Similiar to Randstad, BKCP - Powerplus team manager Vanbroucke has criticized the UCI for the late decision regarding Port Elizabeth. However he has explicitly stated that BKCP-Powerplus will not look for financial compensation since the South African event Struibaai Cross is to be held regardless of Port Elizabeth's cancellation.
"BKCP - Powerplus endorses the globalization of the sport, however the quality should never suffer under the expansion will of sport officials. With the recent history in South Africa, we have to question if the race organizations there have the necessarcy tools, infrastructure and backing to consistenly organize the events on an international level that this sport and the audience deserves and expects. Neither BKCP - Powerplus nor other teams and the least the UCI can afford to have events on the schedule, which run danger of being cancelled on an annua basis. The sport as whole can not effort it.
With the african market growing in importance with various teams and riders on the highest level, BKCP - Powerplus proposes a cooperation between belgian cyclo-cross expertise and south african cycling-entrepreneurial enthusiasm. In hopes of using modern networking, cooperative actions and exchange moves, BKCP-Powerplus can help provide the ideal set-up for the cyclo-cross calendar."
BKCP-Powerplus' Vanbroucke has added in a comment that the team and main sponsor would likely help in such a case. This may be interpreted as a further push of the manager to gain control in the UCI decision boards and the cyclo-cross institutions.
Edited by Shonak on 20-02-2016 21:28
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
With the Port Elizabeth cross cancelled, this was still no reason for Vague to cancel his trip to the beach town. The World Champion alongside his team spent two nights in the booked-paid hotel and ended up with a short holiday stay on the Cape St. Francis and enjoying the South Atlantic Ocean, on company's expenses of course.
"It is good to relax for two days, take some easy spins here on these roads. I think it's good for team-building and for the morale. Truth is, the constant travelling and stress in the months of competition can get to you, especially when you compete in each and every event. As a team, we are very close to each other in this time. Staff, riders.. To keep it easy is alright then", stated Vague in a short Vlog on the team's facebookpage. However Welling laughed during those lines, and shouted in between: "Francis can relax only so much.. he still mostly talks about Struibaai regardless."
Of course, after all it is Francis N. Vague and if his middle letter was M it'd stand for Mission. Man on a mission continues to be the program on the black continent too. The World Cup may have been put on hold for now, but after the Rio-Cross the fight for the Coca-Cola Trophy is hot as ever, and it has just about hit the right race now.
"Listerijn has won here last year, so odds are he could come even closer to us in the classification. But I am determined to extend the lead, preferably with a win. The course suits me ideally, demanding great allrounder-skills all over the place."
Vague did not care much about the cancellation of Port Elizabeth though. He is mostly sorry for the audience who have looked forward to this race, but doees not mind the pause in the World Cup and sees the cancellation as a consequence of the sport's general extreme status and danger as well as the exposure to new regions, less experienced with CX. Goldenberg's antics are in Vague's eyes "dramatic for the showeffect for the US crowd overseas", "a potential excuse for him later on if he loses the World Cup" and a sign of a overconfidence. "... but he can underestimate me all he wants, see me as a UCI toy, fact is: Goldenberg has got his home world championships and an ideal course to get it; he better hope they won't cancel it too then."
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Milan Listerijn is an interesting young man. He's gradually gaining consistency and among the best in the world, no doubt, but he's ranked 7th in the globe and that suits him, because like it or not, he's not Vague, or Mazzarelli, or Lipawsky, he's merely the best of the subtop. At age 19 you can't expect more. Well, you couldn't until Vague came along. But Listerijn is an entirely different rider to the World Champion and his biggest weakness still lies in his engine, both power wise in race and physically between.
"Yeah, there's a long way to go but still in a trophy like this already I'm proud of the last races, I've lost time to Vague and Mazzarelli but almost a minute on the other podium contenders. There's only five races to go even just here in the young season, it's a smaller trophy for sure. But yeah, this trophy suits me right now physically." he says. It's hard to remember sometimes with the focus on Vague out in first but Mazzarelli and Listerijn are interchangeably second and third where the World Champion leads, though Mazzarelli has a big gap in the Coca-Cola, and Listerijn is only ahead on countback for the Superprestige.
So where do his loyalties lie in terms of trophies?
"Obviously the Superprestige is, uh, much more prestigous than the Coke trophy and I'm in a better position there so that's my priority. Coke is second place right now and then a bit of focus on Worlds." he says quietly. He seems more determined and less laid-back than last time, and who can blame him? His grandfather Louis to impress, the quick change from Port Elisabeth plans, the ever-mounting pressure for a win...
"Yeah I saw many teams and riders criticising the UCI for the quick cancellation, I'm mildly annoyed because it was a race great for preparation and very much suited to me, but, you know, until they actually tell us something about it then it's the benefit of the doubt, it's all very strange right now. Some of them may have offended the UCI but I see why Goldenberg is angry and a guy like Sylvain or Vague much less annoyed." he laments of the quick turnaround.
Of course, in Struisbaai last year Listerijn won, with a smart move on the final lap to outdo fast finishers Dao and Vague. "Not on the cards this year." he smiles. "This year is about the Coke trophy and putting seconds into anyone and maybe even everyone. It's a course that's good but not perfect for me, so we'll see how it goes. Vague has been most complimentary in the build-up and whilst it's nice to be regarded as a contender it won't affect how I approach the race."
24/02/21 - kandesbunzler said “I don't drink famous people."
15/08/22 - SotD said "Your [jandal's] humour is overrated"
11/06/24 - knockout said "Winning is fine I guess. Truth be told this felt completely unimportant." [ICL] Santos-Euskadi | [PT] Xero Racing
Eddie Goldenberg's comments do not nessesarily represent the opinions and position of TMM Sports Management. We do not believe the UCI has had any foul part in the recent decision to cancel the Port Elisabeth World Cup event. It is another of our events and we've been working hard to get it on. The local government has been supportive and flagged no problems to us.
On our inspection of the race location we saw nothing that warrented cancellation. Equally we are yet to hear from the UCI as to why the race was called off. But we have faith they made the decision properly and after thorough consideration. We will work closely with them to try and ensure Port Elisabeth is back on the calendar next year, and that the rest of our affiliated races take place and run smoothly.
We also take this opportunity to welcom Chris Young to the Elite level. His debut is imminent at the Lisbon Superprestige race. And we wish Max Power a good couple of months away from the Elite level and look forwards to his exploits in the USA.
Welcome to Struisbaai. Ready for the second edition of the Struisbaai Cross. Last year, Listerijn came out on top, after a smart attack in the last lap. Let's see what we'll see today.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 16° C
Precipitation: Rain.
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Start Line: No Elliot Cook. We'll have to get used to that, at least for now. The strong Brit has a long recovery ahead of him and will take his chances on the road. We wonder if we'll see him again. That leaves us with Francis Vague, who's already won about half the races he participated in so far this season, and is always found in the top 5. If not Elliot Cook, then who will prove strong enough to stop Vague from dominating the sport?
Perhaps Mazzarelli. He's grown a lot in the off-season and is now even riding good results in races not really suited to him.
Perhaps Milan Listerijn. Even younger than Vague and very promising. But he needs to up his game a bit more.
Perhap Sylvain Lipawsky, though he seems destined to remain the underdog forever. Still, he is 2nd on the UCI Ranking at the moment, so don't underestimate him!
Lap 1: Let's go! Another continent, another race! This is the fourth continent we're racing on this season.
A strong start from Mazzarelli, who is not usually the fastest sprinter. He wants to put the pressure on Vague today. He seemed very keen earlier today!
And here is Lipawsky, along with Vague. Sven Welling and Christian Schiltz both in the top 10, too. BKCP with the perfect start.
But the pace isn't extremely high, and so we have a rider trying to get away! It's young Alinejad who's gotten a gap! Nobody reacts at the moment.
Rosanski moves up a few places. He's defending a decent Coca-Cola classification here, as well as an increasingly well UCI classification. Strong debut season for Rosanski.
Welling leads the peloton, he's not taking any risks and so Alinejad doesn't get further than a 10 second gap.
Lap 2: Mazzarelli makes a steering mistake and goes down! He tries to continue but his chain fell off. Well, he's staying very calm, put the chain back up and start again. That's the way you do it. He's grown a lot mentally, too.
But that's a sign for Lipawsky to increase the pace and be the first favorite to open the race! He passes Welling and gets out of the saddle! Watch out, now!
And that's it for Alinejad's attempt. It lasted a lap, but one acceleration from Lipawsky was enough to bring him back. Mazzarelli is being brought back by a strong Lorenzi. As he makes the connection back to the front group, still counting about 20 riders, Lipawsky has no reason to keep going hard. The pace drops again.
The rain is definitely making an impact here. All the sand has turned into mud and this makes for a very tough race. So everyone is playing on safe and keeping something in reserve. You don't want to blow yourself up here, in a time classification.
And this relative peace gives the lesser riders a chance to get in the picture. Pieter Van Dyck sneaks away! With Cook out of the picture, Randstad have to reinvent themselves. They have Van Dyck and Dao to do that. Still plenty of talent left, and they're taking an aggressive approach.
Lap 3: We'll have eight laps today. The laps are longer than last year. A lot tougher, too, with the rain.
Van Dyck has built up a decent lead. He has 23 seconds on the chasing group, which is still relatively large. Van Dyck poses no immediate threat so has been given this gap early in the race. He'll lose his speed in the second race half.
Everyone has an agenda today, and so the race is locked up a bit. Mazzarelli waiting for Vague, Listerijn waiting for Mazzarelli, Lipawsky waiting for Listerijn... We'll have to wait and see who attacks first. Vague can sit back and defend his lead, but knowing Vague, he'll want something more out of today's race!
Schiltz and Welling still two important pawns for Vague. The others will need to get them off before they attack him. But Listerijn has Alinejad and Visconti, so he's not chanceless!
And Louis Listerijn has caught up with this group! That's another man for Vague.
Lap 4: Van Dyck's gap has now stopped to increase. It's about 25 seconds. Everything's still under control and the race is nearing its halfway point. Time for the favorites to come out and play?
Not yet! They're sending out their scouts first. Schiltz and Visconti attack! Nice to see Visconti back on the level. Though the race is far from over!
Mazzarelli is shadowing Vague closely. I think he'll try to limit the damage today. Without any hills, he'll look for opportunities to attack Vague elsewhere. Next up is Aosta Valley, so he finds a terrain more to his liking there!
Rosanski attacks, he wants to jump on the Schiltz and Visconti bandwagon!
And that sets things in motion! Rosanski threatens Lipawsky's classification, so the Swiss reacts! Lipawsky threatens Listerijn's position, so Listerijn counters. That makes Mazzarelli and Vague react, too! The fight is on!
Vague decides to prolong the effort and moves past Rosanski! Schiltz sees him coming and gets in position to ride hard. Pay attention, now, Vague is on the move!
Listerijn, Lipawsky and Mazzarelli get on his wheel, but it isn't easy to keep it! Vague's fired up, now.
It took a while but the race got blown wide open! Van Dyck's gap will melt quickly, now.
Listerijn knows he has to catch up soon, or else he'll lose a lot of time today!
Those left behind have taken a mental blow. Nobody to lead them now and so their time deficit grows. Let me repeat myself: this race is really tough with the rain.
Vague is back to defending. Visconti is hanging off the back of the group. The increase in pace is hard on him. Maybe he's not completely back to form just yet. These things take time.
Lap 6: Lipawsky tries again! But Vague won't let him go, not at all. He's keeping them all under control and he's got Schiltz to back him up. It doesn't look like he'll lose the coca-cola trophy lead today. But we could be wrong.
Van Dyck's gap increases slightly. The Dutch young rider is riding an excellent race. Wonder how long he can keep it up.
And after Lipawsky's acceleration, Visconti has lost contact. The pace was a bit too high for him, anyway.
And here goes Schiltz! Smart move by BKCP. Who'll counter him?
And the answer is Listerijn! He wants to get some time between him and Lipawsky, Mazzarelli and Vague, and this is his chance! Though the question is: will Schiltz ride with Listerijn?
Lap 7: No, Schiltz keeping the legs still. Listerijn gestures he should ride, but to no avail. Deep down he knows Schiltz can't ride.
But Vague isn't too keen on closing the gap immediately. Is he not strong enough, or is this some sort of tactic? There's 5 seconds between him and Listerijn. He doesn't seem worried about that.
Listerijn is getting annoyed by Schiltz and so he stops riding.
Oh but Mazzarelli with a surprise attack! Even surprised Vague, there. He rushes past Listerijn and the young Kiwi hesitates whether he should go with him!
But his hesitation is fatal. The Italian is gone. Vague gets out of the saddle, he can't let this one get away! Lipawsky follows closely. Listerijn isn't reacting at all, he's blown up a bit. Schiltz getting left behind, too.
And in the background, Rosanski is limiting the damage, good for him.
Lap 8: And this is it. The final lap. We haven't been paying him enough attention so far but look at this. Pieter Van Dyck is still leading this race. His face looks terrible, he's suffering a lot, but he's got a 12 second lead on Vague, Lipawsky and Mazzarelli. Still going strong. Can he actually do it? We haven't considered it until now.
Listerijn's completely blown out. Schiltz leaves him behind, now. The race is one lap too long for the Belgian Kiwi.
Lipawsky with an attack! But immediately put to death by Francis Vague.
Shay Gormley with a nasty fall! Luckily he's wearing a helmet!
Vague controls Lipawsky and Mazzarelli. I think they understand they won't get back time on him today.
This close to the finish, I think Vague knows Van Dyck can't be caught, he's too far gone...
Or does he? Vague increases the pace again! Is this his attempt at winning the race? He's got under half a lap to get back 10 seconds on Van Dyck! Anything's still possible! He can see Van Dyck up ahead!
Lipawsky digs down deep in Vague's wheel. Mazzarelli is in trouble! A late blitzkrieg by the new king of cross!
Oooh Vague slips and goes down! No, wait, he manages to stay upright with an impressive grace. But it does put an end to his late attack. Lipawsky gets held up by Vague's near-crash.
Vague is a bit shaken up and lowers his pace.
Could he have done it? We'll never know. All we know is that Van Dyck still holds a good gap over his chasers. He's gone away in lap 2 and kept his lead constantly between 25 and 10 seconds. That's style. Can't describe it any other way. Well done. Pieter Van Dyck wins his first professional race.
Vague outsprints Lipawsky for place 2. I think they underestimated Van Dyck. He settles for place 2. He'll have to.
Mazzarelli is fourth and loses another 4 seconds to Vague. But considering the terrain, it's relatively good for him, I think.
Schiltz is fifth. Listerijn is sixth.
Rosanksi is seventh and there is Visconti. Eldfjallsson comes in solo, ninth. Alinejad tenth. All alone or in duo's. This proves how tough this race was.
Coca-Cola stays exciting and we'll have to see what happens in Aosto Valley! But first, Johannesburg, where NES continues!
UCI have released a statement earlier today. Rumours were already being shared on twitter and facebook all day long, but the UCI have now made the official statement about a new rule in cyclo-cross.
The rule is there to enforce the non-tolerance of doping and is aimed at mechanical doping. From January 2017, every single bike will be checked at every official UCI race, including the Continental Championships.
Most UCI members feel comfortable that this rule will not change cyclo-cross at all, and that mechanical doping is a rare exception, but to increase credibility and to avoid cheating, the rule will be enforced. Getting caught will automatically resolve in a minimal 2-year ban.
The FujiCross will be the first event where all bikes will be tested.
In the south african rain, it once more poured down old wisdome since Vague's cumbersome little time gain showed that only little by little, the bird slowly builds its nest. With 4 more additional seconds on Mazzarelli, Vague and the Italian have presumably reduced the potential triple trophy race back again to a duel, whilst Van Dyck has confirmed his expectional talent by claiming his first pro win.
A very tiresome, exhausting race for the riders, what's your take?
Yeah, I'd say so too, the rain made it difficult to gain time and an advantage on the others. I had multiple times difficulty with the bike since the mud stuck in the gear, the wheels had little traction. I expected something in this way but after the recent good sunny days in South America, this was again fairly more classic Cyclo-Cross. I'm also glad that Christian Schiltz is coming more and more into his shape, he has done a fantastic race today again. It's a real shame about this season; we have quite some harsh injuries along the way, look at Schiltz and Cook.. but the mark of champions is to come back when you are down and out of competition.
But for you it's again second, Struisbaai is ground where you havn't won so far. Frustrating to miss it two times so close?
What's even more exceptional is that both wins came in a fairly similiar manner. Both were achieved from doing a long range attack, far out. Both times me and the other guys came close to actually catching the escapee, both times maybe I was missing a solid lap to achieve the win. It was a good race for me, congralutions to Pieter. He did his best today and fully deserved the win of course.
Only 13 seconds are betweeen you and Mazzarelli right now. Don't you think that today would have been a good day to put more seconds into him?
Well I can only do so much. I'm glad I could eventually distance him in fact since he continues to be very strong and stay on the wheel even on passages and races that don't suit him so much, less than me. So, 4 seconds are more than 3 and right now it's all that I need, so I'm good. I tried and I got a solid second place and I'm good with that too. The Trophy is still only at half-time and we still have some races to cover, no reason to get worked up 'bout it.
You had one tricky moment in the final, what did you think in that moment?
Oh well, that was so fast, I didn't really think. Afterwards I was making a cross in my mind and thank'd the lord that I stayed on the bike, especially with the rain it was a dangerous move by me but sometimes you need to risk. I was glad not to crash in this final and still achieve the podium.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
It's not much but Guido Visconti takes the little he can get. The 8th place at Struisbaai Cross certainly makes the young belgian prospect look forward to the upcoming races and delighted he has left the Americas behind him.
"It's true that I imagined the races in the Americas to have a different outcome than they had eventually. I've fairly talked a bit decent amount about what worked, why some didn't. I want to look to the european races now and hope that my form continues to rise."
The young belgian is also growing to becoming more an expert in difficult weather, seeing as multiple results have been achieved within harsh conditions. "Maybe my skin is thicker than others", he shrugs.
With the hopeful drop in temperature in the european region, Visconti may hit a mid-point peak in December, hopes are certainly in this way. After all, Lotto - Fidea is still without a win this season. The promise of Listerijn and additionally Visconti as a double threat for the podium places, aided by help of D'Anvers and the knowledge of Cornelis, has left expections low in the camp so far. Whilst Visconti isn't keen on talking about Listerijn's progress, the young belgian confesses that he himself, Visconti, probably has left the sponsor and management fairly disappointed so far. "I want to improve in my rankings, Lotto-Fidea is the greatest team in the sport and it should be represented this way. Right now, things are still not going according to plan." Hopes of making Visconti a top-rider seem to have been far-fetched after his previous cross campaign saw him achieve some notable results, but neither Visconti nor his father are commenting on his contract situation, whilst the media is lurking to find reasons for potential turmoil.
Flemish media is keen on speculation of course. As a mantra repeating itself, Visconti states that "the team will get its wins sooner or later". However while BKCP-Powerplus is running away with wins and podiums in the likes of Vague, Schiltz and even Sven Welling recently, Lotto-Fidea sees its once dominate position further trembling in light of Cornelis retirement from the active sport. They have done well to boost the squad back to a full competitive force, except it's still not working yet.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
On the road, he is a recognized name, now Marque Trovyers, multiple belgian champion from Walloonia, is considering to add a late Cyclo-Cross career to his roster. "It's a sport for the young and the old, and I'm old by age but young by nature. Francis N. Vague has caused some great hype in Walloonia recently. I don't see why I shouldn't try to get in the mix and make a late bid for the Olympic Games."
Trovyers has been a contender for the classics for a long time until a doping ban in 2009 saw him being banned for two years. He formely was nicknamed Saint Trovyers, now he is mostly known as the 'Fallen Grace of Liege'.
"I don't want to talk about this time", the belgian star said when he returned to road cycling in 2011, and still to day he emphasises that he is and was always riding clean and has been unjust penalised. On his return, Trovyers went on to win two Tour de France stages, as he has shifted from a classics contender to a breakaway artist and fighter. Disappointing results in Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix still mark him, as Trovyers missed the podium of both races and hit the Top 5 combined eight times, and has been reduced from a potential belgian highlight to an ever-unfulfilled classic promise.
Marque considers to do an easier road program next season - possibly his last on the road, in order to hit the Cyclo-Cross in full-swing come October. "Other riders have tried to mix road and Cyclo-Cross, but I don't want to mix it. Once I go cross, I'm full cross. I'm still in contract with my current team, depending on my results, I'll finish this final contract year and then possibly switch."
His trademarks are a long-hung out tongue, daring downhill rides and full force flat power. Trovyers is rumoured to join a belgian team.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
After an exciting first manche, NES gets ready for its second race in the calendar. Technically, everyone can still win this, but Rosanski, Moli and Van Dyck seem the biggest favorites for the overall win.
Race Information
Country: South Africa
City/Place: Johannesburg
Classification: National Event Series
Starting Time (Elite Men): 19h
Favorites: Pieter Van Dyck, Paul Rosanski, Arthur Ledoux
Record: 1x Milan Listerijn (2015)
Race History: Johannesburg was the first location to make a bid for the next NES competition. With a very good proposal, it got accepted as one of the three manches. Its first edition was won by Milan Listerijn.
Route Information
Technical: 4
Sand: 1
Uphill: 2
Cobblestones: 3
Johannesburg is said to be a weakened version of Struisbaai. Rugged terrain, but overall just a bit easier going. The climbs are not sharp and steep, rather rolling. They're bound to get into the legs though, by the time the final lap arrives.
The general route is easier to take, but obstacles have been added, shifting the focus of this route towards bike handling and power.
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 12° C
Precipitation: Dry
Wind: 1 Beaufort
National Event Series
Ranking
Name
Points
1
Paul Rosanski
11
2
Mustafa Moli
10
3
Pieter Van Dyck
9
4
Mohuti Sow
5
5
Arthur Ledoux
3
Participants
Robin Huser
Matt Payne
Paul Rosanski
Louis Listerijn
Arthur Ledoux
Pierre Lavigne
Mohuti Sow
Camilo Osorio
Pierre Lipawsky
Stan Van Overberghe
Nicky Van Drenthe
Mustafa Moli
Jens Van Eyck
Toon Van Eyck
Dirk Lombaerts
Alessio Forcellini
Pieter Van Dyck
Pépé Renoir
Henry Georges
Fabrizio Lorenzi
France has an Achilles heel in the cycling scene: Cyclo-Cross, for whatever reason French cyclists have stayed out of the mud to compete on the road, track and MTB. However these past few years have been some of the worst, Lavigne, Barthez, Renoir and Georges haven't given us much to support and there hasn't been a French CX victory at all in that time.
Blel Chetout a 22 year old from Bordeaux and the latest U23 French CX champion is the next up and comer to want an end to that dry spell. Sébastien Roy, the French U23 manager said this about him "Every race he'll show up and ride round, be dropped, nothing, then once in a while, he'll have a different sort of focus, then there's no stopping him, he'll rarely win, but his wins are something special to see."
Blel has been great since his junior days and was only granted a spot on the U23 team due to being the national champion but his one win back in Liege earlier this season was special, solo for 25 minutes to win by over a minute.
He's decided now to give the pro ranks ago and unless he hits a problem with licences (where there has been doubt) he should begin in Lisbon, where American cyclist Young will also debut. Blel claimed that he was racing in Lisbon was an important step for him, despite his real goal being Alpe d'Huez and the U23 World Championships.
Perhaps he is our next talent, or at least the one to end the dry spell?
Hello, i'm Chris Young and i'll be joining the peloton in Lisbon. About time i introduced myself properly.
Basics, i'm 24 and from Ontario in Canada. Specifically i'm from Toronto if that's of any interest. I've been racing bikes in various formats for a number of years now. The CX scene in Canada isn't great so i've also raced Downhill, where i've competed at both Junior and U23 level World Championships. I've also done some semi-pro Time Trialing, taking part at Junior and U23 National Championships. I havn't won any major titles though.
The last two years i've raced some of the USA domestic CX calendar, and you've been kept up to date with my exploits this season. Safe to say it's gone well as i've racked up 5 wins + 2 Podiums. The highlight being the National Championship win. So i'm feeling in good shape and ready to come and mix with the big boys.
People describe me as Diesel engine. I can hold a strong tempo for a long time but my explosiveness is not good. I can blast over flat ground thanks to my time trial experience. My bike handling is pretty decent thanks to my downhill racing. CX has some unique challenges and handling around others isn't as good as when i'm alone.
Being from Canada and racing mostly there my specialty is snow/ice and just general bad weather. It gets cold and/or muddy and i can push harder than anyone i've ever raced against. So i'll come to the Elite calendar praying for a cold winter. Then we'll just take each race as it comes and see what happens. I need to show i'm worthy of a full contract by getting some good individual results, but Blue Bell has also made it clear i will need to help Goldie and Radio when requested.
So that's a brief introduction to me. The nickname Rock... I was a big Chris Rock fan in high school and could do a good impression of him. So Rock kinda stuck. Yeah...
Welcome to the second manche of the NES trophy. Let's hope for a nice edition here in Africa.
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 12° C
Precipitation: Dry
Wind: 1 Beaufort
Start Line: The same suspects as last race in Perth. There's talk that NES needs a reform if it is to survive. There's a lot of pressure on the calendar anyway, and NES is getting pushed out, so it will need to reinvent itself.
But let's not worry about that today. we're simply here to enjoy the race! And who are we looking at for the win? Van Dyck is the prime name, after his impressive victory in Struisbaai, keeping ahead of the big guys to take a sweet win.
Lap 1: We're off! Rosanski leads the trophy and is off to a good start. But with only 20 starters, it's tough to take a real bad start. Plenty of room to move up, even if you start last.
Sow is the first to attack, with a strong pace! But Huser and Rosanski are quick to terminate his attempt.
Van Dyck can be found in the middle, but is trying to move up quickly. Listerijn is in his wheel.
Lorenzi makes a steering mistake and goes down, he also brings down Lavigne.
Lap 2: A still group still together here. The Van Eyck brothers are leading the group at the moment. Working for Louis Listerijn? Perhaps!
Pierre Lipawsky attacks! Listerijn jumps at it and moves with him. Van Dyck looks over at Rosanski, but there's no reaction there.
And so we have two leaders. The Van Eyck brothers stopped working and now it's Sow and Payne doing the work.
Lap 3: Now Van Dyck makes his move! It took until the third lap but he's filled with confidence! Rosanski is too far behind to answer the attack. Ledoux follows smoothly, though!
They quickly catch up with the race leaders. And so we have Lipawsky, Listerijn, Van Dyck and Ledoux leading the race.
Rosanski realizes the danger of this move - and the danger it holds to his NES lead. He and Huser increase the pace. Don't let them get away!
Lap 4: The gap stays constantly at around 10 seconds. Van Dyck isn't the only engine at the front, though. He can count on Lipawsky and Ledoux. Listerijn is watching it from the second row at the moment.
Forcellini has joined the chase. Same for Sow. And so we have four against three now. But the chasing group is splitting. The Van Eyck brothers, Payne and Van Drenthe have to let go, the pace is simply too high for them.
Coming up to the intermediate sprint. Just half a lap left.
Oh and Van Dyck tries to sneak off alone! Brilliant corner and he's got a 10 meter gap in a matter of seconds. There's some hesitation behind him... But now Listerijn counterattacks!
Van Dyck picks up 6 points. Listerijn 4. There's no sprint behind them and Ledoux takes the remaining 2 points leading the chase.
Lap 5: Van Dyck's gap grows rapidly. He was only toying up until this point! Huser increases his effort and the remaining attackers get swallowed by the chasing group, which is thinning out rapidly. They immediately leave behind Lipawsky and Listerijn, they're burned up for now.
Van Dyck has 23 seconds. He's gaining ground by the minute. A most impressive ride!
The chasers hesitate. The race is halfway but Van Dyck seems to have free reign. Even his chasers are doubtful whether to put all their effort into the chase. Maybe it's wiser to conserve and ride for 2nd place?
But Rosanski doesn't agree with that and attacks! Ledoux counterattacks, he's riding a strong race!
Lap 6: And it's really hit the fan, now. All groups are falling apart. We have mostly singles and duos riding for what they're worth. Van Dyck leaves everyone in his dust. Rosanski and Ledoux don't near at all.
Huser missed the boat and realizes it. He attacks behind the first chasers, but it might be too late. Still, there's some laps left!
Lap 7: Perhaps not enough. Van Dyck almost has a minute, he's out of reach. A whole other level today. Ledoux and Rosanski are now riding for second place. Huser is behind them, keeping off Moli, who broke free from Sow and Forcellini.
It's a carnage. Every man for himself. With Van Dyck at the top of the food chain, only four days after his raid in Struisbaai. Is this the birth of a new star? Someone to get in Vague's way? Someone to stop the domination Vague has shown early this season?
Lap 8: Last lap! Van Dyck has over a minute, there's no stopping him today, he just keeps going. Does he know it's not a time classification? Maybe he's misinformed, because he doesn't slow down a bit. The crowd's loving it, though.
And it's official, now. He raises one arm. Victory. And a picture to frame, no one in sight!
Ledoux gets bested by Rosanski in the final 200 meters. A late attack by Rosanski was enough to secure 2nd place.
Huser and Moli pick up the last remaining points.
And so we haven't seen an exciting race, but domination. Not by Vague, though, and we'll settle for that these days. Maybe this Van Dyck can step up to the level of the big boys in a matter of months? We'll have to wait and see!
We're back at Lisbon! One year after the Vague fan punching Cook out of contention, you can see how quickly things can change. Vague returns as absolute top favorite while Elliot Cook has disappeared from the sport, gone out to greener pastures.
Lisbon also sets up the start of the Superprestige Rush. Four Superprestige races in 14 days, with Bristol and Aosta Valley tucked in between, just to keep the riders busy. For the Superprestige, get ready for a rapid succession of Lisbon, Lee Valley, Rasterhoff and Alpe d'Huez. By the time we're done, it's time for Christmas!
Race Information
Country: Portugal
City/Place: Lisbon
Classification: Superprestige
Starting Time (Elite Men): 14h30
Favorites: Francis Vague, Christian Schiltz, Sylvain Lipawsky, Milan Listerijn, Matt Mazzarelli.
Record: 7x Dries Cornelis (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014)
Race History: Lisbon is up to it's 26th edition. Dries Cornelis has taken 7 of them. Last year, Lisbon's legend increased when a spectator hit Elliot Cook mid-race.
Route Information
Technical: 5
Sand: 4
Uphill: 5
Cobblestones: 0
A demanding race to say the least. Technical, lots of sand and some hills to die for, I mean, on. No, you don't do this for your pleasure. Six real hills, two of which completely in the sand. Add countless bridges, regular bumps in the terrain, constant turning around and two sets of jumping bars and you have a cross to get excited over.
A perfect arena to let Vague loose. He's taken 3/3 and is keen to keep his perfect record in the Superprestige. But there are plenty around to threaten his position. Listerijn, Mazzarelli and Lipawsky are just a touch away!
Expected Weather Conditions
Temperature: 9° C
Precipitation: Dry.
Wind: 1 Beaufort
He's been in Lisbon for a while now and whilst some fret for points and others lust for the win, despite the Struisbaai fiasco its a cool head on young shoulders where Milan Listerijn is concerned.
Milan, we didn't hear from you after Struisbaai, what happened?
We started well, Naveed was great but I wasn't all there. It's over and I'm focused on Lisbon. Unfortunately, perhaps, my brother popped up for Vague. Congrats on making it to the front little bro but bad timing, I felt it hard when you turned up the pace. Van Dyck was amazing and kudos to him, he's racking up the form.
So what can we expect to see here?
An exciting race, that's for sure. Hopefully no crazy Vague fans swing at his rivals again, if it wasn't so hill I might wear some padding (laughs). No I don't sense the weakness in Vague here that others think I do or even should. Mazzarelli obviously won here last year so is a huge big threat to everyone if he repeats the trick and gets the better of us. From me, I want to bounce back positively over the next fortnight and hopefully by then I've got a clear idea on where to focus the majority of my energy, be it the Coke or Superprestige. Sylvain, I don't know what to expect. He's merely a point off and here's hoping I'm not bound to him unless it's first and second. Because we both know how that ends (laughs).
The course hasn't been altered much from last year, what do you make of it?
It's gruelling, it's technical, the hills are insane and the sand, well, I just grit my teeth and hope I fly. I said it before, I don't like it as much as the press say, I just push through and sometimes i go fast, Those hills, oh goddamn. Hang tight, dont let the Vaguebug bite I think. He's 3 for 3 and I can see it continuing if the leash in't shortened.
We saw the UCI crack down hard with their new mechanical doping plan, your thoughts?
It's 10% a step in the right direction, it's not something I've ever been near or offered to be but seeing the tech they use it is a very real threat to a fair sport. Let's hope, well, let's just hope it's not so widespread we have a mechanical new dawn rather than just a needles new dawn... Really let's hope it's a statement and not something that has to catch everyone. I haven't always agreed with the UCI but I talked to someone about it in Africa and their plan seems fairly foolproof. I hope nobody is betraying our trust though and if they are I hope they are caught at the first check their bike endures.
24/02/21 - kandesbunzler said “I don't drink famous people."
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11/06/24 - knockout said "Winning is fine I guess. Truth be told this felt completely unimportant." [ICL] Santos-Euskadi | [PT] Xero Racing
Welcome in Lisbon for what is already a historical day in cyclo-cross. Ex-World Champion Thomas Hilffer passed away last night in his sleep. Hilffer had turned 80 just a week ago. He's famous for his incredible feats in the Ansbach cross, where he took a record four victories. For two decades he was the leading force in German cyclo-cross, proof of that are his 11 national titles. His World Title was the icing on the cake of a beautiful career, winning the World Championships in the Blaarmeersen in 1974, aged 37, as oldest World Champion ever. It was the last cross on his palmares.
But life goes on, and we are here to cross with the stars of today. Francis Vague wants to make it 4/4 and he's got the will to do it. Who will stand in his way? Or will the stress get to him?
Weather Conditions
Temperature: 7° C
Precipitation: Rain, Heavy.
Wind: 4 Beaufort
Start Line: Well the weather predictions couldn't have been more wrong! This Lisbon edition is certainly one for the history books as a real storm is raging overhead! Heavy rain, accompanied by sudden rushes of wind. Riders at the start line are being protected from the rain by some large tent, keeping them dry-ish. But as soon as they set off, they'll be soaking wet in a matter of seconds. Given the nature of this usually already tough race, Lisbon 2016 will be one of the hardest races some of these guys will have ever done.
Some of the riders are looking worried, even. Thijs Van Lookeren won't even start today. He expressed his disgust about the weather conditions and that the UCI will allow the race to be run full length. UCI states there is no danger to safety and the race can just go on as planned, stating: "this is cyclo-cross at its purest!"
Moreover, this is the third consecutive edition of Lisbon in the rain. A Portuguese race building up a reputation of being a wet race, anything is possible in cyclo-cross!
Lap 1: And so we set off! It's not easy to see because of the thick rain. Expect a race where riders plough through mud and wet sand, ride through sections entirely flooded and dismount a lot to climb the hills. Of the six major hills, only 2 can be ridden on.
Vague and Lipawsky are the fastest starters here. Dubois is right there with them, though. They turn into the field in that order.
I wonder what kind of race we'll see unfold today. Could go in many directions. With the Superprestige still very close, despite 3 consecutive victories from Vague, the slightest mistake could cost expensive points. Vague is far from winning the trophy, but he's off to a good start.
And here comes Van Dyck. The boy has taken a major step since winning his first race. He's in sixth position, closing a small gap. The mud is everywhere. The pace is slow, you can see them struggle to get through it.
Welling tries to get to the front to support Vague but loses his balance. He goes down and almost disappears in the mud! His face is black and he's covered completely. Still an hour to go, poor guy.
And here we get a shot of the debut of Chris Young, in his first elite pro race. He had to start at the back row, but he's already in 40th position or so, so he's already passed about a dozen riders, good for him.
Lipawsky isn't afraid of getting dirty, and he's the first to attack today! Vague and Mazzarelli are quick to answer the attack. It doesn't look like we'll see big gaps in the Superprestige even after today. But still a long way to go, who knows!
It's a brutal race for anyone, and the riders have to run more than they have to ride. Well, not quite, but it's not that far off. Gaps start appearing! We have a front group of Lipawsky, Schiltz, Mazzarelli, Listerijn, Dubois, Vague, Van Dyck, Visconti.
Good for Van Dyck that he's here! Visconti, too, though he's always done well in bad weather this season. A growing speciality?
Lap 2: The pace is so slow, we'll only have 7 laps today. We already have our first abandon, McLaughlin, the Brit, has giving up.
Here goes Mazzarelli! The Italian attacks on one of the climbs. There is no immediate reaction. Lipawsky looks at Vague. Listerijn is too far back. We now head into the wet sand, where Schiltz tries to decrease the gap, with Vague at his wheel.
Dubois slips away with his back wheel. Usually very technical, but nobody can ride flawlessly through this terrain for an hour. He sees the group ride away. He'll need to get back quick or he'll be left behind!
Schiltz continues to make the pace. Mazzarelli changes his bike. Everyone changes his bike twice today. The bike gets heavier by each mud section. Lipawsky is a quick runner and so he brings the group back to Mazzarelli, who's a poor runner.
And now we have Schiltz attacking! Vague cleverly blocks Lipawsky from reacting and so Schiltz has taken a few seconds. They dismount for this climb. Jump back on and downhill it is!
Vague has been dropped! Oh he's completely bunked. This isn't normal, is there something wrong with his bike?
The camera zooms in... Yes, his gearing is completely blocked, he's trying to push through it. But it breaks completely, now. No hesitation, he takes the bike on his back and starts running. Superprestige is at stake, he won't even think about quitting. But this is an unwelcome gift. Oh and he goes down, now, too. The thick mud is hard to run through and his foot gets stuck in it. He gets up again, gets his bike back up and runs again.
Meanwhile, the cross goes on. Schiltz is now at the front, but the tactic changes. Sent out as a scout, he now waits. Mazzarelli, Van Dyck, Visconti and Lipawsky catch up with him. Schiltz looks behind him, but doesn't see Vague and decides to stick with this group. No use in losing both riders here. We don't see Listerijn in this group, has he been dropped?
Yes, there he is, along with Bollinger, Dubois and Moli. They're chasing the leading group and have also passed Vague.
Almost a minute for Vague, but he's back on a bike, now. His head slightly tilted, his eyes fixed on the road ahead of him. He's up for a tough race, now. The good thing is that he didn't lose many places. With the field spread out enormously, he's still in the top 10, even though he's a minute behind. So in the worst case, he'll still take 6 Superprestige points. Though I can't imagine Vague being happy with that.
At the front, they won't wait for him to come back. Not at all. Now it's Lipawsky's turn to attack again! Schiltz moves like his shadow. Mazzarelli is hanging at the back of the group but makes a move to pass Van Dyck and Visconti to answer Lipawksy's attack. It costs him energy, though, but he manages it! Visconti is the first to be left behind. Van Dyck hangs on, barely.
More abandons. We're down to 41 riders still in the race. Debutant Chris Young has powered through to 30th position, meaning he might score his first UCI points here. If he continues like this, maybe a top 25 could be in the making!
Lap 4: The rain has stopped! The storm has blew over, but the terrain is still soaking wet, as are the riders. They are unrecognisable, all covered in dirt, making our job harder, too. But we'd recognize this style anywhere, this is Lipawsky attacking once again! He gets a small gap!
And here we see the World Champion. His beautiful white jersey has turned into a brown uniform of cyclo-cross, but he's carrying the rainbow stripes in his heart. He just won't give up. Latest time check shows he's making up time on the race leaders! From 57 seconds to 45 seconds! Racing for the win is out of the question, I'm sure, but maybe he can still salvage something in this race?
Of course, this is Vague we're talking about. Is a miracle in the making? Surely this big a gap to Lipawsky is too much halfway the race?
Another rider growing in the race is Jan Soucek. The big talent never really broke through after making the step to the pros, but he's still young and he's got talent, that's for sure. Only it's not coming out properly. But he's showing some world class moves today, riding up those hills.
Oh and look at this! Vague rides this muddy hill all the way to the top! We didn't think this was possible here! That just gave him another two seconds!
Back to the front! Mazzarelli is now the main engine riding behind Lipawsky. Schiltz must know Vague is trying to come back, so Schiltz can passively follow. Smart team play. Even if Vague doesn't return, he has the advantage. Van Dyck isn't with them anymore, he must've dropped behind. Yes, there we see him, already a considerable gap.
And Lipawsky has been brought back! Nothing can separate these three. Lipawsky, Mazzarelli, Schiltz. It's great to see Schiltz back in form, too! Of course, talent always comes to the surface in these races where all you can rely on is your talent. There's no lying here, you either are strong or you're out.
And we're down to 34 riders. Only expect true crossers to finish today's race!
Lap 5: Lipawsky and Schiltz are going shoulder to shoulder now! Schiltz isn't waiting anymore and must sense his chance to shine again today. But Lipawsky won't let him pass. One of them will have to cave because they're going into this corner...... Oooh they nearly crashed there but Lipawsky just edged him out and goes in the downhill first.
We hear Vague just picked up Listerijn and Bollinger and left them behind immediately. He now has Moli in his sights.
Van Dyck continues to lose time to the race leaders. He probably realizes the pace at the front is a bit too high and now opted for his own pace, trying to secure that fourth spot, which would be a great result in this race. But Visconti isn't far off and looks like he'll pick him up in the next few minutes.
World class skill! This will turn into a gif, I'm sure! Vague passes Moli in the downhill with a certain sense of risk and an amazing sense of style. He's unleashed now, he only has one goal: get to the front of the race. Nobody can stand in his way. Moli doesn't even try to hang on. He's smarter than that.
But it's making Dubois nervous. He can see Vague coming.
And Viscontii caught up with Van Dyck, so it's time for another time check!
Some riders are really dropping in speed these last few laps. Bollinger and Listerijn have slown down incredibly. Vague, on the other hand, is still hoping for his miracle. 32 seconds, two laps. Can it be done? As long as he doesn't burns himself out and can keep up this pace, who knows.
Mazzarelli accelerates! But his back wheel slips away and that ruins his move. It's not an easy terrain to create a gap by accelerating.
And so Lipawsky takes control of the pace. Schiltz is back to riding defensively.
This is an important moment! For the first time since long, the leaders have actually seen Francis Vague. Yes, it's a few turns back, but they've had visual contact and that must make some impact! For Vague it should motivate him, he's getting closer!
Mikel Hammarling went down pretty hard! But he looks fine and continues, it probably looked worse than it was. He isn't the first to go down today, though. We've seen many hit the dirt.
We're coming up the final lap and we have only 27 riders left in the race. These are the true flandriens of this sport.
Well, well. Van Dyck and Visconti see their fear realized. Francis Vague catches up with them and immediately leaves them behind with a acceleration on the tarmac. Vague hasn't taken a single moment to recover since he started chasing. He can't keep this up, it's impossible. But we're one lap from the finish and he's still going strong. Amazing!
Lap 7: The bell rings for the final lap. We have three leaders, nothing to separate these three so far. And I'm sure Vague would've been with them if it hadn't been for that mechanical. Looking at what he's done so far, he could've left them behind by now. Of course, you can never be sure of 'what if'.
Lipawsky decides not to wait for the sprint and attacks! Mazzarelli and Schiltz have no immediate answer and have to leave a gap.
And here comes Vague, he crosses the finish line for the final lap. We time... 24 seconds. Incredible!
Can he bridge 24 seconds in one lap? He's been chasing for so long, now. Is there no end to his effort?
The camera shows Alinejad, who is standing at the side of the road with a mechanical. But he'll continue, the pit isn't too far off.
Schiltz and Mazzarelli have closed the gap to Lipawsky! It's hard to see this playing out any other way than a sprint. None of them have been able to shake off the others for longer than half a minute. It's obvious they are worthy of each other today.
And here we see young Listerijn. He's lacking the strength for today's race. He's still on course for a top 10, but he might be a bit too young to race for the win in races like this. Oh he makes a small steering mistake, now, keeping up Bollinger, who's right behind him.
Vague can now see the race leaders! He's only one loop behind them! Is the greatest comeback in Lisbon's history in the making?
Time is not on his side, though. But they shouldn't speculate at the front. Schiltz will play this out to his advantage, though. He can now sit back and answer attacks. If he can.
Mazzarelli doesn't like it, he doesn't want Vague catching up. He seems uneasy.
And this is his move to prove it! Mazzarelli with an attack! Schiltz counters! Lipawsky leaves a few meters...
Oh and Schiltz cracks, now, too! Mazzarelli is off alone! It's still a quarter lap to the finish!
And here is Vague. He can see Lipawsky up ahead. The podium is within his grasp!
Matt Mazzarelli crosses the finish line. Looking like a mud devil, he raises both arms. What a victory! The Italian doesn't win often, but when he does, it's in style!
Schiltz is second, a creditable attempt. And we can see Lipawsky riding. Vague only coming out of the corner, now. In the end, Vague came up just short to reach the podium. Lipawsky crosses the line.
And now Vague. Under loud applause nonetheless. He came close, very close, but he has to settle for fourth. No perfect streak in the Superprestige.
The sptint for place 5! Van Dyck outsprints Visconti. Two promising talents, the one more in form than the other, though. A good performance from both.
And here's Dubois!
Already 90 seconds have passed... Here's Moli.
Two minutes behind Mazzarelli, here's Bollinger, and behind him, Listerijn.
Chris Young with a great debut at the professional levek, he's 18th.
Today, we only have 20 finishers. This shows how tough this race was. Anyone finishing today is a true flandrien crosser. Congratulations to all of them and thanks for the amazing race.
Welcome to The Scope, cyclo-cross' leading online magazine. It's been a while since we've released a full edition. We're currently understaffed and we're working on how to make our magazine better for the future, so we're undergoing some changes. Today, in the first edition of the 2016-2017 season, we'll be looking at a phenomenon which should become clear once you look at this little statistic:
Rider
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Francis N. Vague
5
2
2
Matt Mazzarelli
2
3
0
Pieter Van Dyck
2
0
0
Iban Etxeberdea
1
1
2
Eddie Goldenberg
1
1
0
Sylvain Lipawsky
1
0
5
Sven Welling
1
0
0
Shay Gormley
1
0
0
Mustafa Moli
1
0
0
Max Power
1
0
0
Elliot Cook
0
3
2
Paul Rosanski
0
2
0
Christian Schiltz
0
2
0
Milan Listerijn
0
1
2
Fred Markson
0
1
0
Mohuti Sow
0
0
1
Baris Dao
0
0
1
Arthur Ledoux
0
0
1
For this edition, we've sat down with some of the sport's most prominent figures to discuss how this season is going, more particularly about Vague's domination of the sport.
To discuss this phenomenon in more detail, we are here with the eternal rivals, but two friends nonetheless: Jannes Vandewalle and Pieter Gasthuys.
Welcome, Jannes and Pieter. First of all, thanks for making time to do this. Do you both still follow the cyclo-cross scene closely?
PG: I'm still involved in the sport as much as I can. And every Sunday, I still sit down with the family to watch the race. If it's not too far, we make the trip to see it live, too. It's in my blood, I can't help it.
JV: I wish I could follow it a bit more closely, but life has a way of keeping me busy. But I still follow it from a distance, I know what's happening.
Pieter, you won your first big race aged 21. Francis Vague has already won over a dozen of races including a World Title before turning 21. What do you make of that?
PG: Wel, obviously Francis is a huge talent. I've talked with him a few times and he's very down to earth about all of it. He's further in his development than I was at his age. I may have won my first big race aged 21, but only when I was 23 or 24 I started winning regularly. Francis has been a winner from his debut season, where he won 7 races. He's an amazing talent and an asset to the sport.
Some say he has the makings of a true champion and that he can turn into the best crosser of all time.
JV: They've said that about many riders, before. Some really come in as a comet, but some go down as fast as they came up. Only time will tell. But as a man who's raced against Pieter his entire career, I can only say this: don't underestimate Pieter as a rider. There was nothing he couldn't do.
PG: Personally, I think it's hard to compare. But like I said, he's a talent. Someone like him only comes along once every 10 years, if even that. Cornelis was a champion.
Can you explain his recent domination?
PG: The sport has underwent some big changes lately. The old guard, lead by Cornelis, is now all but retired, the middle generation lacks the punch to win races and so we have the youth taking over brutally. Add the fact that Vague's nemesis Cook hasn't been in form at all and then fell out with an injury, and you have a big gap. Vague filled up most of it.
Is Cook leaving the sport to go race on the road a bad thing for the sport?
PG: Yes. Cook is a very specific character, very rich. He gives the sport an extra dimension. But I think he'll be back. He loves ploughing the dirt too much to go sit in the peloton for hours. He's too individualistic to race in a team on the road, too. He wants to make his own success, not depend on others. He was at his best when he was on his own. His team made the mistake of burdening him with Dao and Van Dyck.
JV: I was never a fan of Cook, but I admired him. He certainly went for every race he participated in, which I deeply respect.
How do you see the rest of the season work out?
JV: I can see Vague taking the Triple Crown. All three classifications. You can add another World Title to that, as well.
PG: I don't think it'll be that easy. Chicago will prove a tough challenge for Vague and Goldenberg will have his eyes set on taking the stripes on his ground. He'll be the man to watch for me. Not a clear favorite, but who will beat him in the sand?
As for the other races, I don't think Vague's dominating as much as some make it out to be. Sure, he's won his share of races. But I also see an improved Mazzarelli, who's only growing in form. Lipawsky is also stepping up his game lately.
We have Listerijn, who's even younger. He won't be ready to fight Vague on a weekly basis for a few years, but he's got a lot of promise.
What about Christian Schiltz?
PG: He's invaluable for Vague. But is this situation durable? I think Schiltz will want to go for his own success sooner rather than later. He's only a year older than Vague and is also still developing. Soon he'll be too strong to be a lieutenant to Francis Vague.
JV: Of course, they could work as a dynamic duo.
PG: That is, if Vague is okay with that. And Schiltz.
Is Schiltz a part of what makes Vague so dominating?
PG: I don't know about that, but I know his role can't be underestimated.
Jannes, if you were to compare Vague. Would you compare him more to you or to Pieter?
JV: That's a tough one. I'd say he compares best to Vague himself. Both Pieter and myself were very different racers, but Vague's something else altogether.
What makes him so strong?
JV: He's got heart. Mentally he's very strong. At that age, it's very rare to be so certain of your capacities, and your flaws, too!
PG: He can read a race perfectly. Riders like Mazzarelli or Lipawsky are strong, but they often misread the race and it ends up with them on the chopping block. Vague knows what he's doing.
JV: Add a big engine to that, and an amazing acceleration, and you've got all the ingredients to dominate the sport!
PG: Still, I'd like to repeat that I don't think he has been dominating as much as some people think. Mostly he's profited from the power gap. But others are catching up quickly. I'd love to have seen this season with Cornelis still here and Cook in form.
We've talked about his strengths, what are his flaws, if any?
PG: For some reason, he can't seem to win a classic. If he doesn't soon, it might get to him. Of course, classics are a dying breed, so he doesn't get that many chances.
JV: He still lacks finesse in the sand. He wastes too much energy going into sand sections and it's holding him back in several races.
How many wins will Vague rack up this season?
JV: He'll double up from last year: 14
PG: With other riders coming in form more, I'd say Vague will have a harder time winning from now on. He'll go into the double digits but not further than that. 10 wins.
Who will win the World Championships in Chicago?
PG: Eddie Goldenberg
JV: Vague. Or perhaps Sven Welling.
Gentlemen, thank you both for this double interview!
Lisbon remains fundamental terrain for Vague's superprestige campaigns. In his first year, a crash put him out of contention for some weeks; the previous season, the attack on Elliot Cook gave Vague a surprising lead in the SP that he retained up until season end. Effectively, Lisbon had decided two times the battle for the Superprestige, it would have followed up tradition today, had Vague not make a strong comeback to finish the race fourth. But the mud-experienced World Champion prevailed in his hunt for Superprestige points and with the layer of wet dirt on him, Vague could already watch the podium ceremony from afar.
True flandriennes Cross, maybe one for the ages. Terrible weather, deep mud, impressive comeback ride. Your take on the race?
Well, pretty much this. It was unforgiving experience, brutal to its core. I'm used to performing in awful conditions - when other people prefer to leave, I want to excel and do my best. So, harsh weather like this helps me too, but today.. today was really special in some way. It had the look, the feel of a impending apocalypse at times. I remember, Sven hitting right into the ground from the get-go, I think I saw it when I took a turn and he was just trying to move up places. Well so, I have to pay my respect not only to the riders but also to the fans who stayed here, and the organization, the volunteers and helpers who were around, and keep themselves in the trenches for us to perform the sport, incredible effort by them, much appreciated too. Maybe I did give them a good show though, made a strong comeback surely. I got unlucky there, stuff like this happens. Of course it's unfortunate but this part of Cyclo-Cross and it was time that bad luck got me at some point. I'd loved to win though, my legs certainly felt fantastic and I'm very optimistic about the upcoming Superprestige events.
Did the rain favor you more actually? Of course, of course. I think I could win Lisbon also in dry conditions but when the racing is messed up like this, when it's all about the mud, than maybe I can do better than others. I don't think there's a race that can't be improven with some rain [laughs] The hills were really tricky to run up though, at one point I slipped up and fell down. But the wind and the rain, it also helped me speed things up. When I rode up that hill, I just got a strong tailwind right there and so it helped me up the climb. To take the shifting wind into regard and how it turned around, especially with the rain constantly in your face, it gave the race a strong tactical note. Hm, maybe it would have been better to ride with somebody else and take turns but I wasn't going to throw away points here; the mechanical did that for me already.
Do you actually think that you could have still achieved podium?
No, I don't think so. I went all out in the last lap and basically speculated that one of the top 3 maybe makes a mistake, steering mistake, what-not. This would have been the only way how I could still have made podium. There must always be a way I think. Now, coming fourth today is alright too, given the circumstances. It's good I didn't lose too much of my lead here, although Mazzarelli and Lipawsky are close enough.
Indeed the Superprestige may become an exciting mathematical affair up till its last race. Mazzarelli and Lipawsky are at least well within striking distance, Listerijn has lost some ground today. The Superprestige is all about consistency, so firstly I'm mostly confident in that it works to my favor. It's true that the last two seasons maybe, it wasn't really close, due to two accidents, both in Lisbon. Right now, the Top 3, Top 4, it's all still very close, I suppose Mazzarelli has the form right now whilst Lipawsky has of course - much like me - a lot of experience when it comes to the classification as a whole, he has been on the podium twice in recent years. Also, Listerijn finished.. don't know, ninth, tenth? That certainly helps me in the long run, it hopefully stays that way in the next few crosses and than there's one rival less. But as leader you have to most rely on yourself, that you score the points, that you score well - and when you take care of yourself than it's the best thing for the competition too.
'It's always Lisbon', took your team manager to twitter.
It's most definitely always Lisbon but I don't know what is it about it that it usually plays such an important, decisive role within Superprestige calendar and competition. Maybe it's because it marks the return to Europe after some weeks aboard, and it actually does set the tone a lot of the following events. But of course, the recent events and actions in Lisbon are very unique and each made history in its own way. Hm, I guess the organization must be quite happy about it to have such a distincive feeling to their race. I certainly have a bit of a love-hate relationship with it by now, maybe that's a good thing because it motivates me even more for next year then.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
ok it has been a while but I must admit that I've had a lot on my plate over the past few weeks.
I came down with a small illness in South America which hindered me a bit and then in Africa I was feeling back over it but have been struggling to re reach the sort of form I had before it since.
Hopefully I can get back up to speed quickly though as I think the Alpe d'Huez cross might be a great chance for me to get my first podium if I can get back up to speed by then.
The recent race in Lisbon marked a return to Europe and personally I am really looking forward to that as it not that far to travel to pop home for a day between crosses anymore which is far nicer than those long haul flights. Hopefully that will give me the extra 10% needed to crack a podium finish in a race soon as I'll get a few chances to rest and recuperate at home around my family and friends and it's not too far for them to come and watch a race anymore. I expect a great home crowd for the Christmas classic aswell which should spur me on, especially as I plan to hit peak form for the cross before I should be flying by that point which if previous Trials events in my home country are anything to go by that should get the crowd excited and make me perform even better.
Speaking of Lisbon it was nice to finally get back to a decent results after missing out on the top 10 a few times recently, now I've just got to prove that it wasn't just because of how destructive the race was. OK I couldn't hold onto the strongest riders for as long as I wanted but I at least managed to still beat Milan.
I think my mistake and subsequent fall proves that I'm still not quite back to 100% as it was the kind of error that I don't usually make, coming from a momentary lack of concentration allowing the wheel to slip from under me. Luckily it was a soft landing in all that mud, which I can now safely assure you tastes even worse than it looks.
I tried to hang onto the wheel of Francis when he came roaring back past me but the fitness just wasn't there to maintain that pace as the mud was extremely draining out there and it really did turn into a battle of the hard men.
I'm glad I haven't quite slipped off the front row yet and am hoping to bounce back up the UCI rankings to secure my top 10 spot which is definitely my season goal. If I can avoid missing any races then I will as every point will help towards that.
Anyway I'd best leave soon and go to bed as I've got to be up early for my flight into Britain, and then after we get the next 2 crosses done I will be able to go and spend a few days at home before travelling to the Netherlands which I'm really looking forward to. I just hope they don't fill that spare mid week slot in future seasons.
My God, Johannesburg hurt, again I finished 6th, 1 place outside the points in the NRS. I really want a strong showing and a good result in Japan now, after that result I'm doubly motivated to go out there and take it to them in a months time in Kitakyushu.
I've got to say that the hills there should favour me as I feel I've been getting stronger and stronger on them as time goes by, I just worry a little about the cobbles there but hopefully I'll be able to go and get some practice in between now and then.
Seeing as I'm not back racing in the main circus until the end of the month I think I'll skip the next couple of Under 23 races and go and find some small amateur Belgian races to test myself in and see if I can't pick up anything from the local riders, even if the language might be an issue.
Failing that I'll look to take on some of those cobbled hills from Road classics like RVV before spending some time in the Ardennes forest. I imagine the sections used in Paris Roubaix will be twice as hellish in these conditions and coupled with the off road riding I'll be doing in between should be a strong week of training as a base to build from aiming for an early January peak.
I've got a nice little run of races from Aosta Valley onwards where I can join the seniors culminating in the Continental Championships, which I hope to be able to use my strength on the hills of Huy to make a name for myself and to truly tell if I'm ready to step up yet or not.
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
Struisbaai Cross - Report
Johannesburg - Preview
Chris "Rock" Young
Lisbon - Preview
