Post by: Leadbelly on November 21, 2015, 22:30
Now I just need to persuade CJ to make the team jersey/Israeli flag a message icon. :P
(http://media.fromthegrapevine.com/assets/images/2015/8/Daniel%20Turek.jpg)
https://www.israelcyclingacademy.com/
@yallaACADEMY (https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/with_replies)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/)
First bit of news is via their facebook account. The opener for the season will be the GP Costa degli Etruschi. Tro-Bro Leon looks to be on the calendar too. Their only venture into Western Europe last year was the Tour de Berlin, so this maybe marks a change in geographic focus?
Post by: LukasCPH on November 23, 2015, 12:37
First bit of news is via their facebook account. The opener for the season will be the GP Costa degli Etruschi. Tro-Bro Leon looks to be on the calendar too. Their only venture into Western Europe last year was the Tour de Berlin, so this maybe marks a change in geographic focus?Apart from Israelis, the 2015 squad was full of Poles, Slovaks plus one Czech and a Spaniard.
For 2016, they've cast a wider net, also signing a Slovene and an Estonian.
Three former WT riders (#cannondale Boivin, #bmc Butler, #europcar Craven) mean a step up in quality, and three of the new riders (four if you count Korus) come from North America.
I believe that we'll definitely see a change in focus. With the North Americans and Peter Sagan as "team ambassador", an invite to the Tour of California is entirely possible, and I expect them to also go for the other *usa *ca races.
Giovanni Lombardi is the agent of Sagan and used to be the agent of Ran Margaliot (now the team manager), his connections ought to get the team a decent Italian calendar.
It's an interesting project, and I'm looking forward to following it in the future. :)
Post by: Leadbelly on November 23, 2015, 13:07
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/12241440_631066916996870_3104073469996506879_n.jpg?oh=900cd8fc85dd091c51944abf78266d9b&oe=56B12D1E)
Sagiv's special edition blue and white Oakley's.
They've still got six Eastern Europeans though, so hopefully they won't abandon all the races from that part of the world.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 23, 2015, 13:10
Coppi e Bartali is on the menu.
Quote
The Italian stage race - La Settimana Internazionale di Coppi e Bartali is a beautiful opportunity for us to honour the memory of the legendary Italian champion Gino Bartali, who was recognised as a righteous among the nations, by the Yad Vashem: World Holocaust Center, Jerusalem.
Bartali, who was one of the greatest champions in the history of cycling, won multiple titles of the Giro d'Italia and Le Tour de France. It was only a few years ago though, that the stories about Bartali's noble acts to save Italy's Jews, during the 2nd World-War, started to emerge.
We feel that there is no need to explain, how special it is for an Israeli team like us, to be invited to such a prestigious race, that honours the great sportive rivalry between Gino Bartali and his greatest cycling rival Fausto Coppi.
We may only say, that for us, Bartali will always remain a symbol of an exceptional champion. On and off the bike.
"Il bene si fa, ma non si dice" he once said (Italian to: "Good is something you do, not something you talk about").
And we hope that every single one of our team member, will be inspired by Bartali's legacy.
Post by: LukasCPH on November 23, 2015, 15:12
They've still got six Eastern Europeans though, so hopefully they won't abandon all the races from that part of the world.I'm pretty confident that they won't. :shh
Post by: Leadbelly on November 25, 2015, 21:38
Post by: Jimmythecuckoo on November 27, 2015, 14:32
Post by: LukasCPH on November 27, 2015, 15:45
Excellent kit!It's the kit of the *ee amateur team Räim was riding for this year, though. ;)
Post by: Leadbelly on December 14, 2015, 14:35
Dan Craven builds a bike (and he uses a lot of brackets too).
He's been competing recently in the Desert Dash (https://twitter.com/hashtag/desertdash15?f=tweets&vertical=default&src=hash) in Namibia - a 369km, 24hr mountain bike race from Windhoek to Swakopmund via the Namib Desert. His two man team (Seibeb + Dan) came third in their event.
Post by: LukasCPH on December 14, 2015, 14:39
http://www.thepelotonbrief.com/dan-craven-framebuilding/Nowt wrong with brackets (I should know, I use them regularly)! :P
Dan Craven builds a bike (and he uses a lot of brackets too).
Looking forward to this team's 2016 season. :)
Post by: Leadbelly on December 20, 2015, 21:18
Some unsurprising news. ;)
Post by: Leadbelly on January 01, 2016, 21:20
I presume this is the "new" kit. The grey in last year's seemed to get a bit bluer in later races and this takes it a small step further.
Post by: LukasCPH on January 01, 2016, 21:29
(http://i67.tinypic.com/6rr47m.png)As the 'model' seems to be Guillaume Boivin (I think), it would be the 2016 kit, yes.
I presume this is the "new" kit. The grey in last year's seemed to get a bit bluer in later races and this takes it a small step further.
Post by: Leadbelly on January 01, 2016, 21:33
What this thread really needs of course is an exclusive Dan Craven interview.
Post by: Leadbelly on January 01, 2016, 22:23
Just thought I'd have a look back at the X-Factor audition for the team.
The excitement of who might make the final cut is also lessening as only 17 riders are competing now - the Ethiopians and Eritreans didn't get visas. So with potentially fifteen spots up for grabs, the qualifications are easier than Euro 2018.
http://www.tuttobiciweb.it/index.php?page=news&cod=84517&tp=n
Nikolaos Iaonnidis (23 anni, Grecia), Masaru Nakazto (23, Giappone), Marko Pavlic (22, Slovenia), Ioannis Spanopoulos (22, Grecia), Mihkel Räim (22, Estonia), Guy Gabay (22, Israele), Guy Sagiv (20, Israele), Aviv Yecheskel (20, Israele), Dan Turek (23, Repubblica Ceca), Lubos Malovec (22, Slovacchia), Emanuel Piaskowy (24, Polonia), Vojtek Migdal (24, Polonia), Max Korus (27 Usa/Israele), Juraj Bellan (19, Slovacchia), Chris Butler (27, Usa), Luis Lemus (23, Messico) e Dan Craven (32, Namibia) are played along with some talent in the Horn of Africa They were unable to reach Italy to visa problems and other young Italians without clear agreement from the past 12 to 15 seats up for grabs .
Take your pick, though without knowing the Italians/Africans it's difficult to guess.
I thought it was an interesting premise actually. A chance "to give our riders an equal chance to prove their worth to the team in neutral conditions” without relying on "‘who knows who, random recommendations, intense lobbying etc".
However we never knew who the Eritreans/Ethiopians were or anything about the young Italians, and with eleven of the sixteen (not including Turek as he already had a contract) making the final cut, you could have guessed most of the ones who were going to make it.
I do think Sporza and a Belgian CT team (Veranclassic who seem to change their entire team each year might be an option) could do a interesting Belgian version of it. A few shows in October/November/December covering the "audition" and then a fly on the wall show through the following year.
As to the rejects....
Iaonnidis - off to Vélo Sport Hyérois (French amateur team - Boris Carene is there too)
Nakazto - rode in the Japanese CX Champs recently (came 27th)
Spanopoulos - Veranclassic - AGO
Yecheskel - ???
Bellan - Dukla Banska Bystrica
Post by: LukasCPH on January 01, 2016, 22:33
Too late, search has seen it. Prepare to get :nuts at Sibiu.What, you expect me to recognise every Conti-level cyclist by his face alone? :o
Surely that's unreasonable. :P
Post by: Leadbelly on January 02, 2016, 21:12
That grave you're digging is getting awfully deep. :P
Post by: Leadbelly on January 02, 2016, 21:29
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfl1/v/t1.0-9/1931346_646764062093822_312525419059405640_n.jpg?oh=c0915315866435cb58c5382a9078bf96&oe=56FB3449)
Quote from: Just Some Conti Cyclist
I have great memories from my years racing with Cannondale Pro Cycling and I’m looking forward to Team Cycling Academy having a lot of success on these incredible machines. Not only is the EVO the best bike I have ridden yet in my career, it’s a classic looking bike, which I love
Post by: LukasCPH on January 02, 2016, 21:31
So the Cannonball is just another "Conti-level cyclist" is he ?!Ah, but it wasn't the Cannonball! It was Mihkel Räim! :P
That grave you're digging is getting awfully deep. :P
Which, of course, doesn't make it any better. He's just as cool as the Cannonball. :fp
Post by: search on January 03, 2016, 14:14
What, you expect me to recognise every Conti-level cyclist by his face alone? :o
Surely that's unreasonable. :P
does that look like a proper jersey for the
#teamca *ca *ca CANADIAN NATIONAL CHAMPION *ca *ca #teamca
to you?!
:angry :angry
Post by: Leadbelly on January 07, 2016, 20:33
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/Ma%27aleh_Akrabim.jpg)
Quote
There it was, this legendary climb in the Negev Desert, a scrappy legs breaking mountain. Thousands of times it was challenged in recent years so when training there yesterday we could not resist trying to beat the record.
The players: three of our riders: the American Chris Butler, Israeli champion Guy Sagiv and Max Korus. We had with us two guest riders, the talented Israeli national team riders Zohar Hadari and omer Goldstein.
Did one of them made it and best the record?
Watch...
https://www.facebook.com/CyclingAcademyTeam/videos/648108415292720/?permPage=1
Post by: search on January 12, 2016, 00:14
does that look like a proper jersey for the
#teamca *ca *ca CANADIAN NATIONAL CHAMPION *ca *ca #teamca
to you?!
:angry :angry
well...they don't actually have a proper jersey for him yet though :shh :angel
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYIglGfUoAAQlCP.jpg:large)
https://twitter.com/bikeGEEEEKS/status/686466972557676544
Post by: LukasCPH on January 12, 2016, 10:49
well...they don't actually have a proper jersey for him yet though :shh :angelShould be easy enough to fix:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xft1/v/t1.0-9/1937352_1689217148001586_3668468823009311357_n.jpg?oh=8c4b8ab27efaaff1d078b19d7be9607f&oe=570DAD8D&__gda__=1459477255_e44544e58182951a67dc9f1583e92ac4)Turn the blue into red[1] and the Star of David into a maple leaf, and you're done. :cool
What I'm really interested in is Dan Craven's #champna jersey ... Presumed he gets one as the *na champs are early in the season. They might wait until after the champs to see if he actually wins them again.
| 1. | and remove the band below the Star of David |
Post by: LukasCPH on January 12, 2016, 12:00
What I'm really interested in is Dan Craven's #champna jersey ... Presumed he gets one as the *na champs are early in the season. They might wait until after the champs to see if he actually wins them again.No #champna kit for Dan: :(
https://twitter.com/DanFromNam/status/686871182663135232
But, as he hints in his reply, there's other big news coming very soon: UCI should announce the Olympics quotas on Friday.[1]
| 1. | meaning that the only thing that's 100% sure is that they won't announce them before Friday, and will announce them at any point in time between Friday and the end of the month ... |
Post by: Leadbelly on January 14, 2016, 22:28
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12540653_651102531659975_1260346030527270576_n.jpg?oh=edd4fa4b34f98f95274fb29f9fb9ec52&oe=57034A3D)
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12565630_651102524993309_4173491956182975557_n.jpg?oh=f379283401d6783e9266a777cfa09267&oe=56FC03D5)
Giving the team some tips (hopefully not fashion ones).
Post by: Leadbelly on January 27, 2016, 20:32
More races inked in. Winston-Salem and Philadelphia. If we connect the dots, California finishes a week before WS or alternatively the Canadian double header of Saguenay and Beuce starts a few days after Philly.
Post by: LukasCPH on January 27, 2016, 21:52
https://www.facebook.com/CyclingAcademyTeam/posts/655563824547179Reading the post, I think it will be Saquenay & Beauce. California would be awesome - but spots in that race are highly sought after.
More races inked in. Winston-Salem and Philadelphia. If we connect the dots, California finishes a week before WS or alternatively the Canadian double header of Saguenay and Beuce starts a few days after Philly.
In the last couple of years, the distribution of teams was thus:
| Year | WT | PCT | Conti |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| 2014 | 9 | 3 | 4 |
| 2013 | 8 | 3 | 5 |
| 2012 | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| 2011 | 9 | 4 | 5 |
| 2010 | 7 | 2 | 7 |
For 2016, 10 WT teams[1] have indicated that they'll participate. #novonordisk & #uhc are shoo-ins, #wiggins (bringing the namesake rider) have been announced by the organiser ...
If they stay with 18 teams, only 5 more spots are available. As there are 10 *usa Conti teams, I see very slim chances for #academy to get an invitation.
That said, I think it'd be awesome if they were invited: Boivin, Butler, Lemus, Craven, Korus, Pavlic, Turek and Sagiv would be a very competitive squad.
| 1. | #ag2r #cannondale #didata #etixx #giant #katusha #jumbo #sky #tinkoff #trek |
Post by: Leadbelly on February 04, 2016, 20:44
No #champna kit for Dan: :(
https://twitter.com/DanFromNam/status/686871182663135232
Au contraire mon frere!
https://twitter.com/DanFromNam/status/695333288605585408
(well he has to win to get the kit obviously)
Post by: LukasCPH on February 04, 2016, 20:57
Au contraire mon frere!:woohoo
(well he has to win to get the kit obviously)
Dan goes to *na ... :D
Anything but getting the #champna back to Europe would be a disappointment.
Yeah, I'm setting the bar high.
Post by: search on February 04, 2016, 21:16
(well he has to win to get the kit obviously)
could be a bit of a help, yes - I don't think it was for Boivin though :P
...not so far at least
Post by: Leadbelly on February 04, 2016, 21:44
Post by: search on February 04, 2016, 21:52
Are there any UCI regulations regarding the wearing of National Champs jerseys in races? ie. you have to wear one if you're the current champ.
yes
National road, track, cyclo-cross, mountain bike, BMX, trials and indoor cycling champions must wear their jersey in all events in the discipline, speciality and category in which they won their title and no other event.
I don't know if Boivin didn't get a jersey yet or if the just have not presented it so far though.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 04, 2016, 21:58
I don't know if Boivin didn't get a jersey yet or if the just have not presented it so far though.He's on the startlist for the GP Costa degli Etruschi on Sunday - so we ought to see it then.
That said, #androni15 Țvetcov didn't get his #champro in time for last year's Sibiu Cycling Tour, and rode the race in the regular team jersey (until Păltiniș, when he took the #red jersey for Best Romanian).
That, however, was simply because there were only a couple of days from the championship race to the Sibiu Tour. #academy have had months to get something sorted for Boivin now.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 05, 2016, 19:09
(http://i63.tinypic.com/15713za.png)
Quote
As the place was earned collective, NOC and NCF came up with a system which will
be transparent and fair towards the Namibia Elite Road Cyclist to be selected for the
place to go and represent Namibia at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. We agree to
work within the NOC qualification criteria and the NCF criteria, which brought us to
the following point allocation system:
Points will be allocated to the respective top Road Cyclists for each of the following
events:
i) 2015 Africa Tour Points will constitute – 30% of the total Points
ii) 2015 All Africa Games will constitute – 30% of the total Points
iii) 2016 Nation Road Race will constitute – 40% of the total Points
2015 Africa Tour Points
| Ranking | Rider | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | Dan Craven | 67.67 |
| 60 | Martin Freyer | 33.67 |
| 99 | Michael Pretorius | 17.67 |
| 100 | Costa Siebeb | 17 |
plus a few more after that
2015 All Africa Games
(http://i67.tinypic.com/r10x0x.png)
How they have broken down the points within each event we don't know, but assuming that the DNFs at the All African Games get no points, the only danger is Siebeb. Of course Dan still has to achieve some sort of result in the RR and certainly a crash + DNF could hurt in more ways than one, but at least he's there to fight for the place.
Looking at the selection criteria, they seem fair enough, but what doesn't seem right is that they seem to have arrived at this means of selection after two of the three criteria have already passed. Would some of the DNFs in the race have gone on to finish if they knew a Rio spot might have been at stake. Anyway it does add a extra frisson of excitement to the RR.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 06, 2016, 12:15
Looking at the selection criteria, they seem fair enough, but what doesn't seem right is that they seem to have arrived at this means of selection after two of the three criteria have already passed. Would some of the DNFs in the race have gone on to finish if they knew a Rio spot might have been at stake. Anyway it does add a extra frisson of excitement to the RR.Very much this.
It's alright to have a selection process - and in fact, it's good for the sport in *na -, but it's not good enough to 'retro-fit' it upon events that have already passed.
That said, it would have been equally, if not more, unfair to select the guy for Rio based only on the Nationals Road Race. So in that sense, this is the best of many poor options.
And really, with his ticket to Rio on the line, Dan should take it. He's better than Till (for now, might be different in a few years) and FAR better than Seibeb etc.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 06, 2016, 19:23
Here's the line-up:
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/12642960_659277094175852_4782498877596733843_n.jpg?oh=11b8b1734b2b0840578e6f544b7d6bc4&oe=572F260C)
GABAY, Guy
BUTLER, Chris
PIASKOWY, Emanuel
MALOVEC, Lubos
PAVLIC, Marko
TUREK, Daniel
BOIVIN, Guillaume
LEMUS, Luis
Raim was down on the provisional list, but maybe he got left out after a crash this week (he tweeted his helmet saved his life).
There are some clues actually in that picture and in this one....
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12643028_659277100842518_6148699765295706132_n.jpg?oh=e209d4d152ee4ef04afb41060a1d6c26&oe=576E4D88)
....about Boivin's kit. I don't think it's going to be a five centimetre red/white/maple leaf band across the chest of a normal kit.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 06, 2016, 20:22
There are some clues actually in that picture and in this one....I fail to see the clues ...[1] :S
....about Boivin's kit. I don't think it's going to be a five centimetre red/white/maple leaf band across the chest of a normal kit.
There are some peaks of a white jersey underneath the jacket - but from several riders, not just one.
| 1. | not helped by the fact that I still can't identify Boivin ... shame on me! |
Post by: Leadbelly on February 06, 2016, 20:48
Post by: Leadbelly on February 07, 2016, 19:46
Hopefully this uses up all their bad luck for the year. Turek crashes and then Boivin punctures going over the GPM in the group of ~ten just behind the leading four.
To clear up the helmet confusion, Lazer are the providers for the team as they were with Optum last year. So no conflict with him wearing that. However still no Nat Champs kit (did they both get fined like they should've?) and they seemed to be all wearing the team's training kit as opposed to their racing one. Strange.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 07, 2016, 20:33
However still no Nat Champs kit (did they both get fined like they should've?) and they seemed to be all wearing the team's training kit as opposed to their racing one. Strange.The UCI isn't in charge of handing out fines for that, it's entirely in the hands of the national federations. Don't think the Canadian fed will hand out fines for the national champ not wearing a special, that's more like the Italian or Belgian fed.
As for the training kit - my guess is that they'll have a team presentation where the new kit (including #champca & #champna) will be launched. Soon, I hope.
Then again, they already had a team presentation during their *il training camp ... :slow
Post by: Leadbelly on February 08, 2016, 16:21
Post by: LukasCPH on February 08, 2016, 21:14
As for the training kit - my guess is that they'll have a team presentation where the new kit (including #champca & #champna) will be launched. Soon, I hope.Ask, and you shall be answered:
Then again, they already had a team presentation during their *il training camp ... :slow
https://twitter.com/bikeGEEEEKS/status/696803862620065792
I hope the surprise will be done sooner rather than later. ;)
Post by: LukasCPH on February 08, 2016, 21:28
https://twitter.com/bikeGEEEEKS/status/696805947520479237
Retweet the sh*t out of the tweet below, folks! :D
https://twitter.com/lukascph/status/696797703771197440
Post by: Drummer Boy on February 08, 2016, 23:37
Special guest at the Casa del Cycling Academy in Lucca.Whether he's dishing out fashion tips or race tactics, I can't imagine a more skeptical looking audience for his efforts. :D
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12540653_651102531659975_1260346030527270576_n.jpg?oh=edd4fa4b34f98f95274fb29f9fb9ec52&oe=57034A3D)
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12565630_651102524993309_4173491956182975557_n.jpg?oh=f379283401d6783e9266a777cfa09267&oe=56FC03D5)
Giving the team some tips (hopefully not fashion ones).
Post by: Drummer Boy on February 08, 2016, 23:59
Until five minutes ago, I never realized that Svein Tuft was Canadian. :S Being one-half Canadian myself, this is something that should not have escaped me. :fp
*ca + *gb = *usa :P
Edit:
Now that I think about it, I think I was aware of Tuft's Canadian roots, as the phrase, "Canadian Svein Tuft" does have a familiar ring to it. So I must've simply forgotten what I used to know.
:D
Post by: Leadbelly on February 10, 2016, 20:05
Post by: search on February 11, 2016, 19:08
:cool
Post by: LukasCPH on February 11, 2016, 19:53
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/12642857_661056370664591_7945449868026589601_n.jpg?oh=b85053b2c675fc3173a323ae9c3480c2&oe=5763BCA7):o :D
:cool
That is awesome.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 13, 2016, 10:18
https://twitter.com/bikeGEEEEKS/status/698438399741575168
Boivin and Sagiv were part of the early break, and it probably wasn't a surprise that Guillaume won after his strong showing on Sunday.
Not sure when their next UCI race is. Coppi e Bartali is towards the end of March, but surely they'll have something else in the meantime. Maybe the trio of Croatian races in early March again.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 23, 2016, 16:37
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpl1/v/t1.0-9/12743945_664247913678770_6434079371081525012_n.jpg?oh=9d0c0e1ad7e13e138a7f04992bf95d8b&oe=57574495)
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/12742038_664902803613281_6210805736118306089_n.jpg?oh=9c16b3ceb33b06fc4f70f3f58262a7e6&oe=57682BF8)
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/12743948_664902830279945_3817845942441308811_n.jpg?oh=3abdf81844195c49a886549b3451aa19&oe=575AB5DA)
Dan and Sagiv formed a team in the 3 day Samarathon MTB race in the Israeli Negev desert (right up Dan's street after his Desert Dash in December).
They won naturally, but the two of them felt a bit different about it all. :lol
Quote
After the podium ceremony ( first place by crushing margin) the bearded "Dan from Nam" declared that "I wouldn't mind racing another 2 stages"
" It wasn't fun" admitted Our Israeli champion Guy Sagiv, clearly exhausted by the 5 hours second stage of the Samarathon mountain bike race in the Israeli Desert. " Even as an Israeli, I am not used to race in these kind of conditions, especially the heat".
Post by: LukasCPH on February 23, 2016, 17:33
They won naturally, but the two of them felt a bit different about it all. :lolNobody out-deserts a Namibian! :yuush
Post by: Leadbelly on February 26, 2016, 15:52
Still no news on their next race
GP Izola on Sunday.
http://www.kolesarska-zveza.si/KZS,,ock,novice.htm&showNews=NEWSRPLJWO2262016135416&cPage=1
(http://i65.tinypic.com/24gkh2g.png)
CCC are the sole PCT team riding, but it will only be with 5 U23s and Taciak. Other competitors include Adria Mobil, Radenska, GM Europa, Synergy Baku, a whole slew of Austrian teams, Meridiana Kamen, Klein Constantia etc etc
Post by: Leadbelly on February 27, 2016, 16:58
Quote
We are sending 8 riders to the GP Izola in Slovenia, a 157 mostly flat kms that promise an ultra fast and aggressive race. And we are ready to every script that will unfold.
"It will be very nervous race" predicted our Daniel Turek, one of our main cards in this race. He will have to make sure that a major breakaway will not form without him. Sprint finish? We have our canadian champ Guillaume Boivin as a candidate, fresh from wining the last race Beit Guvrin, Israel. No illusion, though. It will be much tougher challenge tomorrow.
G Boivin ( Canada)
Mihkel Räim ( Estonia)
Guy Gabay ( Israel)
Dan Turek ( Czech Republic)
Wojciech Migdał ( Poland)
Marko Pavic ( Sloveni)
Emanuel Piaskowy (Poland)
Luboš Malovec ( Slovakia)
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12795344_666736633429898_4781048857319360108_n.jpg?oh=098839fd9b0b58602f092e537e855e6e&oe=575F6869)
Post by: LukasCPH on February 27, 2016, 17:58
Post by: Leadbelly on February 29, 2016, 10:39
Quote
This was a day with no glory, a day of clear disappointment but also a day that will make us better.
It was 35 km into the GP Izola race that things went badly. That was the moment when 9 riders were able to form a breakaway, and we had no one there. "We missed it" our Canadian Guillaume Boivin.
it will turn out a costly miss. Although more then 120 km left on the race, all efforts to chase it down went to no avail. "The boys gave it 100 percent to close it but it was too much. It was a full gas constantly and the peloton was losing riders".
Our sports director Nicki Sørensen was clearly frustrated: " We should have done better. We had to be in that breakaway and once we failed, we had to chase it down. Bottom line: We are disappointed."
After GP Laguna, again it was Adria Mobil doing the damage. There's a bit of confusion, but according to tweets during the race they had three riders in the break - Novak, Rogina and the winner Golcer.
Trofej Umag and the non-UCI Tour of Arad (for Butler and Gabay) up next.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 29, 2016, 18:56
I hope the Cannonball will finally wear his #champca jersey! ;)
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12805758_667519053351656_2225294625157372366_n.jpg?oh=bbe1971864ff72ae09b1883a2c39dc0b&oe=575DB532)
...but due to the weather conditions he had it under wrap for most of the race.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 03, 2016, 19:18
As mentioned above, the other riders in the team started the non-UCI Tour of Arad today.
https://www.facebook.com/CyclingAcademyTeam/posts/668524196584475
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlt1/v/t1.0-9/12814266_668518836585011_2871533548636844482_n.jpg?oh=01a3edbc289c25cefa7142526041d002&oe=576C1A1B)
Quote
"I really wanted it" admitted Guy Gabay . "From the first moment, I said to myself that it woold be awesome if I can make it".
Well, he did. 18 km's of one of the most dramatic climbs in Israel - from the foot of the legendary Masada to the young city of Arad.
The plan was to put a lot of pressure on the Israeli Elite field. Our Dan Craven was taking care of that in the first two thirds of the stage with the help of Guy sagiv. Then it was up to Gabay and our American terrific climber Chris Butler. Eventually , in the last part of the climb, only 3 rivals left. "Butler did an amazing job. No chance i would have won it without him" said Gabay afterwards.
Nobody was celebrating too much as 2 more stages awaiting. "We have to win the whole tour of Arad" said Gabay. " nothing less is acceptable "
Stage two is a very short city circuit crit and the final stage includes Scorpion Pass (see earlier in the thread when they climbed it in training), but unfortunately there's still 80km to go from the top.
The ladies are racing too, but not as a Tour - just three one day races.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 04, 2016, 12:57
One of the losers from the X-Factor training camp had his revenge on Stage 2. Sagiv and Dan were both in the winning break, but Sagiv crashed leaving the Namibian outnumbered and despite his best efforts, Yecheskel took the win.
Gabay is still in yellow.
Post by: LukasCPH on March 04, 2016, 15:07
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlt1/v/t1.0-9/12832322_668785516558343_4149983796711441704_n.jpg?oh=0783a1b3dd90ab25f2868b4db8f5e990&oe=575B6FF4)But what an awesome jersey (both of them)! :cool
Post by: Leadbelly on March 07, 2016, 10:28
It was only 50km from the top to the finish and not ~80 as I previously thought. Should be interesting to see how he gets on in Coppi e Bartali, Croatia (much stronger field than last year) and Sibiu.
Good signs over at the Trofej Porec too. In very tough conditions Turek finished fifth.
Quote
t was a 157 km race that was heavily affected by strong cross winds, sometimes surpassing 30kmh. "I felt bad in the first 50 km" said The 23 years old. "But much better after that".
How much? Well, how about being able to get into the last group of riders that left the peloton behind for good, 30 km t to the finish. With him were 2 of his teamates, Mihkel Räim and Emanuel Piaskowy. After the two strongest riders of the race broke away, it was the Turek group who went into a sprint to get a podium. Turek is not a classic sprinter but he is showing improvement on that and was able to finish 5th. After the 7th place we secured in the last race, everybody feels that the team is moving in the right direction: " we are getting sharper and the podiums will come for sure" said our sports director Nicki Sørensen, confidently.
I guess Pavlic might come into the squad for the Istrian Spring Trophy, but I'm not too sure that either him or Dan has it quite to challenge for the GC.
Post by: LukasCPH on March 07, 2016, 11:15
I guess Pavlic might come into the squad for the Istrian Spring Trophy, but I'm not too sure that either him or Dan has it quite to challenge for the GC.Hard to say.
The decisive stages will be the uphill finishes on stage 1 to Labin and stage 2 to Motovun - a climber like Pavlic could do well there.
Win GC? Probably not, the competition is very strong. A top-10 overall? Possible. A stage podium? Not impossible.
Post by: Leadbelly on April 09, 2016, 19:54
In non-race news we missed the April Fool's joke that Pfizer (world's largest viagra manufacturer) were going to be the new sponsors.
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/10378935_682564131847148_2279749609828992972_n.jpg?oh=6638aa9fb099be200ec2989e5319f9bc&oe=57755CDE)(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/12919859_682564141847147_3760144692879324798_n.jpg?oh=6ee11c0444d9dad69c24d7d3453a4d04&oe=57B5998B)
Quote
"This partnership will accelerate our riders performance tremendously, on and off the bikes"
"This is extremly exciting", said the team's Canadian sprinter Guillaume Boivin
Luis Lemus is back on the road finally after his leg break. :cool
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12924448_685476928222535_7288640621221429792_n.jpg?oh=f9645a123e098b474260305a761830b0&oe=57786D1B)
Meanwhile on the racing front there haven't been any big results.
Istrian Spring Trophy: one top-ten for Boivin, illness for Turek and some crashes for various riders
Coppi e Bartali: Butler didn't quite have it on the two climbing days (longer climbs suit him better I think). They did say that they realized "there is still a way for us to go before we can be a constant factor in big stage races", but Raim also said "Listen, it would be easier for us to compete in smaller races but what is the point". Nicki Sorensen added "Its a growing experience and growing takes time".
GP Adria Mobil: " My jersey is no longer black and green. Its a lot more white and green from all the salt" Turek was in the break for a lot of the day, but it came down to a sprint with Raim finally getting a chance and taking ninth (which he wasn't happy about).
Races coming up include Tour du Finestere, Tro Bro Leon and Croatia.
Post by: Leadbelly on April 12, 2016, 20:45
I make it #5 actually. Hadari has been on some of the various training sessions/rides the team has done with young Israeli riders and the door is open for them to sign more next season.
Post by: Leadbelly on April 16, 2016, 14:31
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2yl8pxl.png)
*Dan flicks through comic/porno mag*
Post by: L'arri on April 19, 2016, 11:28
Post by: Leadbelly on April 20, 2016, 10:07
Quote from: Wikipedia
The Oeselians were a historical subdivision of Estonians inhabiting Saaremaa, an Estonian island in the Baltic Sea (the island which Raim is from).
The Oeselians were known in the Old Norse Icelandic Sagas and in Heimskringla as Víkingr frá Esthland (English: vikings from Estonia). They were summarized in the Livonian Rhymed Chronicle thus: "The Oeselians, neighbors to the Kurs (Curonians), are surrounded by the sea and never fear strong armies as their strength is in their ships. In summers when they can travel across the sea they oppress the surrounding lands by raiding both Christians and pagans."
Post by: search on April 20, 2016, 10:25
Post by: LukasCPH on April 20, 2016, 12:13
good showing by the team yesterday btw with both their champs in the breakaway in their first (?) race of the year which was live on tv. Too bad Boivin couldn't make it to the endTwo of their three champs, please! :P
And Tro Bro Leon was live on TV as well (just only in France).
Post by: Leadbelly on April 23, 2016, 22:15
Quote from: Butler
Croatia is not going how I envisioned to say the least. Multiple mechanicals, couple high speed sprint crashes, ( broke my good luck charm in one) has me all pretty hobbled right now. I am so thankful for such amazing teammates and staff that are pulling me through this race. I am in such good hands with @cyclingacademyteam and looking forward to repay with results soon!
Disappointing few days for Cab. Yesterday should have been right up his street and against modest climbing oppostion, a missed opportunity for a big result. Pavlic flew the flag for the team though with a 15th place on the MTF.
More crashes again today in the TTT and people going the wrong way, but I don't think they were the only ones having problems.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 03, 2016, 20:27
Roy Goldstein has re-signed for the team. He left initially in early 2015 without riding a UCI race....
Quote
but since then, we followed with great admiration as Roy continued to grow and develop. "He showed great will" said Team owner Ron Baron. " we are excited to further strengthen our team with the greatest Israeli talents and Roy is up there".
He'll be starting the Fleche du Sud tomorrow. Raim will be leading the team there and is feeling pretty upbeat.
Quote
" I am going for a win there" he said confidently. " I will try. I feel ready for it".
Post by: LukasCPH on May 03, 2016, 21:52
He'll be starting the Fleche du Sud tomorrow. Raim will be leading the team there and is feeling pretty upbeat.They'll go head-to-head with the #stolting puncheurs there.
I'm conflicted as to who I should support! :cool
Post by: Leadbelly on May 06, 2016, 20:54
Bad crash at the Arrow. Thankfully for the team they had no injures, but others weren't so lucky.
Quote
A disastrous chain crash in the Flèche du Sud tour race we take part in Luxembourg has resulted in serious injuries yesterday and caused the cancelation of the stage.
Media reports from the scene documented half a dozen ambulances rushed to the scene and transporting riders with serious injuries to emergency rooms. There were reports of serious head injuries among the riders.
Our Namibian @dan craven told us it happened some 10 km into the stage. "It was a Dodgy descent . Steep, Off-camber corner with apparently oil on it. a stone wall on the outside of the corner... Massive pile up. All four of us where pretty much next to each other around 30th-40th position. I was last guy to make it past."
Our Mihkel Raim could not avoid the crash but landed softly and unharmed.
GC will likely be now between the four successful breakees from stage two.
Post by: LukasCPH on May 06, 2016, 22:24
https://www.facebook.com/CyclingAcademyTeam/posts/697084127061815All I hear is that it was nasty. Stage cancellation totally justified.
Bad crash at the Arrow. Thankfully for the team they had no injures, but others weren't so lucky.
GC will likely be now between the four successful breakees from stage two.
But yesterday's escapees shouldn't feel too sure of themselves - tomorrow #stolting will attack! :angry
Post by: Leadbelly on May 27, 2016, 09:44
The Tour of Estonia starts today with a sprinters stage.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CjcrnduVEAA6VDy.jpg)
On paper it's a tougher field than previous editions as there are four PCT teams competing.
Cycling Academy Team:
Malovec
Piaskowy
Gabay
Migdal
Raim
Hadari
Pavlic
Quote from: Raim
My goals this race is to win and show the estonians that we have strong team. I'm happy with my team, it's a bit different team, we are like big family and I think it's key of our success.
The other race they are competing in is the Winston Salem Classic on Monday. Lemus will be making his comeback after his leg break.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 03, 2016, 18:53
I noticed before the start of the season that the intriguingly named Apple Race was down on the UCI calendar. Unfortunately for whatever reason it didn't retain that status -it was raced last month, but just not as a 2.2.
Het Hatsafon (Northern Arrow) has made the grade though and is the only men's UCI race in Israel this year.
I wasn't sure if the team were riding or not (no mention of it on their facebook account), but Pavlic retweeted the start list, so it's game on!
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a6ed20_0250534c418c4079b282b60750479f5e.png/v1/fill/w_584,h_517,al_c,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/a6ed20_0250534c418c4079b282b60750479f5e.png)
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a6ed20_aedc6e594e5843339cac58e964fbe146.png/v1/fill/w_712,h_171,al_c,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/a6ed20_aedc6e594e5843339cac58e964fbe146.png)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CkB8BrRUoAA0ip4.jpg)
Grabovsky making an appearance in his adopted country.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 03, 2016, 18:57
Hmmm
....
Dan Craven
.....
interview
.....
it's ringing bells for some reason.
:P
Post by: LukasCPH on June 03, 2016, 19:10
https://twitter.com/TheSlowRidePod/status/738501168532492288I would like to deny that I am in any way, shape or form involved in or identical to The Slow Ride Podcast. :-x
Hmmm
....
Dan Craven
.....
interview
.....
it's ringing bells for some reason.
:P
Post by: Slow Rider on June 03, 2016, 19:54
I would like to deny that I am in any way, shape or form involved in or identical to The Slow Ride Podcast. :-x
Me too, and I would like to officially register a complaint about their name. They are obviously just trying to lift on my shining reputation in the world of cycling, which should not be allowed. I have worked too hard on it to allow others to defame my good name.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 04, 2016, 18:16
:fanfare
Post by: LukasCPH on June 04, 2016, 18:37
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13319821_708638655906362_2884198693194084106_n.jpg?oh=963dca2311d70df797d29282b8ebc83c&oe=57D17F45)Is it a race if you take a 1-2-3-4-5 and there's no other Conti team participating? :shh
:fanfare
Post by: Leadbelly on June 04, 2016, 19:26
Is it a race if you take a 1-2-3-4-5 and there's no other Conti team participating? :shh
In this particular instance, yes, yes it is.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 08, 2016, 19:22
Uh-oh, Spaghetti-O.
Maybe I'm just lacking faith, but this will be a very steep learning curve for the youngsters (emphasis on the word steep).
http://www.girovalledaosta.it/index.php?lang=en
(http://www.girovalledaosta.it/images/edizioni/2016/Tappe/altimetria_generale.png)
The U rating means the riders have to be born in '94 or later? If so that means the team will be Hadari, Sagiv, Malovec and Yechezkel.
Post by: LukasCPH on June 08, 2016, 19:44
The U rating means the riders have to be born in '94 or later? If so that means the team will be Hadari, Sagiv, Malovec and Yechezkel.Yes, 1994 or later.
Throwing them in the deep end - but hopefully with proper support. :cool
They'll also need to sign another U23 guy as Aosta usually has 5-rider teams, but that shouldn't be a problem.
In my opinion it's good to see that the team isn't forgetting what it's originally about. Participating in high-level U23 races is what will get those youngsters further in their career than utterly dominating a '1.2' race against low-level opposition. :P
Post by: search on June 08, 2016, 20:10
Post by: Leadbelly on June 08, 2016, 21:03
Seemed in a good position going into the final climb, but just didn't have the legs. Maybe without the bridging he could have finished a bit better, but who knows.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 09, 2016, 17:24
Post by: Leadbelly on June 10, 2016, 09:39
But was he happy with the result?
Quote
"Nope" said the Estonian "Viking". " 2nd is not the result that satisfies us any more. For me, we failed".
--------------------------
This time it was Daniel Turek who took the initiative, going for his signature breakaway with 4 partners from the beginning to the last 60 kms. Then came a powerful attack on the climb by our three riders, Dan Craven, Guillaume Boivin and the Viking and soon they formed the winning breakaway with 12 riders, including 4 of our own.
That was almost a perfect scenario, The only obstacle was Canadian, Team Silber, who had 5 riders. So it was us against them. Two teams totally dominating the race.
In the last climb it was Mano A Mano. Our Estonian and a rider from Silber, both going away. Raim was sure that he has a great chance to get us the win. "I am better sprinter then him" , he thought to himself. But then came bad luck for a visit: Our Canadian champ punctured and there was no one to cover another attack from Silber. So Viking found himself isolated by another Silber rider who was able to bridge. Now it was no longer one on one but one against two. " I did not play my cards perfectly" admitted the always open and frank Estonian who could not beat the two and settled for second.
But it was one battle. The war is still on. 3 stages left. We are still very much in a position to win. Hang on.
Going to be tough to make up twelve seconds though. Silber happy to let breaks take the bonuses (and stage wins?) and the onus on Cycling Academy to make it a sprint.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 12, 2016, 21:03
It will be a damn shame if he misses the Nats.
Post by: LukasCPH on June 13, 2016, 07:35
Dislocated shoulder for Boivin. Minor surgery required.Ouchie.
It will be a damn shame if he misses the Nats.
But, as hurtful as a dislocated shoulder is, it's not as bad as a broken collarbone (I think).
Post by: Jimmythecuckoo on June 13, 2016, 09:18
http://store.vergesport.com/cycling-academy-team/
Post by: search on June 13, 2016, 14:19
Ouchie.
But, as hurtful as a dislocated shoulder is, it's not as bad as a broken collarbone (I think).
it turned out to be more than just the shoulder unfortunately...
Quote
(https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s750x750/sh0.08/e35/13108975_1319109671452388_232912235_n.jpg?ig_cache_key=MTI3MTc0MjMyMDYzMzEyNTAzMw%3D%3D.2)Body is a hurt after a nasty crash here in Saguenay. The end result is fractured collarbone, AC joint and scapula. Thanks to my @cyclingacademyteam boys for the visit at the hospital yesterday. I'll be back stronger then ever and we will rock this end of the season #ridecannondale #lifeisgood #gowiththeballs
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGmIucTKxip/
Post by: Leadbelly on June 13, 2016, 19:41
So the calendar for the next month includes:
*ca Beauce (15th -19th)
*il *cz *si *sk *pl *ee *mx Nationals (various)
*hu Hongrie (28th - 3rd)
*ro Sibiu (6-10th)
*it Valle d'Aosta (12th-17th)
Post by: Leadbelly on June 16, 2016, 20:37
L'chaim!
A few more drinks could be had tonight, three in the top eight on Megantic.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 18, 2016, 21:23
Quote
Proud to add another champion jersey to our great collection:
Our Aviv Yecheskel just won the israeli Time Trial Elite National championship race.
He finished with 45 sec advantage over 2nd place Omer Goldstein from 500 Watt.
"It was a hard one because you have to give 120 percent from beginning to end but I am so happy. Its the first time I step to the top of the Podium in TT" said Aviv, who has an impressive debut season as a pro with us.
Could the second place Goldstein find his way onto the team and join his brother there? Only 19 and if they're needing another youngster before Valle d'Aosta he looks a decent talent. The team does have one free spot (or 1 + some trackies) with Korus having left the team - not sure what happened there.
Post by: LukasCPH on June 18, 2016, 22:59
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13413107_714274785342749_112316202599800924_n.jpg?oh=2ec36e8bf3aae4fbbdba190fc01145e2&oe=57E426D4)Yeah, quite a string of decent results already for a 19-year old. :cool
Could the second place Goldstein find his way onto the team and join his brother there? Only 19 and if they're needing another youngster before Valle d'Aosta he looks a decent talent.
The team does have one free spot (or 1 + some trackies) with Korus having left the team - not sure what happened there.I completely missed that! :o
We shall endeavour to find out in Sibiu. :)
Post by: Leadbelly on June 20, 2016, 14:20
The last stage was a bit of a let down though, but that's just mainly in contrast to what had come before. They went in with the intention of retaining the lead in the team classement "and hungry for another (stage) win and trying to get two other jerseys".
However none of that came to pass. Turek gave it a go on the last lap for the stage win and to improve his GC position, but he got dropped fairly rapidly by Shelden and was lucky in a way to get caught by the leaders just when he had got over the climb (so he was able to retain his GC position).
Lemus was unable to get any KoM points, Raim didn't get any sprint points and they dropped from first to fourth in the team GC.
Post by: LukasCPH on June 20, 2016, 16:14
The last stage was a bit of a let down though, but that's just mainly in contrast to what had come before.Lesson to learn: Never big yourself up before a race, always be content with what you have. ;)
That leads to dull, streamlined interviews, so it isn't so very desirable (for the fans). Often safer - therefore, better - for the team, though.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 25, 2016, 20:07
The Israeli Nats went according to the script (mostly, but see below). No embarrassing defeat to a young upstart this year.
Quote from: Cycling Academy
The team clear goal was to use the small hills on each lap to break the peloton to pieces. It took about 2 laps before there intensity took a toll on their rivals.
Each of the riders took turns in putting pressure.
But way into the first lap it was pretty clear who is the strongest rider: it was Aviv Yecheskel who was making the moves, attacking and breaking away. Still, we asked him to hold a bit for his teammates.
In the last lap he (Yecheskel) was given the green light to go, riding solo in the last 15 km. It seemed that nobody can beat him...
...... But never say never. The never surrender defending champion Guy Sagiv got rid of the last rival on his wheel and started chasing his teammate and best friend. He vowed before the race that he will do everything to defend the jersey. And he meant every word.
Guy Sagiv did the impossible, closing a huge gap and passed Aviv in the last 200 meters. It was a dramatic win by a rider that never gives up.
Yecheskel wasn't too happy immediately after the finish. Whether it was the early team orders or Sagiv chasing him down right at the end or a combination of the two. Anyway he "expressed his emotions in an inappropriate manner."
He apologised though and the pair of them kissed and made up.
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13516719_669958376493293_1882212897681778797_n.jpg?oh=3b06d03d18e18f0c8dac4c5453656a8a&oe=5808F70C)
The other winner so far was Malovec, who won the Slovak U23 TT title. Not sure we'll get to see a funky jersey for him though due to the lack of potential times he'll get to wear it (possibly never).
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s851x315/13494815_716716348431926_3482537936705927517_n.jpg?oh=da85da064404900bc1988f7a232bfdc3&oe=57FE8CB3)
Post by: LukasCPH on June 26, 2016, 00:30
The other winner so far was Malovec, who won the Slovak U23 TT title. Not sure we'll get to see a funky jersey for him though due to the lack of potential times he'll get to wear it (possibly never).They should at least give us a virtual design to salivate over! :D
Post by: Leadbelly on June 26, 2016, 20:47
They should at least give us a virtual design to salivate over! :D
Problem solved as I think he won the U23 RR title today. So we'll get to see that at Valle d'Aosta.
Mexican and Estonian kits incoming too. :cool
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13495046_717678235002404_2687726706673753128_n.jpg?oh=300e21dee9e17043ee59fed84f858ede&oe=57C18789)
Quote
Miku was super active all along ng the race. Getting into the first breakaway of 14 and then another one, the 3 riders that went to the finish." In the last km it was a cat and mouse game between us. I started the sprint from second position and had good legs and power to finish it".
https://twitter.com/bikeGEEEEKS/status/747152343460945920
Post by: Leadbelly on June 27, 2016, 19:09
https://www.facebook.com/CyclingAcademyTeam/posts/717840918319469
Quote from: Luis Lemus
" The race started with 10 laps of a 2 Km circuit, and a break of 15 riders went away, we knew it wasn't really dangerous, we can afford up to 5 min before the climb.
The last climb was really long, 35 km, and more than 1 hr, also the heat was a big factor today, so keeping calm and keep drinking and eating before the climb was really important, so I did that, and stayed focus on the climb.
I felt pretty good, as the climb started the attacks started and I was on a group of 5 that caught the 3 last riders of the break like 10 k on the climb, I was dropped from 2 other guys a bit later, but I knew it was a long way to go, so I just kept my own pace, and stayed focus on it.
I caught them back, dropped 1 rider, so it was just me and my cousin in the front, but he wasn't feeling good, so I left him behind like 13 k to the top, from there to the finish it was just a TT, measuring the effort, and as Nicki told me , dreaming of that great place that is the finish line.
I kept control with my SRM, to not go over the red and crack, I had about a minute to a lonely chaser, and I won for a min, during the last km I could enjoy it a but more, I clapped to myself, I was really happy, I even start thinking of my new Jersey, about having the jersey in Europe and with the Cycling Academy Logo".
Post by: Leadbelly on June 29, 2016, 19:37
(http://www.tourdehongrie.hu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/tdh_golyak_foto_vanik_zoltan-1.jpg)
This new tactic of putting half your team in the break and flooring it seems to be paying dividends. I don't see too many riders with decent climbing results in that top-11, so Turek could have a very good chance of a great GC result here.
Post by: LukasCPH on June 29, 2016, 22:24
This new tactic of putting half your team in the break and flooring it seems to be paying dividends. I don't see too many riders with decent climbing results in that top-11, so Turek could have a very good chance of a great GC result here.Also has to do with many of their riders simply being head and shoulders above much of the opposition in those 2.2 races.
They won't be able to pull this off in Sibiu.
I think.
I'll happily be proven wrong, though. :D
Post by: Leadbelly on July 01, 2016, 13:20
Also has to do with many of their riders simply being head and shoulders above much of the opposition in those 2.2 races.
They won't be able to pull this off in Sibiu.
I think.
I'll happily be proven wrong, though. :D
Certainly here in Hongrie you are right, though Kolss are no mugs - best ranked CT team in Europe last year (taken with a large pinch of UCI salt).
The Canadian races had stronger fields in comparison, but yes, Sibiu will be a bit different.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 02, 2016, 21:12
Fingers crossed for their first GC victory!
Post by: Leadbelly on July 04, 2016, 09:24
Yecheskel wasn't too happy immediately after the finish. Whether it was the early team orders or Sagiv chasing him down right at the end or a combination of the two. Anyway he "expressed his emotions in an inappropriate manner."
http://bikepanel.com/p/35247
Article on the race and discussion of the incident.
https://youtu.be/JPnZ_CrrJFw
Middle finger and bike throw combo. Not very classy.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 04, 2016, 09:42
Difficult to be sure what the finishing 20km circuit is like in Budapest tomorrow. It can't be that tough (4 x 1km at 5%?), but I just hope they don't regret not letting Turek have a go on the climb today. If he could have overtaken Polivoda in the GC that would almost have been an unassailable position.
Fingers crossed for their first GC victory!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmcQcFiWIAAdkeN.jpg)
Well they did it, but not without a few alarms.
First of all Raim and Turek got isolated against five Kolss riders, then we had the incident with the traffic on the final circuit - riders having to pass taxis and buses on a roundabout. Finally Raim himself put in an attack with a couple of laps to go (did he think it was the final one?) and when caught he was hanging round the back of the group for a while.
Onto Sibiu anyway. You got a start list yet Fus?
Post by: L'arri on July 04, 2016, 09:43
Post by: LukasCPH on July 04, 2016, 10:07
Onto Sibiu anyway. You got a start list yet Fus?Indeed I do (our Sibiu thread should go live today or tomorrow).
For #academy it's Piaskowy, Butler, Craven, R. Goldstein, Pavlič, Lemus.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 05, 2016, 18:53
1. Why did Max Korus leave the team?
2. Any races confirmed for later in the year (other than Valle d'Aosta)?
3. When will Boivin be back racing?
4. Will they be repeating the X-Factor audition for team places in 2017?
Post by: Leadbelly on July 07, 2016, 09:00
http://www.com.org.mx/com-informa/lemus-y-rodriguez-con-plaza-olimpica-en-ruta/
#2 for the team.
Luis wasn't even on the long list for the spot back in January (and that was before his leg break), so he's defied the odds to make it.
He should be wearing his new kit today btw. No chest eagle unfortunately.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 07, 2016, 21:23
He should be wearing his new kit today btw. No chest eagle unfortunately.
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13606456_1748667668723564_3027688153000947109_n.jpg?oh=66ca3d18cabdda69c600658a3c9740d5&oe=57F74030)
Post by: Leadbelly on July 08, 2016, 20:31
Could the second place Goldstein find his way onto the team and join his brother there? Only 19 and if they're needing another youngster before Valle d'Aosta he looks a decent talent.
No confirmation from the team, but he's on the provisional start list for Aosta.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/15yyir5.jpg)
Lots of big U23 names competing in general. Should be a good race.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 08, 2016, 20:48
Even so lots of positives to take from the performances. Turek so strong even with yesterday's effort in his legs, Lemus suffering from jet lag but hanging in there, Piaskowy and Butler among the first to reach the line from the peloton (Butler said he was first - confirmation from our roving reporters?).
The "what ifs" are the frustrating bits. What if Turek hadn't been in the break yesterday and what if the peloton had caught the break? Could Cab have won it and given the team a good chance of another GC win.
That's cycling though I guess. Sometimes the dice just don't fall the way you want them too.
Post by: search on July 08, 2016, 21:16
Piaskowy and Butler among the first to reach the line from the peloton (Butler said he was first - confirmation from our roving reporters?).
didn't manage to figure that out yet, I was in front with Valkenburg and race radio lost track of all the attacks from the peloton in the end. No idea where Piaskowy, Butler, Larsson and Hristov came from or at what point they attacked
Schulting (who finished in front of him despite not having been in the early break) attacked with something like 50 or 60km to go
Post by: Leadbelly on July 11, 2016, 20:23
Quote
Israel’s first Pro Cycling Team to turn Pro-Continental in 2017.
Following two seasons in the Continental rank, Israel’s only pro team: Cycling Academy Team, is planning to make the move to the Pro-Continental ranks in 2017.
Team aims to compete in the Tour of California and the Classics in 2017, eyeing a Gran-Tour debut in 2018.
Team is currently negotiating with several key riders and technical partners.
“The team has had a good success on the Continental circuit. It’s time for us to step up to the higher League” said the Academy’s new Board of Directors member, Mr. Sylvan Adams
The “Start-Up” team, which was launched at the end of 2014, recently concluded an extremely successful spring campaign, with 2 stage wins at the Tour de Beauce (Canada), 2 Stages and the GC at the Tour of Hungary and 7 National championship titles.
“I believe that the team’s recent success and the ongoing changes in the Pro Cycling world, will turn out to be favorable for us” said Team Cycling Academy founder and owner, Mr. Ron Baron.
Baron, a businessman and himself a cycling enthusiastic, pointed out the diversity of the team distinct from other pro-cycling teams in the world with this innovative approach, as its trademark.
“Our multi-national character is quite distinct from most other pro-cycling teams around the world. Just like Israel, the team is a melting-pot. As far as I know, we are also the only Non-Profit organization in the world of professional cycling.”
With an experienced roster of riders such as Dan Craven(Namibia), Guillaume Boivin(Canada), Chris Butlerr (USA) and upcoming young talent like Luis Enrique Lemus (Mexico) Daniel Turek (Czech Republic) and Mihkel Räim (Estonia), the team was able to build one of the most solid Continental teams in the world of pro cycling.
As a born and raised Israeli team, one of the Academy’s key goals is to support the development of Israeli riders, who represent the majority of team riders.
“I’m grateful that we have the trust and support of so many friends who have recently shown their faith in our project.” said team manager and former pro rider, Ran Margaliot. “The support of people like Sylvan Adams, makes all the difference for us. This generous support will allow us to make history and become a Pro-Continental team in 2017”.
The team is reported to be in ongoing negotiations with several key riders and technical sponsors for 2017 and beyond.
More details will be released in the upcoming days.
Seems the talk is being turned into actions. Exciting days, but I just hope it doesn't change the feel of the team too much. At the moment to me, they feel like a bit of a cult team (in the non-Danish sense). Will the proposed move up mean a different mindset and change in attitude?
The transfers will be very important in that respect. One could be a good example to follow, they had a bit of a shaky time at the start of their Northern European season, but their fairly modest signings (Smith and Domagalski are two that spring to mind) have been getting performances and results. No need always to go for a big name.
I'd be looking at people like Carpenter or Huffman if they're after more US riders. Not sure about any names to bolster the team for "classics".
Post by: LukasCPH on July 11, 2016, 20:56
https://www.facebook.com/CyclingAcademyTeam/photos/a.516933988410164.1073741833.515137875256442/723954521041442They will most likely do an audition training camp again to find new riders. :)
Seems the talk is being turned into actions. Exciting days, but I just hope it doesn't change the feel of the team too much. At the moment to me, they feel like a bit of a cult team (in the non-Danish sense). Will the proposed move up mean a different mindset and change in attitude?
The transfers will be very important in that respect. One could be a good example to follow, they had a bit of a shaky time at the start of their Northern European season, but their fairly modest signings (Smith and Domagalski are two that spring to mind) have been getting performances and results. No need always to go for a big name.
I'd be looking at people like Carpenter or Huffman if they're after more US riders. Not sure about any names to bolster the team for "classics".
And they're going for Israeli riders plus riders from 'non-traditional' cycling nations. I'm confident the team won't abandon that concept all of a sudden, it seems to be built on a very stable idea of developing cycling, not going for short-term success (although nobody minds success if it comes about).
Their next race after Valle d'Aosta will be the GP Kranj, I don't know what comes after that.
They'll have *na Craven and *mx Lemus at the Olympics though, that much I know. ;)
Boivin is on the indoor trainer, but he's not on the roster for any of the remaining 2016 races. No point in rushing it after the crash he had.
Korus lost motivation, went back from *il to *usa and hasn't touched a bike in months.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 13, 2016, 15:45
Malovec's U23 Slovakian Champ kit.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 21, 2016, 18:51
The TTT actually went okay with a mid-field finish, but I wouldn't draw too much from that. The other four days it was more about survival (and survival is no mean feat, as a comparison nobody from Team Ecaudor finished last year).
Surprisingly it was probably the two least experienced riders who made it to the finish. Yechezkel was in the break on stage two, but got dropped fairly early and then DNFed the next day. Sagiv and Malovec were (pointlessly?) sacrificed on the penultimate day in an effort to get Hadari and Goldstein in a good position on the final climb, which they succeeded in doing, but were DNFs themselves.
Quote
But they all felt , in a way, that this experience will make them better riders. Every one of them faced moments of crisis and did not succumb. In the last climb of the 3rd stage, somebody crashed into Sagiv's bike and it took eternity till he got a new bike from the natural car. And it turned up to have the wrong pedals. He never gave up, battling "the thoughts climb I ever faced " - and made it.
Zohar, who had his ups and downs this year, recalled the longest moments of facing the last climb of the whole tour. " It was 20 percent at some point... and the only thing I was thinking about is , just don't give up now. Don't break to pieces now. I was so relieved when I made it. I think that it brought me to a new level".
Omer Goldstein, echoed those words. He was, no doubt, the most pleasant surprise. Just joined the team. Just 19. "I was very impressed by Omer" said our sports director Matteo Algeri. " To face the hardest race in your first steps as a pro, especially when you are so young - is very impressive".
Omer crashed in the 4 stage and suffered mightily. But he made it. " In the last climb, Zohar was talking and encouraging me" he recalled. " That helped me so much... I am grateful that I experienced this and have no doubt that we will come back here much stronger next year. Not only me. All of us"!
I don't want to rain on his parade, but only Omer himself will be young enough next year to compete, so without some young transfers this could be one-off visit to Aosta.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 22, 2016, 20:29
Qatar here we come!
Quote
Tel- Aviv. ( July 22) : Israel’s first pro cycling team makes its own history again: The Team was just confirmed to race in the world championship Team Time Trial to be held in Doha, Qatar. The team who was founded just 20 months ago is one of only 4 Continental teams that got the coveted Wild card invitation from the UCI to compete in the October 9th TTT.
“To have the chance to race with World pro teams in the top stage of pro cycling is a great honor and the utmost recognition of how far we have got since our first days less then two years ago” said team founder Ron Baron.
The team looks upon the TTT race in Qatar as one of the hardest challenges it faced so far. Accordingly, it was decided to recall all riders back to Israel for a special Negev desert training camp in order to simulate racing under the scorching heat conditions expected in Qatar.
“ We will do everything to justify this invitation” said Team manager Ran Margaliot. “ But we welcome the challenge since it will demand everything from us: perfect coordination, top shape and the ability to bring a group of individuals to perform brilliantly together. We will send to Qatar riders from 6 different countries, so the challenge will be even more complicated”.
Leading The Team TTT will Be Israel’s TT Champion Aviv Yecheskel. “ It will be very special for me and for the whole team to race in Qatar . For me, racing in this top level is a dream come through”.
Expected to race for Academy is Namibian Road champion Dan Craven who said that “ The way the team has grown over the season and the riders that have come together as a unit, its only fitting that the TTT will be our last race this season, one last hard effort to remind us all what lies ahead for us next year as a pro continental team”.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 24, 2016, 20:19
If you remember from last year, there are two build-up events before Utah: Mount Evans Hill Climb and the Cascade Classic. Last year Morton won on Mount Evans (the highest paved road in the US), but since I don't know if anyone competing at Utah this year is riding it, then the result may not be of much interest to this thread.
It is of interest to this thread though as Cab took the win!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CoE1qAlVIAAAoio.jpg)
As i thought there were no Utah participants. The results sheets seems a bit screwed at the mo, but from what I remember this morning his time was ~1h51, so just behind Morton's time from last year and ~10m down on Danielson's all time record.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 31, 2016, 19:46
First day back at the office after a bit of a holiday (of varying lengths) for the team.
Turek was in the early break with David Per, but the gap never got that big and the team decided to let him save his energy for later and were caught by a larger group. Crucially then, despite having four riders in this group, they let three riders De Marchi, Rogina and Ravanelli go up the road and they weren't seen again.
Hopefully we'll have some news this week about going PCT in 2017 and more importantly what races the rest of the year holds.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 02, 2016, 06:03
Dwars door het Hageland is up next for the team. Let's hope they make it to Friday....
https://twitter.com/mihkelraim/status/760157037493948416
Post by: Leadbelly on August 03, 2016, 19:13
Post by: Leadbelly on August 05, 2016, 20:13
According to tweets and reports they seemed to be (unsurprisingly) the two that were most involved. The Estonian getting a flat at the wrong moment...
https://twitter.com/mihkelraim/status/761604494681632769
https://twitter.com/mihkelraim/status/761604690543046656
.....and Turek crashed with a km to go(?). Top-ten a possibility without that for the Czech?
Post by: search on August 05, 2016, 20:33
So those guys were out of reach anyway, maybe he could have finished a bit higher up the order, but not in the top 10 I guess. He didn't look like one of the 10 strongest in that group at least
Post by: Leadbelly on August 09, 2016, 19:01
Post Merge: August 09, 2016, 19:15
https://twitter.com/DanFromNam/status/763072371863457792
In other news the GP Jef Scherens has been added to the calendar (I think).
Post by: Leadbelly on August 12, 2016, 18:38
Quote
....and are now preparing to a series of half a dozen hard as nails races in Belgium in a span of 2 weeks.
GP Jef Scherens (via Raim on Facebook)
Omloop Mandel - Leie - Schelde (on race website)
Schaal Sels (just followed the team on Twitter)
+ 3 others
GP Marbriers could be one (I know it's French, but not far from the border).
Post by: Leadbelly on August 16, 2016, 21:03
Top-ten for Yechezkel at the GP Tim Wellens. :cool
The Eastern European arm of the team were competing in a couple of UCI races in Poland over the weekend as well - Memorial Henryka Lasaka and Puchar Uzdrowisk Karpackich.
Things looked good for Turek in the second race when he attacked on the final circuit....
Quote
Then he looked back to see how big is the gap and determine his next move.
Ouch.
Crash.
What happened? In the brief second it that took him to turn his head back, he missed a turn. The crash ended with broken wheel and a frustrating 3 min wait for a new wheel to arrive.
Race over. Or more accurately, victory chance missed. He would finish 14th
Post by: LukasCPH on August 16, 2016, 23:47
Things looked good for Turek in the second race when he attacked on the final circuit....Ouch.
I'll tell you, Turek himself has no idea how strong he is.
He's up there in the mix in every single race he does. Enormous.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 23, 2016, 05:38
Post by: Leadbelly on August 27, 2016, 21:14
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14079775_745873742182853_8528750825185263033_n.jpg?oh=cff9c1ef15675953740acbd1fc88c938&oe=584BE137)
At least they had nice weather for their recon of the "roads".
Last weekend Raim finished 12th at GP Jef Scherens and today Yechezkel finished a creditable 11th at Omloop Mandel-Leie-Schelde (Raim was in the break).
Post by: Leadbelly on August 30, 2016, 19:05
Lots of dirty pictures on the team's facebook page if that's your sort of thing.
Some interesting news for later in the year:
https://twitter.com/TourofRwanda/status/770649954184531968
Post by: Leadbelly on August 31, 2016, 18:41
(http://i65.tinypic.com/e9fdbs.png)
Post by: Leadbelly on September 14, 2016, 08:56
Wednesday U23 TT - Aviv Yechezkel and Omer Goldstein
Saturday U23 RR - Omer Goldstein, Guy Sagiv, Aviv Yechezkel and Lubos Malovec
Sunday Men's RR - Daniel Turek, Mihkel Raim and Roy Goldstein
There are also three Israelis in the Junior RR on Friday to keep an eye on - Ben Moshe, Hershler and Windeberg.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 14, 2016, 10:39
The team is in action at the Coppa Bernocchi today
http://www.cyclingpro.net/spaziociclismo/startlist/coppa-bernocchi-2016-la-startlist
Not anymore. :S
Post by: Leadbelly on September 14, 2016, 20:18
Promising performance from Omer Goldstein today in the U23 TT. Okay he was +3m08 down on Kamna but "he had just received his new Cannondale bike the other day, and didn't have any opportunity to get used to the position. Finishing in a top30 placing, with the quality of riders that you see here, is not (easy) at all".
Post by: Leadbelly on September 20, 2016, 20:02
All the climbing and extra distance put paid to any chances of a good showing. Only the fourth time Raim has been over 200km this year (or rather it would have been if he hadn't DNF-ed).
http://www.canadiancyclist.com/dailynews.php?id=31758&title=cycling-canada-announces-elite-u23-team-for-road-world-championships
Perry had already mentioned in a Youtube interview after Montreal that he was on his way to Israel as part of the Worlds prep, but this shows the link between two countries via Sylvan Adams. Maybe a prediction of mine could come true for once and some more Canadians might join the team.
Post by: LukasCPH on September 20, 2016, 20:16
Maybe a prediction of mine could come true for once and some more Canadians might join the team.I think you're onto something here.
Some of the #silber guys look ready for the step up to a PCT, and #academy would be just the right place. There are a couple of decent Canadians at #rally as well.
Post by: LukasCPH on September 24, 2016, 19:04
Ben Perry #silber --> #academy
Another article on the signing of Perry and the ProConti plans:
http://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/news/ben-perry-joins-cycling-academy-2017-2018-seasons/ (http://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/news/ben-perry-joins-cycling-academy-2017-2018-seasons/)
There may be more *ca signings coming up:
http://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/news/perry-dal-cin-cataford-moving-silber-2017/ (http://cyclingmagazine.ca/sections/news/perry-dal-cin-cataford-moving-silber-2017/)
Dal-Cin & Cataford will move from #silber in 2017.
Couple of *es rumours as well:
http://www.ciclo21.com/ciclobreves-septiembre-2016/ (http://www.ciclo21.com/ciclobreves-septiembre-2016/)
U23 RR #champes Óscar Pelegrí (Seguros Bilbao, stagiaire at #amore this autumn) and U23 ITT #champes Martin Bouzas (SuperFroiz) according to this piece.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 30, 2016, 17:43
Google Translate isn't the best with Hebrew...
Quote
Some of the best riders Israelis will contract its professional senior team next season and the opportunity to compete at us never faced Israeli riders.
But some riders Israeli recognition of its need more time to develop and the need to nurture young talents other Israelis knocking at the gate, led the group leaders to establish a new reserve team that will give them the conditions to grow and develop to the level required for professional round
Omer Goldstein is the only member of the current team who is still young enough to ride in an U23 team next year, but he's probably one of their more promising Israeli prospects, so I don't know which option would be best for him or the team. I guess that would depend on the calendar that both teams will race in 2017. Anyway maybe he'll get his wish and will be back at Valle d'Aosta for some more punishment.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 30, 2016, 20:51
Couple of *es rumours as well:
http://www.ciclo21.com/ciclobreves-septiembre-2016/ (http://www.ciclo21.com/ciclobreves-septiembre-2016/)
U23 RR #champes Óscar Pelegrí (Seguros Bilbao, stagiaire at #amore this autumn) and U23 ITT #champes Martin Bouzas (SuperFroiz) according to this piece.
I'll admit back when I was looking for team news for Alberta that I checked the results of Pelegri to see if he was much cop, and despite his U23 title, my thoughts were that he wasn't up to much. So I'd look pretty foolish now if I suddenly changed my tune.
It's always difficult to tell with Spanish youngsters though.
Bouzas similarly hasn't got many results that you can draw comparisons with known quantities. His big draw point is his age. It's one thing to win a U23 title when you're 22, but it's much more promising when you're still only 18. However he disappointed at Plumelec finishing way down the field.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 01, 2016, 11:48
It's always difficult to tell with Spanish youngsters though.The thing with Spanish U23 riders is that they hardly ever do UCI races and therefore often appear to not have many results. Most Spanish U23 races are local, and the quality there is actually rather good. But few riders make it from there to a pro team - or even just a Conti squad.
When even a guy like Jordi Simón struggled to find a team, eventually turning out first for #ecuador and now for #verva, you can imagine how it must be for those riders with less outstanding ability.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 09, 2016, 11:40
Today's squad for the TTT.
Aviv Yecheskel: Israel TT Champ
Guy Sagiv: Israel Road Champ
Guillaume Boivin: Canada
Mihkel Räim: Estonia Road Champ
Dan Craven: Namibia Road Champ
Daniel Turek: Czech Republic
The team even got to meet Sheikh Cookson
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14606343_773645956072298_1376468273490988481_n.jpg?oh=f0d64e22396e5166532ad1dc4ee36312&oe=589F7773)
Post by: Leadbelly on October 10, 2016, 20:47
It has been an awesome year. Bit of a slow-ish start, but it picked up with Tro Bro Leon and then a golden period from Saguenay through Beauce to Hongrie.
A strong performance yesterday was the icing on the cake - second best CT, beating the only PCT and only 42 seconds down on AG2R. The Israeli training camp definitely showed it's benefits and that feeling was reinforced today by the high placings from Cowan and MacKinnon for Canada in the U23 TT (Team RaceClean must also get a lot of credit for that). So what odds a top-ten for Guillaume in the RR?
Post by: Leadbelly on October 10, 2016, 21:03
Quote
Cycling Academy reaffirmed last night that it has completed all the technical requirements and is expecting the UCI to approve its application to race at the Pro Continental level for 2017.
“A week from now we will complete the roster (for 2017) and we are certain we will have a strong, balanced mix of young and veteran riders who can take the lead, and inspire our younger riders.” The newly added riders were chosen based on their talent and experience, designed around stage wins and success at one day races.
The team .... has set for itself a very challenging race schedule for the upcoming 2017 season, including: Milan San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race, Tour of California and the Tour of Great Britain.
Interesting that they say "designed around stage wins and success at one day races". That could just be Pez's choice of words, but does it mean a lesser interest in GC action?
California should be a gimme now for an invite, ToB should be a goer too, but the others seems very ambitious. Maybe MSR is the best chance of that big wildcard.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 10, 2016, 22:18
In many ways, stage wins and one-day races are 'easier' to win. It sounds counter-intuitive, but there are so many more opportunities, and less damage is done if you get something wrong. One bad day can ruin the effort of a whole week (or three weeks!) in a stage race; in one-day races, you put it behind and look forward to the next race.
With *ca *il Sylvan Adams coming on board (literally), I think we'll see more *ca riders than just Boivin and Perry in #academy kit next year.
#silber Matteo Dal-Cin is ready for a pro contract, and eventually Kris Dahl and Nigel Ellsay will be, too. There's #rally Adam de Vos as well. Ryan Roth would be a very good, experienced mentor/road captain as well if he wants to do another round of the pro circuit - but he may well choose to stay in Canada with #silber and only do the North American races.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 11, 2016, 17:24
http://cyclingtips.com/2016/10/ambitious-dempster-takes-on-road-captain-role-with-cycling-academy-team/ (http://cyclingtips.com/2016/10/ambitious-dempster-takes-on-road-captain-role-with-cycling-academy-team/)
They're looking to use him in a road captain role, guiding the younger and less experienced riders on the team. He could also lead out Boivin, but will get his own chance to race for a result as well.
Post by: search on October 11, 2016, 18:22
Post by: LukasCPH on October 11, 2016, 19:16
Good signing. And "depending on how the roster shapes up now with the upcoming announcements, I think they are going to have a more pure sprinter in the roster" could be an indication that the rumors about Fortin joining the team are true I guessSounds like it, yes.
Post by: zinoviev letter on October 11, 2016, 20:00
Good signing. And "depending on how the roster shapes up now with the upcoming announcements, I think they are going to have a more pure sprinter in the roster" could be an indication that the rumors about Fortin joining the team are true I guess
I am a bit surprised that Bora didn't keep him. I know that Sagan doesn't really need or use a train, but Dempster's a very useful domestique for sprints and flatter races in general.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 11, 2016, 20:37
I am a bit surprised that Bora didn't keep him.Same here.
And even though Sagan may not need him, Bennett is still there ... :S
Post by: zinoviev letter on October 11, 2016, 22:32
Same here.
And even though Sagan may not need him, Bennett is still there ... :S
Yes, indeed. It's not clear how Sagan's arrival will effect Bennett apart, presumably, from it meaning that he won't be their sprinter at the Tour. With Bora going WT and racing a larger schedule, including all three GTs, there should in theory still be plenty of races for him.
It's particularly difficult to tell because as far as I can see, the team only has 19 riders announced for next year. I assume that they will have considerably more than that in the end. Bennett might end up with enhanced help, benefiting from strong riders primarily brought in to help Sagan. Or he could end up being quite peripheral, largely fending for himself in races that Sagan isn't interested in.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 11, 2016, 23:04
It's particularly difficult to tell because as far as I can see, the team only has 19 riders announced for next year. I assume that they will have considerably more than that in the end.They will have to:
Quote from: UCI rule 2.15.110
The number of riders in each UCI WorldTeam may not be fewer than twenty-three (23).Most teams have at least 25 riders - this year, only #lampre had 24 riders.
I think the last WT team to have only 23 riders was #euskaltel in 2012, their last year with a "Basque-only" policy.
Post by: zinoviev letter on October 11, 2016, 23:33
They will have to:Most teams have at least 25 riders - this year, only #lampre had 24 riders.
I think the last WT team to have only 23 riders was #euskaltel in 2012, their last year with a "Basque-only" policy.
Yes, I'd guess 25 or 26. I haven't heard many rumours linking other riders to them since their big signings though. Presumably they will need at least a couple of people who can climb well as they've signed two GC riders but only have Buchmann, Konrad, Mendes on their books to support them.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 12, 2016, 08:11
Post by: LukasCPH on October 12, 2016, 10:49
The Fortin rumours don't do anything for me I'm afraid. He's done well to turn his career round after a couple of underwhelming years with Bardiani, but.....well, maybe I just don't like out and out sprinters. :PYeah, me neither, I like the breakaway artists and puncheurs more as well.
But, it can't be denied, sprinters win sh*tloads of races. ;)
Post by: Leadbelly on October 18, 2016, 18:44
Bit of a senior moment for me with this transfer as I thought he had already signed for Caja, but of course that was Schultz.
Quote
The Klein Constantia rider, coming from Christchurch, New Zealand, Hamish has certainly caught the eyes of many after a strong showing this season, including 3rd place in the Under 23 Paris - Roubaix and winning the GC in Carpathian Couriers stage race, a race in which he also took victories in two stages as well. Schreurs also won his Native lands Under 23 championship for the second time (his first was in 2015).
Schreurs impressive performance earned him a promotion from his team Klein Constantina up the ranks to the Etixx-Quick step squad, who added him to the team as a trainee this summer.
Ran Margaliot, expressed his confidence that Hamish will be able to deliver. “We believe he is an exceptional rider as he is so versatile: He can ride the Pave in the Classics so well, but he can also manage the climbs in tour races. He has a good sprint, and, first and foremost – Hamish has proved himself as a rider with very high race intelligence. Put it all together with his self-motivation and an ability to adapt — coming from New Zealand to Europe - and we concluded that we have here a really exceptional talent”.
He was at Veranclassic - Doltcini in 2014 and Sojasun Espoirs in 2015, so as Sean would say, he's had his head kicked in, in both Belgium and France.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 18, 2016, 18:52
But, it can't be denied, sprinters win sh*tloads of races. ;)
Some sprinters win sh*tloads of races. :P
Lot's of top tens for others, especially the ones in my CQ teams.....
Post by: LukasCPH on October 21, 2016, 15:57
https://www.facebook.com/CyclingAcademyTeam/posts/781900255246868:0Ooh, Hamish! :cool
Bit of a senior moment for me with this transfer as I thought he had already signed for Caja, but of course that was Schultz.
First of all, what a great first name. Second, he's a damn fine rider.
Post by: search on October 28, 2016, 08:43
Post by: Leadbelly on October 28, 2016, 09:51
On Cicloweb I read that the team will have an Italian Sponsor ("un'importante partnership italiana") next year. Any information about that?
First I've heard about it.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 28, 2016, 15:00
On Cicloweb I read that the team will have an Italian Sponsor ("un'importante partnership italiana") next year. Any information about that?Do you have a link to that article?
Post by: search on October 28, 2016, 15:14
Post by: LukasCPH on October 28, 2016, 15:32
it was mentioned in the Cicloweb forum (basically only that sentence up there), I haven't seen an article myselfYou cheat on VR?! :angry
Post by: Leadbelly on October 30, 2016, 20:31
Quote
Czech rider Dan Turek will become Israel Cycling Academies lone original rider, as he survives the cruel but necessary cuts as the team moves to compete at the Pro continental level next season.
In a clear indication of the difficulties facing cyclists to fulfill their dream of advancing to the top level in pro cycling, none of the Academies core of 12 riders except Turek who raced in the teams inaugural season will wear its uniform in 2017.
“We owe so much to the riders who started our journey. They gave it their all” said Team owner and founder Ron Baron. “But it was absolutely necessary to up the level as we move to a much tougher racing schedule in our first season as Pro Continental team”.
The team has already announced the signing of 5 New riders, all top young Talents or veterans with Pro continental Pro Tour experience, in addition to a few successful riders from its 2016 season that will officially end next month with the Tour of Rwanda.
But the Czech 24 year old who won his teams first ever race in 2015, will now be the only original rider to make it. And no wonder, “We are extremely proud of Turek” said team manager Ran Margaliot. “From our very first days as a team, he showed his courage & aggressiveness, taking huge risks in breakaways when the odds were totally against him. In a way, Turek symbolizes our DNA. He races in the way we want our team to approach racing: To risk it all in a daring way, when finishing a race means nothing if you do not have the guts to go for the jugular. Turek exemplifies all that. Which is why he was rewarded with our trust to be part of our Pro Continental team.”
Turek’s style of being ultra aggressive earned him the nickname “Mr. Breakaway”. He earned his 2 wins for Cycling Academy in 2015 through breakaways, and although this season he was used more as a domestique to the team’s sprinters, he never abandoned his signature style. “I had a different role on the team this season, as I was more of a support guy, but I was happy to do it. I am very proud to be with this team from day 1 and to have the chance to continue with it to the next level” he said. “I am sure that I can keep progressing next year, although the challenges will be much more difficult. I am sure I can show that I belong”.
Best news of the week. I was getting a bit worried that he didn't fit in with this alleged "top name" team policy, but my fears have been allayed. Now we just need the other Dan to put pen to paper and then we're cooking with gas.
Not that out of the blue that Migdal, Malovec and Piaskowy are leaving. Gabay, the winner of Hets Hatsafon, is maybe more of a surprise.
Anyway if we assume that Mr. Craven re-signs as do the remaining five Israelis (Goldstein x 2, Hadari, Sagiv and Yechezkel). That will give a total of 15 riders to date. So probably still a few spots to fill - a couple from another X-Factor camp? a top name fast guy? Africans?
Post by: LukasCPH on October 30, 2016, 23:39
Best news of the week. I was getting a bit worried that he didn't fit in with this alleged "top name" team policy, but my fears have been allayed. Now we just need the other Dan to put pen to paper and then we're cooking with gas.The "top name" policy was always just for new signings (more or less), they'd be stupid not to take their tried and tested talents with them.
Not that out of the blue that Migdal, Malovec and Piaskowy are leaving. Gabay, the winner of Hets Hatsafon, is maybe more of a surprise.Huh.
4th in the *il champs isn't good enough anymore for a pro contract ... to be honest, that's probably a reasonable assessment of the current strength of Israeli cycling.
I guess that he'll continue with the development team that they have in the works.
Anyway if we assume that Mr. Craven re-signs as do the remaining five Israelis (Goldstein x 2, Hadari, Sagiv and Yechezkel). That will give a total of 15 riders to date. So probably still a few spots to fill - a couple from another X-Factor camp? a top name fast guy? Africans?Mr. Craven said in Sibiu that he'd already had "the talk" with the management back in June/July (two months early), and I assume he's just waiting for all the Is to be crossed and Ts to be dotted ... or something.
I don't think all five Israelis will necessarily get a pro deal right away. Sagiv and Roy Goldstein have proven themselves, and Yechezkel is up-and-coming. Omer Goldstein however has only half a season of Conti experience, and the same is true for Zohar Hadari. Those two would profit from another year at Conti level.
Another X-Factor camp would be cool. :D
Don't know if they need a top name fast guy, but it's undeniable that, if one were available, he'd be nice to have.
Africans I would love to see. I think #academy will be at the Tour of Rwanda, what better opportunity to look at the talent that's there.
But I think they can also snap up one or two experienced riders still; there are lots of riders looking for a ride at the moment, many with an impressive palmarès.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 31, 2016, 05:42
Huh.
4th in the *il champs isn't good enough anymore for a pro contract ... to be honest, that's probably a reasonable assessment of the current strength of Israeli cycling.
I guess that he'll continue with the development team that they have in the works.
I don't think all five Israelis will necessarily get a pro deal right away. Sagiv and Roy Goldstein have proven themselves, and Yechezkel is up-and-coming. Omer Goldstein however has only half a season of Conti experience, and the same is true for Zohar Hadari. Those two would profit from another year at Conti level.
I was more surprised about Gabay just because he is an Israeli. I seem to remember you didn't rate Hets Hatsafon too highly though. :P
We'll have to see what happens with the Israelis and the devo team. They said it was going to be U23 and therefore only Omer Goldstein would be eligible from that perspective, but there's no reason why over 23s couldn't sign too, just that those riders wouldn't be able to compete in the U23 calendar.
I still think most of them will sign for the main team. Although they'll be a PCT team and will be racing some bigger races, presumably they'll still be a presence at quite a few .2 events where the less experienced members of the team (Israeli or otherwise) can continue their development.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 31, 2016, 07:56
We'll have to see what happens with the Israelis and the devo team. They said it was going to be U23 and therefore only Omer Goldstein would be eligible from that perspective, but there's no reason why over 23s couldn't sign too, just that those riders wouldn't be able to compete in the U23 calendar.True.
In my opinion there's absolutely no reason to be holier than the pope when it comes to the U23 "cut-off" for the development team. Many riders, especially from "non-traditional cycling nations", simply need more time to become ready for a pro contract. Sign 5-8 U23 riders by all means, and then add any non-U23 riders that you want to keep in the project that aren't ready for PCT yet.
There are U23 races where the development team's U23 riders can get high-level experience (though some are Nations Cup which means that a multi-national U23 line-up isn't possible), but there are also many .2 races that have a strong peloton with both lots of U23 riders and decent elite riders.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 31, 2016, 18:56
True.
In my opinion there's absolutely no reason to be holier than the pope when it comes to the U23 "cut-off" for the development team. Many riders, especially from "non-traditional cycling nations", simply need more time to become ready for a pro contract. Sign 5-8 U23 riders by all means, and then add any non-U23 riders that you want to keep in the project that aren't ready for PCT yet.
There's also a lot to be said for having, not really a father figure, but more of a big brother team mate. Like Luke Roberts did at Stolting or Dan is doing with the main team. Someone to show them the ropes on and off the road.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 31, 2016, 22:08
There's also a lot to be said for having, not really a father figure, but more of a big brother team mate. Like Luke Roberts did at Stolting or Dan is doing with the main team. Someone to show them the ropes on and off the road.Indeed. Those guys are invaluable. I've seen first-hand which roles Fabian Wegmann, Linus Gerdemann or Michael Reihs filled on #stolting - it's hard to explain, but even harder to overstate its importance.
Hang on ... Michael Reihs. :D
Post by: Leadbelly on November 11, 2016, 09:13
https://www.facebook.com/CyclingAcademyTeam/videos/803599903076903/
Final race of the year for the team. Form probably isn't going to be that good as Qatar was their last racing and if they want to be in top shape for 2017 they should be just starting their training for the new season now.
Both Goldsteins are riding, but not 100% sure about who else. Boivin did say a while back about some date in November he was looking forward to - it could be romantic or it could be Rwandan!
Post by: Leadbelly on November 15, 2016, 08:32
We're still waiting on the UCI for final confirmation, but signing up to ADAMS and the whereabouts programme is a requisite of riding for a PCT.
Post by: LukasCPH on November 15, 2016, 08:53
We're still waiting on the UCI for final confirmationDon't hold your breath.
Last year, we had to wait until 25th November (http://africasteam.com/2015/11/25/africas-team-goes-world-tour-with-dimension-data/) ... so don't expect it anytime before next week. More likely the week after that. :ohu
Post by: Leadbelly on November 18, 2016, 18:40
Post by: Leadbelly on November 18, 2016, 19:55
:cool
Post by: LukasCPH on November 18, 2016, 20:23
Post by: Leadbelly on November 22, 2016, 18:25
CSI: Kigali
Post by: Leadbelly on November 22, 2016, 19:23
Quote
Got the front sport page of Imvaho Nshya newspaper in Rwanda with a great story about our team.
Team manager Ran Margaliot discussed our team's great experience being part of the unique Tour du Rwanda in the last 10 days and our desire to have an African rider in our team.
Rest assure: This will happen sooner then later.
Areruya or Mugisha in pole position I'd say.
If they go down the sprinter route Galdoune impressed me in Hongrie and he can't have failed to impress the team too, but a Rwandan or Eritrean would seem more likely than a Moroccan (even if it's a fairly Italian one).
Post by: LukasCPH on November 22, 2016, 20:00
https://www.facebook.com/CyclingAcademyTeam/photos/a.516933988410164.1073741833.515137875256442/814030625367164/?type=3&permPage=1Mugisha's #rwkom jaunt was impressive; but it was "only" about going into the break and hoovering up the points.
Areruya or Mugisha in pole position I'd say.
If they go down the sprinter route Galdoune impressed me in Hongrie and he can't have failed to impress the team too, but a Rwandan or Eritrean would seem more likely than a Moroccan (even if it's a fairly Italian one).
Areruya's performance is much more promising, especially on the back of last year's second place. He's now confirmed what he can do, even if he ended up in fourth place this time.
There are also the Eritreans and Ethiopians that had been invited to the team's end-2015 "X-Factor camp" (but didn't get visas for it); I trust that the team will have kept an eye on those.
But finally, *cough* *na Dan Craven, anyone? :D
He is an African, his family have lived there for I-don't-know-how-many generations. And he's been on the team this year already.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 29, 2016, 13:41
Nikita Stalnov signs for #astana
Using Astana as an example does make you think how tough it is going to be for Cycling Academy to develop Israeli riders that can make their mark on the road.
Astana have been round for 10+ years now, have a much bigger budget, several official and unofficial CT feeder teams through their history (Vino 4ever, Seven Rivers, Astana City) and yet the list of Kazakh names that have come through since the team started is hardly inspiring.
Lutsenko is probably the stand out name then maybe Zeits and Gruzdev.
It's a sobering thought anyway for Bike Geeeek followers.
Post by: LukasCPH on November 29, 2016, 15:33
It's a sobering thought anyway for Bike Geeeek followers.How dare you have such thoughts?
Get back on the hype train! :angry
Now, I see where you're coming from.
But bear in mind that #06astana was at the time born from the necessity to find a sponsor for what was then the team Vino himself was racing for, and has continued in that vein ever since.
Of course the development of *kz cycling is also part of the team's philosophy - but it takes a distant backseat to making benefit for glorious nation of Kazakhstan (by winning races with big foreign names) and giving Vino a toy to play with.
For #academy it's the other way around: The team exists to develop *il cycling (and, not to forget, riders from other "non-traditional" cycling nations) first and foremost. Sure, the exploits of Sagiv, Yechezkel, the Goldsteins etc. are given particular attention - but I'm sure the people behind the project won't be any less happy if and when Räim, Lemus, Turek, Perry, Schreurs etc. break through.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 29, 2016, 20:41
I don't know enough about Kazakh cycling history to know at what level they were at pre-Astana, but they must have had a substantial enough base to produce Vino, Kash etc. Israel seems to have a burgeoning MTBing scene (and that's where most of the current Israeli Academy riders have come from), but even so that must be a lower base and a smaller pool to draw from than from where Kazakhstan started from.
On the other hand achieving a certain standard for competing in PCT will be easier than it is for the Astana boys. I'm sure quite a few of Kazakhs I've maligned above could replicate their feeder team form if they raced at this lower rung on the ladder.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 01, 2016, 09:22
Post by: Leadbelly on December 01, 2016, 15:06
Carlstrom replaces Nicki as head DS. He started following all of the riders on Twitter a while back, so not much of a surprise.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 04, 2016, 20:02
https://www.facebook.com/CyclingAcademyTeam/posts/822886154481611
Quote
Israel Cycling Academy team have signed Jose Manual Diaz Gallego, arguably the best young amateur climber from Spain, as their designated number 1 climber, for its first season as a Pro Continental Team.
We all know how difficult it is to find those riders that can climb a 20 km mountain at the speed that most of us will faint just from THINKING about it.
So we are happy to have this 21 Spaniard join us. Meet Jose Manuel Diaz Gallego. He actually LIVES on a mountain and climbs 7 km just to reach the dinner table. And he is a great talent although inexperienced: He is the winner of the most important amateur single race in Spain - the Valenciaga - and came 2nd in the Spanish cup.
Did we gamble on this guy? We sure did. But we are certain he will prove us right!
I know they don't really have any other climbers other than Lemus now (currently anyway), but the bolded bit does seem very errrrr bold. It's going to be tough to make that transition to races against bigger and better names and the increase in distance.
If he's a long term signing then saying he's #1 just seems like unneeded pressure.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 06, 2016, 05:38
The "low-down" on Cycling Academy from their media director Tsadok Yecheskeli.
Quote
We still have names to announce but we’ll have 16 riders with seven or eight of them from either Pro Continental or World Tour teams (his counting must be off as I see only 5 so far including Lowndes) – and three young Israelis. And we’ll have a development team for 2017 to bring young riders through.
Two more new riders, a Spaniard and an Australian will be announced in the next two days with the two Israelis to give 16 in total. We’re out to prove we belong at Pro Continental level; not necessarily winning but leaving our mark; being in the breaks, attacking – gambling is in our DNA. Finishing isn’t the thing – it’s showing, trying to win. We know we can’t dominate but we have to try to steal races in the breakaways; that’s the philosophy – attack and try to go for the win!
I presume the interview was done before the announcement of Diaz otherwise they'll have seventeen riders, so he is the Spaniard and Lowndes is the Australian. Yechezkel is bound to be one of the Israelis and the other is probably one of the Goldsteins.
No new African unfortunately, but maybe we'll see one or two in the development team.
Sixteen is the smallest amount of riders that they could have on the team, but they've shown in previous years that they're not averse to bringing in more riders during the year. So I'd expect some from the development team to make the jump if they impress.
Post by: LukasCPH on December 07, 2016, 11:30
I presume the interview was done before the announcement of Diaz otherwise they'll have seventeen riders, so he is the Spaniard and Lowndes is the Australian. Yechezkel is bound to be one of the Israelis and the other is probably one of the Goldsteins.That's what I think as well.
No new African unfortunately, but maybe we'll see one or two in the development team.About the development team ... haven't heard a bleep on that since back in July (?); I very much hope it's still going ahead.
Post by: LukasCPH on December 07, 2016, 11:35
I know they don't really have any other climbers other than Lemus now (currently anyway), but the bolded bit does seem very errrrr bold. It's going to be tough to make that transition to races against bigger and better names and the increase in distance.When I saw the announcement, I was like "José Manuel who?!", but having looked at his (mostly non-UCI) results, he does seem to be quite good indeed.
If he's a long term signing then saying he's #1 just seems like unneeded pressure.
It is a bold statement, yes; but I would hope that something like that would have been discussed with the rider himself, getting him on board before making announcements of this nature.
It could still be that he overestimates himself, of course - but that's another issue.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 08, 2016, 18:38
Final two spots taken by Yechezkel and Roy Goldstein. I think they were pleased with some of the dom work that Roy did late in the season.
About the development team ... haven't heard a bleep on that since back in July (?); I very much hope it's still going ahead.
Gets a mention in the PEZ article, but no details. However we can probably ink in one name, purely from the absence of his name from the main team.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 11, 2016, 20:03
So, not an altitude training camp then.
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/15493716_827960880640805_5603553739605022886_o.jpg?oh=869b2a07d01ef86382cf16c310b13a14&oe=58ED237E) (https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/15393019_827961207307439_2814783534577177949_o.jpg?oh=60cac5bee9c0e6ecaee12ced38db5e1a&oe=58E76B1F)
Post by: Leadbelly on December 14, 2016, 19:29
Some serious training, but is the devo team (or some of them anyway) riding along there too?
1) 26 riders in the first shot, but only 16 on the main team
2) 10 2016 Cycling Academy helmets, but they've only re-signed 8
3) Some kits I don't recognise. One of the ones I do recognise (blue and fuschia sleeves) is an Israeli club kit - Yechezkel was wearing it when he raced against the Academy at the Tour of Arad.
Post by: LukasCPH on December 14, 2016, 20:39
is the devo team (or some of them anyway) riding along there too?I went to the trouble of trying to identify as many of the 26 as I could:
(http://i63.tinypic.com/mkaqgn.jpg)
| Number | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 |  van Winden |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 |  Neilands/Williams |
| 6 | |
| 7 | Neilands/Williams |
| 8 |  Räim |
| 9 |  |
| 10 |  Sagiv |
| 11 | |
| 12 |  Schreurs |
| 13 | |
| 14 | |
| 15 |  Diaz Gallego |
| 16 |  Lowndes |
| 17 | |
| 18 | |
| 19 |  Dempster |
| 20 | |
| 21 | Roy Goldstein? |
| 22 |  Perry |
| 23 |  Craven |
| 24 |  Lemus |
| 25 | |
| 26 | |
The remaining eight could be Israeli club riders that they've invited to the training camp to see where they're at (like #astana invited Korsæth, or #quickstep Halvorsen) - or they're just (club) riders that took the opportunity to hold their own training camp concurrently.
| 1. | or even all three if one is wearing a different kit already, but that's unlikely |
Post by: LukasCPH on December 14, 2016, 20:52
| Name | Nat | Birth date | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guillaume Boivin |  | 25/05/1989 | CT |  CT |  WT | WT |  PCT | PCT | CT |  Nat | ||||
| Dan Craven |  | 01/02/1983 | CT |  PCT | WT |  CT |  CT |  CT | CT | CT |  Nat | Nat | Nat | Nat |
| Zakkari Dempster |  | 27/09/1987 | PCT | PCT |  PCT | PCT |  CT | CT | CT | CT |  CT | CT | CT | |
| José Manuel Diaz Gallego |  | 18/01/1995 | Nat | Nat | Nat | |||||||||
| Roy Goldstein |  | 20/05/1993 | CT | CT | ||||||||||
| Luis Lemus |  | 21/04/1992 | CT |  CT |  CT | CT | CT | |||||||
| Jason Lowndes | | 14/12/1994 | PCT |  CT | ||||||||||
| Krists Neilands |  | 18/08/1994 | CT |  CT | CT | CT | ||||||||
| Ben Perry | | 07/03/1994 | CT | CT |  Nat |  Nat | ||||||||
| Mihkel Räim |  | 03/07/1993 | CT |  Nat | Nat | #amore13 CT |  Nat | |||||||
| Guy Sagiv | | 05/12/1994 | CT | CT | ||||||||||
| Hamish Schreurs |  | 23/01/1994 | CT |  Nat |  CT | |||||||||
| Daniel Turek |  | 19/01/1993 | CT | CT | ||||||||||
| Dennis van Winden |  | 02/12/1987 | WT | WT |  WT | WT |  WT | WT | WT | CT | CT | CT |  Nat | |
| Tyler Williams |  | 17/11/1994 | CT |  Nat | Nat | Nat | ||||||||
| Aviv Yechezkel | | 21/04/1994 | CT |
10 years of WT experience plus 8 years of PCT experience to lead a team with 10 neo-pros[1] & an average age of 25.125[2].
| 1. | as per the UCI definition; they are: Diaz Gallego, Goldstein, Neilands, Perry, Räim, Sagiv, Schreurs, Turek, Williams, Yechezkel |
| 2. | going by the UCI definition of 'racing age' as: Current year (2017 for this team) minus year of birth (e.g., 1993 for Räim) |
Post by: Leadbelly on December 14, 2016, 21:12
(http://i66.tinypic.com/303a71c.png)
I feel I should know the kit circled in blue, but I just can't quite make out the words above the orange band. The one circled in red looks more like a ladyshape as l'arri would say.
Post by: LukasCPH on December 14, 2016, 21:24
I feel I should know the kit circled in blue, but I just can't quite make out the words above the orange band.It says "Team ???" - which doesn't help at all. :D
The one circled in red looks more like a ladyshape as l'arri would say.Could also be a long-haired gentlemanshape.
Or it's former female pro cyclist & triathlete Leah Goldstein (http://leahgoldstein.com/bio.html)[1] who, I believe, could be the mother of Roy & Omer (that's not confirmed, but it would make sense; and they do look similar to her).
| 1. | she has dark hair, though |
Post by: Leadbelly on December 14, 2016, 22:04
The one circled in red looks more like a ladyshape as l'arri would say.
Mystery solved.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/foluvm.png)
https://www.facebook.com/noga.korem.3
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/14543795_10211246417855085_3499326577879243140_o.jpg?oh=467fac33fce8fffc719a9c5982e9ea46&oe=58B7DFFD)
Post by: LukasCPH on December 14, 2016, 22:17
Mystery solved.Dude, you're a stalker! :lol
Post by: Leadbelly on December 19, 2016, 15:54
Quote
A NEW TEAM IS BORN!
Say Hello to " Cycling Academy Development team".
We invested in our future by constructing a new team with 8 Israeli young and talented riders we consider the best of the next Israeli generation .
The new team will take part in International Under 23 races next year and the chosen 8 are already taking part in our pro conti team's Israeli Training camp.
How exciting is it ????
You judge. But we definitely are.
Here is the Press release we will issue to the world's Cycling Media in the next hour:
Israel Cycling Academy launches a new development team:
Team consists of 8 Israeli riders, will serve as a feeder team to the senior Pro-Continental Israeli team
Team to be named: Cycling Academy Development Team
Tel-Aviv. December 19, 2016
In what can be seen as the most significant investment in its future, Israel’s newly founded UCI Pro Continental team Cycling Academy has founded a Development team that will start racing in 2017.
The first-ever Israeli Pro Cycling team has recruited the best U23 Israeli cyclists. The selection process included a series of testing sessions, with the eight final riders making the cut.
“This is an investment, not only in our future, but in the future of Israeli cycling” said team manager Ran Margaliot. “We took not only road cyclists, but also several great Mountain Bikers. We see ourselves responsible to support and guide those young Israeli talents. We want to give them the opportunity to make it to the highest levels of the pro cycling world.
Team management has also recruited Logistics and Professional staff to support the new team. Israel National MTB team Aviad Izrael will be the new team manager.
Spaniard Sports director Oscar Guerrero, who is also working with the senior Pro-Continental team, will direct the young team on the road.
The young team is aiming to race some of the world greatest U23 UCI races, including races such as: Paris-Roubaix U23, Giro del Valle d’Aosta and the U23 Giro d’Italia. The Pro Continental “Mother Team” intends to take the best two or three riders from its feeder team as “Stagaires” later on in 2017.
The 8 new riders are, no doubt, the cream of the crop of Israeli riders from ages 18 to 22 years old. The 8 riders include Guy Leshem (19) who was crowned Juniors National Champion on both Road and XCO, as well as Omer Goldstein, who raced as a stagaire with the senior team in 2016 and achieved 2x Top10 finishes in the recent Tour of Rwanda.
Other riders on the team:
Ido Bear (19)- Israel National Junior ITT Champion in 2015
Guy Niv (22)- Climber
Itamar Einhorn (19)- A sprinter
Guy Sessler (21)- Israel Mountain Bike national team member who won national ITT and XCO titles in 2013.
Yam Poliak (19), all-rounder
Ori Leonzini (18) all-rounder
Omer Goldstein
Guy Leshem
The Israel Cycling Academy Pro continental team already signed 3 Israeli Riders in its ranks and has now taken a major step to guarantee that it will be able to draw more Israeli riders to the Senior squad in the future. Aside for international races, some of them World Cup mountain bike races, the Development Team will be providing full Professional support and will take part in the Pro Continental training camps both in Israel and Europe.
Otherwise known as The Academy of Cycling Academy.
Post by: LukasCPH on December 30, 2016, 08:32
Otherwise known as The Academy of Cycling Academy.Academy2! :D
Post by: Leadbelly on December 31, 2016, 05:19
Raim interview from a few days ago.
Quote
"For the goals I need to be realistic, one race where I really want to be good this year is Tro-Bro Leon in France. I really like those races where there are cobblestone sectors. This was my big goal this past year now and I was ninth in this race."
That's now the kind of racer Raim sees himself as: a hard-man who can outlast the rest as the field gets smaller and smaller, and then at the finish having a little bit faster kick and a little bit more left in the tank than the others.
"I'm quite fast in the sprint, but I'm not a pure sprinter, so for me the Classics races with the cobblestones and short steep hills, those races that are, I can say killing me softly," he said. "Every lap there is somebody dropped, so this is my cup of tea. Also, I don't mind to go in the early break to help the team out, and you never know, sometimes the break can go to the finish. That's my racing style: aggressive and attacking. So I see my future like that."
He has an interesting turn of phrase.
Academy2! :D
Their First Assignment (or something).
Post by: Leadbelly on January 03, 2017, 10:30
Omer Goldstein we know about already. He's bound to be the leader a lot of the races that have climbing and/or a TT.
Leshem combines road and MTB, and since he gets a specific mention by the team my guess is that he is someone they hope to get some results from.
Bear and Einhorn have both been racing in Belgium over the past couple of years with *takes deep breath* Verandas Willems - Crabbé Toitures - CC Chevigny.
Einhorn - http://www.ccchevigny.be/coureur/249
Bear - http://www.ccchevigny.be/coureur/254
Poliak was in Belgium too with Asfra Racing Team.
http://www.directvelo.com/coureur/15538/yam-poliak
Sessler, Leonzinni and Niv look to be the MTBers.
Post by: Leadbelly on January 12, 2017, 15:30
The race presentation is today I believe. It starts with a 38km TTT and stage four should be the other decisive day.
(https://vueltacv.es/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ETAPA4-VCV2017-PERFILok.jpg)
Same finish (roughly) as stage 17 from last year's Veulta?
Post by: Leadbelly on January 15, 2017, 19:37
In the flesh.
Post by: Leadbelly on January 24, 2017, 15:35
MSR, although I felt it was their best chance of a big race invite, was always a long shot especially with Novo Nordisk and Gazprom being sponsors for some RCS races. Strade Bianche would have been cool, but with all eighteen WT teams participating it didn't leave much room for PCTs. I'm even thinking Omloop is looking a bit dodgy. Assuming seven of the ten wildcards are already filled it still leaves Aquablue, CCC, Delko, Fortuneo, Gazprom, Willier + the Bike Geeeks fighting over the last three spots.
California should be a given later in the year (and the Canadian double header, but they haven't been mentioned previously). Looking elsewhere I think Pologne would be a very good option for the classics half of the team (Eneco would even better, but that's not going to happen). Turkey has it's issues, but I could see that being a good place for the other half of the team (Lowndes, Diaz, Lemus etc).
There's plenty of nice HC and .1 races about if they can't get those invites, but it must be frustrating trying to build a calendar when you are waiting for that e-mail to say if you have or haven't got the nod.
Post by: LukasCPH on January 24, 2017, 15:58
There's plenty of nice HC and .1 races about if they can't get those invites, but it must be frustrating trying to build a calendar when you are waiting for that e-mail to say if you have or haven't got the nod.And still they've pulled out of Sibiu. :(
Probably got an invite to Austria which is sucking away many teams every year.
Same with #tirol - but I can understand it better for an *at Conti team; they have to be at their country's national tour.
Had the Austrians gotten their June spot as wished for, all would be fine and dandy; this way, I believe Sibiu has to try to get a time slot a week or two later in order to be able to have more high-quality teams actually lining up. :angry
Post by: Leadbelly on January 24, 2017, 16:20
The opposite is certainly true as well then. Frustrating for races waiting to hear if teams will accept invitations or reneging on already accepted ones.
ps. Nice are probably available if you have a free spot now. :P
Post by: LukasCPH on January 24, 2017, 16:38
Frustrating for races waiting to hear if teams will accept invitations or reneging on already accepted ones.This is just not good management. If you give your word, you stand by it. If you're only accepting the invitation "unless something better comes up", at least say so up front.
ps. Nice are probably available if you have a free spot now. :PJust wait and see. ;)
Post by: Leadbelly on January 26, 2017, 09:25
Just wait and see. ;)
At least we've progressed from an outright no. :cool
Post by: Leadbelly on January 27, 2017, 21:43
Post by: Leadbelly on January 29, 2017, 20:23
Team for Valenciana:
Diaz
Williams
Van Winden
Lowndes
Dempster
Boivin
Perry
Yechezkel
Are the other half of the team riding Etruschi? Nobody knows.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 03, 2017, 22:34
Although I didn't see any highlights, according to reports Perry was close to getting into the group that finished at 19s on the second stage. On the negative side though, they didn't manage to get anyone in the break (despite many efforts) and Lowndes was a DNF after his group got stopped by the police as they had to reopen the roads.
Tomorrow should be Diaz territory (I hope!).
http://www.rutasur.net/diaz-gallego-antes-de-marcarme-objetivos-tengo-que-ver-el-nivel-que-hay/
Little interview with the youngster. Next races for him are Andalucia and Alentejo.
Also Lemus says his first race of the season is going to be Laigueglia.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 04, 2017, 23:33
https://twitter.com/benjefperry/status/827997802856845312
The whole team suffered, especially the two from the break yesterday and Yechezkel.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 14, 2017, 16:23
Going by the start lists on PCS most of the Academy riders on the 25th will have had five or six racing days, which doesn't sound like much. Schreurs will have raced the most, but all of those were on the other side of the world.
Ruta del Sol starts tomorrow and it's a good chance for the team to win their first jersey as a PCT.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4fXvDAWQAAvwdv.jpg)
It's for the best rider from Andalucia and there are only three entrants. :P
Local boy Diaz is going up against Jorge Cubero and Javier Moreno.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 14, 2017, 17:25
Not a great day in Laigueglia either, which is fine in a way as it is very early season, but it does make me worry that they aren't going to be in tip-top shape for Omloop. It's not that many days away.You're not supposed to be in tip-top shape for the Omloop! It's the opening classic! :P
Ruta del Sol starts tomorrow and it's a good chance for the team to win their first jersey as a PCT.Shouldn't be impossible to get this one. :D
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4fXvDAWQAAvwdv.jpg)
It's for the best rider from Andalucia and there are only three entrants. :P
Local boy Diaz is going up against Jorge Cubero and Javier Moreno.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 14, 2017, 18:04
You're not supposed to be in tip-top shape for the Omloop! It's the opening classic!
Let me rephrase it then, competitive shape or at least doing better than Aquablue. :P
Post by: Leadbelly on February 15, 2017, 20:37
Shouldn't be impossible to get this one. :D
Hmmmm got 17 minutes now to make up on Moreno. :-x
However you can always rely on Mr. Turek.
https://twitter.com/mihkelraim/status/831909823537147905
Post by: Leadbelly on February 17, 2017, 21:04
This must be the U23 kit, the reverse of the main team's.
Anyway the reason they're wearing it is that some of the U23 riders and Shlomi Haimy are riding the MTB Samarathon at the moment. Dan and Guy Sagiv won it last year.
Guy Niv and Haimy won the prologue, Guy Leshem and Guy Sessler took the overall lead today and there's one more day of competition to go tomorrow.
Guy sure must have been a popular name in Israel 20-25 years ago.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 17, 2017, 21:23
(http://i63.tinypic.com/122kvo9.png)This looks WAY better than the pros' kit in my opinion. :cool
Guy sure must have been a popular name in Israel 20-25 years ago.Maybe the nurses were often misunderstood when saying "Congratulations, it's a guy", and Guy was put on the forms as the baby's name? :D
Post by: Leadbelly on February 17, 2017, 21:45
This looks WAY better than the pros' kit in my opinion. :cool
Absolutely, but a bit too similar to the Cannondale green to be perfect.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 17, 2017, 22:25
Maybe the nurses were often misunderstood when saying "Congratulations, it's a guy", and Guy was put on the forms as the baby's name? :D
New name for the devo team : JustSomeGuys™
Post by: LukasCPH on February 17, 2017, 22:57
Absolutely, but a bit too similar to the Cannondale green to be perfect.It is, yes.
But if Cannondale were to change their kit for 2018, I'd love to see this as next year's #academy kit. :luv
Post by: Leadbelly on February 21, 2017, 21:26
Hopefully Alentejo will be a bit better. The opposition on paper will be of the lowest level they have faced this year and the broken terrain (but no massive mountains) should suit them more.
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16649361_878296662273893_6784269091508370857_n.jpg?oh=d8a6e42d86af8eff8f7f0589606f5bf3&oe=5940100A)
Some of the riders should have decent race legs now (Neilands, Diaz and Turek), but others have been ill (Lemus) and some still haven't raced that much (Craven, Goldstein and Lowndes).
Post by: zinoviev letter on February 21, 2017, 22:05
Let me rephrase it then, competitive shape or at least doing better than Aquablue. :P
That's a slightly unfair bar to set, as Cycling Academy's team has much less experience at the pro level and likely a significantly lower budget. One place where they are in direct competition in the early season though is for "new team novelty value" wild cards. Up until today's announcement of LBL and FW wild cards, Cycling Academy were somewhat surprisingly winning on that score.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 22, 2017, 17:41
However GW is the only pre-existing Belgian WT race so far where they have got an wildcard and it remains to be seen whether they can get one at E3 or the real biggie RVV. They are obviously in contention for them though, it could be they are fighting over one spot with Direct Energie and Aqua Blue.
Post by: zinoviev letter on February 22, 2017, 20:34
They've definitely benefited from the WT teams not being obliged to enter the new WT events, that almost nullifies the addition of the extra Belgian PCTs, and with the Italian teams + CCC being given the collective heave-ho, it does leave a few extra spots up for grabs.
However GW is the only pre-existing Belgian WT race so far where they have got an wildcard and it remains to be seen whether they can get one at E3 or the real biggie RVV. They are obviously in contention for them though, it could be they are fighting over one spot with Direct Energie and Aqua Blue.
They have invites to Omloop, Dwars Door, GW. Outside of the WT they are also invited to KBK. That's a very impressive list of races for a first year PCT outfit without any big (or even medium sized) names on the roster. Yes, other than GW they are non-compulsory for WT teams, but they are the sort of non-compulsory races that 15 or 16 WT teams go to. By contrast, in the Flanders classics, Aquablue got just an invite to Omloop. Direct Energie, one of the very strongest PCT teams and one with a leader who is a contender for some of these races, missed out on GW.
However the team end up doing on the road this year, whoever it was who was responsible for lobbying race organisers in Flanders has done an excellent job. On paper, they should have less to offer those races than really a lot of other PCT teams in terms of roster. Not because they are bad, but because they are a mixture of young guys stepping up to PCT and a sprinkling of experienced journeymen. In this portion of the season, they have a clean sweep of invites of a sort that only Low Countries teams and Cofidis have. Hats off!
I don't think they will get an RVV invite. If it was them v Aquablue then they would be favourites, given how invites to these races have gone so far, but I can't see Direct Energie being passed over for them in both GW and the RVV. But the mere fact that they are serious contenders for an RVV wildcard at this point is impressive. It will be interesting to see if they can get invites to big races in other parts of the world or if this will prove to be a Flandrian phenomenon only.
You are right about the exclusion of the Italians and CCC counterbalancing the growth in the number of Belgian teams, by the way. It is somewhat odd that they've got the cold shoulder.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 22, 2017, 21:13
They have invites to Omloop, Dwars Door, GW. Outside of the WT they are also invited to KBK. That's a very impressive list of races for a first year PCT outfit without any big (or even medium sized) names on the roster. Yes, other than GW they are non-compulsory for WT teams, but they are the sort of non-compulsory races that 15 or 16 WT teams go to. By contrast, in the Flanders classics, Aquablue got just an invite to Omloop. Direct Energie, one of the very strongest PCT teams and one with a leader who is a contender for some of these races, missed out on GW.I agree that they're not doing badly at all.
However, we also shouldn't forget that with 16 WT teams at the start, that leaves 9 spots for 22 PCTs ... of which only 10-13 have an interest in going.
You won't see #cajarural #androni #manzana etc. in a Flemish classic.
And 9/12 is less impressive than 9/22, you have to admit. It's still an achievement to beat ~3 other teams for one of those spots, of course.
Post by: zinoviev letter on February 22, 2017, 21:43
I agree that they're not doing badly at all.
However, we also shouldn't forget that with 16 WT teams at the start, that leaves 9 spots for 22 PCTs ... of which only 10-13 have an interest in going.
You won't see #cajarural #androni #manzana etc. in a Flemish classic.
And 9/12 is less impressive than 9/22, you have to admit. It's still an achievement to beat ~3 other teams for one of those spots, of course.
You are right of course that not all PCT teams have an interest, but most do. There are 4 Belgian teams, 4 French, 4 Italian, 1 Dutch, 1 Irish, 1 Israeli, 1 Polish and 2 American teams and I would be surprised if a single one of those teams bar perhaps Androni didn't apply for at least some of these races. All of those teams bar Novo Novordisk, who have their own unique selling point, are better established, have higher profile riders or both.
Even just the Belgian, French and Dutch teams alone potentially take up all 9 invites. Yet a brand new team with no "name" riders at all managed a clean sweep so far, ahead of at least one of those teams plus Pozzato's Willier, CCC, Aquablue, UHC etc. Doing that for one race would be a pretty good return, but they've so far got a forthcoming cobbled season on the level of a Belgian classics specialist squad!
All this and I can't even tell who their cobbles leaders will be. How many of their riders have even been in a cobbled race before?
Post by: zinoviev letter on February 22, 2017, 22:09
Post by: LukasCPH on February 22, 2017, 22:39
You are right of course that not all PCT teams have an interest, but most do. There are 4 Belgian teams, 4 French, 4 Italian, 1 Dutch, 1 Irish, 1 Israeli, 1 Polish and 2 American teams and I would be surprised if a single one of those teams bar perhaps Androni didn't apply for at least some of these races. All of those teams bar Novo Novordisk, who have their own unique selling point, are better established, have higher profile riders or both.#androni They've been in De Panne (?) recently, but that's about it
#bardiani Don't give a sh*t about cobbles, they're about the hills if anything
#nippo Do a few select Flemish races
#wilier Pozzato & co. want a proper Flemish campaign
#ccc They'll take what they can get. More hills than cobbles, but will show up here and there
#uhc Not much of an interest in cobbles, they'll take what they can get - may profit from being *us
#novonordisk No comment :lol
#vlaanderen #nuyens #wanty #wbva #roompot Are shoe-ins
#aquablue Want a Flemish campaign
#academy Want a Flemish campaign
#direct Are a regular feature on the cobbles, and an established team
#cofidis Are a regular feature on the cobbles, and an established team
#delko Don't seem to race that much outside France, really
#fortuneo Have some interest in the Flemish races
The 'smaller' French teams will be handicapped by there already being 2 *fr WT teams & 2 *fr PCTs on the list.
Do you want a 5th French team or the one and only *il resp. *ie team?
It's a fact that race organisers look at the nationality of the teams they're inviting, often trying to strike a balance and covering as many countries as possible.
None of this takes away from the achievement of #academy getting virtually a full Flemish campaign. I'm only trying to explain how it came about.
#stolting would have LOVED a full Flemish campaign last year, with G-W, Ronde and even Roubaix ... but #bora16 were 'first in line' of the German teams.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 23, 2017, 09:34
On the other hand, the classics were one of their big stated targets (along with stage wins). The transfers (eight) they made over the winter were mainly for guys who could make their mark in that field over the next few years. They only brought in Diaz for big climbs (and he looks like he will need a lot of time to deliver) and they look quite weak in that dept. As they do in TTing. In fact the team feels very unrounded and skewed towards these targets.
Even so I think they are lucky to get all the invites they've got so far, I seem to remember stating my pessimism over them even getting an Omloop invite not so long ago. They probably will suffer like dogs over the course of the next month, but hopefully the experience will stand them in good stead for future endeavours.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 23, 2017, 10:48
We must also recognise that it could be the case that Sylvan Adams is throwing a few Canadian $ the way of the various organizers, generous billionaires are handy things to have on board. He's involved in real estate and I can't see any obvious Canadian or Israeli partners on the various race websites, so we can't be sure of it with any certainty.He moved to *il, so he'd be throwing shekels now. :P
It's a possibility, of course, but I don't think it's what happened. The team budget isn't that cozy to begin with, and in that case wouldn't it make far more sense to put the money into the team?
In fact the team feels very unrounded and skewed towards these targets.That's not a bad thing in my book. We need more classics-focused teams from outside Belgium. ;)
Post by: Leadbelly on March 04, 2017, 09:42
Boivin did well at KBK being in the break and then getting back up after his crash to finish. Dempster who crashed very hard the day before was the other finisher.
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16864480_881330795303813_6251755478160807842_n.jpg?oh=27277223116334a05e8c727b73c69457&oe=593B3845)
Turek did his thing at Le Samyn
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17021848_884047941698765_4099973238558745821_n.jpg?oh=fb69ea4f32ee3c2accc171bfe59531bf&oe=593A06DA)
Post by: Leadbelly on March 04, 2017, 10:41
Slightly different weather at the Tour of Arad.
The team was split into two to try and add some extra competition.
Stage 1 (crit) went to Omer Goldstein in a photo finish.
Stage 2 (20km uphill from the Dead Sea) again went to Goldstein with Einhorn and just some guys 20-40 seconds back.
Stage 3 (proper stage including the Scorpions Pass climb) finished earlier with Einhorn winning the sprint from a group of eight.
Goldstein took the overall. :cool
Post by: LukasCPH on March 04, 2017, 11:56
Going by the results it wasn't the greatest opening set of races for the Bike Geeeeks (they've changed their twitter handle actually, but I'm still calling them this)That must have happened VERY recently?
Post by: Leadbelly on March 04, 2017, 12:12
That must have happened VERY recently?
A week ago or something. Same with Facebook, they've gone from CyclingAcademyTeam to IsraelCyclingAcademy.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 06, 2017, 05:35
Post by: Leadbelly on March 10, 2017, 16:18
New website is finally up and running.
The calendar is the only bit I'm really interested in.
Some selected races for the main team that we didn't know about:
Fjords
Utah
Portugal
Colorado
Quebec
Montreal
Italian Autumn Classics
Subject to change of course and there could be other races in there too.
They also have some of the races that the devo squad will be participating in:
Circuit des Ardennes
Carpathian Couriers
Flèche de Sud
Paris-Roubaix Espoirs
Shalosh Kalot
Coppa della Pace / Trofeo F.lli Anelli
Giro Ciclistico d'Italia
Valle d'Aosta
Olympia's Tour
Some goodies in there and probably plenty of ouchies too.
Post by: LukasCPH on March 10, 2017, 17:22
Some selected races for the main team that we didn't know about:Replacement for California where they (for me) surprisingly didn't get an invitation. Must be a real blow, though lessened in part by doing the whole American autumn calendar.
Fjords
The Tour of Austria is in the calendar as 16-22 June ... if only it were then instead of 2-9 July. :(
Post by: Leadbelly on April 01, 2017, 09:03
There was a bit of a give away from Sagiv's national champs kit when Fus posted it.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/157ytza.png)
Post by: Leadbelly on April 01, 2017, 09:14
They also have some of the races that the devo squad will be participating in:
Circuit des Ardennes
Carpathian Couriers
Flèche de Sud
Paris-Roubaix Espoirs
Shalosh Kalot
Coppa della Pace / Trofeo F.lli Anelli
Giro Ciclistico d'Italia
Valle d'Aosta
Olympia's Tour
Some goodies in there and probably plenty of ouchies too.
Only three of these remain now on the calendar, so let's just say it's a fluid situation. The Ardennes is one of them and that's in a week's time. Should be fun/chastening.
They rode a kermesse in Meer the other day as part of their preperation. Goldstein was in the winning break and took sixth and Einhorn placed well in the sprint from the peloton.
Post by: LukasCPH on April 01, 2017, 10:38
https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/status/847898160353726466It's on the regular team kit as well, you know. :P
There was a bit of a give away from Sagiv's national champs kit when Fus posted it.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/157ytza.png)
Post by: Leadbelly on April 01, 2017, 11:28
It's on the regular team kit as well, you know. :P
No I didn't, but then they haven't been that visible so far this year on our screens .... :D
Post by: Leadbelly on April 07, 2017, 09:37
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/posts/912239282212964
Quote
This is a new chapter in ICA young life and its equally exciting as it a big question mark.
This is what you get when you send 6 young Israeli riders, 2 of them spent most their life riding Mountain bikes - To the boxing ring of sorts: Circuit des Ardennes International. An Elite UCI race which none of them (but one) has ever got even close.
They are our Development team. Only 5 months in existence and now meeting the greatest of their first UCI challenge ever : A 4 stages race on the Ardennes with two 180 km stages, a monstrous climbing 2nd day and a double stage for dessert.
"It will certainly be interesting to see how they adept to a race like that, facing big teams, Pro peloton, High speed and great distances. We certainly did not make it easy on them" admitted their manager Aviad Izrael. " But I believe in them. I really do".
" We need to know how they preform in this kind of level. There is no escaping that" explained our " Big boys" pro conti team Oscar Guerrero who will be the DS during the race.
The Guys? They seem to believe. " We are not coming here just to survive" said Yam Poliak ( 22).
We shall see.
The Squad:
Guy Niv
Ido Bear
Omer Goldstein
Guy Sessler
Itamar Einhorn
Yam Poliak
Einhorn for the sprints and Goldstein for the GC, but apart from Omer, survival should just be the target for the upcoming days.
Post by: Leadbelly on April 07, 2017, 15:55
Not the most auspicious of starts.
Post by: Leadbelly on April 07, 2017, 20:30
Not a lot of luck for sure, but at least for one day they are ahead of Axeon in the team competition. :P
Post by: Leadbelly on April 09, 2017, 20:44
Post by: Leadbelly on April 14, 2017, 19:25
Guy Niv (their best finisher) gave a little write up (https://www.facebook.com/guynivrider/posts/799207296910420) about what went on for him during the race, but be warned as Hebrew can be added to Estonian as languages that google translate struggles on.
Going by what he wrote the legs were good, but he was struggling on positioning within the peloton and not being aggressive enough to battle for it. That's fine though as that should come with experience.
The team in general did show their greenness, and I'm not talking about their kits, on a couple of occasions. Bear spent 50km fruitlessly trying to bridge to a break and then getting spat out the back of the peloton when they caught him. The team also mentioned Bear and Sessler slowing down to try and help Einhorn (their sprinter) get back into the peloton on a climb and thus all three getting dropped, that doesn't sound too bad per se, but it left Niv isolated.
The next race pencilled in on the calendar is the Coppa della Pace in June, but at the end of his report he says "I now await the two tournaments the German round are" - so Eschborn-Frankfurt and Berlin?
Post by: LukasCPH on April 17, 2017, 15:44
The next race pencilled in on the calendar is the Coppa della Pace in June, but at the end of his report he says "I now await the two tournaments the German round are" - so Eschborn-Frankfurt and Berlin?Frankfurt maybe, Berlin has been cancelled.[1]
| 1. | due to the organisers forgetting that Berlin will host the Kirchentag the same weekend, 500th anniversary of the Reformation, with hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of visitors :fp |
Post by: Leadbelly on April 20, 2017, 15:40
Raim broke his derailleur in the sprint for third at Tro Bro Leon. Could have easily bettered last year's result.
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/videos/vb.515137875256442/921548967948662/
Kjell gives his rundown of the season so far. "It's not been that great" is the condensed version. It was last year at this point that their season started to produce results so fingers crossed.
Post by: Leadbelly on April 21, 2017, 20:34
Post by: Leadbelly on May 03, 2017, 15:18
It was last year at this point that their season started to produce results so fingers crossed.
The trend continues. Encouraging performances and today a result!
After Tro Bro Leon it was off to Croatia where Mr Turek did his thing and was in the break three (?) days in a row. He couldn't manage it on the final day though....
https://twitter.com/mihkelraim/status/856134420306243584
Diaz snuck into the top twenty on GC in Croatia and then followed that up with a much improved performance in Asturias where he was 11th on the queen stage in awful weather. Unfortunately he managed to ship 24 seconds on stage one and 27 on stage three which cost him an even better GC result (8th if we take away that time). Both stages ended with short sharp climbs topping out with ~10km to go, so whether he prefers longer climbs or he wasn't in a great position going into the ascent or not having teammates to help, it's something for him and the team to work on.
Here's a video on Jose. He certainly has a bit of the Jimmy Hills about him if you know what I mean.
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/videos/932401126863446/
The race he wants to ride is the Giro and he prefers Valverde to Contador.
------------------------
One sad bit of news is no Baby Giro invite for the Devo team.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 08, 2017, 09:01
Another day, another victory! This time for a different Baltic state. Krists attacked solo with 20km to go on the hilly circuit around Baku and wasn't seen again.
Azerbaidjan (along with Tro Bro Leon) seems to be race that brings out the best in the team. It was here in 2015 that Turek got the team their first ever victory and this week has produced two wins, a second, a third and a top-ten in the GC. This is against a much weaker field than they have been facing for much of the year, but who cares, it's weeks like this which should boost confidence and could lead to better performances in these other races.
Speaking of weakened fields, GP Lugano nearly produced a bigger result. Turek was attacking and attacking, but just failed to grab a podium while Diaz continued his improvements with a top-ten.
Next up Castilla y Leon and the Tour des Fjords.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 24, 2017, 17:54
https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/status/867422659860189185
:fanfare :fanfare :fanfare
Post by: Leadbelly on May 26, 2017, 16:27
They have also added a new rider to the team and would you believe it, his first name is Guy!! :lol
Team for Navarra:
Guy Weinberg
Guy Niv
Omer Goldstein
Yam Poliak
Ido Bear
Itamar Einhorn
Post by: Leadbelly on May 29, 2017, 18:46
Stage 1: Missed a split caused by crosswinds. Most of the team finished in the ~thirty man grp at 6m44, but there were lots of other riders that lost even more.
Stage 2: Much better day with Goldstein and Einhorn protecting Niv until the final climb. He ended up 56s down on the stage winner Vanhoucke in 13th position. Einhorn wasn't much further back which is pretty good going considering he's the team sprinter.
Stage 3: A top-ten in the reduced sprint finish to round the race off from Einhorn.
Final GC
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DA6-2CQXUAAoszR.jpg:large)
:cool
Post by: LukasCPH on May 29, 2017, 19:00
They have also added a new rider to the team and would you believe it, his first name is Guy!! :lolhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyVX3uJpqxc
Post by: Leadbelly on June 07, 2017, 11:37
Four short stages in Spain (all between 125-140km).
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5X_tPNoBM3s/WROV_3-kWOI/AAAAAAAAACg/VrcOZN8LImEvLkuCSd-9zCPwnFmFgOW9gCK4B/s1600/VC2017-E1-Perfil.jpg)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-atmyXL4K6uQ/WROf8fIxRWI/AAAAAAAAAEE/Sy8T8sFh7wwQ9dRRVYDRrPBhLz829vc_wCK4B/s1600/VC2017-E2-Perfil.jpg)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Za7piNCPf6c/WROg2eHVIEI/AAAAAAAAAEg/JErMkQvoqGoPIV-6A2TrGCO0eSY2c93YACK4B/s1600/VC2017-E3-Perfil.jpg)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s08mZZT1-5U/WROheTtCdaI/AAAAAAAAAE4/XSfqV8OhbtM0wHDPijauYN2kJEGeseKtwCK4B/s1600/VC2017-E4-Perfil-01.jpg)
No Lotto this time to dominate things, but all (?) of the big Spanish teams and a couple of other foreign teams.
Competing teams:
BENICASSIM ME GUSTA -LUK (COMUNIDAD VALENCIANA)
GSPORT – VALENCIA ESPORTS (COMUNIDAD VALENCIANA)
MUTUA LEVANTE – GINESTAR (COMUNIDAD VALENCIANA)
ULB-NATURAL GREATNESS (COMUNIDAD VALENCIANA)
AMPO (EUSKADI)
CAFES BAQUE – BH (EUSKADI)
FUNDACION EUSKADI (EUSKADI)
ESCRIBANO TEAM (MADRID)
POLARTEC (MADRID)
CAJA RURAL (NAVARRA)
LIZARTE (NAVARRA)
ALDRO (CANTABRIA)
GOMUR – LIEBANA 2017 (CANTABRIA)
COMPAK (CATALUNYA)
CONTROLPACK – SIX2 BADIA (CATALUNYA)
RIAS BAIXAS (GALICIA)
SUPER FROIZ (GALICIA)
ISRAEL CYCLING ACADEMY (ISRAEL)
LA POMME MARSELLA (FRANCIA)
LOTTONL-JUMBO-DE JONGE RENNER (HOLANDA)
Let's see an improvement from Navarra.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 08, 2017, 11:40
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBymXfGWAAIEdzm.jpg:large)
The LottoNL feeder team can't really be full of Belgians. :S
No Lotto this time to dominate things, but all (?) of the big Spanish teams and a couple of other foreign teams.
Not quite all of them. A lot of the Aldro boys have exams so can't field a team and there were no invites for EC Cartucho (they weren't too happy) or Quick Step-Telco’m Gimex.
Quite a few nationalities dotted amongst the various teams. There's a Norwegian (Erland Sor - think he was at Caja previously) for t-72 to cheer on, some Africans for Fus and apart from the Guys I'll also be watching some Misc. American Tour riders - Moreira and Alpizar. The Costa Rican won the Vuelta de la Juventud Costa Rica last year and Gregory Brenes used his contacts to get him a ride in Spain. Daniel Jara (currently with the CMC) could also join him at Controlpack later in the year.
Post by: LukasCPH on June 08, 2017, 13:26
The LottoNL feeder team can't really be full of Belgians. :SThat's got to be the race secretary confusing those Lowland countries.
some Africans for Fus*dz Ismail Medjahed! :cheer
*za Ivan Venter! :cheer
Post by: Leadbelly on June 08, 2017, 16:17
There was a bigger group of ~forty that got away earlier (including three devo riders), but this current one is much smaller. Bike Geeeeeeks are still represented though with Omer Goldstein.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 08, 2017, 18:36
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DB0MkjMWsAELQcN.jpg)
Post by: Leadbelly on June 08, 2017, 20:34
:snooty
Post by: LukasCPH on June 08, 2017, 23:01
Post by: Leadbelly on June 09, 2017, 16:53
Stage two in Castello. Peloton reduced down to ~25 riders as they start the final climb of the day. Goldstein part of that group.
Turek has donned his preferred kit in Slovakia: The mountain jersey! :cool
He still has it after today, but Vilela is closing in.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 09, 2017, 18:21
Seventh and that was after an attack near the end. :cool
Post by: search on June 13, 2017, 07:48
Post by: Leadbelly on June 17, 2017, 19:26
(https://scontent-frx5-1.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/e35/19122476_225974244585530_3471932548542627840_n.jpg)
They've had quite a few good race style posters so far this year, but it's getting into dangerous Cannondale territory if they don't get the results to back it up. It reminds me, bizarrely enough, of Peter Crouch who rather stated the obvious when he said "Football's not about robotic dancing (his celebrations), it's about winning games and scoring goals". Substitute in cycling, race posters and winning sprints.
Lowndes isn't exactly burning down the house in Korea and annoyingly Lemus made the winning break on stage two and could have had a excellent GC result, but had lost a bucket load on stage one when working for the big Aussie.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 17, 2017, 19:34
Quote
Israeli cycling Academy has released its development team rider Omer Goldstein.
Recently , the team Management has decided that Omer had not been able to fulfill all the team disciplinary requirements and he will therefore part ways with the team on immediate basis.
Rather interesting timing with it being announced just after the Israeli TT Nats had finished.
Some possible scenarios:
1) The team really wanted Sagiv to take the title and told Omer to take it easy which he didn't (he only lost by 6s).
2) He had had some disciplinary issues, but they didn't want to sack the National TT champ and so waited to see the result.
3) ???
Post by: LukasCPH on June 17, 2017, 21:16
They've had quite a few good race style posters so far this year, but it's getting into dangerous Cannondale territory if they don't get the results to back it up. It reminds me, bizarrely enough, of Peter Crouch who rather stated the obvious when he said "Football's not about robotic dancing (his celebrations), it's about winning games and scoring goals". Substitute in cycling, race posters and winning sprints.Hmm. Yes. I can see what you mean.
To be fair, they have had three wins, and it's their first year as a PCT. Those are never easy.
But I agree that they're not pulling out trees much. It feels like there's just something missing - and I can't pinpoint what that 'something' is, either.
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/posts/972609246175967Huh.
Could of course simply be
3) Omer had not been able to fulfill all the team disciplinary requirements and he will therefore part ways with the team on immediate basis. :P
Post by: Leadbelly on June 18, 2017, 22:42
Huh.
Could of course simply be
3) Omer had not been able to fulfill all the team disciplinary requirements and he will therefore part ways with the team on immediate basis. :P
Come on, you don't believe that. ;)
Post by: Leadbelly on June 24, 2017, 10:45
Quote
In view of what is happening in social media in recent days (does he read Velorooms!), I feel the need to voice my personal opinion in public. I wrote this letter to you to open a window beside that I think most of you do not know
Without going into details, one of the most challenging cases I had, is the decision to suspend the team last week Omer Goldstein. Omer, is one of the most talented riders in the group, one of the best ever grew up in Israel. There is no argument about it.
The choice to suspend the disciplinary background, was very painful and made only after we were convinced that he acted in a way that is acceptable professional team and we can not help him in the present circumstances.
Anyone who thinks that this was a decision born whim championship Israel against the clock, do not understand how professional team works. Even in matters of discipline there a way to conduct traitor steps and measures leading up to the suspension rides. Omar went through a long and complicated, which included, among other things, disciplinary committees, warnings and financial penalties, until we got to this unusual step.
This is not a decision that I am proud of her. This is a badge of shame for the team under management, took upon itself to give a chance to all Israeli talent a potential exhaust her and at this moment I do not know to help one of the greatest talents that grew here.
I think we all have a longer way to go and that the future will be in my hands better tools to handle such situations. Enough for me to look back a year or two to figure out how much progressed since then, some learned since. I believe we all undergo that people deserves a second chance if they wish it. We have proved this in the past and Omar gets a second chance if he chooses to be part of the group conditions required of its members.
So Ran is in firmly in the 3rd scenario group, but I think there must have been an element of the 1st too - something happened in the TT or in the days before and that was the straw that broke the camel's back.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 24, 2017, 11:03
A break had got away including Sagiv, Yechezkel, some of the devo guys and a couple of others including ex-Academy rider Gabay. The DS then took the unusual decision to tell the Academy riders to wait for Roy Goldstein who was a couple of minutes behind. They waited and then recaught the riders who had continued.
Now if that was the whole story and Roy had won from there, I might have been crying foul, but Sagiv (going for his third straight title) punctured and crashed in the finale and he might have won without that. We'll have to see footage (if there is any) to see if it was a gift or not.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 25, 2017, 17:08
Post by: Leadbelly on July 14, 2017, 19:34
The team have just started an altitude camp in preparation for the final couple of months of the season. Well if it worked for Kittel.....
Post by: Leadbelly on July 18, 2017, 20:27
COURSE FACTS FOR PROS AND AMATEURS:
238 kilometers
5500 meters of altitude gain
4 Alpine passes: Kühtai 2020 m; Brenner pass 1377 m; Jaufen pass 2090 m; Timmelsjoch 2509 m
Start and finish in Sölden / Tirol
(https://ext.soelden.com/radmarathon/orm2014/hoehenprofil.jpg)
My spidey senses tell me carnage awaits.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 25, 2017, 09:18
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20246356_1002763509827207_8690857460880898538_n.jpg?oh=044db01446d389f62fe44591e50dd8a5&oe=5A0ADD2B)
The new Latvian champs jersey. Would have preferred a full flag one, but hey ho.
Post by: LukasCPH on July 25, 2017, 12:51
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20246356_1002763509827207_8690857460880898538_n.jpg?oh=044db01446d389f62fe44591e50dd8a5&oe=5A0ADD2B)Nah, this is alright. But the white band should be narrower - look at the flag:
The new Latvian champs jersey. Would have preferred a full flag one, but hey ho.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Flag_of_Latvia.svg/255px-Flag_of_Latvia.svg.png)
Post by: Leadbelly on July 31, 2017, 14:08
Quote
Next year Carlström will be head sports manager, and then he wants to have a Norwegian rider on board.
"You may not have avoided noticing August Jensen during Tour des Fjords?
"He did his stuff very well, that's for sure. There are several good riders in Norway, and he is one of the strongest. But that's what the rider wants for the coming season. We are in talks with several Norwegians. It would be very good to get one of them to our team, he admits.
Anybody but Nordhaug.
Quote
Carlström confirms that the commitment is working to upgrade significantly ahead of next year's season.
"This year we had 16 riders. Next year we hope to be somewhere between 20 and 23. It's a bit challenging to run a dual program with only 16 men, he points out.
"Last year, did you have riders from 12 different nations, and next year there will be even more?
Yes, we have a policy that we should be international. The purpose of starting the team was to produce more Israeli talents, and we will have 3-4 domestic riders also next year. But beyond that, we want to be a bit like Israel. A kind of melting pot with different people from many nations.
"It's also a bit of a hunch on what riders we get. It will decide whether we are turning to stage games in the World Tour or Classics. Our goal is to grow a little year by year, in this respect we are in a very interesting period, "concludes Carlström.
If a Giro invite is forthcoming, serious reinforcements will be needed. The team has recently started following people like Hermans, Avila, Carpenter and McLay on Twitter....
Post by: LukasCPH on July 31, 2017, 14:30
If a Giro invite is forthcoming, serious reinforcements will be needed. The team has recently started following people like Hermans, Avila, Carpenter and McLay on Twitter....Subtle! :lol
Here's some free advice for teams: Never follow riders before you've announced their signing - at least not during silly season. People like Leadbelly will turn anything into transfer rumours. :P
Post by: Leadbelly on July 31, 2017, 15:16
People like Leadbelly will turn anything into transfer rumours.
In other transfer news Lukascph is either signing for RTS-Monton, Gary McQuaid or the Tour of Bulgaria. :P
Post by: LukasCPH on July 31, 2017, 15:20
In other transfer news Lukascph is either signing for RTS-Monton, Gary McQuaid or the Tour of Bulgaria. :P:D
Post by: Leadbelly on August 04, 2017, 10:30
Quote
You are our sports Director and here is your Dilemma:
One of your strongest rider (Turek) is part of a breakaway that will almost certainly escape the peloton and get to the finish.
But Your great Sprinter (Raim) back in the peloton is telling you that he is feeling "real strong".
So what do you do? Who are you going to "sacrifice". Who are you going to bet on?
Even ignoring the fact that they didn't get the stage win, I still don't think they got it quite right.
For me they told Turek to stop working too far out and when the gap was still manageable for the peloton. By doing that they just threw away one of the two cards they could play.
Better to get him keep on doing his turns (not strong ones though) and play it by ear.
The peloton closing in? Get Turek to take stronger pulls and let the rest of the team conserve energy back in the peloton for a bit longer.
Gap getting too big? Then you let Turek sit on or miss a few turns until the gap comes back down.
Post by: LukasCPH on August 04, 2017, 13:03
Even ignoring the fact that they didn't get the stage win, I still don't think they got it quite right.It's easy to criticise, this is one of the hardest dilemmas a DS can face, and I didn't see the stage.
But I agree with you.
First of all, if you have someone in a breakaway that's almost certain to make it, you don't tell him to stop working.
A bunch sprint is the absolute hardest scenario to get right in cycling - there's no limit to the number of miniscule things that can go wrong, throwing your whole gameplan out of the window. So unless the peloton is down to nothing more than 30 riders, your guy is the only real sprinter left, and he's well-protected by all available teammates, put your weight behind the breakaway.
If you mess up your lead-out in a normal mass sprint, your sprinter finishes 15th.
If your guy in the break can't sprint for toffee, he'll still finish better than that - and he could try anticipating the sprint with a late attack.
Post by: search on August 07, 2017, 21:22
...I guess we will get to see some transfer news Leadbelly is unlikely to approve?!
Post by: Leadbelly on August 07, 2017, 23:27
so with the Giro start in Israel next year...
...I guess we will get to see some transfer news Leadbelly is unlikely to approve?!
Could be, could be. It's not black and white though, there's plenty of grey in there. The absolute no-nos would be American hipster types and one trick pony sprinters.
I feel they definitely need an established climber or two. However they don't grow on trees (at least great ones don't), so someone like Hermans if he was available would be a excellent selection, but he's probably way above the upper limit of realistic transfers. Woods could be an alternative from the WT level.
Avila would be an excellent signing I think. The only smile out there to rival Chaves, can climb better than most of the current Bike Geeeeks team and has a sprint at the end.
Carpenter is a very strong rider. Would be good for breaks, stage/jersey hunting and climbing support.
Who else could be a potential signing?
The Canadian link might want Houle or Tony the Tiger added to the squad, though Duchesne looks to be heading to Pineau's team.
They have a habit of picking up on riders who they have raced against, so why not Ciccone who did really well at Utah. Bardiani can't guarantee a Giro invite in 2018.
The most important signing however is getting Turek signed up for a few more years.
Post by: LukasCPH on August 08, 2017, 13:04
so with the Giro start in Israel next year...I would hazard a guess and say that with the Giro starting in Israel, #academy would get a wildcard even with their current squad. I mean, the *il Grande Partenza is organised by literally the same people who run the team - they'd be phenomenally stupid if they didn't put a "we get to race ourselves" clause in the deal.
...I guess we will get to see some transfer news Leadbelly is unlikely to approve?!
HermansGood picks, though I'd agree that Hermans may be above their paygrade.
Woods
Avila
Carpenter
Houle
Tony Duchesne
Ciccone
First and foremost, I hope that they continue their mission of picking riders from "non-traditional" countries and don't bring in half a dozen Italians (or similar) now.
The most important signing however is getting Turek signed up for a few more years.Definitely. Turek is a world-class breakaway specialist.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 08, 2017, 18:18
How about Krists Neilands in Portugal! :bow[1]
12th on the only big MTF and I wouldn't say that sort of stuff is his forte. He was only really starting to lose contact with leaders a little bit before Antunes and Alarcon jumped away. He, Silin and Schelling can have a little non-Roman European GC competition between them.
| 1. | No bow emoticon? |
Post by: LukasCPH on August 08, 2017, 19:28
How about Krists Neilands in Portugal! :bow[1]There is now![2]
1. No bow emoticon?
| 2. | It was pray :pray if you want to know |
Post by: Leadbelly on August 14, 2017, 15:14
Last climbing stage in Portugal and Neilands is in a fight with Luis Gomes to hang onto the white jersey. Both are in the break and the peloton is ~2m30 back.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 14, 2017, 15:36
Alarcon and Antunes have bridged and Neilands (for the time being - looking a bit shaky) + another W52 is all that is left.
Still 7km of the climb to go?
Post by: Leadbelly on August 14, 2017, 20:48
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/posts/1020359581400933
Well he couldn't hang on to the W-52 duo all the way to the line, but even after he got dropped the chasing group didn't make up much time on him. I think the gap was ~3m30 when he had to let them go and it was down to ~3 minutes at the line. So some smart racing not to completely blow himself up.
What was also smart was getting in the break. A few others around him in the GC had the same idea (Gomes, Fonte and Schelling), but he was the only one who managed to hang on after being caught. The youth jersey (and the unofficial non-Latin European one) should be his now barring something awful tomorrow in the TT.
It's been a very impressive week from him and to be honest when the road has gone uphill he has had not much support from the team. If he had had somebody, on stage 5 in particular, to eat wind/lead him out then a stage victory might not have been beyond him.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 18, 2017, 17:36
Post by: Leadbelly on August 25, 2017, 21:30
Schaal-Sels up next for Raim and co.
https://twitter.com/mihkelraim/status/901042179472228352
Post by: Leadbelly on August 27, 2017, 09:29
https://twitter.com/deportesdv/status/900594876571635712
He beat Samitier (who's probably joining Movistar) into second place.
Considering the lack of visible racing that the devo team has been doing since that trio of Spanish races, making this switch is probably a good thing for his development.
Post by: search on August 29, 2017, 08:13
(http://i.imgur.com/xaaeM5B.jpg)
(better quality is behind a pay wall only)
He says the team wants to go WT within two years
Post by: LukasCPH on August 29, 2017, 10:34
He says the team wants to go WT within two yearsA WT team without any real sponsor, solely on the dime of Ron Baron & Sylvan Adams?
I'll believe it when I see it. :shh
Post by: Leadbelly on August 29, 2017, 18:51
But yeah, lots of teams say they want to go WT in two/three years and nothing ever happens. So no breath is being held by me and to be honest I'd prefer them to stay at PCT anyway (and ride a few more .2 races).
Post by: LukasCPH on August 29, 2017, 20:51
Almost certain to be included, in my opinion:
*be Hermans
*es Plaza
*no Holst Enger
*ee Räim
*cz Turek
*lv Neilands
*mx Lemus
That leaves two spots for others[1]. Boivin, Craven, Dempster, and van Winden haven't been announced as having a deal for 2018 yet; either of those wouldn't be out of place in a GT squad.
I believe there may be a "quota Israeli" as well - Guy Sagiv has to be the frontrunner for that, with Aviv Yechezkel and Roy Goldstein as outsiders. This might cost someone like Neilands, Lemus, Dempster, or Craven their spot.
| 1. | or even only one if the reduction in GT squads goes ahead |
Post by: Leadbelly on August 30, 2017, 09:47
Sessler interview.
With the newest signings, let's have a look at how a possible Giro squad could look.
I think I've covered most of my thoughts already in the transfer thread, but I'm getting more pessimistic about the chances of the youngsters. There's probably more signings incoming (support for Hermans?) and the team might feel that having experienced riders like Dempster and Van Winden for dom duties or helping in sprints would be more appropriate. I'd love to be wrong, but the more I think about it, even having one (Krists?) might be pushing it.
When it comes to the Israeli selection issue, Goldstein will surely be guaranteed a place due to his Nats win and jersey. Aviv and Guy fighting over another spot.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 07, 2017, 18:49
Looking for good things from Krists, Ben and Guillaume.
Post by: LukasCPH on September 08, 2017, 11:55
They are, however, the only ProConti team and could just as well have said that (which would also sound better in my opinion).
I wish people were more careful about what they say.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 13, 2017, 10:52
Must be the official Giro news ....... or a Daniel Turek contract extension. One or the other.
Post by: LukasCPH on September 13, 2017, 11:16
One or the other.Could also be that they've (re-)signed their Israelis. Although, on second thought, those all got 2-year contracts.
The Giro wildcard would only be announced in January, I think. Unless they make it part of the Grande Partenza presentation (which would make sense)
Post by: LukasCPH on September 17, 2017, 08:25
The Giro will present their Grande Partenza on the 18th. So this is definitely that.
We'll see if the presentation will also include a #academy wildcard already, or if that one stays an open secret for now.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 18, 2017, 10:46
Quote
Monday’s formal announcement means that the Pro Continental Israel Cycling Academy team seems guaranteed its place on the start line in Jerusalem next May. Team backer Sylvan Adams confirmed on Sunday night that the team has applied for a wildcard invitation to the corsa rosa but stressed that RCS Sport will not make a decision until January.
So what's the SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT and PRESS CONFERENCE for?
A women's team?
Just for a transfer? Orken? Basso and Contador?
Post by: LukasCPH on September 18, 2017, 16:35
Just for a transfer? Orken? Basso and Contador?Turned out to be Örken, and not that much more.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 18, 2017, 17:30
• Guy Niv has signed full time for the team as well.
• Omer Goldstein got a mention from Ron Baron, so maybe the door is being opened for him to make a return to the development team in 2018.
• There will be at least three teams riding the Tour of Turkey in October. ;)
As for Orken, he deserves a shot at a higher level and he fits perfectly into the "rider from a non-traditional cycling nation" category. However is another fast man really what the team needs? Not sure of all the renewals yet, but the team could have SHE, Raim, Boivin, Avila, Lowndes, Dempster, Jensen and Orken for various types of sprints (reduced or otherwise). He'll have to fight for his chance.
Post by: LukasCPH on September 18, 2017, 18:10
• Omer Goldstein got a mention from Ron Baron, so maybe the door is being opened for him to make a return to the development team in 2018.He was racing the U23 ITT Worlds at the same time, so maybe it was only that. :shh
As for Orken, he deserves a shot at a higher level and he fits perfectly into the "rider from a non-traditional cycling nation" category. However is another fast man really what the team needs? Not sure of all the renewals yet, but the team could have SHE, Raim, Boivin, Avila, Lowndes, Dempster, Jensen and Orken for various types of sprints (reduced or otherwise). He'll have to fight for his chance.You're right, they stock up on "guys with some sort of sprint".
Another thing I want to nip in the bud: His name is Örken. Not Orken.
I don't care if Anglophones don't have the letter Ö on their keyboards.
Do show him[1] the respect of spelling his name correctly. :angel
| 1. | and all other riders with Ö, Ä, Ü, Æ, Ø, Å, Ç, Ț, Ș, Ł, Ź, Č and whatnot in their names |
Post by: Leadbelly on October 02, 2017, 05:44
It's not confirmed by the team yet, but Gazzetta dello Sport reported it today (and lots of Italian websites picked it up):
http://www.ciclonews.biz/kristian-sbaragli-israele/ (http://www.ciclonews.biz/kristian-sbaragli-israele/)
Sbaragli #didata --> #academy
Another fast finisher/sprinter! :lol :S :fp
Anyway if everybody re-signs that's the 24 riders and 17 nationalities. Surely there must be some climbing support incoming for Hermans though. So adios Dan, Jason and maybe even Zak to free up some space?
Post by: LukasCPH on October 02, 2017, 08:14
Another fast finisher/sprinter! :lol :S :fpYou can never have too many of those! :lol
Except, you can. They'd need to determine who's the designated sprinter on any given day; leaving that to be decided during the race is a recipe for disaster.
On the other hand, if sprinter A doesn't feel so good, and sprinter B is in the break, you'll always have sprinter C to fall back on ...
Post by: Leadbelly on October 03, 2017, 20:06
On the other hand, if sprinter A doesn't feel so good, and sprinter B is in the break, you'll always have sprinter C to fall back on ...
That's all very well, but what about sprinters D, E, F, G and H :P
Post by: Leadbelly on October 07, 2017, 19:52
Post by: Leadbelly on October 19, 2017, 14:10
I guess it could be a ticket to a different team's training camp, but the wording and #yalla suggests it's a renewal with the Geeeeeeeeeeeeks.
Lowndes on the other hand is probably heading towards JLT Condor.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 24, 2017, 20:49
*au Earle or Morton
*be Pauwels
*ca Piccoli
*co Quintana Jr or one of the Manzana youngsters
*it Ficara
*nl Bol
When they told Sessler they wouldn't be signing him for 2018, they said they were after more experienced heads who could immediately make a mark, therefore I'm ruling out Piccoli, the Manzanistas and Ficara which is a shame as the two at CT level deserve a chance.
Quintana looks very likely to renew with Movistar after his brother pulled strings.
That leaves four. My choice would be Pauwels as a nice helper (and fellow countryman) for Hermans, but I'd be surprised if DD don't keep him on. Bol is good mates with Van Winden and he was out on rides with the team in Hainan. Morton does fit in somewhat with the team's previous ethos, but hasn't impressed me that much this year in Europe.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 26, 2017, 08:52
*au Earle or MortonBingo: ;)
https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/status/922932238924345344
If they do re-sign all four riders who are still unconfirmed here or elsewhere (Boivin, Craven, Dempster, van Winden), that would make 24. If they don't, there are 1-4 spots still up for grabs. And if they let Craven or van Winden go, that opens up for a nationality (or two), throwing all our speculation into disarray.
Like you say, Dayer is virtually confirmed with #movistar:
They also signed Sergio Samitier, quite a promising youngster who also was in talks with Movistar (but ended up empty handed because Unzue had only one place left for either him or Dayer Quintana)
http://www.ciclo21.com/samitier-sin-movistar-pero-en-murias/
http://www.ciclismointernacional.com/noticias-breves-del-peloton-50/
That leaves four. My choice would be Pauwels as a nice helper (and fellow countryman) for Hermans, but I'd be surprised if DD don't keep him on. Bol is good mates with Van Winden and he was out on rides with the team in Hainan. Morton does fit in somewhat with the team's previous ethos, but hasn't impressed me that much this year in Europe.Bol could be an option, but I think he may want to stay at #manzana rather than move again after only one year. I could be horribly wrong, of course. Or maybe van Winden is learning Spanish from his buddy and goes to Colombia?!
Pauwels would be a coup, but I don't see #didata parting with him voluntarily. Morton is an idea, but only for races outside Europe - is it the relatively narrow roads (as in, only two lanes instead of 4-8) he can't adjust to?
Finally, there are the #icadt guys. They signed Guy Niv, maybe It(a)mar Einhorn gets a chance as well already - although it would be awfully early for him, really.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 27, 2017, 19:37
https://twitter.com/Cyclingnewsfeed/status/923938657341407234Reading the article, "Israel Cycling Academy have one more rider to announce to complete the 2018 roster" doesn't really sound as if that rider is going to be Dan Craven. If he were getting a new contract, they would have announced that with those three other re-signings.
Boivin + Dempster + Van Winden ---------> #academy
Of course, that doesn't get us much (or any) closer to who "rider no. 24" is going to be ...
Post by: Leadbelly on October 27, 2017, 20:08
Of course, that doesn't get us much (or any) closer to who "rider no. 24" is going to be ...
To replace Namibia it should be a new country, but there are no stand out picks despite the increase in number of available nationailities.
*at Zoidl
*er Kudus or Debesay
*de Thurau
*pl Paterski
*ru Chernetskiy
*si Pogacar
*ch Stussi
*ua Padun
I'm leaning towards the Austrian as the realistic option.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 27, 2017, 20:13
I'm leaning towards the Austrian as the realistic option.*ch Stüssi has done well enough this year to attract some ProConti interest. Not to mention that he'd strengthen the climber's department ...
... and then there's *pl Magic Paterski! :D
Post by: Leadbelly on October 27, 2017, 20:30
Quote from: SHE
I already notice that it is much more tidy with regard to emails and messages. Everything goes in English so it's tidy and easy to understand. It's so delicious to be back to it (!), instead of having to translate back and forth via Google Translate, he says about the first experiences with his new team.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 27, 2017, 22:13
https://twitter.com/procyclingno/status/923602323926024192Oh my. He'd signed for a French team without knowing at least conversational French?
I could have told him in advance that that wouldn't work at all.
:fp
Post by: Leadbelly on November 02, 2017, 13:12
Anyway onto the Giro and possible team selections!
#academy
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/israel-cycling-academy-complete-2018-roster-with-omer-goldstein/
Edwin Avila (Col)
Guillaume Boivin (Can)
Zakkari Dempster (Aus)
José Manuel Díaz (Spa)
Nathan Earle (Aus)
Sondre Holst Enger (Nor)
Omer Goldstein (Isr)
Roy Goldstein (Isr)
Ben Herman (Bel)
August Jensen (Nor)
Luis Lemus (Mex)
Krists Neilands (Lat)
Guy Niv (Isr)
Ahmet Örken (Tur)
Ben Perry (Can)
Rubén Plaza (Spa)
Mihkel Raim (Est)
Guy Sagiv (Isr)
Kristian Sbaragli (Ita)
Hamish Schreurs (NZl)
Daniel Turek (Cze)
Dennis Van Winden (Ned)
Tyler Williams (USA)
Aviv Yechezkel (Isr)
Using common sense provisos of form/illness/the course etc.
Who will definitely not ride the Giro?
Diaz, Omer Goldstein, Lemus, Niv, Perry, Schreurs, Turek and Williams.
Fairly obvious reasons of youth, inexperience, inconsistency and (let's be honest) lack of ability for a couple of them.
The Israeli selection?
Roy Goldstein
If the team size was still nine I think they would have gone with two home riders, but with just eight now, it makes senses to go with just one. Roy Goldstein must be in pole position with his National Champs RR jersey. However the main consideration must be picking someone who they think has the best chance of finishing the race. So this one is still up in the air really.
Guaranteed picks?
Hermans, Plaza, Sbaragli (and SHE?)
It's tempting to say all four who have dropped down from WT will have been given the nod before signing, but for me Enger will have to show some early season form first.
The rest?
Boivin, Van Winden, Jensen (and Earle?)
A lot of people fighting over three (or four) spots. Boivin and Van Winden are the experienced doms and as Carlstrom says “Their roles will be to help out some of the fast men in the team to arrive at the sprint in perfect condition." They get the nod over Dempster as they can climb a bit better.
Jensen offers something a bit different either from a break or a punchy finish.
If SHE isn't firing on all cylinders, I think they'll go with Sbaragli as the sprinter and Earle or Avila or Neilands could be the beneficiaries.
It's not the team I would have gone with, but it's the one I think they will select.
Post by: LukasCPH on November 02, 2017, 14:12
Using common sense provisos of form/illness/the course etc.I wouldn't exclude Turek and Lemus out of hand:
Who will definitely not ride the Giro?
Diaz, Omer Goldstein, Lemus, Niv, Perry, Schreurs, Turek and Williams.
Fairly obvious reasons of youth, inexperience, inconsistency and (let's be honest) lack of ability for a couple of them.
Turek has been the breakaway specialist for the team, and breakaways will be an important part of their Giro.
And Lemus they've built up as the next Mexican GT participant for years ... yes, he hasn't performed all that great in 2017, but there's still time in early 2018 to turn that around. He's also great in regards to Social Media, and that's becoming ever more important. I'm not saying they will definitely pick him, but it's not totally impossible.[1]
I agree with the rest of your analysis. The new signings from the WT are obvious picks, Boivin & van Winden as well. Jensen & Enger are in the 'very likely, but not guaranteed' category for me. And as *il champion, Roy Goldstein is, as you say, in pole position for the 'local rider' spot.
| 1. | and, yes, there's personal sympathy playing in here, too; I really like the mexiCAN :shh |
Post by: Leadbelly on November 13, 2017, 18:18
New kit on Wednesday. The previous one was a bit dull in my opinion and not always the easiest to spot (I had to rely on the green helmets more often that not for that).
I think it's safe to say blue will feature, but some chameleon-esque colouring change would be cool.
Post by: pastronef on November 13, 2017, 20:11
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DOg4LgOWAAAUt36.jpg)(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23435239_1085312111572346_8142352185338949872_n.jpg?oh=ef7d852549af4b055d3c6ad7ce421eee&oe=5A99582C)
New kit on Wednesday. The previous one was a bit dull in my opinion and not always the easiest to spot (I had to rely on the green helmets more often that not for that).
I think it's safe to say blue will feature, but some chameleon-esque colouring change would be cool.
new bike would mean Cannondale not there anymore.
guesses? Orbea? Focus?
Post by: t-72 on November 13, 2017, 20:42
I wonder if this language barrier would have seemed so important to him if he had been free from his health issues and competitive in races? Probably not.
Anyway onto the Giro and possible team selections!
Using common sense provisos of form/illness/the course etc.
Guaranteed picks?
Hermans, Plaza, Sbaragli (and SHE?)
It's tempting to say all four who have dropped down from WT will have been given the nod before signing, but for me Enger will have to show some early season form first.
The rest?
Boivin, Van Winden, Jensen (and Earle?)
Jensen offers something a bit different either from a break or a punchy finish.
If SHE isn't firing on all cylinders, I think they'll go with Sbaragli as the sprinter and Earle or Avila or Neilands could be the beneficiaries.
Simplifying your discussion to the choice between the two Norwegians, who have similar strenghts at first glance: good finish, particularily if it
However, they are very different as August Jensen is Mr Reliable, one of the riders with most top 10 placings last year. Sondre Holst Enger is perhaps the opposite: no-one doubts his potential, but he’s been described as “cube shaped bouncing ball”: He can bounce very high, but no-one knows which direction he’ll go. (Quoting former team Norway coach Kristiansen.) The academy should look for what was right at IAM. He may be a winner.
I think I would put Jensen in more one-day races and shorter stage races. Sondre has the GT experience after all.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 15, 2017, 18:54
Team presentation is live (devo team too I believe). Kit to follow.
New bikes are De Rosa (just for Pastry).
Post by: Leadbelly on November 15, 2017, 19:40
Post by: Leadbelly on November 15, 2017, 20:35
Post by: Leadbelly on November 21, 2017, 08:46
Itamar Einhorn and Yam Poliak are the only returning riders for the devo team. Didn't quite catch the names of the new Israeli riders other than Saar Hershler.
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/photos/a.515941738509389.1073741831.515137875256442/1088380691265488/?type=3&permPage=1
Saned Abu Fares is another. Not that much info about, but he did ride a few races (http://www.nieuwsblad.be/sportwereld/tag/wielrennen/saned-abu-fares) in Belgium this summer.
Just looking through those results, there are a couple of other names to watch out for - Yuval Ben Moshe (http://www.nieuwsblad.be/sportwereld/tag/wielrennen/yuval-ben-moshe) and Nir Gabbay (http://www.nieuwsblad.be/sportwereld/tag/wielrennen/nir-gabbay). Quite a few top-tens, but I don't have enough knowledge about the races/opposition to judge if that is impressive or not.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 21, 2017, 08:54
Quote
Hermans’ Grand Tour appearances have been sporadic since his first ride at the 2012 Giro d’Italia. He believes that he does have the capacity to pull out a strong general classification result, but says that a stage victory would likely prove more beneficial than a half-decent GC spot.
"I have proved it before. In the Vuelta in 2016, I went 14th supporting other guys in the GC and this year I was 12th when I left the Giro with illness, so I proved that I can do top 10 in the best circumstances but it is not a real objective for the team also. When you win a stage, it is better than finishing ninth in the GC
Post by: Leadbelly on November 22, 2017, 16:47
Quote
When Giro d'Italia starts to compete in the first days of May, it will not be in Italy. It will not even be in Europe. The start of the famous event will be organized by Israel, and Czech cyclist Daniel Turek believes he will not miss the start.
"There must be at least one Israeli, with about three sprinters, Rubén Plaza and Ben Hermans, and we have six people there, and there are two places for universal racers who can escape, help people in sprinters and leaders in the hills. I would take this year's people from Krists Neilands and myself, but we will see how the newcomers will look and how it will be in the spring, I really believe in it, if we go, I think I should be there."
Make it so Number One.
There is also some team race calendar news in there about Australia (CEGORR + Herald Sun presumably, but I wouldn't say no to the two NZ races myself) and Andalucia.
Trofeo Laigueglia and San Juan are also on the cards.
Post by: zinoviev letter on November 22, 2017, 23:39
http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/sport/exkluzivne-na-ct-sport/363238-giro-v-izraeli-snad-budu-u-toho-veri-cesky-cyklista-v-izraelskych-sluzbach/
Make it so Number One.
There is also some team race calendar news in there about Australia (CEGORR + Herald Sun presumably, but I wouldn't say no to the two NZ races myself) and Andalucia.
Trofeo Laigueglia and San Juan are also on the cards.
Sensible to try and load up on race days early when the team's whole season revolves around the Giro.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 23, 2017, 09:00
It's an important year for the team and riders though. Using the analogy of a young rider (which they signed lots of a year ago), if 2017 was their first year of a "neo-pro" contract where results aren't such a big thing, then this year they need to show something and I'm not just talking Hermans, Sbaragli etc. There needs to be evidence of a maturing, better stamina, more nous and results from the whole team.
So no pressure then. :P
Post by: zinoviev letter on November 23, 2017, 16:54
It seems like they've brought in basically a whole new set of leaders with this year's squad now mostly likely to be in support roles. Are there any of this year's riders who you think will still get regular chances of their own?
Post by: Leadbelly on November 23, 2017, 19:18
They've got 24 riders for next season?
Add in the devo squad (more UCI races in 2018 they say) and you have at least 30. :o
Quote
It seems like they've brought in basically a whole new set of leaders with this year's squad now mostly likely to be in support roles. Are there any of this year's riders who you think will still get regular chances of their own?
That will depend a lot on the calendar and how many race squads they have, but you'd think with 24 riders they'll have three teams on the go quite a few times through the season, so if you're in the third group chances are you will get plenty of opportunities.
Some definitely won't get that freedom however. Boivin, Dempster and Van Winden have already been marked down by Carlstrom as (mainly sprint) helpers. I would put Schreurs and Williams in a similar role, but in smaller races.
The three Israelis (Roy Goldstein, Sagiv and Yechezkel) might get a bit more freedom than others due to their nationality, but water carrying and dom duties will await a lot of the time. Not that dissimilar to this year.
From what I've seen Raim isn't a very good leadout (going too early one time sticks in my mind), so I think he'll either still be one of the sprinters or when in a race with Sbaragli/SHE be given the green light to go in breaks which he did very successfully in 2016.
Neilands and Turek may find their roles compromised by the addition of Earle, Jensen and Avila which would be a shame.
To be honest though, I'm hoping that apart from the first five names I mentioned most will still get some freedom to try and get in breaks. Be the aggressors and not the guys in the peloton trying to control things.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 24, 2017, 21:25
Quote from: Carlstrom
Ahmet is a very fast runner as well as Kristian, August and Sondre Holst Enger among the recruits, without forgetting Mihkel Räim and Guillaume Boivin who were already with us. I think he can be part of the sprinters' train, while also sometimes having his card to play.
http://www.procycling.no/du-merker-at-det-er-et-hakk-opp/
Quote from: Jensen
"It will not be like in Coop, where I had a free role in virtually all the rides I cycled. You have to go the degrees and find yourself in a slightly different role. I am prepared for that. I hope to participate in some stages and individual rides where I can get my own opportunities.
"Although I climbed pretty well in the rides I cycled for Coop, it would be a climbing to mean something different when we reach WorldTour. I'm not a rider in a very hilly climbing range, but more typical classic riders we recognize in several other Norwegian riders, such as Edvald, Alex, Amund and Truls. Norwegian riders are quite similar, and I join in those who want to bet on the classics.
"The impression I have gained from the conversations we have had on the team is that I'm going into the classic game. Then there are others that are more specific on climbing. At the continental level, they roll the roles a little more into each other. At this level, I think there are more specific roles, he explains.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 26, 2017, 09:46
Roy Goldstein interview.
A lot of DNFs for him towards the end of the season, but apart from the Giro Della Toscana they were all in one day races. He finished every stage race apart from that one which extrapolates quite well into possibly finishing a GT, though obviously with Portugal being the longest at only 10 days (half a Giro) you can only draw so much from it.
Sagiv also did quite well in the "finishing stage races" stakes. The Giro Della Toscana again was a DNF for him, but his only other one was at 3DP which is understandable.
I'm ruling Yechezkel out of the running for the Giro. I think it's between those two. Putting my cynical hat one, I do wonder if they'll be tempted to run the Israeli Nats a bit earlier in the year if they decide not to go with Roy.
Quote
At the beginning of January there is already a senator (huh?), and Tour Downer in Australia, and maybe the group is going there - it has not been officially declared so it's not safe yet
If google translate isn't playing tricks, that would be a bit of a coup.
Post by: LukasCPH on November 26, 2017, 15:43
A lot of DNFs for him towards the end of the season, but apart from the Giro Della Toscana they were all in one day races. He finished every stage race apart from that one which extrapolates quite well into possibly finishing a GT, though obviously with Portugal being the longest at only 10 days (half a Giro) you can only draw so much from it.And really, the Giro della Toscana is two one-day races who combined forces and are now posing as one stage race. :P
If google translate isn't playing tricks, that would be a bit of a coup.I wouldn't read anything more into this than that the team applied for a wildcard, and that the Tour Down Under organisers haven't said "no" yet.
In its ten editions as a WorldTour event since 2008, the race has invited a non-Australian ProConti team exactly once: In 2010, when #bmc16 BMC had reigning world champion Cadel Evans of Australia on their squad. Otherwise, it's always only been the #unisa national team and, in their ProConti years, #drapac16 Drapac.
Dempster and Earle are very good riders. But they're nowhere near the stature of Cadel Evans, in every aspect.
And since there are no signs whatever that Peter Sagan is making a surprise move, I think the chances of #academy racing the TDU are slim.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 28, 2017, 14:45
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/videos/1095742213862669/
Quote
Academic Syyqlyng (!) is proud to announce the new lineup of her reserve group for 2018
Yam Poliak
Itamar Einhorn
Saned Abu Fares
Saar Herschler
Ofek Hason? Too old surely?
Guy Leshem
Quote
The Six Horsemen selected will soon be added to two foreign riders (Adam Wolf is in the video) and four stagg stagg (stagiaires?). The young group riders will enjoy the full variety of the pro group, including the de (TT?) bike, and the next season will also be exploitation in Europe, which includes three "blocks" of uci and national races.
The four names at the bottom of the post are the future stagiaires I reckon, even though Google Translate has them under the "Staff" grouping.
Ido Bear
Yanai Golan
Lior Avitan
Yuval Ben Moshe
Post by: Leadbelly on November 30, 2017, 19:12
Lengthy Sylvan Adams interview.
Are Canadian as a rule usually so loqaucious? I'd have them down as more the strong silent types, certainly in comparison with their southern neighbours, but from the cycling world both Adams and Gord Fraser can talk the hind leg off a donkey.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 01, 2017, 18:20
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/videos/1099246176845606/
Okay..... :D
Post by: LukasCPH on December 01, 2017, 22:26
Okay..... :DKind of utterly pointless and devoid of any meaningful content whatsoever ...
... but still fun. :lol
Post by: Leadbelly on December 02, 2017, 20:46
There is also some team race calendar news in there about Australia (CEGORR + Herald Sun presumably, but I wouldn't say no to the two NZ races myself) and Andalucia.
Trofeo Laigueglia and San Juan are also on the cards.
http://www.federacioncolombianadeciclismo.com/ruta/avila-se-estrena-con-israel-y-sosa-comandara-al-androni-sidermec-en-la-colombia-oro-y-paz/
+ Oro y Paz
Edwin Avila
Guillaume Boivin
Luis Lemus
Ben Perry
Mihkel Raim
Aviv Yechezkel
It would make sense if that was the team for San Juan too.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 19, 2017, 18:49
Must be the kits for National Champs jerseys.
Post by: LukasCPH on December 20, 2017, 07:46
Must be the kits for National Champs jerseys.Has to be. It sure would be silly if, after a glitzy team presentation and a training camp extensively covered by various media, they now released this video to 'reveal' their 2018 kit.
:shh
Post by: Francois the Postman on December 20, 2017, 10:37
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/videos/vb.515137875256442/1114752385294985/?type=2&theater
Post by: search on December 20, 2017, 10:58
Post by: Leadbelly on December 20, 2017, 17:37
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/25446399_1600805076679856_2473616260906375544_n.jpg?oh=b01cdadc39eb9998938cf5eda4e0e88a&oe=5AD16631)
Post by: LukasCPH on December 21, 2017, 20:48
Silly it is:Some people can move robotically and make it look good.
Others ... well. :shh
well, yeah, but it's a major improvement at leastHuge improvement. :cool
Post by: Leadbelly on December 28, 2017, 20:06
Rather plain looking devo kit (if is what it is).
Post by: LukasCPH on December 29, 2017, 17:36
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/videos/1120729441363946/If you mean the guys in blue, that's #gazprom Gazprom-RusVelo. :P
Rather plain looking devo kit (if is what it is).
Post by: t-72 on January 04, 2018, 21:41
Inside the hat, it turned out to be August Jensen. Not a big surprise, he is the only #academy rider in my immediate neighborhood. :)
I noticed the hat before the man, though!
He was heading to the airport with a big bag of what looked to be clothes and a bicycle! Looks like a training camp is underway...
Post by: Leadbelly on January 06, 2018, 12:13
He could be off to Australia for CEGORR and the Herald Sun, but I think it would make more sense for him to stay in Europe and to start his season in Mallorca and then Italy.
Season kicks off for the team tonight with Earle and Dempster in the Aussie RR and Schreurs across the Tasman Sea.
Post by: Leadbelly on January 16, 2018, 13:00
The Ex-Nats Champ detailing looks good, especially Boivin's.
Those three in the picture have been training in Colombia in preparation for San Juan. Since Sbaragli hasn't joined them for this little training camp, it could be that Raim will be the main man.
A win in the Argentine will be very difficult to achieve, but after Gaviria the sprint field is far from frightening.
Post by: Leadbelly on January 21, 2018, 20:33
He was heading to the airport with a big bag of what looked to be clothes and a bicycle! Looks like a training camp is underway...
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/photos/a.515941738509389.1073741831.515137875256442/1139585489478341/?type=3
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/27066848_1139585489478341_2293519819434102643_n.jpg?oh=18c20a9ea103d081ac1babe5d3c3798c&oe=5AF51D2F)
It's CEGORR and Herald Sun for August. CEGORR is the kind of course which should suit him.
Post by: Leadbelly on January 25, 2018, 21:12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JXyqSF6Mxg
This is the overhead of yesterday's sprint. Avila gets a bit muscled out by Pelucchi and is then thus in the way of Raim. Some fine tuning needed, but fourth in a 2.1 here is arguably better than his win at the 2.HC Colorado Classic.
The climb tomorrow isn't that tough. Even so it is probably too much to expect Avila to hang in, but we shall see.
Post by: t-72 on January 28, 2018, 23:11
Anyway my local hero August Jensen in #academy, decided to go cycling and would surely ended i,n top 10 if he hadn't been viped out by a rider in front of him (#sunweb Mike Teunissen) hitting a road marker cone. This brought down both of them, and it is actually filmed live onboard at ~52 secs in this video.
https://www.facebook.com/veloncc/videos/1426225790838312/
Damage done: mostly lost skin for Jensen, don't know about Teunissen.
These cones are useless on a road race course, I remember last year they caused a fall in the finale of one of the Vuelta al pais Vasco stages (finishing in Bilbao) - I think that was Contador going down but I don't remember details, it was bad though.
The thing is, they are so small they only guide the first riders and then the rest can't see them.
Post by: LukasCPH on January 28, 2018, 23:42
There's no way to hotlink to a facebook video here is there?No. Maybe we can persuade the gremlins to make one.
This seems to become more popular than youtube with some organizations like Velon, obsessed by followers.That's Velon alright! :lol
I wonder time and again why so many subscribe to the view that followers, clicks etc. are the be-all and end-all and will ultimately save humanity.
That way, you determine the value of a piece of work solely by how many people watched/shared/commented on it - which isn't necessarily related to the quality of the work, but to who is well-known already. According to a German saying, the devil always sh*ts on the biggest pile. ;)
Social Media are especially rife with this belief, but it increasingly permeates into 'traditional' media.
These cones are useless on a road race course, I remember last year they caused a fall in the finale of one of the Vuelta al pais Vasco stages (finishing in Bilbao) - I think that was Contador going down but I don't remember details, it was bad though.Man, that was a stupid & unnecessary crash.
The thing is, they are so small they only guide the first riders and then the rest can't see them.
Was there any good reason to limit the peloton to just half the road there? Only thing I can think of is if they had to keep open the other lane for oncoming traffic ... but then they should have found an alternative route for the race! Jeesh. :fp
Post by: Leadbelly on January 30, 2018, 13:30
Giro Watch
↑SHE - Second to Degenkolb in a sprint one day, then in a break (solo for a lot of it) the next on an up and down parcour in nasty weather. Small crash and puncture on last day ruled out a result there. I'd be inking his name in already.
↑Earle, Niv, Raim and Turek - Not amazing performances, but enough to stand out.
↓Lemus and Sagiv - Lemus admitted he made a rookie mistake in not warming up before Tramuntana (you could argue it was partially the fault of the DS, but the buck stops with Luis). He tweeted something as well which could be construed as him thinking about his future career in cycling. Sagiv has knee problems which made him DNF his only day's racing.
Post by: t-72 on January 30, 2018, 21:32
In-shape version of the cube-shaped bouncing ball Sondre Holst Enger can be a threat for almost everyone. High risk, high potential! :cool
Post by: Leadbelly on January 31, 2018, 05:53
I assume they will need at least a few Israelis for the giro? and at least one Italian, in which case Sbaragli is in?
Just the one Israeli for the Giro barring some miraculous form from more than one of them. Roy Goldstein is in prime position with the Nats jersey. Sagiv is his main rival, but if he's carrying an injury, then the decision could be even easier.
I think all the riders who stepped down from WT will be there including Sbaragli. Unless they're injured of course or have shown absolutely no form in the next couple of months.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 13, 2018, 09:00
There's been a few races since the last update, but no major performances to get excited about.
↑Hermans, Neilands and Sagiv - 10th on the queen stage at Valenciana for Hermans. Didn't feel great at the bottom of the climb (and was nowhere to be seen), but fought hard and had a really strong finish to the stage. At Laigueglia he had to bridge across the gap to the front grp and didn't have any energy left to do any more. Sagiv looks to be over his knee pain.
↓Everyone in Colombia! Crashes didn't help, but nobody there will be thinking their Giro chances are looking rosy. Raim was already facing an uphill battle to get ahead of Sbaragli and SHE, but a possible wrist injury and poor performances by him and his train surely means Italy will not be on the menu for him. Also Edwin Avila is not a guy for the sprint train. Too small and lightweight. The team should be using him in other ways ie. breaks or slightly more selective group finishes.
Up next for the team Ruta del Sol (Hermans and Sbaragli) and Haut Var (SHE and Jensen).
Post by: Leadbelly on February 20, 2018, 18:45
Quote
It was time for a frank reflection .
It is obvious a month into our breakthrough grand tour season , we seem to still having problems in kicking into gear.
What is missing ?
The results obviously not there, nor are our performance in critical moments overboard in most of the races so far.
We asked our sports director in Andalucia Oscar Guerrero to give us his views and he was direct and sincere as you can expect in this team.
“Is not easy to say. I think first, that maybe we are not in the shape that we thought we will be at the start of the season. We are not in a bad shape, far from it, but, in the real hard moments of the races, we are not strong enough .
Sometimes it just a matter of timing and luck. Here in Andalucia, for example, Ben Hermans wasn't 100% healthy, and in the hard moments, he needed to be 100%, because the finishes here were very steep.
I think also, that we need to be more AGGRESSIVE in the races. We Were not able to get to breakaways, and this is something we need to do even if we need to protect our leader.
But it’s only the start of the season and we need stay CALM . because the results will come.
I'm sure the exact same things were being said a year ago. Let's hope we don't have to wait till Azerbaidjan and Tro Bro Leon again for a turn around in fortunes.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 21, 2018, 07:28
The real season hasn't even started yet.[1]
If they've still underperformed by the start of April, there may be some cause for getting worried - but until now, everything has been nothing more than glorified training races: Nice to get a win in, but not really something anyone will remember in the long run.
| 1. | yes, I'm a European snob |
Post by: Leadbelly on February 27, 2018, 14:23
Quote
Last (!) Day before the first #uci race in my #2018 season!
Super excited! Feeling super good and strong, even started to beat the cold 😎🤩
...... @ Umag
We don't even know 100% who is on the team, but Itamar should be it's leader, to begin with anyway.
I think they said that the Devo team would have three batches of races through the season. So batch 1 starts with Trofej Umag and presumably will continue then with Porec, Istrian Spring Trophy and then the non-UCI Tour of Arad to finish off with.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 27, 2018, 19:26
We don't even know 100% who is on the team
(http://i65.tinypic.com/fee9sz.png)
Poulton is the only new name.
https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider.php?id=193754
South African and probably came to the teams attention when he won the Maccabiah Games (the third-largest international sporting event in the world, but i have to hold my hands up and say I've never heard of it before) TT last year.
Post by: t-72 on February 27, 2018, 20:10
Post by: Leadbelly on March 01, 2018, 20:22
Quote from: Einhorn
Not all the things go as you want, not always at least.
I had a great feeling, great legs and great mood, i was there in the front and 13 km to the end i got stuck behind a big crash, i just fell in zero speed, didn't got any problems and started chasing the first group of 40+- riders... With no success, finished 1:15 minutes behind the winner and 37 by place.
I will race again Saturday in porac trophy race!
Ben Moshe and Poulton finished in the next group at 2 minutes. Avitan the only DNF.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 05, 2018, 06:09
↑Neilands and Boivin - Krists was right up in the action yesterday. Looked one of the more aggressive riders in that select group of 7(?). The Cannonball was the team's best rider last year in the Spring Classics, but had zero luck. So nice to see him get a good result at KBK this time round. Of course there might not be to much correlation between doing well in classics and a GT, but the Giro can get nasty weather.
↓Raim and the Norwegian contingent - My fears about Raim's injury came true. Broken scaphoid almost 100% means no Giro. The Norwegians have been suffering too. "Inflamed left knee + saddles sores for August Jensen" and a cold for SHE meant there were no results forthcoming at Haut Var.
The team has mentioned that a long list for the Giro will appear some time in March (after TA?), so now is the time to shine.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 06, 2018, 18:53
SHE still suffering from the cold?
Post by: t-72 on March 06, 2018, 19:48
Also, he is a rider without a tradition for being in shape in the spring. Typically starts working around May. The overlapping competences between Sbaragli, Jensen and Holst Enger must also be considered, you can't have a team with only chiefs, and I think they already are a bit low on indians in that setup.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 09, 2018, 08:59
Quote
7 km to the finish we felt that we were in great shape. Israeli Guy sagiv just completed his task magnificently - leading the almost full day breakaway. His teammates were fresh and ready in line for the sprint.
But then that horrifying sound of metal. “There was that rider in front of me that went down and I crashed,” described Kristian Sbaragli, revealing his frustration. Almost all of the team came down after him. Latvian Krists Neilands, Norwegian August Jensen, Canadian Guillaume Boivin and Belgian Ben Hermans. Jensen seemed to have got the worst of it, injuring his elbow. He was sent later to the local hospital for checkups and nobody is sure if he can start tomorrow.
Jensen and Neilands had x-rays this morning and it showed no problems, so all five crashees will start the next stage.
Anyway not the most auspicious of starts, but as long as any injuries don't affect the riders going forward, then it really doesn't mean much as the TTT and TT made GC a rather unrealistic target for Hermans.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 20, 2018, 08:50
Giro Watch
↑Neilands and Hermans - The Belgian was actually ill and on antibiotics at TA. He said he almost didn't bother on the MTF, but I'm sure he's glad he made the effort. Good couple of (very long) days in a row for Krists at TA. Struggled a bit then on the third tough day.
↑Dempster and Avila - Picking up some decent results. Haven't seen the Drenthe finish, but on paper I think Zak should have beaten those other riders for the win. Over in Taiwan we finally see Edwin racing how he should be used. Getting in breaks and riding aggressively. Probably given himself a snifter of a chance of making the team.
↓Sbaragli and SHE - Enger has had the one good result between the pair of them, on reflection though finishing second to Der John isn't looking so impressive now. Kristian's best result from 23 race days is a 14th. We know SHE has been ill, but these lack of results from the pair of them doesn't make it easy to make a selection for the Giro.
Post by: t-72 on March 20, 2018, 22:30
Actually, in the MSR, the whole team, with one notable exception, was pretty much punching above their weight class, I think they were 5-strong before the Cavendish crash near the base of the Poggio.
Somone crashed into August Jensen's rear derailleur, probably in the chaos caused by the flying Manx missile. The derailleur was bent and skipped gears, only working on some. On the climb of the Poggio he couldn't get the best gear for his climbing working. Nevertheless, he managed to get over in the first group but lacked the gears to follow in the high speed chase on the flat section into the Via Roma.
Although the results doesn't show it -it is probably recognized internally as a good day out.
(source: procycling.no)
The one rider who did not go quite to expectatations was the intended captain? Kristian Sbaragli was clearly struggling at the back and dropped before the start of the Poggio. However, I guess he's a guaranteed man on the Giro squad, he'll play the part of "the Italian guy" in this spaghetti eastern movie...
EDIT: damn !#¤!#¤ procyclingstats - that was supposedly the team results widget....will see if I can fix it.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 22, 2018, 22:16
Get your large pinch of Beppe salt ready: Bike Geeeeks to take over the BMC WT licence for 2019.
However isn't the WT shrinking to 17 teams next year?
On the other hand I did read an article earlier this year (or at the tail end of last) saying that the infrastructure of the team (all the staff in the background, the facilities, the non-white leather seats on the bus etc) were of a WT level already. The riders are obviously mainly not at that level (they're a mixture of all three "classes" really), but WT and the guaranteed invites must be on Sylvan Adams mind at some point.
I think Neilandts clearly is the man of the hour in #academy, but the hour doesn't necessarily stretch into May.
True, but I'd rather performances in 2018 weighed more in the selection reckoning than results from last year or even earlier. For me, him and Hermans should be the only guaranteed picks so far.
Post by: t-72 on March 22, 2018, 22:20
(..the non-white leather seats on the bus etc)
Marginal gains :o
but definetly one step ahead of uno-x ok get it :D
Post by: LukasCPH on March 23, 2018, 08:38
http://www.tuttobiciweb.it/2018/03/22/110178/radiocorsa-i-segreti-della-sanremo-raisport-amarcord-indiscreto-tuttobiciwebNow I have enough salt for the next couple of years! :lol
Get your large pinch of Beppe salt ready: Bike Geeeeks to take over the BMC WT licence for 2019.
However isn't the WT shrinking to 17 teams next year?Possibly. Information on this is conspicuously unforthcoming. I think the last we heard was this from November 2016:
http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/18-teams-2017-uci-worldtour-including-dimension-data-298663 (http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/18-teams-2017-uci-worldtour-including-dimension-data-298663)
Quote
“Since the commencement of the WorldTeam registration process for 2017, it has become clear that there are 18 candidates for WorldTeam licences,” said the UCI in a press release. “With this in mind, the PCC has decided that for the 2017 and 2018 seasons, a maximum of 18 UCI WorldTeam licences may be issued.”
Quote
The UCI said: “the ambition is to strengthen the competitiveness of elite level and therefore to set the maximum number of UCI WorldTeams to 17 in 2019 and 16 from 2020 onwards, with a working group tasked to study this and a number of other topics.”So it's "the ambition" to reduce the number of teams ... that could mean everything and nothing.
I think that if there are 18 or more candidates for 2019 again, they won't reduce the number.
On the other hand I did read an article earlier this year (or at the tail end of last) saying that the infrastructure of the team (all the staff in the background, the facilities, the non-white leather seats on the bus etc) were of a WT level already.The bus is the one we had at #stolting, so it's obviously the bestest bus ever. :D
Post by: search on March 30, 2018, 17:28
(https://scontent-amt2-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/c9be6d112aea99d07ad7a50f0053d397/5B59DD2C/t51.2885-15/e35/29403382_1996118607309049_6351468061903552512_n.jpg)
Full Text is available for free via pressreader.com
Quote
Battle for Israeli Giro berth heating up
Only one blue-and-white cyclist is set to be part of Israel Cycling Academy’s squad for Grand Tour
The start of the Giro d’Italia in Jerusalem in five weeks will undoubtedly be the greatest moment in Israeli cycling history, one that was unimaginable not that long ago.
The race will see 176 of the world’s top cyclists begin the competition with a time trial against the backdrop of the Old City.
Among all the elite riders waiting at the start line there will also be one Israeli, preparing to make history and become the first blue-and-white cyclist to ever compete in one of the three Grand Tours (Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana).
While the Giro will get under way in just over a month, the battle for what is expected to be the lone berth for an Israeli rider on the squad of Team Israel Cycling Academy is still wide open.
Guy Sagiv, Roy Goldstein and Guy Niv are set to be the three Israeli finalists for a place on the team’s eight-man squad for the Giro.
While in theory more than one Israeli could make the team, in all likelihood there will only be room for a single local rider in the monumental race, which will continue with road stages between Haifa and Tel Aviv (167 km) and Beersheba and Eilat (226 km) before heading to southern Italy.
“This 101st edition of the Giro d’Italia will be historic in many ways,” Israel Cycling Academy team owner Sylvan Adams told The Jerusalem Post. “The first time a Grand Tour will race outside of Europe it will happen in Israel. And, our Israel Cycling Academy team, the country’s first professional bicycle team, is participating in the Giro on home soil, which also means that an Israeli athlete will be competing in a Grand Tour for the first time. Each of these is a remarkable first, unimaginable just a couple of years ago, and announces Israel’s arrival as a true cycling nation on the World stage.”
Sagiv, Goldstein and Niv all live in the city of Girona in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, and are good friends away from training and racing. They often meet for Friday night meals and go out for coffee when they are all in town.
But they are all well aware that only one of them is set to take part in the Giro, which will obviously leave the two other riders bitterly disappointed.
“This is our career and this is our life, but we also all undoubtedly want the best for each other,” said the 23-year-old Sagiv, a native of Givat Nili, a moshav near Zikhron Ya’akov. “There is no IN A heated race, (from left) Guy Sagiv, Roy Goldstein and Guy Niv are battling for what is expected to be the lone berth for an Israeli rider on the Israel Cycling Academy’s squad at the upcoming Giro d’Italia. doubt that this is a very special race but there will be more races.”
Sagiv is coming off a remarkable performance at the Milan-San Remo “Monument” classic two weeks ago, being among the nine riders in the early break. Sagiv and teammate Dennis Van Winden were part of the lead group for 250 kilometers before it was pulled in by the peloton, with Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali ultimately claiming the win after 291km.
“I’m happy to see Guy Sagiv do well in the Milan-San Remo. I don’t want someone else to fail, I want to do well myself,” explained the 24-yearold Goldstein, a native of Gilon in the Lower Galilee. “I’m happy when the other riders do well, but even happier when I succeed.
At the end of the day we are friends and teammates who will always work for each other. The bottom line is that this battle will help us progress and make us stronger.
“This Giro really is historic, but our path only passes through the Giro. It isn’t our ultimate goal. Our goal is bigger than this Giro or next year’s Giro.”
The 24-year-old Niv, a native of kibbutz Misgav Am in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel, echoed a similar sentiment.
“At the beginning of the year there was a race in which Guy Sagiv was injured but he had no problem riding in front of me, blocking the wind for me and helping me out,” noted Niv, who has surprised everyone with his form after only making the switch from mountain biking to road racing last year. “We are pros and we are all doing our job.
Eventually the team will make its choice. We live in the same city, far from our families, and we also meet away from cycling. We will be happy for whoever makes it.”
While Sagiv, Goldstein and Niv are genuinely rooting for each other, they each also have little doubt that they should be the one racing in the Giro.
“I for example have more experience than Guy Niv. He has made amazing progress this year and has closed the gap from a physical standpoint, but you can’t discount years of experience and the understanding of racing in a peloton, which I have,” said Sagiv. “Regarding Roy, I think that I have an advantage over him in experience, as well as knowing how to work for the team.”
Goldstein, whose brother Omer is also a member of Israel Cycling Academy, is extremely confident.
“I think my chances of making the team are really high,” he stated.
“I’m the current Israel national champion and that says a lot. We are all being tested in competitions across the world and it will ultimately come down not to who is the better or stronger rider, but on which rider will adapt himself to the team at the Giro and help the team to win.”
Niv understands he has the disadvantage of having focused on mountain biking up until a year ago, but he still believes he will make the team.
“I really believe in my abilities. Obviously, I lack experience. I still need to learn a lot about racing in a peloton, but I try to learn from every race in which I compete and not make the same mistake twice,” he explained. “I have no qualms about saying that I’m the best Israeli climber and ultimately the Giro is a race with many climbs. A rider who can overcome the climbs and stay with the leaders can be a great asset to the team and that is what I’m counting on.”
Niv became a professional road cyclist almost by coincidence, taking part in a race in France last April to prepare for a mountain bike competition, only to discover that his passion for cycling wasn’t limited to rough terrain.
“Fortunately the transition was smooth,” said Niv. “One of the things that crossed my mind when I decided to make the change was that there was talk that the Giro might be coming to Israel. It seemed unrealistic for me at the time as I hadn’t even competed in top road races. It was a dream, but I’m happy that I’m one of the candidates to make the squad one month be-fore the Giro.”
One of the things on which Sagiv, Goldstein and Niv all agree on is their good fortune to be racing at a time when Israel’s first professional cycling team is rising to prominence. Only one of them is set to be at the start line in Jerusalem on May 4, but the future of all three under the stewardship of Israel Cycling Academy looks to be brilliantly bright.
“It really is a gift from heaven,” said Goldstein on having the opportunity to race for ICA. “Sometimes you have to be at the right place at the right time to get your chance. A few years ago the path to success was much tougher, not that it is easy and simple now. I didn’t know that the team would exist when I was a young rider. I always believed I would be able to make it regardless, but now the Israeli riders are extremely lucky to have a much clearer horizon for the future.”
Post by: Leadbelly on March 30, 2018, 18:41
Even with the national champs jersey on Roy's back, the chances of him being selected are definitely fading. Sagiv finished both MSR and a lengthy, tough TA whilst Goldstein was a DNF at Catalunya. Final chances to impress will be at Trentino or Croatia/Castilla y Leon if the team races there.
Niv doesn't have a chance imo, but all three will be part of the long list - soon to be announced and now expanded to 15 (!) riders.
Post by: Leadbelly on April 09, 2018, 10:03
https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/status/983264798191374336
Confirmed:
Ben Hermans (Belgium)
Krists Neilands (Latvia)
Rubén Plaza (Spain)
Fighting over the other spots:
Edwin Avila (Colombia)
Guillaume Boivin (Canada)
Zak Dempster (Australia)
Nathan Earle (Australia)
Sondre Holst Enger (Norway)
Roy Goldstein (Israel)
August Jensen (Norway)
Guy Niv (Israel)
Guy Sagiv (Israel)
Kristian Sbaragli (Italy)
Daniel Turek (Czech Republic)
Dennis van Winden (Netherlands)
Post by: LukasCPH on April 13, 2018, 18:35
Fighting over the other spots:So the MexiCAN is out. :(
Oh well. Not a surprise if we're honest.
Great news for Neilands! :cool
Post by: t-72 on April 13, 2018, 22:57
Great news for Neilands! :cool
Dude, with a modest to modest+ squad to pick from you don't forget the guy who made the Milano - Sanremo? All the *it tifosi will love him already! + if he's back up in shape again for May, he might actually be good enough to steal a stage when no-one is watching :cool
Post by: LukasCPH on April 15, 2018, 09:50
Dude, with a modest to modest+ squad to pick from you don't forget the guy who made the Milano - Sanremo? All the *it tifosi will love him already! + if he's back up in shape again for May, he might actually be good enough to steal a stage when no-one is watching :coolOh, totally. He belongs in that Giro squad.
Post by: Leadbelly on April 16, 2018, 19:22
Quote
Israel cycling Academy has chosen its Canadian rider Guillaume Boivin as it’s 4th rider to secure a place in the ICA lineup to the historic Giro d'Italia.
At the same time, the team professional staff has decided to narrow its list of candidates to the Giro . Israeli champion Roy Goldstein and Dutch Dennis van Winden will no longer be considered .
Team manager Kjell Carlström: “ We decided to secure G’s place in the Giro since he proved once and again his dedication to the team and his willing to put the team good before his own ambitions. He is an experienced and strong rider that we need in the critical and decisive moments in Giro stages. I really wanted to Let him know he is IN so he can relax his mind and prepare to the challenge”.
As for the painful decision regarding Goldstein and Van Winden he said: “ Dennis was injured in his last race and needed multiple stitches. Unfortunately the injury will prevent him to prepare for the Giro. Roy is a rider who made a significant progress but we feel he is not yet ready to the demands of 21 Days grand tour. He will race and further develop , reaching this level in the future”.
The writing was on the wall for Goldstein when he DNF-ed on Sunday before they reached the halfway point of the race.
That leaves 9 riders fighting for 4 spots. Sagiv must be a gimme over Niv, so realistically 7 fighting over 3.
SHE
Sbaragli
Dempster
Avila
Jensen
Earle
Turek
Some combination of the first four (or five) in that list seems likely. They are experimenting with the sprints in Croatia, so that might help (or hinder) their final choices.
Post by: t-72 on April 22, 2018, 20:57
Meanwhile, I spotted August Jensen on a training ride here in Bergen today. I look into the crystal ball and think this means that Jensen will not race the Giro. There's a few races here in Norway on their calendar (Tour of Norway, Tour des Fjords and the Hammer series) and I guess he's wanted there. The same could be the case for Sondre Holst Enger, although it doesn't make a lot of sense to put these guys on the same team given their overlapping skill sets.
If, and that is always a big if, Sondre Holst Enger is on his way back in shape again, he could still be in contention. There are few others on that team that have raced Peter Sagan to the line on a TdF stage, so he remains one of the riders with the highest potential - if only!
Post by: Leadbelly on April 27, 2018, 18:44
Well there we go.
I think taking Niv is a mistake, but hey ho. Dempster was almost a shoe in after Van Winden got injured. Him and the Cannonball (along with Sagiv) will be the workhorses for the team. Sbaragli has shown absolutely nada since he joined, but with those Italian sponsors onboard he was always going to have a big chance of riding.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 12, 2018, 18:45
https://www.facebook.com/omergoldy/videos/1954329294587018/
I was watching this (Aragon Stage 1) yesterday and like the commentator I wasn't sure who it was, but I assumed it was SHE channelling some Giro non-selection rage, just riding off the front of the front of the peloton in the last km and showing the team what they were missing out on. Turns out it was Omer Goldstein. Pretty impressive effort from the youngster. Of course if he'd waited a a little bit and properly led out Van Winden it would have been even better. Let's see how he gets on with tomorrow's MTF of Cerler.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 20, 2018, 16:35
The team waits (live at the mo) at the finish line to see if Dempster, Boivin and Sagiv make the time cut. Sagiv was struggling earlier to feed.
Post by: search on May 20, 2018, 18:54
is bringing them home to Rome the only goal left though?
Post by: Leadbelly on May 20, 2018, 19:44
is bringing them home to Rome the only goal left though?
They had three goals in mind pre-Giro:
#1 Stage win
#2 Aggressive racing
#3 An Israeli to finish the race
So at the moment the last one, yes, seems the only attainable goal.
Hermans was at least in with a chance on Etna for the stage win and I was feeling pretty optimistic after that, but although he has been trying since then, it's been without much success. Him and Neilands got in the break on stage 10, but with Chaves getting dropped it was doomed and today he had another go, but didn't look full of energy when I saw him and De Marchi alone at the front. Three chances left for him (1 KoM point wouldn't go amiss either!)
Plaza probably had two stages marked as opportunities. Ten and seventeen. If he'd had the legs on ten, the opportunity was there to go with Frapporti or later with Villella+Mohoric or even with Denz+De Marchi+Henao. The day after the TT is his final chance.
Sbaragli has been awful. He was bad at the start of the season, bad in the run-up to the Giro and even worse during it.
Those are the three the team would have been pinning their hopes on for the stage wins and (worthwhile) aggressive racing. You can't expect too much from debutant GT riders like Neilands or the doms.
Post by: t-72 on May 21, 2018, 11:25
....he is a rider without a tradition for being in shape in the spring. Typically starts working around May.....
and...although he fell through on the last hilly stage in Lillehammer and did not win a stage, he was leading the race overall after two stages, and was a threat on stage finishes (even with Groenewegen being way faster) so I guess we can say, the may form curve thing, it happened again.
I think he might have won a stage in the Giro, the competing group of sprinters in the Tour of Norway were at more or less the same level as in Italy. Bad selection by Academy, although I have no problem understanding why.
PS: This post was to feature a photo of Sondre in yellow but because of some new anti-copysteal from the race photographers I think I better let it be :)
Post by: search on May 21, 2018, 12:45
I think he might have won a stage in the Giro, the competing group of sprinters in the Tour of Norway were at more or less the same level as in Italy. Bad selection by Academy, although I have no problem understanding why.
the springing level in Italy isn't particularly high for sure, but still miles above the one from the Tour of Norway. Just look at stage 1 for example - personally I have never even heard about half of those sprinters finishing in the Top 10 there.
So, would he have done better than Sbaragli? Yes, I think so too. But would he have won a stage, the way the things were going so far? No way.
Post by: rote_laterne on May 21, 2018, 12:47
I think he might have won a stage in the Giro, the competing group of sprinters in the Tour of Norway were at more or less the same level as in Italy. Bad selection by Academy, although I have no problem understanding why.
I don't think so but even riding with one leg he would have done better than ICA chosen one.
Nice to see him getting results, I also rate him high in the Tour of the Fjords.
Post by: Capt_Cavman on May 21, 2018, 12:57
I've been watching some of the Giro in Hebrew, not a language with which I'm familiar but still makes more sense than Kirby. But it seems to me that the word that sounds like academia is used for team so I was wondering if that is why the team is called the Israel Cycling Academy. But then I saw it was called the Israel Cycling Academy Team on their kit, so I do't know if anyone can clear that up...
I did hear the best piece of commentary I've heard in a while; when Yates kicked for the second time yesterday the commentator simply exhaled, 'oofff' in the manner of someone who has been punched in the stomach. No translation required.
Post by: LukasCPH on May 21, 2018, 13:14
I don't know if anyone can clear that up...More or less the only Hebrew I know is 'mazel tov', so I can't be of help here. :S
Post by: Leadbelly on June 01, 2018, 18:47
Post by: Leadbelly on June 15, 2018, 18:33
https://twitter.com/HamishSchreurs/status/975840241176203264
There was some help from a puncture, but today was that day!
Post by: Leadbelly on June 23, 2018, 14:54
It's time to think though of transfers. Not who is joining, but who could be leaving as a lot of the team's contracts are up. If Beppe Conti is right for once and they go WT, then the list could be much longer, but let's work under the assumption that they stay at PCT.
↑
Neilands is the only obvious candidate for a promotion. Great win the other weekend on a tough course, but not against real top competition. Showed enough there though and in MSR and TA and Portugal last year that he has something. EF-Drapac *shudder* could be an option.
↓
Luis Lemus just isn't good enough. I know he's mainly working for others, but one or two decent days in the mountains per year just doesn't cut it. He ticks the box of coming from a non-traditional cycling country and has a good media presence, but there are better Mexicans out there. Somewhere like Illuminate/Elevate/Jelly Belly would be a better fit.
The other one I could definitely see leaving is Yechezkel. He was one of the bigger hopes among the Israeli riders, but seems to have fallen way down the pecking order. Back to MTB?
--------------------------
As for the rest. Plaza could retire. Riders like Williams and Schreurs are essential to any team, but easy to replace as well if slightly better options become available. Diaz has shown a few improvements over the past two years and if the Vuelta is the next target for the team, then will probably be safe.
Post by: LukasCPH on June 23, 2018, 16:33
If Beppe Conti is right for once:lol :rofl: :lol
Good analysis.
I get what you're saying about Lemus. I like him, but he hasn't exactly turned heads this year (or last year).
Neilands is an #axeon alumnus - they don't often go to Vaughters even later on (and he shouldn't). A Latvian tag-team with Skujins at #trek would be better in my opinion.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 03, 2018, 19:58
:cool
Neilands turning down WT offers to stay for another year.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 12, 2018, 16:15
Hermans winning on the Kitzbuhler Horn wasn't the team's first victory on a MTF. Butler won a couple of years ago in Hongrie, but if you remember Raim finished third or fourth on said climb, so let's just say it wasn't very tough. The victory for the Belgian was of a much higher standard.
The defence of the leader's jersey hasn't been easy so far. Yesterday's Grossglockner stage went okay, a short day with just the one real climb made things fairly simple, but today's longer and more up and down profile had them struggling. From the footage I saw they were having to rely on the kindness of strangers (Gazprom for some reason) to stop Madrazo from nicking the lead. Tomorrow looks even tougher.
Some climbers definitely need to be on incoming transfer menu.
Frankiny? Probably heading for a bigger team. FDJ rumoured among others.
Polanc?
Bookwalter?
Carlos Verona? Might fancy a bit more freedom away from Cerberus
Post by: Leadbelly on July 21, 2018, 18:11
Post by: Leadbelly on July 31, 2018, 07:29
Quote
Cyclingnews understands the team hopes to add several French riders
Please not Rolland or Bouhanni.
Post by: LukasCPH on July 31, 2018, 12:16
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/israel-cycling-academy-start-tour-de-france-push-with-first-french-signing/Harrumph.
I get that you may need to sign someone from La Grande Nation if you want to get into La Grande Boucle.
But more and more, this is no longer 'the team that gives riders from non-traditional countries a chance', instead turning into 'just another cycling team'. :(
Romain Lemarchand has a family member working for ASO, and he's not under contract with #delko any more ... but that's because he retired after last season. Stupid me. :S
I guess he could get a DS post ... :shh
Sylvain Chavanel - he's announced his retirement, but maybe some sweet words from Ran Margaliot (and the accompanying envelope of cash from Sylvan Adams) could convince him of postponing that? :shh
Nacer Bouhanni: He'd probably almost guarantee an entry to whichever French race(s) they wanted ... but he'd also be a big liability to take on.
Other French riders out of contract at their current teams:
#ag2r Cyril Gautier
#groupama Mathieu Ladagnous, Rudy Molard, Anthony Roux, Bénoît Vaugrenard, Arthur Vichot ... and a certain Thibaut Pinot
#cofidis Stéphane Rossetto, Anthony & Jimmy Turgis
#direct Thomas Boudat, Jonathan Hivert
#fortuneo Anthony Delaplace, Arnaud Gérard, Amaël Moinard, Pierre-Luc Périchon
#vital Erwann Corbel, Arnaud Courteille, Marc Fournier
#delko Julien El Farès, Yannick Martinez
With the exception of Pinot (and there's no way he's leaving Madiot, is there?) none of these make me sing hallelujah.
Disclaimer: I do not know which French riders and/or staff they've allegedly signed, this is all speculation.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 31, 2018, 20:09
To me the Vuelta would make much more sense in 2019. They have some Spanish riders already and have raced quite a bit in Spain the past couple of years. A wildcard could be easier to get as well if there isn't some upturn in the form of Burgos (will they even exist in 2019?).
Post by: search on July 31, 2018, 21:00
Post by: LukasCPH on July 31, 2018, 22:59
One other alternative is CN being wrong( :P ) or shall we say over connecting the dots. Yes, we know they want to ride the TdF at some point, but there was nothing in the stagiaire press release about it or the French riders/races bit.Unless I am much mistaken there will be some off-the-record source about this that they can't quote yet (the team will want to announce the signing(s) itself), but which confirms that there will be French signings - they just can't go public with the names yet.
You don't write "CN learned #academy will sign French riders" unless you are certain of it. ;)
Post by: Leadbelly on August 07, 2018, 10:55
Quote
The French team Côtes d'Armor Cycling playing in National Division 1, announces a privileged partnership with Israel Cycling Academy evolving in Pro Continental UCI.
The French club will become the official reserve team of ICA.
The Israeli team and the French club have decided to join forces to allow young talents to develop their full sporting potential and to flourish fully in high-level cycling. In other, Côtes d'Armor Cycling will welcome several hopeful runners of the Israeli team . As part of the collaboration, the French club will serve as the official training and race platform for the reserve team, providing the hopefuls with a quality racing program, full professional support and supervision. Close to ICA staff and management French club riders will also join the professional team at training camps throughout the year.
For several years Côtes d'Armor Cyclisme is part of the training and support of young French riders but also foreign. This international collaboration strengthens the spirit of openness characterizing Brittany. We will allow some of our young people to evolve in an international context allowing them to see and live other sports, cultural, linguistic experiences.
No French riders as of yet, but they have linked up with a French team.
Fabien Schmidt is the jewel in the crown (1st in the Direct Velo Challenge) and was talking yesterday about a potential return to the pro ranks, but he is 29. Other names I recognize are Bescond (ex-Cofidis) and Nico Roche's younger brother Alexis.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 07, 2018, 18:37
More detail about the partnership in an interview with the Cotes d'Armor boss.
It's a big financial help to the team.
They'll have 3 Israelis and possibly another of a different nationality.
No obligation to use them in their big races.
The Geeeeks will have first dabs on their riders (assuming the rider wants to sign).
They'll be able to send some of their riders to altitude training camps with the pros.
Renard declined a stagiaire role.
They'll use the same gear and will have similar (new) kits.
Post by: search on August 13, 2018, 11:54
Fabien Schmidt is the jewel in the crown (1st in the Direct Velo Challenge) and was talking yesterday about a potential return to the pro ranks, but he is 29.
off to Delko now...
https://twitter.com/Delko_MP_KTM/status/1027932670305726464
Post by: Leadbelly on August 25, 2018, 21:16
Great win yesterday for the team and, unlike for Neilands victory earlier in the year, this time Quickstep were competing. Not sure how it played out tactically, but Raim showed he is the man.
----------------------------------------
You don't write "CN learned #academy will sign French riders" unless you are certain of it. ;)
The field of potential signees is getting shorter and shorter. Roux extended with Groupama, Bouhanni says he's staying with Cofidis (phew!), Rolland + Vichot + The Gaut ended up at Vital Concept and Turgis went to Direct Energie.
At WT that leaves the trio of Molard (surely will re-sign with Groupama unless his demands are now too high after a good year), Cavagna (could be a small chance if he fancies a bit more freedom) and the youngster Vincent (his 18th at the Dauphine completely passed me by).
Boudat is the only one at PCT and there have been rumours of him falling out with JRB during the Tour.
There are a couple of young 'uns at the CT level that interest, but no more than that and of course there are numerous unknowns at the amateur level, but the pickings could be slim after all the French pro teams take the cream.
So Vincent + Boudat?
Post by: LukasCPH on August 26, 2018, 06:41
There are a couple of young 'uns at the CT level that interest, but no more than that and of course there are numerous unknowns at the amateur level, but the pickings could be slim after all the French pro teams take the cream.They're French. Nobody said they'd have to also be good. :P
So Vincent + Boudat?
Post by: Leadbelly on September 18, 2018, 10:36
Been a decent few weeks for the team since the Giro ended. Not only victories in Korea and Dwars door het Hageland, but good showings in most races they have entered: Hammer Limburg, Adriatica Ionica, Elfstedenronde, Koln and GP Lugano.
That run of good form continued on for a while, mainly through the personage of Hermans at Austria and Utah, but things have been going off the rails of late I think.
Obviously there was the win for Raim at the GWRR, but there hasn't been much else to show for this series of European one-day races that they have been on. Here are the recent results:
Coppa Bernocchi: 17th Sbaragli
GP Jef Scherens: 13th Neilands
Primus Classic: 10th Jensen
Coppa Agostini: 18th Sbaragli
KVV: 36th Enger
GP Wallonie: 29th Neilands
GP de Fourmies: 10th Sbaragli
Antwerp: nobody finished
Brussels: 26th Perry
Druivenkoers - Overijse: 19th Perry
Schaal Sels: 12th Perry
Omloop Mandel-Leie-Schelde Meulebeke: 50th Enger
GWRR: 1st Raim
Veenendaal-Veenendaal: 3rd Enger
GP Stad Zottegem: 21st Carisey
Okay the plain results might not tell the full story. No doubt bad luck played a part here and there, but not in all of the races. Sure some of the races they were up against top competition, but in others, if you look at the start lists or top-tens, they are up against lower end PCT and the usal smattering of local CTs.
Not a good end to the year.
Post by: t-72 on September 18, 2018, 20:03
Post by: Leadbelly on September 20, 2018, 05:53
Stage 1: 10th Sbaragli
Stage 2: 17th Hermans
Stage 3: 25th Hermans
Stage 4: 15th Hermans
GC: 16th Hermans
Nothing special there.
Still, they have quite a few more chances in the next couple of weeks to redeem their tail-end of the season.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 23, 2018, 21:00
Still, they have quite a few more chances in the next couple of weeks to redeem their tail-end of the season.
Much better stuff today and yesterday.
Looks like my e-mail to the team did the trick. :shh
Post by: Leadbelly on October 11, 2018, 18:13
For differing reasons the Israeli youngsters have had a chance the past couple of days to show what they can do, and they've done okay.
Over at Taihu Lake, Avila was a DSQ after the organizers decided he was to blame for Alzate's crash on stage 2. Step forward stagiaire Itamar Einhorn. You can watch the sprint below (from stage 3) where he got himself in the perfect position inside the last km, right on Molano's wheel. It looked even better when the Manzanista went early. However from that point it didn't go as well. He decided within a couple of seconds to come off Molano's wheel to try and come by, but it was still too early, he didn't have the pace and ended up eating wind. I think a third or fourth might have been possible if he had just stayed where he was and then came out when the Colombian started to fade.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgfranJeHKY
Anyway (outside of the nats) it was the first top-ten in a UCI race for an Israeli elite male this year. In fact it was the first since Rwanda in 2016.
The other youngster to benefit from somebody else's misfortune was Omer Goldstein at Gran Piemonte today. It was Sbaragli who crashed early in the race and, although he managed to finish, was in no shape to sprint. The onus thus fell on Omer to try his best.
Okay the competition wasn't of the highest pedigree and the course was pan flat, but 14th in nasty conditions isn't too shabby.
----------------
News tomorrow on whether Plaza will retire or not.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 12, 2018, 07:32
Over at Taihu Lake, Avila was a DSQ after the organizers decided he was to blame for Alzate's crash on stage 2. Step forward stagiaire Itamar Einhorn. You can watch the sprint below (from stage 3) where he got himself in the perfect position inside the last km, right on Molano's wheel. It looked even better when the Manzanista went early. However from that point it didn't go as well. He decided within a couple of seconds to come off Molano's wheel to try and come by, but it was still too early, he didn't have the pace and ended up eating wind. I think a third or fourth might have been possible if he had just stayed where he was and then came out when the Colombian started to fade.He'll learn from this and be better the next time.
More important than the actual sprinting (anybody can learn that) is the positioning - and being in the wheel of the green jersey is a great place to be.
So he has that down. :cool
Post by: Leadbelly on October 12, 2018, 21:04
So he has that down. :cool
Apart from yesterday when he got squeezed and ended up back in 18th. :lol
Today he finished way down on time as well. Either a victim of a crash or had to help a team mate.
News tomorrow on whether Plaza will retire or not.
https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/status/1050787263431491586
Not the most professional of announcements as they spent forever trying to work out if the video was showing correctly. :lol
Still waiting for extension news on the following riders:
Van Winden
Sagiv
Roy Goldstein
Turek
Perry
Lemus
Schreurs
Diaz
Williams
Difficult to see the first three not being renewed. The others however must be under threat if the team wants to strengthen with more than the uninspiring Barbier and Brandle, and keep to roughly the same number of riders as this year.
I obviously wouldn't want Turek to leave, but I could live with it if he went to Elkov and got free reign there. Perry seemed to already know about the Landis team news before the announcement - could Gord have tipped him the wink for a future job?
Post by: Leadbelly on October 19, 2018, 21:24
Jensen interview.
Quote
It has been very educational. It has been a season where I have suffered a bit of injury and illness (and crashes!) But I have been cycling many big rides and it has been good and fun challenges in a row. But I wish I had been more stable fresh and fast.
The health issues were knee infections and saddles sores due to new pedals and saddles respectively.
Quote
When I've been in good shape, I've felt stronger than I did last year in some of the bigger rides. Especially part of the 1.1 rides I have cycled, I have known that there is no level I have trouble with. But there have been no fighting results because I've driven a lot of helpers too. Like I did for Sondre in the Norwegian rides and also a lot abroad.
I knew I did not get the same freedom that I got last year in Coop. Then I ended up at a wave peak and could float in tailwind and it has not been as easy this year because of a few different factors. But now I can sit down and look at what can be done differently and what was the difference with last year with regard to driving and the things there. And come up with concrete suggestions to avoid injury and illness and perhaps avoid the stupid rolls.
If Google translate isn't letting us down he says that the team will use the "same equipment next year".
Post by: LukasCPH on October 20, 2018, 08:40
If Google translate isn't letting us down he says that the team will use the "same equipment next year".I can confirm that he says that. :cool
Post by: Leadbelly on October 23, 2018, 18:50
Could find it difficult to get another gig.
--------------------------------
https://sport.idnes.cz/smlouvy-cesti-cykliste-rok-2019-dka-/cyklistika.aspx?c=A181018_213728_cyklistika_ten
In other news the team was interested in Toupalik, but he has extended with Correndon. Turek is also mentioned in the article. I think it says he was promised a new contract earlier in the year, but nothing has been signed yet.
Post by: search on October 30, 2018, 13:58
Looks like #fdj Davide Cimolai is likely to be another signing for 2019. It's not confirmed yet, but Cimolai said that he found a new team, and he started following both Bikegeeeks and Carlström on Instagram a couple of days ago.
Cimo is a good rider of course with a lot of experience, but not exactly what the team needs, I would say
Post by: LukasCPH on October 30, 2018, 16:38
Cimo is a good rider of course with a lot of experience, but not exactly what the team needs, I would sayDoesn't every team need 17 sprinters?! :lol
Post by: search on October 30, 2018, 16:48
Post by: Leadbelly on October 30, 2018, 19:44
And what do you get for finishing 8th...
UCI points. :P :fp
I had seen that he was following the team on twitter and I had it in my head that he could do a lead out job, but he's probably of a level as a sprinter with the guys he might be leading out.
Even so, no matter which way you look at it, he's an upgrade on Williams or Schreurs or Perry, but an (exotic) climber would be preferable and needed.
Post by: t-72 on October 30, 2018, 21:24
They do need 28 sprinters! :fp at least! (This team-with-no-midfielders sickness has spread across the Arabian peninsula from #uae I believe)
Post by: Leadbelly on November 01, 2018, 18:47
Interview with Margaliot about the team's link-up with Cotes d'Armor. Just two points of interest.
#1 "Next year (2019), our main goals will be: the Giro d'Italia, the California Tour Amgen and the new Tour of Israel."
They must have a got a 2 for the price of 1 deal at the RCS sale. Seriously though, while their showing at the Giro was a bit unforgettable with only a few stand out days, I do think their performance through the year showed that the invite wasn't totally without sporting merit.
#2 "We set ourselves the goal, with the management of the Côtes d'Armor, to sign one or more before the end of 2019 for the Pro team and I do not speak of Israeli runners!"
A repeat of an earlier statement, but who? Renard is the obvious candidate, but he hasn't renewed with the team yet and has actually started following Chambery on twitter. No news about Balfour or Poisson either. From the six that have signed so far, possibly Axel Flet (24) is the pick of the bunch.
Post by: search on November 07, 2018, 08:27
#fdj Davide Cimolai is now confirmed to join the team. And he says he wants to win exactly that race.
https://www.facebook.com/515137875256442/posts/1456432111127009/
Post by: Leadbelly on November 10, 2018, 14:17
This is a counter-argument to the "Why hire all these fast guys? :S" and it links in with expanding the team to twenty nine (!) riders i think. The hope is that they can be competitive with multiple riders worldwide over the course of the whole season and that the top-ten scorers will be enough to beat Cofidis/Wanty to those auto-wildcards.
It kinda works as an argument to an extent, but of course climbers can win points too and decent lead out men can help those fast guys get better results.
When it comes to scoring points though, the sprinter/classic guys do seem to have the system weighted in their favour.
The top-ten in the European Tour rankings for 2018 contain Hofstetter (1st but with only one win!), Dupont (3rd), Pasqualon (6th) and Dehaes (10th). The best PCT climber is Sosa down in 11th who had a pretty good year by all accounts. Maybe this is something the UCI needs to look at.
Post by: LukasCPH on November 10, 2018, 19:27
When it comes to scoring points though, the sprinter/classic guys do seem to have the system weighted in their favour.But how?
Maybe this is something the UCI needs to look at.
Award more points to mountainous races on account of their mountainousness?
If a 2.1 stage race has mountains, it automatically gets points as if it were 2.HC? :dizzy
Now, that wasn't entirely serious.
But the UCI really should reconsider awarding the exact same amount of points for a stage race GC (and no matter if it's two days or eight) as for a one-day race. Maybe even give more points for individual stages compared to the current points scales.
My first idea was to simply add X points per extra day (say, 5-10 percent of the points for a one-day race per day). Then I realised that this wouldn't be as easy since the lower ranks get only a few points (3 points for 40th in a .HC race), and adding even just a single point per day would be a whole 33 %. But since the UCI loves to award decimal points in TTTs, why not do it for stage races as well?!
Here's an example:
Win a 1.HC one-day race[1] --> 200 points
Win a 2.HC with 5 stages[2] --> 240 points (200+200*5%*4)
Win a 2.HC with 8 stages[3] --> 270 points (200+200*5%*7)
Finish 15th in a 1.HC race --> 10 points
Finish 15th in a 5-day 2.HC --> 12 points (10+10*5%*4)
Finish 15th in an 8-day 2.HC --> 13.5 points (10+10*5%*7)
In my opinion, that doesn't skew the balance towards GC guys by so very much. It's only an extra 35% for a race that lasts eight days as opposed to one day.
Points for stages (often won by sprinters)
EDIT:
Oh, and by the way, the pre-2005 World Ranking did have differing points scales for one-day races and stage races. It was only when the ProTour/WorldTour and Continental Tours were introduced that the points scales were 'simplified'.
Looking at the 2003 rulebook, the winner of what was then a 1.2 race (e.g. GP Miguel Indurain, now 1.HC) got 80 points. The winner of a 2.2 stage race (e.g. the Giro del Trentino, now 2.HC as Tour of the Alps) received 120 points - a whole 50 % more!
| 1. | e.g. Brabantse Pijl |
| 2. | e.g. Volta ao Algarve |
| 3. | e.g. Tour of California |
Post by: Leadbelly on November 10, 2018, 21:04
No matter what you do though it will never be fully balanced. Cycling just has too many variables. Stage races vs classics, two day races vs ten day ones, early season vs peak season, European Tour vs the ROTW and a big one in start list quality. Hainan gives the same points as Algarve, Fuzhou (or Sibiu if we want to stop bullying China) the same as Valenciana even though the start lists are astronomical units apart in quality.
I don't think we'd see anything as crazy as teams turning down invites to "big" races in Europe so they can rack up the points in Ballybackofbeyond, but there's room definitely for some judicious picking of the lowest hanging fruit.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 17, 2018, 05:44
Another Lionel Marie interview. Points of interest:
#1 He doesn't disagree when the signing of Minali is mentioned. Virtual confirmation.
#2 "The riders for a general classification remain unaffordable for our budget".
#3 "It is not a surprise to say that being part of the first 2 Conti-Pro teams who will be offered a direct invitation to the big TOURS in 2020 is a goal."
#4 "We can count on a staff of 30 riders."
That's one more rider than previously thought. Signing Minali will give 23 confirmations.
So seven riders more in total. A combo of either extensions from Perry, Lemus, Schreurs, Van Winden, Sagiv, Diaz, Goldstein or new signings of Einhorn, Burke?, somebody else?
As for #2, that's true no doubt if he's talking about Quintana or Porte, but there are cheaper alternatives that could do well in .HC and .1 races.
Post by: LukasCPH on November 17, 2018, 19:00
As for #2, that's true no doubt if he's talking about Quintana or Porte, but there are cheaper alternatives that could do well in .HC and .1 races.And, if we're honest, they also can't afford sprinters who can do well (i.e., win) in WT races. You may get lucky once in a while, especially if you have a dozen sprinters, but Minali, Van Asbroeck, Räim, or Ávila aren't the same calibre as Gaviria, Viviani, Kittel, or Cavendish.
In my opinion, signing this many sprinters is a conscious choice - not one dictated by budget constraints.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 22, 2018, 19:01
Sagiv and Roy Goldstein both re-sign unsurprisingly. Einhorn will be one of the riders at Cote d'Armor, but only for the first half of the season, after which he will join the main team full time.
So seven riders more in total. A combo of either extensions from Perry, Lemus, Schreurs, Van Winden, Sagiv, Diaz, Goldstein or new signings of Einhorn, Burke?, somebody else?
It's now two from Lemus, Schreurs, Van Winden, Diaz and/or new signings.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 04, 2018, 19:17
It's now two from Lemus, Schreurs, Van Winden, Diaz and/or new signings.
Schreurs (a bit surprising) and Van Winden get the nod.
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/posts/1488241434612743?__tn__=K-R
Diaz might feel a bit hard done by. He has shown some improvement and was a big help to Hermans in Austria, but crucially I think he didn't show enough when he had a free hand. Badilatti is an upgrade, but the climbing dept is definitely not overstocked now.
As I mentioned before, Schreurs is the type of rider that all teams need, but are also very replaceable. To use a footballing analogy, being a good guy to have in the changing room/on the bus might be what got him the nod.
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/35943580_10156562452917053_1923065065548808192_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=30f2be8f562d0a4ac94fa56b8e985bc4&oe=5C6DBFE6)
Nicki Sorenson also rejoins as a performance coach.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 28, 2018, 21:01
Post by: Leadbelly on January 09, 2019, 19:34
Quote
Sylvan Adams is determined to bring his team to the Tour de France by 2020.
The way he sees it, there are three ways to get there. First, his team can finish among one of the top two spots in this year’s team rankings among the Professional Continental league, and earn an automatic wildcard berth to all three grand tours for 2020, which includes a spot in the Tour. Option two is to sign a big-name rider who could entice a grand tour to invite ICA, a scenario that opens doors but provides no guarantee. Or, he could merge with an existing WorldTour team hungry for new financial partners.
Post by: Leadbelly on January 20, 2019, 07:34
Post by: Leadbelly on January 26, 2019, 17:41
Post by: Leadbelly on January 27, 2019, 20:11
We can probably ink in a few names already.
Minali and Cimolai - Their presence in the team (along with some lira) no doubt helped secure the wildcard, and as we saw last year with Sbaragli, a lack of form won't necessarily harm your selection. As long as they're not injured, they'll be there.
Hermans and Plaza - The sprinters might get placings, but these two are the best shot at a stage win. Last year only two and a half breaks were successful, but maybe this year it will play out differently.
Two Israelis - It might just be one, but I think two is more likely. I can see Niv getting another shot and then one of either Sagiv or Roy Goldstein.
So that leaves two spots and twenty three riders to fight over them.
Post by: LukasCPH on January 27, 2019, 21:08
https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/status/1089630969307500545
Post by: Leadbelly on January 27, 2019, 21:51
Probably not the smartest comment to make anyway while your team is out riding there, it could very easily be taken as a slight on the race. Will they make a similar statement in the middle of the very, very pan flat stage 10 at the Giro? I don't think so.
If they have a point to make, they'd be better off making in general terms rather than while talking about a specific race.
Post by: LukasCPH on January 27, 2019, 23:06
If they have a point to make, they'd be better off making in general terms rather than while talking about a specific race.Yes.
It is a discussion to be had (though I'm not sure the solution should be 'shorter races'), but the team Twitter account while a race is on isn't the place to do it.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 04, 2019, 11:22
Here's what Fus said nearly a year ago.
It's February.
The real season hasn't even started yet.[1]
If they've still underperformed by the start of April, there may be some cause for getting worried - but until now, everything has been nothing more than glorified training races: Nice to get a win in, but not really something anyone will remember in the long run.
1. yes, I'm a European snob
Still mainly true, but if you've pinned your colours to the mast re: the 2020 auto-wildcards then you really need to hit the ground running with two or three guys.
There has been some bad luck. Hermans got caught up in the crash on the first day in Mallorca and then on day three he punctured while bridging to Buchmann with Higuita and Wellens (who went on to win). Dunne was ill at San Juan.
The one faintly bright spot was TVA.
https://twitter.com/cycling_360/status/1092178989815418881
Very long sprint, slightly uphill and into a bit of a headwind.
Brandle and Barbier (plus his helpers in the sprints) the disappointments so far. Brandle's excuse was the heat and to be fair to the Frenchman, there was some improvement through the course of the week of his sprinting/train and he looked quite attentive and aggressive on stage one when there was echelon action.
Valenciana (thankfully no TTT this year) and Besseges are up this week.
Post by: t-72 on February 07, 2019, 22:03
As for the new classissisimo, Davide Cimolai finished 10 minutes down in the Valenciana stage, with a couple of the Israelis. I guess they were thrown off the wagon on the same hill where #visma Groenewegen disappeared - and then decided not to bother with helping sprinters.
Sondre Holst Enger seemed to be operating solo without any leadout and started his sprint to early due to wrong information about the distance from the roundabout to the finish line (#academy DS said it was 100m but it was definetly longer.)
Post by: LukasCPH on February 08, 2019, 09:58
[...] where #visma Groenewegen disappeared [...]The Norwegians are only co-sponsor ... but I added the smiley anyway. But the 'regular' code is still # jumbo. ;)
Post by: Leadbelly on February 10, 2019, 11:30
The new boy band is in town! However that sock-short combo ain't gonna get Raim many screaming female fans.
These are the guys for Colombia (+ Roy Goldstein?) and despite the presence of two new signings, this is very much old-school Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeks with no WT cast-offs. Top-5 in the sprints and getting in the breaks should be the main target. It would be a bit much to expect Badilatti to be duking it out with Bernal, Lopez, Quintana et al.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 10, 2019, 11:38
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dy_fIqgXQAEw2Xi.jpg)Well, they may be screaming ... while running away. :D
The new boy band is in town! However that sock-short combo ain't gonna get Raim many screaming female fans.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 18, 2019, 11:04
Valenciana ↑
A couple of good efforts from Hermans, but the TT meant a great GC result was always unlikely. A couple of top-tens for Enger in the sprints without much help.
Besseges and Provence ↓
Might as well lump the SSFRs together where things didn't go very well. Some lower top-tens in the sprint finishes, but not much evidence of a train being any help in a crowded field. Cataford was nowhere in the Ales TT. The climbing days in Provence weren't much better - all of the team finished 10+ minutes down on stage 3 which I thought might have been a good profile for Jensen/Neilands.
Colombia ↑
Finally some nice sprint results for the team. Raim doing the business on a couple of stages. He got baulked by Richeze on stage 1 when otherwise he might would have scooped a podium and then on stage 4 he was pretty much the only sprinter to survive the climbs, but got Deceunincked by Jungle Bob. Climbing-wise Badilatti didn't do very well on the hilly circuit stages, but on the final stage he finished just behind Alaphilippe. Not bad for his first race of the season.
Laigueglia =
A missed opportunity really. Hermans got injured in Spain and thus missed this race. Cimolai and Sbaragli did okay in his absence. Maybe they could look at Gavazzi and think if he could make the group in front, why couldn't they.
Next races are Antalya, Haut Var and Rwanda. Fingers crossed they should get off the mark in Turkey.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 05, 2019, 13:33
Antalya ↓
This is actually a combination of a massive ↓ for Minali and his train and a = for Plaza/Dunne on the climbing day. In Minali's defence a couple of the sprints had very technical finishes and a few crashes, but against this level of opposition he needs to be doing better.
Haut Var + 2 SSFRs ↓
Neilands had a good first stage at Haut Var, but then got ill and the rest of the race was therefore a complete write-off. The Classic de l'Ardeche went quite well actually. It was Hermans' first race back after injury and he made the grp which came in just after Calmejane. Rather worryingly though he said the foot injury still prevents him from sprinting, which doesn't bode well for making attacks or winning stages in future races. Guy Niv also performed credibly in the same race, finishing 28th alongside people like Cherno, Vinjebo, Simon and Masnada.
Rwanda ↑
Finally some good news. Stage win for Avila (might have been two without a crash), a couple of other stage podiums and a GC podium for Badilatti. It's only a small arrow though as the level of competition wasn't so high. Going by what happened on the queen stage, Badilatti was probably the second best climber in the race. He's almost definitely not going to the Giro, but could be used to rack up some points in the more exotic races.
KBK =
It might have been a ↑ if not for Boivin's crash. It was disappointing though for not one rider to make the fairly large front group when it split up. They had to rely on Jumbo/Bora to bring it back together.
Up next are a couple more 1 day races in Belgium, GP Industria & Artigianato, TA and Taiwan.
Post by: t-72 on March 05, 2019, 23:26
Jensen expects to miss out on all the Italian races (there goes his San Remo , now Cimolai must get in shape!) and may be back for the Amstel.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 12, 2019, 20:14
Team for TA:
Tom Van Asbroeck- Belgium
Ben Hermans - Belgium
Conor Dunne - Ireland
Davide Cimolai - Italy
Krists Neilands - Latvia
Alex Cataford- Canada
Matthias Brändle- Austria
No Minali and no Israeli rider! Sagiv was meant to be riding, but he hasn't been feeling so great after training at altitude and the other home riders are already inked in for other upcoming races.
Last year they lost 1m47 to BMC in the TTT. Hopefully there'll be a bit of an improvement with the addition of Dunne, Brandle etc but I'm still seeing 1m20+. Add into that the final TT (and for Hermans the lack of any real mountains) and I think any talk of a top-ten is pie in the sky.
Neilands says is he is good shape though (he had several mechs to ruin any chance of a good result at the weekend) and the hilly nature of the course should suit him better.
Post by: search on March 13, 2019, 07:08
"Via Coppi e Bartali, Volta Limburg and Circuit de la Sarthe I'll get ready for the ardennes classics. Most likely I will not do the Giro afterwards. Personally I have more of an eye on the Tour of California, although we are not sure to get a wildcard yet."
His foot is getting better though, and he'll try to go for a stage win in Tirreno.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 13, 2019, 10:10
Surely you'd want your best rider (and best chance of a stage win) at the biggest event of the year.
Is this a conscious decision already by the team to chase points after their indifferent start to the season? There's no TT in California this year, so depending on the line-up, a top-5 in the GC wouldn't be crazy talk.
Post by: LukasCPH on March 13, 2019, 10:52
Bit of a strange one. :SWhat would Hermans achieve at the Giro? A top-30 in GC if he's lucky, maybe a good stage placing from a breakaway.
Surely you'd want your best rider (and best chance of a stage win) at the biggest event of the year.
Is this a conscious decision already by the team to chase points after their indifferent start to the season? There's no TT in California this year, so depending on the line-up, a top-5 in the GC wouldn't be crazy talk.
How many points do you get for that? Not that many.
In comparison, in California he can get much more points for much less effort. From the auto-wildcard chasing point of view, leaving him out of the Giro and sending him to California is the only thing that makes sense.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 13, 2019, 11:18
Personally I have more of an eye on the Tour of California, although we are not sure to get a wildcard yet.
https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/status/1105780113994588160
Post by: Leadbelly on March 14, 2019, 11:10
Last year they lost 1m47 to BMC in the TTT. Hopefully there'll be a bit of an improvement with the addition of Dunne, Brandle etc but I'm still seeing 1m20+.
Well they did a lot better than expected.
The finishing position of 9th ahead of ten WT teams has to be taken with a large pinch of salt as the conditions did favour those going later, but the time in comparison to those other late starters was a competitive one (only 43s down on Sunweb! 33s ahead of Katusha).
Post by: Leadbelly on April 06, 2019, 19:10
Cimolai's performance at TA is probably the best the team can proffer. You can say the second sprint was a strange one (and it was weird), but his second and sixth were against real top opposition at a WT event. TVA helped him achieve those results and you could see them building some sort of partnership during the race, but the last I heard was that the Belgian was not going to be at the Giro. He would be going to Norway instead as there are easier UCI points available there........
Nonsensical in my opinion (ditto for Hermans and California), but I wonder with this week's news of the UCI backtracking on the WT situation in 2020, if those choices might be reversed. There's no guarantee those auto-wildcards will be in play next year now and there's no way they can get enough points to get a WT spot when they are using a three year ranking. It would seem logical to me to send your best riders to your biggest race. One Giro invite in the hand is worth more than numerous auto-wildcards in the bush (especially if that bush is rapidly disappearing into the distance).
If it was up to me they'd both be there and the team would be something like this:
Hermans
Plaza
Cimolai
Van Asbroeck
Niv
Sagiv
+ 2
The realistic two would be Brandle and Sbaragli (in lieu of Minali).
Post by: Leadbelly on April 15, 2019, 13:08
Great team performance at the GP Beiras. None of the three stages had "tough" finishes, it was just a case of making the selection each day (and three of them managed it), but they did go over Torre on the final stage which is no molehill.
Along with Avila's GC win and stage, Niv finished in seventh overall. Add that to his 6th in Taiwan and things are looking quite upbeat from the homegrown aspect.
Post by: t-72 on April 20, 2019, 17:27
https://twitter.com/yallaacademy/status/1119519407791845377
Post by: Leadbelly on April 20, 2019, 18:18
These guys race like Kristoff now? Isn’ t that a tubeless setup? How common is that these days?
I don't have the foggiest I'm afraid. :D
Pastry's the man for tech details and knowing who's riding what etc etc.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 03, 2019, 20:59
What a day for Dan in Asturias. In a two man break with Paco and then got the KoM jersey off Alberto.
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/59411384_1687535234683361_1661538755934158848_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=8ec66c68856e5ff7eba29de560bd1a67&oe=5D6FD46A)
He also made the decision to dye his hair silver....
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5owOIDXkAA5Exh.jpg)
Post by: Leadbelly on May 04, 2019, 20:08
PCS actually has a provisional team for the Giro.
Cimolai
Gebremedhin
Boivin
Dunne
Neilands
Plaza
Sagiv
Sbaragli
Can't see Dunne riding as he hasn't raced for a month and his missus is due to give birth soon (or has already). Not sure about Awet or Sagiv either.
Post by: search on May 04, 2019, 20:23
Post by: rote_laterne on May 04, 2019, 21:25
Post by: Leadbelly on May 05, 2019, 10:16
I still don't understand why they don't sent their best team with Hermans. Can't see them getting invited again in 2020 unless Cimolai features strong in the sprints and Plaza going for stage wins/ #blue.
They hadn't fully decided about whether to send him to the Giro or California, but I think the decision has been rather taken out of their hands after his crash at FW where he took a chunk out of his knee. It's unlikely we'll see him at either race.
Cimolai's performances recently have given me some hope it might not be a repeat of 2018. The sprint field is going to be pretty hot and a win is very, very unlikely, but maybe a top-5 or two is possible and who knows what could happen if the dice fall correctly on the right stage.
Post by: rote_laterne on May 05, 2019, 15:58
Cimolai has quite some form and should be good for plenty of top tens and maybe come stage 18 there aren't any top tier sprinters in the race anymore.
Neilands should be good for breaks too.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 13, 2019, 10:33
Quite a bit of less good news yesterday too.
https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/status/1127616080753643520
Quote from: Boivin
I didn’t have time to brake and just went over the bars. My ankle is a bit sore and I actually snapped my shoe in half somehow. I thought my ankle was broken but I just stretched the ligaments pretty bad. The next days won’t be fun at all. I was just bummed that I wasn’t able to help Cimo at the finish
Judging by yesterday that means Cimolai's only helper in the sprints is going to be Sbaragli, as everybody else was doing a Moncoutie at the back of the peloton.
Gebremedhin also crashed twice on one of the descents.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 12, 2019, 10:03
The first eleven stages in the main were fine. Cimolai was in the mix to be the best of the rest (five times he was 5th-7th). Sure he got caught up in the crash on stage 4 and on stage 5 he picked the wrong wheel (Viviani), but yeah it was okay. Plaza did his job as well on the two consecutive break days. Getting a fourth on the first of them.
Excepting Neilands on stage 17, the rest of the race is what drags the overall rating down. The Latvian had been fighting illness which explains his lack of attacking, but with soooo many breaks being successful it was frustrating not to see the team up there fighting more. The Benedetti stage was the most disappointing. That's not to say it's the riders fault particularly, if you're two metres tall and weight ~90kg or whatever you are going to struggle on 9% slopes.
The fault, if there is any, lies more in team selection or moving further back in the timeline - transfer policy. Hermans (if fit obviously) should have been there and Brandle and/or TVA would have been much more use to Cimolai on the flat days than Gebremedhin. Those "important UCI points" that TVA was meant to be targeting in Norway didn't exactly materialize.
Post by: Drummer Boy on June 18, 2019, 20:48
THEMOVE Ran Margaliot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7nF7QHw0QM
Quote
WEDŪ
Published on May 27, 2019
Former professional cyclist Ran Margaliot is this week's guest on THEMOVE. Ran is the co-founder of the Israel Cycling Academy Team. He and Lance spent most of the conversation discussing the team's homage to Gino Bartali. Bartali was a 3x winner of the Tour of Italy as well as the Tour de France twice. But his accomplishments off the bike are more important.
Bartali used his fame on the bike to help move documents and papers of persecuted Jewish people. His actions saved hundreds of lives. He was awarded, posthumously, Israeli citizenship for work.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 15, 2019, 13:52
You may remember earlier in the year that I posted a VeloNews interview with Sylvan Adams. It was about his big wish for the team to ride the TDF in 2020. He saw three avenues down which this could happen. I think a fourth has come on the scene and if anything it has the best chance of happening, but more on that later.
His three options (in order of preference):
#1 Automatic Wildcard (but no UCI confirmation yet on this!)
Basically finish as one of the top-two PCT teams in the new combined UCI rankings chart. This is what having the massive team, riding loads of races and lots of quick guys is all about, but it's just not happening. There has been an improvement point-wise from last year, but they're still a fair bit behind the top echelon. Maybe with a great end of season they could nab the third spot which has a pretty good prize in itself.
#2 A Big Name Signing
A marquee signing big enough for ASO to feel they have to give the team one of their wildcards. However there have been zero rumours about big names joining the team. Quintana is rumoured to drop down to PCT with Arkea, so something like that might have been possible. It's difficult to think though of anyone else available....Barguil(?), but his relationship with Arkea seems on a better footing after his Nats win.
#3 Merge/Buy Out An Existing WT Team
When he did this interview the talked about target was of course Sky, but several months down the line it's now about Katusha (or other unnamed teams according to some reports!). This would at a stroke guarantee them the TDF spot (no messing about with wildcards), but the big problem is about the team's identity. Is it Katusha? Is it the Geeeeeeeks? I've talked about Mr Burns' softball team in the past, but you can swap in the ship of Theseus or your grandfather's axe if you like.
Okay #1 is not going to happen, zero rumours about #2 and while #3 is being talked about it does have drawbacks. This brings us to....
#4 A Normal Wildcard
There are some variables which could stymie this. Katusha continuing in some form and either Androni or Corendon winning an automatic wildcard. If both of those happen it will be very difficult to achieve the target, but if just one happens or neither then there is plenty of room for optimism I think. Being better than a weakened Wanty (Martin ------> Cofidis) might be enough or in a best case scenario, being better than Vital Concept!
As I said in the transfer thread, Hofstetter and Offredo strike me as more #4 signings, so that's what I think they're going for.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 31, 2019, 20:43
However Hubert denies it and with the way the auto-wildcard battle is going, it's going to be difficult to get anywhere near Paris.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 05, 2019, 10:26
They need a lot of different types.
A GC rider who can TT
A puncheur
A dedicated final guy for Cimolai/Hofstetter
Deeper strength in the classics team
More climbers in general are good
Not so easy to think of good realistic candidates for these roles from the WT.
A GC rider who can TT - Powless (not certain to be renewing with Jumbo)
A puncheur - Slagter (not keen on him myself)
A dedicated final guy for Cimolai/Hofstetter - Haller (best option + adds to classics)
Deeper strength in the (classics) team - Vermote, Houle (Argon18 won't be with Astana) or Denz. An easier section to find names for.
More climbers in general are good - ???
Who is available from PCT? Van Schip, but as a trackie will have one eye on Tokyo.
CT? Zukowsky, Aular, Steimle (if he doesn't sign for Deceuninck), Townsend etc etc etc.
Post by: search on August 05, 2019, 11:53
More climbers in general are good - ???
Kangert could be a good fit maybe, if he doesn't get an extension at #ef EF
Post by: LukasCPH on August 05, 2019, 20:40
Time for a quick game of Fantasy Cycling Manager 2020.Excellent call. Haller is a very good rider who I feel is often underrated resp. flies under the radar.
Not so easy to think of good realistic candidates for these roles from the WT.
A dedicated final guy for Cimolai/Hofstetter - Haller (best option + adds to classics)
Post by: Leadbelly on August 13, 2019, 14:26
Looking swish.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 16, 2019, 19:13
https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/status/1162361809430601729
I didn't see this one coming.
Even if the monuments were over five years ago, it's still the team's biggest signing and real statement. One conclusion we can draw from it is that they must know one way or another that'll they'll be riding a GT (the Tour?) next year. A nice salary's all well and good, but he'd want guarantees about the race programme.
More signings are incoming they say.....maybe I should upgrade some of the selections from a few posts above after this news.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 16, 2019, 08:11
He might have been sitting in his Montreal hotel suite last night after Sbaragli's sixth placed finish pondering the future the of the team. A week ago the auto-wildcard situation looked dead and buried, but the team have had a great week with nearly 400 UCI points and this has moved them right up to the bumper of Wanty (even Total will be looking over their shoulders).
There are still plenty of scoring opportunities. Belgian and Italian one-day races and funnily enough all of the three teams mentioned above are now racing Guangxi.
The gamble for Adams is does he go ahead with the rumoured Katusha merger or does he twist and see how the races unfold?
Short term the merger doesn't make sense, and by short term I mean 2020. It would end up being a transition year as you'd be stuck with a lot of weak Katusha riders (unless you can pay off their contracts?) and even if you cut half of the ICA riders from the team (bear in mind you have to keep the five Israelis), there would still only be room for one or two more transfers in addition to Martin and Hofstetter. The results for that one year would be really tough to come by.
Long term it does make more sense. The WT in essence becomes a closed shop for the next three years after this. You would have to rely on wildcards to get into the races and with no guarantee that the auto-wildcard competition would stay in place.
Today is the day we should hear more.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 16, 2019, 20:30
Looking more and more likely.
Let's have a look at this potential team.
Katusha Riders
Enrico Battaglin
Jenthe Biermans
Jens Debusschere
Alex Dowsett
Reto Hollenstein
Daniel Navarro
Nils Politt
Dmitry Strakhov
Harry Tanfield
Mads Würtz Schmidt
Rick Zabel
The question you need to ask is, if none of these had contracts for next year, who would get re-signed for the new team? Politt obviously, but might he try and force a move through to Deceuninck (Van Aert style). Battaglin covers much the same ground as Sbaragli. Not a great year for Debusschere, but previous years results might get him a cheap extension. Dowsett/Hollenstein/Tanfield don't excite. Navarro is getting on a bit. How is Zabel as a leadout? I remember one good one for Kristoff in California a couple of years back. Biermans has youth on his side, but isn't going to be a world beater. Strakhov is a strange one. MWS could be okay - TT and a decent sprint.
So maybe five or six if you're not too sniffy.
ICA Riders with contracts
Matteo Badilatti
Rudy Barbier (?)
Davide Cimolai
Itamar Einhorn
Ben Hermans
Krists Nielands
Mihkel Räim
Tom Van Asbroeck
I'm sure Barbier was announced as getting a two year deal, but neither CQ or PCS has this. Maybe it was a one year deal with an option for another.
New ICA Riders
Hugo Hofstetter
Dan Martin
That comes to twenty one if we include Barbier. Add on the other four Israelis to get twenty five and that leaves five spots to fill. Just five.
ICA Hopefuls
Awet Gebremedhin - Nice story, but a CT rider
Edwin Avila - Shame if he has to go, but the exotic calendar will be much reduced
Guillaume Boivin - Bound to be kept if he wants to stay
Matthias Brandle - Not needed as Dowsett/Hollenstein/Tanfield will be overkill already
Clement Carisey - Just not good enough malheursement
Alexander Cataford - Canadian, but not really up to the task
Zak Dempster - Good pro, but covers much the same ground as Boivin
Conor Dunne - Popular rider, but not WT level
Nathan Earle - Missed most of the season with injury. Might have a chance as not many climbers in team
Sondre Holst Enger - Rumoured to Uno-X
August Jensen - Been unlucky with injuries/crashes
Riccardo Minali - Could he have some off the bike problems? Difficult to explain his season otherwise
Ben Perry - Canadian, but limited in the bigger races
Ruben Plaza - Retiring
Kristian Sbaragli - Bound to be extended after his late season showing
Hamish Schreurs - A good one in the changing room, but is that enough now
Daniel Turek - The only original left, I think we're gonna lose a third of the Holy Trinity....
Dennis Van Winden - Has fallen down the pecking order this year
Alexis Renard (stagiaire) might also be in contention, but he's still young and they might offer him another trainee role in 2020 before signing full time the year after.
Anyway from that long list I (thinking with my head, not heart) would go for Boivin, Dempster, Sbaragli and possibly Earle.
That would leave one or two spots left to be filled by other transfers in. Kangert and Haller from earlier in the thread would tick several boxes.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 24, 2019, 09:38
They have announced six 2020 transfers already and unlike last year the accent is firmly on youth. Now there are a few ways of looking at this. ICA might have dropped some hints about wanting more potential signings in the future or the ICA money/backing is enabling them to think longer term rather than having to sign guys who will get results straightaway or it could just be coincidence.
The six are:
Cyprien Giles
Jeremy Patoux
Victor Guernalec
Thibault D'Hervez
Maxime Rio
Titouan Renvoise
Patoux is the outlier at 29 years old. Of the rest, the most interesting are Guernalec (brother of Thibault), D'Hervez who has is coming out of the junior ranks where he has had some nice results this year (should be riding in the Junior RR on Thursday) and finally Renvoise who is a former Junior World Champion (2018) on the track. However he has zero race days on the road according to First. Here's an interview (http://www.be-celt.com/2019/09/20/le-defi-de-titouan-renvoise-et-du-team-cotes-darmor-marie-morin-veranda-rideau/#disqus_thread) with him about the move to Cotes d'Armor.
There could be more signings. An article in Le Telegramme talked about a "grimpeur des Andes" possibly joining.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 03, 2019, 09:34
Wurtz seems sure of his position in the team next year. Brandle also can be added to the list of current riders who have a contract for next year.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 04, 2019, 07:31
All the above doesn't guarantee success of course and my worry now is that the gap that the homegrown riders will have to bridge might be too big. They'll have to retain quite a few of the smaller .1 raced in their program and in future years a proper CT devo team might not go amiss.
https://twitter.com/JdeQuebec/status/1179902395591118848
Quote
We are also planning a continental team in parallel, to keep our riders who can not access the WorldTour
The article also says that Piccoli has signed for them and they're likely to be riding Argon18 bikes.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 04, 2019, 20:08
https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/status/1180119132446044160
A bit strange that they didn't sign him two years ago, but better late than never.
Quote
I’m a climber/GC rider so I will probably be the last guy to help Dan and Ben in the hard races, and I’ll also look to take my shot at the win in target races when I can.
He's a better TT rider than either of those, so hopefully he'll get more than a few chances of his own.
News today as well today that Perry is leaving the team. Cataford brings even less to the table and therefore it might just be Guillaume and Piccoli representing Canada in the team next year.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 08, 2019, 05:34
Quote
Oscar Guerrero , one of the Spanish box Israeli directors, he attended Radio Marca in the cycling program 'open grave'. :o
The majority of brokers who have in Katusha contract the majority will stay, of 11 that remain with contract at least 7 will surely stay. The same will happen with the staff, 4 masseuses and 4 mechanics will come The management is going to take from ICA.
"The first year will not be easy for sure because it will be a great change, "said Guerrero, who acknowledges that there are still many open negotiations regarding cyclists.
As for Spaniards there is Dani Navarro and maybe Rubén Plaza, who is in negotiations to be able to continue although the truth is that they do not fit all. With what there was and what is coming there are more than 30, so we won't look beyond the market. "
We can add Navarro then to the list of riders that will be part of the merger.
That final line suggests they won't be buying anyone else, but Cote d'Armor might have let something out of the bag
https://www.facebook.com/CotesArmorCyclisme/posts/2914659255214387
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Good continuation in the Continental Pro Israel Cycling Academy
Post by: Leadbelly on October 09, 2019, 08:59
There were discussions about it between the teams, but Cote d'Armor won't be going CT and instead the "reserve of ICA will likely be a team in Slovenia". Whether that's a new team or an already existing one isn't stated.
The link between the Breton club and the pro team will however remain in what sounds like very similar terms to this year.
Quote
We will stay in National 1 while maintaining a bridge with Israel Cycling Academy, equipment loan, training, training riders ... Our riders will then join the Conti or the WorldTour," he adds while adding: "We has no exclusivity: a rider from us can very well join Arkéa-Samsic or Vital Concept-B & B Hotels if he wishes.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 09, 2019, 18:39
Quote from: Jensen
I have suspected for a while that it looks a bit thin when it is so long and I probably feel that I have to change teams next year, as things stand now. There are some Katusha riders going in. Many of the Israelis on the team have signed and so have you who had a contract for next year. The team starts to fill up.
I have received an offer from ICA that was reserved for pro accounts, but when they are not, the offer expires. It may look like a team change
It just hasn't worked out for him at ICA for whatever reason. We never saw a repeat of his Coop form. He seems philosophical about it all though and not overly worried about the future.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 10, 2019, 18:28
More rumours about the new CT level reserve team.
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That Academic is considering establishing a reserve group to compete in the third tier of the road bike world - Continental, to allow as many Israelis as possible to take part in competitive and professional races. These are two or three riders who will drop out of the adult group and a number of riders who will jump from the existing reserve group.
It should be noted that riders who remain in the World Tour (presumably Guy Sagiv and Guy Niv) may occasionally drop into the Continental Group and compete in smaller races to try and earn personal victories while advancing the young riders.
The Continental group, as it was academically until two years ago, will consist of about 12 riders and its cost is estimated at 750,000 euros. It will of course include a large portion of Israelis, but also other riders who will not find a place in the World Tour group that is forming after the reunification with Katusha.
Quite surprised at the first bolded bit. I was almost certain they would keep all of them (unless they decided to quit for whatever reason) and have Israelis as the most represented nationality, but maybe I was wrong. From a sporting viewpoint it makes sense as, let's be honest, they're not all of WT level (or even PCT!) and they'll find CT a more suitable level, but it's the look/feel of the thing.
The new UCI rules on feeder teams will help though. The second paragraph talks about riders being able to drop down to ride in .1 and .2s with the lower ranked team, but the opposite is also true and the youngsters will be able to compete in ProSeries and .1 races with the main team throughout the year, gaining valuable experience.
Can't see too much value in the second bolded bit unless it's a couple of guys who are willing to act as mentors to the youngsters.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 17, 2019, 08:29
they're likely to be riding Argon18 bikes.Makes sense with Sylvan Adams' *ca money calling the shots. :D
There were discussions about it between the teams, but Cote d'Armor won't be going CT and instead the "reserve of ICA will likely be a team in Slovenia". Whether that's a new team or an already existing one isn't stated.#ljubljana would fit with the main team's cosmopolitan look.
Post by: LukasCPH on October 23, 2019, 10:54
https://twitter.com/HamishSchreurs/status/1186936259941302272
Post by: search on October 23, 2019, 11:06
Post by: Leadbelly on October 25, 2019, 12:38
Post by: Leadbelly on October 29, 2019, 11:06
The stats may point to an improvement over the 2018 season. Almost double the amount of wins and a hefty increase in UCI points. However I don't think there has been a massive jump. The vast majority of the wins have still been at smaller events or ones with weaker fields (not that that matters to me) and in general, with some exceptions, when they have come up against the bigger guns they have gone awol.
The exceptions would be the end of season performances from Sbaragli and TVA, and some of the sprints from Cimolai during the year (a 2nd in TA springs to mind).
Disappointments? Yet another slow start to the season despite the stated aim to fight for points. The Giro to an extent. The Northern Classics (and equivalent stage races) - too often it was just TVA fighting on his own. Too many passengers after the oft-derided transfer policy.
Highlights? Neilands at GP Wallonie! Sbaragli at Montreal! Hermans winning on Powder Mountain!
Post by: Leadbelly on October 29, 2019, 19:42
Raim wants to ride the Vuelta.
Quote
What will your role be in the new year?
It is not known because the riders do not even know who our teammates are right now. There are so many open ends. Maybe the team management knows, but we haven't been given this information.
Hopefully they (and us) will have some news soon. Surely we won't have to wait for the final WT confirmation in mid-December before the full team is announced...
Post by: Leadbelly on November 03, 2019, 15:02
https://www.roadcycling.cz/clanek/daniel-turek-mou-podporu-si-vyzadali-vsichni-hlavni-lidri?
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We have an overview of races where you have helped several leaders. Did the team or leaders appreciate it?
Last year, when Ben Hermans Giro was supposed to go with an emphasis on overall ranking, he asked me. But then the management decided not to go to GC, and then my services were not needed either. Also this year leaders appreciated my work and skills. Ávila told me the team at the beginning of the season. Cimolai asked for only two people during the season and I was one of them. Van Asbroeck, too, was very satisfied with my support, which showed leadership. This award is the biggest win for me in the season!
So, do you stay in this team that moves to WorldTour in 2020?
The final roster will have 30 people and it is not yet known exactly what the final team composition will be. If I don't make it to the World Tour team, then, like any team from the top division, Israel Cycling will have to have a development team from next season. And if not in the first team, I have a reserved place in development.
The advantage is that besides WorldTour races, the first team can nominate people from the reserve team for selected races of a higher category. The fact that I am the only one who has been in the team since its inception also plays in my favor. At the moment, I cannot say what the probability of the end result is.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 09, 2019, 17:17
https://twitter.com/UCI_Track/status/1193166334705766400
....and the UCI page on the team.
https://www.uci.org/track/teams/TeamDetail/11546/2003370/249
Don't have any more details other than that.
Post by: search on November 15, 2019, 09:36
Drummer will be happy, but now with the WT license secured, I can't see many reasons to sign another (not exactly world-beating) sprinter, tbh.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 15, 2019, 19:29
Still, he could do okay with an easier programme and at the right race - TDU, Oman, and Utah (obviously) spring to mind.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 08, 2019, 09:35
Still no official news of the last four riders. Unofficially though Boivin, Niv and Sagiv have all been spotted in social media and Omer Goldstein must be the other. Earle might have been an option, but he's been racing today in Australia.
That'll give four Israelis in total. Not the best for results short term in the team, but the correct decision long term and otherwise.
Turek is in the devo team. It wouldn't surprise me if some of Dunne, Gebremedhin and Schreurs were part of that too.
IKA's use of the devo team should be quite different to most other WT teams at least for this year. I think most other teams will just use the riders like stagiaires and have a handful of them racing at various events later in the year. Maybe they'll also get a chance if there are injuries.
On top of that, IKA should have some Israelis going the other way and getting chances in the devo team. Also the more experienced riders (Turek et al) could be flitting between both teams all year round. The main team might be limited to 30 official riders, but could in reality it be closer to 34? Could we see the team racing four (!) events at once + the rest of the devo team somewhere else? It wouldn't surprise me.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 08, 2019, 19:58
Turek is in the devo team.
Ben Perry (surprisingly), Freddy Ovett, Ido Bear and a couple of ex-Floyd youngsters (Miles and Plamondon) can probably be added to the devo list.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 10, 2019, 16:58
Post by: Leadbelly on December 11, 2019, 09:48
https://twitter.com/yallaACADEMY/status/1204693918102806528
Black shorts with red and green arrows on them.
Omer Goldstein, Sagiv and Niv comfirmed as the final three riders (Boivin was announced yesterday).
Sutherland wasn't at the event and Wielerflits says he's broken his leg.
Conti team:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ELfmYtjWwAACpta?format=jpg)
Post by: search on December 11, 2019, 15:15
Post by: Leadbelly on December 11, 2019, 16:07
ah, so the rumours about Avila heading back to Colombia were not true in the end. Maybe the devolopment team's race schedule will actually fit him better than the WT one's though.
At first glance it's a bit of a strange one them keeping him I have to say. He's almost too talented (and old) for the purpose of the team.
Surely the youngsters should be given all opportunities of leadership on terrain that suits them, and he doesn't really fit into the Turek role of a dom who can help out in WT when needed. He can do it, but it's a bit of a waste of his talent.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 11, 2019, 16:47
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We spoke with Ben Perry about his new role on the Continental squad: "The team will serve to help develop these young Israelis and do a bunch of [UCI] .2 and .1 level races, mostly in Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. I'm going to be a leader next year for that team. There's going to be room to move from the Continental team to the WorldTour team within the same structure. So, there's a chance for me to do races with the WorldTour team at points during the year."
"I'm excited about the opportunity, because things went well last year and I won a race, but there just wasn't enough room for me at the end of the day [on the WorldTour team]. It's an opportunity to be a leader and try and win again, rather than being a team mate. So I'm taking that opportunity with both hands, and hopefully it's one year in Continental and then back up."
Well he think's he's going to be a leader in the team next year, so maybe Avila will be too then.
Still don't think that makes too much sense. Should be more about the youngsters.
Post by: Joelsim on December 11, 2019, 16:52
Post by: search on December 11, 2019, 17:46
To be fair, if he was particularly cheap, Avila may be able to pass on some knowledge. In theory a good idea, whether it works in reality is another matter.
it could also be the other way around. Maybe him (and Perry) just had some kind of contract for 2020 already, and as they weren't considered good enough for WT, they are now racing on continental level with PCT income.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 12, 2019, 19:09
Cousin Dan:
https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/dan-martin-this-is-the-kind-of-atmosphere-that-i-perform-best-in/
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"I sat in the directors' meeting the other day and they said 'well, what races do you want to do?' and I said, 'I don't know'. I really just want to have fun. I've done all the biggest races; I've got results in many of them. Now it's just a case of racing my bike, having fun, and choosing my programme around the races that suit me best, irrespective of what race it is,”
Ardennes and Tour on his calendar.
Greipel:
https://www.tuttobiciweb.it/article/2019/12/12/1576077533/andre-greipel-israel-start-up-nation-vicino-al-ritiro-voglio-vincere
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The debut with the new colors will take place in Australia, at the Tour Down Under , therefore the time to work on the new train will not be much: "I hope to return to being competitive in the sprints, and at the same time trying to educate the younger athletes . There is a lot of potential in the team to be able to create a good train, we'll see if we will be able to exploit it in the race"
Politt:
https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_118183.htm
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At Paris - Roubaix do you see him (Greipel) as a very important pillar, who can also win?
Politt: Yes, that applies to all classics. I think it's good to start with two leaders, even if he does not like to hear that. But you can always have a bad day. The classics only last for two weeks. If you are not top of the class then you have missed a year.
Your goals in the coming season?
Politt: Of course, the classics Paris - Roubaix and the Flanders Tour are at the top. If I could get one or two top ten results before that, that would be great. I'm not pressure. I know what I have in my legs, I have proven this year.
Mallorca, Almeria and Algarve on his early season programme
Avila:
https://www.revistamundociclistico.com/2019/firme-con-el-continental-pero-voy-a-correr-tambien-con-el-equipo-worldtour-edwin-avila/
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"I am very happy to start 2020 here in the Tour Colombia with the WorldTour team, it is a very big emotion and I want the season to begin".
Ávila's slogan for 2020 is clear, fight for partial victories and win a spot in the WorldTour squad. “In 2020 my goal is to hopefully win again, because it is not easy to win every year, there is a lot of level, there are new people and it is very difficult, to win but my goal is to win 3 or 5 races to be able to go up to the WorldTour what is it I want more independent of the races, my mentality is to get on the WT ”.
Hermans:
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Ben Hermans still has one thing in his stomach. When talking about the Olympic Games, his name does not fall for the time being. “May I find that strange? The Olympic course is tailor-made for me. Moreover, I am at my best in weather conditions that we can expect in Tokyo next summer. In the past I never dropped in the heat and I can go up a mountain. Remco Evenepoel is of course a fixed value. But call me five better climbers in Belgium. Laurens De Plus, Tiesj Benoot too. But when it gets as warm as predicted, it is hard to get to five. "
TDU for him also, and he'd like to finally ride the Tour.
Post by: search on December 13, 2019, 17:55
Avila:
https://www.revistamundociclistico.com/2019/firme-con-el-continental-pero-voy-a-correr-tambien-con-el-equipo-worldtour-edwin-avila/
"I am very happy to start 2020 here in the Tour Colombia with the WorldTour team, it is a very big emotion and I want the season to begin".
good for him that he will get a decent program, but tbh, #academy just seems to be extending their first team to ~35 riders there by bringing devo guys to whatever race they want, right from the start of the season already - and I don't think this is what the new rule was supposed to be about.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 15, 2019, 07:57
As far as rules go, there aren't too many.
Quote from: DirectVelo
No age limit of the riders of the reserve team is indicated in the document of the International Cycling Union. However, it stipulates several obligations:
-The same administrative structure as the parent team.
-The same financial managers.
-The same main partner and similar jerseys.
The reserve team will also be on the anti-doping programme (ADAMS and bio-passport I presume).
The only limitations are the numbers of riders who can switch over for a particular race.
WT Team
ProSeries - 2 Devo riders
.1 - 4 Devo riders
Reserve Team
.1 - 2 WT riders
.2 - 1 WT rider
So potentially the "WT team" could race a .1 event with 1 WT rider and 4 devo riders and then the next week the "Reserve Team" could do a couple of .2 races with the exact same 5 riders. Not sure why you would need to do it, but it's a possibility.
One thing I'm wondering about is salary. You're a reserve team rider on a fairly basic wage, when you then race a week long event with the WT team will you get paid the WT minimum wage pro-rata for that week? Is that what happens with stagiaires? Fus?
Post by: LukasCPH on December 15, 2019, 16:41
One thing I'm wondering about is salary. You're a reserve team rider on a fairly basic wage, when you then race a week long event with the WT team will you get paid the WT minimum wage pro-rata for that week? Is that what happens with stagiaires? Fus?For all the pages and pages spent laying out excruciating details about bank guarantees, contracts etc., the UCI rulebook is remarkably quiet on the remuneration of stagiaires. It doesn't call them stagiaires, either (in the English version), but trainees.
Trainees you might as well call interns. And internships are characterised by being unpaid.
Riders would still get paid a salary from their Continental or U23 team, of course - if they get a salary there (which is far from certain). And they get kit, a bike, accommodation, travel from their 'host team' ... but there's no rule that the pro team that wants to try them out has to pay them for that.
On the men's side, that is. For the new Women's WorldTour teams, there is such a provision:
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2.13.168So, if a WWT team takes on a stagiaire and sends them to, say, RideLondon (1.Pro next year; remember, stagiaires may not do WT/WWT events) and the Women's Tour of Scotland, that would be four race days which the WWT
[...]
8. the rider will be paid on the basis of a flat-rate payment for each race day or day of participation in an event with the UCI Women’s WorldTeam. The amount of the flat-rate payment will correspond to at least 50% of the amount of the minimum salary (calculated on a daily pro-rata of the minimum salary of article 2.13.177). The payment will be made to the team which will pay the rider, after deducting sums for which they are contractually responsible towards the rider.
However, since there is no provision on whether that minimum salary should be divided by 365 or by some number of race days that is the realistic maximum a rider can do in a season, I can't say exactly how much that would be:
The 2020 minimum wage for a directly-employed rider is 15,000 €. Since a stagiaire doesn't have a full-time contract with the WWT team yet, I'll be generous and use the minimum wage for self-employed riders (164%), which is 24,600 €.
If we assume that this will be divided by 100 race days to get the daily pro-rata for stagiaires, that would be 246 € per race day - or 984 € for RideLondon & WToS.
But I think that is overly generous, and the 24,600 € are to be divided by 365 days - however, with the stagiaires receiving this daily pro-rata for every day they're "at the races". You generally wouldn't return home between London and Scotland but stay in the UK, travel northwards, and train with your teammates - that makes it a 9-day trip. 24,600€ divided by 365 days is ~67.40 € per day, times 9 days is 606,58 €.
But remember, all this was calculated using the self-employed riders' minimum wage. If we started with the directly-employed riders' minimum wage, it would be ~41.10 € per day (or, possibly, but unlikelily, something like 150 € per race day). For this 9-day trip, that would be 369.86 €.
To sum up, a WWT stagiaire will get some remuneration. I just can't tell you exactly how much it will be - it could range anywhere between just over 40 € and almost 250 € per (race) day.
The only thing said (or rather, not said) about wages for stagiaires at men's teams is this:
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2.15.110bisTranslated, that means that a rider will get whatever he (or, in most cases, his agent) can wiggle out of the pro team's tightly-closed coffers.
[...]
In all other respects, the relationship between these riders and the UCI WorldTeam shall be mutually agreed between the parties.
Or, bearing in mind how full-time riders sometimes have to 'pay to ride', the team will get whatever the rider agrees to in order to get a shot at proving himself at the pro level ...
Post by: search on December 15, 2019, 17:01
Trainees you might as well call interns. And internships are characterised by being unpaid.
Riders would still get paid a salary from their Continental or U23 team, of course - if they get a salary there (which is far from certain). And they get kit, a bike, accommodation, travel from their 'host team' ... but there's no rule that the pro team that wants to try them out has to pay them for that.
On the men's side, that is.
Apparently, a minimum salary "to be paid on a daily basis for each day the trainee will join the WorldTour" was introduced for the men as well this year.
...of 43,30 EUR per day.
https://www.cyclist.co.uk/news/6611/towards-fair-pay-for-stagiaires
I'll leave it to you to look that up in whatever UCI rules it may be hidden in :P
Post by: Leadbelly on December 15, 2019, 19:50
A flat fee per race day doesn't make too much sense. Some sort of ratio between the race days in a month for the feeder team and the WT team might be a bit fairer. For example Avila is down to race both Colombia and Rwanda for the WT team in February and I can't see him fitting in any CT race days in that month, so following my theory he should get at least 100% of the WT minimum wage for that month.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 16, 2019, 09:02
Quote from: Cimolai
The team gave me carte blanche for the choice of the races and this made the difference for me, because you can plan the best all year round and the results can be seen
He's picked the Giro for 2020.
Other races in his early season programme include:
Valenciana, Laigueglia, Algarve, TA, MSR and maybe GW.
Post by: LukasCPH on December 16, 2019, 09:29
Apparently, a minimum salary "to be paid on a daily basis for each day the trainee will join the WorldTour" was introduced for the men as well this year.Cute.
...of 43,30 EUR per day.
https://www.cyclist.co.uk/news/6611/towards-fair-pay-for-stagiaires
I'll leave it to you to look that up in whatever UCI rules it may be hidden in :P
This reminds me that I forgot to half the per-day
:S
Post by: Leadbelly on December 16, 2019, 17:24
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“Even now as those words come out of my mouth, I can’t believe it,” Piccoli said about his Giro start. “ This has always been my dream as a cycling fan at heart; to know this year its coming is a surreal feeling.”
He's not green in terms of age, but an early programme of Herald Sun, TDU, Rwanda, Catalunya and Pais Vasco all before the Giro means he's in at the deep end. I make that at least 53 potential race days (40 WT) by the end of May!
Post by: Leadbelly on December 19, 2019, 07:51
https://www.roadcycling.cz/clanek/dan-turek-na-sezonu-se-opravdu-tesim
Dan starts the season with Colombia and Hainan.
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In March I go Normandy, which is in its category and at this time of year a very prestigious stage. We will certainly meet the boys from Elkov-Kasper there. Of the three stage races at the beginning of the season, I consider this one to be the most important for myself and I would like to show myself here.
He's taking an 8% pay cut this year. There were possibilities of joining a slightly worse PCT team, but he thought staying with the geeeeeks would be more beneficial.
Quote
To sum up: I have the opportunity to run the races just below the World Tour, I am closely connected with the World Tour team, I did not get any extra money, and after a few years I will finally be able to ride some races explicitly. I have a good chance to return to the first team. I'm really looking forward to the season!
I might have to try and squeeze him into my CQ team....
Post by: Leadbelly on December 28, 2019, 12:58
Dowsett, as his back-up plan for 2020, had in mind what I thought Dennis might do if he couldn't get a team. The Olympics/Worlds/Hour Record with help from his national federation.
The big goal remains the Olympics even if he's not sure of being selected. The calendar before that will likely include CEGORR, Herald Sun, TA, MSR, Romandie and the Giro (3 TTs).
Quote
Then I'd shut down the road racing and hone in on the Olympics. That's what I'd like to do. If I can do that, be allowed to quietly go away and train for the Olympics, then they can do what they hell they like with me for the second half of the season
Post by: Leadbelly on January 04, 2020, 14:50
Now that I-SUN are WT, will be riding the Tour de France this year and have a CT devo team, we'll have to see how long term the relationship is now between the two teams. Here is their complete 2020 workforce anyway:
Ugo Bolgiani, 19 ans (VC Pays de Loudéac)
David Boutville, 31 ans
Thibault D'Hervez, 18 ans (VC Chateaulinois)
Mark Downey, 23 ans (Evopro Racing)
Cyprien Gilles, 19 ans (Laval Cyclisme 53)
Victor Guernalec, 19 ans (Team Pays de Dinan)
Dylan Kowalski, 25 ans (VC Rouen 76)
Julien Jégou, 30 ans
Aurélie Le Lay, 25 ans
Jérémy Patoux, 29 ans (Team Peltrax-CS Dammarie-lès-Lys)
Sam Reed, 19 ans (CC Plancoetin)
Titouan Renvoise, 19 ans (Tro Bro Organisation)
Maxime Rio, 20 ans (La crêpe de Brocéliande-Bodemer Auto)
Veeti Vainio, 18 ans (Porvoon Akilles)
I think I'd talked about some of the talented youngsters already.
In addition to those Kowalski is off the back of a very successful year at the amateur level and he should be their leader in most races that suit him and Vainio won the junior Tour of the DMZ
Post by: Leadbelly on January 04, 2020, 15:34
Quote
The team will run a three-race program from the get-go in January, racing simultaneously in Australia, Argentina, and Mallorca with 16 racing days over ten days of January alone.
“In terms of racing volume, we start full gas,” explained team manager Kjell Carlstrom. “We are looking to get some results early and start the season on the right footing. We are certainly fully motivated.”
Two or three years in a row they've said they want to hit the ground running and it hasn't happened yet.
Quote from: Greipel
I like the race, the atmosphere and the country. Our team for the race is strong in all kinds of terrains and we want to prove it. I want to be in the mix for the sprints. I know that I have the legs for it and I want to battle together with the team for stage wins.
Andre sounding bullish or should that be gorilla-ish. His train will be Goldstein, Dowsett, Boivin and Zabel.
Hermans and Piccoli will be the guys for the hillier days. Ben isn't so punchy these days, but a top-ten in the GC isn't out of the question.
Post by: LukasCPH on January 04, 2020, 23:12
Two or three years in a row they've said they want to hit the ground running and it hasn't happened yet.It's very much a "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" approach, isn't it. ;)
Post by: Leadbelly on January 11, 2020, 18:15
Line-up for San Juan:
BARBIER Rudy
HOFSTETTER Hugo
MCCABE Travis
VAHTRA Norman
SCHELLING Patrick
EINHORN Itamar
The first four were practising sprints together at the training camp in Israel. Hofstetter will probably get the first bite of the cherry, but with five probable sprint finishes, there should be chances for others too.
Quote
For the moment every rider, and especially new riders, are given a chance to show themselves. In San Juan, we can find out on which position in the Israel SUN sprint train the riders fit best.”
“Israel SUN hopes for a few top-5 finishes in flat stages."
Post by: Leadbelly on January 22, 2020, 09:08
https://twitter.com/YallaIsraelSUN/status/1219898212581965825
Yesterday's sprint went okay for Greipel. He'll get another two chances here, but the rest of the team's hopes now fall onto Piccoli's shoulders.
Post by: Leadbelly on January 27, 2020, 13:13
Piccoli couldn't fill Hermans boots unfortunately. I'd have been surprised if he could tbh. Difficult to tell how his legs were, but his positioning definitely needs working on. The Herald Sun should give a better indication of how his climbing is as the climbs on stages 2 and 4 are much longer efforts.
https://twitter.com/YallaIsraelSUN/status/1221643801686695937
Is this the team hitting the ground running for the first time ever!? :o
It was a bit of a scrappy win, what with the crash and no real evidence of a train in the finale (Barbier was actually in front of another I-SUN rider), but who cares.
Post by: Leadbelly on January 31, 2020, 19:11
Schelling was feeling crap too during the TT.
Quote
I did not have a good day. I suffered and tried, but in my opinion, it was not good enough.
I think he's being a bit harsh there on himself. Under a minute down on the normal people. Top-ten after today's stage would be great, but who knows how the legs will feel on their first major climb of the year.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 07, 2020, 20:17
Post by: Leadbelly on February 08, 2020, 18:43
Great stuff today from Dan. :cool
I'm also digging that jacket he has on.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 12, 2020, 19:45
What wasn't so great, was him nearly taking out Avila. Hopefully they'll give Edwin a shot at the other two sprint stages, it being his home race and all that, but after that they need to give more opportunities to Itamar and not have him playing second fiddle to a feeder team rider.
Anyway a good opening to the season for both Itamar and Omer while the two Guys are off to slower, less visible starts.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 17, 2020, 19:41
The Facebook report ends with the question - What do YOU think of ISN first month?
If they were still PCT I would say that they've had a fairly decent start to the season, but like it or not, they are WT now and must be judged by WT standards. Therefore I would say the team has had a variable start to the year, but leaning more towards the negative end of the spectrum.
Martin, Barbier (San Juan), Greipel (TDU), Goldstein and Einhorn are the obvious highlights. Cousin Dan especially standing out. It's a rare occurrence for the Geeeeeks to be that visible in big races against the top names, and in his first race of the season as well. Looking forward to see how he gets on in the Algarve (I might not tune in for the TT though).
Outside of those guys, it's been pretty disappointing. The second rank of riders have had chances (and will have more chances with Greipel and Hermans out for months) and nobody has shown good early form. Brandle did pretty well the other day, but Provence was a virtual write-off. Raim struggled to beat any of the other WT sprinters at the Herald Sun. Sprint train fail at Almeria at the weekend etc etc.
I don't like that stat "29 (!) top 10 in 40 starts". Tbh nobody cares about top-tens. A more telling stat would be the UCI rankings. Handily enough this year they aren't doing a rolling count, but are scoring it from zero.
https://www.uci.org/road/rankings
No mind bending calculations needed. You can see I-SUN down in 27th place. Despite all their racing, they're the bottom WT team. Behind 3 (!) CT teams.
Having said all that of course, it is only the 17th Feb. At the end of the year, no one is going to remember how the team got on in San Juan or Provence. The upcoming two months of classics will be the real thing. Politt better not fall off his bike any time soon - there's a lot of weight on his broad shoulders.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 19, 2020, 11:00
I don't like that stat "29 (!) top 10 in 40 starts". Tbh nobody cares about top-tens.Yes!
As a WorldTour team, it must be your goal to place in the top-10 in every race. Exceptions can be made for a new team in the biggest WT races, but on the lower rungs, not getting that top-10 with a WT squad is, frankly put, failure.
It has taken the team only six years to move from 'new upstart Conti team with riders from non-traditional nations' to 'WorldTour team' ... but some people's expectations are still on the level of 'ooh, we're racing with the Quicksteps and Lottos now, how exciting everything is, and we even have someone left for the sprint, marvellous'. :shh
Post by: Leadbelly on February 20, 2020, 09:05
https://www.uci.org/road/rankings
No mind bending calculations needed. You can see I-SUN down in 27th place. Despite all their racing, they're the bottom WT team. Behind 3 (!) CT teams.
Not that the points will matter this year, but the cumulative points over three years will at the end of 2022. The UCI have said that after that time the number of UCI teams will be reduced to 18 again.
So unless a team disappears for some reason, you don't want to be the 19th ranked WT team, and if promotion/relegation is introduced you might have to be in the top-18 of combined WT and PCT teams to ensure your position from 2023 onward.
Finishing bottom this year is a strong possibility, but they need to ensure they are within touching distance of that combined top-18 and give themselves a chance of, with the help of some signings, moving into that top group in the following two years.
------------------------------
The devo team don't officially get under way until the middle of March, but they kinda will be racing in Rwanda in the next few days as the WT team.
Out there at the moment are Gebremedhin, Ovett, Lahav and Schelling. Avila is meant to be riding as well and I don't know if there is a 6th member or not. So yeah, as I talked about earlier in the thread, they could have raced this event as either the WT or Devo team.
Post by: LukasCPH on February 20, 2020, 12:28
Not that the points will matter this year, but the cumulative points over three years will at the end of 2022. The UCI have said that after that time the number of UCI teams will be reduced to 18 again.Looking at the last few years, the possibility of one (or more) of those 19 teams going under in the next 2.5 years isn't small.
In fact, I would almost expect it to happen.
There are a few teams (mainly the French ones) that have long-term sponsors and appear safe, but even Lefevere wasn't sure his team would continue in 2018 before getting Deceuninck in.
But yes, being among the top-18 of all pro teams will be required to stay WT beyond 2022. And if we're honest, if you're not in that top-18, you don't deserve WT status, do you.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 20, 2020, 18:09
Quote from: Raim
“The race was really nervous, it was the first race of the season for a lot of the teams and they want to prove themselves. There were a lot of crashes and you had to be really, really careful in the peloton,”
"Ben Perry and Daniel Turek did their one minute pulls. Itamar and Norman screened me in the pack. They closed the left, closed the right, so the other teams couldn't pass us. In the last 500 meters Norman took it over, he was really good and I could get a good draft behind him. I launched my sprint and then he screened to take me on the right a little bit so the others couldn't pass me."
It is only a low level 2.1 with a peloton of variable quality, but nevertheless it's still good to see that the tactics and train doing their job in a sprint finale for once. Some extended highlights of the finish would be nice.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 24, 2020, 12:57
Antalya
Raim wins, team failure in the poor weather, Badilatti second on the MTF and lastly nowhere in the final sprint.
Algarve
Cimolai gets bumped around, Dan Martin "chewing a wasp" as Adam Blythe put it, train fail, so close again for Dan and lastly the usual TT blues for the Irishman (however Politt and MWS gave good performances).
It's continuing this week. Barbier and Zabel doing well in UAE (I'll allow the I-SUN social media to crow about these top-tens considering the high level of opposition), but at the same time Avila has just crashed out of Rwanda and is off to hospital for checks....
Ah well, I guess the roller-coaster is better than the merry-go-round.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 28, 2020, 20:35
Something very similar to what happened with Roompot and Katusha in previous years.
The winner of the overall will get a stagiaire contract with the WT team. Unfortunately the competition ends in the middle of September and thus the lucky rider will only get ~1 months worth of racing, but there's a fair few one-day races for them to get their teeth into at that time of year.
In addition one of the three best club riders in the competition will get a permanent contract with the feeder team.
I'll post a few names of who would have made the grade in previous years when I have some time during the week, but I didn't see too many big names figuring when I had a quick shufti just there now.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 02, 2020, 11:33
2015
Overall - Twan Castelijns (retired after two years with Jumbo)
Club - Wouter Been, Jelmer Asjes and Martijn de Jong
2016
Overall - Coen Vermeltfoort (had two years with Roompot)
Club - Folkert Oostra, Sebastiaan Pot and Ronan van Zandbeek
2017
Overall - Robbert de Greef (Havik was second)
Club - Martin Kelderman, Nils Sinschek and Sjors Dekker
2018
Overall - Rick Ottema (Peter Schulting just missed out)
Club - Hartthijs de Vries, Arno KleinJan and Chiel Breukelman
2019
Overall - Dylan Bouwmans (Bas van der Kooij in second)
Club - Robin Lowik, Jasper De Plus and Nick Brabander
Not many interesting names in there and I only recognise a few of the club riders.
Anyway the first race of this year, Ster van Zwolle, was at the weekend and was won by David Dekker for SEG. They aren't actually listed in the twenty teams that are entered into the competition, but were riding as a wildcard. Not sure if that makes them ineligible for the overall or not.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 09, 2020, 19:53
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/posts/2243578602412352
Quote
It all looked pretty calm, even a bit boring: After almost 4 hours of racing in the second stage of PARIS NICE, the peloton was all together, and everybody was looking for the much-expected bunch sprint.
But ahead of the peloton, we had a team car in a recon mission with DS Lionel Marie and Coach Greg Henderson. They detected an open road exposed to heavy crosswind. The riders were promptly warned. “We knew it was coming, “ said our Dane Strongman Mads Wurtz Schmidt.
Nearly a perfect day.
Getting beaten by Nizzolo, Ackermann and Stuyven in a sprint isn't too surprising, but they'll probably think they could have worked together a bit better in those last few hundred metres to snaffle a podium.
Post by: search on March 09, 2020, 20:14
During the winter Würtz said that he'd try to focus more on one-week races with a time trial again - but I guess he'd need this one to be cancelled after Friday at the latest to finish high up in GC?!
Post by: search on March 10, 2020, 09:07
During the winter Würtz said that he'd try to focus more on one-week races with a time trial again - but I guess he'd need this one to be cancelled after Friday at the latest to finish high up in GC?!
that seems to be the plan indeed. A cancellation after the time trial seems to be a realistic outcome, so the team told Würtz and Politt to fully go for GC for the moment.
https://sport.tv2.dk/cykling/2020-03-10-mads-wurtz-har-udspekuleret-plan-for-at-sikre-topplacering-i-paris-nice
In another interview also Jasper Stuyven mentioned that basically no one in the peloton expects to reach Nice.
Post by: LukasCPH on March 10, 2020, 12:02
In another interview also Jasper Stuyven mentioned that basically no one in the peloton expects to reach Nice."The Race as close to the Sun as we'll get"? :D
Post by: Leadbelly on March 10, 2020, 17:59
Post by: Leadbelly on April 27, 2020, 15:40
Part 1: https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_119677.htm
Quote
We were a ProConti team. But this status poses structural problems. It is very expensive to run a ProContinental team. We don't get any money from TV rights or spectator tickets. And there are simply no good sponsorship contracts at ProContinental level. As a ProContinental team, there are no guaranteed races, so you don't know whether you will take part in a GrandTour, the classics or a monument. Since you don't know which races you take part in, it is difficult to negotiate with sponsors and tell them: give me a lot of money. But I can't tell you where we're going. This is a structural problem of ProContinental status, which is a real problem for sport.
He also says they almost had a deal to go WT in 2018 (with Jumbo the journalist thinks).
Part 2: https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_119681.htm
This bit is more about himself and his history. One nugget further down though is that he'll only be willing to put efforts into bringing another race to Israel if the funding for it is the reverse of the Giro (he paid 90% then and the government the rest).
Part 3: https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_119699.htm
Politt and the Katusha takeover.
This could be the most interesting part of the four, but I'm struggling to get my head round the contractual stuff.
Quote
It is interesting for us to be able to understand this exactly. We were always told that riders like Politt still had a contract ( Adams : Correct! ) And that they had to switch to Israel Cycling Academy. But that's actually not correct, because they signed a new contract with you.
Adams: Exactly, they did.
That means they were free to leave the team?
Adams: It's not that simple.
Part 4: https://www.radsport-news.com/sport/sportnews_119715.htm
In addition to Orken (and El Mehdi Chokri), there was another muslim rider that they tried to sign. The only info as to his identity is that he's at WT level. It must be Shaggy or is there anybody else?
Post by: Leadbelly on May 23, 2020, 17:36
The new calendar:
July:
02-05 Tour of Sibiu (Romania, 2.1)
15-18 Dokola Mazowza (Poland, 1.2)
28-01 Vuelta Burgos (2.Pro)
August:
01 Strade Bianche (Italy, 1.UWT)
05-09 Tour de Pologne (Poland, 2.UWT)
05 Milano Torino (Italy, 1.Pro)
05-09 Czech Tour (Czech Republic, 2.1)
07-09 Tour de l’Ain (France, 2.1)
08 Il Lombardia (Italy, 1.UWT)
12-16 Dauphiné (France, 2.UWT)
19-23 Tour de Wallonie (Belgium, (2.Pro)
22 Milano San Remo (Italy, 1.UWT)
25 Bretagne Classic (France, 1.UWT)
29-20 Tour de France (France, 2.UWT)
29-02 Tour de Hongrie (Hungary, 2.1)
September:
07-14 Tirreno Adriatico (Italy, 2.UWT)
11 GP Quebec (Canada, 1.UWT)
12 Eurometropole Tour (Belgium, 1.Pro)
13 GP Montreal (Canada, 1.UWT)
13 GP De Fourmies (France, 1.Pro)
15-19 Tour de Luxembourg (Luxembourg, (2.Pro)
16 Giro di Toscane (Italy, 1.1)
16 GP Wallonie (Belgium, 1.Pro)
17 Coppa Sabatini (Italy, 1.Pro)
19 Primus Classic (Belgium, 1.Pro)
20 Gooikse Pijl (Belgium, 1.1)
22 Anzegem (Belgium, 1.1)
23 Omloop van het Houtland (Belgium, 1.1)
23 Worlds TT (Switzerland)
27 Worlds RR (Switzerland)
29-04 Cro Race (Croatia, 2.1)
29-03 Binck Bank Tour (Netherlands, 2.UWT)
30 Fleche Wallone (Belgium, 2.UWT)
October:
04 Liege Bastonge Liege (Belgium, 2.UWT)
03-25 Giro d’Italia (Italy, 2.UWT)
07 Brabantse Pijl (Belgium, 1.UWT)
10 Amstel Gold Race (Netherlands, 1.UWT)
11 Gent Wevelgem (Belgium, 1.UWT)
14 Scheldeprijs (Belgium, 1.Pro)
18 Tour de Flanders (Belgium, 1.UWT)
20-08 La Vuelta (Spain, 2.UWT)
21 Driedaagse de Panne (Belgium, 1.UWT)
25 Paris Roubaix (France, 1.UWT)
November:
To the 20th Vuelta (Spain, 2.UWT)
Quote
It’s great for the riders and the team to have a few races to look forward to during July,” explained the team’s Pro manager Kjell Carlstrom. “There we can make sure that we are on the right track with everything regarding a safe restart of the race calendar. We will be racing with mixed teams – ISN WorldTour team and our Continental Israel Cycling Academy team
Post by: Leadbelly on June 15, 2020, 19:50
:cool
Post by: Mellow Velo on June 17, 2020, 17:37
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/israel-start-up-nation-in-talks-to-sign-chris-froome-greg-van-avermaet-and-jasper-stuyven-according-to-reports-458078
Post by: search on June 17, 2020, 18:57
The new calendar:
July:
02-05 Tour of Sibiu (Romania, 2.1)
Badilatti, Barbier, Brändle, Goldstein, Niv and Sagiv are those pre-selected to take part.
Post by: just some guy on June 18, 2020, 08:15
Seems more wind in the sails for this one
Post by: Drummer Boy on June 18, 2020, 15:09
Seems more wind in the sails for this one
What a curious sight it would be to see those unmistakable legs, arms and downward-tilted head in a different team kit, racing against his former handlers and support crew, not to mention the teammates themselves.
It would really put to the test the notion of Brailsford & Co's superior preparation and tactics. No one knows Froome better than they, so how might they use that same knowledge to defeat him (assuming that Froome is able to attain his previous level of performance)?
And what of Froome's approach on a different team? Would he simply continue to mimic all that he's done during his Sky/Ineos career, or meld that into a new program altogether? Is it Brailsford, Kerrison or Froome to take credit for all the victories?
Inquiring minds want to know. :slow
.
.
.
However, if I were a betting man, the most likely scenario is that Froome never actually regains his previous form, and any such speculation will remain just that.
:shh
Post by: just some guy on June 18, 2020, 16:14
Post by: Leadbelly on June 18, 2020, 20:27
Post by: Leadbelly on June 27, 2020, 11:55
We know of nine riders who have contracts for next year, so that leaves twenty one to ponder over.
Gets A Better Offer Elsewhere
Politt - A couple of teams are after him (Bora, Deceuninck or INEOS?)
MWS - Not many good riders available for Bjarne to bring to NTT/Velux if he wants to Dane-ify the team
Ancient
Navarro
Sutherland
Not WT Level
Badilatti - Has had a fair crack of the whip, but not really produced the results
Cataford - Still very limited. Got kept on for this year though, so might snag another extension
McCabe - It would be a bit unfair if he only got one truncated season to show what he can do, but the team should be looking to give Einhorn chances
Borderline Cases
Biermans - He's done okay. His nationality could count against him. Does the team want more Belgians that Israelis?
Hollenstein - Solid, but upgrades are always good
Piccoli - In the same boat as McCabe as this year is his first season at this level. I'd keep him on for another year
Raim - Longest serving rider now. Will hopefully get kept on, but needs to start producing more in the classics
Schelling - Better than Badilatti, but older. One more year
Post by: search on June 27, 2020, 12:35
https://www.pressreader.com/article/281990379787186
Post by: Leadbelly on June 28, 2020, 17:56
Gets A Better Offer Elsewhere
MWS - Not many good riders available for Bjarne to bring to NTT/Velux if he wants to Dane-ify the team
https://twitter.com/YallaIsraelSUN/status/1277281327214219264
I'm happy to be wrong.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 08, 2020, 09:05
Brändle said it's "looking good" to get a new deal
....and he did get one.
https://twitter.com/YallaIsraelSUN/status/1280501825766977536
Also in the news today is Ben Hermans. He was due to make his TDF debut this year, but has foreseen that the mental exhaustion and enforced social isolation before and during the race would not be the best option for him or his young family.
https://www.wielerflits.nl/nieuws/ben-hermans-past-voor-tourdebuut-uit-vrees-voor-eenzaamheid/
Quote
“I recently received a thirteen-page document from our team, full of restrictions imposed by the UCI on the teams. That note got me thinking. The social isolation riders will end up in should not be underestimated. ”
"Count it out," Hermans continues. “An altitude internship prior to the Tour, three weeks from home. Once at home, you should not see anyone except your family members. In addition, you must have two molecular detection tests (PCR) performed during that home quarantine. You have to undergo the same test every week during a large round, for example on the rest day. During such a Tour you will soon be away from home for four weeks, where you will stay strictly within the bubble of your team. Visiting the home front is not allowed. If you put all that together, you have hardly seen your loved ones for seven to eight weeks. ”
He'll do the slightly shorter Vuelta instead. Maybe the regulations will have been relaxed somewhat by then.
Post by: Mellow Velo on July 09, 2020, 11:04
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/53112149
Post by: AG on July 09, 2020, 13:08
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/chris-froome-leaves-ineos-for-israel-start-up-nation/ (https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/chris-froome-leaves-ineos-for-israel-start-up-nation/)
Post by: Servais Knavendish on July 09, 2020, 14:36
yep - Froome signed with them now
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/chris-froome-leaves-ineos-for-israel-start-up-nation/?fbclid=IwAR1bI4SwYl3eGXg930ZufVoCtXta9MhyKKWrIH5WFsiG6mqZYe9s072COJw
Rumoured to be a 5 year deal??!!
I see this as quite a risky punt by ISUN, in football parlance I'd only sign him on pay per play deal. Plus whilst you could just see it as a sensible squad triming in light of an embarrassment of GC riches; TI have just ranked Froome below Bernal, Carapaz, and even Thomas (?) and TI know everything about everything!
Post by: t-72 on July 09, 2020, 20:27
I expect more deals to follow, on Froome´s orders. Who are the next ones?
#unox Torjus Sleen? (Excellent in that role)
Post by: LukasCPH on July 09, 2020, 21:03
I expect more deals to follow, on Froome´s orders. Who are the next ones?I think that the big GT teams #ineos #jumbo #movistar won't let their mountain domestiques go without a fight.
And it's not as if #israel have been showing extraordinary astuteness in their scouting and transfer policy - rather, they seem to sign up anyone who's been showing something at the top level they can get their hands on.
Signing a relatively unknown Norwegian from a ProTeam just because he's exactly what they need ... I don't see it happening.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 09, 2020, 21:45
Who are the next ones?
#unox Torjus Sleen? (Excellent in that role)
It's the kind of signing I'd like, but the chances would appear minimal.
Money doesn't appear to be too much of a problem which means virtually anyone outside that top-rank could sign as support.
I'm sure you know the big names already linked - Porte, Teuns, Nieve (but under contract) and Izagirre x 2. However I don't see the brothers myself as particularly useful dom types in a GT.
Could anyone follow him from Ineos? Moscon has been linked with a move away. TGH could be a canny acquisition. Even with Froome leaving it's unlikely he'll move up the pecking order at Ineos and tbh I can't see him as more than a top 10-15 rider in a GT, but that's the sort of rider you want as a dom. Pretty sure he's matey with Dowsett as well.
Haig could be a similar option. If the Yateseseses leave Mitchelton (which looks almost certain) he'll likely be their joint GC leader along with Chaves, but will he be getting paid much? or as much as I-Sun could potentially offer?
Post by: t-72 on July 09, 2020, 22:19
I think Porte and Tao Geoghegan Hart are almost safe bets. OK, Porte may retire, but if not, I think they work well together and that´s not just in racing, but in training too, based in the same geographical area and with a very large overlap in terms of skills. The main difference is that Froome is now definitively the more robust rider of the two, better in the peloton and steadily improving on tough terrain and technically challenging descents. This is of limited importance for the training part.
Moscon´s diplomacy-skills-challenged character is a poor match with the soft spoken and stubborn Froome. I don´t think he´s on the wishlist. Even if they get along (doubt it) Moscon isn´t the climber required for the lieutenant job, and if Politt is in, no other Kiryenka-substitute is required.
Kenny Elissonde is a candidate? He did the job perfectly on one occasion, and if there is that one occasion that qualifies, the Finestre stage of the 2018 Giro is probably it. I tried to find out if he is south of France- based but couldn’t figure it out.
Post by: Drummer Boy on July 11, 2020, 02:06
#unox Torjus Sleen? (Excellent in that role)
Only if he gets to keep wearing that same kit. :snooty
Post by: Leadbelly on July 11, 2020, 16:33
Not WT Level
Cataford - Still very limited. Got kept on for this year though, so might snag another extension
......and he snagged one.
https://twitter.com/YallaIsraelSUN/status/1281890980971425792
If he gets extended surely Piccoli and Boivin will also get kept on.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 14, 2020, 18:23
The devo team kick off their season in Poland tomorrow.
Carson Miles
Benjamin Perry
Freddy Ovett
Robin Plamandon
Lahav Davidzon
Daniel Turek
A slightly different line-up to what was originally thought. I think some of the Israelis are stuck in Israel for the time being.
They have another race in Poland straight after and then it's off to Slovenia for the GP Kranj. The Tour de Savoie Mont Blanc should also be on the calendar.
Post by: search on July 14, 2020, 18:27
Post by: Leadbelly on July 14, 2020, 18:48
Top 3 in GC + a stage win sounds quite ambitious, given the flat course, and the good amount of strong sprinters in the race.
Yeah, and there are no power-ups for Ovett in the real world.
Maybe Dan can do something from a break.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 20, 2020, 09:02
When I read the other day that Ecuador had withdrawn from the race (and others might also have for all I know) I just had a feeling/hope that this might be on the cards.
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/posts/2535180686585474
Quote
The Israeli talent is especially eager to make it into the Tour de l’Avenir squad with the Israeli national team. “There are only five spots for - I think - six U23 riders that have a chance ongoing. The Tour de l’Avenir is the most popular and famous race for U23, kind of the Tour de France for my age category. It’s also the first time that the Israeli national team is going to participate.”
The WT riders are all too old now, so the team will have to come from the devo squad. That's five from Levi, Lahav, Goldstein, Davidzon, Abu-Fares and Ben Moshe.
They'll get their arses handed to them of course, but it'll be a good experience.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 22, 2020, 15:27
Turek interview.
Talking about his second place in Poland (the Czechs had the last laugh after Bernas took the intermediates), Sibiu (" We just received information on Friday that our hotel, where we were to be accommodated, burned down overnight") and some other bits and pieces. It doesn't sound like he has anything sorted yet for next year.
After Romania his next races should be Czech Tour (with the national team) and maybe Okolo Slovenska.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 27, 2020, 18:16
http://israelcyclingacademy.com/from-rock-bottom-to-two-more-years-in-the-worldtour-piccoli-resigns-with-isn/
Quote
I have a number of goals with this team
First is having fun and enjoying what I love most.
Number two is to be a really good bike rider and with the company of the riders in this team I know that I can develop more, help them in races and eventually be able to do what they are able to do: winning the biggest races in the world.
But third, and that is the main reason that I race, is to make my parents proud. My dad and my mom are my biggest fans, my dad is the biggest ISN-fan and is at least as happy with the extension than I am myself. My mom and dad are coming over everywhere to see me racing, all over the globe. They have seen the whole journey and I would not have been a cyclist without them. I owe my career, now another two years on WorldTour level with ISN, to them.
Post by: Drummer Boy on July 27, 2020, 22:13
Extension for Piccoli.
http://israelcyclingacademy.com/from-rock-bottom-to-two-more-years-in-the-worldtour-piccoli-resigns-with-isn/
From glancing at that URL, I had thought they were announcing that Piccoli had "resigned." :(
Glad to see that wasn't the case. :)
I had completely forgotten that he was Canadian, and was imaging him being much older for some reason. It was bit odd, however, that they were speaking about him as if he were still a teenager.
I also couldn't help but notice in that video that his sister, girlfriend and mother all sort of look...the same. :-x
A nice show of family support, though.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 30, 2020, 21:30
Aha!
When I read the other day that Ecuador had withdrawn from the race (and others might also have for all I know) I just had a feeling/hope that this might be on the cards.
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/posts/2535180686585474
The WT riders are all too old now, so the team will have to come from the devo squad. That's five from Levi, Lahav, Goldstein, Davidzon, Abu-Fares and Ben Moshe.
They'll get their arses handed to them of course, but it'll be a good experience.
https://www.directvelo.com/actualite/82818/tour-de-l-avenir-la-selection-israelienne
Unfortunately for Davidzon, it is him that misses out.
Saned ABU-FARES (Israel Cycling Academy Continental), Espoir 3
Yuval BEN MOSHE (Israel Cycling Academy Continental), Espoir 3
Edo GOLDSTEIN (Israel Cycling Academy Continental), Espoir 2
Omer LAHAV (Israel Cycling Academy Continental), Espoir 2
Eitan LEVI (Israel Cycling Academy Continental), Espoir 2
Roi WEINBERG (Israel Go Pro), Espoir 2
Lahav did pretty well in Rwanda I thought and is only 51kg according to PCS. He might be their best bet on the climbing days, which is all of them bar one. Ben Moshe is fast-ish, but even a top-ten on the one sprint stage would be a big surprise.
Edo Goldstein is supposedly the most talented of the three brothers. Not much data is available though to make a valued decision on that unless you count being able to hang with Evenepoel on a stage in junior race the other year.
Post by: LukasCPH on August 01, 2020, 21:57
Unfortunately for Davidzon, it is him that misses out.And unfortunately for the rest of them, l'Avenir got cancelled. :(
Saned ABU-FARES (Israel Cycling Academy Continental), Espoir 3
Yuval BEN MOSHE (Israel Cycling Academy Continental), Espoir 3
Edo GOLDSTEIN (Israel Cycling Academy Continental), Espoir 2
Omer LAHAV (Israel Cycling Academy Continental), Espoir 2
Eitan LEVI (Israel Cycling Academy Continental), Espoir 2
Roi WEINBERG (Israel Go Pro), Espoir 2
Post by: Leadbelly on August 12, 2020, 13:09
Woods is finally an exciting transfer. Another oldie, but since he was a late starter to the bike world, that should be less of an issue.
I think that makes 22 confirmed riders for next year. Add in the three Israelis and Boivin (I think he'll be okay as long as he wants to continue riding) and four spots are left.
Politt going to Bora leaves a big classics hole to be filled. There's not many good options about though. Vanmarcke (I feel his time has past), Terpstra (could be a stop-gap for a year), AGJ (good, but is he a leader?) or Trentin (surely a bigger team will pick him up).
Assuming Barbier, McCabe and Raim all leave, that still leaves 3 sprinters plus Einhorn. However none of the three really fill me with confidence of getting a big result against the best. Still would Philipsen or the topical Meeus want to join?
That leaves climbers. The rumour was that Aru was under scrutiny, but had to show something in the remainder of the season. So far he's been a bit better than last year. However was still outclimbed by Hermans in Burgos. Valter? Going to Groupama according to the world of Twitter. Zakarin? They tried to sign him last year, might he change his mind now? Majka? Far from my favourite rider, but you can send him to the Giro, Vuelta and a few WT stage races and he'll hoover up some stage wins and UCI points if that's your thing.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 16, 2020, 20:07
Considering the opposition, this is the best Israeli result ever. :cool
The devo riders weren't shaming themselves either over in Poland. Some bad luck in the final stage, but they showed well on the other days despite the difficult conditions.
The less said about the Dauphine the better.
Post by: search on August 21, 2020, 13:30
I think that makes 22 confirmed riders for next year. Add in the three Israelis and Boivin (I think he'll be okay as long as he wants to continue riding) and four spots are left.
Here is an interview with Boivin, talking about missing out on the Tour team (1st reserve), and that it won't be easy next year either, with the team strengthend even further. So sounds like he will stay with the team indeed
https://www.lapresse.ca/sports/cyclisme/2020-08-20/pas-de-tour-de-france-pour-guillaume-boivin.php
Post by: Leadbelly on August 30, 2020, 19:51
I think the plan was for Niv to try and get in the break today. He was certainly towards the front going through neutral, but there was no way on earth he could have made it into that strong group on the flat. Krists should have given it a go imo.
Things are a bit better over in Hongrie - the scene of many a memorable ICA moment. Einhorn was 6th and 5th in the two sprints and Piccoli and Badilatti have managed to avoid losing time so far (a favourite of theirs on "easy" days). Two more sprints to come and then the not so tough MTF on the final day. While there are no big GC names here, there are plenty of mid-level ones, so it won't be easy to get a result.
Finally the devo squad is back in action. In Poland again! There is a 1-day version of the Carpathian Couriers tomorrow with a smaller/weaker field than normal (Favourites: Tracz, Uno-X, Repa, Arm and Pajur) and then I presume they will also race in Baltyk - Karkonosze a few days later.
Still waiting for that first Israeli win outside Israel, but it might not be far away.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 09, 2020, 10:17
Still waiting for that first Israeli win outside Israel, but it might not be far away.
The best Ben Moshe could manage in the Baltyk - Karkonosze was an 8th.
Turek gave a little interview about the race and painted a shambolic picture.
https://www.roadcycling.cz/clanek/chaos-v-polsku-dan-turek-paty
Quote
Why was the first stage canceled?
Above all, it was the worst organized race in the last three years, which I completed. They allegedly wanted to give a prologue before the first stage, but canceled both on the grounds that the mayor did not want sports events. My private opinion is that they wanted to save money.
I did not find stage profiles anywhere, not even on the race websites.
Nobody!
So was the problem more?
No one knew the day before what the second stage would look like. No one knew the exact schedule and route. We arrived at the start, and there was nothing ready. Just nothing at all. Then they told us that the mountaineering premium might be somewhere else than originally intended, but it is not certain.
Was the second stage better?
No. Originally it was supposed to go around a hundred, at the last minute it was shortened by a third. But in the middle of the stage, the race stopped, we stood for long minutes, allegedly because they crossed the borders of the regions and it was necessary to change the police escort. So they neutralized this part of the stage. Then they kept driving straight on the wide road and very fast, the very conclusion narrowed to the width of one car, turn right and finish. Very "good" idea. Fortunately, no one got involved there.
So a bit of an "exotic" experience of this business.
It was generally accepted between the teams that no one would come here anymore. Certainly not our team.
Hopefully they'll have a better experience at Solidarnosc which starts today. Einhorn has dropped down to the team for this race and if he continues with his Hongrie form then that elusive win could come.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 09, 2020, 17:03
Einhorn has dropped down to the team for this race and if he continues with his Hongrie form then that elusive win could come.
Unofficially he did it!
https://twitter.com/ProCyclingOrg/status/1303725139482357762
Post by: Leadbelly on September 09, 2020, 17:16
https://cqranking.com/men/asp/gen/race.asp?raceid=16928
Nonetheless it's a big moment for the team.
Post by: LukasCPH on September 09, 2020, 21:55
The best Ben Moshe could manage in the Baltyk - Karkonosze was an 8th.That's the third Polish 2.2 in as many months to not exactly cover itself in glory ...
Turek gave a little interview about the race and painted a shambolic picture.
In July, the Dookola Mazowsza had one stage cancelled due to a (not race-related as far as I remember) road accident, but wasn't the greatest experience anyway.
The Tour Bitwa Warszawska 1920 sent riders over gravel sections that more resembled a sand pit, so teams set an ultimatum to the organisers, and eventually one stage was neutralised.
And now this.
:S
Post by: Leadbelly on September 13, 2020, 13:18
https://naszosie.pl/2020/09/10/zamieszanie-z-finiszem-2-etapu-wyscigu-solidarnosci-i-olimpijczykow/
Quote
The stage from Krosno to Nowy Sącz was shortened by a few kilometers, but the signs indicating the distance from the finish line remained unchanged.
This situation meant that many cyclists were not prepared for the finish, as they followed the markings along the route.
ICA and Einhorn lost out in the confusion, but Dempster thought in general the race was well run.
Quote from: Zak Dempster
I must say that the organization of the WSiO is perfect for me. Of course there was a communication error today, which was disappointing, but looking at the rest of it, it is a really well organized race.
Along with the victory on stage one, Ben Moshe grabbed a second on the final stage and Einhorn finished third in the GC.
https://twitter.com/YallaIsraelSUN/status/1304787871916847105
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rumours earlier in the week that Barbier had extended for two years.
Kinda disappointing if true. Not that he's bad, but it's not as if he's head and shoulders above the others and while it looks like Raim and McCabe are leaving, Jones is joining mid-season, Einhorn surely deserves to be given more opportunities and who knows, maybe Ben Moshe could move up to the WT squad.
That still leaves a very high density of fast men.......and knowing I-Sun they're probably sniffing around Nizzolo or Aniolkowski. :P
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Still no cobbled classics leader either. Maybe we'll get some transfer news tomorrow on the rest day.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 14, 2020, 20:12
Rumours earlier in the week that Barbier had extended for two years.
....and there it is.
https://twitter.com/YallaIsraelSUN/status/1305526350837673984
Quote
He knows that winning sprints is a team effort. “We need to work together in the sprint and keep the same leadout team as much as possible. It is impossible to win a sprint alone. I go very fast in the last few meters and I always do a fast final. With a strong team around me we can win quickly in the WorldTour.
Rudy has been working with team coach Greg Henderson, and is now on his way to the Tour of Slovakia to prepare for the Giro. “We have a great team at the Giro to put me in the best position in the sprints. I watched the sprints in Tirreno and the team leadouts were amazing. I’m excited to join them in Italy!”
Cimolai leading him out seems a good option, but why wasn't he at TA then? Just checking back and him and the Italian haven't raced a sprint stage together yet in the team. He teamed up with Zabel in UAE to some good effect, so he has had some practice with the train. It does smack somewhat of a last minute decision.
The other thing I checked out just now were the Giro profiles. I thought it was meant to be more sprint friendly than the Tour this year? Maybe that was when they were going to start in Hungary, but now it certainly doesn't look very Barbier friendly. I count three nailed on full sprints and then there's a couple of others which might be too much for the Frenchman.
As for the Giro team as a whole, those profiles make me hope that they take more than one climber. Navarro was at TA, but Badilatti surely deserves a spot and why not Piccoli? The Vuelta might suit him more, but if Martin and/or Hermans double up then his chances there could be limited.
Post by: LukasCPH on September 14, 2020, 20:47
Cimolai leading him out seems a good option, but why wasn't he at TA then? Just checking back and him and the Italian haven't raced a sprint stage together yet in the team. He teamed up with Zabel in UAE to some good effect, so he has had some practice with the train. It does smack somewhat of a last minute decision.It feels like they aren't planning their riders' programs as thoroughly as some other teams, doesn't it.
Post by: search on September 14, 2020, 21:08
Post by: Leadbelly on September 15, 2020, 20:29
Nobody in the first break which luckily Bora brought back, nobody in the second successful break and nobody going with Rolland to bridge over. Okay Neilands did bridge to the first break which turned out to be wasted energy and he did try to get away from the peloton along with Politt a bit later in the stage, but I don't think I saw Hermans at all after neutral and the only sight of Martin was him hanging round the back of the peloton early in the stage.
What is there left? One and a bit chances of a stage win coming from the break? Not that a win is essential imo, but aggressive riding and some excitement for the fans is.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 16, 2020, 19:30
----------------------------
Now say what you like about the recent Polish races, in this season of cancelled events I'm sure more than one CT team is grateful that there are any low level stage races going ahead at all.
A quick look at the UCI website, and of the fifteen .2 stage races (I'm not counting the espoir events) in Europe that have been raced, or are pencilled in to be ridden since the lockdown ended, five (!) will have been in Poland. In fact the majority have been in Eastern Europe.
Anyway if you've been paying attention that means there is one more Polish race to come and it starts tomorrow. It's the Tour of Malopolska and yes ICA are racing again.
It's a lot hillier than the other Polish races.
Prologue - 1.3km at 8.5%
Stage 1 - HTF 4.4km at 6%
Stage 2 - only chance for a sprint, but could see some breakaway action
Stage 3 - MTF 10.1km at 7.5%
It's the usual suspects who are lined up - Vosters, CCC Devo, Wibatech, Vino, Tartu etc etc along with ICA. No names yet. The only two I know who are riding are Ovett and Avila.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 17, 2020, 18:13
(https://i.imgur.com/75hEVX1.png)
Mr. Zwift the best on the day.
There was another good performance from Vojtech Repa today (4th) to add to his third at the Euro U23 RR. He might be a name to watch in the future. Maybe a devo team *cough cough* or a forward thinking PCT might take a punt on him.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 18, 2020, 20:00
(https://i.imgur.com/EI3B4bT.png)
Not bad from young Goldstein.
Repa again impressed, finishing in a small group with the stage winner. Someone who has really been linked with the devo team (and not just my wishful thinking) is Juntunen, who was the best of the rest in 6th.
Hopefully there will be some interesting riders in the devo team in 2021 (there aren't too many in the main team!). We know Jones will be there for the first half of the year. Someone like Magnus Sheffield would be the absolute dream - it's a bit strange tbh that there have been zero rumours about him. The main thing though is to have only 1-2 max of the oldies. Don't get me wrong, I like Edwin Avila, but it's totally pointless having him in the devo team. Dan and either Awet or Ben would be plenty and give good support in multiple situations.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 19, 2020, 19:15
(https://i.imgur.com/AfNMlwq.png)
Edwin taking my previous statement to heart. No, but seriously he had crashed the previous stage and they thought he might be a bit concussed.
A three man break did manage to stay away today and it was Abrahamsen of Uno-X who took the win. They're racing on three fronts currently. Next year it could four or five if you add in Dare Devo and a women's team that there was some news about this week.
Aniolkowski won the sprint from the bunch ahead of three (!) Tartu riders.
Post by: LukasCPH on September 20, 2020, 11:02
A three man break did manage to stay away today and it was Abrahamsen of Uno-X who took the win. They're racing on three fronts currently. Next year it could four or five if you add in Dare Devo and a women's team that there was some news about this week.The women's team is planned for 2022 - but jumping right in at the WWT level.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 20, 2020, 12:04
https://twitter.com/WielerFlits/status/1233328410723848192
The winner of the overall will get a stagiaire contract with the WT team. Unfortunately the competition ends in the middle of September and thus the lucky rider will only get ~1 months worth of racing, but there's a fair few one-day races for them to get their teeth into at that time of year.
In addition one of the three best club riders in the competition will get a permanent contract with the feeder team.
Unsurprisingly this will not be happening this year. I think there have only been two races in the competition so far with just one more planned.
Quote from: Aviad Izrael
“Unfortunately Israel Start-Up Nation cannot offer an internship contract to the winner of the Top League and no contract to the winner of the club classification for the continental Israel Cycling Academy this year. The corona virus and its consequences are at the root of this. Due to the fact that due to the coronavirus, unfortunately many Top League competitions were canceled, ICA cannot sufficiently assess whether the riders who would be eligible for the contract for the continental team, fit in the vision of the management. ”
They do hope though that the collaboration will continue through next year.
As I say there still is one race to go, but the leading riders currently who have missed out on the offer are:
WT Stagiaire: Coolens (Beat). He's the joint leader along with Dekker who is obviously heading elsewhere.
ICA Contract: Joeri Stallaert (1991), Victor Broex (2000) or Stijn Siemons (1997). Logic says they would have had to go for Broex.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 20, 2020, 15:55
(https://i.imgur.com/p24E2Lz.png)
Different presentation of the result to show the names that Goldstein was climbing with today. Encouraging stuff again, but of course do remember he was ~2 minutes down on the winner.
That performance meant he finished 15th in the GC. :cool
The overall winner? Well, what do ya know Joe, it was Vojtech Repa!! Beaten to the stage victory by Traeen, but held onto the GC by 3 seconds. Somebody sign him up quick.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 24, 2020, 15:04
Small chat with Raim
He should be riding the Vuelta, but nothing is confirmed yet. It will be nice for him to get this reward with the team, but I think it will be his last effort for them and I'm rather worried that he is waiting around to hear from them instead of exploring other avenues.
Quote
The islander (Raim), whose current contract with Israel Start-Up Nation expires at the end of the year.
"It would be good for the contract to perform well there, but my goal is to go to Vuelta already with the contract. I wouldn't want to go on a three-week bike tour without a contract, it would be too stressful. "
There aren't too many spots left on the team. He might get a sentimental contract in the devo team, but if I was his agent I would be hawking him around to B&B, Nippo, Bingoal etc.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 29, 2020, 09:45
#israel
http://www.feltet.dk/nyheder/israel_start-up_nation_har_udtaget_giro_ditalia_holdet/
Rudy Barbier
Matthias Brändle
Alexander Cataford
Davide Cimolai
Alex Dowsett
Daniel Navarro
Guy Sagiv
Rick Zabel
Should do okay on the 3 sprints and 3 TTs ....... but not very well on the other 15 stages.
Can you tell I'm not so keen on the selection for the race? :P
Okay the sprint field isn't very deep with Demare and Gaviria the only ones from the current top rank of sprinters. A top three on one of the sprint days wouldn't be too big a surprise.
There are other days, on top of the three certs, that could end up a (reduced) sprint, but will Cimolai be able to hang on? The pace could be high on those days as Matthews tries to drop Demare/Sagan who in turn will want to get rid of Gaviria/Viviani etc.
The main problem is of course only having one climber who tbh is on his last legs. The non-selection of Badilatti for his "home" GT is a strange one. He wasn't far off the climbing performance of Muhlberger at Sibiu. I think he could have given good visibility to the team on some of the many climbing days. Even Schelling, who I didn't think would ride for the team again after his time on the naughty step, would have been a better option. I can only think that Matteo is lined up to ride the Vuelta instead.
Post by: search on September 29, 2020, 10:03
"In the Tirreno I finished with a lot of confidence, because my feelings got better and better towards the end of the race. [...] As usua, the route of the Giro is a tough one, with long stages, and all those high-altitude ones in the last week, I'd like to be a protagonist in", concludes Navarro, who's contract with Israel Start-Up Nation is about to expire, and who is confident to do a good Giro to find a team which will give him the opportunity to continue another year among the pros.
https://www.esciclismo.com/actualidad/carretera/63405.html
So that (as expected) also confirms that he won't stay with the team. Best hope is probably, that his old friend Contador may pick him up to guide the yougsters at #kometa for a year?!
Post by: search on September 30, 2020, 11:06
The Fleche Wallonne team is not too bad, but Dan Martin calling it a "luxury situation", having all those team mates that can win the race from an early attack, was a bit of a surprise to me, I must say ;)
Post by: Leadbelly on September 30, 2020, 18:33
It wouldn't surprise me if he'd the quickest ascent today.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 04, 2020, 09:51
They're in Italy instead. Today it's Il Piccolo Lombardia and presumably later in the week it's the Giro della Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The opposition today is definitely a step up from Malopolska. We're talking some of the cream of current U23 riders: Tiberi, the Lotto boys, Colleoni, Conca, Leknessund, Bayer etc etc.
Obviously I'm not expecting too much from the team.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 07, 2020, 20:44
Cimolai was only 7th in the first reduced sprint and Barbier will get his first chance on Friday. Maybe it'll be time after that for #FreeZabel.
Naturally there's nothing to cheer for on the climbing days either as Navarro has been nowhere so far.
-------------------------
Nothing much to report from Lombardia. I think the large early break went all the way and all the Israelis were DNF. Miles and Plamondon were some of the last finishers.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 10, 2020, 17:57
Post by: Leadbelly on October 10, 2020, 18:15
Quote
Alex Dowsett fears for his professional life. The Briton has no contract for the upcoming season yet. His victory in the eighth stage of the Giro d'Italia was therefore a very welcome gift. “It was a very tough year. There is so much uncertainty. ”
“I work hard, I want to keep racing next year, because that is what I prefer to do. I want to get food on the table for my family. Hopefully this victory will secure me for next year. ”
The 32-year-old Briton tries to enjoy all impressions as much as possible due to his uncertain professional life. “You keep getting a year older. Every win could be your last, maybe this will also be my last big round. I try to enjoy this with my teammates, my wife Chanel and my family. ”
Could be tough for him to stay with I-SUN. Normally there are only three spots left and at least one cobbled classics rider is needed. However there is a strain of sentimentality that runs in the team, not always to it's benefit, and that could swing him a contract. Unless of course somebody else comes in with an offer. I had been thinking Bahrain could be an option for him. There's the Ellingworth link and the team there is quite light on pure TT ability.
If it had been me in charge it would have been Dowsett and not Brandle who got the extension earlier in the year. However the Austrian got the nod, MWS is also around and Bevin is joining the team. Dowsett is probably a better TT-er than all three, but the latter two bring extra stuff to the table.
We'll see what happens.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 16, 2020, 09:09
https://twitter.com/sporza_koers/status/1317005700510453760
Looks like Verbrugghe will be the new sports manager (another ex-IAM associate). More news today is likely.
A month or two ago there was also the news that the team will continue to ride Factor bikes in 2021. A bit surprising as other brands (Bianchi and someone else I can't remember) had been linked and there had been some trouble during the year with the riders actually getting TT bikes - Cataford said something after TA about not being able to practice his TT much this year.
It could just be that they lost out in the bike merry-go-round to other teams or maybe they have a brand lined up, but only from 2022 and Factor is just staying on as a stop-gap. Specialized would be good (if unlikely)!
Post by: Leadbelly on October 17, 2020, 21:42
This is more the sort of team I like, with plenty of options on most days :cool
Martin obviously has the best chance of getting a stage win. Badilatti and Piccoli could try for the break on some of the MTF finishes and then there's three or four hillier days in the second half for Renard and Goldstein to target.
Raim finally gets his reward for his wins over the years. Not too much depth in the sprint field after the big-3, but with very little obvious help for the Estonian, top-tens are all he can hope for I think.
MWS's omission is a bit of a surprise. I assumed that since he wasn't riding the classics, he would be here, but no sign of him. Has there been a falling out with his plain speaking after missing out on the Tour?
Post by: Armchair Cyclist on October 17, 2020, 22:38
Post by: LukasCPH on October 18, 2020, 08:41
Nice to see that they took such care over producing that poster that they didn't give Piccoli a capital letter. C-You're being generous.
No capital Piccoli, and the riders' photos not in the same order as in the list ... it's a 3/10 from me.
Post by: Armchair Cyclist on October 18, 2020, 09:50
Post by: LukasCPH on October 18, 2020, 19:48
It really annoys me when it is someone's job to do such things, and they do it with so little care and with nobody checking it before it is sent out as the public image of the organisation they work for.Speaking of which, the Vuelta tweeted about *ec Carapaz ... using the *co flag. :fp
He was not happy:
https://twitter.com/RichardCarapazM/status/1317898257775906816
Post by: Armchair Cyclist on October 18, 2020, 22:41
Post by: LukasCPH on October 19, 2020, 12:29
I only cited that once in Ecuador before I learned that no-one wants to use the civil flag.Probably because the civil flag is, as you say, identical to the Colombian flag. :P
Post by: Leadbelly on October 21, 2020, 09:16
He just wasn't suited to European racing or rather, he was just very late in his career to make an attempt to get used to it.
In addition to that we know Navarro is looking elsewhere, so that leaves seven unknowns for next year.
Sagiv, Niv and Goldstein - All three must extend
Boivin - I'd say that's almost a certainty too. The only other option would be Rally. They are looking to expand their European racing programme and if Guillaume fancies a few more leadership opportunities....
Raim and Dowsett - Could get sentimental contracts, but the squad needs strengthening in other areas.
Hollenstein - Solid, but least chance of all of these.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 22, 2020, 18:08
Sorry Alex. This is the first proper WT stage win. ;)
The team is doing an decent job so far of helping him. Renard especially and Hollenstein have been prominent in keeping him towards the front. Goldstein helped a little bit today on the climb. Obviously the big test will be on the longer climbs on Sunday and further on in the race. Can Badilatti stick around a bit more?
Post by: Leadbelly on November 20, 2020, 19:32
No surprises there.
Buried in the text though is the info that the "plan is to revamp the Continental “Israel Cycling Academy” team and will race in 2021 with a full under-23 squad, including eight young Israelis."
So no more Dan. :(
Unless they really spring a surprise and hand him a WT contract. :pray
We already knew most of the old guys were leaving anyway. Perry to Astana, Avila to Burgos, Awet to _______ and Ovett to L39ION or a Zwift team (?).
Post by: Leadbelly on November 21, 2020, 09:37
Levi from the devo team nearly ruining the script. ;)
https://twitter.com/YallaIsraelSUN/status/1330063311409385474
Post by: Leadbelly on November 26, 2020, 17:19
I still don't believe Boivin won't re-sign especially with Astana now being complete. That brings us to 31.
Hollenstein impressed at the Vuelta I have to say. I could live with that.
A Raim renewal? I think his ship has sailed. Should have focused on classics instead of sprints imo.
A Turek upgrade? Fantasy signing. He could have been promised something after missing out last year with the Katusha merger. Has followed Scinto etc recently on instagram. Czech media recently said there would be news within ten days about his future.
Ben Moshe stepping up? Would probably benefit more from staying with the CT team another year. Could also have national service commitments to fulfil.
Somebody else? They were after Power the other year, but he struggles to put several days of good racing together. I like Havik and Budding at Riwal myself, but if they were interested they should have signed them last year.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 27, 2020, 06:01
I had noticed that he was following and being followed by some of the guys on the devo team. Not sure how Ollie knows it's confirmed. He could have just asked him I guess.
https://firstcycling.com/rider.php?r=85725&y=2020#rider
Some decent junior results, but nothing major in his two years at U23 so far.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 27, 2020, 17:55
Post by: Leadbelly on November 27, 2020, 18:09
This article could clear up one point of confusion in the Froome transfer.
Quote
Adams and Froome met in 2018 at the start of the Giro d'Italia from Jerusalem. There was harmony, they recognized the same passion for cycling in the other. For almost two years they did not hear much, then, when the contractual dynamics allowed the Kenyan of England to think of a future different from the one that (not) the Ineos proposed to him, they re-established contacts and quickly found an agreement. One year of renewable contract as long as he wants to run. Adams asked Froome only one thing: obstinacy to return the best. Froome asked Adams only for precision and a few followers up to the mission, the usual one: to try to win the fifth Tour de France
Some were saying the contract was for five years, others for three. If this is to be believed, it's a lot less worrying than that.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 28, 2020, 08:25
One spot left.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 06, 2020, 09:19
Pridham wasn't the only DS joining the team this week. He's been with the team before, but back when they were a CT outfit. That gives 10 official sports directors:
1. Rene Andrle (Czech Republic)
2. Claudio Cozzi (Italy)
3. Dirk Demol (Belgium)
4. Zak Dempster (Australia, head of continental team)
5. Oscar Guerrero (Spain)
6. Lionel Marie (France)
7. Dror Pekatch (Israel)
8. Cherie Pridham (UK)
9. Nicki Sorensen (Denmark)
10. Eric van Lancker (Belgium)
For sure Dempster might be busy with other things a lot of the time, but there is also Verbrugghe and Carlstrom to add into the mix. They'll need a lot of races to keep them all busy.
-------------------------------
Some more potential names for the Devo team:
Rotem Tene (does track with Einhorn)
Finley Newmark
Jakub Boucek (was on the same team as Repa)
Riley Pickrell
Alastair MacKellar (picture below)
(https://i.imgur.com/mYcNVrC.png)
I think he'd fit in more at EF. :P
Post by: LukasCPH on December 06, 2020, 11:24
For sure Dempster might be busy with other things a lot of the time, but there is also Verbrugghe and Carlstrom to add into the mix. They'll need a lot of races to keep them all busy.It's a lot of people, that's true - but it may well be (in fact, it's near-guaranteed) that some of them are 'part-time' DSs. After all, it is a job with a lot of long hours and very much travelling, taking you away from home for over 50% of the year if you're doing it full-time at WT level.
Post by: Leadbelly on December 06, 2020, 15:23
Post by: Leadbelly on January 05, 2021, 18:34
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eq6YBr4XUAECSY_?format=jpg)
Miles and Levi (who nearly won the Israeli Nats RR) are the only U23 riders from last year's crop who don't stay on.
Post by: Leadbelly on January 06, 2021, 14:48
Some of the blurb from yesterday:
Quote
In a strategic move to bolster the current development model, team management is turning Israel Cycling Academy into an under-23 team. The main purpose of ICA is to develop talent – especially Israeli – to a WorldTour level and the U23 designation contributes to that mission.
Being a U23-team allows ICA to compete in races that would normally not be open Continental teams.
“The idea of focusing completely on a U23 team is that it will allow us to field strong teams in the biggest U23 races like Liege-Bastogne-Liege and, hopefully, the Baby Giro,” says Zak Dempster, the head sports director of the Continental team. “These races are critical for the development of young riders and it’s imperative we are there fighting for results – if we are to develop the next generation of WorldTour riders within our structure.”
One of the first challenges for ICA will be the Tour du Rwanda, which is scheduled to take place in March (but riding with a couple of WT guys as I-SUN?).
It's worth noting that since they are now U23, this year will be the last for Ben Moshe and Abu Fares. The former, while yet another sprinter, definitely has more chance of moving up. He wouldn't be a direct replacement for Niv, but imo he's the local rider in the main team who should be worried about his future. He may be the best climber on paper but that hasn't translated to decent results or even being able to help team mates when it matters.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 04, 2021, 18:44
The I-SUN spin was that Barbier made up a lot of ground in the last 200m, but I see him in Dupont's wheel coming out of the roundabout (pretty much) and only finishes 4th. Great chance for a win missed imo.
Post by: Leadbelly on February 06, 2021, 17:05
I checked out his H2H TT record on CQ against some of the opponents tomorrow. Strangely only Politt has a winning record against him (6-2). He's level with Kwiat (2-2) and up on Wellens (4-2). Not that you can trust those stats of course, several of them are ones were either one or both of the riders weren't trying. While doing it though, I did spy that MWS finished fourth back in 2017 on this Ales TT which could be a good sign.
Anyway he's never going to make up 46s on Wellens and Kwiatkowski is a class above when he tries. Hanging onto third is the realistic target with his erstwhile team mate Politt the danger man.
Post by: search on February 23, 2021, 07:59
"10th place for Matthias Brändle in the UAE Tour time trial. The 32 year-old from Hohenemster only lost 38 seconds to Filippo Ganna on the 12 km course. 'Unfortunately the new time trial bike isn't ready yet, otherwise it could be 1.7 kph quicker. But I'm satisfied, the shape is good'."
"1.7 kph quicker" would move him up to 2nd
Post by: t-72 on February 23, 2021, 08:01
https://twitter.com/TeamIsraelSUN/status/1364104947483041792
Post by: Leadbelly on March 13, 2021, 18:18
Devo Team Alert!
First race of the season for the now fully U23 team and who needs Paris-Nice when you can have Paris-Troyes instead.
(https://i.imgur.com/6jTxVfi.png)
It's meant to be windy and could be wet too.
The team:
Pickrell
Boucek
Hollyman
Jones
Plamondon
Davidzon
Mackellar
Don't think there is a confirmed start list anywhere, but with 7 PCT teams (and more than that wanted to come), it won't be easy.
Post by: Leadbelly on March 14, 2021, 10:14
Don't think there is a confirmed start list anywhere, but with 7 PCT teams (and more than that wanted to come), it won't be easy.
You can check it out now on First.
https://firstcycling.com/race.php?r=285&y=2021&k=8
Lots of names: Capiot, Mozzato, Grosu, Barbier, De Bie, Vallee, Kooij, Sanz, Cabot, future MSR winner Jensen etc etc.
Direct Velo has a ticker and there will be a stream available later. :cool
Post by: Leadbelly on March 14, 2021, 11:04
They already have an invite to Paris-Roubaix U23. :cool
Post by: Servais Knavendish on March 23, 2021, 10:10
Not sure when we can start to officially call his ISUN tenure a disaster?
LB - do you see any grounds for optimism in any of the performances to date? Do you buy the 'all part of a bigger plan for TDF domination' / recovery on track rhetoric?
Any thoughts on next steps in the rehabilitation or potential growing acceptance that not just the best; but even an acceptable level of performance for a world tour rider is unfortunately for CF now firmly in the past (and I do have sympathy for the man in his current plight)?
Post by: Leadbelly on March 23, 2021, 20:09
Unless of course this is all a sham, a massive yo-yo if you will, so massive it starts months before the race beings. :D
Post by: t-72 on March 23, 2021, 22:41
So Froome...
Not sure when we can start to officially call his ISUN tenure a disaster?
One way to look at it, he is a professional rider and that deal seems like it is just the opposite of a disaster from a profesional perspective. if they paid a little bit more even I might consider getting back on the bike and make my best efforts for a cople of years. I just barely know how to pedal, but that is not the point - Froome is also better at negotiating a deal than I am, it appears. However, none of us know the terms and conditions, so it is based on hearsay that he is so extremely well paid.
As I wrote in another thread on the forum I accidentally came across one of his houses or at least places where he use to stay, actually just a few weeks before the Dauphine disaster - and I would guess that even without payments from ISUN he could probably manage just fine while reskilling to something more useful than pro bike rider. Economy isn't the reason he keeps on doing what he is doing.
I think he does it because he likes riding a bike and loves to compete, and it seems like he is particularly fond of proving people that say he can't do this, can't do that wrong - by adding the things he supposedly can't do to his list of skills the following year. The Finestre solo attack was just the last (so far) on the list of
things people including myself has been convinced he would never try, let alone succeed with it, when trying to do it.
I think he is really trying to get back as a top contender despite what he has been through, if for no other reason then because the lot of us here totally agree it's got to be damned impossible!
He doesn't have a chance ;)
Post by: Servais Knavendish on March 24, 2021, 08:07
So put it another way - can you imagine any scenario that doesn't involve ISUN looking for a financial solution to end this thing well before TDU 2022???
Post by: Leadbelly on April 03, 2021, 11:41
Glad to see they're not putting all their eggs in the Tour basket. :cool
#ica
Devo Team Alert!
First race of the season for the now fully U23 team and who needs Paris-Nice when you can have Paris-Troyes instead.
It didn't end up going very well. Plamondon (riding with the main squad today) was part of the day's break which went to the end (+ a few who bridged right at the death), but he got dropped. The rest all finished well down or were DNF.
Their season continues tomorrow and Monday with a couple of U23 events in Italy - Trofeo Piva and the Giro del Belvedere.
Post by: Leadbelly on April 26, 2021, 13:14
Their season continues tomorrow and Monday with a couple of U23 events in Italy - Trofeo Piva and the Giro del Belvedere.
No wins or anything yet from the kids, but in these two events and another two Italian one day races more recently, there have been promising performances.
Trofeo Piva - Mackellar was the last surviving rider from the break and won the KoM. Hollyman was part of the chasing grp behind runaway winner Ayuso. Goldstein was active in the final also.
Giro del Belvedere - Another Ayuso victory. Goldstein again and Boucek were in the mix towards the end.
GP Industria & Commercio - Boucek finished in the same time as Ayuso, but unfortunately that was in a grp 20s down on the winner.
Gran Premio della Liberazione - A technical urban circuit with almost no flat according to Ben Moshe. He finished 6th, Jones in 9th and Goldstein was in one of the breaks.
Not sure if there is anything planned for the team before the Alpes Isère Tour in May, but the riders themselves could be busy with the main team. I'd be surprised if they weren't in the majority in Rwanda and some might even make an appearance in Hongrie.
Post by: Leadbelly on April 28, 2021, 19:23
Martin
Bevin
Brandle
Cimolai
De Marchi
Dowsett
Neilands
Niv
A rather different looking team from what had been talked about earlier in the year. Out go Greipel and co. and in comes some more support for Cousin Dan.
Could they have parachuted in another sprinter in place of the German? Barbier is probably the only one with the top speed, but he's not shown much in terms of results this year and has been spending time with his newborn child. Hofstetter I'd keep for the Tour where he'd probably grab a few top-tens. Einhorn has been injured.
So yeah, this could be the right choice. Just don't be the chumps chasing the break down for a 6th place sprint from Cimolai. Get in the break instead.
Post by: LukasCPH on April 30, 2021, 07:49
So yeah, this could be the right choice. Just don't be the chumps chasing the break down for a 6th place sprint from Cimolai. Get in the break instead.Ideally with Cimolai!
Post by: search on May 05, 2021, 07:54
talking about ITTs... the new Factor bike isn't available yet, but apparently supposed to be a major improvement, according to Brändle in the Vorarlberger Zeitung today:
"10th place for Matthias Brändle in the UAE Tour time trial. The 32 year-old from Hohenemster only lost 38 seconds to Filippo Ganna on the 12 km course. 'Unfortunately the new time trial bike isn't ready yet, otherwise it could be 1.7 kph quicker. But I'm satisfied, the shape is good'."
"1.7 kph quicker" would move him up to 2nd
the new bike is still not ready, according to an article in Austrian media today. "For Brändle, already the first day could have resulted in a big moment. A short ITT is the absolute specialty of the former world record holder. "My new bike didn't get ready yet, the old one is just too slow", he sighs. But Brändle wants to chase success as an escapee: "In the final week two stages are suited to me".'
Bevin had some decent results recently, though, so maybe it's also a bit of a personal thing.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 05, 2021, 19:49
Despite all that of course, I'd be disappointed if the team don't come away with a stage win at the Giro. Martin, De Marchi and Bevin give some good options.
Post by: search on May 06, 2021, 07:53
It's like a poorly performing F1 team. This year's car is always nearly, but not quite, ready and they have to use last year's model instead. No doubt they'll have it ready for 2022.
maybe even for the "next race", the final time trial of the Giro, according to another article about Brändle today:
The new time trial bike Brändle hoped for did not get ready on time due to delivery difficulties experienced by a raw material supplier. “So I have no chance,” he says, in regards the time trial at the start on May 8th. Otherwise the nine kilometers street circuit would be tailormade for him. What remains is the hope of the final time trial on May 30th over 29.4 km with the finish in Milan. “It should work out until then,” Brändle says
Post by: Leadbelly on May 11, 2021, 21:17
Stage 15 is the only other similar stage as far as I can see. Will we see different tactics then?
Post by: search on May 16, 2021, 07:13
Stage 15 is the only other similar stage as far as I can see. Will we see different tactics then?
Cimo seems to plan to stay around until then, at least, and sees it as a goal: "I don't have a team to support me, so I can't do much in pure speed stages. We'll have to wait for the Giro to go on, when the sprinters will be tired. [...] the dream now would be [to win] the Grado-Gorizia stage, which is run in Friuli. But I'm afraid that the hilly design may favor a breakaway."
https://bici.pro/giro-italia/cimolai-a-meta-del-guado-vincere-o-aiutare/
He is on his contract year, and seems to need that stage win to secure a bigger deal. "I'm at an age where you have to choose for the best, the same reason why I'm here [in the Giro] and not at home with my partner [awaiting our first child]." In general, he'd like to stay with the team though, even in another role: "I have always thought to be fast - he says - but if I had to place side by side to a strong sprinter as Viviani or Nizzolo, I would not have problems to help them. I've already proven to be a great last man. An intelligent rider has to understand his role and I would probably perform better next to a top sprinter. [...] It would be nice if the strong sprinter came here. Coming to this team was my best choice."
Post by: search on May 16, 2021, 09:45
(https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/daniel-martin-of-ireland-patrick-bevin-of-new-zealand-matthias-of-picture-id1318132112?s=2048x2048)
Post by: Armchair Cyclist on May 16, 2021, 10:33
Post by: LukasCPH on May 16, 2021, 21:07
any idea why Dan Martin has a different jersey, btw? Already noticed that during the stageHmm.
(https://media.gettyimages.com/photos/daniel-martin-of-ireland-patrick-bevin-of-new-zealand-matthias-of-picture-id1318132112?s=2048x2048)
Dowsett (as well as "no. 4" and "no. 5") is wearing a onesie skinsuit, Martin isn't. But the remaining riders also look to be wearing a shorts + jersey combo, so it can't really be that. :S
Post by: Joan on May 17, 2021, 11:25
Post by: Servais Knavendish on May 17, 2021, 16:19
Post by: search on May 26, 2021, 07:23
He wanted to attack and go for the stage win last Sunday (when Campenaerts won), but wasn't allowed to, as he "had to stay with Dan Martin in case of potential echelons" (:S) - so he'll try tomorrow instead, if he is allowed to, while Dan Martin (obviously) eyes the stages today and on Friday. The new time trial bike hasn't arrived yet.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 26, 2021, 08:58
Obviously the various DNFs have stymied then quite a bit, but hopefully since Dan lost time on Monday (nothing wrong with that, he rolled the dice and came up short) the team will be all in for breaks in the final few days.
---------------------------------
Not sure if there is anything planned for the team before the Alpes Isère Tour in May, but the riders themselves could be busy with the main team. I'd be surprised if they weren't in the majority in Rwanda and some might even make an appearance in Hongrie.
They found the Alpes Isere Tour a tougher cookie than the Italian races. In all abut one stage (Jones came third from the break) they struggled to make an impression. Not sure why. Better opposition? Stage race vs One Day? Weather? Different racing style in different countries?
Not a lot to write home about re: Rwanda and Hongrie. Goldstein and Lahav did what they could for Piccoli, but they came up a little short against the French PCT teams.
Some better things in Mallorca though as Boucek and Hollyman did okay on a couple of the hilly days.
Post by: Leadbelly on May 29, 2021, 18:16
New bike must be ready then. Brandle is available at 251. :shh
Post by: Armchair Cyclist on May 29, 2021, 20:13
About the most underwhelming press release ever "We will use time trial bikes in the time trial"
Post by: search on May 30, 2021, 11:50
(gt) Another tough mountain stage, close to home, then the final time trial awaits Matthias Brändle at the Giro d‘Italia. And the 31-year-old will tackle this with a new racing bike. Just yesterday, the last parts were treated in Vorarlberg by the carbon specialist Marcel Summer in Dornbirn and sent to Italy. It was the posture for the aerobar. The time trial machine will be assembled in Milan, where Brändle will see it for the first time.
"My new time trial machine is arriving piece by piece. 90 percent have already been manufactured, currently Marcel Summer from CHAMPN. CLUB is still taking care of the last adapter plate for the handlebars. On my part, I would like to say a big thank you to the 'Ländle' for that, especially as there will be a somewhat "intimate kind of handover" by them at the San Bernardino Pass on Saturday. How it's going to work is difficult to predict. As an optimist, I say: It will run like hell ... "
"The Giro 2021 went great for our team despite a couple of falls. Of course, I want to ensure a perfect finish on Sunday. I'm not sure how far it can go, but one thing is certain: I'll give everything for it. "
Hard to believe it's really worth 2s per km as he suggested earlier on, but who knows...
Post by: LukasCPH on May 30, 2021, 23:07
Hard to believe it's really worth 2s per km as he suggested earlier on, but who knows...In the end, he finished 16th, 1:23 minutes (or 83 seconds) down on Ganna. That's 2.739 seconds lost per kilometre.
In the opening ITT of 8.6 km he finished 22 seconds behind, that was 2.558 seconds lost per kilometre.
And Ganna had a bike change today which lost him ~20 seconds.
My conclusion? Ganna is better than Brändle at recovering three weeks into a Grand Tour. :P
Post by: search on May 31, 2021, 07:36
"In advance, I obviously had hoped for more than 16th place, but considering that I first saw the bike only 10 hours before, I can't be too dissatisfied. Technical problems weren't expected, but also didn't come as that much of a surprise. We still wanted to give it a try. But after 5k the steering stopped working properly, which obviously had implications on my ride, as it wasn't possible to take corners on the ideal line anymore. I hope we'll be able to solve those problems quickly. Then the next time trial victory shouldn't be far away."
Post by: LukasCPH on May 31, 2021, 08:28
"[...]I first saw the bike only 10 hours before [...]"Given how the year (and especially the cycling season) is almost halfway done, isn't it, well, less-than-ideal that they only get their TT bikes now?
Or did I misunderstand something, and this is a prototype that's currently in development for sale in 2023?
Post by: Armchair Cyclist on May 31, 2021, 09:50
he also had some technical problems, he said, but overall a pretty disappointing result, yeah. Worse than normallyGiven that a substantial part of his job is to promote the bike manufacturers, then saying that they struggle to meet deadlines and that their product is unreliable is not the best way of doing that.
"In advance, I obviously had hoped for more than 16th place, but considering that I first saw the bike only 10 hours before, I can't be too dissatisfied. Technical problems weren't expected, but also didn't come as that much of a surprise. We still wanted to give it a try. But after 5k the steering stopped working properly, which obviously had implications on my ride, as it wasn't possible to take corners on the ideal line anymore. I hope we'll be able to solve those problems quickly. Then the next time trial victory shouldn't be far away."
Post by: search on May 31, 2021, 11:08
Given how the year (and especially the cycling season) is almost halfway done, isn't it, well, less-than-ideal that they only get their TT bikes now?
Or did I misunderstand something, and this is a prototype that's currently in development for sale in 2023?
it's just a prototype of a new bike, yeah. Brändle has complained about the old one not being competitive basically since they switched to Factor, and also Dowsett used different (unbranded) bikes during the international competitions for that reason. This new bike was supposed to be 2s per km quicker than the old one, that's why it was particularly interesting to see how it goes.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 12, 2021, 19:26
A lot of question marks over form and injuries. It's quite easy to go through the team and cross a lot of names out.
For me the only three definite choices are Woods, Martin and Goldstein.
Now do you go with a Greipel train or not? It's tempting especially if Sam Bennett doesn't ride, but I'm leaning more towards no train. So maybe just Hofstetter as the team's sprinter with MWS to help him out. Bevin could double up as an alternative.
That leaves three spots for helpers - Neilands, Hollenstein and Hermans.
No Froome obviously - better to send him to the Vuelta imo.
Naturally the real team will look very different. :lol
Post by: search on June 12, 2021, 22:39
Post by: Leadbelly on June 13, 2021, 10:49
Greipel has got those wins recently. His last one was with an impressive looking burst of speed. However the opposition he beat were people having a really bad 2021 - Kristoff, Pedersen and Hodeg. It's a tough one. Even with a decent train, can you see him doing well in chaotic sprints against Nizzolo, WVA, MVDP (or one one of his back-ups), Ewan, Sagan, Demare and somebody from Deceuninck. It's a tough imagine.
Mind you it's a tough imagine to see Woods doing better than a top-ten in the GC with or without lots of helpers.
Post by: LukasCPH on June 14, 2021, 17:47
https://twitter.com/TeamIsraelSUN/status/1404449847894237187
Post by: search on June 18, 2021, 11:57
Post by: Leadbelly on June 18, 2021, 20:09
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4KIhwJXMAc85Tx?format=jpg)
Would have liked to have seen Neilands in there as he could have helped Greipel and Woods, but maybe he just isn't ready.
Post by: Leadbelly on June 19, 2021, 19:39
https://twitter.com/TeamIsraelSUN/status/1406167840579858433
On closer inspection it's maybe not too much of a surprise. Neither Einhorn or Sagiv have raced much this year and obviously need some miles in their legs and Niv, who tried to go solo, just isn't the type of racer you need for this course.
Chapeau Vlad! :cool
Post by: Armchair Cyclist on June 19, 2021, 20:29
Post by: Leadbelly on June 20, 2021, 18:15
It's worth noting that since they are now U23, this year will be the last for Ben Moshe and Abu Fares.
SAF won't have done his chances any harm with his second yesterday. He also did pretty well in the recent Volta a Castello. Ben Moshe has had more racing and chances with the main team, but hasn't done much to show he's worthy of a spot next year.
-----------------
We've had runners, rowers and ski jumpers switching to cycling. How about a professional dancer?
https://www.facebook.com/IsraelCyclingAcademy/posts/3410750952361772
Quote
This is a sports story that can not be disliked: a professional dancer who studied ballet and works for a living in a cafe - managed to astonish professional riders and become the Israeli champion on the road and now hopes to get a professional contract.
Please get to know: the new Israeli champion Vlad Logionov.
I understand that everyone is a bit shocked but the truth is that I came to the race with a plan to surprise them and win. I knew that Startup Nation Quartet would tactically guard each other and not cooperate - and I could take advantage of that. And that's exactly what happened. '
In this respect he is right. The balance of terror between the four professionals of Israel Start but Nation played right into his hands.
'I knew there was no way I was going to stay with them until the end. I had no chance, 'said Logionov. "I had to run away from them." That's exactly what he did. In the end, he waged a fight against the young Sanad Abu Fares - and won the sprint.
"I have immense respect for the start-up professionals," Logionov said. 'But I took advantage of the rivalry to my advantage. Now my dream is to try to get a professional contract myself. '
Post by: t-72 on June 20, 2021, 22:22
Post by: search on June 25, 2021, 07:55
"I had already decided in December not to do a Grand Tour this year. Instead I try to enjoy myself, and fight for the win in smaller (stage) races. And I sticked to that decision. Winning in Lugano next Sunday will be more difficult, though. It's constantly up and down, with shorter hills that in the Giro dell'Appennino. So that doesn't suit me too well. However, there's no lack of motivation of course. From July 14 to 18 I will do the Giro di Sardegna then, after which I'll head to an altitude camp in Livigno to prepare for the block of racing afterwards, starting with the Tour de Pologne, till Tour of Britain in September."
Post by: Servais Knavendish on June 25, 2021, 13:30
Post by: Leadbelly on June 25, 2021, 19:14
Anyway he needs the racing and we saw at the Vuelta last year that he did improve as the race went on. Not enough to be a game-changer for Carapaz, but something like that in the last week is the most that can be hoped for here.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 16, 2021, 10:11
In other news the devo team start the second half of their season today at the Trofeu Joaquim Agostinho.
I would have hoped for a few more race days for the riders by now. The Baby Giro invite didn't materialize, they're not at Aosta which also starts today and there's no place for the Israeli National team at l'Avenir. Training camps are all very good, but they need to be racing the other U23 teams on a more regular basis.
Post by: Leadbelly on July 17, 2021, 18:27
In other news the devo team start the second half of their season today at the Trofeu Joaquim Agostinho.
Holy smokes! They won a stage.
https://twitter.com/helenadias_/status/1416432333616467970
Helena Dias is as surprised as I am. Things are going well in Italy too, which makes up somewhat for what's been going on (or not been going on) in France.
---------------------------------------
https://twitter.com/TeamIsraelSUN/status/1416352042394791936
There are rumours of Cimolai moving on, will Hofstetter be happy to stay after his TdF snub and now we know Andre is retiring a year early. The team could be left with a pared down sprint dept in 2022 (about time I hear everybody say).
Barbier, Jones and Einhorn would be very weak though. There are plenty of faster guys for reduced sprints (Bevin, Impey, MWS or even Vanmarcke), but I think somebody else would have to come in to take a bit of the strain. Answers on a postcard please.
Post by: LukasCPH on July 18, 2021, 07:10
The team could be left with a pared down sprint dept in 2022 (about time I hear everybody say).:lol
Viviani is out of contract at #cofidis, and the team management may want to let him go after realising it was not (only) Viviani that won all those sprints at Quick Step, but just as much (if not more so) the lead-out train. ;)
Post by: Leadbelly on July 18, 2021, 21:59
:lol
Viviani is out of contract at #cofidis, and the team management may want to let him go after realising it was not (only) Viviani that won all those sprints at Quick Step, but just as much (if not more so) the lead-out train. ;)
Thankfully that boat looks to have sailed as he's been heavily linked with Eolo. Somebody who might still be wanting to break the TdF stage wins record would also be a very bad idea I feel. Adams would probably love it though.
I had been thinking that Ewan could be a target for the year after, so they might just end up sticking with what they have in the sprint dept for next season or at most picking up an older stop-gap.
Post by: LukasCPH on July 18, 2021, 23:55
Somebody who might still be wanting to break the TdF stage wins record would also be a very bad idea I feel. Adams would probably love it though.That would be absolute :fp territory.
Has #israel ever had a working lead-out train to speak of? I can't remember it ever happening - at best, they had 2-4 sprinters in the same race who might or might not have found each other in the final.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 03, 2021, 18:40
I had been thinking that Ewan could be a target for the year after, so they might just end up sticking with what they have in the sprint dept for next season or at most picking up an older stop-gap.
https://twitter.com/WielerFlits/status/1422552335360962574
Ewan extends with Lotto till the end of 2024, but surely he'll have a clause in his contract if the team does drop down to PCT.
In other news, Renard looks to be heading to Cofidis. A mistake I fear. He (along with Vahtra) hasn't really been given a fair crack of the whip in his time with the team.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 07, 2021, 20:25
https://twitter.com/WielerFlits/status/1423555533265645570
He doesn't know what is happening yet re: his future.
Quote
The Limburger could not tell us much about his future, Hermans is at the end of his contract with Israel Start-Up Nation. “I have left that to my management my entire career and it has never let me down. But if it's up to me, I'd be happy to stay with my current team. I feel very good here and see a lot of pros compared to other teams.”
“I wouldn't know where other teams are doing so much better. Okay, the top teams with a bigger budget may be able to support their riders a little more professionally, but at Israel Start-Up Nation they don't do that badly. The environment in which to perform is also good. There is no great pressure. They can also live with a place of honor. And if I don't ride a prize once, it's because I've had bad luck or I'm sick. They show understanding for that.”
“If I want to adjust my program, they are open to it. No, you don't hear me complaining. Can I end my career there? That's another question. That is always possible. But I'm 35. I don't think a two-year contract is enough. It is always possible, as soon as I feel that I can no longer win races, I stop. But I'm not going to assume that today."
In another interview after today's victory he echoed some earlier thoughts about being happy riding "nice little races" like ARoN and not being overly bothered about riding GTs and chasing a stage win.
Post by: search on August 11, 2021, 20:00
Post by: Leadbelly on August 11, 2021, 21:05
What's Greipel up to these days? ;)
Sitting on a beach according to instagram. :onfire1
It's gonna be an odds and sods team no matter which way you look at it.
MWS and Vanmarcke are in good form, but I haven't looked at any profiles to see if there are any stages which suit them. Cimo should be the sprinter as Barbier has said he's riding in the French track championships. Einhorn might get a look in. Climbers will be Piccoli and Berwick?
Woods surely won't be riding since he just became a father again. Neilands had back issues in Burgos and maybe that's what the hold-up is. Will he be fit in time?
Post by: t-72 on August 11, 2021, 21:34
Still no announcements for the Vuelta, and I'd guess two from the provisional lists (Hagen, injured? and Hermans, no GT this year) won't be around. What's Greipel up to these days? ;)
The TV2 commentaries dureing Arctic Race said #israel Hagen was out of question for the Vuelta. He might try a shorter duration race.
Really bad luck for both Hagen and the team to miss out on the entire season when it turned out that Froome wasn't the GT captain anymore. It was the perfect opportunity for him but both physically and in terms of role within the team, he might never get back to right where he was when he flipped over on a training ride more or less a stone throw from home that he had done sooo many times before ;(
Staying concetrated and keeping those wheels on the ground whatever happens is so important in cycling, must be #israe Israels's lesson learned from this. (Although they signed Froome after the accident, so technically it is not on their acount.)
Post by: Leadbelly on August 13, 2021, 12:00
The team have said they won't be buying a GC rider this year (but you never know), Froome still won't be a GT captain, Woods will do Tour and Vuelta imo, Hermans ain't so keen on GTs, Martin might not be with the team and that leaves the Giro free at least.
Now what his actual level is, is another matter. Pre or post-injury. I remain to be convinced.
---------------------------------------------------
After a shaky start to the Volta (the entire team finished over 30 mins down on stage 4), there have been some excellent results from Hollyman and Mackellar. Nothing from the Israelis though. Hopefully the aforementioned duo can do something on the remaining two normal stages.
I have to hold my hands up and say that I didn't really expect much from Mackellar with the team. Those pictures of him looking like a total EF wannabe scruff put me off and the fact that his Dad is rather rich I think, had me jumping to conclusions.
Neither is ready for the move to WT yet imo (none of the devo team is), but the Brit might get the chance if there is enough room. It'll help attract other future talents if they see people making the jump.
---------------------------------------------------
No Israel team at l'Avenir which starts today, but the team does have some representation. Plamondon and Boucek are riding for their respective countries.
Post by: search on August 15, 2021, 12:06
Cimo should be the sprinter as Barbier has said he's riding in the French track championships. Einhorn might get a look in.
In the pre-stage interview, Cimo just said that they will ride for the "young Israeli" today. He will try to position him on Demare's back wheel, as #groupama has the best train, in his opinion.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 15, 2021, 12:36
Post by: Leadbelly on August 19, 2021, 18:16
They seem determined not to give Cimolai a chance. Fair enough, let Einhorn have a go on stage 2, but then on stage 4, which looked on paper very good for the Italian, they went with Vanmarcke instead.
The second disappointment is that they could not get anyone in the break for either of the two break winning stages so far. To be fair Piccoli, Berwick and Niv aren't built to get in breaks on the flat, but neither are some of the guys from other teams who did manage it. Tomorrow's climb fest might prove a bit easier in that respect.
---------------------------------
Some transfer out news/rumours this week.
Cimolai and Renard are both heading to Cofidis and Hofstetter is rumoured to Arkea.
I'm disappointed that each are leaving to varying degrees. Renard especially is just starting to bloom with some nice performances. Hofstetter had his place in semi-classics and you could rely on him for top 5-10 with minimal help in most sprints.
Cimolai was a bit of an enigma. He always seemed to do great lead-outs when in the Italian national jersey, but I can't remember too many good ones in the I-SUN one. Maybe he never got the chance to build a rapport with the designated sprinter. I would have paired him with Barbier for 90% of their races (Cimo leads out on flat days and then has his own opportunity on slightly hillier days), but that didn't seem to happen.
------------------------------------
Transfers In?
Fuglsang is the only rumour I have seen recently.
I was thinking Sciotti might like the team to keep up it's quota of Italian riders. Nizzolo and Colbrelli immediately jump out as names to fill the void left by the transfers out. I'd love Sonny, but although he was linked with Astana much earlier in the year, why would he leave Bahrain when things are going so well there. Nizzolo would appear much more available.
Tbh it's not too easy to find realistic targets who would bring something to the team (with the emphasis on realistic - though a big enough salary can make anything possible). Maybe Van den Berg (going well in l'Avenir) who Groupama don't seem to want or Livyns (friendly with Vanmarcke).
Post by: Leadbelly on August 25, 2021, 13:02
Hagen makes his comeback in Deutschland.
Post by: Leadbelly on August 26, 2021, 20:09
Quote
Hermans: “ITS MY FIRST TT WIN EVER"
I got a new TT bike last week in Andorra at the training camp and I really wanted to give it my all to test the material.
I tested them only a couple of times before the race but I guess Factor did a great job with this new bike.
Okay he wasn't beating big names, but the other riders that make up the top-5 are no mugs.
Maybe the new bike will be as good as advertised.
Unfortunately Brandle crashed out yesterday in the same race while in an excellent GC position. He'd have been odds on to win the whole thing otherwise. He had a tenth recently in Pologne on the new bike, but that was against much tougher opposition and he was only ~30s down on the winner.
------------------------
Over in Spain the team actually made it into the break (with Berwick) for the first (?) time in the race. Piccoli also managed to hang onto the front group.
You got to take these small crumbs of comfort some time.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 04, 2021, 05:29
Hopefully he can go out with a bang.
Post by: search on September 07, 2021, 07:44
Okay he wasn't beating big names, but the other riders that make up the top-5 are no mugs.
Maybe the new bike will be as good as advertised.
some more from Hermans intoday's Het Belang van Limburg, after he was nominated for the #teambe Mixed TTT:
"I've never done specific time trial training blocks. Nor a wind tunnel test to determine the perfect position for myself. Maybe I can do that when I get older (laughs). Especially now, as Factor has delivered a top notch bike. After my BMC years, I have always struggled to reach the Top 10, although my watt values were high. Now with the new bike, I immediately won."
Post by: Leadbelly on September 07, 2021, 18:48
-------------------------
Dowsett had quite a funny instagram post yesterday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTfPMGQtBW-/
Quote
Was just asked by one of our staff members here “how is the kid doing?”
•
I replied, “great, we can clap hands now”
•
This was followed by an awkward silence
•
“You meant Mason didn’t you?”
•
“Yeah”
•
@masonhollyman_ being our youngster here stepping up from the team’s development team, who can also clap hands and is doing just fine in the race
Post by: Leadbelly on September 09, 2021, 08:10
https://twitter.com/TeamIsraelSUN/status/1433915204463566852
This does open up a GC/climber spot in the team of course, and after a really poor performance in August generally which has seen the team's opponents in the 2023 WT race catch right back up (I'll update the thread soon), they could do with bolstering the point scoring potential of the team next year.
It reeks of the already rumoured Fuglsang, or maybe even Thomas. The new bike might sway him if he's a target. Mind you he crashes more than Woods/Martin.
---------------
They were using the new bike at the TTT btw according to Hollenstein.
Dowsett said he didn't have a great performance himself and Greipel had a mech (?), so taking those into account plus the team composition, then just losing the 43s is great.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 10, 2021, 16:42
Over in the Flanders Tomorrow Tour it was Riley Pickrell who gained the plaudits mainly. On stage 1 he "won" the sprint in the bunch behind the successful break and then on stage 2 he finished second, ahead of the Van Dijke twins and only behind Wes Krul of SEG.
Quote from: Pickrell
I threw too early, but Wessel Krul only passed me in the last ten meters. The difference is not great. We haven't done a lot of sprints this season. We did a lot of hilly races. It's only my third sprint of the season. It is encouraging for the future.
That future will hopefully include the Tour de Bretagne to which the team has got an invite.
Oded Kogut also got a chance to sprint in the final half stage of the race and he nabbed a fifth place finish. He along with his Israeli team mates are currently competing in the non-UCI Volta a Valencia (just as Israel though, not as ICA). He had the intermediate sprints jersey after stage 1, but the other stages are more hilly/mountainous I believe.
---------------------------
Any transfer targets for the devo team?
Parisella is the very obvious one, but Rally (where he's a stagiaire) and Groupama Devo are both interested.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 11, 2021, 22:24
Post by: LukasCPH on September 12, 2021, 18:09
Post by: Leadbelly on September 12, 2021, 19:57
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E_EEH5wXsAQEWaf?format=jpg)
This was the old one. I'm sure they can do something a bit more classy than that now.
Post by: LukasCPH on September 13, 2021, 17:07
Not really room though for a "big" maple leaf in that corner of the chest with the current design.Here's a quick-and-dirty visualisation of my idea:
Post by: Servais Knavendish on September 13, 2021, 17:33
Post by: Leadbelly on September 13, 2021, 18:19
Imo it doesn't work. If it's in the lower/middle section, it needs to be central....or how about four of them. One front middle, one back middle and then one left side and one right side.
Something like...
(https://i.imgur.com/IpbNG1e.png)
....or is that too much?
Post by: LukasCPH on September 14, 2021, 07:57
Imo it doesn't work. If it's in the lower/middle section, it needs to be central....or how about four of them. One front middle, one back middle and then one left side and one right side.Four maple leaves are too much. It should be only one (well, two, one front, one back).
But yes, it can easily be in the middle instead of replacing the star.
Post by: Servais Knavendish on September 14, 2021, 08:38
Post by: Leadbelly on September 14, 2021, 18:18
:)
Poels has been linked with a move. Finally some more rumours.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 18, 2021, 07:49
https://www.directvelo.com/actualite/90870/la-conti-israel-cycling-academy-davantage-en-belgique-en-2022
Quote
Next season, the project will undergo a complete overhaul which will have consequences for the WorldTeam whose numbers will drop from 32 to 27-28 riders.
No more recruiting experienced runners like Chris Froome or Michael Woods, make way for youth. "The idea is to build a real schedule from the start of the year so as to incorporate the Continental riders with the pros. They will not be filler"; The Mainland will be made up of 16 runners, 8 Israelis and 8 Europeans. "For the project to work, it is important to have a good recruitment. This is why I went to the Tour de l'Avenir to see the young people who are going up."
He also adds that they'll have more of a presence in Northern Europe next year + he himself has signed a four year deal.
Plenty to mull over there in the bolded parts.
Currently they have 22 riders signed up for 2022 (according to PCS). The four Israelis brings that to 26. Neilands to 27 and that leaves one spot max for incoming transfers. Unless that one rider is a really big name, then this will be the first year that the team has not been improved with transfers since it's inception. Don't get me wrong, making the switch to youth (with the occasional old head) is the right approach I feel, but they now really run the risk of losing out in the 2023 WT competition (I haven't checked but with the results in the past few days, they may be in the relegation zone already).
It wouldn't bother me per se a relegation to PCT, but I can't see Adams liking that.
I'll have a look at the people who did well at l'Avenir (like Verbrugghe did) later. However I think most of them are already signed to WT or PCT teams already (or WT devo teams). Might be difficult to find 2001+ riders that are available.
Post by: LukasCPH on September 18, 2021, 09:20
Might be difficult to find 2001+ riders that are available.But they only need 16? :angel
:dizzy
Post by: search on September 18, 2021, 12:04
could be better, could be worse, I guess. Some fitting shorts wouldn't hurt
edit: in the race, it actually looks quite good, combined with the red shoes, and that red stripe on the shorts
Post by: search on September 18, 2021, 19:00
“I went to my room and I thought, ‘okay, let’s have a think how much money I’d need to get, and what would be my ideal race programme?’ I came to the decision that it was irrelevant. And that was the turning point. [...]
“The intensity of the sport is just increasing with professionalism. And the demands are just getting higher and higher.” [...]
“It’s an incredibly professional environment now where every minute detail is controlled by the teams, obviously to optimise performance. It’s got to the extent that you’re told exactly how much food to eat, by weight, and also when to eat it and what to eat. And the training is all controlled too.
“It’s incredible where the sport has come from when I started racing. I look back at photos now, and you just see the difference, it is immense. But at the same time, for me personally, it’s lost a little bit of the attraction, in terms of the human side of it.
“With all the money involved in the sport now, all the sponsors are serious and the riders are even more serious. And that intensity, for me, is not sustainable anymore.” [...]
“The reason I wanted to go to the Giro was partly to try and win the stage that I was missing from my palmarès [results], but also just to try something different. But after completing the Giro, I realised that it wasn’t the same old races I was bored of, it was just cycling I was bored of.
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-sports/dan-martin-i-realised-that-it-wasn-t-the-same-old-races-i-was-bored-of-it-was-just-cycling-1.4674028
Post by: Leadbelly on September 18, 2021, 19:55
L'Avenir Watch
I was right. There aren't many who did well that aren't already WT/PCT/WT Devo signed. There are a few, but they're mainly from 2000.
First up Marco Frigo. Finished 11th in the GC. Decent climber, but also did well in the recent Flanders Tomorrow Tour. Did some tests/camps with Deceuninck a year or two back, but the interest has cooled and with SEG disappearing is very much available.
Martin Messner (great surname for a climber as I have said before). Pure climber - only 50kg. Finished 6th in the GC. Can't see it happening for some reason.
People like Vernon and Gloag would on paper be available, but that would appear very unlikely to me with Ineos lurking.
Frigo's the only one I see making the move from what he did at l'Avenir.
In fact why don't they just sign a bunch of the SEG boys. Frigo, De Pooter (2002), Krul (2000) and Wood (2000).
Post by: Leadbelly on September 19, 2021, 20:30
https://twitter.com/TeamIsraelSUN/status/1439636333111169027
:fanfare
Feet back on ground. It was from a much reduced group of ~25 riders and therefore there was much less fighting over position. He had two team mates to help him out when others had less. Sagan and Steimle aren't top sprinters.
Anyway it's going to be fun watching him next year when he'll surely have more opportunities in the much sprinter reduced I-SUN.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 20, 2021, 19:16
Worlds Watch
Some of the already mentioned targets (imaginary or otherwise) didn't produce anything amazing in the TT. Frigo and Parisella both finished outside the top-30. Somebody that might have caught Verbrugghe's eye was Miholjevic. He was just a minute down on the winner and as a 2002 rider has plenty of scope for improvement. Rides for Friuli ASD currently, so maybe De Marchi can put in a word for him.
As for the juniors tomorrow, Cole Kessler (US JR TT Champion) is following a lot of I-SUN people and equipment providers on Instagram. He's been riding quite a bit over here in Europe this year with the LUX junior team and with some success.
Post by: LukasCPH on September 21, 2021, 08:12
Sagan and Steimle aren't top sprinters.Sagan won the Tour green jersey a gazillion times! :shh
Yes, I know, I know.
It wasn't against the very best sprinters in the world - but then I don't think Einhorn will ever reach that level consistently (I mean, even Viviani hasn't really reached that level again after going to #cofidis).
Winning a 2.1 stage ahead of a multiple green jersey winner is a decent scalp.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 21, 2021, 16:45
Cimolai and Renard are both heading to Cofidis and Hofstetter is rumoured to Arkea.
I'm disappointed that each are leaving to varying degrees. Renard especially is just starting to bloom with some nice performances. Hofstetter had his place in semi-classics and you could rely on him for top 5-10 with minimal help in most sprints.
This is looking more and more like poor decision making and contract management by the team.
Imo it initially stems from the decision last year to give two year contracts to Greipel and Barbier. Even Andre was surprised by the lengthy deal. Now the German has decided to retire on his own terms which is fair enough, but Rudy is still about. He can be quick on his day, but is very limited in the profiles he can contest.
That is where Hugo is different. He's rarely going to win big, but is very consistent and a lot more proficient on various parcours. He's going very strong at the tail-end of this season.
You never know, maybe they did offer him a new contract, but after the TdF snub I thought it was always likely that he was going to leave.
They could end up really regretting it.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 23, 2021, 18:09
DNFs for Kogut, Boucek and Pickrell so far. The only bright spot is Goldstein III. He's finished in the front peloton on every stage and with this parcour not exactly being his forte, then you can't ask for much more. Maybe he can roll the dice on the stages at the weekend.
----------------
Not much representation in the U23 race tomorrow.
#teamau Mackellar
#teamfr Renard - could be in with a outside chance
The one Israeli rep isn't part of ICA (yet?). It's Roi Weinberg. He has been riding some non-UCI races in Belgium the past couple of months and has got some top-5/10 results.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 25, 2021, 16:30
Not much representation in the U23 race tomorrow.
#teamau Mackellar
#teamfr Renard - could be in with a outside chance
The one Israeli rep isn't part of ICA (yet?). It's Roi Weinberg. He has been riding some non-UCI races in Belgium the past couple of months and has got some top-5/10 results.
Renard was the best of those three in 19th position. The other two both finished, but with such a large proportion of the field doing the same, that isn't much to write home about.
Just ahead of Renard was Strong. Does that make his signing an improvement of the squad? :P
-------------------------------
In the Junior RR none of the Israelis finished. After such a chaotic start it wasn't too surprising.
Kessler finished in the main group of favourites which ended up contesting the bronze medal.
------------------------------
Representation in the Elite RR? Presuming the start list is confirmed...
#teamit De Marchi
#teamdk MWS
#teamca Boivin
#teamee Vahtra
#teamlv Neilands
I think that's it. A top-twenty for Neilands is probably the best possible outcome. Others have no chance or will be working for others.
Post by: Leadbelly on September 29, 2021, 17:45
Cool. #silber represent!
Post by: Leadbelly on October 09, 2021, 22:42
--------------------------------
Another name to add to the potential devo signings (we already have lightly inked in Kessler and Frigo) is Matthew Riccitello. He first came to notice at the Worlds in Harrogate helping Simmons to the junior RR title. His final junior year in 2020 was a write-off for obvious reasons, however he's done okay in his first espoir year at Hagens Berman - 25th at l'Ain for example. If I'm right, I think he would be a great signing.
Post by: search on October 10, 2021, 09:53
https://bici.pro/news/professionisti/nizzolo-il-2022-tra-incertezza-e-idee-chiare/
Would be quite a good fit, I think, to replace Hofstetter :P
Post by: Leadbelly on October 10, 2021, 11:08
TT-ing climber next please.
Post by: Armchair Cyclist on October 10, 2021, 19:00
TT-ing climber next please.I am aware of a guy who has two Olympic bronze medals in the time trial, and has won the mountains classification in both the Tour and the Giro. Might he meet that requirement?
Post by: Leadbelly on October 11, 2021, 05:41
Post by: Leadbelly on October 13, 2021, 23:24
Quote
No more recruiting experienced runners like Chris Froome or Michael Woods, make way for youth
Errrrrrrr. :lol
https://twitter.com/TeamIsraelSUN/status/1448315063035695113
....and if you add Nizzolo and extend the four Israelis + Neilands, that'll give thirty riders. Not quite the 27-28 Verbrugghe was talking about the other month.
Tbh though the only big issue I have with the above news in it's entirety is the length of deal for Fugly. Three years is a lot for someone of his age. Unless it's similar to Vanmarcke who preferred a longer deal on less money over other offers of more money for 1 year.
Probably not quite as good a climber as the person he's replacing - Cousin Dan, but a better TT-er and descender. He should give them a better option in one-week stage races with a TT.
Hugo. :)
Post by: Leadbelly on October 25, 2021, 20:18
Dowsett's hour record attempt is the other upcoming track event. Obviously as he is using it to raise money for charity, we all no doubt hope he does well, but let's be honest, he isn't at the level of a Wiggins, Dennis or Campenaerts and if he does better than those three it will have a lot to do with the altitude and improved technological gains.
Post by: Leadbelly on October 29, 2021, 18:11
Neilands renewed the other day and the four Israelis will bring the total to the stated 30 riders.
Quote
“We are not under any rush or pressure to fill it, and we may not fill it at all, but if there is a good opportunity for us, we’ll keep the roster spot open.”
Therefore no place for Vahtra or anyone from the devo squad. I don't think anyone in the devo squad is currently good enough to make the jump anyway, but it would have been a carrot for attracting some better youngsters in the future.
Difficult to see Benoot/Van Wilder being interested if Jumbo/Deceuninck etc are after them.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 01, 2021, 08:01
There's one correct educated guess from me. :D
Not sure I would have given him a guaranteed WT contract. Has he done enough to warrant that in his espoir years? It hopefully marks though a changing of the transfer dealings of the team going forward. Plenty of contracts are up at the end of 2022 and with another 3 (?) year WT ranking in the bag, the team can afford to plan a bit more long term.
One pleasing knock-on effect will be an increased chance of invites to the Baby Giro and Aosta for the devo team next year.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 04, 2021, 19:17
We now know half of the devo team in 2022. The Israeli half.
Staying
Ben Moshe (no longer U23)
Goldstein
Davidzon
Tene
Kogut
In
Raisberg (2001)
Weinberg (2000 - raced the U23 Worlds)
Peretz (2003)
Out
Abu Fares
Lahav
Tsahor
The article also states that the four Israelis in the main team have extended and will get leadership opportunities from time to time.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 06, 2021, 13:58
Bauer ---------> #israel
Also mentioned in the article is that Canadian trackie Derek Gee is joining the devo team. I was aware of him several years ago through the Misc American Tour Races threads, but he hasn't done much road racing for a couple of years and as a 97-er we can view the transfer as likely just a helping hand for his Paris ambitions on the track.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 06, 2021, 18:12
As for the juniors tomorrow, Cole Kessler (US JR TT Champion) is following a lot of I-SUN people and equipment providers on Instagram. He's been riding quite a bit over here in Europe this year with the LUX junior team and with some success.
Done.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CV8Y34xveKr/
(https://i.imgur.com/aFCkqTG.png)
Here's a little interview with him from a couple of months ago.
https://dailybruin.com/2021/09/18/cole-kessler-to-enter-ucla-with-competitive-european-cycling-resume
Started MTBing at 13. When covid hit, he switched to road just to keep in condition and hasn't looked back since.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 09, 2021, 18:41
Also mentioned in the article is that Canadian trackie Derek Gee is joining the devo team. I was aware of him several years ago through the Misc American Tour Races threads, but he hasn't done much road racing for a couple of years and as a 97-er we can view the transfer as likely just a helping hand for his Paris ambitions on the track.
......or maybe not.
https://twitter.com/cdncyclist/status/1457909994498760707
Quote
Derek also spoke about how this impacts his involvement with the track program.
"I'm definitely taking a bit of a break. It's still an unknown as to how I'm going to be on the road; what kind of rider I am and how far I can make it on the road. I have big aspirations on the road and I'm definitely going to commit fully this year and see where it goes. I'll probably make a decision about the track from there."
One other piece of news we can glean from the interview is that Plamondon will not be with the devo team in 2022. Czech media were saying that things didn't look good for Boucek either.
Ergo the foreign half of the devo team will be:
Gee
Pickrell
Kessler
Hollyman
Mackellar
Frigo
+2
Alex Bogna might be a possibility if he doesn't win a place at Alpecin via Zwift. If you see his haircut you'll know which country he comes from. Well, one of two countries just thinking about it.
Post by: LukasCPH on November 13, 2021, 17:49
Alex Bogna might be a possibility if he doesn't win a place at Alpecin via Zwift. If you see his haircut you'll know which country he comes from. Well, one of two countries just thinking about it.The way you wrote that, I didn't even need to see a photo to know he's Aussie. :D
Post by: Leadbelly on November 23, 2021, 11:52
Here's the full devo team:
• Jakub Boucek (20, CZE)
• Lahav Davidzon (21, ISR)
• Marco Frigo (21, ITA)
• Derek Gee (24, CAN)
• Edo Goldstein (21, ISR)
• Mason Hollyman (21, GBR)
• Cole Kessler (18, USA)
• Oded Kogut (20, ISR)
• Alastair Mackellar (19, AUS)
• Aviv Peretz (18, ISR)
• Riley Pickrell (20, CAN)
• Nadav Reisberg (20, ISR)
• Rotem Tene (20, ISR)
• Roy Weinberg (21, ISR)
Only 14 riders and not the 16 earlier mentioned. I would have liked to have seen some more northern classic types in the squad, Verbrugghe talked about wanting to participate in more races of that type in 2022.
Boucek gets renewed despite what Czech media thought.
Finally no sign of Ben Moshe. Does that mean he's got the 31st spot in the main team? Watch this space.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 23, 2021, 13:08
https://israelcyclingacademy.com/the-next-generation-ica-2022/
Here's the full devo team:
...............
Only 14 riders and not the 16 earlier mentioned.
Finally no sign of Ben Moshe. Does that mean he's got the 31st spot in the main team? Watch this space.
Well they messed that up. A hour or so later here's the full team of 16 riders:
• Yuval Ben Moshe (22, ISR)
• Jakub Boucek (20, CZE)
• Lahav Davidzon (21, ISR)
• Marco Frigo (21, ITA)
• Derek Gee (24, CAN)
• Edo Goldstein (21, ISR)
• Mason Hollyman (21, GBR)
• Cole Kessler (18, USA)
• Oded Kogut (20, ISR)
• Alastair Mackellar (19, AUS)
• Simon Nagy (20, SVK)
• Aviv Peretz (18, ISR)
• Riley Pickrell (20, CAN)
• Nadav Reisberg (20, ISR)
• Rotem Tene (20, ISR)
• Roy Weinberg (21, ISR)
Ben Moshe back in and a new signing in Simon Nagy - recognise the name, couldn't tell you anything about him.
Post by: Leadbelly on November 23, 2021, 15:31
Simon Nagy - recognise the name, couldn't tell you anything about him.
Well according to his team from this year, he is a purebred sprinter, however that might not be so obvious if you check his First page.
https://firstcycling.com/rider.php?r=100759
There are a couple of crit wins and he finished second overall in the Slovak Cup behind Kubis. There's nothing really though that jumps out at you and says "sign me". Maybe he has some good numbers or maybe he's just going to be a domestique.
Edit - some more info about him and why he needed to get out of Slovakia.
https://bratislava.zoznam.sk/velky-cyklisticky-prestup-mlady-slovak-bude-spolujazdcom-vitaza-tour-de-france-v-elitnom-svetovom-time/
He views himself as more of a "classicist".
Post by: Leadbelly on November 27, 2021, 11:49
Another interview with Verbrugghe.
Quote
Verbrugghe admits that it is a hard sell encouraging proven general classification riders to join the team.
“We want to develop within, and we want to merge the Continental development team with the WorldTour team, but when there is an opportunity [to sign a rider], you have to try and take it,” he said.
“We were close to signing two young riders for this season who, in my eyes, are probably the future of Grand Tours and very decent stage winners. But one went to Bora-Hansgrohe, and the other went to Deceuninck-Quick-Step.
Van Wilder and Vlasov (could have been Hindley I guess, but I don't view him as the future of GTs) presumably. It's good that they're at least trying to move in that direction, but as he himself admits it's difficult.
Hopefully people like Skjelmose and McNulty are already on the radar for next year, or even some bigger names.
Post by: search on January 06, 2022, 14:38
https://twitter.com/IsraelPremTech/status/1479091107791257601