Short news roundup: Thibaut Pinot, hour record, Trek's women's team, UAE Team Emirates, Clement Chevrier
Aug 23 2018 05:55 am CET
Photo by ASO/Karenn EDWARDS
The news roundup of the day includes Thibaut Pinot's contract extension, the failed attempt at breaking the hour record, the new signings of Trek's women's team, UAE Team Emirates signings and Clement Chevrier's bad news ahead of the Vuelta a España.
Thibaut Pinot renews contract with Groupama-FDJ
The French rider has extended his contract with Groupama-FDJ until 2020. Pinot's palmares includes a third place at the 2014 Tour de France, a fourth place in the 2017 Giro d'Italia and stage victories in the two races.
"This is the team where I grew up, but especially where I learned what was the notion of trust," he commented. "I am fortunate to have the unfailing support of the sponsors, Marc Madiot (Groupama-FDJ's manager) and my teammates. Being able to ride a bike in this context helps me to transcend competition. Over the years, the team was built around me. Today, I have teammates of a very high level to support me, and who humanly correspond perfectly. This is an essential factor. I have a blind trust in them."
Dion Beukeboom fails to break the hour record
The Dutch rider completed 52.757 kilometres in one hour at the velodrome of Aguascalientes, Mexico. The record remains in the hands of Bradley Wiggins, who did 54.526 kilometres in one hour at the Lee Valley VeloPark of London.
Beukenboom is a multiple Dutch champion of the individual chase at the track. "The body just did not work at all and then it's hard to keep your head high. It was a fantastic year, I enjoyed the way there, only the way it ends is a shame."
Ruth Winder and Lauretta Hanson sign with Trek's women's team
American Ruth Winder and Australian Lauretta Hanson have signed to join the team for the 2019 season. Winder makes the move from Sunweb and Hanson from UnitedHealthcare.
"I'm really excited to be joining the new Trek program! As soon as I heard about the team, I was interested, and after talking with Trek, it sounded like a great fit," said the American rider. "Not just with the athletic program that is being built, but also as an American working with such a loved American brand."
"I am really excited to be joining Trek in 2019. I have raced in America for the past six years, but I was looking to make the transition to Europe," commented the Australian. "When I was approached by Trek, I knew it would be the perfect environment for me to learn and grow. Trek has put together a program with fantastic support and a world-class roster filled with experience and strength. I have idolized a lot of these women throughout my career, and I am looking forward to racing alongside them, and under their guidance."
UAE Team Emirates signs Alessandro Covi and Tadej Pogacar
Covi, winner of the 6th stage of the 2018 Tour de l'Avenir, has reached an agreement with the team to become a professional in 2020, in 2019 he will ride for Team Colpack. "I'm very happy, I feel UAE Team Emirates can be the best team for becoming a pro rider," the 19-year-old commented. "I won’t join the pros in the next season, I feel it’s better to wait for one more year, during which I’ll do my best to improve my skills. Meanwhile, I’ll race as a trainee in my new team in this final part of the season."
Slovenian Pogacar will debut in the WorldTour with the team in 2019 and has shown what he is capable of with U23 titles in time trial and road race. "I am honoured to be able to ride in a World Tour team and it makes me even happier to know that I am joining an ambitious formation that knows how to value their riders," he said.
Crash injuries leave Clement Chevrier out of Vuelta a España
The French rider suffered a crash that "required a certain period of assessment," after which the doctors have concluded that he won't be able to start in the Spanish grand tour. Julien Duval will take his place in AG2R La Mondiale's selection for the race.
I have the balance I need to thrive. And that, no other structure could offer it to me. All these elements will allow me to pass a new sporting course including the Grands Tours.
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