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I think the Benidorm race should be full of a large amount of the top names. They've designed that world cup around the fact many riders will be on a training camp in Spain around that time of year. Last season I think Brand and others were training there at the spot that race takes up (Flamanville last season) while I think Pieterse raced Flamanville sandwiched in between 2 one week camps in Spain.I agree it's mainly younger riders and a few 'part timers' who are missing out Saturday races, but there is bound to be an impact withe the now significantly greater number of world cup races, due to cancellations last year we have not yet had a full season with the planned total yet.
Will be interesting to see how the latter WC races in Spain and France fare.
Do we think PFP will get up to speed pretty quickly? She’s obviously got the talent and previous in cyclocross but these u23 generation are super quick.I think the Benidorm race should be full of a large amount of the top names. They've designed that world cup around the fact many riders will be on a training camp in Spain around that time of year. Last season I think Brand and others were training there at the spot that race takes up (Flamanville last season) while I think Pieterse raced Flamanville sandwiched in between 2 one week camps in Spain.
Ineos announced PFPs december schedule, with the next three World Cups excluding Val di Sole and the next three Superprestige rounds. I can't remember seeing a full schedule for Pidcock but I'd assume he'll have a similar list.
Do we think PFP will get up to speed pretty quickly? She’s obviously got the talent and previous in cyclocross but these u23 generation are super quick.
I'd never write her off; she is the absolute master at peaking at Worlds....and uses the races before to gauge her form as well as that of her opponents. She may have been a bit behind in Namur. but she was further behind in races before Les Gets.....
Neither of the Cannondale riders are participating this weekend. Honsinger hasn't ridden for two weeks, and Backstedt skipped last Sunday in Hulst. OTOH, the latest dominant Dutch woman, Molengraaf, has already chosen to ride with the elites in Antwerp.
Backstedt is also in the USA on a pre season camp with the team. Molengraaf also rode in Hulst, which juniors can do when there isn't a junior WC on. The Holmgren sisters did something similar in the US rounds and Backstedt did so at a couple last season.Neither of the Cannondale riders are participating this weekend. Honsinger hasn't ridden for two weeks, and Backstedt skipped last Sunday in Hulst. OTOH, the latest dominant Dutch woman, Molengraaf, has already chosen to ride with the elites in Antwerp.
Surely there’s some sort of longer EU visa for pro athletes?Backstedt is also in the USA on a pre season camp with the team. Molengraaf also rode in Hulst, which juniors can do when there isn't a junior WC on. The Holmgren sisters did something similar in the US rounds and Backstedt did so at a couple last season.
I guess with both Backstedt and Honsinger doing an extensive road programme in Europe they've got to watch out for the 90 day Schengen rule.
I very much doubt it. I know there is a lot of campaigning for some sort of special case for touring musicians, but political response seems to be that it is impossible. Welcome to the wonderful world of Brexit.Surely there’s some sort of longer EU visa for pro athletes?
There are definitely more climbs than previous editions. Having actually been to it, I felt they could have utilised the terrain of the bowl much more than they were, and finally they have done.Forgot what a brutally up and down course this is... can't see Betsema losing this if no more bike trouble.
yesDo we think PFP will get up to speed pretty quickly? She’s obviously got the talent and previous in cyclocross but these u23 generation are super quick.
He crashes on his knees all the time...focus!MVdP Fragile treat with care
He's always pushing and I feel his crashes are often ones where he slides out as he finds (and passes) the limit. One naturally puts ones arms out to steady oneself meaning thats often the first point of impact on the ground, but also his knee is another first point that contacts the ground first due it being obviously closer to the ground.He crashes on his knees all the time...focus!