Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Sunday, September 29, 2024
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2024 Tour de France | 2024 Giro d'Italia
Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy. - Joseph Campbell
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:
- September 22 - 29: World Road Cycling Championships
- Sept 29 - Oct 6: Le Tour de Langkawi
Upcoming racing:
- October 1: Binche-Chimay-Binche
- October 3: Sparkassen Münsterland Giro
- October 5: Giro dell'Emilia
- October 6: Paris-Tours
- October 6: Coppa Agostoni-Giro delle Brianze
- October 7: Coppa Bernocchi
- October 8: Tre Valli Varesine
- October 10: Gran Piemonte
- October 12: Il Lombardia
Latest completed racing:
- September 18 - 22: Tour de Luxembourg
- September 21: Super 8 Classic
- September 20: Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen
- September 18: GP de Wallonie
- September 15: Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal
- September 15: Trofeo Matteotti
- September 14: Memorial Marco Pantani
- September 13: Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec
- September 12: Coppa Sabatini
We posted the UCI's report with the results.
Here's the report from winner Lotte Kopecky's Team SD Worx:
Lotte Kopecky is elite world champion for the second consecutive year. The 28-year-old Belgian from Team SD Worx-Protime was the fastest in the final sprint ahead of Chloe Dygert and Elisa Longo-Borghini. On the tricky Zurich course, however, she had to chase several times, but each time Kopecky fought her way back into the title race. After which she sprinted grandiosely back into the rainbow jersey.
Lotte Kopecky is World Champion again. Sirotti photo
‘I can't believe it,’ Kopecky said in an initial reaction. ‘First of all, I want to express my condolences to Muriel Furrer's family. The minute's silence at the start was harsh with the Swiss riders crying. You don't want to see that. It must be really hard on them and the family. You can say this is also a title for Muriel, yes.’
After which Kopecky talked us through her race. ‘It was an enervating day. It rained and was cold. On the climbs you were too hot, but downhill you got cold again. The key was to keep a ‘cool’ head, despite the fact that I was freezing a few laps from the end. I tried not to let it creep into my head.’
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‘Also, I tried not to panic when I got into trouble on the longer climb when Demi Vollering attacked. I had to ride my own pace and hoped to get back that way. It was a strong group in front and there was a chance they would work together and so stay in front. But I couldn't give up. I had seen how Alec Segaert rode to the bronze medal from a lost position in the U23 on Friday. Once I got to the front again, the mental games started and it was again important to stay cool and spend my energy wisely.’
‘When Elisa Longo Borghini returned from the background and immediately attacked, there was a moment of fear for a moment. Demi was maybe just a bit too nervous, because she closed the gap, which was ideal for me. In the sprint I tried to time well, Ruby Roseman-Gannon went, Demi immediately took over and then it was my moment to go. This is the win of the head. A second world title in a row, unbelievable,’ Kopecky said.
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Here’s the team’s news:
Israel – Premier Tech and Rik Verbrugghe have amicably agreed to part ways and as such, Rik will step down from his role as Sporting Manager with immediate effect.
After four years together, both parties felt it was time to go in a different direction.
Verbrugghe: “It has been a pleasure to be part of IPT over the past four years. Between the highs and lows, successes and challenges, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the team. I will announce my plans for the future in due course.”
IPT’s leadership team will continue to guide the team on the current upwards trajectory with the aim of returning to the WorldTour in 2026 and Verbrugghe’s responsibilities will be reallocated under a revised management structure, explains General Manager Kjell Carlström.
Carlström: “With the 2024 season coming to an end, Rik’s role as Sporting Manager would require him to focus on the upcoming season so with that in mind, the decision was made to allow Rik to leave with immediate effect. We want to thank Rik for his work over the past four years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
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