Author: Henri Giroud

Highlights Men’s Race Report Women’s Race: It was an unforgettable day in the history of the Movistar Team. The Telefónica-backed squad’s first ever win in a cobbled classic in Belgium came from one of the team’s biggest hopes for their new era, where women’s cycling has full participation and a center stage in the sport. It was their leader, Annemiek van Vleuten, who stepped onto the highest step of the podium for the Blues at Dwars door Vlaanderen, held on Wednesday over 122km around Waregem, with its last third dominated by the European champion’s impressive performance. Van Vleuten tore the…

Following a disappointing Milan-Sanremo and abandons at the E3 Saxo Bank Classic and Gent-Wevelgem, the 2017 Tour of Flanders winner will take a period of necessary rest, both physically and mentally. Gilbert hopes to be back for the Ardennes Classics, but this is not yet certain. “We decided with the team that I would take a period of rest now because it is not going well at all”, explains Philippe Gilbert. “It’s been a few weeks now that things haven’t been going well. We took the time to analyse everything there was to discuss and we came to the conclusion that it…

The Tour of Norway will not take place in May. Although there hasn’t been a new Covid-19 breakout along its route, Covid-19 related travel restrictions will make it difficult or impossible for teams to enter the country. The organizers are looking for an August or September date for the race. Which means it will clash with the Arctic Race of Norway. Huh. Maybe they know something we don’t. Maybe they just want to piggyback on the fact that a bunch of riders will already be coming to the country. Wild. Here’s what the organizers told us: “The current situation regarding…

Highlights Men’s Race Women’s Race Report Men: Van Aert to victory in Wevelgem thanks to Van Hooydonck Wout van Aert has written the classic Gent-Wevelgem to his name. By being in the right echelon early on with the very strong Nathan Van Hooydonck, the Fleming was able to sprint to the prestigious victory on pure power. In the opening hours it immediately became clear that the wind was going to play a role. Team Jumbo-Visma rode attentively from the front and had two men in the first echelon with Van Hooydonck and Van Aert. The early breakaway was caught and…

Yes, Bilbao in the Basque Country. No route details yet, but let’s hope/predict that the first three stages include the Angliru. Mutiple ascents. The Tour de France will be celebrating its 120th anniversary to the day by setting off from Spain for the second time in its history, specifically from Bilbao, the capital of the province of Biscay, in the heart of the Basque Country. Although there were no Spanish riders among the trailblazers who took part in the 1903 edition, the Iberian contingent would go on to leave a glorious mark on the history of the race with seven winners and…

Highlights Report He was considered an outsider for victory. But he had a plan. He waited. For 297 kilometers, in fact. And then he jumped. Jasper Stuyven timed his winning move perfectly, powering away from a group of favorites and fast finishers at the bottom of the Poggio. The favorites hesitated, eyeing each other out of the race, while Stuyven powered away to the biggest win of his career. It was a gutsy, beautiful move. “I just knew I had to try, all or nothing. I prefer to do this than gamble for the sprint and finish in 5th or 10th place,…

USA Cycling announced today the date and location of the 2021 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships. The event, scheduled for December 7-12, 2021, will return to DuPage County, Ill., at Cantigny Park, where racers will compete among the military tank park. Attendees of the National Championships will have the opportunity to visit both of Cantigny Park’s museums in Wheaton, Ill. At the First Division Museum, they can learn the stories of soldiers from the First World War and form their own opinions about our past and present military history. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the McCormick House,…

Leomo, a cycling tech company that “helps cyclists and triathletes of all levels break through power plateaus with products and direct-to-customer services that enable faster, stronger, more efficient, injury-free riding,” has announced a new partnership with the Movistar Team. Under the agreement, Leomo will supply Movistar Team with its one-of-a-kind motion analysis device and wearable motion sensors, as well as test protocols, expert cycling data analysis, training feedback and race data review aimed at identifying and improving rider weaknesses and posture to optimize bike position, cycling form, cycling economy and training and racing performance. Through its technology and cycling form…