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UAE Team Adq sweeps GP Liberazione in spectacular fashion

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0

Chiara Consonni led an all-UAE Team ADQ podium at the GP della Liberazione PINK, delivering a stunning performance alongside Silvia Persico and Eleonora Gasparrini in Rome. The trio completed the race with a remarkable display of teamwork and strategy, crossing the finish line together in a celebratory parade at Viale delle Terme di Caracalla.

From the outset, UAE Team ADQ was the favourite and they lived up to expectations. Two years ago, when representing Valcar Travel & Service, Consonni was crucial to Persico’s victory. This year, their roles were reversed, showcasing the depth and consistency of the team. This 1-2-3-4 result by the team marks their first UCI victory since January, when Eleonora Gasparrini finished 1st at the Trofeo Binissalem-Andratx.

The race was animated from the start, with Gasparrini making a decisive move in the final laps. Her effort created a significant gap that only her teammates Consonni and Persico could bridge. Together, they managed to fend off any competition, leading to their collective sprint to the finish line.

Post-race, Consonni reflected on the significance of her victory. “This win is somewhat of a liberation, pardon the pun,” she said. “I’ve come close so many times; it feels great to finally celebrate with my arms in the air.” Gasparrini, recognised for her combativeness, and Persico, echoed this sentiment, each highlighting their individual contributions to a well-executed team plan.

The success at GP Liberazione adds another layer to UAE Team ADQ’s impressive season. Their dominance was not only a testament to their strength but also an effective demonstration of their tactical prowess. As the race unfolded under sunny skies, the team meticulously controlled the pace, blocking any attempts from rivals to challenge their lead.

With the Olympics on the horizon, this victory at GP Liberazione serves as a perfect stepping stone for Consonni and her teammates. As they look forward to more challenges in track and road cycling, their performance in Rome will undoubtedly boost their confidence. Paolo Sangalli, the national coach, remarked on the quality of the competition and the clear gap between the World Tour teams and the Continental teams, but also praised the Continental teams for their efforts to challenge the leaders and push forward the emerging under-23 talents.

2024 GP della Liberazione PINK result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

A quick preview look at the GP della Liberazione PINK 2024

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
Silvia-Persico-e-Chiara-Consonni-dominano-il-Liberazione-di-Roma-Foto-FLAVIANO-OSSOLA

The GP della Liberazione Pink, takes place in the centre of Rome and is supported by Rome’s Department of Sports, Major Events, Tourism, and Fashion. Marta Bastianelli, a former world champion who retired last season, serves as the patron of this event adding some prestige that’s been running in some form for over 30 years.

Italians have locked out the win here since 2009 (with a couple of gaps in that time when the race wasn’t held) with names like Marta Bastianelli, Giorgia Bronzini, Noemie Cantele, Letizia Paternoster, Silvia Persico and most recently, Silvia Zanardi winning in that time frame. Reginas Schleicher and Diana Ziliute were the last 2 non-Italian winners and both riders won the GP della Liberazione PINK twice.

Which teams are racing at GP della Liberazione PINK 2024?

The race has received an increase to the 1.1 race category, making it perfect for teams with sprinters who are chasing UCI points.

There’s only 1 WWT team racing in the form of UAE Team ADQ. 10 more UCI Continental teams, mostly Italian but there are some exceptions in the Alba Development Road Team, Team Komugi-Grand Est and the WCC Team. We have a Ukraine national team and rounding things out are 6 club teams, including Matos Mobility-Flexaco from Portugal and St Kilda from Australia.

GP della Liberazione PINK 2024 Teams

  • Aromitalia 3T Vaiano
  • Top Girls Fassa Bortolo
  • BTC City Ljubljana Zhiraf Ambedo
  • UAE Team ADQ
  • Alba Development Road Team
  • UKR Ukraine
  • BePink-Bongioanni
  • Team Komugi-Grand Est
  • A.S.D. K2 Women Team
  • WCC Team
  • Isolmant-Premac-Vittoria
  • A.R. Monex Pro Cycling Team
  • Team Mendelspeck Ge-Man
  • St Kilda Cycling Club
  • Horizons Cycling Club – Team 1971
  • A.S.D. Club Corridonia S.C.
  • Matos Mobility – Flexaco
  • Pro Cycling Team

What does the GP della Liberazione PINK 2024 route profile look like?

2024_GP_Della_Liberazione_PINK

Where can I watch the GP della Liberazione PINK 2024?

Probably nothing live, there tends to be a recap video on RaiPlay afterwards, like this one for the 2023 race.

May be some updates or a video of the finish on the race’s Facebook page

Who are the main riders to watch?

  • Silvia Persico
  • Eleonora Gasparrini
  • Chiara Consonni
  • Federica Venturelli
  • Lara Crestanello
  • Giada Borghesi
  • Silvia Magri
  • Fariba Hashimi
  • Rasa Leleivyte
  • Giorgia Bariani
  • Elisa de Vallier
  • Diana Klimova
  • Sara Fiorin
  • Carmela Cipriani

Main photo credit: Flaviano Ossola

    Lauren Stephens secures commanding win on Tour of the Gila’s first stage

    By
    Mathew Mitchell
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    0

    In a display of sheer climbing ability, Lauren Stephens of Cynisca Cycling captured a solo victory in the opening stage of the 2024 Tour of the Gila, earning the first leader’s jersey of the UCI women’s race. It’s the resurgent American’s third victory of the year after wins at Clasica de Almeria and the Tour de Normandie. Nadia Gontova of DNA Pro Cycling, who recently triumphed at the Redlands Bicycle Classic, narrowly missed out, finishing second just nine seconds behind. Marcela Prieto of the Steve Tilford Foundation completed the podium, a further 52 seconds adrift.

    The defining moment of the race occurred during the Mogollon Road Race p/b Grant County, where Stephens, Gontova, and Prieto established a significant early breakaway. By the midpoint of the 71-mile (114km) course, their lead over the main peloton had stretched to an imposing 12 minutes and 50 seconds.

    On the challenging ascents of the Mogollon climb, spanning 3.8 miles with gradients peaking at 19%, the race reached its climax. Stephens and Gontova were initially together on the lower, more confined slopes of the climb. However, as the road steepened, Stephens launched a decisive attack that Gontova couldn’t answer, allowing Stephens to surge ahead and claim a clear victory.

    This marked Stephens’ fifth participation in the UCI 2.2 stage race held in New Mexico, with her best result being a third overall in 2015, and she has consistently finished in the top seven in her previous appearances.

    2024 Tour of the Gila Stage 1 result

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    Wildcards for 2024 Tour de France Femmes Announced

    By
    Mathew Mitchell
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    0
    18/04/2024 - Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift - Yellow Thursday Rotterdam - Media Day

    The Tour de France Femmes, a pinnacle event in women’s cycling, will feature a diverse lineup of 22 teams vying for the prestigious yellow jersey. Many of the teams will be returning to the race in France this year but there are a couple of fresh faces too.

    The roster includes 15 Women’s WorldTeams guaranteed by their UCI status, such as Fenix-Deceuninck and AG Insurance-Soudal, alongside two top-ranked continental teams from 2023 in Cofidis and Tashkent City Women. Five additional teams have been granted wildcard entries, showcasing a mix of seasoned and emerging squads on the international cycling stage. For EF Education-Cannondale it’s an invitation in their first season in the peloton after splitting away from the former EF-TIBCO-SVB team which did race the Tour de France Femmes previously. Laboral Kutxa-Fundacion Euskadi will also be there for the first time with the Basque team keen to move up and achieve a Women’s WorldTour spot soon.

    The Lotto Dstny Ladies have clinched a much-coveted wildcard for their debut in this year’s Tour de France Femmes, beginning on August 12 in Rotterdam. Mieke Docx from Lotto expressed enthusiasm about participating: “It’s an incredible opportunity for our team to compete on such a grand stage, and we’re truly excited to challenge ourselves against the world’s best.”
    Lotto Dstny shared their joy on social media about the selection, stating, “We are very excited to announce that Lotto Dstny Ladies will be one of the 22 teams at the start of Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. See you in Rotterdam on August 12th!”

    Teams invited to the 2024 Tour de France Femmes

    • AG Insurance-Soudal Team
    • Canyon-Sram Racing
    • Ceratizit-WNT Pro Cycling Team
    • FDJ-Suez
    • Fenix-Deceuninck
    • Human Powered Health
    • Lidl-Trek
    • Liv-AlUla-Jayco
    • Movistar Team
    • Roland
    • Team DSM-firmenich PostNL
    • Team SD Worx-Protime
    • Team Visma | Lease a Bike
    • UAE Team ADQ
    • Uno-X Mobility
    • Cofidis Women Team
    • Tashkent City Women Professional Cycling Team
    • Arkea-B&B Hotels Women
    • EF Education-Cannondale
    • Laboral Kutxa-Fundacion Euskadi
    • Lotto Dstny Ladies
    • St Michel-Mavic-Auber93

    With the course winding from Rotterdam and culminating atop the legendary l’Alpe d’Huez, the teams are gearing up for what promises to be a riveting contest. The selection of teams highlights a blend of time-tested talent and emerging stars, ensuring a competitive race watched by cycling enthusiasts worldwide.

    Ned Boulting’s 1923 And All That: From Film Discovery to Theatre Stage

    By
    Mathew Mitchell
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    0
    Promotional photgraphy for 2024 tour

    ITV’s lead Tour de France commentator, Ned Boulting, is set to captivate audiences nationwide with his one-man stage show, “Ned Boulting’s Marginal Mystery Tour: 1923 And All That.” Inspired by a roll of film from the 1923 Tour de France, which he discovered during the Covid pandemic, Boulting’s show will embark on a 21-date UK tour starting in Hertford on the 22nd of October and concluding in Bromley on the 20th of November.

    The show promises an engaging blend of detective story, murder mystery, costume drama, and French farce, as Boulting shares his unique and humorous perspective on the historic 1923 Tour. This theatrical offering delves into the hidden world of that year’s Tour de France, exploring the lives of its participants and the dramatic context of Europe between the wars.

    YouTube video

    Boulting’s journey in creating the show began unexpectedly after a cycling accident left him housebound and in search of a project. The subsequent discovery of the old film not only led to the creation of his bestselling book “1923” but also inspired this theatrical adventure, mixing historical intrigue with the thrill of cycling.

    Former professional cyclist and co-commentator David Millar praised Boulting’s unparalleled ability to bring such stories to life on stage, highlighting the show’s high production values and its appeal to both cycling fans and theatre-goers alike. Boulting himself expressed excitement about returning to theatres to share these fascinating historical tales, woven together with his signature narrative flair.

    For tickets and further details on the tour schedule, audiences can visit here.

    Ned Boulting’s Marginal Mystery Tour Schedule

    DateVenue
    22nd OctoberHertford Theatre
    23rd OctoberSwindon Wyvern
    24th OctoberBristol Redgrave
    25th OctoberHorsham Capitol
    30th OctoberBuxton Pavilion
    31st OctoberIlkley Kings Hall
    1st NovemberLeeds City Varieties
    2nd NovemberEdinburgh Queens Hall
    5th NovemberShrewsbury Theatre
    6th NovemberCoventry Warwick Arts
    7th NovemberLoughborough Town Hall
    8th NovemberLytham Lowther Pavilion
    9th NovemberCrewe Lyceum
    10th NovemberSalford Lowry
    12th NovemberDorking Halls
    13th NovemberExeter Northcott Theatre
    14th NovemberFareham Live
    17th NovemberSouthend Palace
    18th NovemberBury St Edmunds Apex
    19th NovemberCanterbury Gulbenkian
    20th NovemberBromley Churchill Theatre

    Stijn Steels rejoins the Wolfpack in a new role at AG Insurance-Soudal

    By
    Mathew Mitchell
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    0
    Stijn Steels AG Insurance-Soudal

    Stijn Steels is set to return to the world of professional cycling, taking up a new position within the sportive department of AG Insurance-Soudal. After concluding his professional riding career, which included a significant stint with The Wolfpack from 2020 to 2022, Steels is enthusiastic about his fresh start and the opportunities to contribute to the team’s success from a different angle.

    In his new role, Steels will work closely with notables such as Servais Knaven and Christian Kos, and under the direction of Jolien D’hoore, the team’s current sportive manager. His reunion with D’hoore, a former university classmate at the University of Ghent, adds a personal dimension to his professional transition.

    “I was immediately drawn to this ambitious project. The professionalism and motivation at AG Insurance-Soudal are set to steer the team to the pinnacle of professional cycling. I am thrilled to be part of that journey,” Steels shared, highlighting his unexpected return to the sport. He emphasised the appealing aspects of the role, including the familiar environment and the opportunity to mentor the next generation of cyclists.

    Steels also noted his eagerness to give back to the sport that shaped much of his life, expressing satisfaction in his new role: “It’s a pleasure to be able to contribute in a sportive leadership role, guiding new talents and aiming for collective success.”

    Lorena Wiebes Opts for Alternative Road to Olympics and Tour de France Femmes

    By
    Mathew Mitchell
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    0
    PRF23 - Lorena Wiebes
    Lorena Wiebes

    Lorena Wiebes will not compete in this season’s Giro d’Italia Women. With a summer packed with both the Olympic Games and the Tour de France Femmes, the 25-year-old sprinter from SD Worx-Protime has chosen to prepare with the Tour of Belgium and the Thüringen Ladies Tour instead. Wiebes shared her plans during the presentation of the Tour de France Femmes in Rotterdam.

    Wiebes is set to participate in the Thüringen Ladies Tour from June 25-30 and the Baloise Ladies Tour from July 17-21. Her preparation will also include appearances at two gravel races, the RideLondon Classique in late May, the Tour of Britain Women in early June, and the Dutch National Road Championships on June 23. She has decided to skip the Giro due to its limited sprint opportunities this year. Her strategy is aimed at peaking for the Olympics in Paris.

    “The Games are really my main focus this year. But with the Tour de France Femmes following so closely, it’s likely I can carry over good form,” Wiebes stated, born in Mijdrecht. The French stage race, starting in Rotterdam this year, kicks off just a week after the women’s Olympic road race.

    While selection for this summer’s Olympics is not yet confirmed, Wiebes has been in close contact with the national coach. “We spoke last week about the spring season. Now, I’m waiting for a call to see if there’s a role for me in Paris, and I’ll have to see if I agree with their plans,” she explained.

    Moreover, the Tour’s start in the Netherlands is a major highlight in Wiebes’ calendar. With two sprint stages and a prologue on the itinerary, she sees a substantial chance for stage victories and perhaps clinching the yellow jersey. “The short time trial offers a big opportunity, especially to keep the yellow jersey after the first day,” Wiebes added, highlighting her ambitions.

    2024 Giro d’Italia releases full startlist for this year’s race

    By
    Mathew Mitchell
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    0

    The Giro d’Italia 2024, set to commence on May 4th from Venaria Reale, has announced a star-studded lineup, with Tadej Pogacar topping the bill. The Slovenian cyclist, who holds the number one spot in the UCI World Ranking, steps into the Corsa Rosa on the back of a spectacular early season, boasting seven victories from ten days of competition. His principal challenger appears to be Geraint Thomas, the Welsh cyclist who held the Maglia Rosa up until the penultimate stage in 2023. Thomas will be supported by Thymen Arensman, who finished sixth last year and is a favourite for the Maglia Bianca for young riders.

    The startlist for the 2024 Giro d’Italia can be found here.

    A Strong Field of Contenders

    The race will see returnees from last year’s top ten including Damiano Caruso and Eddie Dunbar, who finished fourth and seventh, respectively. They’ll be joined by cycling heavyweights like Romain Bardet, second in the recent Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Ben O’Connor, a stage winner and runner-up at the UAE Tour, Daniel Felipe Martinez with three wins this season, and Nairo Quintana, who donned the Maglia Rosa back in 2014. Promising newcomers Cian Uijtdebroeks and Antonio Tiberi, following impressive performances in the early season, will also be contenders, particularly for the Maglia Bianca.

    High-Speed Thrills Among Sprinters

    The sprinters’ roster is equally impressive with Jonathan Milan, the current Maglia Ciclamino, leading the charge. He faces stiff competition from established names like Caleb Ewan, Fernando Gaviria, and Tim Merlier, each with multiple Giro stage wins under their belt. Debutantes in the Giro such as Fabio Jakobsen, with an impressive tally of 46 career wins, and rising stars Olav Kooij and Laurence Pithie, will be keen to make their mark in the fast finishes.

    Opportunities Abound for Stage Hunters

    With 21 stages offering various challenges, the race promises plenty of opportunities for stage hunters. Time trial specialists like Filippo Ganna will look to dominate against the clock, while climbers will eye the mountainous stages for a chance at glory. The likes of Julian Alaphilippe and Christophe Laporte, skilled in punchier stages, alongside a broad array of climbers and all-rounders, will all vie for stage victories in a route that includes everything from steep climbs to technical descents.

    A Scenic Culmination in Rome

    As per tradition, the Giro will wrap up in Rome, where last year’s tour concluded with a celebratory final stage through the historic city. This year’s route promises similar scenic splendours and a grand finish, where the cycling elite will battle it out for the ultimate prize in Italian cycling. With a mix of gruelling climbs, fast sprints, and tactical battles, the 2024 edition of the Giro d’Italia is poised to be a thrilling affair from start to finish.

    Dual-team strategy boosts prospects for Leonie Bentveld and Viktor Vandenberghe

    By
    Mathew Mitchell
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    Leonie Bentveld AG Insurance-Soudal

    Rising cyclocross stars Leonie Bentveld and Viktor Vandenberghe are poised to enhance their skills through a strategic collaboration between teams, aiming for a more robust cyclocross season. Bentveld will join AG Insurance – Soudal for the upcoming road season while maintaining her cyclocross commitments with Pauwels Sauzen – Bingoal. Similarly, Vandenberghe will race for Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team on the road, but return to Pauwels Sauzen – Bingoal for cyclocross competitions.

    Leonie Bentveld expressed her enthusiasm about this arrangement: “I am very much looking forward to riding on the road for AG Insurance – Soudal. After a very successful cyclocross season, I hope to take my performances to an even higher level with this step. I am very grateful for the trust Jurgen and Patrick have placed in me.”

    Reflecting on her dual participation, Bentveld shared her previous experiences and future aspirations: “Over the past two seasons, I have raced on the road with Chevalmeire. I did ride on the road in my youth, but in recent years that was less the case. The focus was mainly on cyclocross. I hope that this road program can help me improve, but at the same time, I am also curious to see what I can achieve on the road.”

    Leonie Bentveld

    Viktor Vandenberghe also shared his excitement about the developmental benefits of this arrangement. “I am incredibly happy and motivated to start the road season with the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team. It is fantastic that I can continue to combine cyclocross with my activities at Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal. I am truly grateful for this wonderful opportunity.”

    As a first-year promise rider, Vandenberghe is conscious of the challenges ahead, yet remains determined to showcase his capabilities: “As a first-year promise, I am aware of the big challenge that the transition brings, but I am determined to show my talent. Over the past few years, I have already gained experience in several multi-day UCI races, climbing races, and criteriums,” he added.

    This strategic partnership between the teams is aimed at providing these young athletes with the best possible preparation for their cyclocross campaigns, ensuring they are well-rounded and competitive across both disciplines.

    Venturelli secures back-to-back victories in Giro Mediterraneo in Rosa finale as Gillespie wins GC

    By
    Mathew Mitchell
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    0

    The Giro Mediterraneo in Rosa concluded with UAE Development Team’s Federica Venturelli taking top honours for the second consecutive day, this time in Motta Montecorvino. Lara Gillespie, her teammate, secured the general classification despite a last-kilometre slip but managed to hold onto her substantial overall lead.

    “Federica did a fantastic job today,” Gillespie stated, despite her fall near the finish. “Up to a kilometre from the finish, I was leading, trying to set her up for the win. When I slipped, she took over and beat the rest to the line.”

    Venturelli, who celebrated her second victory in 24 hours, highlighted the team’s performance. “It was the perfect end to the Giro for us. My teammates were exceptional throughout the day, controlling the race and executing our plan flawlessly,” she said, delighted with her team’s dominance in both the sprint and young rider classifications.

    The race, spanning five stages, was marked by UAE Development Team’s dominance, capturing the top two spots in the overall standings and claiming the team classification. Gillespie reflected on her successful campaign: “These five days have been incredible. Winning two stages and the general classification, I couldn’t have asked for more. My highlight was the solo victory in Torre del Greco, securing the leader’s jersey which I never relinquished.”

    The stage itself was fiercely contested by South American riders Romina Hinojosa and Fernanda Anabel Yapura, who pushed the pace but couldn’t match Venturelli in the sprint finish.

    In the mountains, Elisa Valtulini defended her climber’s jersey, fending off a close challenge from Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi, who put in a stellar performance to finish fifth in today’s stage and came within a point of taking the climber’s jersey.

    As the Giro wraps up, the teams now look ahead to their next challenges, with the riders taking valuable lessons and confidence from their performances. The UAE Development Team, in particular, leaves with a sense of achievement and a raft of jerseys and accolades, setting a high standard for their competitors in future races.

    2024 Giro Mediterraneo in Rosa Stage 5 result

    Results powered by FirstCycling.com

    2024 Giro Mediterraneo in Rosa GC result

    Results powered by FirstCycling.com

    Main photo credit: Flaviano Ossola

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