Email: info@procyclinguk.com

ProCyclingUK 2024 Logo Alternate
Home Blog

A quick preview look at Antwerp Port Epic 2024

By
Mathew Mitchell
-
0
Marthe Truyen Antwerp Port Epic 2023

The Antwerp Port Epic is a top women’s cycling race that has quickly gained fame since it started in 2023. This tough event, with its mix of cobblestone streets and dirt roads, tests the endurance and skill of all cyclists who take part. The race goes through the busy port areas and beautiful landscapes of Antwerp, offering a unique and tough course.

In its first edition, Marthe Truyen won, setting a high bar for future racers. Her win showed the competitive spirit of the race and the high level of talent it draws. Truyen’s victory was proof of her strength and smart tactics, both key for tackling the race’s hard terrain. The Antwerp Port Epic not only highlights the physical power of the cyclists but also the strategic thinking needed to succeed on rough terrain.

Race Profile and Tactical Aspects

As part of the UCI 1.1 calendar, the race has quickly become a must for top women cyclists. The competition includes a mix of road race specialists and cyclocross experts, each bringing their own skills. The mix of surfaces – from smooth roads to rough cobblestones and gravel paths – demands versatility and toughness, making it a real test of all-around cycling ability.

  • Starting Point: Schengenplein
  • Distance: Over 180 kilometres
  • Terrain: Industrial zones, rural outskirts, cobblestones, gravel paths
  • Weather: Unpredictable Belgian conditions

The race starts at the Schengenplein and covers over 180 kilometres, winding through the port’s industrial zones and the rural outskirts. The route’s complexity and the unpredictable Belgian weather add to the event’s epic nature, making it a thrilling spectacle for fans and a tough challenge for riders. The Antwerp Port Epic embodies the spirit of classic Belgian racing with a modern twist, ensuring it will continue to grow in prestige and popularity in the women’s cycling calendar.

Which teams are racing at Antwerp Port Epic 2024?

  • Fenix-Deceuninck
  • AG Insurance-Soudal Team
  • Ceratizit-WNT Pro Cycling
  • VolkerWessels Pro Cycling Team
  • ARA | Skip Capital
  • Alba Development Road Team
  • Lifeplus Wahoo
  • UAE Development Team
  • MAXX-SOLAR ROSE Women Racing
  • BePink-Bongioanni
  • CANYON//SRAM Generation
  • Lotto Dstny Ladies
  • Chevalmeire
  • DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK
  • Team Mendelspeck Ge-Man
  • GT Krush RebelLease
  • Doltcini O’Shea
  • Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s Continental Team
  • Proximus-Cyclis CT
  • LKT-Team
  • Hess Cycling Team
  • Team BridgeLane
  • Torelli

What does the Antwerp Port Epic route profile look like?

Where can I watch the Antwerp Port Epic 2024 race?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the women’s race will be live, whereas the men’s race will be.

Who are the main riders to watch?

  • Marthe Truyen
  • Sanne Cant
  • Julie De Wilde
  • Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado
  • Maaike Boogaard
  • Ilse Pluimers
  • Julia Kopecky
  • Ally Wollaston
  • Sandra Alonso
  • Franziska Brauße
  • Arianna Fidanza
  • Kathrin Schweinberger
  • Manon Bakker
  • Sofie van Rooijen
  • Lucinda Stewart
  • Kate Richardson
  • Lara Gillespie
  • Julie Hendrickx
  • Thalita de Jong
  • Emma Jeffers
  • Matilde Vitillo
  • Marjolein van ‘t Geloof

Startlist

Henttala takes stage 1 victory at Vuelta a Burgos Feminas as Balsamo crashes out

By
Mathew Mitchell
-
0

Lotta Henttala of EF Education-Cannondale sprinted to victory in the first stage of the Vuelta a Burgos Feminas, overcoming a chaotic final sprint that saw Elisa Balsamo suffer a serious crash. Henttala surged past late attacker Carina Schrempf in the final metres to claim the win.

The 123.3-kilometre stage began with several attempts to break away from the peloton, but none succeeded in the early kilometres. Strong southwesterly winds kept the riders vigilant, anticipating echelons. After the first classified climb at 52km, the peloton split into three groups, during which Katrine Aalerud of Uno-X Mobility made her move.

Aalerud built a significant lead, extending her advantage to 3:30 minutes with 30km remaining. She maintained this gap for a considerable time as the peloton seemed reluctant to chase her down. She was first over the Alto de la Nuez and Alto del Aguilón, earning the red mountain jersey for stage 2. Floortje Mackaij attempted to bridge the gap but failed, and her teammate Claire Steels was also unable to catch Aalerud, being reeled in 15km from the line.

Demi-Vollering-2024-Vuelta-a-Burgos-Stage-1

By the final ten kilometres, Aalerud’s lead had reduced, and Femke Markus of SD Worx-Protime started chasing, eventually joined by her teammates Demi Vollering and Marlen Reusser. With 5km to go, the gap dropped below one minute. Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka of Canyon-SRAM then attempted an attack from the peloton but was caught with 3.5km remaining, leaving Aalerud’s lead at just 20 seconds.

As the race neared the finish, the final rise to the 2km mark saw Aalerud’s solo effort come to an end. She was awarded the combativity prize in addition to the mountain jersey for her effort. Schrempf then launched a counterattack, creating a seven-second gap with her signature late move.

In the final kilometre, Lucinda Brand of Lidl-Trek pulled Clara Copponi off the front, but Liv-AlUla-Jayco closed the gap. Karlijn Swinkels began her lead-out for Sofia Bertizzolo with 300 metres to go. However, a crash involving Bertizzolo and Balsamo occurred after a late turn, pushing Balsamo into the barriers at high speed. Balsamo’s team later confirmed she had fractured her nasal bone and sustained a concussion, while Bertizzolo was taken to hospital for checks.

Swinkels briefly hesitated at the sound of the crash but then sprinted again. Meanwhile, Henttala jumped from Swinkels’ wheel, chasing down Schrempf and overtaking her in the last 50 metres to win the stage. Lorena Wiebes, who narrowly avoided the crash, sprinted to third place.

Henttala praised her team’s support after the race, saying, “There were some crosswinds today and I had a lot of help from my teammates, especially Nina [Kessler]. In the last 10 kilometres, she kept me calm, so I just wanted to stick to her wheel. She dropped me off at the front for the last little kickers, and Noemi [Rüegg] and Letizia [Borghesi] were there also helping me out on the front.”

Reflecting on the crash, Henttala added, “There was that unfortunate crash, so I hope everyone is OK, but when that happened, I decided to go then. I didn’t want to be on the ground.”

Wiebes, who had been on Balsamo’s wheel, expressed relief at avoiding the crash. “I sat in Elisa Balsamo’s wheel and was lucky that no bike fell my way. I could just avoid it and still managed to sprint to third place. I hope Elisa Balsamo and Sofia Bertizzolo are okay,” she said.

Henttala’s win marks her first victory since 2019, after taking a break for the birth of her son. She now leads the race as it heads into the second stage.

Lidl-Trek confirmed that Elisa Balsamo had suffered a fractured nasal bone, a concussion and a fractured metatarsal. Sofia Bertizzol was taken to hospital and her current situation in the aftermath of the crash is unknown.

2024 Vuelta a Burgos Feminas Stage 1 result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

All photo credits: Getty

Routes revealed for 2024 British National Road Championships

By
Mathew Mitchell
-
0
Pfeiffer Georgi
Pfeiffer Georgi

British Cycling has unveiled the routes for this year’s British National Road Championships, set to take place in Tees Valley and North Yorkshire. The championships will feature dramatic finishes on the iconic Saltburn Bank, where the national champion’s jerseys will be fiercely contested over three days of racing from 19-23 June.

The time trials will open the event on Wednesday 19 June in North Yorkshire. Starting and finishing in Catterick at the Military Court Centre, riders will face a challenging course that includes the Throstle Gill Climb. Competitors will complete two laps, covering approximately 30km with 512m of climbing in total. Riders will be tested against the clock on this tough route.

On Friday 21 June, the circuit races will take place on a tight and technical 1.28km circuit around Darlington’s town centre. Starting and finishing on West Row, both the open and women’s races will last for 50 minutes plus five laps. The circuit is expected to deliver fast and thrilling racing, with 13m of elevation per lap.

The road races, concluding the championships on Sunday 23 June, will start and finish on Saltburn Bank. Last year, Fred Wright and Pfeiffer Georgi clinched memorable victories on this climb with a maximum gradient of 22%. The men’s race will cover seven laps of a 26km loop for a total of 182km, while the women will complete five laps for 130km. This year’s route extends out to Guisborough, passes through the old mining sites in Kilton, and loops back through Brotton before the riders descend to the coast and tackle the steep Saltburn Bank finish. The women’s race features 2,025m of climbing, and the men will face 2,835m over the challenging terrain.

Great Britain Cycling Team rider Charlie Tanfield, who also rides for Saint Piran, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “I’m so excited to be back racing on home roads in Tees Valley this year. Saltburn Bank is steep and it’s over pretty quickly, but it made for an epic finish at last year’s race, so it’ll be really great to ride it again this year.”

Jonathan Day, Managing Director of British Cycling Events, praised the collaboration that made the event possible. “We’re delighted to be taking the British National Road Championships back to the streets of Tees Valley. Last year’s finish up Saltburn Bank was iconic and it’s fantastic to see that it will feature in this year’s road race once again. Heading to North Yorkshire for the time-trial will see riders tackle a challenging course as they race against the clock, while Darlington’s fast circuit will be a fantastic showcase. A huge thank you to Tees Valley Combined Authority for all their support as we welcome elite level cycling to the area.”

Alaphilippe triumphs in Giro d’Italia stage 12 as Pogačar holds maglia rosa

By
Mathew Mitchell
-
0

Julian Alaphilippe of Soudal Quick-Step secured a stunning victory in Stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia, held from Martinsicuro to Fano, covering a gruelling 193km. The stage, filled with short, sharp climbs reminiscent of Belgian classics, saw Alaphilippe break away early and maintain his lead through to the finish.

Early Breakaways and Gruelling Pace

The race began with a frenetic pace, averaging 48km/h in the first three hours. Three breakaway groups formed, with a large grupetto of dropped riders and sprinters trailing several minutes behind. Alaphilippe and Mirco Maestri joined forces at the front with around 125km to go, maintaining a lead of one to two minutes over a nine-rider chase group that included Jhonatan Narváez, Quinten Hermans, Matteo Trentin, and Michael Valgren.

Meanwhile, Soudal Quick-Step’s Jan Hirt found himself in a third group. Bahrain Victorious, working to protect Antonio Tiberi’s GC position, increased the tempo in the peloton, eventually catching Hirt’s group within the final hour. This acceleration caused the peloton to split several times on the technical roads, but the teams of the GC leaders remained vigilant.

The Winning Move

At the front, Alaphilippe demonstrated his superior climbing ability on every ascent, urging Maestri to hold on. With 11km remaining, Alaphilippe launched his decisive attack on the Monte Giove climb, quickly establishing a 40-second lead. Despite a strong chase led by Narváez, Alaphilippe maintained his advantage to claim victory in Fano.

Reflecting on his win, Alaphilippe expressed his gratitude to his teammates and his determination throughout the race. “I didn’t plan it; I was expecting a big group to be in the break,” he said. “I have to thank my teammates, who controlled the first 60km perfectly. Maestri and I went first out of the big group, and I said, ‘We go, we go.’ It was amazing; we collaborated super-well.”

Pogačar’s Perspective

Tadej Pogačar, retaining the maglia rosa, praised Alaphilippe’s performance. “The plan today was to let the breakaway go and see who’s in it and just ride our pace to the finish,” Pogačar said. “It was better for us that Bahrain pulled in front, so we could save some energy today. For us, it was a really great day. It was hard, but I enjoyed it.”

Alaphilippe’s Resurgence

Alaphilippe’s victory marked his return to form after a challenging period marred by injuries and strained relationships within his team. The win also completed his set of stage victories across all three Grand Tours. Alaphilippe’s elation was evident as he credited his support system: “It was my dream to win a stage at the Giro d’Italia. It makes me really happy. It’s an important win for me after difficult times. I got it thanks to my team, my wife, and my son who have always supported me.”

Press Conference Insights

In the post-race press conference, Alaphilippe shared the emotional significance of his victory. “I’ll for sure remember today forever because it’s a really important victory for me and it’s also a big victory in a nice way,” he said. “Since the start of the Giro, I tried to win a stage, but on the first day, I didn’t have the legs to follow Pogačar and Narváez. I kept pushing and believing. This is what gives me emotions and the desire to continue my career. I’m very happy to have won this stage.”

Alaphilippe’s win continues a trend of former world champions succeeding at the Giro, following in the footsteps of Peter Sagan, Mark Cavendish, and others. His victory also marks a notable achievement for French cycling, joining the ranks of André Darrigade, Jean Stablinski, and Bernard Hinault as French world champions who have won stages at the Giro.

2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 12 result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

All photo credits: LaPresse

Monaco to host grand departure of La Vuelta 2026

By
Mathew Mitchell
-
0

Monaco will host the Grand Departure of La Vuelta 2026, marking another international start for the renowned Spanish tour. The announcement was made official at the Yacht Club de Monaco, where an agreement was signed by H.E. M. Pierre Dartout, Minister of State of Monaco, Yann Le Moenner, C.E.O. of Amaury Sport Organisation, and Javier Guillén, General Director of La Vuelta. The event was attended by H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco.

The inaugural stage of the 81st edition of La Vuelta will take place entirely within Monaco’s territory. The Principality will also host the start of the second stage, although further details on subsequent stages are yet to be confirmed. Javier Guillén remarked, “We are thrilled to bring La Vuelta to Monaco, a place with a rich history in hosting prestigious sporting events.”

Monaco is no stranger to high-profile cycling events, having previously hosted the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2009. The French Tour will return to the Principality in 2024, with Monaco hosting the final time-trial that will link the city-state to Nice. Yann Le Moenner commented on Monaco’s selection, stating, “Monaco’s experience and enthusiasm for cycling make it the perfect location for La Vuelta’s Grand Departure.”

The decision follows a tradition of international starts for La Vuelta, with previous Grand Departures taking place in Lisbon (1997), Assen (2009), Nîmes (2017), and Utrecht (2022). The 2024 edition will begin in Lisbon, Portugal, with subsequent stages in Oeiras and Cascais before returning to Spain for stage 4.

Monaco has a reputation for hosting significant international events, such as the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix and the Festival Internacional du Cirque de Monte-Carlo. These events attract global attention and showcase Monaco’s ability to host large-scale sporting spectacles. H.E. M. Pierre Dartout expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Hosting La Vuelta’s Grand Departure is a testament to Monaco’s commitment to promoting cycling and sports tourism.”

In 2026, the opening stage of La Vuelta will be a significant event for both the race and the Principality. With Monaco’s history and infrastructure, the stage is expected to draw considerable attention. While the exact nature of the stage is yet to be disclosed, the 2009 Tour de France Grand Départ in Monaco featured a 15.5km individual time trial, which could hint at a similar format for La Vuelta.

As preparations begin, the cycling community eagerly anticipates more details about the stages and the challenges they will bring. The collaboration between Monaco and La Vuelta organisers promises an exciting start to the 2026 race, further cementing Monaco’s status as a premier destination for world-class cycling events.

Main photo credit: Manuel Vitali

Fabio Jakobsen abandons Giro d’Italia before stage 12 after crash

By
Mathew Mitchell
-
0
Andora - Italy - cycling - cyclisme - radsport - wielrennen - Fabio Jakobsen (NED - Team dsm-firmenich PostNL) pictured during Giro dÕItalia 2024 - stage 4 - Acqui Terme > Andora (190km) - 07/05/2024 - Photo: Tommaso Pelagalli/SCA/Cor Vos © 2024

Fabio Jakobsen’s Giro d’Italia journey came to an abrupt end today as he abandoned the race ahead of stage 12. The Team dsm-firmenich PostNL rider suffered a severe crash during the high-speed finale of stage 11, leading to significant discomfort overnight despite initial assessments showing no fractures, only skin abrasions and cuts.

Jakobsen shared his disappointment: “It’s a shame to leave the race like this. I was starting to feel better, my legs were improving, and I was looking forward to being in the fight for results with the team. I’m pretty sore after the crash, so I will rest up and recover before building for the next goals with the team. I wish the guys the best for the remainder of the race, and I’ll be cheering them on from home.”

Team physician Laurens Kappelle elaborated on Jakobsen’s condition: “As we expressed yesterday, Fabio suffered some scrapes and abrasions in the crash but with no fractures. However, it was a hard fall, and his pain has worsened overnight, so in the interest of his health, he won’t start today’s stage and will head home to rest and recover.”

Reflecting on Jakobsen’s contribution and the team’s situation, coach Matt Winston stated: “Fabio had a tough patch at the beginning of the race but he was coming into it well. We saw him do some really nice teamwork in the previous days to keep Romain safe and help with the break formations, so we were hopeful of our chances in the upcoming sprints. It’s a shame to see him leave the race, and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”

Winston also acknowledged the challenging start to the Giro for Team dsm-firmenich PostNL: “It hasn’t been the most ideal start to the race here in Italy with some sickness in the team in the first week impacting the majority of the guys and causing us to lose Bram in the first days. We are still super motivated to really get something from this race, and the rest of the guys here will keep fighting to show ourselves at the front.”

Earlier in the race, the team also lost Bram Welten, who was a crucial part of Jakobsen’s sprint train. Despite these setbacks, the team remains focused on the remaining stages with Romain Bardet, Tobias Lund Andresen, Chris Hamilton, Gijs Leemreize, Julius van den Berg, and Kevin Vermaerke ready to continue the fight.

Live: 2024 Vuelta a Burgos Feminas Stage 1

By
Mathew Mitchell
-
0
Lorena Wiebes Vuelta Burgos 2023 Stage 1

Today’s opening stage of the 2024 Vuelta a Burgos Feminas feels like it should be a sprint finish but there are some potential stumbling blocks for the sprinters. A trio of Cat 3 climbs will need to be conquered, including one within the final 20km of the stage. The threat of crosswinds is there as well in the first half of the stage. It may not split but the threat will be there still.

Lorena Wiebes is the locked-on pre-stage favourite for today’s stage with Elisa Balsamo set to be her biggest contender. Behind them, there’s quite a drop-off in terms of sprinters with Emma Norsgaard (who isn’t a sprinter now) on paper probably the third fastest. That means it’s a great opportunity for someone to step up and get themselves a Women’s WorldTour podium result.

Race preview can be found here.

Live Coverage

The race starts at 11:20am with the live coverage starting at 1:30pm

Live on Eurosport/Discovery across Europe

All times in BST

Live Race Updates

Olympic triathlete Taylor Knibb wins US cycling time trial to secure spot in Paris

By
Mathew Mitchell
-
0

Olympic triathlete Taylor Knibb secured her place on the American team for the Paris Games by winning the women’s time trial at the U.S. road cycling championships. Knibb, who will now have the opportunity to compete in two different sports at the upcoming Olympics, covered the flat, out-and-back course in 45 minutes and 54 seconds.

Knibb’s victory over pre-race favourite Kristen Faulkner by 11 seconds and three-time Olympian Amber Neben by 49 seconds was a surprise even to her. “I’m in shock. I’ll be perfectly honest,” said Knibb at the finish line. “There are so many incredible riders out here — it was such an incredible day riding with them. I’m like, ‘Wow, this is so cool. They ride on the World Tour. That’s amazing!’”

Knibb’s win means she will join Chloe Dygert in the time trial and road race in Paris. Dygert had already qualified for the Olympics by winning the time trial at last year’s world championships and did not compete at nationals.

In addition to her cycling achievements, Knibb had previously qualified for the triathlon in Paris, finishing fifth at a test event last August. This achievement cements her as one of the rare athletes to compete in two different sports at the same Olympic Games.

Knibb recounted her experience on the course, saying, “There were four turns and that’s it. Last year, there were so many turns and my coach said, ‘You’re really good at holding race pace. Your weakness is getting to race pace.’ So, only four times I had to get to race pace. And that was a relief for me. If it did get a little bit more surgey, it would have probably favoured some other women a lot better.”

The U.S. team has now secured two women’s entries for the Paris Olympics — Knibb and Dygert. On the men’s side, McNulty locked up one spot, with the other two to be announced later, influenced by various factors, including participation in the Tour de France.

Brandon McNulty, a stage winner at the Giro d’Italia last year and third overall at Paris-Nice this season, was the final rider off in the men’s time trial. By the intermediate time check, he was more than 30 seconds ahead of his closest competitors and maintained his lead to secure the win.

The U.S. road cycling championships continue through the weekend in Charleston, with the men’s and women’s road races concluding the competition on Sunday. Although no automatic Olympic berths are at stake in these races, they will still be fiercely contested.

2024 USA National Championships TT Women result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

2024 USA National Championships TT Men result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

Jonathan Milan doubles up at Giro d’Italia as Merlier is relegated in chaotic sprint finish

By
Mathew Mitchell
-
0
Jonathan Milan 2024 Giro d'Italia Stage 11 Finish

Jonathan Milan claimed his second stage victory in the 2024 Giro d’Italia, winning a hectic bunch sprint in Francavilla al Mare. The Italian sprinter capitalised on a relegation for Tim Merlier to take the win, with Kaden Groves and Giovanni Lonardi completing the podium.

Stage 11 summary

The 207km route from Foiano di Val Fortore to Francavilla al Mare was marked by calm conditions early on. Unlike previous stages, the race began without the furious pace often seen in the opening kilometres. Thomas Champion, Edoardo Affini and Tim van Dijke formed an early breakaway, but their efforts were closely monitored by the peloton.

The breakaway trio managed to stay ahead for most of the race, but they were eventually caught with 35.3km remaining. The sprint teams, including Lidl Trek, Alpecin-Deceuninck, Soudal-QuickStep, and Jayco-AlUla, kept the pace high to prevent any further attacks.

A small attempt by Andrea Piccolo with 20km to go briefly disrupted the calm, but it was quickly neutralised. Unfortunately, a crash involving Felix Großschartner caused some concern, though he managed to finish the stage.

Finale and sprint

As the peloton approached the final kilometres, the tension increased. Jayco AlUla made an early move to position their sprinter, but they were soon overtaken by the other teams. The final kilometre saw chaos as a touch of wheels caused Madis Mihkels to crash, taking Fabio Jakobsen and Tobias Lund Andresen down with him.

Amid the confusion, Milan latched onto Merlier’s wheel and surged past in the final metres to secure victory. Merlier’s deviation in his sprint line led to his relegation, promoting Groves and Lonardi.

Reflecting on his win, Milan expressed his gratitude to his team: “You know it’s not just this 20-second sprint that makes me happy or the victory in the end. I think it’s all the work that we did, that my guys did, that the team did for me. Today supporting me, bringing me to the crucial position for the sprint. It’s this that makes me happy, that makes a real team as we are. Today is just unbelievable what the guys did for me. They always believe in me and I have to say thanks from the bottom of my heart.”

General classification

The general classification saw no major changes, with Tadej Pogacar retaining the Maglia Rosa. Pogacar, who finished safely in the main group, commented on the stage’s challenges: “Maybe it looks like I’m in the first positions a bit too close to the finish line in the lead up to the sprint but today there was a crash in front of me. I always race like this. I stay in a bubble. I check what’s going on and I stay one metre behind the wheels. You never know if a crash can happen at the front or further back. I just have this philosophy that I have to stay safe and not make any mistake.”

Fabio Jakobsen’s struggle

The stage marked another difficult day for Fabio Jakobsen, who crashed in the sprint. Jakobsen, once considered among the fastest in the peloton, has struggled to find form this season. After moving to DSM-Firmenich PostNL, Jakobsen has only one victory in 39 race days, and his performance in the Giro has been disappointing.

Reflecting on his career, Jakobsen acknowledged the challenges he faces: “One moment you’re a hero, next you’re at zero. One day you’re winning, defined as the best in class, and the next you can’t even buy a victory, regarded as a has-been.”

As the Giro continues, both Milan and Pogacar will look to maintain their strong performances, while Jakobsen seeks to regain his former prowess amidst the competitive field.

2024 Giro d’Italia Stage 11 result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

Photo credits: LaPresse

Demi Vollering seeks hattrick with high spirits in Tour of Burgos

By
Mathew Mitchell
-
0
Demi Vollering 2023 Vuelta Burgos Stage 4

After sailing through a winning streak on Spanish soil, Demi Vollering, the Dutch champion, is all set to take part in the Tour of Burgos (16-19 May) for a third consecutive victory. The recent victories at La Vuelta Femenina and Itzulia Women have given a considerable boost to her morale which has been reflected in her renewed self-confidence.

Vollering said, “The wins in Spain were a relief. My fitness level was good but the real confirmation only comes when you win.” She went on to add, “Now, I’m more relaxed again. But you’re only as good as your last race, so naturally I’m going for the overall win again at the Tour of Burgos.”

With a hint of relief and satisfaction, Vollering expressed how she regained her confidence, “Earlier, it was always not quite right, so this is a sort of relief. I knew I had to be patient. Hard work is always rewarded. You just don’t know when, so it’s important to keep calm. It’s true that once the first win arrives, you immediately boost your confidence and can race more relaxed. You trust your instinct more quickly. Otherwise, you tend to be a bit more cautious.”

Expressing her excitement for the upcoming race, which she won last year, Vollering shared, “I’m really looking forward to racing with Lorena Wiebes again. I enjoy working towards a sprint. Setting up a good lead-out is a team performance, and I derive great satisfaction from that. It’s a different kind of challenge. It’s lovely when you can put your teammate in a perfect position for the finish. That’s what the beauty of cycling as a team sport is all about.”

Although Vollering enjoys the prospect of securing a hattrick in Burgos, she’s not overly occupied with it. She stated, “Normally, this stage race suits me well. However, the course has changed. The tough final climb to Lagunas de Neila in the last stage has been removed. Instead, there are two hill stages, which I’m really looking forward to. But as I said, I live from goal to goal. And first off, that’s piloting Lorena Wiebes perfectly to stage victory on Thursday, hopefully.”

123...586Page 1 of 586