Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Thursday, December 9, 2021
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2021 Tour de France | 2021 Giro d'Italia
The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good. - Samuel Johnson
The Golden Sayings of Epictetus is available as an audiobook here.
Upcoming racing:
- Dec 11: Ethiascross-Essen
- Dec 19: Namur Cyclocross
- Dec 27: Heusden Zolder Cyclocross
- Dec 29: Diegemcross
- Dec 30: Azencross
- Jan 1, 2022: GP Sven Nys Cross
- Jan 16 - 23, 2022: Le Tour de Langkawi
- Jan 22, 2022: Flandriencross
- Jan 26 - 29, 2022: Challenge Illes Balears
- Jan 30 - Feb 6, 2022: Vuelta a San Juan
- Feb 12, 2022: Gavere Cyclocross
Latest completed racing:
- Dec 5:
Scheldecross Antwerp- Cancelled because of Covid-19 - Nov 13: GP Leuven
- Nov 7: Elite Men European Cyclocross Championships
- Nov 6: Elite Women European Cyclocross Championships
- Nov 1: Koppenberg Cyclocross
- Oct 31: Vlaamse Druivenveldrit Overijse Cross
- Oct 24: Ronde van Drenthe
- Oct 23: Ruddervoorde Cyclocross
Here’s the team’s announcement:
Tiesj Benoot will race for Team Jumbo-Visma next season. The 27-year-old Flemish rider has signed a two-year contract with the team of manager Richard Plugge. The former winner of Strade Bianche hopes to discover a new sporting top in Dutch service.
Tiesj Benoot wins the 2018 Strade Bianche. Sirotti photo
“I don’t think I’ve reached the top of my abilities yet. At Team Jumbo-Visma I think I can make that step forward. I have looked up to this team for the past few years. I know some guys from the team, so I can get an idea of how things work. There is a professional way of working that appeals to me”, says Benoot.
Merijn Zeeman, sportive director of Team Jumbo-Visma, is thrilled with the arrival of the Belgian rider. “Tiesj had been on our list of potential reinforcements for several years. When it became clear that he would be available, we did not hesitate. We are delighted that Tiesj has chosen us. He is a great rider and has a great personality. He makes us stronger in many areas, and his personality is a perfect match for us.”
Benoot experienced the same enthusiasm. “The confidence I gained after the first conversations gave me an extra push. I am convinced that I can become the best version of myself as a cyclist on this team. In the big races I want to be able to play a decisive role in the final, both for a leader and for myself if that opportunity presents itself.”
Zeeman: “Tiesj strengthens our classic group around Wout van Aert and will also play a major role in the stage races. He is a real team player who has an eye for improvement and is open to new ideas and innovations. Together we will make a plan that we both support and believe in.”
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Team DSM sent me this announcement:
Team DSM and Aqua-Step are proud to announce their long term partnership. The partnership accelerates Aqua-Step’s international growth ambitions and emphasizes their vision on teamwork.
Aqua-Step, a brand name of N.V. HDM (founded in 1989, Belgium) is a rapidly growing company that is developing an extensive collection of SPC-based floors and walls which are characterized by being entirely watertight, hygienic and easy to maintain. SPC is an environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable product and the production is a fully circular process. As a result, it contributes to a sustainable world in high-quality and design.
The partnership will be fully integrated in Aqua-Step’s marketing strategy towards consumers, channel- and business partners in promotions, events and experiences. Furthermore, Aqua-Step will launch several initiatives regarding healthy living in a sustainable manner and promote these with the help of Team DSM; something the team is proud of.
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Bicycle Retailer & Industry News sent me this:
EL PASO (BRAIN) — Helen of Troy Limited, a publicly traded company that owns several consumer product brands, has agreed to acquire Osprey Packs for about $414 million. Osprey, founded in 1974, makes hiking and backpacking packs as well as hydration packs for cycling.
Helen of Troy's brands include OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Vicks, Braun, Honeywell, PUR, Hot Tools and Drybar. Last year it had revenues of $2.03 billion.
Julien R. Mininberg, Helen of Troy's Chief Executive Officer, said, "For nearly half a century, Osprey's premium products have delivered superior consumer-centric designs, innovative features and construction, outstanding materials and quality, and sustainability that resonate strongly with outdoor enthusiasts around the world. ... Along with Hydro Flask, we can now serve and delight an even larger number of the passionate end users in the large and growing outdoor adventure category. We believe we are better together."
Mininberg said Osprey and Hydro Flask will combine to attract "thousands of additional retail doors." He also noted that Osprey's production facilities in Vietnam diversifies Helen of Troy's supply chain beyond China and Mexico.
Osprey's headquarters are in Cortez, Colorado, in the Four Corners region. In recent years Osprey has made efforts to use sustainable design and manufacturing practices, including the use of low-impact chemicals and recycled or recyclable packaging. It sources 100% renewable electricity, and purchases carbon offsets for natural gas and company-owned vehicles used at its facilities in Colorado and Utah.
"This business philosophy and practice is very much aligned with Helen of Troy's ever-growing ESG ambitions," Mininberg said.
You can read the entire story here.
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