The Cycling DB

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  • Van Aert wins again

    Van Aert wins again

    The 7th stage of the Vuelta unfolded today, taking the riders on a 180 km journey from Archidona to Córdoba. Archidona, a picturesque town nestled in the Andalusian hills, served as the starting point for this slightly hilly stage, which tested the peloton with a mix of rolling terrain. The race culminated in the historic city of Córdoba, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. With just one significant challenge, a Category 2 climb positioned 30 km from the finish line, the stage was set for a dynamic finale as the riders approached the bustling streets of Córdoba.

    The Belgian unrolls

    Wout Van Aert (TVL) secured his second victory in this year’s Vuelta, crossing the finish line in Córdoba with a time of 04h 15′ 39″. He was closely followed by Mathias Vacek (LTK) and Pau Miquel Delgado (EKP), both finishing with the same time but unable to outmatch Van Aert’s sprint to the line.

    Van Aert’s triumph today reinforces his dominant form in this Vuelta, as he has consistently placed in the top three of every sprinting stage so far. His power and versatility make him a formidable contender, and with two stage wins under his belt already, he is proving to be one of the most reliable and strongest riders in the peloton this year.

    The green jersey already decided

    Van Aert’s victory today has given him a small but significant lead in the battle for the sprinter’s jersey. He now sits at 203 points, with Kaden Groves in second place at 162 points. While nothing is decided yet, Van Aert’s consistent performances and his ability to finish strongly in every sprint suggest that he could be unstoppable if he continues at this pace. His dominance is becoming increasingly apparent, and with each stage, he moves closer to securing the coveted sprinter’s jersey.

    The battle for the overall classification resumes tomorrow

    Tomorrow’s stage between Úbeda and Cazorla presents a challenging medium-mountain course that could significantly impact the general classification. It will be a crucial opportunity for contenders like João Almeida or Primož Roglič to close the gap on Ben O’Connor, or perhaps for O’Connor to extend his lead even further. With the demanding terrain ahead, the battle among the GC favorites is set to intensify, making it a pivotal day in the race.

  • Ben O’Connor gets the better of his opponents

    Ben O’Connor gets the better of his opponents

    Today’s 6th stage of the Vuelta took the riders on a challenging 186 km journey from Carrefour Jerez Sur in Jerez de la Frontera to the mountainous town of Yunquera. Jerez de la Frontera, known for its sherry and Andalusian charm, marked the beginning of this grueling stage, sending cyclists through a demanding course that tested their endurance and climbing abilities. The finish in Yunquera, nestled in the Sierra de las Nieves, awaited those who could conquer the stage’s toughest climb, the Puerto del Boyar, a Category 1 pass rising to 1,108 meters. This formidable ascent played a crucial role in shaping the day’s outcomes.

    DAT score their first win

    Ben O’Connor (DAT) emerged victorious in today’s 6th stage of the Vuelta, crossing the finish line in Yunquera with a time of 04h 28′ 12″. His commanding performance on the Puerto del Boyar climb set him apart from the competition, securing a significant lead. Matteo Frigo (IPT) claimed second place, finishing 4 minutes and 33 seconds behind O’Connor, while Felix Lipowitz (RBH) rounded out the podium, arriving 5 minutes and 12 seconds after the winner.

    Ben O’Connor, an Australian rider known for his climbing prowess, has steadily built a reputation as a formidable competitor in mountain stages. With this victory, he further cements his status as one of the top climbers in the peloton, showcasing his ability to dominate in challenging terrains.

    a comfortable lead

    With today’s impressive win, Ben O’Connor has claimed the red jersey, catapulting himself nearly 5 minutes ahead of his rivals. This substantial lead puts him in a commanding position in the general classification, leaving the other contenders with a tough challenge ahead. Despite O’Connor’s dominance, there were no changes to the other jerseys, with Primož Roglič now sitting in second place. To live up to his status as one of the favorites, Roglič will need to chip away at the gap O’Connor established, battling to regain lost time minute by minute.

    A hard-to-predict victory

    Tomorrow’s stage between Archidona and Córdoba promises to be an intriguing 180 km event on hilly terrain. With a challenging 2nd category pass near the end of the route, the race could produce a winner from outside the usual sprinting favorites. This stage presents an ideal opportunity for versatile riders, such as Wout Van Aert, to shine and possibly break away from the pack. The varied terrain and the late climb could see tactical moves that shake up the race, making it a day where anything can happen.

  • A young winner on stage 5

    A young winner on stage 5

    The 5th stage of the Vuelta unfolded today, covering a 177 km flat route from Fuente de Maestre to Sevilla. Fuente de Maestre, a charming town in the province of Badajoz, is known for its rich history and tranquil landscapes. The stage concluded in Sevilla, the vibrant capital of Andalusia, renowned for its stunning architecture and deep cultural heritage. This flat stage offered the sprinters a prime opportunity to shine as they raced through the scenic plains of southern Spain.

    First grand tour victory for P. Bittn

    In a thrilling sprint finish, Pavel Bittner of Team dsm-firmenich PostNL emerged victorious in today’s stage, crossing the line with a time of 04h 25′ 28″. Hot on his heels were Wout Van Aert (TVL) and Kaden Groves (ADC), who both finished with the same time, but Bittner’s well-timed effort secured him the win.

    Pavel Bittner, at just 21 years old, is quickly making a name for himself in the professional cycling world. Hailing from the Czech Republic, he joined Team dsm-firmenich PostNL in 2024 and has already accumulated 77 sprinter points, along with 4 time trial points and 5 general classification points. His victory in today’s stage is a testament to his potential and growing prowess as a sprinter.

    No upheaval on the general classification

    The flat profile of today’s stage meant that the general classification remained unchanged, with no significant shifts among the top contenders. In the sprinters’ ranking, Wout Van Aert continues to hold the lead, with Kaden Groves firmly in second place. Pavel Bittner’s victory does see him move into third place in the sprint standings, but he remains over 60 points behind Van Aert. As the race progresses, the competition in the sprinter’s jersey remains intense, with Van Aert and Groves closely contesting the top positions.

    A difficult ordeal lies ahead

    Tomorrow’s stage marks a return to mountainous terrain with the route from Jerez de la Frontera to Yunquera. The 186 km course includes several challenging passes, offering climbers a prime opportunity to gain valuable points for the best climber’s jersey. Sylvain Moniquet, currently leading the climber classification, will be a key rider to watch as he looks to defend his position. Additionally, the general classification favorites, including Primož Roglič, Simon Gall, and João Almeida, are expected to make their presence felt in this demanding stage. With the race shifting to the mountains, the competition will intensify, providing a thrilling spectacle for cycling fans.

  • Primož Roglič returns on top

    Primož Roglič returns on top

    The fourth stage of the Vuelta unfolded today with a challenging 170 km mountain race from Plasencia to Pico Villuercas. Plasencia, a historic town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant local culture, marked the stage’s start. The riders then tackled a demanding route that included the formidable Alto de Piornal (1195m), followed by the punishing ascent to Pico Villuercas (1550m) as the finish line. With gradients exceeding 15%, the final climb to Pico Villuercas provided a dramatic conclusion to the stage, showcasing the riders’ climbing prowess and determination.

    BORA – hansgrohe back on track for victory

    Primož Roglič of BORA – hansgrohe emerged victorious in the fourth stage of the Vuelta, completing the 170 km mountain race from Plasencia to Pico Villuercas with a time of 04h 26′ 49″. Roglič crossed the finish line in a thrilling sprint alongside Lennert van Eetvelt of Lotto-Dstny and João Almeida of UAE Team Emirates, who also finished at the same time but were narrowly edged out by the Slovenian rider. The stage’s grueling climbs, including the Alto de Piornal and the final ascent to Pico Villuercas, showcased Roglič’s exceptional climbing ability.

    Primož Roglič, the 34-year-old Slovenian, has been a prominent figure in cycling for nearly a decade. Starting his career with Adria Mobil in 2015, Roglič quickly ascended the ranks, joining Team LottoNL-Jumbo in 2016 and later moving to Team Jumbo-Visma. His career has been marked by notable successes in stage races, including grand tours. In 2024, Roglič, now with BORA – hansgrohe, continues to demonstrate his formidable climbing skills, with a strong focus on the general classification. His performance today reinforces his status as a top contender in this year’s Vuelta.

    The red jersey is back in the hands of the favourites

    With his commanding performance today, Primož Roglič ascends to the red jersey, taking over the lead in the general classification. The sprinters who dominated the top of the standings just a day ago have now fallen out of the top 10, as the mountainous terrain proved a tough challenge for them. Despite the shake-up, the race remains incredibly close, with seven cyclists sharing the same time in the overall standings. This tight grouping promises a fierce battle for the red jersey in the coming stages, as the contenders jostle for position and capitalize on every opportunity to gain an advantage.

    The battle for the green jersey resumes tomorrow

    Tomorrow’s stage will return to flatter terrain as the race moves from Fuente del Maestre to Sevilla. The route promises a swift pace with a negative gradient throughout, setting the stage for a likely sprint finish. Given the flat profile, it is expected that a sprinter will claim victory. Wout van Aert, currently holding the best sprinter’s jersey, will be particularly motivated to defend his lead, as Kaden Groves is just 6 points behind in the sprint standings. With the competition tightening, Van Aert will need to give his all to secure his position and maintain his edge in the sprint classification.

  • Wout Van Aert Domination

    Wout Van Aert Domination

    The third stage of the Vuelta unfolded today with a demanding 191 km race between Lousã and Castelo Branco. Lousã, a charming town nestled in the mountains of central Portugal, served as the starting point, with its lush forests and historic castles providing a scenic backdrop as the riders embarked on their journey. The route challenged the peloton with two key climbs: the Alto de Teixeira (860m, category 2) and the Alto de Alpedrinha (740m, category 4), testing their endurance on the slopes. The stage concluded in Castelo Branco, a historic city known for its medieval walls and rich heritage, where the finish line awaited the riders after a grueling day on the road.

    Reverse rankings between Groves and Van Aert

    In a tightly contested sprint finish, Wout van Aert of Team Visma | Lease a Bike secured victory in the third stage of the Vuelta, clocking a time of 04h 40′ 42″. The Belgian powerhouse edged out Kaden Groves of Alpecin-Deceuninck, who finished on the same time, with Jon Aberasturi Izaga of Euskaltel-Euskadi also crossing the line in 04h 40′ 42″, rounding out the top three. The stage saw Van Aert showcasing his remarkable versatility, excelling on the climbs and demonstrating his sprinting prowess to take the win.

    Wout van Aert, the 29-year-old Belgian, has established himself as one of the most versatile riders in the peloton. Weighing 78 kg and standing 1.9 meters tall, Van Aert’s career has been marked by an impressive balance of sprinting, climbing, and time-trialing abilities. Since his early days with Crelan – Vastgoedservice in 2016, Van Aert has evolved into a formidable all-rounder. In the last two seasons, he has scored over 1,500 PCS points and continues to be a dominant force in the race for the general classification. His victory today adds to his already impressive palmarès, further cementing his status as a top contender in this year’s Vuelta.

    Battle for best climber begins

    Wout van Aert’s victory in today’s stage allows him to logically retain the red jersey, solidifying his lead in the general classification. His consistent performances, both in the time trial and the rugged stages, have made him the rider to beat in this year’s Vuelta. Meanwhile, Luis Ángel Maté of Euskaltel-Euskadi had a strong day in the mountains, strategically collecting points on the climbs of Alto de Teixeira and Alto de Alpedrinha. His efforts earned him the polka-dot jersey, marking him as the leader of the mountains classification and positioning him as a serious contender for the climber’s title in the stages to come.

    Real difficulties begin

    Tomorrow’s stage will be the first true test for the climbers, featuring two demanding category 1 passes that are sure to shake up the general classification. The favorites of the Vuelta, including Primož Roglič and Adam Yates, will be under close watch as they navigate the challenging ascents. This stage could see the first major moves from these GC contenders as they attempt to gain an edge. Additionally, the battle for the polka-dot jersey will heat up, with riders like Giulio Ciccone and Luis Ángel Maté likely to seize the opportunity to collect valuable points on the climbs. The stage promises to be a decisive one, setting the tone for the mountains to come.

  • Kaden Groves proves he’s the best sprinter on this tour

    Kaden Groves proves he’s the best sprinter on this tour

    The second stage of the Vuelta unfolded today with a challenging 194 km route between Cascais and Ourém. Cascais, a scenic coastal town known for its stunning beaches and historic architecture, provided a picturesque start to the race. As the riders made their way inland, they faced a rugged terrain, including the demanding climbs of Alto de Lagoa Azul (279m) and Alto de Batalha (381m). The stage culminated in the historic town of Ourém, perched atop a hill with its medieval castle overlooking the finish line, setting the stage for an intense and dramatic day of racing.

    The Alpecin-Deceuninck sprint team takes its first victory

    In an exhilarating finish, Kaden Groves of Alpecin-Deceuninck claimed victory in the second stage of the Vuelta, crossing the line with a time of 05h 12′ 55″. The stage ended in a thrilling sprint, with Wout van Aert of Jumbo-Visma and Corbin Strong of Israel-Premier Tech finishing on the same time, but just behind Groves. This tightly contested sprint highlighted the explosive speed of these top riders, making for a dramatic conclusion to the rugged stage.

    Kaden Groves, the 25-year-old Australian sprinter from Alpecin-Deceuninck, continues to demonstrate his prowess in the fast finishes. Weighing in at 76 kg and standing 1.76 meters tall, Groves has developed a reputation as a powerful and consistent sprinter. Since his early days with Mitchelton-Scott in 2020, Groves has steadily improved, particularly in his sprinting capabilities, amassing 198.5 sprint points this season alone. His victory today further cements his status as one of the top sprinters in the peloton, capable of seizing victory in the most intense finishes.

    W. Van Aert: his consistency rewarded

    Wout van Aert regains the red jersey after today’s stage, thanks in part to his outstanding performance in yesterday’s time trial. His consistent form, highlighted by a second-place finish in the rugged terrain of today’s race, allowed him to reclaim the overall lead. Although Brandon McNulty put up a strong fight, finishing just three seconds behind Van Aert in the general classification, the American rider had to relinquish the red jersey after falling short in today’s sprint finish.

    A slightly more demanding third day

    Tomorrow’s stage presents a slightly steeper challenge, with a 2nd category climb between Lousã and Castelo Branco. While the sprinters, particularly Wout van Aert, who needs a strong finish to maintain his red jersey, are expected to be the favorites, the day’s terrain offers an opportunity for the climbers to make their presence felt. With the first significant ascent of the race, these riders may start accumulating valuable points for the climber’s jersey, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding battle for the overall lead.

  • Grand start of the Vuelta

    Grand start of the Vuelta

    The opening stage of the Vuelta unfolded today with a 12 km time trial between the picturesque cities of Lisboa and Oeiras. Lisboa, renowned for its historic charm and vibrant culture, provided a stunning backdrop for the riders as they launched their bid for the coveted red jersey. The route then led them towards Oeiras, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and modern vibe, where the race against the clock came to a thrilling conclusion. This initial test of speed set the tone for what promises to be an exciting edition of the Vuelta.

    America walks away with its first victory

    Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates clinched the victory with a time of 12′ 35″. He edged out Matěj Vacek from Lidl-Trek, who finished just two seconds behind, clocking in at 12′ 37″. Wout van Aert from Jumbo-Visma took third place with a time of 12′ 38″, just a second shy of Vacek. This close-fought battle sets an exciting precedent for the upcoming stages of the Vuelta.

    Brandon McNulty, the 25-year-old American rider from UAE Team Emirates, continues to build on his impressive career. Standing at 1.83 meters and weighing 69 kg, McNulty has steadily developed into one of the top time trialists in the peloton. Since his early days with Rally Cycling in 2018, where he showed promise as a climber, McNulty has honed his skills, particularly in time trials, where his points have surged over the years. With 510 PCS time trial points and 527 PCS general classification points last season, McNulty is proving to be a formidable force, and today’s victory is a testament to his growth and potential in the sport.

    The battle for the red jersey begins

    With today’s victory, Brandon McNulty will proudly don the red jersey as the leader of the Vuelta heading into the second stage. However, holding onto that coveted jersey may prove challenging, given his slim margin of victory. Riders like Wout van Aert, who finished just three seconds behind McNulty in the time trial, are poised to excel in tomorrow’s slightly hilly terrain. Van Aert’s versatility and sprinting prowess make him a serious threat, and McNulty will need to be at his best to defend his lead against such strong competition.

    A second stage in southern Portugal

    Looking ahead to tomorrow’s stage, the Vuelta continues in Portugal with a challenging ride from Cascais to Ourém. The route will feature slightly hilly terrain, including a few category 4 passes that will test the riders’ endurance. Despite the undulating profile, the stage is expected to favor the sprinters, setting the stage for a showdown between top contenders like Kaden Groves, Bryan Coquard, and Wout van Aert. The race promises another exciting finish as these fast men battle for the stage victory.

  • Last stage of the Tour de France 2024

    Last stage of the Tour de France 2024

    The 2024 Tour de France reached its thrilling conclusion with Stage 21—a grueling time trial from Monaco to Nice along the picturesque Mediterranean coastline. Beginning in the opulent principality of Monaco and winding through iconic mountain passes such as La Turbie and Le col d’Èze, this final stage tested the endurance, resolve, and sheer determination of the world’s top cyclists. Riders faced a stern test against both time and nature, navigating undulating roads and steep inclines that etched their way up panoramic views of the sea and vibrant French Riviera. With every second counting on this decisive day, cyclists embarked upon an epic battle to claim victory in what would become a testament to conquering these iconic challenges and securing their place in cycling history.

    Slovenian cyclist strikes one last time

    In an impressive display of versatility, Tadej Pogačar clinched victory in the ultimate stage of the Tour de France, a time trial. Although time trials contribute only a small portion of his PCS points (just 2,000 over his entire career). Pogačar has proven to be one of the best in this discipline. The lower point tally in time trials reflects the underrepresentation of this race type in comparison to other stages. Despite this, Pogačar’s prowess in time trials underscores his all-around excellence and adaptability, further solidifying his status as a dominant force in professional cycling.

    Results of the Tour de France

    As the Tour de France 2024 concludes, Tadej Pogačar’s overwhelming dominance secures his victory for UAE Team Emirates, capping off an extraordinary performance. Jonas Vingegaard takes second place, while Remco Evenepoel, who also clinches the title of best young rider, completes the podium. Richard Carapaz earns the polka-dot jersey as the best climber and is also recognized as the most combative rider of the Tour. Biniam Girmay makes history as the first African rider to win a stage and to claim the green jersey as the best sprinter. The UAE Team Emirates is celebrated as the best team of the Tour, showcasing their collective strength and strategy. In terms of stage wins, Pogačar leads with six victories, followed by sprinters Jasper Philipsen and Girmay, each with three stage wins. This Tour will be remembered for its remarkable achievements and the outstanding performances of its riders.

  • A last chance for pure climbers to shine at the Tour

    A last chance for pure climbers to shine at the Tour

    As the sun descended over Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Tour de France Stage 20 unfurled its epic narrative, weaving through a tapestry of rugged landscapes and historic villages. Cyclists embarked on this formidable journey from the sun-drenched shores of Nice to the majestic Col de la Couillole, navigating three famed mountain passes: col de Braus, col de Turini, and col de la Colmiane.

    The challenge began with a serpentine ascent through dense forests along the col de Braus, offering panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea, setting the tone for an arduous day ahead. The riders then faced the legendary col de Turini, immortalized by its presence in the Monte Carlo Rally and demanding exhilarating descents intertwined with relentless climbs that pushed them to their limits.

    Culminating at an elevation of over 2,300 meters above sea level, col de la Colmiane presented a final daunting challenge before the finish line in Col de la Couillole. This stage not only tested the cyclists’ physical prowess and mental fortitude but also showcased the region’s unrivaled beauty, making it an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike.

    Amidst this breathtaking backdrop of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, with its picturesque villages steeped in history, Tour de France Stage 20 paid homage to the region’s rich cycling heritage while challenging the world’s top cyclists like never before.

    Tadej Pogačar Clinches Dominant Victory

    It hardly needs mentioning that the winner of today’s stage is once again Tadej Pogačar. His dominance in this year’s Tour de France has been unparalleled, leaving no opportunity for his competitors to challenge his supremacy. Pogačar’s relentless performance and unwavering determination have solidified his position as the undisputed leader, making his victory in each stage seem almost inevitable. This Tour will be remembered for his extraordinary control and the clear gap he has created between himself and the rest of the field.

    Tour de France Podium Set: Pogačar Poised to Win, Carapaz and Girmay Secure Jerseys

    As the penultimate stage of the Tour de France 2024 concludes, the podium remains unchanged. Tadej Pogačar is poised to win the Tour, solidifying his dominance throughout the race. Richard Carapaz will retain the polka-dot jersey as the best climber, having showcased his exceptional climbing abilities. Meanwhile, Biniam Girmay holds onto the green jersey, securing his position as the best sprinter. With only one stage remaining, these leaders are set to celebrate their impressive achievements in this year’s Tour.

    Tomorrow’s final day of the Tour de France features a gripping Individual Time Trial from Monaco to Nice

    Tomorrow’s final day of the Tour de France features a gripping Individual Time Trial from Monaco to Nice. With no mountain passes, it becomes a true test of endurance, skill, and strategy across various specialties, leaving room for unexpected surprises as cyclists vie for victory. In line with the performances on the time trial deriner of this tour, the favourites are clearly the current Tour de France podium including : Pogacar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel. However, it’s the well-rounded abilities of Remco Evenepoel that could give him an edge in today’s competition due to his prowess in both climbing and time trials. As we anticipate a thrilling finale tomorrow, fans can expect excitement and suspense, ensuring an unforgettable conclusion for spectators at the Tour de France 2024.

  • Pogačar takes off on this Tour de France

    Pogačar takes off on this Tour de France

    Stage 19 of the Tour de France unfolded in the French Alps, where a challenging mountain stage took riders from Embrun to Isola 2000. Spanning just under 150 kilometers, this grueling route featured three ascents above 2,000 meters, including the legendary Col de la Bonette at an elevation of 2,802 meters – the highest paved road in Europe. Amidst breathtaking landscapes and punishing gradients, cyclists battled through iconic climbs to reach this awe-inspiring summit. The stage showcased their extraordinary abilities as they tackled both the mountainous terrain and their rivals, resulting in an enthralling spectacle that left fans on edge until the very last moment.

    Pogačar crosses the finish line first again

    Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) continues to impress with his exceptional versatility and consistent success in professional cycling since turning pro in 2018. The Slovenian sensation, just 24 years old at 1.76 meters tall and weighing 66 kg, has already made a significant impact on the sport’s landscape but also on this Tour. With over 7,000 points accumulated in mountains from 2020 to 2024, Pogačar establishes himself as the best cyclist of the moment.
    Pogačar’s dominance was on full display during a thrilling Stage 19 of the Tour de France, where he claimed victory in Isola 2000 by narrowly edging out Jorgenson from Team Jumbo-Visma Leasehold and Simon Yates from Team Jayco AlUla. His consistency on this tour enabled him to win his 4th stage, making him the person with the most stages won so far on this tour.

    Pogačar stretches his lead at GC but Carapaz steals the best climber jersey

    Today’s stage of the Tour de France saw no significant changes in the overall rankings, except for Tadej Pogačar further widening the gap between himself and his rivals. However, the standout move of the day was by Richard Carapaz, who claimed the best climber’s jersey. Carapaz more than doubled his points in the best climber classification, showcasing his prowess on the climbs and shaking up the competition for the coveted jersey.

    Riders Face Final Challenge on Stage 20

    As we approach the final stretch of the Tour de France, riders will face tomorrow’s challenging Stage 20 from Nice to Col de la Couillole, featuring formidable climbs such as col de Braus, cols de Turini, and col de la Colmiane. This demanding stage is likely to favor strong climbers like Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, Adam Yates, Jai Hindley. Their endurance and climbing abilities will be put to the test as they tackle the demanding terrain in a thrilling display of skill and determination.