Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Thursday, January 13, 2022
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2021 Tour de France | 2021 Giro d'Italia
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. - Meister Eckhart
Les Woodland's book Sticky Buns Across America: Back roads biking from sea to shining sea is available as an audiobook here. For the print and Kindle eBook versions, just click on the Amazon link on the right.
Upcoming racing:
- Jan 22, 2022: Flandriencross
- Jan 26 - 29, 2022: Challenge Illes Balears
- Jan 30 - Feb 6, 2022:
Vuelta a San JuanCancelled - Jan 31: GP Cycliste la Marseillaise
- Feb 1 -5: Saudi Tour
- Feb 2 - 6: Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana
- Feb 2 - 6: Etoile de Bessèges
- Feb 12, 2022: Gavere Cyclocross
Latest completed racing:
- Jan 1, 2022: GP Sven Nys Cross
- Dec 30: Azencross
- Dec 29:
DiegemcrossCancelled - Dec 27: Heusden Zolder Cyclocross
- Dec 19: Namur Cyclocross
- Dec 11: Ethiascross-Essen
The team sent me this news:
After a positive corona test within the team, Team Jumbo-Visma has ended the training camp in Alicante this morning. Those who are allowed to go home, indeed go home or continue training on an individual basis in Spain, with minimal support from the team. The infected person and the so-called ‘close contacts’ are quarantined in accordance with the guidelines.
Trainng camp is over for Jumbo-Visma. Sirotti photo of the team being presented at the 2021 Giro d'Italia.
The team conducted daily tests on all persons in the bubble. The first training was yesterday morning. In the afternoon the team was presented to the media and via a live stream. The infection was contracted at home. Because everyone trained and ate in separate compartments as a precautionary measure, the number of close contacts is limited.
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Nevertheless, the suspension of the training camp is quite a setback for Team Jumbo-Visma. “The doomsday scenario has come true”, says Mathieu Heijboer, performance manager of the team. “This is a scenario that we have taken into account, of course. We had already decided how to act in such a situation, and we had taken all kinds of measures. Breaking up is the best option to prevent further spread. It is a logistical job to get done.”
Sportive director Merijn Zeeman: “The health of our riders and our staff is our main concern. That’s why we are breaking down our training camp. It has been confirmed once again that it is extremely challenging to organise these kinds of activities in these times. We will guarantee the sporting part as well as possible so that the riders can continue their preparation for the season within the possibilities. It’s a pity, but it is the only right choice.”
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Dennis’ new team Jumbo-Visma sent me this
Rohan Dennis has graced his debut for Team Jumbo-Visma with a national title. On the 37.5 km course, the 31-year-old Dennis was the strongest in a time of 45:33. His nearest rival, Luke Durbridge, finished at more than a minute behind him. Dennis won his fourth national elite time trial title.
Rohan Dennis at last year's Tour de Romandie when he rode for INEOS Grenadiers
The newcomer immediately wanted to show what he was worth. "It’s always nice to become the national champion. For Australians, it is one of the hardest races to win. I’ve already shown that. I started as the world champion twice and couldn’t win here. It’s always about who can prepare best, as everyone brings their highest level. To achieve an important goal on your first race day gives confidence. Team Jumbo-Visma shows a lot of confidence in me. It was important to start well at the team by showing respect and performing right away."
This Sunday, the Australian will try to win the road race. Chris Harper will also appear at the start. "Hopefully, it will be just as nice a day for Chris and me", Dennis looked ahead.
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Durbridge’s BikeExchange-Jayco team sent me this report
Four-time winner Luke Durbridge claimed the silver medal at this year’s Australian time trial championships in his debut outing in the new Team BikeExchange-Jayco colours, as Rohan Dennis claimed victory in Ballarat.
The duo had shared seven of the last 10 TT titles in Australia and the battle for gold was expected to be between the pair yet again. The first half of the 37.5km race saw a tight contest, with Durbridge and Dennis neck and neck according to the roadside reports.
Luke Durbridge going very fast at the Three Days of De Panne in 2017. Sirotti photo
Dennis then upped the pace in the latter stages to take the win, with Durbridge stopping the clock in 46’46” to take his fifth silver medal in the event and his ninth medal in total.
Luke Durbridge:
“I was hoping for the win today, but Rohan was on a very good ride, he’s world class and one of the best time trial riders in the world. Sometimes at the Nationals I can get the better of him, but not this year.
I went out after him and it was quite even after the first lap, I was five of six seconds down, but then I just blew up on the second lap and had to limp home. A silver medal is not the end of the world, I was hoping for more, but we’ll be ready for the weekend and hopefully we can get the win in the road race.”
2022 Australian Time Trial Championships – Results:
Rohan Dennis 45’43”
Luke Durbridge 46’46”
Conor Leahy 47’21”
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