Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
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2024 Tour de France | 2024 Giro d'Italia
Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts. - Charles Dickens
Les Woodland's book Cycling’s 50 Craziest Stories is available in print, Kindle eBook & audiobook versions. To get your copy, just click on the Amazon link on the right.
Upcoming racing:
- December 26: Gavere Cyclocross
- December 27: Exact Cross Loenhout-Azencross
- December 30: Diegem Cyclocross
- January 1: GP Sven Nys Cross
- January 18 - 26: Tour Down Under
Latest completed racing:
- December 15: Namur Cyclocross-Citadelcross
- November 17: Flandriencross
- November 3: European Cyclocross Championships
- November 1: X20 Trofee Oudenaarde-Koppenbergcross
- October 27: Superprestige Overijse-Vlaamse Druivencross
- October 15 - 20: Tour of Guangxi
- October 20: Japan Cup Road Race
- October 20: Veneto Classic
Nooijen’s Team Visma | Lease a Bike posted this:
Lieke Nooijen’s first season with Team Visma | Lease a Bike turned out to be a major success. The young cyclist looks back with great satisfaction on her debut year in the yellow-and-black jersey, during which she claimed six victories. “This past year, I’ve developed enormously. I feel stronger and more mature as a rider, and I can’t wait to take new steps forward.”
From the very beginning, Nooijen felt at home with her new team. “The support here is incredible. The staff ensures that everything is arranged to perfection, and the team spirit is fantastic,” the ever-positive Nooijen begins.
Lieke Nooijen time trialing in the 2024 Princess Anna Vasa Tour.
While the team still maintains a strong Dutch identity, Nooijen notices it’s becoming increasingly international. “The connection among the riders is excellent. We have both young talents and experienced riders, and that combination works perfectly. Everyone learns from each other, which makes us strong as a team. All nationalities bond really well.”
Nooijen describes herself as a versatile rider but admits her true passion lies in time trialing. “That’s an area I want to develop further in the coming years,” she explains. “Over the past year, my time trialing has improved significantly, thanks in part to the team’s support. They provide me with all the resources and opportunities to work on it, and it’s paying off.” Beyond time trials, Nooijen also thrives in classics and grand tours. “I can handle hills, which I think makes me a valuable rider for various types of races.”
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Her first year in the WorldTour brought not only personal growth but also notable results. Nooijen claimed her first individual victory at the Princess Anna Vasa Tour in Poland, a moment that left a lasting impression. “That was truly special,” says the Dutch rider. Still, her silver medal at the Dutch National Time Trial Championships was the highlight of her year. “That result surprised even me. It was the reward for all the hard work, and it gave me so much motivation.”
Another unforgettable moment was her debut in the Giro d’Italia. “Your first grand tour is always special,” Nooijen says enthusiastically. “It’s tough, but the experience of riding a grand tour is indescribable. I hope to compete in more grand tours in the future and grow toward the absolute top. Racing the Tour de France Femmes is every cyclist’s dream, and I carry that ambition with me every day. It’s what motivates me when I wake up, go to bed, and get back on the bike every day.”
Nooijen’s 2024 season kicked off in Australia, making for a unique start to the year. In November, she also had the chance to travel to the United States. “Together with Matteo Jorgenson from the men’s team and CEO Richard Plugge, I represented Team Visma | Lease a Bike during a visit to Cervélo. That, along with starting my season in Australia, was a truly special experience,” the 23-year-old recalls.
Looking ahead to the new season, Nooijen has big ambitions. “As a team, we’re making great strides and have significant goals for the coming years. I feel privileged to be part of this and hope to contribute to future successes. We truly operate as one team, and that’s what makes us strong. I’m already looking forward to what next year will bring,” Nooijen concludes.
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The teams posted this:
As part of a joint commitment to health, safety, and early prevention, the teams of Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance Soudal have partnered with Canon Medical Systems Europe for their annual health screenings.
This year marks a significant milestone as both the male and female teams joined the training camp in Calpe, Spain, underlining the shared vision of riders’ safety and excellence. Building on the successes of similar testing last year, this year’s program was extended to include enhanced cardiac screening, leveraging high-end ultrasound technologies to ensure comprehensive care for each of our riders. Inspired by its "Made for Life" philosophy, Canon Medical Systems Europe continues to provide healthcare solutions that address real-world needs and concerns of patients, medical professionals, customers, and partners.
Enhancing Early Detection and Prevention
Sudden cardiac arrest remains a critical concern for athletes globally, with potentially life-threatening consequences. Similarly, vision health is paramount for performance and safety in cycling, where rapid decision-making and precise navigation are vital. Recognizing the importance of early detection and prevention in both areas, Canon Medical Systems Europe is providing advanced cardiac (Aplio i900) and eye care (Xephilio OCT-R1) screening solutions as part of the December 2024 training camp. By incorporating our flagship ultrasound systems, the Aplio i900, alongside advanced ophthalmology tools, we aim to provide unparalleled precision in identifying potential health issues.
Through innovative techniques, such as myocardial wall motion tracking, strain, and strain rate analysis, the Aplio i900 delivers deep insights into cardiac performance.
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Complementing this, our advanced imaging solutions for eye care enable the detection of conditions such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and other vision impairments that could impact athlete safety and performance. The Xephilio OCT-R1 advances the screening and diagnosis of eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Its compact design and flexible layout make it a perfect fit for any eye care clinic.
With fully automated operation, it enhances both the efficiency and quality of patient care, delivering unmatched OCT performance and exceptional clinical value.
By ensuring that our riders receive tailored evaluations in both cardiac and eye care, we are taking proactive steps to safeguard their health and enhance their performance.
An expanded focus on proactive healthcare via our collaboration with Canon, highlights the importance of both technological advancements and patient-centered care.
With 29 riders and 60 staff members participating in last year’s screenings, this year’s inclusion of both male and female teams demonstrates the evolution and growth of this initiative. Canon Medical Systems Europe’s collaboration showcases the power of partnerships in advancing sports medicine. By providing state-of-the-art imaging solutions and medical expertise, we are helping the team achieve their aspirations while setting a new standard for athlete care.
Supporting Athletes with Advanced Technology
“Canon’s Aplio i900 system has been transformative in our ability to deliver precise and efficient cardiac diagnostics,” said Philip Jansen, team doctor of Soudal Quick-Step. “In addition, the advanced imaging tools for eye care screening enable us to address vision health comprehensively, ensuring our athletes are equipped for the rigorous demands of professional cycling.”
The December training camp in Calpe serves as the perfect platform for these screenings, allowing riders and staff to undergo essential health evaluations in a structured and efficient manner. This comprehensive approach to care ensures that all team members can focus on their performance with confidence and peace of mind.
Canon Medical’s unwavering commitment to innovation and athlete health continues to drive meaningful advancements in medical imaging. By equipping our partners with sophisticated tools and fostering collaborations with elite athletic teams, we are leading the way in promoting safety, performance, and well-being. Together with the Soudal Quick-Step, AG Insurance Soudal Pro Cycling and the Soudal Quick-Step Devo teams, we are proud to set the stage for a successful, healthier, and safer future in sports.
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