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Live: 2024 Vuelta Femenina Stage 1

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Trek-Segafredo-2023-Vuelta-TTT

The 2024 Vuelta Femenina gets underway with a reasonably flat team time trial in Valencia. An out-and-back course along the coast will see teams get hit by strong winds, making it not a simple opening stage to get through successfully. It will prove tough to keep the powerhouses connected to their GC riders whilst also ensuring a strong time is achieved. The likes of Canyon SRAM are already struggling with riders sick and one short going into this stage. For them, it will be damage limitation and trying their best to keep Kasia Niewiadoma in touch with the GC battle.

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

Live Coverage

The race starts at 2:56pm with the live coverage starting just before that – 14:45-16:45

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

Saris Bones 3: Comprehensive Car Bike Rack Review

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The Saris Bones 3 car bike rack stands out as a leading choice for cycling enthusiasts who seek a reliable solution for transporting their bikes. Known for its striking design and robust functionality, this model has garnered attention for its balance of style and practicality. It allows users to carry up to three bicycles, making it an ideal option for families and groups of friends. This review delves into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Saris Bones 3, providing a comprehensive overview to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your car and cycling needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Saris Bones 3 is instantly recognisable due to its unique arc-based design, which not only adds a stylish touch to any vehicle but also serves a practical purpose by positioning bikes at different levels, thus minimising the potential for contact and damage during transport. Constructed from injection-moulded plastic, the rack is exceptionally lightweight yet sturdy, capable of withstanding both the rigours of road travel and adverse weather conditions without succumbing to rust or wear.

This rack’s legs are famously articulated, allowing for an excellent fit on a wide range of vehicle models, from sedans to hatchbacks. The arms, which hold up the bikes, are coated with rubberised material, ensuring that the bikes remain secure and are not scratched. Each arm is adjustable, providing flexibility and ease in accommodating different bike frames and sizes.

The overall durability of the Saris Bones 3 is a major selling point. Users report that the rack maintains its integrity and functionality even after years of use, underscoring its excellent build quality. This durability is backed by a lifetime warranty from Saris, which is a testament to the company’s confidence in its product.

Saris Bones Car Bike Rack

Ease of Installation and Use

Installing the Saris Bones 3 car bike rack is generally straightforward, a process that can be completed in just a few minutes without the need for tools. The rack arrives mostly pre-assembled, and the included instructions are clear and concise, guiding users through the steps of attaching it securely to their vehicle.

The first step involves positioning the rack’s legs appropriately on the car’s rear, using the articulated design to adjust the angle and fit. The strong, injection-molded arms are then extended and hooked to the edge of the trunk or rear window. Six straps, which include coated hooks, are used to anchor the rack securely to the vehicle, with side straps preventing lateral movement and top and bottom straps holding the weight vertically. These straps can be tightened by pulling them through the built-in ratchets, ensuring a snug and stable fit.

Once installed, loading bikes onto the Saris Bones 3 is equally simple. The ratcheting anti-sway straps secure each bike to the arms, preventing movement and protecting the bikes from bumping into each other or the vehicle. The rack’s design accommodates a variety of bike frames, although extremely irregular frames might require an adapter, which is sold separately.

Users appreciate the minimal effort required to mount and dismount bikes, as well as the peace of mind that comes with the stable and secure hold during transport. The Saris Bones 3’s user-friendly setup and operation make it a popular choice for cyclists of all levels.

Capacity and Compatibility

The Saris Bones 3 is engineered to carry up to three bicycles at once, supporting a maximum weight of approximately 16 kilograms per bike. This capacity is well-suited for a variety of bike types, from lightweight road bikes to heavier mountain bikes, though it’s crucial that the total load does not surpass the recommended limit to ensure both safety and stability.

One of the standout features of the Saris Bones 3 is its broad compatibility with different vehicle types. Its adjustable arms and legs allow it to be installed on a diverse range of vehicles, including many saloons, hatchbacks, people carriers, and even some SUVs. The unique arc-based design of the rack helps to better space out the bikes, minimising the risk of them coming into contact with the vehicle or each other during travel.

Potential users should, however, verify compatibility with their specific vehicle model to prevent problems such as obscured number plates or rear lights, which can occur with certain setups. Saris offers a detailed compatibility guide on their website, which can be consulted to check if the Bones 3 will fit properly on your vehicle.

Moreover, the rack’s capability to adapt to various bike sizes and frame styles is facilitated by its adjustable arms, which can be positioned to best accommodate the bikes being transported. This adaptability is particularly advantageous for families or groups needing to haul different types of bikes. Nevertheless, owners of bikes with unusual frame shapes might need to buy a separate frame adapter to ensure the bikes are securely attached to the rack.

Best Features

The Saris Bones 3 bike rack boasts several features that distinguish it from its competitors and make it a favoured choice among cyclists. Here are some of its best features:

1. Arc-based Design

  • The innovative arc-based shape of the rack not only enhances the visual appeal when mounted on your vehicle but also serves a functional purpose. By elevating the bikes at different levels, it prevents bike-to-bike and bike-to-vehicle contact, reducing the risk of damage during transport.

2. Lightweight Yet Durable Construction

  • Made from injection-molded plastic, the Saris Bones 3 is lightweight, making it easy to handle and install without assistance. Despite its low weight, the rack is highly durable and resistant to rust, ensuring long-term use and reliability.

3. Easy Adjustment and Installation

  • With articulated arms and legs, the Saris Bones 3 can be easily adjusted to fit a wide range of vehicle types. The installation process is tool-free, involving simple steps that can be quickly executed, making it convenient for users to set up or remove the rack as needed.

4. Integrated Ratchet Straps

  • The rack includes built-in ratchet straps that simplify the process of securing bikes. These straps tighten around the bikes and the vehicle, providing a firm hold that minimises movement and enhances stability during transport.

5. Lifetime Warranty

  • Saris offers a lifetime warranty on the Bones 3, reflecting the company’s confidence in the product’s quality and durability. This warranty provides buyers with peace of mind, knowing that their investment is protected.

6. Compatibility with a Range of Bikes

  • The adjustable arms allow for the accommodation of various bike frames and sizes, making the rack versatile enough for different types of bikes. This feature is especially beneficial for families or groups that might need to transport a mixture of bike types.

These features collectively contribute to the Saris Bones 3’s status as a top choice for transporting bicycles with ease and security.

Worst Features and Limitations

While the Saris Bones 3 car bike rack offers numerous benefits, it is also important to consider its limitations and potential drawbacks to provide a well-rounded review. Here are some of the key issues that users may encounter:

1. Weight Distribution Concerns

  • Despite its sturdy build, the Bones 3 can struggle with weight distribution when fully loaded with three heavy bikes. This can sometimes result in excessive sway or tilt, particularly on longer trips or on rougher roads, which might concern some users about the security of their bikes.

2. Vehicle Compatibility Issues

  • Although the rack is versatile, there are still some vehicle models, especially those with plastic spoilers or integrated rear spoilers, where fitting the Bones 3 can be challenging or not recommended. This limitation can restrict the rack’s usability for owners of such vehicles.

3. Obstruction of Vehicle Features

  • In some configurations, the rack may obscure the car’s rear license plate or taillights, which is not only inconvenient but can also be illegal in some regions, requiring additional planning or adjustments to ensure compliance with local laws.

4. No Built-in Locking Mechanism

  • Unlike some of its competitors, the Saris Bones 3 does not come with a built-in lock to secure the bikes to the rack or the rack to the vehicle. This omission means that users need to invest in additional locks to prevent theft, which adds to the overall cost and inconvenience.

5. Necessity for Adapters for Certain Bike Frames

  • As flexible as the Bones 3 is with different bike types, some bike frames, particularly non-standard ones like women’s, children’s, or full-suspension bikes, may require an additional adapter. This need for extra accessories can be a hassle and an extra expense.

6. Plastic Components Durability

  • While the high-quality plastic construction helps keep the rack lightweight and rust-free, some users have raised concerns about the long-term durability of these plastic parts under heavy use or in harsh weather conditions.

These limitations highlight some of the challenges and considerations potential buyers might face with the Saris Bones 3. Understanding these aspects is crucial in making an informed purchase decision.

Conclusion

The Saris Bones 3 bike rack offers a compelling combination of style, functionality, and adaptability, making it a popular choice among cycling enthusiasts. With its distinctive arc-based design, ease of installation, and capacity to accommodate various bike types, it stands out as a robust solution for transporting bikes securely and efficiently.

However, potential buyers should also consider its limitations, including the absence of a built-in locking mechanism, the necessity for additional adapters for certain bike frames, and potential compatibility issues with certain vehicle models. The rack’s performance in terms of weight distribution when fully loaded might also be a concern for those planning to transport heavier bikes or travel long distances.

Overall, the Saris Bones 3 is a solid choice, particularly for casual or recreational cyclists. Its ease of use, coupled with the lifetime warranty, offers substantial value despite some drawbacks. Buyers looking for a reliable, flexible bike transportation solution will find the Saris Bones 3 to be a worthy investment, provided the rack fits their specific vehicle and biking needs.

This review should help you decide whether the Saris Bones 3 meets the requirements of your active lifestyle and provide the assurance needed to make an informed decision about this bike rack.

Double-header of racing in Gracia Orlova as Huys & Jeffers take maiden wins today

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Emma Jeffers 2024 Gracia Orlova Stage 4

Today’s stage of the Gracia Orlova was split into two distinct parts – a morning time trial followed by an afternoon road race – producing a memorable day for newcomers on the UCI circuit.

2024 Gracia Orlova Stage 3

The morning session began with an individual time trial over a 13.5km course, marking a career milestone for 18-year-old Austrian Tabea Huys of the MAXX Solar Rose team, who claimed her first UCI-level victory. Following closely behind, the general classification leader and Stage 1 winner Corinna Lechner finished 20 seconds adrift, securing second place, while Marion Norbert Riberolle completed the podium just a second behind Lechner.

This event reshuffled the general classification significantly, propelling Huys into the top-10 for the first time this season and elevating the Stage 2 winner Mirre Knaven to second place, with Urska Zigart rounding out the top three.

Urska Zigart
(Photo Credit: Bellxone Photography)

2024 Gracia Orlova Stage 3 result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

2024 Gracia Orlova Stage 4

The afternoon’s 71.9km road race culminated in a bustling sprint finish where nearly all competitors crossed the line en masse. Emma Jeffers of Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s Continental Team outpaced her rivals in the sprint, capturing her first UCI level win, closely followed by Mirre Knaven and Olga Wankiewicz. The general classification remained largely unchanged following the afternoon’s exertions.

Reflecting on the day’s events, Mirre Knaven shared, “Today was really about recovery from the morning time trial and positioning for the sprint. Although we aimed for a breakaway, it wasn’t to be, so we focused on the sprint. I’m thrilled with how we performed as a team, and to finish on the podium again feels fantastic.”

2024 Gracia Orlova Stage 4 result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

Marta Lach Triumphs at Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich

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Marta Lach secured her first win of the 2024 season at the prestigious Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich in Luxembourg. The race is technically a new addition to the calendar but really just a split-out version of the old Festival Elsy Jacobs featured a demanding 112-kilometre route laden with challenging hills and concluding with several punishing ascents.

From the race’s onset, the pace was dictated by the World Tour teams, quickly thinning the main group. By the midpoint, a significant breakaway had formed including Lach from Ceratizit-WNT, alongside Christine Majerus and Marie Schreiber from Team SD Worx – Protime, with Marte Berg Edseth and Katrine Aalerud from Uno-X Mobility completing the group.

Despite the efforts of the Cofidis and VolkerWessels teams leading the chase, the breakaway’s advantage only expanded. As the race reached its climax, the cooperation among the leaders held firm until the sprint finish. Lach dominated the sprint, clinching a resounding victory, her first of the year. Majerus finished second, adding a local flavour to the podium, with Aalerud in third.

After her win, Lach shared her excitement, “Today was incredible. To win here, against such a strong field and on such a tough course, it really feels amazing. This win is a great reflection of our team’s effort and strategy.”

Christine Majerus, Marta Lach & Katrine Aalerud
(Photo credit: DucalCycling)

This year, the Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich transitioned from a stage race to two one-day events. Despite this change and a downgrade from the UCI Pro Series to the lowest one-day race level, the race has maintained its competitive edge and continues to attract top international talent, confirmed by its live broadcast coverage.

The festival will continue with another race set in Luxembourg City tomorrow, promising more action.

2024 Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich

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Checking Out The 2024 Vuelta Femenina Team Time Trial

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Riejanne Markus TTT 2023 Vuelta Femenina
Credit: Cor Vos

The 2024 Vuelta Femenina kicks off with the most interesting stages on April 28th with the Team Time Trial (TTT). This discipline sees teams battling against the clock in a show of collective endurance and hopefully with seamless coordination. The team time trial is a unique event that hinges on unity as much as it does on individual strength.

Each team’s time will be recorded when the fourth rider crosses the finish line, making every member’s performance crucial to the outcome. Riders who are dropped by their team will receive the time they do eventually cross the line. The first rider across the line on the fastest team will wear the leader’s red jersey for Stage 2.

2024_Vuelta_Espana_Femenina_Stage_1_Profile

The Team Time Trial Route

In the 2024 Vuelta Femenina, teams will embark on a flat, brisk 16-kilometre journey through Valencia, where strategic prowess is paramount. The course, set for a mid-afternoon start, is defined by its linear elevations and a long stretch conducive to high speeds. Teams will be challenged to maintain tight, aerodynamic formations as they tackle a route with minimal altitude variance, the highest point standing a mere 13 metres above sea level. The midpoint at 8.2 kilometres not only serves as a time check but a critical juncture for teams to assess their performance and make any necessary tactical adjustments for the second half of the race, which concludes on a consistently level terrain ideal for a full-throttle finish.

Analysing the Favourites

Lidl-Trek, well-versed in the nuances of time trialling, are expected to bring their best to the fore, capitalising on their collective experience in such events. The likes of Ellen van Dijk will power them along. SD Worx will be another team to watch, having demonstrated last year that they are within striking distance of victory. With every team member’s performance being critical, the narrow margins from the previous year suggest another closely fought contest this time around.

The competitiveness of Visma | Lease a Bike and FDJ-Suez can’t be overlooked, both teams harbouring riders capable of delivering top-tier performances against the clock. Visma | Lease a Bike took the first leader’s red jersey last season as they won the opening TTT. Anna Henderson had the honour of wearing red on Stage 2 in 2023.

Despite the challenges faced by Canyon-SRAM, including starting with one rider less and suffering health issues within the squad, their previous year’s near-miss by a mere 1-second shows they have the mettle to challenge the best when they are fully fit.

Vuelta Femenina Team Time Trial Running Order

The starting order for the 2024 Vuelta Femenina TTT will unfold as follows, with intervals between each team’s departure:

OrderStart TimeTeam
115:56:00TEAM COOP-REPSOL
215:59:00WINSPACE
316:02:00BEPINK – BONGIOANNI
416:05:00ENEICAT-CMTEAM
516:08:00LOTTO DSTNY LADIES
616:11:00VOLKERWESSELS WOMEN’S PRO CYCLING
716:14:00EF EDUCATION – CANNONDALE
816:17:00HUMAN POWERED HEALTH
916:20:00AG INSURANCE – SOUDAL TEAM
1016:23:00ROLAND
1116:26:00LIV-ALULA-JAYCO
1216:29:00LABORAL KUTXA – FUNDACION EUSKADI
1316:32:00FENIX-DECEUNINCK
1416:35:00FDJ-SUEZ
1516:38:00TEAM VISMA
1616:41:00TEAM DSM-FIREMNICH POSTNL
1716:44:00UAE TEAM ADQ
1816:47:00CANYON//SRAM RACING
1916:50:00LIDL – TREK
2016:53:00TEAM SD WORX – PROTIME
2116:56:00MOVISTAR TEAM

Teams will depart at 3-minute intervals, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as each squad attempts to clock the fastest time over the course.

Main photo credit: Cor Vos

Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio to miss Vuelta Femenina

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Ashleigh-Moolman-Pasio
Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio

Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio, a stalwart of the AG Insurance-Soudal team, will unfortunately miss the upcoming La Vuelta Femenina due to illness, the team confirmed. The 38-year-old South African, heralded as a favourite for the race, was forced to withdraw after falling ill just as she approached peak form. This setback follows her commendable performances in the Ardennes classics and a consistent start to the 2024 season.

“In an instant, my spring goals slipped away from me, just as I was starting to hit my peak form after months of dedicated training”, Moolman-Pasio shared. She added, “I woke up feeling ill on the day of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, yet I honoured the team’s choice to compete. Unfortunately, the illness has worsened this week, forcing me to make the tough decision to prioritize my health and focus on a complete recovery.”

Maud Rijnbeek will step in for Moolman Pasio in the race, which spans from April 28 to May 5. Despite her absence, Moolman-Pasio’s spirit remains with her team, wishing them strength and success in the challenging days ahead.

Sarah Gigante, a promising young rider, who originally would offer substantial support during the race will no doubt step up to become GC leader. Gigante, who triumphed at the Tour Down Under earlier this year, will aim to make a significant impact at the Vuelta, especially as she negotiates a new contract for 2025 and beyond.

Moolman-Pasio, a seasoned competitor with a slew of top-ten finishes in Grand Tours including a notable sixth at last year’s Tour de France Femmes, remains optimistic about returning to competition later in the season stronger and fully recovered.

Lauren Stephens Dominates Tyrone Time Trial, Extending Lead at Tour of the Gila

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Lauren Stephens from Cynisca Cycling showcased her time-trialling skills yet again by claiming victory in the time trial that made up Stage 3 of the Tour of the Gila 2024. Stephens, who previously won on this course in 2015, outdid her own record by 23 seconds. Her triumph not only solidified her lead in the General Classification but extended it to a commanding 2:01 ahead of her closest competitor, Nadia Gontova from DNA Pro Cycling.

“It was quite windy out there, but it was a great ride; I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” Stephens remarked, reflecting on her performance.

The 26-kilometre time trial was marred by an unfortunate incident involving Emily Ehrlich of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24, who was a favourite coming into the race after her recent successes at the Redlands Bicycle Classic and the Pan American Track Championships. Ehrlich crashed on the descent of the Little Burro, leading to her withdrawal from the race due to a broken collarbone among other injuries.

“I hope Emily is okay,” said a concerned Stephens after witnessing the crash. “Seeing her reminded me to focus on safety first.”

Despite the setback, Ehrlich remains upbeat. She relayed through her team that she is in good spirits and doesn’t want people to worry about her. The crash, however, led to a reshuffle in the overall standings, with Alia Shafi from Fount Cycling Guild capitalising on the day’s events to finish second, 51 seconds behind Stephens, and moving into the top ten on GC.

Cécile Lejeune of PAS Steve Tilford Foundation Racing managed a strong performance to finish third, proving her resilience against the challenging conditions.

As the Tour of the Gila progresses, the spotlight remains on Stephens as she continues to demonstrate her dominance and experience, leaving rivals trailing and spectators in awe of her cycling tenacity. The action resumes with the Downtown Criterium tomorrow.

2024 Tour of the Gila Stage 3 result

Results powered by FirstCycling.com

A quick preview look at the Ceratizit Festival Elsy Jacobs 2024

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Ally Wollaston Festival Elsy Jacobs 2023 Podium

The Festival Elsy Jacobs is the biggest women’s race in Luxembourg and has been a highlight on the UCI women’s elite cycle racing calendar since 2008. This race has evolved significantly over the years, upgrading from a UCI 1.1 category race between 2009 and 2011 to a 2.1 category stage race between 2012-2023. Named in honour of Elsy Jacobs, the trailblazing cyclist who clinched the inaugural 1958 World Championships Women’s road race in 1958 at Reims in France and also maintained the women’s Hour record from 1958 to 1972, the race has a rich heritage of promoting women’s cycling.

In a significant shift for 2024, the traditional stage race format will be transformed into two one-day races on consecutive days, April 27th in Garnich and April 28th in Luxembourg City, promising a fresh challenge for riders. It’s largely as a result of La Vuelta Femenina changing dates and overlapping the race now. Its roll of honour includes the likes of Ally Wollaston, Marta Bastianelli, Emma Norsgaard, Lisa Brennauer, Kasia Niewiadoma, Anna van der Breggen, and Marianne Vos.

Lisa_Brennauer_wins_Festival_Elsy_Jacobs_2019
Lisa Brennauer wins 2019 Festival Elsy Jacobs

Which teams are racing at Ceratizit Festival Elsy Jacobs 2024?

  • Ceratizit-WNT Pro Cycling
  • Uno-X Mobility
  • Cofidis Women Team
  • Team SD Worx-Protime
  • CANYON//SRAM Generation
  • MAXX-SOLAR ROSE Women Racing
  • UAE Development Team
  • Top Girls Fassa Bortolo
  • ARA | Skip Capital
  • Team Komugi-Grand Est
  • DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK
  • Team Mendelspeck Ge-Man
  • VolkerWessels Pro Cycling Team
  • Torelli
  • Hess Cycling Team
  • Baloise-WB Ladies
  • Norway
  • Kazakhstan
  • Luxembourg

What do the Ceratizit Festival Elsy Jacobs 2024 route profiles look like?

Ceratizit Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich

Ceratizit Festival Elsy Jacobs à Luxembourg

Where can I watch the Ceratizit Festival Elsy Jacobs 2024?

Ceratizit Festival Elsy Jacobs à Garnich

Ceratizit Festival Elsy Jacobs à Luxembourg

Who are the main riders to watch?

  • Nina Berton
  • Arianne Fidanza
  • Mylene de Zoete
  • Anouska Koster
  • Marte Berg Edseth
  • Martina Alzini
  • Christine Majerus
  • Lonneke Uneken
  • Katharina Fox
  • Dominika Wlodarczyk
  • Elisabeth Ebras
  • Stine Borgli
  • Giorgia Bariani
  • Sophie Marr
  • Eliska Kvasnickova
  • Alice Sharpe
  • Scarlett Souren
  • Margot Vanpachtenbeke
  • Anne Knijnenburg

    Mirre Knaven triumphs in Gracia Orlova’s queen stage

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    Mirre Knaven 2024 Gracia Orlova Stage 2 (Josef Vaishar)

    In an exhilarating display of speed and skill, 19-year-old Mirre Knaven of AG Insurance-Soudal claimed victory in the second stage of the Gracia Orlova, a UCI 2.2 race in the Czech Republic. The young Dutch rider, also a cyclocross competitor, sprinted to victory from a select group of thirteen riders after a gruelling mountain stage.

    The 101-kilometre stage, which started and finished in Lichnov, was punctuated by three first-category climbs and one second-category climb, testing the peloton’s climbing legs. Despite the challenges, it was Knaven who emerged victorious, crossing the line several bike lengths ahead of her nearest competitors, Xaydee Van Sinaey and yesterday’s winner Corinna Lechner, who finished second and third respectively.

    Mirre Knaven expressed her elation post-race, “Today was nervy at the start; I wasn’t sure of my form on the longer climbs. But as the race progressed, I felt surprisingly strong and was confident heading into the sprint. This is my first significant road win, and it’s incredibly special to achieve it here.” Her victory marks a notable success early in the season and underlines her potential on the road as well as in cyclocross.

    Corinna Lechner’s consistent performance ensured she retained the overall leader’s jersey, now thirteen seconds ahead of Lore De Schepper, who sits in second place. Knaven herself is not far behind, positioned fourth overall, just fifteen seconds from the lead.

    Mirre Knaven on the podium with Xaydee Van Sinaey & Corinna Lechner

    Looking ahead, the Gracia Orlova continues with three more stages, including a pivotal 13.5-kilometre time trial, expected to shake up the general classification before concluding with two stages likely favouring the sprinters.

    This result not only highlights Knaven’s burgeoning talent but also solidifies AG Insurance-Soudal’s prominence in this year’s race, following a strong second-place finish by teammate Lore De Schepper on the opening day.

    2024 Gracia Orlova Stage 2 result

    Results powered by FirstCycling.com

    Main photo credit: Josef Vaishar

    Marlies Mejias Garcia triumphs again at Tour of the Gila, with Stephens retaining overall lead

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    Marlies Mejias Garcia 2024 Tour of the Gila Stage 2 (Brian Hodes)

    In a thrilling stage 2 of the Tour of the Gila, Marlies Mejias Garcia from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24 claimed her second consecutive victory, showcasing her sprint prowess at Fort Bayard. The Cuban rider managed to out-sprint her close rival Yanina Kuskova from Tashkent City and maintain a strong position in the overall race dynamics. Lauren Stephens of Cynisca Cycling, despite fierce competition, held onto her red leader’s jersey, extending her overall lead.

    The stage unfolded with high drama, featuring several attempts by riders to break away from the peloton. Early in the race, Anet Barrera of DNA Pro Cycling initiated an attack, which was followed by spirited efforts from Céclie Lejeune of Steve Tilford Foundation, Kuskova, and Emily Erlich of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Twenty24. Despite these aggressive moves, the peloton regrouped after the initial climbs, setting the stage for a compact finish.

    Elizabeth Dixon of Fount Cycling launched a late solo attack before the final classified climb, managing to build a significant lead of nearly two minutes. However, her bold move was reeled in with just 3km remaining, demonstrating the peloton’s determination to keep the race together for a sprint finish.

    The 74.1-mile stage, marked by 6,103 feet of elevation gain, challenged the riders with three Category 3 Queen of the Mountain climbs and two intermediate sprints. The course’s profile, combined with the strategic placement of the sprints and climbs, tested the riders’ resilience and tactical acumen.

    Marlies Mejias Garcia 2024 Tour of the Gila Stage 2 (Kai Caddy)
    Marlies Mejias Garcia
    (Photo Credit: Kai Caddy)

    Mejias spoke highly of her team’s effort, which was pivotal in her victory. “It’s not just my victory but the entire team’s. The hard work they did today afforded me this win,” she reflected, praising her teammates for their role in navigating the challenging conditions, particularly the strong winds that influenced the race’s final phase.

    The stage also saw its share of mishaps, with several crashes reported during the descent. Mara Roldan of Cynisca Cycling was among those affected, leading to her withdrawal from the race due to a precautionary measure for a possible concussion.

    Looking ahead, the Tour of the Gila continues with the Tyrone Time Trial, where Stephens, a previous winner of the stage, expressed her anticipation and readiness to extend her lead further. “It was quite windy coming into the finish, and unfortunately, we had Mara crash, which was tough on the team. However, I’m looking forward to the time trial and hoping to add another stage win to my achievements here,” Stephens stated.

    2024 Tour of the Gila Stage 2 result

    Results powered by FirstCycling.com

    Main photo credit: Brian Hodes