General News Thread

[tobydawq]

I think it's the superior format for stage races no matter the route.

Agreed, but I don't think it will play much role on a flat parcours, either (barring accidents).

 

[Samu Cuenca]

I think a race like this should have important stages on the weekend, which doesn't really seem to be the case here. The Haderslev circuit did provide an entertaining finish to the Tour of Scandinavia last year, but only due to rain, the fact that the peloton had to work hard to bring back a breakaway which had been given too big a lead, and because Uttrup Ludwig's attack came as a surprise to some riders. In this race there will probably only be gaps if there are crashes in the final.

It looks like a fine route for the defending champion, if he joins the Trek devo team for the race.

 

[Samamba]

Only 2 WT Teams? That's terrible for .Pro race.

Well Danish national team will probably be WT level.

 

[tobydawq]

Only 2 WT Teams? That's terrible for .Pro race.

Well Danish national team will probably be WT level.

Yes, a huge setback for the race.

 

[Netserk]

Only 2 WT Teams? That's terrible for .Pro race.

Well Danish national team will probably be WT level.

I don't dare criticise the field of the race again.

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

Unfortunately, it's not part of the Portes du Soleil area. So it's up to Samoëns to pay.

It's not part of the Polynesian area either, so seems unfair to expect Samoans to pay.

 

[RedheadDane]

only two can step down, but in the other direction it's four. So in a race like this (with 5 or 6 starters only) both can line up exactly the same team:

Huh? So, WorldTeam/ProTeam riders can't guest-ride for the related development team in a ProSeries race?

 

[search]

Huh? So, WorldTeam/ProTeam riders can't guest-ride for the related development team in a ProSeries race?

yeah, but it rarely happens that a devo team does a .Pro race anyway.

Lidl will in Denmark, I know, but Jumbo or Alpecin never did, for example. EF Devo only Tour of Turkey and Norway in 2021 (edit: they only turned devo in 2022)

 

[roundabout]

Tour de Suisse 2024

1. Etappe: Vaduz - Vaduz
2. Etappe: Vaduz - Regensdorf
3. Etappe: Steinmaur - Rüschlikon
4. Etappe: Rüschlikon - St. Gotthard
5. Etappe: Ambri – Cari
6. Etappe: Locarno – Blatten-Belalp
7. Etappe: Villars-sur-Ollon - Villars-sur-Ollon
8. Etappe: Aigle - Villars-sur-Ollon

Stages 4-8 all end uphill. Stage 8 is an MTT, stage 1 a short ITT/prologue

 

[Netserk]

Gotthard from the north.

All Host Cities of the Tour de Suisse 2024 revealed - Tour de Suisse

The Host Cities of the 87th Tour de Suisse, as well as the fourth edition of the Tour de Suisse Women, can now be revealed. Added to the list of stage finishes are Regensdorf (ZH) and a mountaintop finish on the Gotthard Pass. Steinmaur (ZH) and Locarno (TI) are the final start locations as well […]

www.tourdesuisse.ch

“Without a doubt, the mountain finish of Stage 4 on the Gotthard Pass will be a highlight of this year’s Tour de Suisse,” says Sports Director David Loosli. The last time a stage ended on Switzerland’s most famous Alpine pass was in 2019 with Egan Bernal’s stage win. This time in contrast to five years ago, the Gotthard Pass will be approached from the north via the Schöllenen Gorge and Andermatt.


The most frequented pass in Tour de Suisse history promises to be spectacular as Airolo’s mayor Oscar Wolfisberg is well aware: “Hosting a stage of the Tour of Switzerland is a great honour which transcends sport: in every respect the Gotthard is an unparalleled example of the true nature of Switzerland”.


The municipality of Airolo, situated on one of Europe’s most important transit routes, is the northern gateway to the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. With numerous energy and soil remediation projects, Airolo is one of the most sustainable municipalities in the country. In 2030, the 22-hectare Parco San Gottardo, directly above the autobahn, will be inaugurated.


Added to the series of Ticino Host Cities – including Ambrì and the mountain village of Carì – is Locarno which hosts the start of Stage 6 on June 14th. Alain Scherrer, Mayor of Locarno, is delighted that the Tour de Suisse is paying a return visit: “It’s great that since 2022, the Tour de Suisse is once again visiting the canton of Ticino for several days. It will spark the emotions and passion in our community”.


Overlooking Lake Maggiore and framed by the Ticino mountains, Locarno features a picturesque and vibrant old town with its palaces, churches and narrow streets. The bustling Piazza Grande hosts various events throughout the year and will also be the starting point for the Tour de Suisse.


Zurich Host Cities in number


After the men’s race kicks off in Vaduz, the stage to Regensdorf, a first-time Host City, then follows on Monday June 10th. “We are extremely pleased to be a stage finish for the Tour de Suisse. It gives us the chance to showcase our municipality from its most hospitable and attractive side, with its rich mix of town and country”, says Mayor Stefan Marty. He added his gratitude to the Regensdorf Cycling Club, which is responsible for the professional organisation of the event.


Regensdorf, an urban centre with village charm, next to the city of Zurich and yet in the midst of nature, is located in the beautiful Furttal valley. A place to work, live, relax and enjoy an active community life!


On the following Tuesday Stage 3 departs a stone’s throw away – in Steinmaur. This cycling-mad village not only organizes one of the most famous cyclo-cross races in Switzerland. No, several pros like Johan Jacobs (Team Movistar), Mauro Schmid (Jayco Alula), Fabian Lienhard (Groupama – FDJ) and the young Noemi Rüegg (EF Education-Cannondale) also come from the talent factory of Veloclub Steinmaur, which will take over the organisation of the first Tour de Suisse visit to the municipality.


Mayor Andreas Schellenberg greatly appreciates this work: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Veloclub for its commitment. The Municipal Council is both pleased and proud that Stage 3 will start in our village”.


Tour de Suisse Women exclusively in western Switzerland


After the first two stages of the fourth Tour de Suisse Women in Villars-sur-Ollon, Stage 3 starts on Monday June 17th in Vevey on Lake Geneva. Vevey hosted the men’s race twice (1993 and 2002) and is now excited to welcome the female cycling pros for the first time. Joël Brönnimann, President of the Organising Committee and Vélo Club Vevey, explains that this stage start will be very special: “Hosting the women’s Tour de Suisse for the first time coincides with the 140th anniversary of our Club and therefore is particularly significant.”


The town of Vevey is nestled on the edge of Lavaux and reveals its charm between the lake and the mountains. With an extensive network of cycle paths in the town centre, along Lake Geneva and up to various peaks in the region, it is no surprise that cycling is very popular with locals and tourists alike.


Stage 3 starts in Vevey and heads to Champagne. The small village on Lake Neuchâtel is also the start and finish of the fourth and final Tour de Suisse Women stage on Tuesday June 18th. “After three years in Eastern Switzerland, we are delighted that the women’s races are taking place in the French-speaking region of the country where we are confident the route will be lined with fans,” says Tour Director Olivier Senn.


Route planning is now in its final stages so that the detailed route can be released at the end of March. Click here for an overview of all Host Cities.

 

[Rob5091]

Get well soon and ... what the heck happened?!
https://sporza.be/nl/2024/02/24/fre...or-een-hond-even-buiten-strijd~1708771045054/
Frederik Frison had imagined a lot from his debut on Belgian soil for his new team Q36.5. But a dog decided otherwise. The 31-year-old Belgian was attacked and bitten by a dog earlier this week when he went to pick up his daughter from school.
Frederik Frison, who made the switch from Lotto-Dstny to the Swiss Q36.5 in the winter, was scheduled for the Omloop. "He was in great shape," his team said.

The incident had far-reaching consequences. "He is no longer in hospital, but is still being treated for his injuries. He'll be out of action for a while. It is not yet clear when he will be able to return to competition.

 

[GenericBoonenFan]

Get well soon and ... what the heck happened?!
https://sporza.be/nl/2024/02/24/fre...or-een-hond-even-buiten-strijd~1708771045054/
Frederik Frison had imagined a lot from his debut on Belgian soil for his new team Q36.5. But a dog decided otherwise. The 31-year-old Belgian was attacked and bitten by a dog earlier this week when he went to pick up his daughter from school.
Frederik Frison, who made the switch from Lotto-Dstny to the Swiss Q36.5 in the winter, was scheduled for the Omloop. "He was in great shape," his team said.

The incident had far-reaching consequences. "He is no longer in hospital, but is still being treated for his injuries. He'll be out of action for a while. It is not yet clear when he will be able to return to competition.

Het nieuwsblad released a more extended interview.

The main point of attack was his genitalia and in his own words: 'The Damage was quite big"

Yikes

 

[Sciatic]

Het nieuwsblad released a more extended interview.

The main point of attack was his genitalia and in his own words: 'The Damage was quite big"

Yikes

:😱

 

[tobydawq]

Sounds like my worst nightmare.

Other people on this forum would probably dismiss it because dogs can always sense the goodness in people and thus Frison must be a bad guy since he was attacked.

 

[RedheadDane]

I hope the owner was charged.

 

[GenericBoonenFan]

I hope the owner was charged.

Very likely
And knowing Belgian laws that dog is either dead by now or in a kennel waiting to be put down.

 

[Samamba]

The weather in Italy this week is looking very very interesting. Laigueglia rain and a lot of wind, Strade Bianche a lot of rain. We won't be seeing a dust edition, it will be muddy. Could be legendary.

 

[SafeBet]

It's been raining non stop for a few days now. Weather could improve by the end of the week but not enough for the sterrato to dry up, I think.
Laiguaeglia will be similar to last year, so a race of attrition with possibly a surprise winner.

 

[Samamba]

It's been raining non stop for a few days now. Weather could improve by the end of the week but not enough for the sterrato to dry up, I think.
Laiguaeglia will be similar to last year, so a race of attrition with possibly a surprise winner.

I don't know the Laigueglia parcours, is it open? Cause the wind might actually be a problem if I have to believe some weather predictions. More than 35km/u, very strong windgusts. Combine that with rain and I'm already scared they're about to cancel it.

 

[Red Rick]

Sooo, how much of Strade will they take out?

 

[Ricco']

Sooo, how much of Strade will they take out?

If it was held in Spain, 'Strada Blanca' would be turned into an uphill time trial up to Siena main square.

 

[SafeBet]

I don't know the Laigueglia parcours, is it open? Cause the wind might actually be a problem if I have to believe some weather predictions. More than 35km/u, very strong windgusts. Combine that with rain and I'm already scared they're about to cancel it.

Yesh both the the local lap and the first part have some stretches of exposed roads. Hopefully the wind is not too strong for the race to take place.

@Red Rick as for Strade it's a little early, weather might change considerably.

 

[Samamba]

Yesh both the the local lap and the first part have some stretches of exposed roads. Hopefully the wind is not too strong for the race to take place.

Feel like at least a shortening is coming if it those weather prediction actually become true

Luckily not that much wind around Siena this week for now. Riders and organisation would probably already be scared given what happened a few years ago on one of the sectors.

 

[pastronef]

most of the rain will fall until Friday in Siena. Saturday forecast is sunny/cloudy with some showers

 

[Axel Hangleck]

Modern road bikes can take wider tyres; if it's muddy just stick on a set of muds/ intermediates.......No problems.