Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Friday, April 18, 2025
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2024 Tour de France | 2024 Giro d'Italia
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. - Marcus Aurelius
Bill & Carol McGann's book The Story of the Tour de France, 2021: The Little Cannibal Dominates is available in both Kindle eBook & audiobook versions. To get your copy, just click on the Amazon link on the right.
Current racing:
- April 15 - 18: Giro d'Abruzzo
- April 18: De Brabantse Pijl
Upcoming racing:
- April 20: Amstel Gold Race
- April 20: Tour du Doubs
- April 21 - 25: Tour of the Alps
- April 23: La Flèche Wallonne
Latest completed racing:
- April 12-13: Paris-Roubaix
- April 7 - 12: Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco
- April 8 - 11: Region Pays de la Loire Tour
- April 9: Scheldeprijs
- April 6: Ronde van Vlaanderen
- April 5: GP Miguel Indurain
- April 5: Volta NXT Classic
- April 4: Route Adélie de Vitre
- April 2: Dwars door Vlaanderen
- April 2: Paris - Camembert Lepetit
- March 24 - 30: Volta Ciclista a Catalunya
- March 30: Gent - Wevelgem
- March 30: La Roue Tourangelle
We posted the report from new GC leader Georg Zimmermann 's Team Intermarché-Wanty with the results.
Here's the report from Pablo Torres' UAE Team Emriates-XRG:
Continuing their fine week of racing in Italy, UAE Team Emirates-XRG came to the fore with Pablo Torres on stage 3 of the Giro d’Abruzzo. The young Spaniard placed fourth on the Queen stage of the racing, making a daring late attack and moving up to third place in the general classification.
Behind Torres, stage 1 winner Alessandro Covi fought bravely to come over the line in eighth, leaving him sitting seventh overall heading into the fourth and final day of racing on Friday.
Winning both stages of the Giro d’Abruzzo heading into Thursday, UAE Team Emirates-XRG looked to continue on the front foot and placed Rune Herregodts in the breakaway on stage 3. The Belgian rider attacked with 137km to go, alongside four other riders, with their group quickly gaining a significant advantage over the peloton.
Team Petrolike's Edison Callejas wins the stage. RCS photo
For Herregodts and UAE Team Emirates-XRG, the idea was two-fold. Not only did Herregodts spend much of the day as the virtual leader of the race on the road – forcing the likes of Tudor Pro Cycling to work behind – but he was also in the perfect position to help his teammates on the final 16.2km climb to the finish line.
Standing at an average of 5.3%, the third big mountain of the day would bring the riders to the end of this year’s Queen stage. With Herregodts out front, it was Torres who began to work over his opposition from the peloton. The Spaniard began the day just 23 seconds off the race lead, and he followed a speculative attack from David de la Cruz (Q36.5 Pro Cycling) some 9km from the summit.
Riding hard alongside De la Cruz and Mathys Rondel (Tudor Pro Cycling), Torres began to make inroads towards Herregodts and his fellow survivor from the breakaway, Ben Granger (Mg.K Vis Costruzioni e Ambiente). Over the next couple of kilometres, Torres activated his satellite rider in Herregodts, who waited up for the chasers and began to extend their advantage over the peloton.
At the 6.5km to go mark, Herregodts delivered his last big pull and waved goodbye to his teammate. In amongst these moments, as Granger was caught and dropped, young Colombian rider Edison Alejandro Callejas (Petrolike) made an opportunistic attack, and to his credit, it appeared as though he had the legs to cash this cheque.
As the kilometres ticked by, the 24-year-old not only held, but extended his gap over the Torres group behind. As the wet conditions in Italy continued to cloak the mountain in a deep mist, Callejas pushed on, eventually crossing the line as the unlikely but well deserved winner of stage 3.
Meanwhile, Torres was briefly put into a spot of trouble within the final kilometre, as Georg Zimmermann (Intermarché-Wanty) caught the chasing group and ramped up the pressure. But the Spaniard delivered a stand of bravery, regaining contact with the group and straight away attacking over the top. It was a last-ditch effort and one that saw Torres’ energy reserves suffer towards the line, but his courage could not be doubted.
The 19-year-old eventually crossed the summit in fourth place, with Zimmermann moving into the lead of the race. Owing to his efforts on the toughest stage of the race, Torres now sits third overall heading into the final day.
Speaking to the team after the finish, Torres reflected on a positive afternoon of racing.
Torres: “Today was a very hard stage. After the second climb the weather changed dramatically and there was a lot of rain on the descent and it got very cold.
“On the last climb I wasn’t feeling the best because of the cold but I think it was the same for everybody and in the end the legs responded as we got into the climb.
“It was a very gradual climb. The last 2km were very explosive and I was just missing a little bit to contest the GC leadership but overall I’m pleased with my result and it was a good stage for us and we played our cards well.”
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Here’s the team’s news:
After two monuments and two fourth places for Wout van Aert, Team Visma | Lease a Bike's sights are now set on De Brabantse Pijl and the Amstel Gold Race. The Dutch cycling team is eager to fight for victory in the hilly classics. Van Aert, Tiesj Benoot and sports director Frans Maassen look ahead to next weekend.
In both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, Van Aert narrowly missed the podium. He will soon get another chance, in De Brabantse Pijl this Friday. Team Visma | Lease a Bike has never won the Belgian classic. Van Aert did finish second behind Tom Pidcock in 2021. In the Amstel Gold Race a few days later, the roles were reversed; the Belgian adds the one-day race to his palmares after a photo finish with the Brit.
Wout van Aert (right) wins the 2021 Amstel Gold Race.
De Brabantse Pijl
On Friday, De Brabantse Pijl is on the program. The classic has only 162 kilometers, but the succession of hills in the finale traditionally makes it a tough race. Van Aert will be making his first appearance since 2021.
“I'm looking forward to being back at the start of De Brabantse Pijl”, Van Aert says. “I didn't ride the race for several years, but because of the calendar change, the race fits into my schedule this year. So it’s an extra opportunity for me to ride a beautiful spring classic.”
“I already came close to victory once in my first and only participation in 2021, so the course suits me”, Van Aert adds. “I feel good, so I definitely hope to be able to play a role in the finale again. With that goal I will be at the start.”
Amstel Gold Race
Two days after De Brabantse Pijl, the Amstel Gold Race will be held. Team Visma | Lease a Bike has fond memories of the biggest cycling race in the Netherlands. Van Aert triumphed in 2021 and in the following editions Benoot finished on the podium twice.
Benoot is also eagerly looking forward to another important race weekend. “De Brabantse Pijl is an ideal preparation for the Amstel Gold Race. They are two beautiful races where I have managed to achieve a few places of honor in the past. In the Amstel Gold Race, teams usually start racing hard far from the finish line. I hope such a scenario will happen again. Also, the Cauberg gets a more important role in the finale again, which can be advantageous to the attackers. I definitely see chances for a top result with the team, starting with De Brabantse Pijl on Friday.”
“The Amstel Gold Race has a strong field of participants. Where you can still really see De Brabantse Pijl as a classic that runs partly over cobblestones, the Amstel Gold Race is all about climbing. The switch from cobblestones to hilly classics should not be underestimated. That combination is reserved for only a few riders, but if anyone can do it well, it's Wout. He has already proven that in the past”, Maassen refers to Van Aert's performance in 2021.
The sports director won the Dutch classic himself in 1991. “It's a brilliant race. As a Dutch cycling team we ride in front of the home crowd. Hopefully we’re able to continue the upward trend of the last few weeks. Tiesj was already good in the Ardennes classics last season and has made it a goal this year as well and really lived up to it. Hopefully Ben Tulett can join our two leaders, so that we can show ourselves in the finale.”
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Here's the team's news:
Bahrain Victorious lines up at De Brabantse Pijl with a young lineup ready to take on one of Belgium’s most unpredictable and technical one-day races. Known for its blend of short, punchy climbs, twisting roads, and relentless rhythm, De Brabantse Pijl serves as the perfect bridge between the cobbled monuments and the Ardennes week.
The 162.6km route from Beersel to Overijse features 22 climbs, including repeated ascents of the Hertstraat (700m at 5%), Moskesstraat (500m at 9.2%), and Holstheide (1km at 5.4%). It’s a course made for explosive riders with tactical awareness and endurance—an ideal battleground for opportunists and late attackers.
Edoardo Zambanini racing in stage nine of the 2022 Vuelta a España. Sirotti photo
At the forefront of our lineup is Edoardo Zambanini, coming into form at just the right time. The Italian climber has shown promise on Ardennes-style terrain this spring, including a strong top-20 finish at Milano–Sanremo.
“It’s my first time racing De Brabantse Pijl, but I’m super motivated and happy to be back after altitude camp in Teide,” said Zambanini. “We had a great training block up there, the weather was perfect and everything went smoothly with the preparation. I’ve felt good in training, and now I’m excited to turn that work that I did with the team into results. I really like this period of the season and the style of racing in the Ardennes. The courses are punchy and demanding, a type of racing that suits me well, and I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can go. I’m confident we can do something nice togheter. We’re ready and motivated to give it our best!”
Backing Zambanini is a young and motivated group of riders. Eržen and Ermakov will be on duty to follow dangerous moves, while Paasschens and Van Mechelen, racing on home soil, will play key roles on the short, explosive climbs. Buratti and Development Team rider Borgo will focus on navigating the key transitions and setting up the team as they enter the decisive final circuits.
“It’s a very young team, but I’m happy to see them all healthy, motivated, and in good shape for this first semi-classic of the Ardennes campaign,” said Roman Kreuziger.
“Our leader will be Edoardo Zambanini, who comes in strong from altitude camp. Mathijs Paasschens had a good return in the Basque Country after injury and is highly motivated racing close to home. Van Mechelen, a first-year pro, had a strong cobbled campaign and is also racing on familiar roads, so we expect a lot from him. We’re also excited to see Zak Eržen, one of the youngest in the peloton, gain experience here. He has the potential to do well in this type of race in the future. Buratti and Ermakov should be able to perform well on this course, and we hope to see them active once the race enters the final circuits. Finally, Alessandro Borgo joins us again from the Development Team. He’s already shown he’s ready for this level, so it’s a great chance for him to gain more experience and contribute.”
The race typically explodes once the riders hit the finishing circuits in Overijse. With tight corners, steep ramps, and little room for error, positioning and timing will be crucial. Bahrain Victorious aims to be aggressive and race from the front. A top-10 finish is the team’s objective, but with smart riding and strong legs, a top-5 result is within reach.
There’s added motivation for the team this year: Sonny Colbrelli, now 2nd Sports Director, memorably won De Brabantse Pijl in 2017. His firsthand experience and tactical insight will be instrumental in helping the team navigate the complexities of the finale.
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Here’s the team ‘s news:
Team Jayco AlUla will go all in for an Amstel Gold Race podium, the first race of three at the Ardennes Classics, with the 34-year-old Michael Matthews looking for a top-result in a race that he has a consistent list of results.
Matthews has enjoyed no less than six top 10 finishes at the event and is hoping for more in 2025 on a course that returns to its previous finish line location.
Vuelta a España podium finisher Ben O’Connor will provide the team another strong option for the likes of La Flèche Wallonne, where the Mur de Huy will decide who is the deserving champion. The pair will be looking for a strong showing in the final of the three races, the lengthy iconic Monument, Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday.
Ben O'Connor winning stage 16 of the 2024 Vuelta a España. Sirotti photo
The Australian duo is ready for the tough week of racing and will have a solid support team around them for all three races in the shape of Cadel Evans GORR winner Mauro Schmid and former Italian champion Filippo Zana.
Coming into the fold for Amstel Gold and Flèche Wallonne only, will be MTB World Champion Alan Hatherly, Austrian rider Patrick Gamer and young Dane Anders Foldager.
For the final of the three races, the fourth Monument of the 2025 season, the team recruit three fresh riders with Australian duo Chris Harper and Michael Hepburn plus Dutch rider Koen Bouwman.
Team Jayco AlUla at the Ardennes Classics 2025:
Anders Foldager (DEN) *Amstel & Flèche only
Patrick Gamper (AUT) *Amstel & Flèche only
Alan Hatherly (RSA) *Amstel & Flèche only
Michael Matthews (AUS) * All 3x races
Ben O’Connor (AUS) *All 3x races
Mauro Schmid (SWI) *All 3x races
Filippo Zana (ITA) * All 3x races
Michael Hepburn (AUS) *Liège only
Koen Bouwman (NED) *Liège only
Chris Harper (AUS) *Liège only TBC
Ben O’Connor:
“The Ardennes is always a hard week of racing. I’m looking forward to it, especially Flèche and Liège. We have a strong team and with myself and Matthews we’ve got options in the racing. We know it will be hard racing; the weather can also play a big part in the outcome of the races.
"I’ve been slowly building through the spring, the various weeklong stage races. I’m feeling in good shape now and hopefully can do something in a one-day race. Liege is a Monument of course and that gives a lot of motivation.”
Valerio Piva:
“We’re ready to be back at the Ardennes Classics, this year we have two strong options for the races with both Matthews and O’Connor. Matthews has been consistent in Amstel and it’s a race we hope he can do well in this year. Then for the hillier of the races, Flèche and Liege, O’Connor can be strong if he’s on a good day. We know what he can do, and we have a strong team around that can support well with the likes of Mauro Schmid. It’s going to be hard as always, but we’re motivated.”
GreenEDGE Cycling results at the Ardennes:
1st 2014 Liège-Bastogne-Liège – Simon Gerrans
2nd 2016 Liège-Bastogne-Liège – Michael Albasini
2nd 2012 Flèche Wallonne – Michael Albasini
3rd 2014 Flèche Wallonne – Michael Albasini
3rd 2017 Flèche Wallonne – Michael Albasini
3rd 2013 Amstel Gold Race – Simon Gerrans
3rd 2014 Amstel Gold Race – Simon Gerrans
3rd 2015 Amstel Gold Race – Michael Matthews
4th 2021 Amstel Gold Race – Michael Matthews
5th 2016 Amstel Gold Race – Michael Matthews
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