CARLSBAD, California (July 2, 2024) — Blair Clark, General Manager (GM) of Canyon North America is stepping down from his role to take early retirement. His responsibilities as GM are being temporarily transferred to the management team from Canyon US and Canyon headquarters in Koblenz, Germany. A new GM for North America will be announced in due course.
Blair Clark, GM of Canyon Bicycles, has announced his retirement.
Blair Clark joined Canyon as General Manager North America in 2017, to start up the Canyon business in North America. Clark played a crucial role in Canyon’s growth and global expansion, creating strong results in key areas: business development in one of the most important markets to Canyon, fostering US specific. During his tenure Clark expanded Canyon’s customer-centric operations, opening the second Canyon public showroom and factory service center, and leveraged the company’s German manufacturing expertise to reinforce the brand’s global identity. After starting the business and achieving impressive year on year growth, Canyon now plays a crucial role in the US bicycle industry.
Canyon CEO Nicolas de Ros Wallace: “Blair’s contributions to Canyon’s business development and commercial activities have been crucial to the Global management team. For me personally, Blair has been a trusted partner and I greatly value his industry acumen. He will have a lasting impact on the people and performance of Canyon US and will leave a company which is well-positioned to embrace the next wave of innovations and performance for our customers, to enhance the brand experience and ensure sustainable growth and business excellence. On behalf of the Canyon management team, I would like to thank Blair for his outstanding leadership, his numerous contributions, and his dedication to Canyon. While Blair chose to take early retirement, I am delighted that he will stay close to the bike industry and will remain a true ambassador to the Canyon brand.”
Blair Clark: “It has been my pleasure to contribute to Canyon’s market development and expansion in North America. Today, Canyon is heading toward becoming the most inspiring and innovative bike brand in the world. This would not have been possible if we had not had a burning passion for cycling that continues to excite and motivate us every day. As Canyon prepares for a new chapter by entering new categories and new markets, now is the right time for me to hand over my responsibilities. For my next chapter I will continue to serve in a voluntary role as the Chairman of People for Bikes and I will endeavor to work in other areas that gives back to humanity.
Athletes will come together in Virginia’s Blue Ridge to compete for the Stars and Stripes jersey in both the Cross-Country and Marathon Mountain Bike events.
ROANOKE, Virginia (June 24, 2024) — Virginia’s Blue Ridge is set to become the capital of American mountain biking as it will proudly host the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships for the next two years. This thrilling event will bring together cyclists of all categories from across the country to compete for coveted National Titles in 2025-2026, starting with the first event tentatively slated for July 2025.
“It’s an absolute joy to return to Roanoke. We’re still buzzing from the experience of hosting the 2022 and 2023 Amateur Road National Championships there. And now, with this exciting announcement of the Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships, it’s evident why Virginia’s Blue Ridge is one of America’s foremost cycling destinations,” said Brendan Quirk, USA Cycling’s President and CEO.
The Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships will combine Cross-Country and Marathon Mountain Bike events, creating one exhilarating race week.
“The incredible variety of riding terrain and the passion for all forms of bike racing is a huge community strength,” continued Quirk.
Athletes will vie for gold on the formidable trails and stunning landscapes of Explore Park, Elmwood Park, and Carvins Cove, providing best-in-class racing while showcasing the natural beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
“We are thrilled that Virginia’s Blue Ridge has been selected as the host destination for the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships in 2025 and 2026. This prestigious event will help build on our already shining reputation as America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital,” said Landon Howard, Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge President.
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 | STAGE 8 | SEMUR-EN-AUXOIS > COLOMBEY-LES-DEUX-ÉGLISES
COLOMBEY-LES-DEUX-ÉGLISES, France (July 6, 2024) — Another exciting bunch sprint in Colombey-les-deux-Églises was won by Biniam Girmay (Intermarché – Wanty) to take the Stage 8 bouquet and strengthen his position in the green jersey. Girmay just got the better of second placed Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) in a tough uphill finish. Meanwhile it was Arnaud de Lie (Lotto-dstny) who finished in third place, with Pascal Ackermann (Israel-Premier Tech) and Marijn Van den Berg (EF Education-EasyPost) completing the top five. In the Yellow Jersey Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) remains in charge in the overall rankings, with nothing changing at the top of the general classification on the eighth day of racing. Pogačar therefore still leads the GC rankings by 33” from Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) and 1’15” from Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike).
Pedersen out of the Tour
There were 173 riders on the start line in Semur-en-Auxois, after Mads Pedersen was ultimately forced to abandon the race following his crash in the bunch sprint into Saint Vulbas on Stage 5. Intermittent rain, strong wind and the hilly parcours meant it would be a demanding day. Neilson Powless and Stefan Bissegger (EF Education-EasyPost) attacked as soon as the starting flag was shown, along with Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X). That trio built an advantage that increased to 2’25” at km 16. However, the attacks of EF Education-EasyPost itself on the Côte de Vitteaux (Cat 3, km 24.1) caused the peloton to accelerate and at the summit polka dot jersey wearer Abrahamsen went over first, with the gap back to bunch by then down to just 1’15”.
Not finally able to place Ben Healy or Alberto Bettiol in the breakaway, EF gave up on the attacks and also stopped Bissegger and Powless. Jordan Jegat (TotalEnergies) tried to join Abrahamsen in vain, and the Norwegian would top the climbs of Côte de Villy-en-Auxois (Cat 4, km 32.5) and the Côte de Verrey-sous-Salmaise (Cat 3, km 38.8) unchallenged and alone. At the intermediate sprint marker at Lamargelle (IS, km 59) Abrahamsen enjoyed a 5’40” lead over a relaxed peloton. Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) was the first rider from the peloton at the intermediate sprint point, thus securing another day in the green jersey.
Abrahamsen ploughed on alone over the Côte de Santenoge (Cat 4, km 96.7) and the Côte de Giey-sur-Aujon (Cat 4, km 122.4) picking up more points for the Mountain classification, though by the time he had reached the summit of the second of those climbs – the final categorised climb of the stage – his lead was down to just over 4 minutes. Abrahamsen’s successful day meant he secured himself at least two more stages in the polka dot jersey, as there will only be 4 Climbers points available to the riders on Stage 9 and then in the 10th stage there will be none.
Abrahamsen’s epic breakaway endeavours concluded 14.4 km from the finish and from there on the peloton raced together to Colombey-les-deux-Églises. The frantic finale saw Girmay outsprint his rivals in an awesome display of power to grab the stage win in the green jersey.
Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty): “Today’s Finish Was Perfect For Me”
“To win one stage is already unbelievable, and winning a second stage while wearing the green jersey even more so. Torino was a very flat finish, and I knew some other guys could push more watts than me, so I wasn’t sure of my options. Today’s finish, on the other hand, was perfect for me and I was super confident. I guess also then, the Tour de France being one of the hardest races of the world, once you win a stage you become aware that you are amongst the very best and that spurs you on. A lot of pressure was relieved when I raised my arms in Torino. The green jersey? I’ve already won two stages and worn the jersey, so my Tour de France is already a success and I don’t care what comes next! Anyway, I will for sure try my best to win this Points classification.”
Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility): “I Gave It My All Today”
“In the beginning I was hoping I could get in the breakaway to get some more points for the climbing competition. At first it was me and two from EF Education EasyPost so it was good, but on the climbs I had to pull all the time and they went behind back to the peloton. Then I was really just trying to give it full gas to try and get the victory. But I’m happy to get more points in the Mountain classification and the intermediate sprint and to be the most aggressive rider. I gave it my all today but I was not strong enough in the end. The legs are quite painful so hopefully I will recover well for tomorrow. I like to have pain in my legs, then they get stronger afterwards.”
Remco Evenepoel: “I’m Excited and A Little Nervous”
“In the end it was quite a good day, even if the start was a little difficult due to the legs from yesterday’s time trial. But then my teammates surrounded me well and I spent most of the stage at the front of the peloton. In the last km uphill, I just wanted to be careful not to stupidly lose time. So I stayed in front and finished 10th, but it was more by accident, I didn’t do it on purpose. Looking ahead to tomorrow’s stage, I’m both very excited and a little nervous. I can’t wait to discover these French gravel paths and at the same time I know that anything can happen. All riders involved in the general classification will want to be careful not to lose time. I know all the sectors, I have been to see the most difficult ones and honestly I like them. We will see the scenario, it will depend on the breakaway, if we have very strong riders in front or not. In any case, I have the impression that tomorrow’s stage will be one of the most watched sporting events of the year.”
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates): “It Was a Really Fast Day”
“Actually, it was quite cold today. It was a really fast day, as Jonas Abrahamsen was flying at the front and we had to ride at his pace. It was a bit of a stressful day in the peloton. It’s good to tick the day off and start thinking about tomorrow. Will tomorrow’s stage be decisive? I don’t think so. Of course, you will need to stay even more sharp and focused. Every entrance to a gravel sector will be a battle. There will be wind, and maybe some rain… You can be the best on the gravel, but if you puncture at the wrong moment you will lose time. It will be a hectic, dangerous day. It will be key to stay close to the front and well surrounded by the team. Everybody wants to be at the front on every stage, and tomorrow’s stage won’t be no different – just more stressful than usual!”
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 | STAGE 8 | SEMUR-EN-AUXOIS > COLOMBEY-LES-DEUX-ÉGLISES | DAILY STATS
50,9: WHEN IT GOES UP, GIRMAY SPEEDS UP
Already a history maker with his stage win in Torino and his first few days with the green jersey, Biniam Girmay dominated the intermediate sprint (on slightly descending roads) in the bunch: up to 72.4 km/h according to the NTT Data trackers. The final kilometre was much harder, rising to the line… And the African icon excels in these conditions, as illustrated by his speed of 50.9 km/h right before the line to get the better of his rivals. As the road flattened, Arnaud De Lie was able to accelerate up to 52.2 km/h but it was too late for him to move past Girmay.
2: GIRMAY REPEATS SUCCESS AND ENDS STREAKS
With a second victory in the Tour 2024, Biniam Girmay ends a streak that saw seven different riders win the seven first stages of the Tour de France 2024. His previous success came in Turin, on day 3. Romain Bardet, Kévin Vauquelin, Tadej Pogačar, Mark Cavendish, Dylan Groenewegen and Remco Evenepoel are the other winners this year. The Eritrean star also ends a run of six sprints that were dominated by six different winners (starting with Mads Pedersen last year in Limoges, all the way to Dylan Groenewegen in Dijon).
27: IT’S A TIE BETWEEN VINGEGAARD AND POGAČAR
Tadej Pogačar is up to 27 Maillot Jaune since he stormed the Tour de France in 2020… And Jonas Vingegaard collected the exact same amount of jerseys in the last two editions, which saw him match Pogačar’s two overall victories. The two of them can now eye Fabian Cancellara’s record of 29 Maillot Jaune. Eddy Merckx remains far ahead with an all-time record of 111 Maillot Jaune (including half stages).
38%: ABRAHAMSEN IS TIRELESS
After 8 stages, Jonas Abrahamsen has spent 12 hours, 9 minutes and 30 seconds in breakaways… That represents 38% of his total race time! Omnipresent since the Italian Grand Départ, the Norwegian attacker was especially aggressive today, averaging 44.3km over 167km at the front (most of it on his own) to secure a second combativity award in this edition.
1984: ABRAHAMSEN IS SET TO BEAT PEETERS
With a margin of 13 points on Tadej Pogačar (33 vs 20) at the top of the KOM standings, Jonas Abrahamsen is, barring incidents, set to retain the polka dot jerseys at least until Wednesday, since there are only 4 KOM points up for grabs in stage 9 and none on day 10. A couple of years ago, Magnus Cort Nielsen was the first leader of the KOM standings and he only lost the jersey on day 9. Abrahamsen is already set to beat that reference. The only time the first leader of the KOM standings carried the polka dot jersey into the second week happened in 1984, when Ludo Peeters lost it to Jean-René Bernaudeau in stage 10.
2-2: ERITREA MATCHES SOUTH AFRICA
When Biniam Girmay sprinted to victory in Turin, Eritrea became the second African nation with a stage win in the Tour, in the wake of South Africa. Girmay’s record of two victories now matches the tally of Robert Hunter (Montpellier 2007) and Daryl Impey (Brioude 2019).
1-3: DE LIE STAYS BEHIND GIRMAY
With a place of 3rd, Arnaud de Lie finished in the top-3 for the second time in the Tour de France. He was already 3rd in Turin… And he already witnessed Biniam Girmay.
2: INTERMARCHÉ-WANTY ENJOYS THE BINI EFFECT
After they went winless in their first six Tours, Intermarché-Wanty are now up to two successes in the first eight stages of this edition!
By Charles Pekow — As communities become increasingly bicycle-friendly in many ways, the perennial issue of theft remains. A new study reminds us that “bicycle theft remains a significant deterrent for potential riders, and also influences the behaviors of existing cyclists.”
A lonely wheel remains after the rest of the bike was stolen. Photo by ivan Radic – CC BY 2.0 ATTRIBUTION 2.0 GENERIC
The theft plague needs to be addressed in new and more comprehensive ways, suggests “The Impact of Bicycle Theft on Ridership Behavior”, an article published in the International Journal of Sustainable Transportation (https://doi.org/10.1080/15568318.2024.2350946).
The researchers gathered 1,821 survey responses in North America and found that nearly half stated that they stopped riding or biked less after a theft, with 15 percent saying they gave up cycling. But about two-thirds of theft victims reported replacing their bikes after having one stolen. Those who continued to bike tended to be those who biked regularly.
Only 13 percent said they stopped making trips normally made by cycle as most found other ways to get where they were going if they stopped biking. Of those who obtained a new bike, only one-third opted for a cheaper vehicle. Of those who considered themselves “frequent bicyclists,” only four percent gave up riding after losing their bike. But more than a quarter either stopped biking or reduced riding even if they recovered their bike.
“Our results demonstrated that individuals who were unable to recover their stolen bicycles experienced more disruptions in their bicycling behavior; individuals who successfully retrieve their stolen bicycles typically have fewer negative changes in their bicycling activity and a less tendency to invest in a new bicycle compared to those who fail to recover theirs,” the study says.
Naturally, those who owned multiple bicycles were less likely to give up or reduce riding.
So, the authors conclude, encouraging people to bike more will reduce the negative impact, as will programs like registration, which makes bike recovery more likely. They also suggest that since lower-income people tend to get more discouraged when they lose their bike, efforts should be made to help them, such as temporary bike replacement or secure parking.
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 | STAGE 7 | NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES > GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN
CHAMBERTIN, France (July 5, 2024) — Stage 7 of the 2024 Tour de France saw Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step) take the win in the 25.3km ITT from Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin. World time trial champion Evenepoel was 12” quicker than second placed Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), with Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) third by 34” and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) in fourth, 37” down on the winner. Pogačar therefore keeps the Yellow Jersey, with his lead over Evenepoel now reduced to 33”, with Vingegaard third overall at +1’15”.
The man who has made history already at this year’s Tour, Mark Cavendish, was the first of the 174 riders competing in the stage to start at 1.05pm local time. Along the time trial route the riders’ differences were officially timed at three intermediate splits, located in Messanges (km 8.6), Curley (km 14.4) and Morey-Saint-Denis (km 19.9). In reverse order of the general classification the riders started at intervals of one minute for the first 58 men to go down the ramp, then at 1’30” intervals. For the leading nine riders in the general classification the gap in departures between starters was two minutes, with Pogačar logically leaving last, at 5pm.
Good work by the young French Groupama-FDJ rider Lenny Martinez saw him set a 31’40”84 time, putting him top provisionally in the early running, having been the 12th rider to start. Just under an hour and a half after the stage commenced, the 45th starter Luke Durbridge from Jayco-AlUla then ousted the small climber from Groupama-FDJ with a time of 31’14″01, set at an average speed of 48.6 km/h. Durbridge was then unseated from the provisional top spot himself by German TT champion Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates) by a 25” margin, before Stefan Bissegger (EF Education – EasyPost) went into the lead with a 30’06”66 best time, flying over the course at an average 50.4 km/h speed.
Then an excellent performance by Kevin Vauquelin (Arkea – B&B Hotels) produced the first sub 30′ time of the day. Vauquelin finished in 29’44″94 to lead from Bissegger by 21″, before the 97th man down the ramp Victor Campenaerts (Lotto-dstny) took over from Vauquelin in the hotseat by less than a second, with just 0.72s between their times. Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ) was hindered by a loose chain in the second sector and whilst it was difficult to accurately estimate exactly how much time that cost him, it was clearly detrimental to his progress, as he crossed the line in provisional third place, 8″ down on Campenaerts.
As the favourites flew around the course later in the afternoon the provisional lead at the intermediate timing points and the finish line changed hands several times but world time trial champion Evenepoel was too fast for his rivals. The Belgian even overcame a scare with a suspected puncture which appeared to distract him for a few seconds, but the Belgian finished the job in style to take 12 vital seconds out of Pogačar’s GC lead.
Remco Evenepoel became the first rider in history to have won a time trial at Il Giro, Le Tour, La Vuelta, the Worlds and the European Championships, a fantastic feat that came on the back of a phenomenal ride on the first stage against the clock of this Tour de France edition. The 24-year-old Belgian, a debutant in the race, proved he is currently the best time triallist in the world as he scored Soudal Quick-Step’s 51st Tour de France victory and cemented his place at the top of the youth classification.
The penultimate rider to leave the start house, the World ITT Champion produced one of the finest displays of power of his career, going fastest through all three intermediate checkpoints of the 23.4km undulating course between Nuits-Saint-Georges and Gevrey-Chambertin, before posting the best time at the finish thanks to a stunning 52.58km/h average speed.
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step): “We Wanted A Stage Win And That Is Done”
“It’s crazy. I was on a good day. The climb was pretty tough, because I wanted to start fast but I wanted to keep something. The descent was technical and fast, you have to do it well. I enjoyed every metre of this TT. Coming out with the win is amazing so I’m super happy. I was pretty sure I had a puncture. Maybe somebody from the public dropped a glass or hit a fence – it made the same sound as a puncture! I was a bit scared, but after few metres I knew nothing was wrong. I kept pushing even with the scare, fearing that maybe it was a slow puncture so I was not as sure as before in the last few corners. I had to take risks, Tadej was close to me. Getting the victory by 12” is amazing. Tadej can do very good time trials, especially in Grand Tours. We weren’t really thinking about time gaps for GC. We wanted a stage win, and that is done. It’s a perfect day for me and my team. Mission accomplished. Now we focus on tomorrow and on Sunday. As for the rest of the Tour de France, I believe Tadej is going to be unreachable. But this is cycling, you never know what can happen. I think the further into the race we go, the better I will feel, so I’ll focus more on the podium because I feel I have the legs for it.”
On Becoming the Youngest Rider to Win Stages in All Three Grand Tours:
“It’s crazy! I enjoyed every meter of this time trial and coming out with the win is simply amazing. I wasn’t thinking of the GC, the only thing that I had in mind was the victory and it’s an incredible feeling now to be a stage winner in all Grand Tours. A big thank you to the team for all their support, and to Specialized and our other partners for the setup of the bike. It’s a very special day in my life and my career, one which I will always remember.”
“I had a very good day on this challenging course, which had a pretty hard climb and also some technical roads. I knew before the start that there wouldn’t be any big time gaps today, but I gave everything out there. I did a better time trial than the one in the Dauphiné. It ended up being a perfect day for me and my team, we took some time on the others, so it’s mission accomplished. We will celebrate this beautiful victory tonight, and from tomorrow, we’ll focus on the remaining stages of this week.”
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates): “I Need To Keep An Eye On Remco Now”
“I started really well, with good legs. I went a bit too hard on the climb and then on the rolling part on the top I think I suffered the most. Towards the end was a nice parcours also and I really enjoyed today’s time trial. To lose against Remco, World Champion, the best time trialist right now, it’s still a pretty good feeling. I can be satisfied. I would have loved to have taken a stage win today but against Remco it’s a bit tough. But I can gained time on Primož [Roglič] and Jonas [Vingegaard] and the other guys so I can be really happy. I need to keep an eye on Remco now, he is a bit closer, but also Jonas and Primož I think they can show their good legs in the next mountain stages. I think in this Tour de France, the hard stages are coming really towards the end and the bodies will be really tired. So we could see bigger gaps. I would say that right now it’s really close and for me it’s better to be in the lead than be chasing. I already did two good time trials at the Giro, yet I rate this performance somehow higher as I only lost to the current World Champion by just a few seconds and was still above some tough guys like Primož and Jonas. I think the TT in Nice should be nice for me too, as I know the roads quite well.
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 | STAGE 7 | NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES > GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN | DAILY STATS
109: EVENEPOEL JOINS A SELECT CLUB
Already a stage winner in the Giro and La Vuelta, Remco Evenepoel scores in his first Tour de France participation to become the 109th rider with victories in all three Grand Tours. His first Grand Tour, the Giro 2021, is the only one where he didn’t win a stage (DNS on day 18). Half of his wins (4/8) came in individual time trials.
12: THE WOLFPACK STRIKES AGAIN
For the 12th year in a row, Soudal Quick-Step win a Tour de France stage and bring their tally up to 52 successes. Their last Tour de France win dated back to stage 18 last year, when Kasper Asgreen delivered in Bourg-en-Bresse. Their last Tour ITT win was brought by Yves Lampaert on day 1 of the Tour 2022, in Copenhagen.
1-2-3: POGAČAR’S CONSISTENCY
Only beaten by Remco Evenepoel, Tadej Pogačar completed his set of strong results in Tour de France ITTs : 2 wins, 2 places of 2nd, 2 places of 3rd. The only time he didn’t finish in the top-3 of a Tour ITT was in Saint-Émilion, at the end of the 2021 edition, when he had already secured the overall victory and finished 8th of the stage.
6’29’’: EVENEPOEL AND VINGEGAARD FLEW OVER CURLEY
After he set the Strava KOM on the climb of the day during recons, Victor Campenaerts delivered a strong performance. But nobody could hold off Remco Evenepoel, who had the fastest time on the segment (4.3km at 3.3%), with Jonas Vingegaard also up there:
Evenepoel, 6’29”
Vingegaard, 6’29”
Pogačar, 6’34”
Vauquelin, 6’35”
Campenaerts, 6’37”
Roglič, 6’43″
3: ROGLIČ’S BEST ITT IN THE TOUR
Primož Roglič is a beast against the clock and the reigning Olympic Champion… But today is the first time he finishes in the top 3 of an individual time trial in the Tour de France! In his six previous attempts, his best result is not a good memory for the Slovenian star: 5th at La Planche des Belles Filles, when he lost the Maillot Jaune to Tadej Pogačar on the penultimate day of the Tour 2020.
24: EVENEPOEL IS A YOUNG BEAST
Remco Evenepoel (24 years, 5 months, 10 days) is the youngest Belgian to win an ITT in the Tour de France since Eric Vanderaerden’s historic performances in the 1980s, when he became the youngest winner ever against the clock at the age of 21 years, 4 months and 20 days in the Tour 1983. The second youngest winner of a Tour ITT is another Belgian, Raymond Impanis (21 years, 8 months and 29 days in 1947). And the third one is Tadej Pogačar (21 years, 11 months, 29 days), with his victory at La Planche des Belles Filles in 2020. When it comes to Belgian ITT winners, Evenepoel is the 5th youngest, after Vanderareden, Impanis, Michel Pollentier and Eddy Merckx.
2018: EVENEPOEL SUCCEEDS DUMOULIN
Remco Evenepoel is the first reigning ITT World Champion to win an ITT of the Tour since Tom Dumoulin in Espelette, 2018. The first rider to do so was Fabian Cancellara on the opening day of the Tour 2007. And he repeated this feat the very next year.
87.3: EVENEPOEL ALSO FLEW ON THE DOWNHILL
Apart from a little mechanical scare that saw his speed drop to 4.6 km/h lower than Tadej Pogačar’s over 500 metres, Remco Evenepoel was consistently fast across the 25.3km of the day, with an average speed of 52.6 kM/h according to Tissot Timing, slightly faster than the Maillot Jaune (52.4 km/h). Evenepoel and Pogačar hit similar top speeds: 87.3 km/h for the Belgian rising star, 87.1 km/h for the Slovenian cannibal according to the NTT Data trackers. Stefan Bissegger went even faster as he powered through the fastest lines on the downhill: 89.0km/h.
26: POGAČAR CLOSES IN ON VINGEGAARD
Tadej Pogačar collected his 26th Maillot Jaune on the podium of stage 7. One more and he’ll join Jonas Vingegaard at the 15th spot of the all time ranking for most days stages finished at the helm of the overall standings.
DIJON, France (July 4, 2024) — Today and tomorrow, the Tour de France and the UCI are honouring African cycling, three days after Biniam Girmay’s historic victory. Next year, the first UCI Road World Championships will be held in Kigali, Rwanda.
This morning, eight young African riders supported by the UCI World Cycling Centre were introduced on the signature podium. They got to meet some of their idols before cycling through the final part of the stage and watching the riders’ arrival.
04/07/2024 – Tour de France 2024 – Etape 6 – Mâcon – Dijon (163,5 km) – Afrique Tour de France / UCI
Tomorrow, one of them will open the road for the professionals ahead of the time trial stage on a Qhubeka bike—the same bikes that the Tour de France has donated to almost 2,000 African students since 2018 to enable them to get to school.
A Rwandan delegation from the 2025 UCI Road World Championships organising committee will also be present at the Tour de France as the country commemorates the 30th anniversary of the end of the genocide on Liberation Day.
A 23rd team on the roads of the Tour
“To be the first black African stage winner is a message for the entire continent,” declared Biniam Girmay three days ago, just moments after crossing the finish line as the winner. He added on his social networks a little later: “Let me pave the way.”
In his wake, eight up-and-coming African riders from the four corners of the continent*, supported by the International Cycling Union (UCI), were honoured by the Tour de France today between Mâcon and Dijon. They were accompanied by coach and former professional rider Tsgabu Grmay (Ethiopia) who contested the Grande Boucle three times between 2016 and 2018. The riders, who symbolically represent a 23rd African team that is deemed equal to the others, they were introduced to the Tour public at the start before getting the chance to meet their idols, in particular the two African riders from the Intermarché-Wanty team, Biniam Girmay (Eritrea), a former trainee with the UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC), and Louis Meintjes (South Africa). Currently on a training camp in Brittany as part of a programme run by the UCI WCC to gain experience in European races, the eight young riders got on their bicycles ahead of the peloton to ride the final 31 kilometres of the stage before watching the riders’ arrival.
This day, rich in emotions, concluded with an unforgettable souvenir as the young riders proudly stood on the podium in Dijon, yellow and rainbow jerseys in hand, linking the Tour de France with the first UCI Road World Championships to be held on the African continent next year in Kigali, Rwanda. This operation promoting African youth is being held on 4 July, Liberation Day (a bank holiday in Rwanda), which marks 30 years since the end of the country’s horrific genocide. For the occasion, an official delegation, including Samson Ndayishimiye, President of the Rwandan Cycling Federation (FERWACY), is present at the Tour de France until tomorrow to prepare the event’s organisation and meet the organising teams.
Solidarity in Africa
Tomorrow, Eritrean Awet Aman Goniche will extend the adventure by completing the 25.3 kilometres of the time trial stage between Nuits-Saint-Georges and Gevrey-Chambertin before the professionals on a Qhubeka bike: the same bike that the Tour de France has donated to nearly 2,000 African students since 2018 to enable them to get to school. Anthony Fitzhenry, founder of Qhubeka, an association that has been a partner of the Tour since the launch of the “Riding into the Future” programme through which the event is committed to cycling mobility in all its forms, will also be on hand to portray this message of solidarity and encourage the young rider. There’s no doubt that Awet, like his seven friends from the previous day, will dream of emulating his compatriot Biniam Girmay and paving the way even more.
David Lappartient, President of the International Cycling Union:
“With just over a year to go before the first UCI Road World Championships in Africa, it is fantastic to see the continent’s talented young riders experiencing the atmosphere of the Tour de France and participating in the event. The UCI and its World Cycling Centre (WCC) have developed a solid strategy to prepare these young cyclists for next year’s UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda. This unique opportunity to participate in stage 6 of the Tour will provide additional motivation for these up-and-coming talents. The UCI and the UCI WCC have supported African riders for many years and continue to closely follow the exploits of their former trainees, such as Daniel Teklehaimanot, Merhawi Kudus, and, of course, Biniam Girmay, winner a few days ago of stage 3, and who has been training with us in Aigle, Switzerland, in 2019.”
Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France General Director:
“Three days ago in Turin, Biniam Girmay marked the history of a Tour de France that is increasingly more open to Africa, following in the footsteps of the African riders who paved the way before him: Robert Hunter, Daryl Impey, Daniel Teklehaimanot and Merhawi Kudus… We have been striving for years to strengthen the link between the cycling of champions and everyday cycling. This African sequence is entirely in step with this idea to inspire the young people who will be the champions of tomorrow while enabling thousands of others to emancipate themselves through cycling, through the solidarity actions we carry out in conjunction with the Qhubeka association”.
In a turn of events that surprised literally no-one, it was the sprinters who dominated the proceedings in stage 6. The race entered Burgundy on the roads from Mâcon to Dijon, where the Tour returned after a 27-year hiatus. The Dutch national champion, Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco–AlUla), edged Jasper Philipsen at the line. The Belgian came up one place short of victory for the second day in a row, with Biniam Girmay in third. Groenewegen picked up his sixth Tour stage win, his first since stage 3 of the 2022 edition in the Danish city of Sønderborg. It was also the sixth Tour bunch sprint in a row that went to a different rider. The day went by without a breakaway worthy of the name, but scattered showers and relentless crosswinds kept the riders on their toes throughout the 163.5 km course. After narrowly dodging a crash on Wednesday, Tadej Pogačar had another scare today when Jonas Vingegaard’s teammates managed to split the peloton with 82 km to go. The leader found himself as the sole UAE Team Emirates representative in the 50-strong lead group, but it all came to naught when the second group managed to reconnect about 10 km down the road. It was another close shave for the Slovenian, who will start the first time trial in the yellow jersey tomorrow.
The bunch set out from Mâcon —the home town of the poet Alphonse de Lamartine and the footballer Antoine Griezmann— at 1:52 pm. Mads Pedersen, draped in bandages after a nasty spill in the run-in to the finish of the previous stage, soldiered on, keeping the peloton at 174 riders ahead of the 163.5 km long stage 6. No-one made a move as soon as the flag dropped, but the pace was high from the get-go, with the top favourites, including the fellow in yellow, Tadej Pogačar, vigilant at the front. It was an obvious sign that the main contenders were on edge about the moderate crosswinds set to batter the peloton almost without respite across the Saône-et-Loire and Côte-d’Or departments.
The king of the mountains, Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility), upped the pace on the Col du Bois Clair, the only climb of the day, coming 9 km into the stage. Axel Zingle (Cofidis) was glued to his wheel but failed to stop the Norwegian from going over the category 4 ascent in first place and padding his lead in the mountains classification (26 points, six ahead of Pogačar). The two men pressed on over the top, bringing their margin over the peloton to 1′15″ before sitting up in the run-in to the intermediate sprint in Cormatin, 31 km into the stage, where Jasper Philipsen took top points. The Belgian outsprinted Biniam Girmay, who became the first ever African rider to wear the green jersey this morning, and Mads Pedersen.
The peloton chugged along until Lotto Dstny tried —and failed— to force a split in the peloton. In the end, it was the European champion, Christophe Laporte (Visma | Lease a Bike), who managed to blow up the pack with 81 km to go, at the exit from Puligny-Montrachet, right when Mark Cavendish suffered a puncture. The yellow jersey, Tadej Pogačar, found himself alone in the first group on the road after all his teammates were caught napping, but the peloton reformed 70 km from the line.
The tension in the peloton was so thick you could cut it with a knife, so the leaders clustered at the front of the race to avoid any nasty surprises before letting the fast men duke it out in sunny Dijon, where the Tour had last called in 1997. Alexander Kristoff’s Uno-X Mobility sprint train led the charge under the red kite, but Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco–AlUla) derailed it to take the first stage win by a reigning Dutch champion since Léon van Bon triumphed in Tours in 2000. The photo finish did not lie: Groenewegen was the winner, while Jasper Philipsen had to settle for second, as he had done in Saint-Vulbas yesterday.
Tadej Pogačar: “Today was a great example of how the Tour can get ugly even when the wind isn’t blowing too hard. It was a rather stressful day. At the end of the day, I was happy the stage wasn’t too long. I already recced the time trial a long time ago. I must say I love this course, it’s a fantastic time trial. It’ll be fast, but aerodynamics alone won’t cut it, you need some oomph too. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out. I see Remco as the clear favourite. He’s the world champion and has shown time and again that he can beat anyone he likes. He’ll be the man to beat tomorrow, but I think I can do well too. Of course, he’s a serious contender for GC. I think he’s had this goal in mind since December.”
Remco Evenepoel: “Today went fairly well. It was windy, but my team kept me in the right place. I stayed focused throughout the four-hour stage. It was pretty nervy out there. Tomorrow’s time trial course [between Nuits-Saint-Georges and Gevrey-Chambertin] isn’t too far from Belgium, so I managed to recce it between Christmas and New Year’s, and I popped back for another look a few days ago. The course suits me well. I can’t wait for tomorrow. We’re gunning for victory. As the world time trial champion, I’ll be giving it my all for the stage win, but also with an eye on a strong position in GC, where I’m hoping to make some waves.”
Groenewegen: “It Was So Close I Couldn’t Celebrate It On The Line!”
Dylan Groenewegen: “I’m really happy. The feeling is so amazing and to do it in the red, white and blue jersey, I said it would be a beautiful picture, but it was so close I couldn’t celebrate it on the line! I know my legs are fantastic. Yesterday I was a bit disappointed with myself because the team did a really good job. Today we nailed it again. In the final kilometres, we stayed calm and I found the right moment to go. I don’t know exactly what happened, but I was first! Jasper Philipsen was a tough nut to crack today, but we pulled it off in the end. It’s really important to us. I love these rough sprints. There are loads of great sprinters this year, it’s hard to win and, of course, even harder in the Tour, the biggest race on Earth. And now, Uno-X Mobility and Alpecin-Deceuninck have amazing trains. Almost everyone has a great train. You need to get it down to a T. And I’m mighty proud of what we did.”
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 | STAGE 6 | MÂCON > DIJON | DAILY STATS
23: GROENEWEGEN, AN ORANJE STAR
Dutch riders are very much used to shining in the Tour de France, with a first stage win in 1936, when Theo Middelkamp triumphed in Grenoble, and a 167th thanks to Dylan Groenewegen in Dijon. The Team Jayco-AlUla sprinter is the first reigning Dutch national champion to win a stage of the Tour de France since Léon van Bon powered to victory in Tours in 2000, 23 years ago.
59: A BLAZING PACE THROUGH THE WIND
The flat roads from Mâcon to Dijon (1,035m of elevation) witnessed an eventful stage due to the 20-km/h crosswinds blowing from the west. Dylan Groenewegen claimed victory after 163.5 km covered at an average of 46.3 km/h. Attempts to build echelons were essential to achieve this high average speed. The peloton momentarily split at km 83, with Dylan Groenewegen and Jasper Philipsen caught behind. For the next 5 kilometres, the first part of the bunch went flying at an average of 59.0 km/h according to the NTT Data trackers!
2: PEDERSEN IS A FIGHTER
On the day after a nasty crash at 62.4 km/h (according to the NTT Data trackers), Mads Pedersen got back on his bike, with several bandages and with an intact fighting spirit. The Dane sped up to 67.6 km/h in the intermediate sprint and went on to collect the most combative rider award for the second time of his career, two years after his successful breakaway towards Saint-Étienne. None of the other riders identified as sprinters in the peloton of the Tour de France 2024 ever collected this award. Wout van Aert, who can do about anything on his bike, is the participant with most combativity awards: 5.
5: EVENEPOEL SHINES IN WHITE
As the best young rider since day 2, Remco Evenepoel has now claimed five white jerseys. He’s still far from Tadej Pogacar’s record of 72 consecutive jerseys from stage 13 of the Tour 2020 until stage 21 of the Tour 2023… But he just needs one more jersey to match Egan Bernal’s run of six days in white before Pogacar’s rise to power. Considering Belgian rising stars, Evenepoel moves past Wout van Aert’s record of 4 consecutive white jerseys in the Tour 2019. The last Belgian youngster with a longer streak is Wilfried Nelissen, with 7 stages in 1993.
24-25: POGAČAR MOVES PAST HINAULT AND GETS CLOSE TO ANQUETIL
With a 25th Maillot Jaune, Tadej Pogačar still trails Jonas Vingegaard, who claimed 27 in the last two editions of the Tour de France. But when it comes to the jerseys claimed at 25 years old or less, the Slovenian star is moving up the ladder, one step above Bernard Hinault (24), and matching François Faber’s record (25 days last he leader of the Tours 1909, 1910 and 1911, before the inception of the Maillot Jaune). If he keeps the lead all the way to Nice, Pogacar will have 40 Maillot Jaune… Eddy Merckx had 43 before turning 26. Pogačar is also up to 24 Grand Tour leader jerseys in 2024. One more, and Pogačar will match Jacques Anquetil’s record from 1961 and 1964. Merckx dominates this ranking as well, with 32 jerseys in 1972 (17 Maillot Jaune, 15 Maglia Rosa).
1-2-3: VIVA GIRMAY
Already a stage winner (in Turin, stage 3 of the Tour 2024) and a 3rd place finisher (in Bordeaux, stage 7 of the Tour 2023), Biniam Girmay has now completed his set of top-3 results with a place of 2nd in Dijon. The first African leader of the points standings will wear the green jersey for one more day.
PARK CITY, Utah (July 1, 2024) — After 15 years, Jay Burke, the founding race director of the Park City Point 2 Point is ready to pass on the torch. Steve Aderholt, will be stepping in as the new race director. Steve has 16 years of experience organizing hundreds of events across the US, including the Cocodona250 running race in Arizona. He has been assisting Jay for the past 3 years as co-director, and is excited to take the lead. “Steve is the perfect fit for the Point to Point, he brings an enthusiasm for the event that will continue to provide a grueling and equally rewarding day on the Park City trails! This event has been a passion project for me, and I’m stoked to have found someone like Steve who will maintain the vibe created over the last 15 years,” says Burke.
New Park City Point 2 Point Race Director Steve Aderholt. Photo courtesy Park City Point 2 Point
The P2P concept originally came together when Burke saw the burgeoning popularity of 100-mile MTB races like the Pennsylvania Wilderness 101 and Leadville 100, and he knew Park City had the potential to rival them. Burke states, “There was another endurance bike event in Park City at the time, it was 100 miles and used many trails multiple times. My vision was for a true point to point race that I felt would provide a truly epic day for riders. The goal was to never repeat the same trail twice”. In 2009 he put those thoughts into action with the inaugural 75 mile event, 148 entrants participated that year and some within a duo category featured. Flash forward 15 years, the event now sells out within minutes, and while the trails and some details have evolved, the essence of camaraderie and exhilaration remain a cornerstone of the event. Each Labor Day weekend, mountain bike riders of all varieties converge upon Park City, drawn by the promise of premier singletrack and the chance to forge lasting bonds amid plenty of dirt and sweat.
A racer on course at the Park City Point 2 Point. Photo courtesy Park City Point 2 Point
As the 2024 edition unfolds and Steve assumes the role of race director and steering the Park City Point 2 Point into a new and exciting chapter, participants can rest assured one thing will remain constant—the grueling ascent of the infamous Steps Trail, a rite of passage to every P2P rider. So as the wheels keep turning, the spirit of adventure and community will continue to thrive at the annual Park City Point 2 Point.
Jay Burke (right), Park City Point 2 Point Founder, is stepping down this year and turning the reins over to Steve Aderholt. Photo courtesy Park City Point 2 PointScenes from the Park City Point 2 Point. Photo courtesy Park City Point 2 Point
MISSOULA, Montana (July 3, 2024) – Adventure Cycling Association announced major expansions to the United States Bicycle Route System, including three completely new routes and bringing the total to over a major benchmark of 20,000 miles.
The U.S. Bicycle Route System is a developing national network of officially designated, numbered, and signed routes that use existing roads, trails, and other facilities appropriate for bike travel. It will eventually encompass 50,000 miles of routes and open new opportunities for cross-country travel, regional touring, and commuting by bike. It also benefits communities by providing new bicycle routes, enhancing safety, and increasing tourism and economic activity.
The three new routes are USBR 51 in Arkansas, USBR 76 in Wyoming, and USBR 85 California. USBR 76 will be Wyoming’s first U.S. Bicycle Route. Additionally, Florida extended USBR 15 to go north-south through most of the state and California extended USBR 95 to finish the coastline.
One of the many sights along USBR 15, in Floral City, Florida. Photo by Patty Huff, courtesy Adventure Cycling Association.
“State departments of transportation are focused on delivering a safe, multimodal transportation system that offers mobility for all,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. He noted that AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing state DOTs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. AASHTO and Adventure Cycling formalized their nearly two-decade partnership of designating new bike routes by signing a memorandum of understanding in February 2021. “The recent additions to and expansion of the USBRS network by Arkansas, California, Florida, and Wyoming further highlight the active transportation benefits that flow from partnership between AASHTO, state DOTs, and the Adventure Cycling Association,” Tymon said.
A rider on the Withlachoochee State Trail section of USBR 15 in Florida. Photo by Patty Huff, courtesy Adventure Cycling Association.
Digital maps for all designated U.S. Bicycle Routes are available to the public for free on the Adventure Cycling Association website.
Map courtesy Adventure Cycling Association.
With the new designation and realignments, the U.S. Bicycle Route System now boasts over 22,000 miles of routes in 35 states and Washington, D.C. At least 25 states are currently developing additional U.S. Bicycle Routes.
“It’s satisfying to see the USBRS network grow and know that we are playing a part in making long distance bicycle travel more accessible to more people through these routes,” said Jenn Hamelman, Director of Routes. “None of this would be possible without new and long-standing partnerships with state departments of transportation and local advocates.”
A photo of a sign for USBR 70 in Panguitch, Utah. Photo by Dave Iltis
The nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association promotes bike travel and is the only organization that coordinates national development of the U.S. Bicycle Route System. Adventure Cycling staff offer technical assistance, volunteer coordination, and outreach to help states achieve official designation of routes.
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 | STAGE 5 | SAINT-JEAN-DE-MAURIENNE > SAINT-VULBAS
A frantic bunch sprint in Saint-Vulbas on Stage 5 was won by Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan) in front of an excited crowd to make Tour de France history. Cavendish clinched his 35th Tour stage victory in style, making him the most prolific stage winner in the history of the race outright, now alone in front of the man he had previously shared the honour with, the great Eddy Merckx. Cavendish used all his experience in an electric bunch sprint to grab the historic triumph ahead of Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) in second and Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X), who was third. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) remains in the Yellow Jersey with no changes at the top of the GC on the fifth day of racing.
There were 174 riders at the start of Stage 5 as the peloton rolled out of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne taking the official start after a 4.6km neutralised section. Following a few unsuccessful breakaway attempts, it was finally at km 25 that Clement Russo (Groupama-FDJ) left the peloton, joined at km 31 by Matteo Vercher (TotalEnergies). The two riders from Lyon were permitted to move clear by the peloton and obtained a maximum advantage of 4’35” at km 40. The duo’s gap was calmly controlled by riders from Lidl-Trek and Alpecin-Deceuninck, who led the peloton. The average speed recorded after two hours of racing over flat terrain was 39.2 km/h. At the first categorised climb of the day – Côte du Cheval Blanc (Cat 4, km 104.6) – it was Russo who picked up the solitary point for the Mountain classification, with the peloton then 2’20” adrift of him and Vercher.
Russo was then first at the intermediate sprint at Aoste (IS, km 123.2) followed by Vercher, before the peloton arrived and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) won a bunch sprint ahead of Sam Bennett (Decathlon-Ag2r La Mondiale), Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck). The riders then made their way to second categorised climb of the stage in the rain with the peloton gradually reducing the deficit to Russo and Vercher, finally catching them with just under 36 km to go, as the Côte de Lhuis (Cat 4, km 142,8) ascent started.
Going over Côte de Lhuis first and uncontested was Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X) for another single Mountain classification point, ensuring him leadership of the climbers’ rankings for at least the next two days. Then at the finish in Saint-Vulbas it was Cavendish who showed his class and strength in the hectic final sprint to make Tour history, crossing the line ahead of Philipsen, Kristoff, Arnaud de Lie (Lotto-dstny) and Fabio Jakobsen (Team dsm-firmenich PostNL), whilst Girmay was ninth to secure the green jersey. A ride for the ages.
Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan): “You Have To Go All In. We’ve Done It.”
“Astana put a big gamble on this year to make sure we’re good here at the Tour de France. My boss has done a big gamble for us to come here and win at least one stage. That shows he’s someone who knows what the Tour de France is. You have to go all in. We’ve done it. We worked on exactly what we wanted to do. How we built the team, what we’ve done with the equipment. Every little detail has been put towards specifically today. You see what it means! It doesn’t mean we are going to be top of the UCI rankings or anything but the Tour de France is bigger than cycling isn’t it. Normally it takes me a few days to get into it. I know how it works, my trainer and people around me know how it is. If everybody knew how it was everyone would be a bike rider and my job would be a lot harder. I’ve done 15 Tour de Frances now, I don’t like to have bad days and I don’t like to suffer but I know it’s just in the head and if you push you get through it. You work and you can have an opportunity, things still have to go your way. We didn’t nail it as a team like we wanted to do, but the boys improvised and got me there in the best position and I shot onto whatever train was going and was able to win. Especially when you are not physically as good as everybody else, it’s definitely beneficial to use your head a bit.”
“It’s hard to fully grasp this success, but we worked towards it, and as a team, we did everything possible to make it happen. We have an incredible team, and I have amazing teammates. Throughout not just this Tour de France but all this time, I felt immense support from the entire team, and today we have the moment to celebrate this success together. I am very happy to be part of Astana Qazaqstan Team, where I found friends and, essentially, an incredible family. Today, the team was magnificent, everything was done perfectly, and I managed to win. I believed in success, but the main thing is that the team believed in success, we were on the same wavelength and had a common goal. I received maximum support, and we purposefully worked towards the goal we achieved today.”
Alexandr Vinokurov (General Manager of Astana Qazaqstan Team):
“For our team, this is a great success, a historic achievement that will remain in cycling forever. Few believed that we would succeed, that Mark’s arrival in Astana Qazaqstan Team would change history, but we believed and did everything to make today’s victory happen. We were close to this last year, but fate had other plans. I believe that real champions should not end their careers after a fall and injury, and I am happy that Mark decided to do another season in the end. This year, we were able to prepare better, create all the necessary conditions to approach the Tour de France as best as possible. The whole team believed in success, and everyone contributed a bit of their effort so that today we could celebrate success. I congratulate the entire Astana project on this historic achievement. But we are not going to stop; only five stages have passed, and most of the race is still ahead. We are ready, and we will continue to fight in each subsequent stage.”
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step): “If There Is A Guy Who Deserves This Record, It’s Cavendish”
“It was a pretty average stage, with quite a low pace especially at the start. It’s true, though, that the body experiences a different level of stress in the last 50 kilometres, also because of the rain that made the roads a bit trickier. In any case, we did not have any major problems and the job is done for today. It is very special to witness Mark Cavendish setting a new all-time record, and to share the bunch with him. We have been teammates and it’s been great to be part of his many feats. If there is a guy who deserves this record, it’s him.”
Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X): “Hope You See Me a Lot on TV in the Next Few Days”
“Today I was going full gas for Alexander Kristoff, and I’m very happy that he was third at the finish. As for my job, I spent the whole day around him and performed the final part of my duty coming into the last kilometre. I’m happy I’ve worn the green jersey for three days, and now I’m looking forward to spending some more days in the polka dot one. I’ll try to keep it for as long as possible, so I’ll probably have to jump in some breakaways. I hope you see me a lot on TV in the next few days!
Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty): “It’s A Very Beautiful Jersey”
“It was part of the plan to try to take the green jersey today. Of course, I would have preferred another result in the sprint, but it’s great. It’s a very beautiful jersey, I love this color. Everything is going really well, I was able to win a stage and this time I was still quite close. And I know there will be other opportunities. Mark Cavendish, I saw him win races when I was around ten and I always dreamed of being like him. So to find myself in the race where he beats the record, it makes me very happy, I’m happy for him.”
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 | STAGE 5 | SAINT-JEAN-DE-MAURIENNE > SAINT-VULBAS | DAILY STATS
35: CAVENDISH PASSES MERCKX
Arguably the best sprinter in the history of cycling, Mark Cavendish now holds the record for most stage wins in the Tour de France, moving past Eddy Merckx, whose 34 victories stood since 5 July 1975. Here are the 5 riders with most stage wins in the history of the Tour:
35 Mark Cavendish
34 Eddy Merckx
28 Bernard Hinault
25 André Leducq
22 André Darrigade
15: FROM CHÂTEAUROUX TO SAINT-VULBAS
Mark Cavendish’s first victory in the Tour came in 2008, in Châteauroux (stage 5), 15 years, 11 months and 24 days before he scored his 35th victory. This is a new record when it comes to the longest timespan between a rider’s first and last victories. The former record had stood for more than a century: Jean Alavoine won in Toulouse in 1909 and in Nice in 1923, 13 years, 11 months and 22 days after his maiden victory.
69.4: CAVENDISH SPRINTS TO GLORY
After he perfectly navigated from wheel to wheel, Mark Cavendish kicked from 66.2 to 69.4 km/h into the last 200 metres of the day… Biniam Girmay went up to 69.7 km/h but it was too late to counter the Cav’s acceleration towards a record breaking 35th victory. Meanwhile, Mads Pedersen was doing 62.4 km/h when he crashed.
1: GIRMAY FOR AFRICA
Already a history maker with Eritrea’s first stage win in the Tour, Biniam Girmay claimed the green jersey with a place of 9th in Saint-Vulbas. He is the first rider from Africa to lead the points standings in the Tour! South Africa’s Daryl Impey made history with the Maillot Jaune in 2013 and Eritrea’s Daniel Teklehaimanot claimed the polka-dot jersey in 2015. Riders from Asia, America, Europe and Oceania had already worn the green jersey.
55: CAV’ ON THE HEELS OF CIPO
With 55 Grand Tour stage wins (35 in the Tour, 17 in the Giro, 3 in La Vuelta), Mark Cavendish has the third highest tally ever behind Eddy Merckx, with a total of 65 (34, 25 and 6), and Mario Cipollini, 57 (12, 42 and 3).
39: THE ELDERS FIGHT BACK
At 39 years, 1 month and 12 days, Mark Cavendish is the 2nd oldest stage winner in history behind Pino Cerami, who won in Pau in 1963 at 41 years, 2 months and 3 days. Cavendish is thus the oldest winner of a sprint and, with Jasper Philipsen and Alexander Kristoff, he embodies the oldest podium this century in a sprint: 34 years and 63 days old on average. This happens on the day after Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel and Juan Ayuso recorded the youngest top-3 in a mountain stage this century.
5X5: DIVERSITY IN THE SPRINTS
The last 5 sprints in the Tour were won by 5 different riders: Mads Pedersen (last year in Limoges), Jasper Philipsen (Moulins 2023), Jordi Meeus (Paris 2023), Biniam Girmay (Turin 2024) and Mark Cavendish (Saint-Vulbas 2024). On the other hand, Jasper Philipsen had dominated the last 5 previous sprints, across the 2022 and 2023 editions.
1-2: PHILIPSEN DIDN’T SPOIL CAVENDISH’S PARTY
With his 18th top-3 result in the Tour, Jasper Philipsen showed new glimpses of his speed after he couldn’t sprint for victory in Turin. In his last 11 Tour sprints, the Belgian has either finished 1st (6 times) or 2nd (5). Considering all races, this is the 8th time Cavendish and Philipsen take the first two places, and the 3rd time in the Tour. Out of these, Philipsen only beat Cavendish once: last year in Bordeaux, when he prevented the Manx Missile from claiming already his 35th.
20: KRISTOFF BACK IN THE TOP-3
A crash in the finale of the stage didn’t prevent Alexander Kristoff from returning to the bunch and claiming his 20th top-3 result in the Tour (4 wins, 9 x 2nd , 7 x 3rd ), the first since he was 3rd on the Champs-Élysées in 2022.
9: CAVENDISH, ASTANA QAZAQSTAN’S LIGHT
Astana Qazaqstan’s year started with two early victories, thanks to Harold Tejada and Mark Cavendish in Colombia, but their tally was only up to 8 wins, and none in the UCI WorldTour, when they lined up in Florence for the start of the Tour de France. The team made no secret leading Cavendish towards the record for most stage wins in the Tour was their main ambition of the season. And they’re done it!
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (July 3, 2024) – The 2024 season will mark the end of the US-based UCI Continental Women’s Team, DNA Pro Cycling. The team, completing its 12th year as a professional women’s squad, has mentored over 70 riders and produced numerous Elite and U23 national champions. Notable champions include British national time trial champion Claire Rose (2017), Colombian national road and time trial champion Diana Peñuela (2022-2024), Mexican national time trial champion Anet Barrera (2022), and Canadian national road and criterium champion Maggie Coles-Lyster (2022).
Photo by Pat Daly, courtesy DNA Pro Cycling
Many DNA Pro Cycling alumni have advanced to race in Europe for Continental and WorldTour teams. Over the past 12 years, the team has recruited riders from eight countries (USA, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Germany, and Brazil) and competed in 12 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.
In 2023, DNA Pro Cycling was the top-ranked UCI women’s continental team in the Americas. Six riders were invited to the 2023 UCI World Championships, representing four countries: Barrera (MEX), Olivia Cummins (USA), Heidi Franz (USA), Peñuela (COL), Shayna Powless (USA), and Sarah Van Dam (CAN). Additionally, four riders—current team members Van Dam (CAN) and Cummins (USA), along with former members Maggie Coles-Lyster (CAN) and Nicole Shields (NZL)—will be competing on the track at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished over the last 12 years. We have always strived to give riders the best support and opportunities to achieve their goals and grow as bike racers. This team has far exceeded our original goals and expectations,” said Catherine Fegan-Kim, team principal and co-owner.
Team principalsa Lee Whaley added, “It was an awesome decision to merge my domestic team (Visit Dallas) with DNA Cycling eight years ago. The collaboration allowed us to elevate to a premier UCI continental team and has created numerous opportunities for our riders.”
The decision to retire the program was made due to the growing demands on time and resources necessary to run an international UCI team based in North America. However, Fegan-Kim noted, “We’ll remain involved in professional women’s cycling in some capacity, supporting riders, teams, or events. This will enable us to better focus our support for the women’s side of the sport.”
This year’s 16-rider squad is the strongest yet, achieving numerous wins and podiums racing in Europe and the US. The team has a full calendar for the remainder of the 2024 season. “We will keep going full gas through the remainder of the season with road racing in Colombia, France, and Canada and criteriums in the US such as those on the American Criterium Cup. While we work to have a strong finish, our focus will be to help all riders and staff find a home in 2025,” said co-owner Alex Kim.
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 | STAGE 4 | PINEROLO > VALLOIRE
Stage 4 of the Tour de France was won in style by Tadej Pogačar in Valloire, with the UAE Team Emirates rider attacking on the Galibier climb before descending to the finish line to reclaim the Yellow Jersey. After controlling the evolution of the breakaway on the climbs to the Italian resort of Sestriere, then the Col de Montgenevre, the UAE riders put their leader into position on the Col du Galibier. It was 800 metres from the summit that Pogačar struck a big blow to his rivals. The Slovenian then increased his advantage on the descent to Valloire to claim the 12th stage victory of his career on the Tour, also reclaiming the Yellow Jersey. He will start the fifth stage 45” ahead of Remco Evenepoel and 50” ahead of Jonas Vingegaard.
There were 174 riders at the start of Stage 4 in Pinerolo after the withdrawal of Casper Pedersen (Soudal-Quick Step), who crashed towards the end of Stage 3 near Turin suffering a collarbone fracture, forcing him to leave the Tour. After the peloton left Pinerolo for this short, tough (139.6 km) stage in the mountains, the positioning of the intermediate sprint at km 18.6 inspired Mads Pedersen, who immediately tried to launch a breakaway, though the attack would not succeed. So it was from within the bunch that the Dane accelerated to the line to take the maximum 20 points in the Castel Del Bosco intermediate sprint, in the fight for the green jersey.
At km 30, on the asecent to Sestriere – with 20km of the climb remaining – there were 17 riders who broke clear, with Chris Juul-Jensen (Jayco-AlUla), Julien Bernard (Lidl-Trek), Bruno Armirail (Decathlon-AG2R), David Gaudu, Romain Grégoire, Valentin Madouas (Groupama-FDJ ), Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck), Oier Lazkano (Movistar), Raul Garcia, Cristian Rodriguez (Arkes-B&B), Kobe Goosens (Intermarche-Wanty), Warren Barguil (dsm-Firmenich), Alexey Lutsenko (Astana), Odd Christian Eiking, Tobias Johannessen (Uno-X), Mathieu Burgaudeau (TotalEnergies) and Stephen Williams (Israel-Premier Tech) all in the group.
It was 2024 Flèche Wallonne winner Williams who topped the Sestriere climb (Cat 2, km 50.4) first and by the time the breakaway riders reached the summit of the second categorised climb – Col de Montgenevre (Cat 2, km 71,1) – their gap over the peloton was 2’10”. Again it was Williams who reached the top of the climb first, earning himself 10 points for the Mountain classification from those first two peaks of the day. On the descent from Montgenevre, Nils Politt set a very fast pace for Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates causing several splits in the peloton, which were nullified when the bunch passed through Briançon (km 82.1), with Richard Carapaz accelerating to 86.6 km/h in the Yellow Jersey to chase his way back to the GC group. The breakaway’s advantage increased to 2’30” as the escapees gained some momentum in the valley to the foot of the Galibier.
The breakaway group fell apart on the Galibier with Chris Juul-Jensen (Jayco-AlUla), David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ), Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X) and Oier Lazkano (Movistar Team), the last four to stay at the front, not opting to assist each other. Only 30 riders remained in the main group of a reduced peloton when it caught and overtook Lazkano with 26 km to go, driven by the UAE Team Emirates riders. The elimination game in the main group saw the Yellow Jersey Carapaz distanced at 6 km from the summit and he would eventually finish 5’28” down on the GC. There were only eight riders at the front at 3 km from the top of the climb: Almeida, Ayuso, Pogačar, Vingegaard, Car.Rodriguez, Roglic, Evenepoel and Landa. Pogačar then produced a sublime attack 800 metres from summit of the Col du Galibier, with Vingegaard hanging onto his wheel for around a 100 metres, but the gap grew with the UAE leader taking the Henri-Desgrange souvenir by 10” ahead of his rival. On the descent and in the final kilometres to Valloire Pogačar opened up a clear gap to win by 35” from Evenepoel, Ayuso and Roglic, with Vingegaard in fifth, two further seconds behind.
Oier Lazkano (Movistar Team): “To Win The Lottery, You Have To Buy A Ticket”
“I didn’t feel good at all in the first stage, but I’ve managed to turn my body around and regain a good feeling these days. It has not been an easy day for the breakaway, because the teams in the general classification wanted to make the race tough so we never got more than two or three minutes away, which was a shame. Once I was there in the breakaway, I wanted to try until the end. I managed to get on the podium in my first Tour, and that is something very nice. I have fulfilled every cyclist’s dream. What do I expect from the rest of the Tour? Suffering and learning! The goal is not to get on the podium for Combativity, but to win a stage to put my team and its sponsors in a good place. I will keep looking for the breakaways because, to win the lottery, you have to buy a ticket. Also, my teammates like Fernando Gaviria have shown good legs and they have stages ahead that are good for their qualities, so we will support them.”
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step): “I Am On The Right Path”
“Tadej Pogačar has once again shown his qualities. We know that when he attacks he is very explosive. I tried to go but I couldn’t follow him. I was able to get to the summit not too far from Vingegaard, so it wasn’t too bad. Then I launched into the descent and I took a little too much risk, I almost paid for it. I slipped two or three times on slightly wet sections, so I lost a little confidence. The others caught up with me and we were able to reach the finish with Vingegaard. Finally I was able to sprint to take second place. I knew I had to be ready for this stage. I may not be 100% but it’s definitely a good start. I told myself that I was aiming for a Top 5, so finishing second in a mountain stage of the Tour and placing second overall means that I am on the right path. As for the final victory, the race is still long, Tadej may have an off day, and in any case I prefer to concentrate on what I am capable of doing with my team. We’re going to fight until Nice and in any case, everything is going well and I’m having fun.”
Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X Mobility): “Enough Points To Keep The Jersey For One More Day”
“It was a hard start. I tried to go with a breakaway in the beginning. Then we had one guy in the breakaway before the sprint. Then they were caught so I tried to get some points there for the sprint and I was around fifth so I got enough points to keep the jersey for one more day. After that I just took it easy to the finish line. Maybe we will see about the breakaway tomorrow, I think I will help Alexander Kristoff for the sprints tomorrow. Hopefully I have enough points from yesterday too to keep the mountain jersey because I think this is not easy to take after tomorrow.”
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates): “I Wanted To Hit Hard Today”
“I’m super happy. This was more or less the plan, and we executed it pretty well. It was like a dream stage, and finishing it off solo was very special. I wanted to hit hard today, as I was confident I could win and put some seconds on my rivals. I know this stage pretty well. I’ve trained a lot here and it felt like a home stage, passing through Sestriere and Montgenevre. There was a lot of headwind in the Galibier climb, so the pace didn’t feel that hard when following wheels. Still, my team did a super good job. I didn’t want to attack too early because of the wind, so I saved my legs until that attack with 800 meters to go on which I pushed as hard as possible in order to make such big differences as possible. I knew the downhill, and that helped a lot, but it was a bit scary and surprising to see that the first few corners were wet. The gaps I created are good news for me. I can be happy with the position and the shape I am in right now. Yet there are three demanding weeks ahead of us, and as for this week in particular there is an ITT that can create some gaps.”
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 | STAGE 4 | PINEROLO > VALLOIRE | DAILY STATS
5: POGAČAR’S STREAK CONTINUES
Tadej Pogačar is up to 12 Tour stage wins, matching the likes of Louis Trousselier, Jean Aerts, Gino Bartali or Peter Sagan with the 15th highest tally in the history of the race. The Slovenian has now won stages in his first five Tours de France. Here are the riders with stage wins in (at least) their first five Tours:
9 André Leducq
8 Bernard Hinault
7 Walter Godefroot
6 Nicolas Frantz, André Greipel, Eddy Merckx
5 Gino Bartali, Fiorenzo Magni, Tadej Pogačar
24: THE YOUTH RISES
With an average of 24 years and 7 days, Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel and Juan Ayuso make for the youngest top-3 of a Tour de France mountain stage this century. The previous record was set at Peyragudes two years ago: Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, Brandon McNulty combined for an average age of 24 years and 217 days.
Juan Ayuso also becomes the youngest Spaniard to finish in the top-3 of a Tour stage, beating Miguel Indurain (21 years, 9 months and 16 days vs 21 years, 11 months and 25 days).
50’47”: POGAČAR’S SPEEDS ON THE GALIBIER
50’47”: Pogačar smashes the Galibier, up and down With UAE Team Emirates setting a blazing pace until he pounced over the top, Tadej Pogačar tamed the ascent to the Col du Galibier with an average of 27.1 km/h, which represents a time of 50’47’’, faster than the Strava KOM set by Thibaut Pinot during the Tour 2019 (52’46’’). With his speeds tracked by NTT Data, the Slovenian star also impressed on the way down, to gain 30’’ on Jonas Vingegaard from the summit to the finish. Pogačar averaged 63.7 km/h on the downhill, with a top speed of 89.2 km/h. Vingegaard did 62.0km/h and 84.6km/h.
7: RACKING UP GT STAGE WINS
Tadej Pogačar has now won 7 stages between the Giro and the Tour this year. Since WWII, excluding the sprinters, these are the best values among riders who won in both races:
Eddy Merckx, 11 in 1970 / 10 in 1969, 1972, 1974
Fausto Coppi, 8 in 1952
Bernard Hinault, 8 in 1982
106: PIDCOCK SPEEDS UP ON THE WAY DOWN
As the race got to Briançon and the ascent of the Galibier, Tom Pidcock reminded everyone how fast he can be on downhills as he hit the top speed recorded by the NTT Data trackers so far in the Tour de France 2024: 106.6 km/h, at km 84.
In 2022, the Brit won stage 12 of the Tour, starting from Briançon, and he had an impressive downhill from the Galibier to join the attackers before he went solo up L’Alpe d’Huez.
2: POGAČAR JOINS ROGLIC
Created in 1947 to honour the first director of the Tour de France, the Souvenir Henri Desgrange has had different locations in the Tour de France but the Col du Galibier is where it has been most often awarded – 30 times after today’s stage. And that’s where Primoz Roglic (in 2017) and Tadej Pogačar (today) became the two Slovenian winners of the Souvenir.
23: POGAČAR MATCHES BARTALI
After Richard Carapaz’s short reign as the first Ecuadorian rider to lead the Tour, Tadej Pogačar collects his 23rd Maillot Jaune. He thus matches Gino Bartali’s record. And now he eyes Jonas Vingegaard’s record: 27 Maillots Jaunes.
30: IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT POGAČAR
UAE Team Emirates, as a continuation of Lampre, are now up to 30 Maillot Jaune:
Code revisions further enhance fairness, consistency, and effectiveness
DENVER, Colorado (July 1, 2024) – The U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center) today released important updates to the SafeSport Code (the Code) for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement (the Movement). The revised Code takes effect today, July 1, 2024, and includes updated policies and procedures to further enhance fairness, consistency, and the effectiveness of the Center’s process.
The SafeSport Code defines the Center’s authority and jurisdiction, prohibited categories of abuse and misconduct, and the Center’s process for responding to and resolving abuse and misconduct claims affecting the Movement. The Code applies to all Participants in the Movement, and federal law dictates the Center’s authority and jurisdiction within the Movement. The Code was first introduced March 3, 2017, and is regularly reviewed and revised.
“In line with the Center’s commitment to continuous improvement, we extended our regular Code review process to seek feedback more broadly from stakeholders throughout the Movement, including athlete groups, national governing bodies, and survivor organizations. The result is a series of Code revisions that will ultimately strengthen our ability to more efficiently adjudicate cases fairly, consistently, and with trauma sensitivity,” Ju’Riese Colón, CEO, U.S. Center for SafeSport said.
The Code has been translated into French and Spanish in advance of the Paris Games.
Noteworthy Changes
The Center announced in April an initial set of process improvements to increase efficiency, information sharing, and trauma sensitivity. Related to these improvements, the Code has been updated to codify changes to the categorization of case outcomes by redefining Administrative Closures and Administrative Holds and establishing Jurisdictional Holds (see Code pages 31-34).
Additional changes include (but are not limited to):
Membership and Employment Decisions—Language was added to further clarify that the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), National Governing Bodies (NGBs), and Local Affiliated Organizations (LAOs) may make both membership and employment decisions on matters over which the Center has exercised either exclusive or discretionary jurisdiction (see Code page 3).
Power Imbalance—The definition of Power Imbalance was expanded to include the concept of implied or perceived authority or control over another as a relevant factor to consider when determining whether a Power Imbalance exists. In addition to coach-Athlete relationships, a Power Imbalance can include relationships in which the Participant has authority or control over another person, is in a position to confer, grant, or deny a benefit or advancement to the person, or is responsible for the physical or psychological well-being of the person (see Code page 9).
Sexual Harassment—The definition of Sexual Harassment was reworded to expand the term “hostile environment” to include a Claimant’s subjective perception, even if the Claimant appears to have tolerated the Respondent’s behavior, and to eliminate the requirement that the harassment be “severe or pervasive.” The new definition draws on concepts and language from Title VII, EEOC guidance, and various state laws (see Code pages 13-14).
Inappropriate Physical Contact—The requirement that the Claimant must also be a Participant in the Movement was removed from the provision on Inappropriate Physical Contact. This change expands the scope of the violation to focus on the conduct itself rather than the status of the person experiencing the misconduct (see Code pages 21-22).
Minor Respondent Resolutions and Administrative Closures—To meet the unique needs of Minor Respondents, the Center developed two new Resolution Types: Conditional Resolution for Respondents under the age of 13, and Alternative Resolution for Respondents ages 13-17. These resolutions are specifically tailored to focus on education, rapid response, trauma-informed practices, and risk mitigation within the context of sport. Both types of resolutions are offered at the discretion of the Center, and are voluntary, binding agreements between the Center and the Minor Respondent’s Parent/Guardian and/or the Minor Respondent. The terms are based on the facts and circumstances gathered during the Center’s process, and can include, but are not limited to, safety condition(s) or educational requirement(s). Additionally, a new Minor Respondent Administrative Closure category was created, Letter of Concern, mirroring the Center’s pre-existing Admonishment (see Code pages 31-32).
Support Person—Language was included to add the option for Claimants, Respondents, and witnesses to have one Support Person present during Center processes for emotional support and assistance. Claimants and Respondents may have one Support Person in addition to an Advisor(s) (see Code pages 10, 35-36).
National Governing Bodies will be offered a virtual training on noteworthy changes.
Need for Abuse Prevention in Sport
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the nation’s only independent organization dedicated to ending sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sport. The Center emerged in response to high profile cases of sexual abuse of minor athletes within Olympic and Paralympic sport in the mid-2010s. With the mission of making athlete wellbeing the centerpiece of the nation’s sport culture, the Center has since been setting safety policies, and receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints of abuse and misconduct. The Center also serves as an educational resource for sports organizations at all levels, from recreational sports organizations to professional leagues.
With the goal of ensuring athletes within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement are safe, supported, and strengthened, the Center:
Establishes safety policies, including the SafeSport Code and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP).
Investigates and resolves allegations of abuse and misconduct and levies sanctions, including temporary and permanent bans from sport.
Delivers comprehensive abuse prevention education within and outside of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
About the U.S. Center for SafeSport
The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 codified the U.S. Center for SafeSport (the Center), as the nation’s safe sport organization. It furthered the Center’s independence while underscoring its authority to hold individuals accountable. It also charged the Center with developing policies, procedures, and training to prevent abuse and misconduct in sport.
In October of 2020, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act became law, even further strengthening the Center’s independence and oversight functions while mandating minimum funding requirements for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
Report here to the U.S. Center for SafeSport if you have experienced abuse or misconduct—or if you have reasonable suspicion of abuse or misconduct—inflicted by someone in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. You can also call the Center at: 833-587-7233.
RAINN’s 24/7 online hotline is available for crisis intervention, referrals, or emotional support at any time. You can also call RAINN at: 800-656-HOPE (4673).
TURIN, Italy (July 1, 2024) — At the end of the longest stage on the 2024 Tour de France it was Biniam Girmay (Intermarché – Wanty) who grabbed the win, beating Fernando Gaviria (Movistar Team) to the line in front of the Italian fans. In the frantic sprint in Turin Girmay was too strong for his rivals, just getting the better of Gaviria, with Arnaud de Lie (Lotto-dstny) in third place and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) and Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco-AlUla) completing the top five. Meanwhile it is an amazing moment for Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) as he took control of the Yellow Jersey for the first time in his career.
No breakaway
175 riders took the start on the third day of the 2024 Tour de France with the route covering 230.8 kilometers between Piacenza and Turin, making it the longest in this year’s race. The prospect of a doomed breakaway which would surely be controlled by the sprinters’ teams deterred any serious potential attackers. There was a strange, short excursion from the peloton for five kilometres by Jonas Abrahamsen and Johannes Kulset (Uno-X) early in the stage, but they quickly re-joined the group. The peloton was still all together as the riders completed the first hour of racing at an average speed of 37.3 km/h.
Racking up points
The race visited Tortona (km 70.8) paying homage to one of Italian cycling’s true greats and on the Côte de Tortone – Fausto Coppi (named after the ‘campionissimo’) Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X) added another point to his Mountain classification tally, whilst wearing the green jersey. At the Alexandrie intermediate sprint (km 94.3) Abrahamsen added nine more green jersey points in seventh place, with the sprint won by Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), just ahead of Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) as the fast men tested their legs for the finish in Turin.
For a local rider on the stage Matteo Sobrero (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) there was a special little win as he went over the Côte de Barbaresco (Cat 4, km 156.1) in first place, with his entire family and fan club there to enjoy the moment. TotalEnergies rider Fabian Grellier accelerated with 66 kilometers to go and left the peloton, going over the Côte de Sommariva Perno (Cat 4, km 181.4) alone with a 40″ advantage at the top of the climb. Grellier was later reeled back in by the bunch with 28km to go, but his efforts were rewarded with the Most Combative rider prize.
The fight for stage victory went down to an anticipated bunch sprint at the finish in front of a big crowd in Turin, with Girmay crossing the line first, ahead of Gaviria, De Lie, Pedersen and Groenewegen. There was drama with a big crash 2.3 km from the finish line that affected a dozen riders, among them, the stage favourite Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck), whilst his teammate Van der Poel was the victim of costly a late puncture which meant he lost contact with the bunch. Richard Carapaz’ finishing position on the stage puts him in the Yellow Jersey for the first time in a storied career to make it an incredible day for him and the EF Education-EasyPost team. Jonas Abrahamsen meanwhile, maintains ownership of the polka dot and green jerseys.
Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X): “Sometimes You Have to Put on a Show”
“It’s the Tour de France, the biggest race in the world so you have to take whatever you can. I’ve been dreaming about this since I started cycling when I was 14 years-old. It’s so big for me to come here and take the green jersey and the polka dot jersey. I will try to keep it like this as long as possible. Johannes (Kulset) is the youngest rider in the peloton here and he just asked me if we could make some show for TV and I have the green jersey and he’s the youngest rider and I think he loved it. Sometimes you have to put on a show and have some fun. I think it will be hard for me tomorrow, I am 80 kg and there are a lot of hills. Maybe if I get in the breakaway it will be best but I think it will be hard on the first climb. But we will see, hopefully I can keep one of the jerseys after tomorrow.”
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step): “The First Objective Was to Arrive Safely to the Finish”
“It was the first sprint stage of the Tour so everybody knows it’s going to be the most hectic one. The first objective was to arrive safely to the finish which we succeeded in and beside that we were just going to wait and see what the result would bring out and in the end it’s the same situation with another leader but not me. In the end I think we succeeded in staying safe and arriving without any bruises and injuries. Nobody was really interested in the breakaway today I think everybody suffered quite a bit the last two days, so it was the perfect way to have a long recovery ride let’s say. First of all tomorrow I need to stay where I am without losing time on Tadej and Jonas, that’s the main goal. If it’s a sprint finish with a small group for sure I will try, but we will have to see about the breakaway as there’s a big chance that they go again tomorrow. We’ll try to survive and get the best result possible.”
Biniam Girmay (Intermarché – Wanty): “It’s My Time, I’m Very Happy.”
“It’s my time, I’m very happy. Our plan was to aim for this sprint with Gerben Thijssen, either for him or for me. Finally, in the finale I found myself in a good place and I felt like I could go, so I gave it a try for myself. It’s huge because winning the Tour de France means winning in front of the best sprinters. This victory means a lot to me, to my team which has been waiting a long time to win a stage, for my country and also to all of Africa. Now we are really part of the big races. We have a lot victories so it’s our time, it’s our moment. I never cry, but inside I am, I just have no words.”
Richard Carapaz (Ef Education-Easypost): “It Was a Great Job by the Entire Team”
“Honestly, getting the Yellow Jersey is a surprise. Before the Tour, it looked very far away. In the Tour de Suisse I had a crash and then was out of action for a couple of days due to illness. However, yesterday’s stage was a big change in mentality and an injection of confidence. This morning, at the meeting on the bus, we set it as a goal. We knew it would be a nervous and dangerous sprint, but we wanted to do everything we could to get this yellow jersey. My teammates worked phenomenally in the last 25 km; especially Marijn Van der Berg, who sprinted next to me. It was a great job by the entire team. Wearing this Yellow Jersey means a lot for me, for my country and for my team. There are very few Ecuadorian cyclists at the elite level, and every achievement we get helps us develop this sport in our country. On a personal note, this Yellow Jersey is very exciting. In recent years I have spent a lot of time away from home and my family to take another step in my sporting career. It is for them, for my family, that all this effort is worth it. This Yellow Jersey is a reward for all our sacrifice and it’s dedicated to them.”
TOUR DE FRANCE 2024 | STAGE 3 | PLAISANCE > TURIN | DAILY STATS
2: A HISTORIC STAGE WINNER …
Already a history maker for African cycling, Biniam Girmay leaves his mark on the Tour de France as Eritrea becomes the 34th nation to win a stage, and only the second from Africa. Riders from South Africa – Robert Hunter (winner in Montpellier, 2007) and Daryl Impey (winner in Brioude, 2019) – opened the way and Biniam Girmay takes things a step further in Turin.
1: AND A HISTORIC OVERALL LEADER!
Already an Olympic Champion, a Giro winner, a podium finisher in the Tour de France and La Vuelta… Richard Carapaz found a new way to make history as he becomes the first rider from Ecuador to claim the Maillot Jaune of the Tour de France! All of these performances were unprecedented for his country.
68,5: GIRMAY FLIES PAST HIS RIVALS
The first bunch sprint of the Tour de France 2024 delivered chills, thrills and speeds! Biniam Girmay covered the last kilometre at an average of 63.3 km/h… And he hit a top speed of 68.5 km/h to move past Mads Pedersen with 50 metres to go. The Dane had hit a slightly higher top speed (68.7km/h) but he faded on the line.
20: CARAPAZ EXTENDS HIS COLLECTION
Richard Carapaz’s first Maillot Jaune comes after his 14 Maglia Rosa (Giro) and 5 La Roja (Vuelta), which makes 20 Grand Tour leader jerseys for the Ecuadorian climber. In this Tour, Primoz Roglic is the rider with most Grand Tour leader jerseys: 55 (11 in the Tour, 37 in La Vuelta, 7 in the Giro). Mark Cavendish is the other rider participating in the Tour 2024 who has led the overall standings of the three Grand Tours.
26: ECUADOR FOLLOWS SLOVENIA
As Richard Carapaz dons the Maillot Jaune, Ecuador becomes the 26th nation with a rider leading the overall standings of the Tour de France. Frenchmen opened the list in 1903 and they were joined by Belgium in 1904, then Luxembourg (1909)… The latest nation to join the list was Slovenia, when Primoz Roglic rose to power in Laruns during the Tour 2020.
1+1: INTERMARCHÉ-WANTY FOLLOWING THE TRACKS OF ARKÉA-B&B HOTELS
On the day after Arkéa-B&B Hotels took their maiden stage win in the Tour de France, Intermarché-Wanty achieved the same feat! The Belgian team came very close last year when Georg Zimmermann was 2nd in Issoire. Among the teams participating in the Tour 2024, Uno-X Mobility is now the only outfit that has never taken a stage win.
13: FROM HUSHOVD TO CARAPAZ
Tracing back the history of EF Education – EasyPost, they already enjoyed the Maillot Jaune 13 years ago, in 2011. At the time, the team was named Garmin-Cervélo. And they had a world champion, Thor Hushovd, who swapped his rainbow jersey for the Maillot Jaune for seven days (stage 2-8).
+91%: AN EASY START AND A FURIOUS FINISH
With no rider willing to make the break, the peloton had a slow roll out from Piacenza, covering the first 10 kilometres at an average speed of 31.2 km/h. The pace gradually increased until the bunch went all out in Turin. Richard Carapaz thus covered the last 10 kilometres at 59.7 km/h. That’s an increase in speed of 28.5 km/h (+91%)!
6: GAVIRIA, BACK IN THE MIXAN EASY START AND A FURIOUS FINISH
A stage winner on his very first day in the Tour (in 2018, in Fontenay-le-Comte), Fernando Gaviria struck again three days later in Sarzeau… And then he didn’t return to the Tour. For his second participation, he’s already back in the mix, with a place of 2nd in Turin. This is the 4th time the Colombian sprinter finishes in the top-3 of a Tour stage (he was already 2nd in Chartres in 2018).
Bend, Oregon, USA
Supernaut GR3
Presented at the 2024 ENVE Builder Round-up
Argonaut Cycles (Bend, Oregon) and their USA Supernaut GR3. Photo courtesy ENVE Composites
The Supernaut takes everything we’ve learned from years of custom carbon manufacturing and distills it into the purest interpretation of Argonaut ever. With its progressive geometry, wide tire clearance, ultralight raw carbon finish, and data-proven ride tune, the Supernaut GR3 redefines the boundaries of gravel. Made for railing corners, devouring washboards, conquering technical climbs—this bike inspires you to explore your limits because it has none.
Material Used: High Pressure Silicone Molded (HPSM) Carbon Fiber
Build Kit: Featuring a SRAM Red/XX AXS Mullet with a WolfTooth oval chainring, titanium eeWings cranks from Cane Creek, a copper SRAM Eagle chain, a Reform saddle, Schwalbe G-One R tires, and full ENVE touchpoints with SES 4.5 wheels.
Argonaut Cycles (Bend, Oregon) and their USA Supernaut GR3. Photo courtesy ENVE CompositesArgonaut Cycles (Bend, Oregon) and their USA Supernaut GR3. Photo courtesy ENVE Composites
