Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Back to news and opinion index page for links to archived stories | Commentary | Our YouTube page
2023 Tour de France | 2023 Giro d'Italia
Poets are the sense, philosophers the intelligence of humanity. - Samuel Beckett
Bill & Carol McGann's book The Story of the Tour de France, Vol 1: 1903 - 1975 is available in print, Kindle eBook & audiobook versions. To get your copy, just click on the Amazon link on the right.
Current racing:
- Jan 30-Feb 3: AlUla Tour (formerly Saudi Tour)
Upcoming racing:
- Jan 31 - Feb 4: Etoile de Besseges
- Jan 31 - Feb 4: Volta a La Comunitat Valenciana
Latest completed racing:
- Jan 24-28: Challenge Vuelta Ciclista a Mallorca
- Jan 28: GP d'Ouverture-La Marseillaise
- Jan 28: Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
- Jan 12-21: Santos Tour Down Under
- Jan 20: Clasica Comunitat Valenciana
- Jan 1: GP Sven Nys
- Dec 29: Exact Cross Loenhout-Azencross
- Dec 28: Superprestige Diegem
Here’s the team’s update:
After the seasonal debut in Australia and with the AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia on the horizon, Bahrain Victorious is also gearing up for its first European race of the season: the 75th edition of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.
With a dynamic roster of experienced cyclists and promising talents, the team is poised for the 5-day stage race, across the picturesque landscapes of the Valencian Community, an autonomous region in eastern Spain. The race will kick off on January 31 and conclude on February 4, weaving through the diverse terrain of the three provinces of the Comunitat Valenciana – Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante.
Pello Bilbao winning stage three of the 2023 Tour Down Under. Sirotti photo
The race promises a mix of challenges, from mid-mountain stages to demanding mountain passes, sprints, and technical courses. Bonus seconds, distributed at intermediate sprints in the first three stages, atop climbs, and at the finish line, are anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping the General Classification (GC).
Sports Director Roman Kreuziger highlights the significance of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana as a perfect season opener, offering a well-rounded course. Despite the race appearing somewhat easier on paper than the previous year, the competition’s high level and the riders’ eagerness after a racing hiatus add an element of unpredictability.
“The team’s primary focus is securing a top-three spot in the General Classification, led by the experienced Pello Bilbao and co-leader Santiago Buitrago, making his debut in this race. Bonus seconds are expected to be a decisive factor, potentially shaking up the GC on the final day,” notes Kreuziger.
The team’s strategic lineup includes key support from Yukiya Arashiro and Kamil Gradek, climbing expertise from Rainer Kepplinger, sprint potential from Nicolò Buratti, and a wildcard in Matej Mohorič, serving as the road captain and joker for potential stage win.
Beyond pursuing GC success and possible stage victories, Bahrain Victorious aims to leave Valenciana with heightened confidence in their form and teamwork, setting a positive tone for the season’s upcoming challenges.
Bahrain Victorious leader, Pello Bilbao, who will be making his 7th appearance at the Volta a La Comunitat Valenciana, shares his anticipation: “As it happened most of the seasons, I start racing in Valencia. I think it’s a perfect opener as it is an interesting race, and not too hard. The organizers planned once again an interesting parcour, featuring several stages that suit me well: always with little kicks or climbs approaching the end. There are not long uphill finish and this makes the race more open, but stage 4 will be a tough one. We had the opportunity to have a recon of it, and it will be a nice show to see on TV. It was also a nice discovery to go there: it’s a very nice place for cycling. I’m really motivated to start this new season and I hope also in the best condition. I will try to be involved in the overall until the end”.
The 75th Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana will kick off with the Benicàssim-Castellón mid-mountain stage, where a reduced bunch sprint is expected to decide the first leader’s jersey. Kreuziger emphasizes the importance of focus, commitment, and strategic positioning from the very first day to navigate the challenges and capitalize on bonus seconds.
As the race progresses with mid-mountain and sprint stages, including the potential for crosswinds, the climax awaits on the queen stage – Teulada/Moraira-La Vall d’Ebo – featuring five mountain passes, including the Alto del Miserat.
The grand finale at the Port of Valencia after a short and intense Bétera-València stage promises a battle for the overall victory. Kreuziger concludes, “There is sure to be a battle, and excitement will persist all the way to the finish line. We hope our riders will be in the mix to achieve our race’s goal: a final podium in Valencia.”
Content continues below the ads
Here’s the team’s news:
Rafal Majka captains squad in Saudi as Pavel Sivakov makes team debut in Valenciana
UAE Team Emirates will begin a block of racing in the Middle-East in their highly anticipated build-up to the UAE Tour, starting with the newly branded AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia from 30 January – 3 February while the team will also race in Spain at the Volta Valenciana from 31 January -4 February.
The group for AlUla will look towards the experience of Rafal Majka who will captain the squad while Sebastian Molano will aim to take advantage of the sprint opportunities with a strong leadout train to back him up.
Rafal Majka finishes 2023 Dauphiné stage eight. Sirotti photo
Molano: “I’m starting my season at AlUla and I’ll be focusing on the sprint stages together with a strong block of leadout riders in support. We have been riding together now for many seasons and know and trust each other well in the sprints. I’m really looking forward to getting things started and to hopefully build on last season and keep at the high level. We have guys here for the GC also who we expect will be up in the fight for the overall.”
Meanwhile Pavel Sivakov will look to make a strong debut in UAE colours as he heads-up a team heavy with climbing talent at Vuelta Valenciana.
The team for AlUla will be guided by Sports Directors Fabio Baldato (Ita) and Jan Polanc (Slo).
AlUla Tour [2.1] – 30-Jan-2024 / 03-Feb-2024
- Finn Fisher Black (NZ)
- Vegard Stake Laengen (Nor)
- Rafal Majka (Pol)
- Sebastian Molano (Col)
- Rui Oliveira (Por)
- Ivo Oliveira (Por)
- Michael Vink (NZ)
Sports Manager Joxean Matxin Fernandez will lead the team in Volta Valenciana, being joined by Sports Directors Marco Marzano (Ita) and Manuele Mori (Ita).
Vuelta Comunitat Valenciana [2.Pro] – 31-Jan-2023 / 04-Feb-2023
- Igor Arrieta (Spa)
- Jan Christen (Swi)
- Alessandro Covi (Ita)
- Felix Grossschartner (Aus)
- Brandon McNulty (USA)
- Pavel Sivakov (Fra)
- Duarte Marivoet (Bel) (Gen Z)
Content continues below the ads
Here’s the news the team sent me:
Team dsm-firmenich PostNL are delighted to reveal that the experienced John Degenkolb has extended his contract with the team through the 2025 campaign, where he will take on his ninth season in the distinctive two-stripes.
John Degenkolb with Paris-Roubaix in 2015. Sirotti photo
Hailing from Gera in Germany, Degenkolb first joined the team now known as Team dsm-firmenich PostNL back in 2012, going on to take two incredible Monument titles with the team in 2015 at Milano-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix, plus a multitude of Grand Tour stage victories and many more wins. Departing for pastures new in 2017, Degenkolb returned to the team in 2022, and has proven to be of value to the squad both on and off the bike. Solid performances throughout the recent two seasons have seen Degenkolb claim several top tens with the team, which of course includes that heart-breaking edition of Paris-Roubaix in 2023 where he crashed out of the leading group, going on to take seventh place. Yet, it is not only his strong legs that Degenkolb brings to the team as the now 35-year-old has a vast amount of experience and knowledge. With that, his role as a road and team captain is crucial in bringing together the different groups and riders as the team aims for more success in the future.
Degenkolb said: “I’ve spent most of my pro career in what is the now Team dsm-firmenich PostNL environment and it feels like family to me. It’s a dream to get the chance to extend my contract with the team for another year. After my five years away, when I returned to the team in 2022, we made the very conscious decision to take on a new role. It’s so much fun to race alongside all these young athletes, to share my experience, and play a part in the progress and development of their talents. "
I take motivation out of the previous season in general, but also in particular from my favourite race, Paris-Roubaix. More than ever though I’m still driven by my passion for cycling and everything around it. My big dream is to help the young riders to find that same passion for racing that I have, and I want to be an important piece in the puzzle for the team, helping them to win the biggest cycling races on the calendar.”
Team dsm-firmenich PostNL head coach Rudi Kemna added: “John has been and is an important rider for us on the bike, and we’ve shared some great moments together in the past, but he is also incredibly important off the bike too. He is a real culture carrier and an experienced guy, who is always motivated and brings energy, but also accountability, to the group. He has the right mentality to help bring those around him up to the next level and that is something we value a lot as a team. We’re looking forward to continuing with John for another season, and we’re excited for where that can take us as a team.”
Content continues below the ads
The team posted this interview:
On Wednesday, January 31st, at the Volta a la Comunitad Valenciana, Jonathan Milan will make his debut in the Lidl-Trek jersey. We had a Q&A with him at the start of a period that will be a climax at the Classics.
Johnny, first of all: how are you?:
I’m good and I’m very happy with the path towards my debut. I had a good winter, focused on recovery and discovering the new Team. Since the last race in China in mid-October, I’ve experienced three important moments to get familiar with the Lidl-Trek environment. The team camp in the US and then the two training camps in Spain. I was able to get to know teammates and staff, test the materials, and talk about my schedule and preparation. It was enjoyable and constructive. Of course I also spent many hours riding my new Trek Madone, but compared to the past I did it with less pressure, less stress in view of the debut. Let’s say I took it a bit easier than in the past, but that doesn’t mean I’m any less ready for it.
Jonathan Milan wins 2023 Giro d'Italia stage two. Sirotti photo
How’s your spirit ahead of Volta Valenciana?
I feel great motivation and confidence. It’s the first race of a new adventure and project, I’m super excited about it. My condition is not at the top, but as I mentioned, it was a very specific choice. My and the Team’s ambition is to reach the first peak condition for the Classics. Therefore, we needed a different approach to this season than in the past. Hence the desire for a quieter off season, with a plan to grow in intensity and quality. Volta Valenciana will tell me where I am at, where I need to improve and which aspects I need to focus on in the coming weeks.
Besides looking for a good result, is there a particular goal you have in mind?
Building the best possible feeling with my new teammates. For a rider with my characteristics, the support of the team is essential to aim high. In the training camps we always trained together and simulated how to handle the key moments of sprints. These were constructive moments, but now we face the first test in a race context. The sprint is a mechanism that cannot be built with a snap of the fingers. It takes time, especially for riders who have never raced together on the road. We have to refine the mechanisms and it is only by racing that we can become as one. We have the potential to build a great train. The desire to start well is strong in everyone and that is what motivates me the most. I am optimistic about doing well right from the start.
You’ll pin the number after a great season. Are you ready for a new challenge?
I must be! The first race of the year also serves to break the ice in the competition with the other riders, there is mutual curiosity in seeing each other at work, as well as the desire to try to put the wheel in front of everyone. But beyond the challenge with the others, what interests me most is to set the focus on myself, on my Team and our improvement.
How will your season continue?
After Volta Valenciana, a training block will follow, then comes the first taste of Belgium with the Opening Weekend. In March I will race Tirreno-Adriatico and Milano-Sanremo, before moving North again for a full immersion of Classics, from Gent-Wevelgem to Paris-Roubaix. It’s an ambitious and demanding calendar, which I intend to tackle step by step. I want to grow and learn; that’s what the Team is also asking of me.
Back to news and opinion index page for links to archived stories | Commentary