not believing himself worthy of the legacy, you may think. But he's stepping up to the pros despite not racing any mainland U-23 races until the late-season. The 22-year-old greets me with a warm smile and promises of fresh biscuits from his mother, dropped off for the occasion.
So, Arthur, where do you see yourself in the modern pack?
Well, it's just going to be frenetic, I mean I'm so excited but nervous to be racing with Dao, Vague, Eldfjasson, Cook; the list just goes on and on. I'd like to do OK in the NES, Listerijn did well there but I don't see myself doing as well. In full pack races, I'd like to get a top 10 would be amazing, but a few top 15-20s seem like a likely target. My sprint, well, you'll see for yourself I guess [smiles].
So if you're not a sprinter what are you? Where do you thrive?
I just like attacking. But I don't like to waste energy, I ride on feeling but I try to keep my body in check. I'm not van Fleming or Cornelis, but I'm not Mazzarelli or Bauer, get it? None of this is applicable, just saying if I, erm, was that good. I like the cold I guess but I don't mind heat, and I like hard terrain, rocks, mud especially. And descents. Love the thrill and the technicality of descending.
What do you think of your new teammates, Payne and Bauer?
Bauer will be so so amazing to ride with, he's an icon for the road and the mud for all of us Kiwis, I like his riding style but maybe he wastes too much needy attacking. But Oceanic Champion twice, his win in Fuji was amazing and he's doing well at the Vuelta at the moment. He's conserving more energy for the cords this year too. Payne, he seems a nice guy, I've only met him a couple of times but he seems to like the cold as well, he's from high altitude I hear so he might be able to deal with races like Fuji and the new Colombian race better than most. I'm really excited about the new team.
Whats you big aim for the season?
Top 10 a non-NES race would be beyond great, but a podium in the NES would be good too. Maybe top 5 that trophy? I just want to enjoy myself and hopefully be good enough to make a living here and stay in the pack.
By being the son of Raphael Visconti, one of Cyclo-Cross' big three stars in the 80ies, Guido was always going to have to live up to a heritage and a grand name. Whilst his debut season in the field was largely a learning experience throughout the stay, Visconti rose to unexpected heights around Christmas turn. Did he receive a special christmas gift that holy night? Or maybe, things just make click one day and suddenly your pedals are spinned easier and your breath lasts longer.
Visconti had a stellar run in the past few weeks, and since the World Championships multiple top results, including a strong 10th place at Kwaremont, established his fast growing reputation as one of the talents in the slipstream of Vague and Listerijn to come up and contest the future of the sport.
Welling has said of a philosophy of generational swap, which is all too typical in the world of Cyclo-Cross. Look at the generation of his father, where Vandewalle, Gasthuys and Raphy Visconti were separated more by months rather than years, and they made a formidable three-headed rivarly for over a decade, achieving success that is still able to cast a long shadow even today. Visconti would like to think that he now can be part of this new generation too. Whilst the cards have looked fantastic all the way since the Juniors for the likes of Vague, Goldenberg & Listerijn, Visconti had difficulty to come to the same heights just yet. "He may be a late bloomer", he overheard someone say once to his father, when Guido was still fourteen, racing a few fun things downtown Brussel, his mother overly protective of him back then.
Having now signed a fairly great contract with Lotto-Fidea, turning him into one of the team's main assets alongside Milan Listerijn after Dries Cornelis' departure, certainly is beneficial to Guido's future. The thought behind Cornelis' supporting his career provides Guido with guidance of already two of the sport's past greats.
He is determined to become in the coming seasons one of the future greats as well. To try his best. But it's a long road, fully aware of that. "Today, I know more than I did last year. When the season ended last year I did not know what else to do. I did not have many options, so I decided to stay and try my best. To make the jump for good, so that I can live off this racing. Now, I know it's possible to contest and be up there in the rankings. But the further up I'll be, the more challenge it'll be to stay up there and improve more and more." By these words, Visconti signalizes that he knows that the road isn't just long, it'll be set you back many times. But finally the season has shown him, or rather: He has shown himself that it's not just by name that he was born a Crosser, but that it may be in his blood too. And that's what counts.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Coming from the U23 scene and having made the jump at a reasonably late stage, Stan Van Overberghe is satisfied with his season all in all but recognizes that he likely misses the quality to make the connection to the top. The National Event Series may be the highest chance for him to contribute to the annals of the sport, whilst classics and the three top classifications firmly elude him still.
There's little chance that this will change next season. Stan has secured a two-year deal with Topsport Vlaanderen though, who are still happy to have him in the pack and show the flandriennes lion around to the (home) crowd. It's good publicity and he can make a living of it, but Stan has already subscribed to university now and will attend a college from Spring to Autumn, helping him build up towards a future after the sport, whilst keeping and improving on his talent. And then the winter will continue to belong to the bike, the way he has grown up.
He'll have to keep himself in the low probably, riding for the lower half of the peloton rather than the upper. Game Over? Insert Coin. Continue. He may be one of the belgian's to fulfill the quota of demand. He might never reach the heights of Gasthuys or Vague, however Stan is passionate about this sport of his and in his firm sharpness and push-ful, uprising riding style lies what he can give back to it.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Vague's adventures on the road continued at the Tour de l'Avenir. With the little racing done in the spring classics, with Strade Bianche being the odd single top result he achieved at the site of his World Championships triumph, Vague's summer was well spent in recovery and similiar to his last year program.
Lining up at the L'Avenir in the Belgium jersey was thus eventually coined to help him build up for the CX season but with many big road teams having their scouts there, it'd be a lie if it wasn't also a bit of a market window to view the hottest prospects. There's been plenty of talk going around in Sporza talk about just how good Vague could end up being on the road, the first set of answers could come around here in France.
Whilst an okay performance at the prologue as 12th and a fast uphill sprint scored him a fourth place, Vague soon bonked on a multi-mountain stage hard. He is not yet used to ride succesive mountains that go well above 1k meters in such a pace. At around 10 minutes down, it was reported that Vague also crashed in a downhill, which could have well ended up becoming a motivational GIF for all of his CX' rivals, had the moment been captured on film.
With having lost several minutes to the rising, south-european talents that day, Vague was using the rest of the race as a proper build-up. Avoiding the breakaway, he soon scored a third place with a late attack on another uphill finish, distancing the race favourites. He also rode a well last single mountain stage, showing that things could have gone well, where he came 9th in the second chaser group.
So, while l'Avenir could not answer the questions of whether Vague would be the second coming of Alberto Contador in regard to mountain climbing prowess, he certainly learned that racing a multi-mountain stage race over several days was a task you had to learn the hard way over time. Over many years. And was Vague ready to invest that kind of time just yet?
Of course he'd skip the World Championships U23 race, with it colliding with the start of the CX season. Asked whether he thinks he has a talent for the road, Vague's answer was a simple yes but the boy has probably talent for anything involving two wheels and pedals. The balance of roughly 20 days on the road over the past few months is still delightful despite the disappointment at l'Avenir, however this is solely due to the fact of his own single stand-out Strade Bianche performance. The continental race, often termed a 'fan favourite' race, was described by Vague as the longer version of a Cylo-Cross race, which certainly helped him stay with the favourites for some time, and having achieved a 9th place in that low-ranked race was a special feeling.
Regardless of this, there was a side-story going on building up to the start of the season: A spokesperson of the Coca-Cola marketing/race organization has talked a bit too much and has said that Coca-Cola is certainly looking for ways to ensure that both Cook and Vague will ride the Trophy in full commitment to winning it. "We go into our third season now. We have two winners, we need those guys to content the trophy. I mean, we don't want to be the little chain link between NES and the World Cup. We want the trophy on a level with World Cup and Superprestige, so yes, we are currently in talks with the World Champion for him to commit fully to the Trophy, show off the jersey at the races, add his part to the exciting battle. The new season will be grand."
Additionally this would fit well into comments of BKCP-Powerplus management that they want their World Champion to be attending an almost full race list this season. The first one in his career. "We are currently looking into Vague expanding his race schedule. He has turned 21 years now, we think it's time. He can handle it and is ready for it."
What does Vague want? Of course, to show off his jersey in many races. Preferably the rainbow stripes to be seen when he is raising his hands at the finish line, winning them.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Many others in the Cyclo-Cross peloton have been professionally riding in road races around Europe using up their much needed energy and not taking their breaks which would be advised.
I, on the other hand, started my off season by taking a rest after a difficult season. Spending time with my family and friends as well as traveling around on holiday has been absolutely amazing.
In the last couple of months I have started up my training for the next CycloX season. Back in my home country of Namibia myself and Sow have been going hard on the dunes to ensure that my ability to ride on the sand isn't matched by anyone in the peloton. I have also met up with my team mate Mutahi and he has helped me to get better at riding on the cobblestones that exist in many races. I thank him for this and hopefully this improves my technique in the upcoming season.
I'm really sorry to have gone quiet lately, both here on my blog and in results. The reason for this is that I may have overdone it in my road season. I never head the really good legs I had in my first season. I tried continuing, hoping it would change, but it didn't. I was pretty much exhausted all winter, and carried it into my following road season.
You can guess the results, I went to the Tour of Qatar trying to test the legs (I got 5th in a sprint), but upon returning to Belgium I got a cold and had to abandon in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. It didn't get better and I had to skip Paris - Nice and even Milan - San Remo. I tried again in E3 Harelbeke, because I needed preparation, where I finished 40-something. Two days in Wevelgem, the cold wind pretty much destroyed any resistance I had build up. I had to skip Driedaagse De Panne - Koksijde because I was ill again. That also meant no Ronde Van Vlaanderen for me, as there was no point starting there without preparation. I did try Paris-Roubaix the week after, but had to abandon after 150 kilometres, totaly exhausted.
After that, I had a full medical checkup, and the doctors ruled me out to ride for the next six months, effectively ending my season in april already. I had a really bad virus which destroyed pretty much everything in need for cycling inside my body.
So, that bring us back to cyclocross. I'm really happy Topsport Vlaanderen gives me another chance, because I'm keen on results. My first year was really good, the second one was a bit less obviously. As for my third year, I'm not expecting much at the start. I need to adjust agian, not just to riding in the fields, but just to be on a bike again. The last months were really hard for me, but I feel motivated for this season.
As before, my main weakness will be my riding skills. Being off the bike definitely didn't improve them. Once again, I will decline for crosses once the temperatures drop below 0°C, not just because I'm a very poor rider on ice and snow, but also because I don't want to endanger my health this winter.
So you'll see me in the early and later races, when the weather is decent enough. My strenght is of course my road racing skills. Hills where I can show my power and acceleration, some good old flanders cobblestones and a good sprint towards the end of the race. If races have those thing, I'll try to show myself. If it gets too technical, I may be in trouble. But Topsport Vlaanderen has other good riders this year, and I will help them when I can, as I know I can't be the team leader anymore after last season.
Prior to the season i had some personal doubts about making the step up to the Pro level. I knew i was good but perhaps it was too early and i would be washed away into mediocraty. 2 race wins and a 3rd place is validation enought for me! Victory in Antofagasta as part of the World Cup was massive for me. I added a second Continental Championship without too much issue.
No Top10's in any competition, NES doesn't count and that was only 4th, but i was inside the UCI Top20. For a debut season at 19 and only after a few years of CX riding i am very happy. Next year i will certainly be pressing onwards. Slightly annoyed i won't be allowed to ride the NES but i'll survive. Don't have a particular focus i'll just be out to bag a couple more wins and a third Conti Title... speaking of big titles.
The Worlds are coming to the USA! It's amazing we've gone from 1 rider to 3 riders in a team and hosting CX's biggest single race, all in two seasons. Where's the limit of the revolution we're causing? As for the Worlds Goldie, TDF and myself are all lobbying for various locations. TDF has given his backing, with Blue Bell's as well, to hosting the race in Austin, Texas. I'm teaming up with the great city of New York, my home, to bring a race back here to Battery Park. Goldie has given his support to Chicago and a route that would suit him very well. Nice little bit of in-team rivalry going on.
Wherever the race goes is going to be incredible. One less race in the US now Lancaster is gone but still we have Twin Peaks, Portland and Seattle. It's amazing to ride in front of a home crowd who get behind us so much. And now a Worlds, wow. This season is going to be memorable whatever happens.
More information has been revealed about the 2016 - 2017 season World Championships race. The United States of America will host the event in the city of Chicago, an international and big city. The exact location will be made public at the start of the season, but rumors suggest a golf course is being used in the parcours.
Secondly, more information has come to our attention about the WC qualifiers. Apparently, the UCI have decided to return to their former format. Countries, based on their strength, will all be able to bring a certain amount of riders to the race (min 1, max 5), with the National Coach having the duty of choosing the line-up.
SAP - Bianchi, Icorda Racing Team disappear from cyclo-cross
Word is spreading quickly that both SAP - Bianchi and Icorda Racing Team have not prolonged their cyclo-cross license with the UCI. The teams will disband. In many a way, this has been coming. Icorda Racing Team was left without a single contract and the season approaching fast, just a few weeks away now.
SAP - Bianchi is another matter. The team with historic ties to cyclo-cross calls it quit. Alfonso Munoz has apparently signed a contract with Giant, who were quick to take over the Spanish cyclo-crosser, saying they can bring the spark back in his career. After a long absence, it looks like Germany is coming back to the sport in style.
Other News
In other news, the locations for the Continental Championships have also been made public. Expect a full list of races and the calendar to hit the internet. For now, we can say the Eurasian Championships will take place in Belgium, more specifically Wallonie. Even more specifically, in or around Huy.
The African Championships will take place in Rwanda, in the city of Kigali. Oceanic riders will need to travel to New-Zealand for a visit to Mount Cook. Yes, Mount Cook. Coincidence? Either way, Cook won't be racing on Mount Cook himself, so it's all fair, right?
Lastly, the Americans will battle over the jersey in the Big Apple, New York. Reports suggest Battery Park will be the battling ground for the American crossers.
Yes we've announced a new rider on our books, Chris Young! This brings us up to 5 riders, which is a lot. But it's not quite as simple as that. We do a lot of balancing between our associated riders, races and team and have become quite adept at the skill. It's all well in hand as we'll now explain.
Max Power has been struggling with the length and intensity of the pro calendar. He's agreed with Blue Bell that he'll ride a reduced calendar, skipping the cold, mostly European, races that don't suit him. In those months he'll continue racing on the US circuit.
Whilst Power is off staying warm Chris Young gets his time at the top. He likes the cold so it makes sense to bring him in whilst Max is away. Blue Bell get to see if Young really has what it takes and Young gets his chance to show off. And when he's not racing the top level he'll be on the US circuit.
In addition to this there is the possibility of Mikel Hammarlings retirement after the coming season. That will drop us a rider on our books as hopefully Young steps up to the big leagues full time. It's a unique situation but one we've cleared with the highest levels of the sport and they have given it full backing!
It's been a rather different off season for me compared to your averaged crosser. After the season ending I headed straight back to Kenya for some much needed time with my family after only stopping by once in the previous 6 months
I helped out with the agricultural side of things for a couple of months before getting back on the bike again, to give me a rest after a hard first season as a pro. But then it was back to training, initially training around Kenya. I managed to cycle around the rift valley for a few days, which was amazing. but itwas soon over as I bid farewell to my family and went back to Belgium.
It was then I began to put in the real hard work, racing in several amateur road races around Flanders to get me up to speed. I also made sure to re-visit the famous cobbles that I began on what seems many years ago which lead me to becoming a crosser. It was brief though, as I know I must work on my weaknesses over my strengths.
Onto the forthcoming season, I am feeling confident of going well. With results improving to such an extent that I was grabbing a podium finish at the end of the year, I am feeling good that I can pick up where I left off.
There's a togetherness that speaks for itself at the BKCP camp. The young man on top of the world. The arguable best one-day racer on the planet. The most luxury of loyal domestiques. And the neo-pro. Vague. Schiltz. Welling. Listerijn. There's a picture circulating of them laughing over a drink whilst on their final training camp. Only two weeks left and they seem to be having the most fun and the best build-up. The Giant Germans? The Lotto trio? Pah.
These lads have a card for any day and the means to play it all the way into first. Schiltz wants the classics. Vague wants double digits. Welling wants to help and ride himself a few podiums. Listerijn wants to move out of the shadow of his grandfather and brother. The goals are clear as crystal and all at the feet of these men.
Listerijn has settled in with a bright smile and a good attitude which has endeared himself to fans and media alike. "I'm still astounded to be wearing the same, well, shorts as Vague, at any rate. He, Sven, Christian, they're all legends in what they do or have done. And me, I'm just me. I'm a neo-pro and they're stars. It's surreal but I try to settle in." he says when quizzed on his life in such a prestigious team.
"I'd like to top 5 an NES race and try do some attacking in the elite races. If I could get picked for the Beglium squad? Absolute dream for me. My goal mostly is do whatever I can for Vague and Christian this year and keep moving up from the bottom."
Mikel "Hammer Time" Hammarling
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
Fred "Radio" Markson
