Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Monday, November 20, 2023

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2023 Tour de France | 2023 Giro d'Italia

I don't think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains. - Anne Frank

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Les Woodland's book Dirty Feet: How the Great Unwashed Created the Tour de France is available in print, Kindle eBook & audiobook versions. To get your copy, just click on the Amazon link on the right.

Upcoming racing:

• Dec 17: World Cup Namur Cyclocross
• Dec 26: World Cup Gaver Cyclocross
• Dec 27: Superprestige Heusden Zolder
• Dec 28: Superprestige Diegem
• Dec 29: Exact Cross Loenhout-Azencross

Latest completed racing:

• Nov 5: European Cyclocross Championships
• Nov 1: Trofee Oudenaarde-Koppenbergcross
• Oct 28: Superprestige Ruddervoorde
• Oct 22: Superprestige Overijse-Vlaanse Druivencross
• Oct 12 - 17: Tour of Guangxi
• Oct 15: Japan Cup
• Oct 15: Veneto Classic

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Soudal Quick-Step general manager Patrick Lefevere has picked but not named his successor

Cyclinguptodate.com posted this:

One of the most well-known, well-respected and longest serving team bosses in cycling, Patrick Lefevere has been involved at the highest level of the sport for decades. As he nears his 70th birthday though, he's looking to wind down.

Patrick Lefevere (right) with Mark Cavendish at the 2014 Tour de France. Sirotti photo

“We do not want Patrick to stop abruptly, but we do ask that there is a plan for a successor," CEO of Quick-Step, Ruben Desmet, has revealed to Het Nieuwsblad. "Someone who can follow along and gradually takes on more responsibility. It cannot suddenly go from zero to one hundred."

You can read the entire post here.

Tim Merlier wins De Panne Beach Race

Team Soudal Quick-Step posted this news:

Tim Merlier made sure Soudal Quick-Step kept on winning even in the off-season, by finishing first in the demanding De Panne Beach Race. One of the most successful riders of 2023, the Belgian has now triumphed in three different disciplines since the beginning of the year: cyclo-cross, road, and now mountain bike.

Tim Merlier winning the sixth stage of the 2023 Four Days of Dunkirk. Getty Sport photo

The race, which was over 50 kilometers in length and featured plenty of obstacles in the menu – including sand dunes and some stiff headwind – had three of our guys at the start: the two-time Belgian Champion, Tim “El Tractor” Declercq and Jordi Warlop. As expected, the course was a selective one, leaving only a handful of riders in contention in the final kilometers, and Merlier was not just very strong, but also attentive all the time, marking all the important moves.

It was on the final lap that Tim made his move out of an eight-man group just as they tackled a hard sand dune, rounding out the final corner in first position and taking the win Sunday afternoon. The 30-year-old was joined on the podium by Declercq, who concluded the De Panne Beach Race in a solid third place.

“I felt good today, but it was a bit frustrating in the beginning, as my cyclo-cross experience didn’t help to make it over a quite demanding dune. But then things became more straightforward, and when our group rode away, we were well represented there with three guys. It was a perfect situation for us, one which allowed me to save some energy.”

“I also knew the penultimate dune would be important and that is where I opened a gap of around 50 meters and kept pushing and maintaining my advantage all the way to the finish. Winning this race and being on the podium with a teammate is a great feeling and made me very happy”, Merlier explained after taking the trophy.

Cycle clothing maker Pace Sportswear closes after 45 years

Bicycle Retailer and Industry News posted this news:

After 45 years in business, Pace Sportswear closed at the end of last month, the result of declining sales following the pandemic.

Company president Maria Marsh told BRAIN on Wednesday in an email that the company is looking for a buyer for the remaining inventory. Pace manufactured cycling headgear — including caps, skull caps, helmet liners, and headbands — and winter and base layers, and gaiters.

In 2021 and 2022, sales increased 40% year-over-year, Marsh said, but dipped 25% from before the pandemic in 2020. "There was a lot of disposable income and free time to ride," she said, adding the decision to close was made in August.

You can read the entire story here.

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