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2024 Giro d’Italia – Who will Triumph in Stage 2?

By
Mathew Mitchell
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Giro d'Italia Peloton

After an electrifying start to the 107th Giro d’Italia, the peloton is bracing for a gruelling challenge on Stage 2. The 161km journey from San Francesco al Campo to the revered Santuario di Oropa will be the race’s first summit finish, promising dramatic shifts in the general classification.

2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 2 Route

The route initiates with a serene progression through the Canavese and Vercelli districts, but tranquillity is set to give way to a relentless series of ascents and descents starting in Valdengo. The climbs of Crocemosso and Oasi Zegna will serve as mere preludes to the pivotal climb to Oropa, which has been a Giro staple, immortalised by Marco Pantani’s astonishing 1999 victory.

As the course approaches Biella, the riders will descend rapidly before facing the final 11km climb to Oropa. This climb is notorious for its varying gradients, peaking at a punishing 13% through Favaro, then settling into a 9% incline towards the sanctuary. The last stretch, a 130m porphyry-paved road, will likely see the first significant time gaps of this year’s Giro.

Contenders

Tadej Pogačar, still smarting from narrowly missing out on the opening stage victory to Jhonatan Narvaez, is expected to be in the thick of the action. Despite the setback, Pogačar showed formidable form, distancing many GC contenders on an unclassified climb and laying down a marker for the stages ahead.

Stage 2 could be pivotal for GC contenders like Geraint Thomas and Ben O’Connor, who need to limit any losses to Pogačar, particularly on the steep ramps of Oropa. The climb’s rich history and its previous race dynamics suggest we might witness significant moves from those aiming for the overall victory.

Vincenzo Nibali, a seasoned Giro contender, commented on the strategic complexities of the climb. “Oropa is a stage that everybody knows all about, and everybody’s legs should be very fresh this early in the Giro, but it’s a difficult climb to interpret,” said Nibali. He noted that much will depend on Pogačar’s tactics, indicating that the Slovenian might attempt to assert his dominance early in the race.

Tomorrow’s stage is not just a physical test but a tactical battlefield, where early shows of strength can set the tone for the remaining three weeks

Jhonatan Narvaez clinches dramatic Stage 1 victory at Giro d’Italia

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0

Jhonatan Narvaez of Ineos Grenadiers took the first maglia rosa of this year’s Giro d’Italia after a thrilling victory on Stage 1, a 140km race from Venaria Reale to Torino. The Ecuadorian rider managed to out-sprint Maximilian Schachmann of Bora-Hansgrohe and Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates, who finished second and third respectively.

The race concluded with Narvaez securing the win by a margin of just two seconds, positioning him 86 points ahead in the points classification and giving him a lead in the general classification. Schachmann and Pogacar are trailing at three seconds and six seconds respectively.

In the aftermath of his victory, Narvaez shared his elation and tactics, “It’s a great feeling. We had planned this with the team but I had to follow Pogacar and it still hurts me now. He went really hard but at the end I made it. In the sprint, I think he went too long. It’s amazing. We don’t have many opportunities in a Grand Tour to win a stage. Especially this one. It puts me in the Maglia Rosa. I had dreamt of this jersey. It’s been very difficult to get it.”

Adding to the narrative of the stage, the race was marked by an intense finale where Pogacar launched a robust attack. Narvaez, closely followed by Schachmann, was quick to respond, leading to a gripping three-man sprint finish in Torino. Narvaez’s strategic prowess and determination saw him through, denying Pogacar his first Giro d’Italia stage win of the year.

Reflecting further on his triumph and the challenges ahead, Narvaez stated in the press conference, “Today was my first opportunity and it’s nice to beat a strong guy like Tadej Pogacar. I will enjoy it a lot. We know he’s the strongest guy in the world. I was on his wheel, it was hard to stay there, then I had to play my cards. After my crash at Gent-Wevelgem, the team looked after me very well and sent me home for an altitude training camp in Ecuador. I’m in the best shape of my career, I’m in my best years, but I can’t fight with Pogacar in the biggest climbs, so it’ll be hard to keep the Maglia Rosa tomorrow.”

As the Giro d’Italia heads into Stage 2, which features an uphill finish to Oropa, Narvaez remains cautiously optimistic about his chances of retaining the leader’s jersey in the mountainous stages ahead. The race continues to promise more excitement and fierce competition among the top contenders.

2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 1 result

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Marianne Vos powers to victory in Stage 7 of La Vuelta Femenina

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0

Marianne Vos of Visma | Lease a Bike claimed a stunning victory in the seventh stage of La Vuelta Femenina, further solidifying her lead in the points competition. It’s her 2nd win this year’s Vuelta Femenina after also winning Stage 3 in Teruel. The stage, spanning 138.6km from San Esteban de Gormaz to Siguenza, concluded with Vos out-sprinting her rivals on an uphill finish, with American Kristen Faulkner of EF Education-Cannondale trailing by two seconds in second place.

The stage unfolded under challenging conditions with strong crosswinds that played a crucial role in the race dynamics, splitting the peloton and setting the scene for a dramatic finish. Behind Vos, Elisa Longo Borghini from Italy crossed the line at the same time as Faulkner to take third place, maintaining her position as a key contender in the general classification.

(Photo Credit: CXCLING)

There were several battles to get involved in the breakaways today with first one group going clear, only to get pulled back through the efforts of Movistar and Visma | Lease a Bike before Anna Kiesenhofer’s solo attack sparked a fresh group to establish a breakaway. The likes of Anya Louw and Carolina Vargas were involved and as it turned out they were perfectly positioned for when the team in yellow and black pushed on with the wind to their advantage.

They split the peloton up into 3 main groups with the likes of Yara Kastelijn, Liane Lippert Antonia Niedermaier and Sarah Gigante all missing out on being in the front group. Movistar put all hands on deck to try and close the gap and despite getting under 30 seconds at one point were unable to regain parity.

(Photo Credit: Jennifer Lindini)

A late flurry of attacks from SD Worx’s Mischa Bredewold and Marlen Reusser didn’t disrupt the lead into the climb and it was Kristen Faulkner who paced the majority of the final climb. A kick from Marianne Vos before the top saw her go well clear with a comfortable 2-second advantage by the finish line.

Vos described the team’s strategy saying, “We really wanted to go for the stage win today. That’s why the team controlled the race. Of course, when they do so much work, you want to make it count in the final. It was a bit stressful but when we entered the final kilometre we just tried to stay in the best possible position and go for it.”

Reflecting on the pivotal moments of the race, Vos added, “It was open and there was wind, so there was this possibility of echelons. The last days we didn’t have the wind from the right side but today it was just open and sidewinds, so echelons again.”

Marianne Vos
(Photo Credit: Alex Berasategi)

Longo Borghini also commented on the race dynamics, appreciating the teamwork that kept her in contention: “We knew that at kilometre 98 there was a possibility of having an echelon, and we were really attentive. Lizzie positioned us very well along with Elynor so we were three in the first split. The girls did a great job covering moves and trying to attack themselves. I tried to follow Faulkner, then I tried to pass her. I tried to go hard from 300m. I knew it was a bit far from the finish line but I had to make it hard, and in the end, it’s a good third place.”

Demi Vollering, 2023 Tour de France winner and fellow Dutch rider, continues to hold the red jersey, finishing fourth on the day. She heads into the final stage with a 52-second lead over Longo Borghini, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the tour, which will feature mountainous terrain including two category-one climbs.

2024 Vuelta Femenina Stage 7 result

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Silvia Persico Secures First Win of 2024 Season at Grand Prix de Plumelec-Morbihan

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0

In a thrilling sprint finish, Silvia Persico of UAE Team ADQ clinched her first victory of the season at the Grand Prix de Plumelec-Morbihan in Plumelec, France, covering the 95.7km race in commanding style. Persico, who has been seeking a win after several near misses, managed to out-sprint France’s Victoire Berteau of Cofidis and Poland’s Marta Lach from Ceratizit WNT Pro Cycling Team.

The race unfolded with an early breakaway from Marie Morgane Le Deunff and once that was caught, we saw a strong break with multiple riders go clear. UAE Team ADQ were well represented with Gasparrini and Wlodarczyk driving the pace but when they backed off the group became catchable on the lap’s main climb by the finish line. Silvia Persico smartly bridged up to this group in the latter stages to join her teammates, at which point Wlodarczyk in particular put in a large stint to keep the group clear.

Marie Morgane le Deunff
(Photo Credit: Ronan Caroff)

The final sprint involved 9 riders and when Yanina Kuskova pushed the pace up with the line in sight it was Jade Wiel who first kicked into a sprint. Silvia Persico used her wheel to get up to speed as Marta Lach felt yesterday’s race in her legs and didn’t have the same acceleration. Victoire Berteau on Persico’s wheel couldn’t come around here but did sneak past Jade Wiel to claim 2nd on the day.

Speaking after her victory, Persico expressed her gratitude towards her teammates for their crucial support, “First of all, I must thank all my teammates because both yesterday and today we raced very well. Today, there was a breakaway of eight athletes with Gasparrini and Wlodarczyk, and I was initially caught out, so I had to make my way forward on the climb to the finish and on the last lap I also moved into the leading group. Dominika and Eleonora did great work for me, and I was able to win the sprint. I must say thanks once again to all my teammates. I’m delighted with this win; I’ve been waiting for it for a long time and now we move forward like this.”

Yanina Kuskova
(Photo credit: Ronan Caroff)

The Grand Prix de Plumelec-Morbihan, part of a frantic day of cycling that also included stages of the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta Femenina, saw UAE Team ADQ celebrate another success following Eleonora Gasparrini’s win in the Classique Morbihan the day before. The team’s strategy was executed perfectly, setting up Persico for the sprint after a fast-paced and tactical race.

Victoire Berteau and Marta Lach, completing the podium, were critical in the final kilometres, but neither could match Persico’s explosive finish. Lach, continuing her strong form, said, “This race has been good to me, maintaining my streak of top finishes this week.”

Silvia Persico celebrates
(Photo credit: Ronan Caroff)

2024 GP de Plumelec-Morbihan result

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Chiara Consonni clinches victory at GP Eco-Struct 2024

By
Mathew Mitchell
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Chiara Consonni of UAE Team ADQ (but racing for their development squad here) seized a commanding win at the GP Eco-Struct, marking her second triumph of the season after breaking through last week at the GP Liberazione. The race unfolded over 135 kilometres around Wichelen, where Consonni outpaced her competitors in a spirited sprint finish.

The 24-year-old Italian outstripped Finland’s Anniina Ahtosalo of Uno-X Mobility and Poland’s Daria Pikulik from Human Powered Health, who claimed second and third places respectively. Dutch rider Scarlett Souren of the VolkerWessels Women’s Pro Cycling Team finished fourth, just ahead of Consonni’s teammate Sara Fiorin, and last year’s winner, Amalie Dideriksen, also riding for Uno-X Mobility.

The GP Eco-Struct, a Belgian one-day race categorised at UCI 1.1 level, featured flat laps around Wichelen with brief cobbled sectors. Despite the flat nature of the course allowing for breakaway attempts, none proved ultimately successful (although a trio did stay away for a while), leading to a large group approaching the finish line together. A late crash split the bunch up into groups but the favourites were all safely included in the front group.

Consonni, now celebrating her 16th UCI race win, dominated the final sprint. “This victory feels incredibly special, especially coming off a win last week,” Consonni shared post-race. “Our team worked perfectly together, and I felt strong throughout. Winning here in Wichelen, on this challenging course, just adds to the joy.”

Anniina Ahtosalo, who came in second, also commented on the race’s dynamics: “It was a tough race with the wind and the cobbles, but the final was about positioning and timing. I’m happy with my performance and the result.”

Daria Pikulik, who rounded out the podium, reflected on her consistent season: “I’ve had a strong season so far, and to add another podium here at the GP Eco-Struct is fantastic. It was a very fast and challenging sprint, but I’m pleased with how I executed it.”

2024 GP Eco-Struct result

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Main photo credit: Arianna Bonaita

Live: 2024 GP Eco-Struct

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
Amalie-Dideriksen-GP-Eco-Struct-2023

The GP Eco-Struct has been running since 2016 but only joined the UCI calendar in 2020. From there it’s quickly become a sprinter’s race with Lorena Wiebes taking a pair of wins before Charlotte Kool in 2022. It clashes with the Vuelta Femenina and GP Morbihan today so the startlist doesn’t quite contain the same star quality but Chiara Consonni is surely going to be a major pre-race favourite as a result.

Raced over 6 laps of a 22.5km course, there is a small hill in each lap but generally some slightly rolling terrain that the top teams can use to thin the bunch a little bit.

Race preview can be found here.

Live Coverage

The race starts at 1pm today

No live TV coverage

All times in BST

Live Race Updates

Live: 2024 Vuelta Femenina Stage 7

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
03/05/2024 - La Vuelta Femenina 24 by Carrefour.es - Etapa 6 - Tarazona / La Laguna Negra. Vinuesa (132,1 km) - VOLLERING Demi (TEAM SD WORX - PROTIME), LONGO BORGHINI Elisa (LIDL - TREK)

Today’s stage looks nice and flat, one for the sprinters no question until you just about spot the tiny little flick upwards right at the end. It’s a proper sting in the tail on Stage 7 with a final sprint that’s 500m at an average of around 8%. That will probably rule out the likes of Charlotte Kool and make it tough for someone like Marianne Vos (although she could still manage it). We may see the stage win just drift to a puncheur/climber type – a 100% fit Liane Lippert for instance would be ideal for this finish.

Overall race preview can be found here with a stage preview here.

Live Coverage

The race starts at 11:45pm with the live coverage starting at 1:30pm

Live on Eurosport/Discovery across Europe
NOS in Netherlands
Peacock in USA
Flobikes in Canada
SBS in Australia

All times in BST

Live Race Updates

Vuelta Femenina Stage 7’s Sting In The Tail

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
03/05/2024 - La Vuelta Femenina 24 by Carrefour.es - Etapa 6 - Tarazona / La Laguna Negra. Vinuesa (132,1 km) -

The penultimate stage of the Vuelta Femenina, spanning 138.6 kilometres from San Esteban de Gormaz to Sigüenza, might deceive many with its seemingly straightforward profile. Lacking categorized climbs and significant wind exposure, the stage is sandwiched between mountainous challenges, but it hides its own demanding nature. The course features a total elevation gain of 1,183 metres, mainly concentrated towards the end, which can play a pivotal role in how the race unfolds.

Key Challenges

The course’s defining feature is its deceptive terrain, including several non-categorized climbs that could become crucial strategic points. The toughest climb occurs 49 kilometres from the finish, with a gradient peaking at 9% over 2 kilometres. Subsequent shorter ascents—no more than 1 kilometre each but with gradients of up to 5%—lead to a thrilling descent into Sigüenza.

Descent and Finish

The descent is characterised by narrow and potentially rough roads, which poses a significant challenge and presents an opportunity for skilled descenders to make a move. The stage culminates with a steep 500-metre climb at a gruelling 10.7% gradient, promising a fierce showdown that favours riders with explosive climbing abilities rather than traditional sprinters.

Riders to Watch

  • Elisa Longo Borghini: The Italian national champion, known for her excellent form and strong finishing kick on short climbs, stands out as the favourite, especially as her team seeks a vital stage win.
  • Demi Vollering: Always a threat on any terrain, Vollering’s consistency and climbing skills will be crucial on the final ascent.
  • Pauliena Rooijakkers: With a knack for tough finishes and undulating courses, Rooijakkers could very well find herself in a position to challenge for the stage win.
  • Evita Muzic: Muzic has shown promising performances in similar stage profiles and could leverage her climbing prowess on the final ascent.
  • Yara Kastelijn and Sarah Gigante: Both riders are aggressive and could use the rolling terrain and descents to their advantage.
  • Marianne Vos: This is right on the edge of what the GOAT can do the steepness and distance will be a challenge but she could force her way into contention with a clear run at the climb.

Impact of Absences

With the withdrawal of Kasia Niewiadoma and the unfortunate crash of Gaia Realini, the race dynamics might shift, offering opportunities for other teams and riders to step up their strategies, possibly aiming for breakaways or protecting positions in the general classification.

Strategies and Predictions

This stage requires vigilant teamwork and strategic flexibility. The technical descent into Sigüenza is particularly suited for daring attacks, either before or during the descent. A well-timed breakaway in the final kilometres, coupled with the challenging ascent to the finish, could see a dynamic and potentially game-changing battle.

Far from a mere transitional stage, Stage 7 of the Vuelta Femenina is poised to be a critical day for reshaping the general classification or offering a dramatic platform for a valiant breakaway victory. Elisa Longo Borghini is a prime contender for the day, but watch for Pauliena Rooijakkers and Evita Muzic to potentially make significant moves, especially on the final climb.

Eleonora Gasparrini Clinches Victory at La Classique Morbihan

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0

In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Eleonora Gasparrini seized her second win of the season at La Classique Morbihan in Josselin, France. The race, spanning 114.7 kilometres, concluded with Gasparrini out-sprinting her closest rivals, showcasing her formidable prowess and underlining her peak form this season.

The Italian Dominance Continues

La Classique Morbihan has become a favourable battleground for Italian cyclists, as demonstrated last year when Italian riders claimed the top four spots. Continuing this trend, Turin-native Gasparrini, riding for UAE Team ADQ, emerged victorious, adding yet another accolade to her already impressive career, which includes a junior European championship won in nearby Plouay in 2020.

A Challenging Course

This year’s edition featured a demanding final circuit, repeated four times, with a critical short climb leading up to the finish. The conditions were made even more perilous by rain and a slightly muddy road, adding an extra layer of challenge for the competitors. The day’s main break saw Omer Shapira clear solo for the bulk of the race before being caught later on.

A Masterclass in Teamwork

Gasparrini’s triumph was as much a victory for her as it was for her UAE Team ADQ. The race’s decisive moments came in the last 20 kilometres, where Gasparrini, along with teammates Dominika Wlodarczyk and Silvia Persico, took the lead. Their collective effort to control the race pace and fend off attacks laid the groundwork for the final sprint. Gasparrini praised her teammates for their efforts, acknowledging that their perfect execution in the finale was key to her victory.

The Final Sprint

As the race neared its conclusion, it was the coordination of Gasparrini’s team that positioned her advantageously. Wlodarczyk took the lead at the climb’s base, with Persico setting the pace up the climb. In the climactic moments, Marta Lach of Ceratizit-WNT Pro Cycling launched an early sprint with 170 metres to go. Gasparrini, ready for this move, strategically positioned herself on Lach’s wheel. Waiting for the right moment, she surged ahead in the last 50 metres, overpowering Lach to claim a stellar victory. Jade Wiel of FDJ-Suez secured the final spot on the podium.

Today’s podium (l-r) Marta Lach, Eleonora Gasparrini & Jade Wiel
(Photo Credit: Sprint Cycling Agency)

Reflecting on the Victory

Post-race, Gasparrini shared her thoughts, expressing immense satisfaction with both her performance and that of her team. “The technical circuit and the weather conditions made the race quite dangerous, but my teammates were incredibly adept at keeping me safe and in a prime position,” she said. Gasparrini also highlighted the emotional boost provided by seeing teammates return successfully from injuries to compete at a high level.

Looking Forward

With this win, Gasparrini not only cements her status as a top contender in women’s cycling but also continues a legacy of Italian success at La Classique Morbihan. Her victory is a testament to strategic brilliance, individual talent, and impeccable teamwork, promising an exciting season ahead for her and her team. As the cycling world turns its eyes towards the upcoming races, many will be keenly watching to see if Gasparrini can maintain her excellent form and tactical acuity. Tomorrow’s GP de Plumelec-Morbihan on similar terrain will give riders another chance to taste victory in Brittany.

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

Main photo credit: Sprint Cycling Agency

Evita Muzic Takes First WWT Win In 4 Years At La Laguna Negra On Stage 6

By
Mathew Mitchell
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0
03/05/2024 - La Vuelta Femenina 24 by Carrefour.es - Etapa 6 - Tarazona / La Laguna Negra. Vinuesa (132,1 km) - MUZIC Evita (FDJ - SUEZ)

The sixth stage of La Vuelta Femenina 24 provided a pivotal 132.1km journey from Tarazona to the challenging summit finish at La Laguna Negra, Vinuesa. Marked by strategic breakaways, significant wind challenges, and a fierce final climb, this stage epitomised the tactical depth of professional women’s cycling, crucial in the overall classification battle.

Key Developments from the Start

The race began with 124 competitors, notably absent were Gaia Realini and Kasia Niewiadoma, impacting team strategies. The early kilometres saw multiple breakaway attempts as riders were eager to gain an early advantage. A breakaway including Laura Molenaar, Fauve Bastiaenssen, Claudia San Justo, and Aurela Nerlo eventually formed, carving out a lead of 3’50” by the 70km mark.

Dynamics Leading to the Climax

As the race approached Vinuesa, Marianne Vos leveraged the intermediate sprint to extend her lead in the points classification, showcasing her strategic acumen. The main group, driven by Team SD Worx-Protime, intensified their pace, absorbing the early breakaway just 18km from the finish, setting the stage for the final showdown.

The Final Climb: La Laguna Negra

Making its debut in the women’s race, La Laguna Negra proved to be a battleground for the climbers. Yesterday’s winner Demi Vollering, the red jersey holder, took command in the latter part of the climb, supported by her teammate Marlen Reusser. Their efforts were crucial in shedding riders from the main group. In the critical final kilometres, Vollering’s pace was relentless, leading to a select group that included only the strongest climbers.

Climactic Finish

In a thrilling sprint finish, Évita Muzic of FDJ-SUEZ emerged victorious, surpassing Vollering in the final metres to claim her first stage win of this edition. Muzic’s performance not only highlighted her climbing prowess but also her tactical insight, as she was the only rider capable of consistently matching Vollering’s pace.

Évita Muzic expressed her strategy and satisfaction, “When I saw I could follow, I focused intensely. Winning today feels incredible, especially since my teammates worked so hard.” Demi Vollering reflected on the stage, “The climb was tougher with the headwind today, but maintaining position was key. Despite not winning, extending my lead in the GC feels like a victory.”

Overall Impact on General Classification

Vollering’s efforts saw her extend her lead in the overall standings, now leading Elisa Longo Borghini by 56 seconds and Riejanne Markus by 1:14. Her performance underlines her dominance and strategic intelligence, setting her up well for the upcoming stages.

Preview of Upcoming Stages

Looking ahead, the race continues with a flatter stage before entering the final mountain challenges in the Community of Madrid. This next stage maybe offers the sprinters one last opportunity to shine despite the gradient, thereby promising exciting racing dynamics as the Vuelta Femenina approaches its climax.

Stage 6 of La Vuelta Femenina 24 was a testament to the strategic depth and physical demands of professional women’s cycling, with Évita Muzic and Demi Vollering showcasing exceptional athleticism and tactical nous. As the race heads into its critical final stages, the excitement continues to build, with all eyes on the red jersey and the potential for further dramatic shifts in the general classification.

2024 Vuelta Femenina Stage 6 result

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Main photo credit: CXCLING

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