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Boels Rental Ronde van Drenthe
Preview |
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The 2014 World Cup starts off
with the Boels Rental Ronde van Drenthe and there is some
changes to how the World Cup is run this year. As well as the
overall classification the UCI has introduced young rider,
sprint and mountain classifications. With World Champion
Marianne Vos winning 5 of the 7 individual rounds last year
the new classifications provide something for other riders to
target.
UCI points are on offer for both the overall World Cup
Classification as well as the UCI rankings.
The first edition was won by Adrie Visser, with Chantal
Beltman winning the following year. Of the other five editions
Emma Johansson and Loes Gunnewijk both have one win with
Marianne Vos having won the last three years in a row. While
Vos doesn't return to defend Johansson and Gunnewijk who now
both ride for Orica-AIS return along with podium finishes
Ellen van Dijk, Giorgia Bronzini, Annemiek van Vleuten and
Chantal Blaak.
Last year Vos escaped the final time up the VAMBerg with
nobody about to follow. A chase group formed behind including
Ellen Van Dijk, Kirsten Wild, Chloe Hosking and Shelley Olds.
After crashing on the approach to the climb Johansson was left
behind. Quickly able to rejoin the chase group though and flew
by in pursuit. By that time Van Dijk had already bridged
across to Vos. Emma Johansson tried to do the same but was
unable to make it all the way across having to settle for 3rd
15 second behind. The rest of peloton had splintered with the
first chase group crossing the line over a minute and a half
down. Chloe Hosking took the bunch sprint for 4th.
2013 Top 10
1 Marianne VOS 3:42:38
2 Eleonora VAN DIJK +1
3 Emma JOHANSSON +15
4 Chloe HOSKING +1:38
5 Kirsten WILD +1:38
6 Shelley OLDS +1:38
7 Elizabeth ARMITSTEAD +1:38
8 Marijn DE VRIES +1:38
9 Tiffany CROMWELL +1:38
10 Carmen SMALL +2:18
The Route
One of the more sprinter friendly rounds of the World Cup but
it doesn't always end that way and when there is a group
sprint it is normally from a smaller group instead of most of
the peloton.
The first climb of the day the VAMBerg (380m at 9.7% average)
comes just before the 10km mark. Coming so early in the stage
it wont have any impact on the outcome but is a test of what
it to come with riders facing it two more times in the last 50
kilometres. The next 85-90km are over rolling roads and
included three cobbled sections totally nearly 10 kilometres.
With 44 kilometres to go riders again face the VAMBerg. The
short steep climb provides an opportunity to attack but with
over 40 kilometres to go it is still a long way out. Between
the two final climbs of the VAM-Berg are two sprint points at
112.3km and 116.8km. With 16.5km to go riders again face the
VAMBerg. This is where Vos attacked last year and for those
who don't want a sprint finish it is the last chance to
attack. Over the top there is 16km to go to the finish.
The Contenders
Emma Johansson
Is the only non Dutch winner having won back in 2009 and has
also finished on the podium the past two years. Finished
second in the overall World Cup last year and is determined to
go one better this year. Without Marianne Vos in the race
Johansson is the clear favourite. Comes in with good form
having won Le Samyn and finished 2nd at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
and Omloop van het Hageland. Not a pure sprinter but still
finished 4th in the bunch sprint for 5th overall at Molecaten
Drentse 8.
Loes Gunnewijk
Hasn't had the best start to the season with some illness
impacting her early classics campaign. Bounced back at
Molecaten Drentse 8 spending time in the main break of the
day. Gunnewijk is one of the
most experienced riders in the peloton and as a former winner
knows what it takes to win here. As Orica's road captain
normally finds herself supporting others but depending how the
race plays out could be fighting for the win herself.
Ellen van Dijk
Finished second here last year and also finished 3rd overall
in the World Cup series after standing on the podium in three
of the seven individual rounds. Had a delayed start to the
season with illness and missed the Tour of Qatar. Last year
bridged across to Vos but was out sprinted expect to see her
attack and try and go away the final time over the VAM-Berg as
she doesn't have the fastest sprint.
Lizzie Armitstead
Generally thought of as a sprinter but is also able to climb
well over shorter climbs. If a small group doesn't escape the
final time up the VAM-Berg without her will be a name to watch
in the sprinting. Also not out of the question of Armitstead
making the group herself. Has had a strong start to the year
winning Omloop van het Hageland and finished 3rd at Omloop Het
Nieuwsblad. Finished 7th last year. Continued her strong run
taking 3rd at Molecaten Drentse 8.
Sofie De Vuyst
After several seasons of solid ride in the classics and now on
smaller Futurumshop.nl-Zannata, De Vuyst has stepped up
another level this year. Made the main chase group at Omloop
Het Nieuwsblad and finished a solid 6th beating out riders
from bigger teams. Stepped up even further taking the final
spot on the podium at Le Samyn and then finished 5th at Omloop
van het Hageland.
Annemiek van Vleuten
Took the overall World Cup win in 2011 and has had a strong
start to the season. Took 9th at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, sat
out Le Samyn and took 6th at Omloop van het Hageland. Now on
Rabo often finds herself in a supporting role but with Vos not
racing has a chance for herself. Was 12th last year. Knowing
she doesn't have the fastest sprint went on the attack at
Molecaten Drentse 8 and with more climbing her expect to see
her do it again.
Anna van der Breggen
Had a strong 2013 and when her Sengers team folded joined
Rabo. Like van Vleuten without Vos riding she has a chance to
shine. Took 2nd on stage 2 of the Tour of Qatar on route to
12th overall and took 16th at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Attacked
at Molecaten Drentse 8 and while a strong
finisher but not the fastest look for her to attack on the
VAMBerg.
Tiffany Cromwell
Started the season strongly with 4th and 5th in the road race
and time trial respectively at the Australian National
Championships. Took 9th overall at the Tour of Qatar and
missed out on defending her win at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad but
still finished a strong 7th. In a sign of good form went on
the attack as part of a six rider move at Molecaten Drentse 8
confirming she will be a name to watch in the first World Cup
of the year.
Chantal Blaak
After a quiet early part of the season Blaak put in a late
attack inside the final 5km at Molecaten Drentse 8. Despite a
fast chase from the peloton Blaak was able to hold on to win
solo scoring Specialized-lululemon their first win of the
year.
Giorgia Bronzini
Hasn't raced since the Tour of Qatar and other than a 2nd
place on the final stage was quiet. Sat out the opening week
of racing in Belgium and after a disappointing three races for
her team Bronzini will hope to change that. Finished 2nd her
last year behind Vos and with strong support from Emily
Collins, Peta Mullens and Emilia Fahlin in a sprint finish
will be a name to watch.
Ashleigh Moolman
Started her European season with 8th at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
and 2nd at Le Samyn des Dames. Was on track for another good
result at Omloop van het Hageland when a crash took her out of
contention. A strong climber and her best chance of a strong
result is to attack the final time up the VAMBerg.
Chloe Hosking
Showed good form taking third overall at the Tour of Qatar.
Finished 28th and 18th at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Le Samyn
but this is a race she has done well at in the past. Won the
bunch sprint last year to finish 4th ahead of other sprinters
Kirsten Wild and Shelley Olds.
Kirsten Wild
Was dominant again at the Tour of Qatar taking three stages
and the overall. The form continued at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
where she finished 2nd in the bunch sprint to take 5th. With
Pieters in the race the team has another option allowing Wild
to wait for a bunch finish. Took 2nd in the chase group last
year to finish 5th.
Amy Pieters
Has had one of the best starts to the year with a stage and
2nd overall in Qatar and then taking the win at Omloop Het
Nieuwsblad. A fast finisher who has also proven she can deal
with short climbs. Finished 3rd at Tour of Chongming Island
World Cup and Open de Suède Vargarda proving she has what it
takes to perform in World Cup rounds. Went on the attack as
part of the main 6 rider break at Molecaten Drentse 8 showing
her strong form continues.
Shelly Olds
Took three top 10 finishes including 2nd on the first stage at
the Tour of Qatar. Then headed to South America where she took
two stages at the Vuelta Internacional Femenina a Costa Rica
although against limited competition. Just missed out on the
podium last year in fourth as part of her strong classics
season. Finished top 6 in the first six classics last years.
Elena Cecchini
Finished 8th overall at the Tour of Qatar despite missing the
main move on stage 1. Has only ridden Omloop van het Hageland
since returning to Europe but finished 18th in the main group.
Has a fast finish especially after a hard day.
Liesbet De Vocht
The current Belgium Champion in both the road race and time
trial spent two years at Rabo before joining Lotto-Belisol for
this season. Finished 16th in Qatar and won the bunch sprint
ahead of Kirsten Wild to take 4th at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.
Other names to watch: Roxane Knetemann, Amanda Spratt, Gracie
Elvin, Trixi Worrack, Charlotte Becker,
Elisa Longo Borghini, Lucy Martins, Jolien D'Hoore, Joanne
Hogan and Maura Kinsella. |
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