Following the opening two races of the season we sit down with African star rider Mustafa Moli. Mustafa, the first two races weren't races you were expecting to do well in but you overperformed!
Thank you but I wouldn't say that I overperformed. My offseason training and high fitness levels have resulted in two results which I personally am happy with.
Finishing 14th as the best rider in the team in Duinencross must have been a surprise to you?
I finished 2 places ahead of Mutahi but he said he didn't have the legs that day and so said to me that I could ride for myself. It was certainly a nice result for me.
It seems obvious that your offseason riding on the cobblestones with Mutahi in Europe has benefited you fantastically?
Indeed it has. I am very thankful for his help and now I am not only finishing these races but managing to finish quite high up as well!
Your next race is in the hot of Australia followed by the cold in New Zealand, do you believe you will struggle with this transition?
Melbourne is certainly a race where I personally believe I will be able to do well so this will be my target for the trip down under. Riding in the cold, snow of New Zealand will certainly be a challenge and my target will be to gain much needed experience in the hilly, rocky, snowy terrain.
Well Mustafa, the whole of Africa is behind you and the team. Good luck in the races to come!
Thank you very much and we hope to do our supporters proud!
Prior to the very first time that he will be racing in his home country young Kiwi Matt Payne joined us in the beautiful city of Melbourne. Matt, how are you feeling at the moment?
It's great to be talking to you and honestly this is the best I have felt since graduating college only a few years ago. Personally my spirits are high and I feel like that is reflecting on all of those around me.
Would you say it has been a tough start for you to cyclo-cross given the races have been far from home and not at all on your favoured terrain?
I suppose one could say it has been. The first two races were in Belgium and I had never even been there, let one ridden in a bike race. But I wouldn't say it was that tough given what I managed to achieve.
Finishing both your first two races must be something you are proud of?
Most definitely. 21st in Duinencross actually saw me as the top rider in the team, even ahead of Lachy, which I was very pleased about. Even though Lachy was disappointed with his performance he congratulated me on my efforts in my first ever race. In Blaarmeersen I finished 24th ahead of Arthur and behind Lachy which was also commendable given the tough conditions.
The race here in Melbourne is bound to be a tough one for you, how are you feeling?
Not too optimistic actually, obviously I want to finish to show the Aussies my Kiwi spirit but I am expecting it to be somewhat of a challenge on the hot sandy beaches where I am not expected to be able to finish given my lack of experience on this terrain. But I hope to learn from the race and stay out of trouble in order to be in top shape for NZ.
The races in Tekapo and Whakapapa will be following this one, do you have any aspirations for these races?
In Tekapo I would like to try and show myself given it will be in my home country but Whakapapa is certainly where I will be putting all my energy in. It is in the place where I have spent my entire lifetime riding, hiking and snowboarding. The conditions are expected to be difficult for most but the cold and the snow is where I thrive and perform at my best. This is my 'goal' race for the season and a good result here would be not only an excellent start to my career in the Cyclo-Cross peloton but also would mean that this season would already have been a success.
Mr Payne, we hope you can achieve what you want and I am sure that your supporters will be out in numbers to see you in New Zealand!
I certainly hope so, I know my family will be there to cheer me on and I hope I can deliver in front of my home crowd. See you at the finish.
We're here in Australia for the last Classic until Christmas. 200 UCI Points for grabs and many contenders. Though with this being the first double weekend, some riders will build in some rest in order to be in top shape for the Melbourne Beach Race!
Race Information
Country: Australia
City/Place: Hobart
Classification: Classic
Starting Time (Elite Men): 09h00
Favorites: Michael Bollinger, Elliot Cook, Shay Gormley, Eddie Goldenberg.
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 time 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, literally. 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 sufficient to take the victory, then.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 15° C
Precipitation: Sunny
Wind: 0 - 1 Beaufort
Since his previous 7th place in Hobart Sunny Classic has already shown that Vague is actually capable to score many UCI points, it doesn't come as a suprise that the HSC is on his bucket list of classics to race this season. Given the latest resurgence of his at the Duinencross, the Hobart Sunny Classic may be in to honour itself the prestige of: Being Vague's first Classic podium?
Although the scene hasn't seen much racing yet, it's undoubtley that the World Champion is already in some stellar form. Now still at the beginning of the season, the riders are still looking for their legs and what they is possible, so it'd be too early to say that Vague was on the verge of greatness, but: Currently the young Belgian has secured all the talk in the belgian towns with his win at Blaarmeesen.
The Hobart Sunny Classic doesn't play a large role in Vague's scheme of greater things. The Melbourne Race, the day afterwards, certainly does however, and in his interest of a great World Cup start, the hunt for Vague's first classic podium may still have to wait a bit, since Vague's quest for the World Cup win is larger than any Classic in his eyes could imagine to be.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The atmosphere of the peloton now we reach Hobart is changed. The Kiwis and Bollinger, love their home summer. Vague is regularly seen taking swims on the Tasmanian coast to relax and unwind before the jet lag is solved. Some don't like it. The Scandinavians, for example. But the atmosphere still changes, even though some like it and some don't, as always, it feels more relaxed, with less pressure. But with three tough opening manches and one Superprestige race to boot after this, it's anything but.
The Hobart Sunny Classic is in town, though, and boy do the folks know it. With the AFL and NRL finals passed and the cricket not yet here, many locals who don't know what the cross is have caught a whiff of the atmosphere. Record numbers are anticipated, and with the classics whittling down the organizers are proud of this feat.
Milan Listerijn, sunglasses and all, was spotted with a bat in hand, trying his luck in a game of cricket on the beach. He seems relaxed as per usual this season but don't get him wrong, he has also put a lot of effort into practicing on the sandy course. It doesn't suit him to a tee or even that much but he still hopes to have an impact with no worries whatsoever as he heads straight to Whakapapa after this, while many big contenders, such as Goldenberg and Vague, are possibly more concerned over the opening race of the World Cup the next day in Melbourne.
"I feel confident in the sand but maybe less so on the shorter climbs, not getting dropped hopefully but I not be able to drop more pure sand specialists except perhaps on the bigger hills or technical areas." he says after a moment's consideration, "I'm not racing on Sunday so I can race full effort before recovering on the plane and when I get back in NZ. Then Whakapapa and Tekapo but that's not for another 7 days so I can race to my heart's happiness, hopefully."
So... yeah... stuff happened in Belgium. Duniencross might be one of the biggest shocks in recent CX. I certainly didn't give myself much chance to actually win pre-race. But the stars aligned and the result speaks for itself. My first victory. This season is already about as successful as i could have hoped for.
A few riders mentioned that the sand seemed deeper and altered and i'd agree, and that certainly helped me. So what next? Perhaps i could threaten in some of the sandier Oceanic races. Obviously not the World Cup races, i'll be helping Goldie, but others i don't see why i can't hunt my own chances. I'm feeling great and i know i could do something.
Goldie
Australia brings the World Cup opener. This kicks off my season really. The opening races were just to get my race legs up to speed and they feel good. Wilst i could could challenge to win Hobart my focus is on the World Cup race shortly after. So i won't push myself to the red because it's just not worth it for a Classic. TDF should fly the Blue Bell flag instead.
Daniel Brüggemann, after your 13th place in Oostende you finished in Ghent outside the top 20. What's your opinion on the season start?
It was very good for me. I had the luck in Oostende to find with my team mate Rosanski a reliable man with whom I shared the work. I profited especially on the dunes from his strength. How was it for you to adapt to the cyclocross circuit?
I still need some time, a lot changed in the past years, and the peloton consists nearly just of young riders. Luckily Mark d'Anvers made his comeback! It was nice to met him, we wanted to stay in contact after he retired, but you know it it's hard to stay in touch when you travel the whole time. What do you think about your team mates?
Personally, they are great guys. Paul is a high-aiming but very nice guy. Robin is a bit quiet, he thinks much, but if he gets out of his shell, he is very friendly. Munoz isn't the best rider yet, but he is a very funny guy and something like the life and the soul of our squad. I didn't talked to Georges much, but he's polite and seems harmless. What's your opinion to the fact that Giant-Alpecin gives their accreditations to friends of their riders?
It doesn't cost them anything, so why is there a problem if the riders have someone to talk, to make them feel less nervous? It's different at Robin's friend, because there Giant payed his accomodation, but he is accredited as a coach and as long as he coaches him there is no problem. But I will keep an eye on them! Next is the sandy weekend in Australia. What are your goals?
After my good race in Oostende I hope for a decent placing.
Robin Huser, you came to Ghent with high ambitions, but finished just on the 17th place. What do you think about that?
Why just 17th? I mean it wasn't what I aimed or even hoped for, but for a newbie, like I am, it's still a good result. Why do you think you finished on 17th place?
The weather wasn't the best, and I didn't have the best day, which I seem to need if I want to race for a top ten. You stated previously that you trained hard this summer, maybe too hard, so that you're now exhausted?
I discussed that with my manager the last days, but we both think the opposite, that I need to find my rythm and to adapt to the hard days. Next one is the sand weekend in Australia. You're known as a very weak sand rider. Will you skip these two races?
No, as I said I need races to find my legs, so I will start at both races. Thank you for the interview!
Welcome to the Hobart Sunny Classic for the first double weekend of the season. Way different weather down here, the cross has actually been moved another 45 minutes so it wouldn't be too hot.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 17° C
Precipitation: Clear.
Wind: 0 - 1 Beaufort
Start Line: We see Christian Schiltz again. After a strong season last year, his absence in the opening races didn't influence his starting position, he's still front line. It'll be an interesting day to say the least. Hobart can surprise, but it's not an easy course and you need to be in shape to perform well.
Let's see how the riders survived the long flight and who's still fit enough to race for the win!
Lap 1: The riders are off! A furious start by young Milan Listerijn. He wants to underline his great shape and start the race at the front.
Hobart is all about bridges, jumps, stairs, small climbs, twisting and turning... And that's what we're doing, with Listerijn in the lead, right ahead of Vague.
Schiltz has been preparing here and is off to a good start, too. Here he comes. Vague overtakes Listerijn, now.
The camera cuts back to the opening road, what's that? There's still a rider close to the finish line. It looks like.. Eldfjallsson. Must be something wrong. Well, that's game over. He takes his bike and starts running. He doesn't want to abandon just yet, but the race is over.
And there goes Schiltz! Vague lets him pass subtlety and lets him ride. Sylvain Lipawsky thinks it's an interesting move and decides to go with him. Vague keeps the legs still and looks over at Listerijn to do the chasing. Goldenberg is coming to the front, now, too.
Cook is nowhere to be seen at the moment...
Lap 2: And so we have two leaders. Lipawsky and Schiltz are up the field. Eight laps left. Their advantage is 6 seconds.
And we're finally seeing a first shot of Elliot Cook. Team mate Baris Dao is with him, trying to move him forward. We're not sure where this is, but it's about half a minute behind the leader already. Not the best start for the Brit. But it's still early and you can move up quite a bit on this profile on the bridges.
Bollinger and Mazzarelli are trying to make up for a slower start, too. Mazzarelli really struggles in the sand but manages fine on the other terrain. He's got a good shape so that'll help!
Lap 3: The two leaders are still at about 6-7 seconds. They notice that they're not riding away too far and so their hearts aren't in it fully, we expect. Vague is quite at ease in the chasing group, doesn't have to do a thing. Also in this chasing group are Goldenberg, Etxeberdea, Listerijn and Gormley.
Dao has done a wonderful job for Cook, who's coming back in the top 20, now. Dubois, Rosanski and Huser are actually trying to move up along with Cook. Though young Huser can't keep up this tempo for too long anymore, if we read his face. Better to ride your own tempo on a profile like this!
And unexpected move by Gormley who decides to run through the sand here instead of ride it, but it's paying off. Cuts the corner smoothly and reaches the front of the race.
Lap 4: The three leaders want to increase the pace and now the question is, what will Vague do?
Oh Sylvain Lipawsky with a flat tire! A very unfortunate moment! Not the first time he's had problems with his tires, though.
And Schiltz isn't fully cooperating anymore, now. So Gormley is left alone to do the heavy lifting. Needless to say, the gap shrinks quickly, now. Goldenberg with a final pull and everything's back together. Lipawsky still had a long way to go to change his bike.
The tempo slows down at the front, and Cook can profit from that. He's now caught up with Mazzarelli and has Bollinger in his sights!
Lap 5: And so we're nearing the halfway point of this race and everything is still up for grabs. Note that Vague hasn't wasted a single breath so far. Surely he has his eyes on tomorrow, but he'll shake something out of his sleeve for sure, later on.
And with nobody really anxious to pick up the pace, Etxeberdea tries to sneak away. Why not, he's in the shape of his life so you can't win if you don't try.
And Christian Schiltz trips over a jumping bar! He's down on the ground and seems to have hurt his knee a bit. He's getting up. Will he continue? Yes, he will, he's jumping back on his bike!
But that does change BKCP's plans. Gormley now asks Vague to relay. He does so but it's more a gesture of good faith and quickly passes it onto Goldenberg.
Listerijn goes down! Steering wheel got caught while trying to take his corner too tightly. He's having some troubles untangling his bike and losing valuable time!
It's an unusual situation. In the chasing group, Vague isn't sure what to do. For the moment, Goldenberg and Gormley have to do the dirty work.
But the two are looking over at Vague more and more. The tempo drops.
Schiltz is doing his best to catch up again. He's closing in on the chasing group. While Listerijn has lost a lot of time with his fall. He's now looking behind him and will try to keep off Bollinger and Cook!
Max Power with an amazing acceleration through the sand, leaving Olivier Dubois behind!
Lap 7: Eteberdea has 15 seconds, now. They shouldn't let him ride too far, he's in great shape and it's only three laps left!
Schiltz has made contact with the chasing group, and now we see him and Vague pulling at the front. They exchange a few words. Could be important to the race. What will they do?
Vague keeps riding at the head. Schiltz is trying to recover a bit from his earlier effort, while Goldenberg and Gormley simply hang in for the time being. Situation seems under control.
Further down the field, we see Sven Welling riding with a NamDeb duo: Mutahi and Moli. Welling with a decent season start and still a possible top 15 today.
Lap 8: Two laps remain and Etxeberdea is still 15 seconds ahead. Vague and Schiltz must do something now if they still want this. Goldenberg and Gormley will leave it up to the BKCP duo to do the work.
I'm getting the feeling the BKCP duo isn't very comfortable with the situation. We're not sure what's going on here but Vague is riding too low a tempo to catch up with the leader. Schiltz is sitting at Goldenberg's wheel. They seem indecisive.
Schiltz moves up to Vague and they talk again. Vague is making gestures, looks like he's saying Etxeberdea is up there, or something. Something's not right in the BKCP team at the moment.
Goldenberg and Vague jump the bars. Schiltz and Gormley don't jump that well so they dismount.
And Vague attacks! Goldenberg is on his wheel. Gormley and Schiltz are caught behind after losing those few meters at the jumping bars! Schiltz leaves the work up the Gormley.
Lap 9: With one lap left, Etxeberdea is still going strong. He sneaked away at the right time and is riding using his head. Still 15 seconds and it looks like he can actually bring his one home, a classic.
Even more if we see what's happening behind him. Gormley closed the gap to Vague and Goldenberg and Schiltz moves up next to Vague, they're not exchanging jokes, now. The World Champion seems restless. But he keeps his legs still, now.
And so Goldenberg goes on to the attack. He thinks he can bring back Etxeberdea with a good last lap! Vague jumps on him immediately!
Schiltz reacts, too, and brings along Gormley.
What a strange race, this is. But it's exciting, can't say that! Vague is giving it his all, now! Goldenberg, Gormley and Schiltz are at his wheel but he doesn't seem to care, at this moment. He looks behind him. And Schiltz launches an attack! Vague gets out of the saddle... But decides to let Schiltz go. And Goldenberg and Gormley remain at Vague's wheel.
Will Vague sabotage the chase? He looks over his shoulder and keeps his legs still, yes. Gormley gets to the front, now. Schiltz has just disappeared behind that corner. Ready to ride the Sunnyside hill again.
But it's too little, too late. Iban Etxeberdea with the perfect attack. Timing was important but he had the engine to keep his gap constant. The winner of the Hobart Sunny Classic. Iban Etxeberdea! The Basque Country prevails!
And here comes Schiltz. He's second after a strange race from him. With many ups and downs.
Vague outsprints Goldenberg and Gormley for third. He looks a bit annoyed. We'll have to ask him what was going on there during the race. Or have we been seeing things that weren't there?
Listerijn managed to keep off Bollinger and Cook and finishes 6th. One steering mistake was enough to take him out of the running.
Cook is 7th, Bollinger 8th. Lipawsky outsprints Mazzarelli for place 9, unsurprisingly.
Rosanski is a nice 11th, ahead of Power and Dubois. And there we have Mutahi, winning the sprint from Wellig and Moli.
It's been a strange race, with an underdog winner. But don't let it fool you, he's a man in form (now first in the UCI World Ranking!) and he earned it today. What a race. See you tomorrow for the start of the World Cup!
Another unfortunate tale of what could have been for Milan Listerijn as he crosses the line, disappointment etched upon his youthful features.
Milan, you seemed to be in control until you crashed. What happened?
Just... stupid steering mistake, amateur really. Was too enthusiastic as we could see Exteberdea up ahead and I thought I could bridge the gap to him and work from there. Slipped out of the corner and the rest of the race I was holding off Bollinger and Cook on pure suppressed anger. At myself mostly, at some big cross God up there who just doesn't want me to have a chance at a podium. Well, no, it was my own fault in Ghent. But hopefully I don't make it a fourth fatal mistake in New Zealand.
Exteberdea won with a daring solo. Your thoughts?
Yeah what can you say, he's a uniquely talented guy and he's in great shape obviously, in my honest opinion that's an overdue victory for him, I wouldn't be surprised if it just flowed from there. To hold off three of the best riders in the world on this kind of course, all with pedigree in these kind of races where you don't as much, is quite something, so chapeau to Iban.
Your friend Rosanski also came close to breaking the top ten, in fact much like yourself coming 11th here. What do you think of e current crop of neo-pros?
Haha, really? Well you'll have to wait a couple weeks for your elite top ten, but when it comes, you get a streak that lasts most of the season if I'm anything to judge by [laughs]. No it's good to see him do well and people like, ahem, Olivier and Huser doing well show that the batch of new additions may be even stronger than last season's. I expect great things from guys like Huser, van Dyck, Paul, and en you have less talented for now but still with great potential like the guy from San Marino and Ledoux, he's not as talented I don't think but is one of the smartest, definitely out of the new batch. My brother? Lots of people say 'he'll grow into his skin later', I agree, I think he could be very good given a few years.
Lastly, how do you plan to tackle your big season goals coming up soon?
With both legs, hopefully. I'm mostly just ultra-excited and now much more focused on a good start to the Coke trophy and continue Superprestige form, both course suit me, Whakapapa especially with some luck in the weather. Tekapo, if I can stick to the favorites on the big hills then I could maybe use my explosiveness to my advantage on the uphill finish.
Edited by jandal7 on 11-12-2015 19:29
It's been a mixed bag, these first few races. I started poorly in the Duinencross, but then I was satisfied but still not quite pleased with my performance in Duinencross. If I want to do this jersey proud and finally win the TekapoCross next week then I've got to be in top shape. Hobart this morning was another mediocre performance, 17th meaning I'm not quite front row, but getting there. I'm afraid I can't skip any races, I can't afford not getting any rythym, my legs will be there on the day though. I know they will be. They must be.
Arthur has been struggling with under confidence, he's not e best on the sandier stuff but he's letting it get him down unfortunately, hopefully it doesn't continue as we get into more technical and colder races, where I will take more of a back seat to these younger two. Matt is thriving early on, I didn't see him as a man for these races but there you go, he was our top guy in the dunes to boot.
Melbourne will just be hoping for a good performance, Whakapapa I could stretch my legs near the front if the snow doesn't come. Without snow or ice, it's my kind of course but if it comes I'm looking at languishing outside the top ten. Then after that, the TekapoCross. My dream is to stand on the top step of the podium up on the hillside below all the houses, with the perfect result, the perfect view, and of course the perfect kisses from those girls! It's somewhere I could really do well and really make this jersey proud, I'm sorry to say probably for the first time as I wore my national jersey to the Worlds last year.
It's certainly my kind of course, the uphill sprint is classic Ardennes and classic me, I'm really confident there and apart from Vague or Dao I'm confident in my ability to beat anyone there who could realistically be at the end. Not that I won't attack. Or am even sure of getting to the end. But it's gonna be one hell of a ride and it's gonna be mega fun.
For the race organization it may have been not the ideal images and they would have certainly preferred a more competitive attitude of Schiltz and Vague, but both BKCP-Powerplus riders have done well in presenting themselves from their most stuck-up european attitude to the people down under.
Indeed, both Schiltz and Vague exchanged both a few lines of dialouge in between the race; Schiltz probably torn between chasing and relaxing from the catch-up, Vague inbetween the danger of Go&Go, and the prospect of getting his first Classic win. "We've talked race strategy, usual stuff", commented Vague on the question, indicating that: "Both of us want to win but of course, the priority for other teams is that neither of us wins. Sometimes you have to risk some to win it all, you know... today it didn't work out, it will again in the future."
Alas, neither BKCP-Powerplus tactic worked out since the basque Etxeberdea snatched away the win in a golden moment, that many riders dream of but he fulfilled. The strength shows in BKCP numbers: 2-3, Schiltz and Vague have taken cruise control in their first race together, and things are looking bright for tomorrow's race, as Cook is lacking a bit behind, and Goldenberg was put into his place for now.
With the idea of winning a classic this season, Vagua has presumably 3 races left, the xmas classic coming up in teo months.
Edited by Shonak on 12-12-2015 07:42
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The sand lovers better get there gearing on, because after today, it's time for the punchier riders to shine. Melbourne offers the last of the early season sand crosses and is the first manche of the World Cup. Cook won last year's edition with dominance. Can he repeat that victory? The Brit hasn't been looking as dominant so far this season.
Race Information
Country: Australia
City/Place: Melbourne
Classification: World Cup
Starting Time (Elite Men): 09h30
Favorites: Elliot Cook, Eddie Goldenberg, Christian Schiltz, Iban Etxeberdea, Francis N. Vague.
Record: 1x Dries Cornelis (2014), 1x Elliot Cook (2015)
Race History: The Melbourne Beach Race has had five editions, but only two years ago it became part of the professional milieu and immediately it opened the World Cup. Dries Cornelis won the first (official) edition, getting the race started with a big name.
Route Information
Technical: 4
Sand: 4
Uphill: 1
Cobblestones: 3
The Melbourne Beach Race doesn't offer us the most dramatic of routes. There are no obstacles such as stairs or jumping bars, but it is an overall route suited for powerful riders. With long, flat sections through dirt, sand and cobblestones, time trialist have the edge here. There are only a few bridges and almost no natural inclination.
We expect a fast race. It's the second day of the weekend, so we'll have to keep that in mind, too. There is one long sand section which will have a big impact. Good sand riders can ride it almost halfway there and then dismount, while making a single mistake there forces you to get off your bike instantly. Will the riders pick the high ground or below? The steep sand will give us an interesting race!
The next sand race will be in Rio de Janeiro, which is still a month away. So the sand experts have a good reason to put in one big performance, before simmering down to the background!
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 14° C
Precipitation: Sunny
Wind: 2 Beaufort
I have to thank the fans for their support, first up. You guys have been amazing as I find my feet in this brave new wave of cross, I can't pretend I didn't know it would be nigh on impossible for another Superprestige title, even highly unlikely to snag another race.
The critics have run the point to the ground that I'm doing it purely to mentor young Milan, Guido and Naveed. This nags me. It's a bonus. Working with such talented youngsters and passing on my experience on and off the bike for these future superstars is second to just riding bike. I've missed it since I left in 2014. I'm not that brash young lad who thought he and his mate ruled the world. But I'm even more entangled in my love affair with the cross. I won't deny it, I'm a romantic. I think of the pain, the passion, the mud, the duels. I want to ride this bike until I'm 50. Like Dobransky, I feel I will never be too old to ride in the elites. Like Dobransky, I may be wrong. But four more years, ride in my forties? Become an Olympian? That's where I see myself.
So, I'm back. It's been amazing. Some good results, by the standards I set for myself. The kids are great. Naveed, he's the voice of reason more so than the boss, me or Dires (when he's about) during team meetings. He's so focused and mature, and I'm puzzled as to why his talent isn't getting him the results he deserves. Guido, I can relate to him. Me and Dries had our phenomenal season when we were just turning twenty. He continued his success, me less so. The pressure to perform was insane but I just wanted to survive. Milan, wow. I was apprehensive about working with him, he's a bit of an enigma and I wasn't sure about our chemistry for riding together. But he's such a fantastic and nice young lad when he opens up, he's got a dry sarcasm that can bring us back to earth when we're overreacting and a fantastic will to win. All three of these boys will go far. Further than me? Milan probably, the others it's too soon to say.
My ambition this year is to maybe snag a top ten somewhere, be it trophy or race. That may be out of my reach but fun to fantasise and work hard. I'd mostly love to keep riding the World's, it's a top top course for me and so I'd like to work hard to impress the Belgian selectors. Vague and Welling on this course for me are the only lock-ins, Vague because Vague, Welling because he's awesome domestique and on that kind of course and Vague would convince Belgium to bring him no matter what.
I've met a few new faces from the pack and some old ones. First up, it's been amazing to catch up with Danny (Brüggemann). He hates me calling him that so that makes it worthwhile. He was just a young hotshot when I was at my prime, despite never riding together I took him under my wing at the start before his big success and it's good to see him back as before after he went to the road for a bit. I've also met Dubois. There's a high chance he calls me Mark but he does that to everyone, he's a charming guy and very, erm, confident in his abilities. Seriously, he's a charmer when he wants and undeniably talented but perhaps a warning. Definitely he hasn't overstepped the mark or anything but maybe watch it before a guy like Vague bites you back.
So tomorrow is Melbourne, I look forward to it, it's a race I've enjoyed watching over the last two years since it turned professional and its e opening race of the World Cup, always great fun.
There's a lot of talk going on around the new age of the World Cup with Cornelis' era having come to an end previous season. The flandriennes Old Lion has retired with a 8th World Cup win in a spectacular duel against Francis N. Vague in the latter's home race; famously branded as a defeat that cut Vague down to his bone, denying him his much desired treble.
Now at the start of the new season, there are question marks of who will follow Cornelis footstep, and since the largest prints were left in the World Cup, arguably the new contender will have to be a World Cup specialist. Thinking Hafthor, Goldenberg, possibly Listerijn or Lipawsky as some names popping up. The ones to give Cook and Vague a run for their money. But there's a different train of thought going on in the BKCP-Powerplus team, concering the World Cup and how it's narrative will be: It's not the first year after Cornelis' retirement. It's the first year of Vague the World Champion.
When you look up the figures, Vague is obviously to be named the top favourite for the trophy without having it won it so far. Look up at the stats of 2014, Cornelis won with one of the largest margin ever his 7th World Cup. Look up the next season, he won it with the one of the smallest margins ever the 8th time, after having almost lost it, winning it back in two magic races. Vague is ripe to take the World Cup this season, another go at the double.
Certainly, talk about a cocky attitude towards the opposition but Vague knows his talents. The initial races of the World Cup may not suit him that well but the middle races were the place where he got and extended his lead. And whilst he lost the World Cup in the last three stages of the World Cup, this season around Trondheim and Ardennes cross, the places of his first World Cup victories back in 2014, have to be in his favour again.
But first: It's Melbourne Beach Race time. When Vague came to the front of the sport, Welling and he surprised with an aggressive race strategy and Vague claimed a 3rd place back then. The next year was much less in favour, hitting the finish a whole minute after the winner, Elliot Cook. If it's up to Vague, Welling & BKCP, there's the intention to make this race much more than its debut. To make it tough, bring the racing to the sand specialists. But well, we know how rarely plans works out anyway. With Christian Schiltz recently coming already in top form into the circuit, there's also a high possibility of BKCP-Powerplus going for a double spearhead to hit the World Cup really hard because if someone has to replace Cornelis and it can't be Vague, then why shouldn't be last year's UCI third, Christian Schiltz?
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Holiday time is over, and the season is underway. The fact that Schiltz' holiday involved an extended period in Australia, and a successful ride at the Crocodile Trophy, certainly seemed to pay off as he entered the season with a flying start and a 2nd place finish.
It's one step up from last year's 3rd place but in considerably different circumstances, being 'victorious' out of the chasing group of 4, rather than the loser of the winning group of 3. Iban Etxeberdea has really stepped up so far this season, and now has the victory to show for it, but what counts more is the result in tomorrow's Melbourne World Cup.
Some experimentation with tactics today for BKCP-Powerplus ultimately did no harm. The Basque may not have been caught, but Gormley and Goldenberg were beaten, and nobody else was able to regain contact. It's important to try a few different things now and again, to see what works and what doesn't.
Now the World Cup begins, a Trophy in which Schiltz really intends to take a step forward this year. Only finishing 9th overall last year, which was below average for the season. He has shown he can be at the top in particular big races, and be consistent as seen in the Coca-Cola trophy, now to see if those skills can be combined and applied to the prestige of the World Cup series.
Teamwork was somewhat lacking for Team Odfjell today, after they mistakenly shipped Eldfjallsson's bikes straight to Melbourne - bypassing Hobart. Unfortunately this failure wasn't even passed on to Hafthor who was in for quite a surprise as he bashed on the pedals for his customary fast start, only to find the bike capitulate under all that power.
Turns out it was a spare bike of Timi Kokkonen's, and must too small for Eldfjallsson. He was last seen running with the bike towards the pits, but what the cameras didn't pick up was what happened when he arrived - with the bike duly being launched straight at the mechanics. Angry Hafthor!
Melbourne will need to be better, and much more like Blaarmeersen than the shambles of the two classics of the season so far.
The last of the early season sand races. Some will be happy to see them go, others see today as a last chance at a victory in while. With almost no climbing today, Shay Gormley will want to grab the opportunity to take his traditional victory. He always seems to grab at least one every season. Best to take it early on.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 14° C
Precipitation: Sunny
Wind: 2 Beaufort
Start Line: It's a pretty good weather here. Well, so not perfect for the sport. It's going to be hot on the bike so that might influence the race for sure. We can expect riders like Moli jumping on this occasion. But it's also the start of the World Cup, so no one can take it easy. A big trophy is at stake here. A good start is a plus, for sure.
Here he is. Surely the highlight of his young career was yesterday. Iban Etxeberdea, on top form, and now leader in the UCI Classification. Let's hope he didn't celebrate too much yesterday. We'll have to see how he does today. No Milan Listerijn here, but we see his younger brother return. So at least we have one Listerijn here.
Lap 1: The riders are off! A fast start by Eldfjallsson, Vague. Schiltz, too. Lipawsky now coming up on the left. Bollinger not with the best start as his foot got out of the pedal. He's on the fourth row already.
But it's Vague who wins the starting sprint. He turns in the field first, with Lipawsky on his tail.
Look at Pieter Van Dyck here. He's needing some time to adjust to the tempo of the pros, but he looks better every race. He's eager to move up places here and expressed his wish to finish top 20 today.
We see a Giant rider on the ground. Who is it? Number 53, that's Huser. Robin Huser.
First sand section here and it's Lipawsky who takes the lead. Vague didn't appreciate that manoeuvre there, he wanted to go in the sand first. But it was a good one by Lipawsky, a gentleman's manoeuvre, no dirty tricks.
But this is just the foreplay. The real deal is a bit further ahead. Back on harder ground now.
And now Vague ups the pace. He wants to go in this sand first. Almost everyone takes the same track here, and if the first one dismounts, everyone has to follow. So Vague wants to dictate the rhythm and not undergo it.
And he does it. Lipawsky goes in second. Everyone follows in this track. Though about halfway the section, the track stops so there you can choose your own path. If you stay on your bike that long...
And Vague does. Lipawsky dismounts and holds up Schiltz and Eldfjallsson. Meanwhile we see Goldenberg, Moli and Power coming up on the left, still riding. Vague gets stuck with his bike.
what a beautiful sight. A big peloton, all struggling through this sand. And a bit a matter of honor: who rides the furthest? Goldenberg dismounts, now. Power... Moli stays on his bike the longest, but has to dismount, now, too.
Lap 2: The warmth is unusual for many riders and it shows. No one wants to take too much initiative. Vague is keeping the tempo up, but he doesn't want to do the work alone and so the tempo drops.
And yet the terrain is taking its toll. Perhaps even more than we thought. Only seven riders cross the finish line, and then we have a gap. Their names are: Vague, Power, Schiltz, Goldenberg, Lipawsky, Rosanski, Moli.
Chasing is a rather big group, Mazzarelli, Etxeberdea, Welling... The gap is about 10 seconds.
Back in the sand. Goldenberg is looking good, today. He has his eyes set on the World Cup and sees a perfect opening race for him. Taking the full prize today would be a good bonus.
Vague is taking the initiative here, though. He's getting a lot of the cheers here in his Rainbow jersey. The audience in Australia seems to love him. And why not? He's taking action.
The Blue Bell duo will want to do something here, too, though.
Lipawsky is eager. He goes into the big sand section first! Goldenberg is on his wheel. Then Vague.
Oh and Vague has to dismount! Lipawsky and Goldenberg are still riding. Behind Vague, Moli wants to pass him, but it's impossible here so he's forced to get off his bike, too.
Out of the sand and the two leaders have a 9 second gap, almost instantaneously.
And now, once again, the ball is in the BKCP court. Or is it? Vague didn't go through the sand well this time and is at the back of the group here. Schiltz wants to race, though, and goes to the head of the group.
Lap 3: Our two leaders are increasing the gap. Both have found each other and are rotating quite well. Both good in the sand, both good on their bikes. Both much to gain by riding.
Shay Gormley is not in top form and drops out of the second chasing group. Looks like he'll have to wait for his season victory a bit longer.
Paul Rosanski is riding a decent race, which is nice to see, too. He had a good start and kudos to him for being here in this group at this point in the race.
Lap 4: The gap increases. It now counts over 20 seconds. Goldenberg and Lipawsky are riding a very classy race. No one can match their rhythm.
Vague is looking for a second breath and now uses a dirt section to accelerate. Schiltz professionally closes the door in this corner. Power was ready to jump on Vague's wheel, but has been blocked by Schiltz. And so Vague is off on his own, looking for the race leaders.
Now who will try to close the gap to Vague and the leaders? Schiltz is playing the team card. But so is Power at this point. Rosanski seems on his limit and so Moli is picking up the pace.
Behind them, Cook is now trying to breakaway from his group. Mazzarelli and Eldfjallsson aren't too keen to let him ride and work together to match his pace. Iban Etxeberdea can't keep up with their speed. He had his glory yesterday and it's taken a toll.
Lap 5: Vague has decreased the gap to 15 seconds. But the two leaders won't let the tempo drop.
Going through the sand now. And coming out of it, we count a 19 second gap. Well Vague makes up time in the turns and on the longer sections but if he always loses 4 seconds in this sand, it'll be tough to bridge the gap.
And Dubois is not having a good day. He's an artist on his bike, but that helps little in this sand, when you need power. But I think he's adjusting to cyclo-cross well, he just has to give himself some time.
Faizullah is not living up to his potential. When was his last good result? It's been a while.
Lap 6: Let's check that gap. Chrono is running... 8 seconds. Impressive comeback here. Can he make the connection to the two leaders?
Vague didn't change his bike. He's close enough to catch them and doesn't want to throw away those seconds. But will it have an impact to stay with this bike?
Goldenberg feels Vague breathing down his neck and increases the pace. Lipawsky follows. Vague can see them riding now.
Elliot Cook is doing better, now. He's keeping off Eldfjallsson and Mazzarelli. Still, this is for place 8 at the moment and not the place we expect the winner of last year's cross to be at.
Vague is riding hard for every meter, he wants to get to the front before the last lap starts.
And Moli now rides away from Power, Schiltz and Rosanski! The African is strong today and wants to cash in a good form.
Lap 7: And here goes the bell for the last round. Goldenberg looks behind. Lipawsky is at his wheel. And there is Vague. Vague in his time trial position. The gap... status quo. 8 seconds. The sand always puts him back a few seconds against these two.
And now Goldenberg goes on to the attack! He wants to shake off Lipawsky and he does it in the sand! Lipawsky loses a few meters.
Vague changes his bike. A lap late? We'll never know.
Ah and Rosanski cracks, now! Power and Schiltz leave him behind.
Lipawsky showing some real resilience here! He catches up again with Goldenberg. He owes it to his great running skills in the sand here.
Vague came so close, but it's over, now. He'll finish third. Only about 200 meters left. Are we heading towards a sprint?
We are! Melbourne is a short sprint, coming out of this corner first almost guarantees the victory. They sprint towards the corner. Lipawsky wins it and goes through it first. Immediately gets out of the saddle. Goldenberg doesn't persist, he's cooked. Lipawsky wins!
Vague is third. A good start in the World Cup, but he'll wish he could've caught up with the leaders.
Moli is fourth. And here sprinting for place 5... Schiltz before Power. Rosanski is 7th.
And here is Cook. He's 8th, not good for his standards.
Eldfjallsson is 9th and finishes arguably the worst race in the World Cup for him with a top 10. That offers opportunities for the World Cup. Mazzarelli completes the top 10!
Paul, 7th place is a really good result. I think I have to apologize...
...No, everything is fine. After talking to Daniel (Brüggemann) and Milan (Listerijn), I noticed, that I just was overreacting. It seems like I still have alot to learn. I'm sorry for my behavior. And yes, 7th place is a very good position for me and I'm really happy with the result. I went with the group and tried to hang as much as I could. Sadly I needed to let them go 1 by 1, but that still doesn't play down the result I got.
Well, what was your tactic going into this race?
After last race, where I finished just outside the Top 10, I saw, that I could pull of something here. And I just thought to myself: "Why not try to go with experienced guys like Vague and just stick to their wheel?" Thats what I tried. And it payed of, when we got the split, very early in the race. Luckily, I could hold P7 to the line.
By quite a margin, I might add. After the shocking interview, 2 races ago, you tried to escape from the media. You didn't want to give any interviews and status reports. Why that?
I really needed time for myself. I need to re-think, why I am doing this, and how I want to do this. Critizism is normal in sports like this and I should get used to it qute quick. Please apologize me now, the Team awaits me. I owe them one, after they supported me that awesome during the last week.
It almost looks like a top 15 for the legend d'Anvers but the young Dane Dao is too quick as he sees the experienced Flandrien coming for him.
Mark, another promising performance from you, how do you feel?
On top of the world really. I haven't felt this good since Lotto said yes to me, I really haven't. It was a great course for me and I took the opporturtunity and almost reached the top 15, which would have been great. Riding with both Naveed and Guido and all coming in the top twentyyyyyyy- yep, well done Guido was good and it was a nice bonus to be the top rider for the team in Milan's absence.
Talk us through your race.
Well I set off in pursuit of a top 20, in my eyes at this early stage it was ambitious but Guido and Naveed both said they wanted a good result so we started riding at the front of the pack together to try and stay out of the crashes and mechanicals behind. Then as the group splintered I managed to stay with them and pick up riders who went into the red fairly comfortably until Guido and eventually Naveed fell back. I just wanted that top 15 as the mechanics told me I just had to catch Dao. I almost did but he's a great sprinter.
You've now almost reached second row, is at an ambition for you?
Wow, that would certainly be good to be in the top 20 of the sport but it will be most difficult, so for now keeping my top, what, 25, in the rankings is my goal for now. Take it race by race, see how I go, see if I do have what it takes to be at a good level. For now though, it's all about enjoying myself whilst I still can.
Also as the only former winner of the World Cup in the race today what does the points earned mean to you?
Something, potentially. I'm focused mostly on riding my bike and breaking the top 15 of a race for now, but as a guy who I think can ride almost all races it could definitely play out into my hands, if races such as Antagofasta in the nearby future go well then who knows? I could make it a target certainly, for a up with no obligations within the team to ride certain races or achieve goals, I can pick and switch my schedule slightly to target a top ten here if needs be. But really I've got to get into top tens in races to do that, so it's all up in the air right now what I do this season.
With Vague taking on the race in solo-manner early on and looking for his own luck half-way through, the Walloon has continued his recent string of performances. Not necessarily the type of rider to perform always top in the sand, Vague made well use of the non-sand sections and profited from his extravagant technical quality.
Another third place here in Melbourne; do you consider it a continuation of your debut two years ago, or rather a highlight?
I'm really glad with the start of the season so far; I've arguably done some work for the sand races, especially regarding the World Championships. So, performing here today was key today. I am not that good as I would like, obviously. I hope there's still room left to improve; but on the other hand I am also very satisfied how the racing panned out for me today. I was taking the corners aggressively, favored and forced my technical-approach on the opposition. Of course powerful riders will always have slighlty an advantage on this type of course. It's natural, part of the sport of course. I'm glad I could find an anti-dote, compared to last year, where I was fairlyin limbo for some time.
Indeed, it seemed like you were losing time in the sand but always eager to get back the time in other sectors.
Obviously this is not an easy approach but it works out when you race alone better than in a group. If you only have to mind your own business and don't have to care about some guy on your wheel, you can risk it, go full in parts where otherwise there may be something stopping you. This type of stuff matters. But naturally it has also a lot to do with my general approach to racing. Each corner is a chance to make up time, an obstacle is always an opportunity to create a gap, you know.
With three sand highlights to your name this season, there's certainly the hint that you have done well in decreasing the margin to the likes of Cook, Gormley?
I had to, of course! There are great climbers in the field, few ice specialists, but so many riders have been top in the sand races; and I needed to fine my skills in that regard, to be competitive. Otherwise, I'd lose too many points to the sheer number of riders. It's down to a numbers game really. I like riding through the sand, but I'll always be more of a snow rider. But when the sport, the competition and the races force you to adapt, you can't complain much.. you just do and want to improve yourself. I'm glad that my efforts in summer have paid off so far in some fine results. Starting off the World Cup on third place is a very good option; the coming races will be exciting in the Americas.
Lipawsky and Goldenberg certainly have made quite an impression on the World Cup scene. Catchphrase: Cornelis' successor. Meanwhile, there's also the question of: Quo vadis, Cook?
Cook certainly was the top favourite for the race too, so you always have extra bit of pressure in that position. His form is great nonetheless, and he's right up there. I'm sure he'll strike back when we least expect it, unfortunately for us [laughs] As for all the talk about Cornelis successor: I don't care about that. Lipawsky and Goldenberg were better than me today but that's about it; it's only just the start of the season.. we'll see how we all do without Cornelis around, it's a whole different dynamic in the World Cup. You know, when Cornelis was racing World Cup, it felt all a bit organized, in control. World Cup is fairly more unpredictable now, there's more guts to the racing I imagine. We'll see how the competition profits from this new set-up, and we'll see how we fare in the World Cup over time though. As for me, I am really aspired to do well again, I want it to be my year obviously. It's just the start of the season but you know my goals already. But: I certainly don't want to be just some successor. There's no reason for people to see me like that. I don't to be the second Cornelis. I won't be that. I am the first Vague.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
The first three races can be summarized under a terrible season start. Not really that terrible compared to last year; but terrible in the way that they have been largely disappointing for young Guido. And Melbourne wasn't really any better despite Guido finally making in Top 20. But even with Listerijn's absence, Guido was denied the honour of being Lotto-Fidea's best placed rider, as routinier D'Anvers did well to outrace him.
So, what's going on, dear Guido? That's his question on his mind. Whilst his father and teammates have been evasive, the team management is slightly concerned about the letdown so far. It's not that he is missing form. He really is in form. But it's just, what ever was in his legs: that esprit & talent, that muscle & willpower, that p o w e r in his legs.. he's not having it, he's not finding it either.
He can train and race and try to get the rhythm. He can do what all the other riders are doing. Those who are faster and better than him right now. Those who outrace him from the get-go. He can do it all and hope for the best. That he'll get back that magic touch. Truth is: He's a level below where he wanted to be. As he left the scene last season, he was on the verge of becoming a subtop rider, now he's back there in the middle. Somewhere between 20th and 30th. It's not square zero but it's not far from that in his feeling.
Milan Listerijn said he had headache. Team management said he's still in training mode. Not true, not true. He's feeling good and is ready as hell. Give the boy some results, he shruggs. But he well knows he will have to earn them the hard way, to get them you have to race them.
Guido wants to and you can see it. It's just that he can't.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Hobart Sunny Classic - Preview
TDF
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