The inaugural Cyclis Bike Lease Classic ended in dramatic fashion with a major crash in the sprint for third place, overshadowing Anne Knijnenburg’s victory. The Dutch cyclist triumphed in the race but the finale was marred by a horrific incident just at the finish line that left about twenty riders tumbling over each other like dominoes.
Jesse Vandenbulcke, who finished as the top Belgian in sixth place, narrowly escaped the chaos. Recounting the moment, Vandenbulcke said, “I had just crossed the finish line when I heard the crashing and screaming behind me. Having experienced several severe crashes myself in the past three years, I’ve focused mentally on approaching sprints without fear. My strategy is to position myself well and stay towards the front, which I believe reduces the risk, as it did today, allowing me to avoid another fall.”
The race, part of the Lotto Ladies Cycling Cup, was initially animated by Swiss cyclist Lea Fuchs and later by Helena Bieber of Maxx Solar Rose Women Cycling in the final stages. However, when Bieber crashed and was reeled in by the peloton, we saw the decisive move came in the last hour of racing when Knijnenburg and recent Giro Mediterraneo in Rosa double-stage winner Federica Venturelli broke away, quickly gaining a 15-second lead and battling it out for the win. Knijnenburg ultimately secured the victory, while her teammate Scarlett Souren managed to win the sprint for third amidst the tumult.
Details on the conditions of the riders involved in the crash are still pending, as fans hope for the best. The incident has certainly cast a shadow over what was otherwise a fast-paced and competitive race.
01/05/2024 - La Vuelta Femenina 24 by Carrefour.es - Etapa 4 - Molina de Aragón / Zaragoza (142,3 km) - FAULKNER Kristen (EF EDUCATION - CANNONDALE)
In what was anticipated to be a routine sprint stage, the fourth day of La Vuelta Femenina turned into a significant reshaping of the general classification, thanks to fierce crosswinds and a brilliant solo win by Kristen Faulkner of EF Education-Cannondale. The stage stretched 142.3 kilometres from Molina de Aragón to Zaragoza and became the fastest in not only the race’s history but Women’s WorldTour history, clocking an average speed of 46.754 km/h.
Echelons dominated the early part of the stage (Photo Credit: CXCLING)
From the outset, the peloton was nervous, prompted by strong winds that set the stage for a day of hard racing. Early in the stage, at kilometre 28, decisive echelons formed, splitting the race into several groups. The front selection was a powerhouse of 19 riders including race favourites and teammates from the leading teams such as SD Worx-Protime, Lidl-Trek, Canyon SRAM, and UAE Team ADQ. This group powered ahead, leaving others battling to close the gap.
Faulkner described the critical moment that defined the race, “It was right after a town, our DS told us to be in a good position. We hit the town and SD Worx went straight to the front and drilled it. Fortunately, Alison (Jackson) and I were in a good position and made the front group. From then on we just cooperated with the group.”
As the race wore on, the lead group worked well together to fend off the chasers. By the non-categorised climb of Paniza, the chasers had narrowed the gap to 30 seconds, but couldn’t sustain the chase, allowing the leaders to extend their advantage once again.
Marianne Vos wears the leader’s red jersey for the first time in this year’s edition (Photo Credit: Sprint Cycling Agency)
In a stunning move at 6.5 kilometres from the finish, Faulkner attacked from the leading group and held off the chasers to win the stage, marking EF Education-Cannondale’s second victory in this edition of La Vuelta. Faulkner reflected on her strategy, saying, “I knew a lot of teams would try to go on that climb, so I decided rather than attack myself I’d try to follow or counter one. SD Worx tried a few attacks so I hopped into the wheels. Demi [Vollering] and Elisa Longo Borghini tried one, and I was right on their wheel, so I knew that was the counter I had to go on.”
Behind her, Georgia Baker and the previous day’s winner Marianne Vos led the group over the line, ten seconds adrift. Vos’s efforts earlier in the stage paid off as she collected enough bonus seconds to snatch the red jersey from Blanka Vas of SD Worx-Protime, now leading the general classification by a slim margin.
Reflecting on the chaotic yet victorious day, Faulkner shared, “When the gap came down to 30 seconds we had to rally people and the gap went back out. It was a good day. We came here to win stages and we’ve already won two. It’s early in the Vuelta but we’re already so proud of what we’ve accomplished so far.”
Marianne Vos, who finished third on the stage, secured enough bonus seconds to take over the red leader’s jersey from Vas. Vos commented on the day’s strategy, “It was not our main goal today, but it’s always beautiful to wear the leader’s jersey. Seeing Riejanne Markus and Sophie von Berswordt also make it into the decisive group when the split happened was great. We rode well together, but unfortunately, one was just too strong. Faulkner deservedly won.”
Juliette Labous of Team DSM-Firmenich PostNL, who was also in the leading group, managed to finish ninth despite a late mechanical issue. “It was a fast day from the start because of the wind. We immediately went into echelons on an uphill, false-flat section, and I made it into the front. Some other GC contenders were dropped so the pace stayed high. In the last few kilometres, I had a front wheel puncture but managed to continue without losing time. We can be happy with today as we head towards the more challenging climbs,” Labous explained.
As La Vuelta Femenina continues tomorrow, the riders face the first of three summit finishes, promising more drama and potential shake-ups in the general classification.
In a turn of events that has affected the dynamics of the 2024 Vuelta Femenina, Dutch cyclist Ellen van Dijk has announced her withdrawal from the race starting from Stage 4. The decision comes after a persistent struggle with injuries sustained during a crash in the opening team time-trial.
Van Dijk, a key rider for the Lidl-Trek team, played a crucial role in securing a narrow victory in the team time-trial on the first day of the race. However, the triumph was marred by a crash in the final corner, which saw Van Dijk and teammate Elynor Bäckstedt take a hard fall. Despite not breaking any bones, Van Dijk required stitches in her chin, and she also sustained injuries to her shoulder and knee.
Optimistically, the 37-year-old expressed hopes of a quick recovery to continue supporting her team. “Fortunately, there is nothing broken, I just needed some stitches in my chin. Hopefully, I recover as quickly as possible so I can give my hundred per cent for the girls this week,” she had stated earlier.
The Struggle to Continue
Despite her injuries, Van Dijk displayed remarkable resilience by completing the second and third stages of the race. Each day, however, brought its challenges, with the rider facing considerable pain and discomfort. Her participation was crucial for her team, especially in supporting Elisa Longo Borghini’s attempt to challenge Demi Vollering for the title in Spain.
Decision to Withdraw
Ultimately, the lingering effects of her injuries proved too much. “After I struggled a lot to get to the finish yesterday, we decided to give the body what it needs right now,” Van Dijk explained in a tweet, outlining the tough call to prioritise her health. Lidl-Trek also affirmed the decision, emphasising the importance of focusing on her long-term recovery with many goals still on the horizon.
Impact on the Team and Race
Van Dijk’s withdrawal is notably a setback for her teammate, Elisa Longo Borghini, who is a strong contender in the race. Van Dijk’s experience and strength were invaluable, and her absence will surely be felt in the team’s strategy moving forward.
Looking Ahead
As Van Dijk steps back to focus on recovery, the cycling community and fans will be eagerly awaiting her return to the sport. Known for her strength and determination, this setback is likely just another chapter in her storied career, which saw her return to professional cycling this March after becoming a mother last year.
Her team and supporters will no doubt be hoping for a swift and thorough recovery, looking forward to seeing Ellen van Dijk back on her bike, racing at the level that has made her one of the most respected riders in women’s cycling.
TERUEL, SPAIN - APRIL 30: (L-R) Stage winner Marianne Vos of The Netherlands and Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Olivia Baril of Canada and Movistar Team, Charlotte Kool of The Netherlands and Team dsm-firmenich PostNL, Lily Williams of The United States and Team Human Powered Health, Ingvild Gaskjenn of Norway and Team Liv AlUla Jayco and Mischa Bredewold of The Netherlands and Team SD Worx - Protime sprint at finish line during the 10th La Vuelta Femenina 2024, Stage 3 a 130.3km stage from Lucena del Cid to Teruel / #UCIWWT / on April 30, 2024 in Teruel, Spain. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
This is the stage on the 2024 Vuelta Femenina that looks most ideal for sprinters. It’s a steady downhill with not much climbing compared to tough days like yesterday. Once through the first half of the stage, the sprinters who have got through ok will be licking their lips at a fast finish.
What could throw a spanner in the works is the wind. The first half of the stage has plenty of areas that look absolutely perfect for echelons to form and the wind is looking like it will encourage that too. The second half of the stage sees the wind direction change though so that it is more front-on and less likely for the race to split up. There’s the potential for a GC rider to be a big loser today.
Overall race preview can be found here with a stage preview here.
Live Coverage
The race starts at 12:50pm with the live coverage starting at 2:30pm
Live on Eurosport/Discovery across Europe NOS in Netherlands Peacock in USA Flobikes in Canada SBS in Australia
La Classique Morbihan will be back for its 9th edition in 2024. It forms a double-header with its sister race the GP de Plumelec-Morbihan, which as the slightly older sister just about holds a little bit more prestige. The dates and times of the races play into that as well. La Classique Morbihan takes place on a Friday, traditionally a little bit of a quieter day rather than the prime-time weekend spots.
The winners list contains plenty of big names over the years with both Christine Majerus and Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio winning twice here. Chloe Hosking won the first edition in 2015 before the dual winners took their victories between 2016-2019. Covid naturally delayed the race’s return with no edition in 2020. When it returned Sofia Bertizzolo took the victory with a small solo break in 2021. That played out similarly in 2022, where a break of around 8 riders all went clear before playing games that saw it all split up with the finish line in sight. Cypriot Antri Christoforou claimed the honours by 3 seconds.
Finally, in 2023 Gaia Masetti was the latest solo winner (shown below) with an Italian top-4 rounding out the following positions. With some riders focusing on the Saturday race, La Classique Morbihan has the habit of throwing up some interesting possibilities when it comes to riders taking the victory.
Gaia Masetti wins in 2023
Which teams are racing at La Classique Morbihan 2024?
Ceratizit-WNT Pro Cycling
FDJ-SUEZ
UAE Team ADQ
ARA | Skip Capital
ARKEA-B&B HOTELS
BTC City Ljubljana Zhiraf Ambedo
CANYON//SRAM Generation
Cofidis Women Team
Cynisca Cycling
Doltcini O’Shea
Hess Cycling Team
Lifeplus Wahoo
Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s Continental Team
Primeau Vélo-Groupe Abadie
St Michel-Mavic-Auber 93
Tashkent City Women PCT
Team Komugi-Grand Est
Top Girls Fassa Bortolo
WCC Team
Ladynamips La Roche Vendée Cyclisme
Team ELLES-Groupama-Pays de la Loire
Lanester Women Morbihan
Team Centre-Val de Loire Féminin
Team Féminin Chambéry
VC Morteau-Montbenoît Féminin
ISR Israel
UKR Ukraine
FRA Bretagne
UVCA Troyes Féminin
What does the La Classique Morbihan route profile look like?
Where can I watch the La Classique Morbihan 2024?
Unfortunately, I don’t believe the first women’s race of the weekend will be shown live.
LA RODA, SPAIN - MAY 03: A general view of the peloton competing in echelons formation due to the due crosswind during the 9th La Vuelta Femenina 2023, Stage 3 a 157.8km stage from Elche de la Sierra to La Roda / #UCIWWT / on May 03, 2023 in La Roda, Spain. (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
Tomorrow’s Stage 4 of the Vuelta Femenina appears to set the stage for the most obvious showdown of this year’s race for some of the world’s top sprinters. The 112-kilometre journey from Molina de Aragón to Zaragoza looks, on paper, to be tailor-made for fast finishers like Charlotte Kool, Marianne Vos, and Blanka Vas. But a deeper dive into the route and weather conditions suggests we may see the peloton fractured by more than just raw speed.
Route Analysis
The profile for Stage 4 is predominantly downhill, which would normally encourage a fast, straightforward sprint. However, the gentle descent through Spain’s scenic heartlands is deceptively tranquil. The route winds through open farmlands, which are notorious for being susceptible to crosswinds. Historically, stages like this have transformed from expected mass sprints into tactical battles as teams attempt to create echelons and split the race.
If any team wants to inflict losses on rivals, they can do it here. Famously Demi Vollering was caught short on a similar stage last year and lost too much time to claw back later on.
Key Sprinters to Watch
Charlotte Kool: As one of the formidable top-tier sprinters in the peloton, Kool will be looking to dominate the flat finish. Her explosive speed makes her a prime candidate for her first victory of the 2024 season if it comes down to a bunch sprint.
Marianne Vos: A veteran with an uncanny knack for positioning, Vos’s experience could be crucial in navigating potential crosswinds.
Blanka Vas: Typically more at home in punchier, rolling stages, Vas’s power could see her well-placed in a reduced sprint if echelons do indeed form.
Maggie Coles-Lyster and Georgia Baker: Both riders have shown they can compete at the highest level, and tomorrow provides an opportunity to upset the established trio of favourites.
Weather Conditions and Tactical Considerations
Current forecasts predict winds that could reach up to 30 km/h around the early-midway points of the stage. This is the critical sector where the route is most exposed, and the right combination of wind direction and team tactics could lead to significant splits in the peloton. Particularly around the 28-45km mark and then again between 64-72km.
Teams with strong classics specialists and those well-versed in echelon formation will likely try to push the pace here, looking to isolate sprinters who are less comfortable in crosswinds. This strategic point might not just shape the stage, but could also have implications for the general classification, particularly if any of the top contenders find themselves caught out.
While the stage is ostensibly set for a sprint finish, the real drama could unfold around the 60-kilometre mark where the wind exposure reaches its peak. Watch for teams like Team SD Worx, Movistar, and Trek-Segafredo to take the initiative, potentially turning what looks like a predictable sprint stage into a thrilling, tactical affair.
If the winds remain moderate and the peloton intact, expect a high-speed contest among the top sprinters. However, if the crosswinds do their damage, the stage could be a showcase of strength, teamwork, and have real lasting impacts on the ongoing GC battle.
In an eventful day of racing at La Vuelta Femenina 2024, Stage 3 concluded with a spectacular victory for Marianne Vos, marking the 252nd elite win of her illustrious career. The stage, which spanned from Lucena del Cid to Teruel, was a challenging ride with a significant amount of climbing, despite featuring only one categorised climb.
The action began early in the stage when Mireia Benito of the AG Insurance-Soudal Team launched a daring solo attack. Benito quickly established a lead, which at its peak, was nearly five minutes over the peloton. This bold move set the tone for the day, as the peloton navigated the rolling hills and the singular climb of Alto Fuento de Rubielos. Despite several attempts by other riders to bridge the gap or form breakaways, none were successful, leaving Benito to press ahead alone.
Peloton Dynamics and Challenges
As the race progressed, the peloton saw its share of drama, the challenging terrain and aggressive racing caused several riders, to struggle and lose contact at various points. However, the majority were able to rejoin on the descent or shortly after the categorised climb of the day.
The middle sections of the race were relatively quiet as teams prepared for a potential sprint finish, regrouping and repositioning their sprinters. The tranquillity was briefly interrupted by Liege Bastogne Liege Femmes winner Grace Brown, who attempted to shake up the race with an attack after the day’s major climb but was quickly reeled in. That move went saw the Aussie take 2nd behind Benito at the intermediate sprint with Vas crossing that line 3rd, the Hungarian earning 2 bonus seconds that would prove vital later on.
Climactic Finish
The climax of the stage was set with 35 kilometres remaining; the peloton intensified their efforts, significantly cutting into Benito’s lead. As the finish line drew closer, the sprinters’ teams, including Visma | Lease a Bike, began setting up their trains to deliver their sprinters to the fore.
The finale was marred by crashes once again. One involving Natalie Grinczer among others, was particularly serious and saw the Brit have to leave the race. Similar to yesterday, there was a crash just inside the 3km barrier with 2.7km to go. It disrupted the peloton but did not impact the leading riders. Those riders who went down or were held up were given the same time as the leaders today.
(Photo Credit: Getty)
In the sprint that ensued, Marianne Vos demonstrated her power, taking a decisive victory over Charlotte Kool and Olivia Baril, who finished second and third respectively. Vos finished a few bike lengths ahead of her rivals, comfortably taking her first win of this year’s race.
The Cannondale Synapse 3 is the endurance bike offered by the major bike brand Cannondale. They’re renowned for their high-quality bicycles, and the Synapse line represents its foray into endurance road bikes that promise both performance and comfort. The Cannondale Synapse 3, a mid-range model in this line, offers a blend of features that appeal to both competitive cyclists and those seeking a reliable, enjoyable ride. This review explores the capabilities and features of the Cannondale Synapse 3 to determine whether it lives up to the reputation of its predecessors and stands out in the competitive road bike market.
Design and Build Quality of the Cannondale Synapse 3
The Cannondale Synapse 3 is built around a lightweight, yet sturdy aluminium frame, with a carbon fork that helps reduce the overall weight and dampen road vibrations. This combination not only enhances the bike’s responsiveness but also contributes to a smoother ride over varied terrains. The frame geometry is designed with an eye towards endurance, featuring a slightly more upright riding position that helps reduce rider fatigue over long distances.
Aesthetically, the Synapse 3 boasts a sleek, modern design with clean lines and an uncluttered look. It is available in several colour options, allowing riders to choose according to their personal style preferences. The paint quality and finish are excellent, providing a durable coating that withstands the rigours of frequent use.
Performance
The Cannondale Synapse 3 excels in delivering a balanced ride that combines speed, agility, and stability. It handles corners with precision and offers reassuring stability on descents, making it an excellent choice for riders who enjoy mixed-terrain rides. The bike’s frame and fork geometry are optimised to deliver a responsive ride without compromising on comfort, suitable for both racing enthusiasts and leisure cyclists.
It performs admirably across various surfaces, from smooth tarmac to light gravel paths, thanks to its versatile design and capable wheelset. The gearing range is broad enough to handle steep climbs and speedy flats efficiently, making it a robust all-rounder that can cater to most cycling demands.
How comfortable is the fit of the Cannondale Synapse 3?
One of the standout features of the Synapse 3 is its focus on ergonomics and comfort. The bike is equipped with Cannondale’s proprietary SAVE technology in the seat post and rear triangle, which significantly enhances comfort by absorbing shocks and vibrations from rough surfaces. This technology allows for longer rides with less fatigue, which is crucial for endurance cyclists.
The adjustable seat and handlebars enable riders to find their optimal riding position easily, further enhancing the ergonomic benefits of the bike. The padded saddle and grip tape on the handlebars provide additional comfort touchpoints, ensuring that the rider can maintain a comfortable stance throughout their journey.
Components and Specifications
The Synapse 3 is outfitted with a Shimano 105 groupset, which is well-regarded for its reliability and performance. This includes a 22-speed drivetrain that offers smooth shifting and a wide range of gears to tackle various grades. The bike also features hydraulic disc brakes, which provide superior stopping power in all weather conditions, an essential feature for safety and performance.
The wheelset is robust, with rims that are compatible with both clincher and tubeless tyres, offering flexibility in tyre choice and the potential for lower tyre pressures for increased comfort and traction, especially if riding with latex or TPU tubes. The stock tyres are capable of handling multiple terrains, which complements the bike’s versatile nature.
Is the Cannondale Synapse 3 good value for money?
Priced at approximately £1,200, the Cannondale Synapse 3 offers excellent value for money. It delivers a high level of performance, comfort, and versatility that is comparable to more expensive models. For cyclists looking for a durable, adaptable, and enjoyable ride, the Synapse 3 is a compelling choice. Its combination of high-quality components, thoughtful design, and performance features make it an attractive option for a wide range of cyclists. Whether you’re entering competitive races or simply enjoying weekend rides, the Synapse 3 stands out as a smart investment in your cycling future.
In conclusion, the Cannondale Synapse 3 road bike is a well-rounded machine that delivers on multiple fronts, making it a worthy contender in its category.
The 2024 Vuelta Femenina continued its penchant for late crashes yesterday with a spree in the run into the finish. Two riders were seriously hurt and won’t be taking any further part in the race – Anna Henderson (broken collarbone) and Clara Emond (fractured elbow).
Stage 3 has the potential to be absolutely brutal. The profile is slightly deceptive but there is climbing almost all day and over 2000m+ of overall ascent. Whilst the race marked Stage 3 as one for a mass sprint, it could even become a GC day if the climbs are raced hard. The purer sprinters will struggle and it will be down to the likes of Marianne Vos and race leader Blanka Vas as those with a fast finish who might make it through today.
Overall race preview can be found here with a stage preview here.
Live Coverage
The race starts at 12:35pm with the live coverage starting at 2:30pm
Live on Eurosport/Discovery across Europe NOS in Netherlands Peacock in USA Flobikes in Canada SBS in Australia
The GP Eco-Struct, a relatively new fixture in the professional cycling calendar, has rapidly evolved from a national-level race to a prominent UCI 1.1 event in 2020, since then the race has secured itself a place in the calendar whilst many in the women’s peloton are racing at the Vuelta Femenina. Situated in East Flanders, this Belgian race, with its straightforward parcours, has become a beacon for teams looking to showcase their skills on a flat course that should end up in a sprint.
Taking place in the towns of Wetteren and Schellebelle, the GP Eco-Struct quickly has built up a decent winner’s list, featuring the likes of world champion Amalie Dideriksen, Lorena Wiebes and Charlotte Kool. The race’s design – 6 laps followed by a sprint finish allows teams to establish control before delivering their leader to the line. There’s no major climb on the lap but the elevation reaches its highest each lap as the peloton enters Wetteren again.
Previous winner Amalie Dideriksen looks to be coming back to try and retain her title in 2024 but there won’t be a return for Charlotte Kool (racing the Vuelta Femenina) and Lorena Wiebes (team not entered). Instead, there will be Chiara Consonni racing for the first time. The Italian recently took her first win of the season at the GP della Liberazione PINK.
Lorena Wiebes GP EcoStruct 2021
Which teams are racing at GP Eco-Struct 2024?
Uno-X Mobility
Human Powered Health
Fenix-Deceuninck
AG Insurance-NXTG U23
Chevalmeire
Lotto Dstny Ladies
Proximus-Cyclis CT
UAE Development Team
VolkerWessels
MAXX-Solar Rose
Doltcini O’Shea
GT Krush RebelLease
Hess Cycling
DAS-Hutchinson – Brother UK
Baloise-WB Ladies
Carbonbike Giordana by Gen Z
Cyclingteam Belco/Van Eyck
DD Group-Multum Accountants
De Ceuster-Bonache
KDM-Pack
Keukens Redant
Ladies CT Hoz-Beveren
MTD Women Cycling
WV Schijndel
Restore Cycling Team
What does the GP Eco-Struct route profile look like?
Where can I watch the GP Eco-Struct 2024?
The race doesn’t appear to be shown live again this year.
We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show (non-) personalised ads. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
