Sunday was one of the busiest days of the entire cycling season as national road race champions were crowned throughout most of Europe. Among the biggest winners were Giacomo Nizzolo who took a first Italian title, Arthur Vichot who took his second victory in France and Philippe Gilbert who claimed his second Belgian Drikleur.

 

We have gathered numerous reactions below.

 

Italy

Giacomo Nizzolo: Now I am no longer the eternal runner-up

Giacomo Nizzolo capped off a motivated and spirited Trek-Segafredo team (Marco Coledan, Eugenio Alafaci, Niccolo Bonifazio and Fabio Felline) in the Italian Road Race Championships Sunday to win the prestigious tricolor jersey.

 

"Today the race was crazy, I had a lot of friends here cheering for me," exclaimed a jubilant Nizzolo. "I have to give a big thanks to the guys; they did a super job for me today. At the beginning, I didn't feel good, but at the end, I was really motivated on the final climb."

 

The 228-kilometer race ended with four laps of a 20-kilometer circuit that included a short, steep climb (300 meters and 17%) three kilometers from the finish. 

 

The last time up the sharp climb proved instrumental. Trek-Segafredo used the last of its horsepower and led Nizzolo to the foot of the uphill where Nizzolo took the race into his hands. Nizzolo was the first to attack, soon followed by the acceleration of Oscar Gato, which created a selection of five riders at the top. 

 

Gianluca Brambilla (Etixx-Quick Step) attacked on the descent, and only Nizzolo was able to make the bridge; the two riders arrived at the finish to play a tactical two-up sprint that was easily won by Nizzolo, clearly the faster of the two Italians.  

 

Nizzolo said: "Marco (Coledan) made a very strong pull into the last climb and stretched out the peloton, and I attacked the climb. We were five at the top of the hill and then Brambilla attacked on the descent and had a gap. 

 

"I went across to him, and we were two, and I pulled until the final kilometer. It was then that I realized this could be the right day. Then in the sprint, I won. It is really, really, really an important race for me and I will enjoy the next days and the next year.

 

"If I had waited for the sprint I would not have won so I had to go on the offensive. I hit the climb in front, I stayed up there and I took risks downhill. I caught Brambilla, then we collaborated and it went well.

 

"I dedicate this success to myself. Now you cannot tell me than I am the eternal runner-up even if it was the truth with all those podiums but this success is really important and it changes everything. I hope to continue like this.

 

"This is a great season and winning the Italian championship is the crown. After the Giro I worked hard for this goal and I managed to achieve it. After the two red jerseys in the Giro, this is really the most important, I did well to hold on until the end of the Giro and I knew that I would do well here because I had won Gippingen and I knew I feel good.”

 

Gianluca Brambilla: To beat Nizzolo in a head-to-head was bit too much

Sunday was an action-packed day for Etixx – Quick-Step, as more than 20 of the team's riders were involved in National Championships races across Europe. One of these men was Gianluca Brambilla, who continued to display the strong form and consistency showcased in May, at the Giro d'Italia, this time on a 228-km long hilly course in Lombardy's Darfo Boario Terme.

 

The 28-year-old attacked on the last climb of the final lap and got a 80-meter gap on Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek-Segafredo), but was caught by his countryman on the descent and had to settle for second in the two-up sprint, his best result at the Nationals:

 

"A few weeks ago I came here to check the parcours, so I accelerated on a section where I knew I could make the difference and then went full gas on the downhill. Unfortunately, Gatto was between me and the chasers and he acted as a reference point for them. Nizzolo came in my wheel just before the last kilometer and in that moment I realized it will be very hard to win against such a fast guy. Still, considering all, I must say it's a great result, which makes me happy.

 

“I've been going strong since the start of the season but to hope to win in a head to head with Nizzolo was really too much.

 

"Even though he is a sprinter, Nizzolo was really strong. There was great uncertainty and I had come to see the course. I believed in it after the final climb but when Nizzolo got back, I thought I could only win in the sprint if his chain came off. Congratulations to Nizzolo!”

 

Filippo Pozzato eyes Qatar Worlds after third place at Nationals

Filippo Pozzato finished third.

 

"The national championships have given me great motivation,” he told Spaziociclismo. “I came out from the Giro in good form but I was too far behind on the last climbs and some riders got an advantage.

 

“This is modern cycling, where everyone wants to stay in the top positions at the beginning of the decisive climb but with a two-meter wide road, there is not room for everyone. After the climb, I was hoping that someone would try to bring it back but it would have meant burying every expectation of success for those who chased. If I had chased, I could not win. It’s a beautiful podium, congratulations to the first two.

 

"I hope to make a good second half of the season to get selected for the national team. It would be really wonderful - clearly not for Rio as the Olympic route is too hard for me, but I hope to do well to go to the Worlds in Doha. Italy is not considered among the favorites, although I am sure that the Worlds will give us a medal. I was not one of the favorites for the Tricolor which I enjoyed because I knew I was fine and I held firm after the Giro. I'm happy for the first two. They have done very well in the Giro and are the new generation. Together with Nibali, they fly the Italian flag. Congratulations to Nizzolo because he even attacked so he deserved this success. "

 

Enrico Battaglin left disappointed in Italy

Enrico Battaglin finished 10th in Italy behind winner Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek - Segafredo).

 

“I wanted more than this 10th place,” the Italian said. “I got sick after the Giro d’Italia on the other hand and I started training again only one week ago. When you look at that, I didn’t do a bad job today.”

 

Belgium

Philippe Gilbert: This is a great way to apply for a new team

Philippe Gilbert has become the Belgian Road Race Champion for the second time in his career, defeating Tim Wellens (Lotto Soudal) in a one on one battle to the line.

 

Greg Van Avermaet rounded out the podium in third place for the second consecutive year.

 

A 25-rider move, including Gilbert, Van Avermaet, Dylan Teuns and Loïc Vliegen, went away early in the 231 kilometer race. Gilbert launched an attack with just under 50 kilometers to go and was followed by Wellens and Laurens De Plus (Etixx Quick-Step), who was later dropped, leaving Gilbert and Wellens to go head to head for the win.

 

Gilbert launched his last attack within the final 300 meters to secure the Championship.

 

“The bunch almost came back to the breakaway on the climb when we were inside the last four laps and I saw them so I attacked on the top. My goal was not really to go away but to speed the pace up and get the group working again. Greg went after and then I went again with Tim Wellens. I knew that if I went alone I would have teams chasing behind me so I needed a Lotto-Soudal rider with me. It worked well to have Wellens with me, and also Laurens De Plus, so the three biggest teams were represented up the front and no one was really chasing. It was the perfect trio.

 

“When De Plus was dropped I was thinking that this might not be good as Etixx Quick-Step would be riding behind us, but in the end we held the gap. The final was a hard one because Wellens went full gas. I was able to respond to his attacks and I was always there, really focusing on the sprint. I didn’t want to start playing too far from the line in case the others came back, so we really waited until the last kilometer. I was nervous because I wanted to win so much. When you are in this situation it is there that you make mistakes. So I was trying to think positive thoughts and think of my family and my future, and not going crazy. That’s what I did and that relaxed me a bit.

 

“It’s completely different to my first championship. When I won in 2011 I was in the best period of my career. I wasn’t expecting to win then because the course didn’t suit me too much. But here I was working really hard after my accident in April to get back to this level. I was already happy after the Tour or Luxembourg as I felt some good sensations. Then at the Tour de Suisse I wasn’t sure how my level was, but then I was back feeling good in the last days. This win gives me a lot of confidence and I’m looking forward to wearing the jersey at the Tour of Poland.”

 

"It is not normal that I can complete a breakaway of 208 kilometers. If I remember well, I did ten years ago in the Dauphiné where I also brought a break of 200km to a successful conclusion. But this was special,” he told Het Nieuwsblad.

 

”At the bottom of the'Petit Poggio I saw that there was a sizeable group coming back. That was the sign to accelerate.  I managed to build a gap with Tim Wellens and Laurens De Plus. We still had to ride for more than fifty kilometers and cover the sequence of climbs and the weather made for a tough day. We also could not recover because behind us they continued to ride fast.

 

"In the last lap I knew Wellens was trying to get rid of me. That could only be done on the climbs because on the flats there was a headwind. I was very concentrated and reacted every time. I have shown that my condition is quite good in view of the Olympics. Now I'm going to enjoy this new Belgian title and take three to four days of rest. Then I will prepare myself for the Tour of Poland. The jersey is of course very important. I am, after all, out of contract at the end of the season and have to look for a new employer. Well, this is nice way to apply for a new team.

 

"My second attack was good. The collaboration with Tim Wellens was fine. Tactically we raced perfectly. We both deserved the victory, but in the sprint I was stronger.

 

"This is a very important victory for me. I've had a lot of adversity this year, this is the worst season of my career. I have worked very hard in recent months to get back on track. It's great that I now can get this jersey, the most beautiful in the world.

 

"The Olympics? Rio is definitely a goal for me, but I have to be selected. I've already proved that I am a specialist in the one-day races and I can cope well with the pressure."

 

Greg Van Avermaet: I never got my chance

"I'm disappointed with my third place. I won’t hide that," Greg Van Avermaet told Het Nieuwsblad. "On the other hand, I am very pleased that Philippe Gilbert is the champion. I could never get my chance. If I had been riding for another team, I would definitely bridge to the leaders. That was not the case. It was not that we had agreed that whoever went first was to be champion. You can not determine that. The race could change very quickly.

 

"Phil chose the right time and finished it off. It’s imple. We rode strongly as a team. You have to remember that Loïc Vliegen and Dylan Teuns were also in the early morning break which was made after two laps. We knew it was an early split so we had to sit in front. Four of the five BMC riders were there. Lotto-Soudal had a strong group and Etixx-Quick Step was well represented. We were not surprised.

 

"My next goal is the Tour de France. Of course I look forward to the second stage where I have a chance to get a stage win and maybe the yellow jersey. But that's next Sunday.

 

"For me it was not an easy race I had good legs, but Philippe Gilbert got the result. I could not attack. That's just the race. At first I was disappointed not to win but I'm happy with the victory of Philippe. He deserved to win. I am happy with third place.”

 

Sports director Valerio Piva added:

 

“It was a good early move that went away in the second lap, like in the last couple of years. Last year we missed the move and chased all day and in the end we had third place with Greg Van Avermaet. This year it was clear that we needed to pay attention so everyone was ready for the move. 25 riders went with Philippe Gilbert, Van Avermaet, Dylan Teuns and Loïc Vliegen. Dylan and Loïc did a fantastic job to set the pace and protect Philippe and Greg, our leaders.

 

“With 3.5 laps to go, Philippe went with Wellens and De Plus. De Plus was dropped but Philippe and Wellens established a gap of over one minute and Greg was behind in the chase group protecting Philippe, jumping in every counter attack. Everyone was riding for the team today.

 

”I am proud for Philippe, especially after the bad luck he has had this year. It was a nice victory and he deserved it. All of the team deserved the win today, they all played a big part in it.”

 

Tim Wellens: Gilbert was just too explosive

The road race of the Belgian Championships took place at Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure and it became a real elimination race. Already in the second lap a group of 21 riders was in front with five Lotto Soudal riders: De Bie, De Clercq, De Gendt, Wallays and Wellens. After a while De Bie got replaced by Jürgen Roelandts who had made the jump to the front.

 

Thomas De Gendt animated the finale by going solo. He got half a minute lead. Laurens De Plus and Philippe Gilbert closed the gap to the Lotto Soudal rider, with Tim Wellens on their wheel. De Gendt then gave all he got left to help Wellens and then it was up to him.

 

In the last lap Wellens and Gilbert left De Plus behind and battled for the victory. Wellens couldn’t get rid of Gilbert and they entered the final kilometre together. Gilbert turned out to be the strongest and is the new Belgian champion, Wellens went home with the silver medal.

 

Tim Wellens said: 

 

“Silver is nice, but only one place counts in this race. It would have been very nice to take the title on this beautiful and selective course.

 

“It was hard right from the start and soon the peloton split. As a team we were well represented in the front group, but unfortunately someone was stronger. I was realistic, I knew it wouldn’t be easy to drop Gilbert and he is strong at the finish. I tried to ride away from him, but he remained on my wheel. I began the sprint in second position, but couldn’t get past Gilbert as he was too strong.

 

“It was a really difficult weekend for the team. Yesterday evening we got more info about the condition of Stig and that was really emotional. It is difficult to cope with it, but today we fought for him.

 

"I've tried three times in the final lap and then did the sprint. Philippe Gilbert started from the front and immediately got a gap. Then it was over for me. Philippe was just too explosive. That was his strength. I have made every effort to get away but it did not work. A second place in a Belgian championship is very beautiful but it is a pity that only the first one gets the jersey. I would of course also have liked to have won for Stig Broeckx. His condition always gives us strength to perform for him. I never had the chance to get away from Gilbert, so a second place was the beat possible. Philippe is also the deserved winner.

 

Jan Bakelants: Lotto Soudal made a mistake

Jan Bakelants tried several times but has to settle for fifth.

 

"Philippe Gilbert, Tim Wellens and Laurens De Plus got away from our group,” he told Het Nieuwsblad. “That did not happen in a way that I expected. No, it just happened. I tried to close the gap, but apparently did not get the right companions. Everyone thought it was better to stop.

 

"With our group, we were just a few hundred meters from the leaders, but then Greg Van Avermaet came and he would not work. Right away I knew it was over. I tried to get clear but I couldn’t. I think Lotto-Soudal made a mistake by not riding with me. Otherwise they would have been more in the front. With all due respect to Tim Wellens, when you go into the finish with Philippe Gilbert, you know that you usually ride for second place. That was no different today. Gilbert was assisted by the cautious attitude of the other riders. He just had to finish it off in the sprint.

 

Wout Van Aert satisfied with 9th at Belgian Championships

Wout van Aert  was 9th.

 

"It is a pity that I missed the good break with Wellens and Gilbert. But I won’t deny, that if I had been there, I might still have been dropped. I was on my limit in the last few kilometers. However, I am very satisfied with my top ten place.”

 

Etixx-QuickStep climbing talent impresses at Belgian Championships

One of Etixx-QuickStep’s neo-pros, Laurens De Plus, made himself noticed in the breakaway which came into the spotlight at the Belgian Championships right from the opening kilometers, after attacking in the final hour of racing and sparking a move which saw only Philippe Gilbert (BMC) and Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal) respond. In the end, the fast pace and punishin circuit of Les Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure took its toll on 20-year-old De Plus, as Gilbert and Wellens accelerated and opened a big advantage, before battling for the win, which eventually was nabbed by the former.

 

Best Etixx – Quick-Step rider on the day was Pieter Serry, in 6th position, whilst De Plus, even though he didn't came to the finish with the first chasing group, took a lot of positives out of the day:

 

"I did a good race, but at one point I went over my limit and paid for this, but let's not forget that it was the first time I rode such a long race, of more than 230 kilometers, and I lacked the experience which would have helped me in the closing kilometers. But I'm happy with my race and with the trust of the team, and today shows me again that this is the right environment to develop. What I've learned here will help me for sure in the future."

LottoNL-Jumbo come up short at Belgian Championships

Maarten Wynants rode a very tough Belgian championship on Sunday. In the rain and the Walloon hills, the peloton didn’t stay big at all.

 

“The circumstances in the national championships are always strange with those big teams and small clusters of riders,” Wynants explained. “Already early in the race, 20 riders escaped. That wasn’t a good situation for us. We help the chase for a while, but when Sep Vanmarcke said that he wasn’t feeling good, we weren’t able to much more. The peloton broke into three pieces, so I returned a little bit back in the race. Behind the three leaders, it broke up, but I wasn’t able to go along with them because I was boxed in for a moment. That was a pity.”

 

France

Arthur Vichot: This is without any doubt the most beautiful day of my life

"We ended with six riders in the front, new champion Arthur Vichot said. “I knew there would be another attack and when Gallopin went with Vuillermoz, I did not hesitate. In the sprint, I knew I had a chance.

 

"Nothing more beautiful could happen to me than winning here, 40 kilometers from my house. It's very important to me, the success is indescribable. There are nothing like falling into the arms of my family, my girlfriend, my friends.

 

“It's hard to sum ​​up, to tell you all that has happened since the crossing of the line. As you know, I'm from Franc-Comtois, I'm from here, I live 40 kilometers away. Everyone was here – all my family, all my friends, all the people who are dear to me. It was an exceptional moment of immense joy, happiness, communion. No superlatives can describe. These 15-20 minutes on the podium to don the blue-white-red jersey again, were just magical.

 

“This time it is another dimension. In Lannilis [where he won in 2013], it was at the other side of France. I was not at home. And then there was also some carelessness. It was my first title. I had one year in blue-white-red and I now know what it is. To enjoy it a second time is even harder. Especially with the times I had at the end of 2014 and last year. All these mixed feelings make this the greatest day of my career without any doubt. 

 

“Even if I was not the favorite number one today - I was rather an outsider - I knew that if I found myself in front, I had an even chance of winning. When you've already won a championship, it is a small psychological advantage over others. When, two kilometers from the finish, I decided not to ride and Alexis (Vuillermoz) wanted attack, I said ‘if you want the jersey, you have to go ahead. l have already won.’ It is strategic and you do not get gifts. Although in the end, it was me who launched the sprint. My strategy in the final kilometers was to do as little as possible and to ensure that I did a was fresh to do a great sprint of 200-250 meters. That's what happened. I knew that with all I had in my head, I'd be unbeatable in the sprint. 

 

“It is clear that Thibaut is now the main figure of French cycling. We only speak of him, and that's normal as he is a very great leader. He is exceptional in all World Tour races. In addition, he won the time trial and I took the opportunity to hide a little in my preparation, in the race too. You did not think too much of me but I can tell you that I have prepared for these championships with one goal: to win. I was a bit selfish today but I'm very proud to have won. 

 

“Obviously, as soon as I learned that the race would be here in Franche-Comté, I made it a goal. In addition, knowing the Franche-Comté chauvinism, they were not going to make anything but a difficult course to benefit our team. 

 

“It's clear that it has been a great week for us. And even though Francis Mourey doesn’t wear an FDJ jersey, he won the cyclo-cross championships. Franche-Comté are the masters of France.

 

“We have a special mindset. When we have something in mind, we are determined. Like it or not but when we have something in mind, we did not look elsewhere. We are very demanding with respect to ourselves. It is not always easy, but it pays off. In Franche-Comte, I think we have the quality of being persistent and stubborn in the positive sense. 

 

“This was my dream. Thibaut dreamed of his TT title. When I saw him win, I told myself that it would not hurt if I could win too. The double is something great. To take this jersey back to FDJ is very important, also for Marc (Madiot) and the sponsor. I think this is a perfect week.

 

“This will be a year of happiness. But there is also pressure. This jersey represents French cycling and I have our flag on the back. I must prove to be worthy of this. But every day in training, I have a different jersey than my colleagues. In the head, it's a plus. Cycling is much about mentality. You have to be confident, you have to want to train. You must have the little something that pushes you to make a difference and a jersey is beneficial. 

 

“I just want to get back to my level. Whether I win races or not does not matter. The important thing is to be at the maximum potential. Sport is like that. Sometimes you win, sometimes not. I just want to honor myself. I do not need something crazy.

 

“It was not easy to bounce back, I admit, especially when you have started to reach a good level. Early in 2014, I was third in Paris-Nice. Few Frenchmen can make the podium in the World Tour races. I had a lot of confidence in myself. I was very proud and very optimistic about my future. Then, over the months, everything went wrong, my level, my confidence, my morale also. I asked many questions. There were times when I said to myself: ‘I will end my two-year contract and then I will stop.’ I do not ride my bike to get dropped as the first rider. Cycling is always beautiful but for me it's not like that. There have been some very difficult moments, but I'm lucky to have friends, a family and a very stable girlfriend

 

“I want to enjoy the Tour with this jersey. But I know that the Tour is very complicated. This year we have big ambitions with a certain rider you know. We will not be content with tenth in the Tour. We go for something big. This year, Thibaut has demonstrated tremendous qualities. He even turned a corner compared to last year and I hope we will be up there. I'll be there as a teammate with this jersey and for now I'm going to work. If the opportunity arises, the idea is to try my luck on the day. I am already a happy man today.

 

"In the championships, the smartest often wins and that was really Arthur,” Thibaut Pinot said. “He had a very bad 2015 season but he has a great family environment. The team trusts him. At FDJ, we do not put pressure on an injured or sick rider. We gave him time.Arthur has had ups and downs but when he is good, he is very strong.

 

Tony Gallopin: This is the biggest disappointment of my career

Tony Gallopin finished second in Vesoul, where the French Championships were held. He rode to the finish line together with two of his fellow countrymen. Arthur Vichot won the race, Alexis Vuillermoz got third.

 

Tony Gallopin said: 

 

“I am very disappointed. Last year I was second as well, but the circumstances were different. It was a very hectic sprint and another type of course, now it was perfect for me with two hills on the course.

 

”It’s not easy without a teammate. In the last lap I took off from a front group of fifteen together with two others. It really was a goal of mine to win here and it’s painful when you don’t achieve such a goal. On the other hand, because all what has happened to Stig [Broeckx], I can put it in the right context. It is a very difficult time: aiming for results on the one hand and coping with all the emotions on the other hand.

 

“The good news after today is that my condition is fine. I rode a good time trial on Thursday, I got third. That was already a good sign and my performance today has confirmed that. Although losing the race hurts. But there will be new goals quite soon, we’re leaving for the Tour on Tuesday.

 

"I am obviously disappointed. This is sport, that's how it is. I have had disappointments during my career but this one is big, it is even the biggest of all. I knew that Arthur (Vichot) and I are fast in a sprint but after a race so hard, it was not obvious. I did not make any mistakes, Arthur was simply stronger.

 

"I know it will happen, but like I was happy after the time trial, there is disappointment now. The race was not easy to manage tactically as I was alone, but I do not think I made any mistakes. That's the beauty of cycling. Some are happy and others are disappointed. And I'm in the second category.”

 

Alexis Vuillermoz: I knew that Gallopin and Vichot were faster than me

"I was there to go for the win. I did not come her for the second or third place,” third-placed Alexis Vuillermoz said. “I knew that I could compete with Tony and Arthur in a false flat sprint but not in this type of downhill finish. I do not have the same size as them. I wanted to start the sprint in the third position to be able to surprise them with a little more speed. I tried, but Tony saw me and jumped on my wheel . Arthur only had to finish it off. It's frustrating to miss out but that's part of the sport and I hope to have another opportunity to win this jersey.

 

"My feeling is mixed. We were three and I had 33% chance. I attacked and when I saw Tony and Arthur return to me, I asked myself questions because they are powerful and physical ruders. I know I'm fast in a sprint, I have a good top speed but especially on the climbs. My only chance was to launch the sprint from behind but Tony anticipated and I was up against riders that were stronger than me.

 

Samuel Dumoulin: It’s a pleasure to be there on such a tough course

Samuel Dumoulin was 4th.

 

”I had the ambition to be a protagonist. From there to reach the level to be so, there is a lot of work and sacrifice. For two months I have had progressing sensations. I am in contact with team members who do a lot of sacrifice. It wakes me up a little after fifteen years of career!  It pays off and it is satisfying to be present on such a difficult course with such riders.

 
“I'm happy with my performance but disappointed for the team. When I talked to the riders on Saturday evening, I believed they had the form to win. At the end of the race I could not go back to Alexis. If I went back with Julian (Alaphilippe), we could have been 4th and 5th. I wanted to be loyal to him. "

 

Aggressive Cyril Gautier shows form at French Championships

Cyril Gautier was 7th.

 

"At the start, I had average legs. Then it was better in the final. I managed to attack on the first climb of the circuit and got back to the leaders. Alexis Gougeard, Jean-Christophe Péraud and Pierre Latour who were already in front, ride well. Then the leaders came back to us. Then I rode for the team, for Romain Bardet and Alexis Vuillermoz. When the three went away, I controlled things behind because Alexis was in front."

 

Romain Bardet: We did a great team race

Romain Bardet was 10th

 

"It was a highly competitive and very offensive finale. We made ​​a good team race and were up against some who were faster than us. I think we delivered collectively. We can be satisfied with that. Arthur Vichot deserves his victory. When there is no jersey at the end, it's obviously disappointing but that's the game. We'll start at the front andI hope a good Tour de France awaits us. "

 

Manager Vincent Lavenu added:

 

"It was beautiful collective work. We saw a very strong Romain Bardet and riders who have played the game all day. There was very few mistakes. There has to be a frustration not to get this title. We have to accept defeat, Arthur Vichot is a beautiful winner. There are no regrets about the collective work.”

 

Great Britain

Adam Blythe: It is really special to beat Cavendish in a sprint

In the north of England, Adam Blythe became the fourth Tinkoff team member to pull on the road champion’s jersey of their respective nation. In Stockton-on-Tees, Blythe beat one of the fastest sprinters in the world, Mark Cavendish, to the line after a tough day ended in a bunch sprint. In spite of spending almost the whole day either chasing or subsequently riding in a break, Blythe still had the strength to contest the win, and rode away as British champion.

 

On the day, some of the strongest names in British cycling were lined up at the start – many of whom Blythe had raced against throughout the season. It was going to be a hard task to take the win, especially as from the start of the race, the breakaways went out and having then been reeled in, another escaped up the road, meaning more energy was expended pulling them back in.

 

Having formed part of a four-man breakaway – the third escape of the race – Blythe and his breakaway compatriots had managed to stay out for much of the closing stages of the race. In spite of chasing, catching, and then becoming part of a breakaway himself, Blythe saved the energy he had left to contest the sprint, as he explained from the finish.

 

“I'm so chuffed - it feels great to have won the jersey. It was a long day really, from 70km out there were four of us tapping through and when we entered the circuit the gap wasn't that big. After it came back together behind I just sat in and saved what I could for the sprint. I never knew I was going to get it but I never thought I wouldn't as well, I just gave it my all and crossed the line first.”

 

Having started the day as the only Tinkoff rider in the race, it was going to be a hard task to fight for the win when some of the other teams had several riders who could work together to bring their fast man to the finishing stretch. Blythe made the most of the opportunities that presented themselves to him, reading the race expertly and making the key decisions at just the right time.

 

“Not having any teammates in the race meant it was all about selecting the right move. The circuit wasn't too difficult so it was all about timing, only attacking when it was worth attacking.”

As he heads to a team training camp in Livigno next week, Blythe will be one of three other Tinkoff team members – Roman Kreuziger, Juraj Sagan and Rafal Majka – who are each wearing their national champion’s jersey for the first time. Each will be receiving new outfits from Tinkoff’s kit supplier, Sportful. Blythe was excited to be wearing the colours of the British national champion.

 

“I'm looking forward to the getting the new white kit now! It’s the highlight of my career so far. I just want to get the jersey and all the kit to go with it – white shorts, white bike…

 

"I wanted that one. All day I was thinking about it and always trying to be in the right move. With a couple of laps to go, I thought we might hold off the chase, it was hanging around 20 seconds, we did a few hard turns hoping they'd stay away but we came back together and I just gambled it would be a sprint and luckily I got round Cav.

 

"It was a hard day. We were marked out all day, we weren't really given any room as such. We were always on the pedals all day, I've had one of the highest powers I've had all year so I was really happy and I think Mark's happy as well, sort of, for me!"

 

“You can’t describe [the feeling],” he told CyclingWeekly. “It is joy, happiness, pure emotion. Especially coming around Cav, everyone knows what he’s like, so coming around him was pretty special.”

 

Tao Geoghegan Hart wins British U23 title

After finishing runner-up in Thursday's Under 23 British national time trial, Tao Geoghegan Hart was part of a nearly race-long, four-man breakaway Sunday that was only reeled in with 15 kilometers to go of the 207-km road race.

 

"We had strong blokes in that situation in the front," the 21-year-old said. "Once you have a gap, you just have to keep rolling and keep the speed high. Everyone does what they can and it is really up to the group behind as to what happens. There were about 20 blokes chasing us at one point. You just have to hope they start playing cat and mouse and start looking at each other."

 

Geoghegan Hart said he learned from last year's championship that it was better to be on the offensive.

 

"It always goes hard from the gun," he said. "This year was like all the other years in the fact that there were just groups coming together and splitting constantly, like you saw on the finish circuit and earlier in the race. For me, it was about not getting caught on the back foot. If you end up having to chase, like I had to last year, you can watch your race ride up the road pretty easily."

 

By winning the Under 23 title ahead of Christopher Lawless (JLT Condor) and James Shaw (Lotto-Soudal U23), Geoghegan Hart notched his third victory on the year. 

 

"This one is special because we have a British sponsor headlining for the team - Neon Adventures - which is based in London," he said. "It is nice to do this for them and for the team in what could be my last year with them.

 

"It's my first time as British champion and my partner Hannah won this morning so, to be honest it felt like I'd already won today before the race even started. I think in some ways, in a race like that, a little bit of the pressure off and I knew I had to be super aggressive after doing this race last year so, it paid off I think. It was a target, it's really special."

 

Germany

André Greipel: It was a sprint without lead-out

Erfurt hosted the German Championships this year. Unlike the Belgian road race it was a completely flat course without any obstacles. André Greipel beat Max Walscheid and Marcel Kittel in the sprint.

 

André Greipel said: “Despite the nature of the course you can never be sure it will end with a sprint, because the big teams could have other tactics. Sibi [Marcel Sieberg] and I had decided to race attentively and join every big breakaway. And we succeeded in doing that. With 45 kilometres to go for example, we were part of a break, but Giant-Alpecin didn’t have a rider in that group and that’s why we didn’t stand a chance.

 

”Sibi made sure I was positioned perfectly for the sprint. John Degenkolb launched the sprint for his teammate Walscheid, I remained on his wheel. I started sprinting with two hundred metres to go and nobody could pass me. I’ve seen the images and the gap was rather big.

 

“Of course I am happy that I’ve become national champion for the third time ever. When it’s this type of course, it’s always a goal for me. I am proud to wear the jersey for a year and I am looking forward to show it in the Tour. This victory, my eighth of the season, is good for the confidence.”

 

"Marcel brought me in a good position, it was a sprint without lead-out, man against man, and you had to make things right," he told radsport-news.com. "I could get on John Degenkolb’s wheel 400 meters from the finish and then started my sprint

 

"I am pleased that my colleagues like me to win. I would also have been pleased to see Marcel Kittel take the victory.

 

"After the terrible news on the past two days we have tried everything to win for Stig [Broecx] and his family.”

 

Giant-Alpecin neo-pro on the podium with Kittel and Greipel

Max Walscheid added to the Giant-Alpecin medal haul this championships week with a superb second place finish and silver medal at the German road race championships.

 

After the finish he said: “It was a super hectic final and I came a little bit late into position so I had to change what wheel I followed a few times. It was hard without a lead-out, but I’m happy. For a few month after the accident I was not sure if I can ride a bike in the race so this is a good day.”

 

"After my U23 title (2015) I am on the podium at a German championship for the second time, now with the big guys which of course is a huge success for me," he told radsport-news.com. "I was on the podium with the two best sprinters in the world, and I am personally very proud.”

 

"I had hoped that I could just do another race this year, but this is a very good confirmation for me. The team has signed me as a sprinter and today the course suited me. I got a free ride from the team and could position myself.”

 

The race was only his fourth race back after his accident earlier this year and saw his sprinting against some of the fastest in the sport. In the sprint, John Degenkolb also finished 14th, Johannes Fröhlinger 59th, Simon Geschke 108th and Nikias Arndt 114th.

 

Marcel Kittel: This defeat doesn’t mean much in the battle for Worlds leadership

In Germany, Tony Martin was a key man for Marcel Kittel, who sprinted to third in the 216-km long race – behind André Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) and Max Valscheid (Giant-Alpecin) – notching up his maiden career podium at the National Championships.

 

”Well, it's still sport, but today was really an important day, a big race for me - perhaps not the most important race of the whole season but it was my home race and a German Championships race on a flat course,” he told radsport-news.com. “Tony (Martin) pulled with five legsto allow me to sprint. And then it was only a third place at the end. That's disappointing. I need one night of sleep to digest this.

 

”I was in front relatively early. I have to admit that. And when the boys came from behind, I was boxed in on the left for a moment. I could not get out immediately and had to wait until André Greipel had passed. At that moment, everybody started and then you can no longer close the gap.

 

“At the moment, I am not thinking about the World. I think that it will be evaluated accordingly. But for the moment, this does not play a big role. The race situation today is not a standard race situation - neither in the Tour, nor at the Worlds. That's why I do not believe that it will be important.

 

”Today it was not about the sprint for me. It's just that at a German Championship many smaller teams are at the start and I think the race was particularly extreme. Even sprinters like André attacked and wanted to make the race difficult. Tony was so incredible. He brought everything back and made ​​the sprint possible. Had Tony not been here, we would have sprinted for 15th place.”

 

Stölting ride aggressively at German championships

The German road race championships in Erfurt turned out to be a race for the sprinters. The Team Stölting Service Group riders tried to make it a hard race and were continually to be seen in breakaway groups. The very fast 215.6 km race it did come down to a sprint in the end, and Gerald Ciolek took the fifth place.

 

The flat 15.4 km circuit in and around Erfurt had to be raced fourteen times, and the start of the race was especially fast. Riders tried to get away many times, but these groups got 20 seconds at most and were caught again very quickly. Only on lap 7 did seven riders including Lennard Kämna build a larger gap and could hold a 35-second advantage for about two laps before being reeled in.

 

Thomas Koep countered immediately and got four riders on his tail. They were let go and had a 1:25 minute gap at the 10th passage of the finish line, but in the feed zone after two thirds of lap 11 they had been caught already. Next was a move of ten riders including Christian Mager on the 12th and third-to-last lap, also caught again soon.

 

Linus Gerdemann and Lennard Kämna were part of a larger group of 20-25 riders that got away for a while on the penultimate lap but was caught with 22 km to go. Now the triple German champion Fabian Wegmann made his move and managed to get a small gap with five others, but the break didn’t cooperate well and was caught at the start of the final lap.

 

The sprinters’ trains came to the fore on the final 15 km, and Team Stölting Service Group also brought Gerald Ciolek, 2005 German champion, into position. A few riders tried to hold off the peloton even now, the last one being caught with 1 km to go.

 

In the sprint, pre-race favourite André Greipel (Lotto Soudal) was unmatched and won with a bikelength. Gerald Ciolek took fifth place. The average speed of 47.4 km was an indication of a fast race on a very flat course. Thomas Koep burned 5200 kcal in four-and-a-half hours of racing, and all riders were covered in sweat and salt after the finish.

 

Ahead of the race, Fabian Wegmann said: “We want to prove ourselves. We’ve all raced German championships before, but it’s the first time as Team Stölting Service Group. The course isn’t the best for our strengths, but Gerald has won in a sprint before, so we do have a chance.”

 

Afterwards, Wegmann took stock: “We tired everything we could and were present in most breakaways. Unfortunately there were too many strong teams and riders who wanted to ensure a mass sprint at any cost. I was in a promising group of six with 20 km left, but only half of them wanted to work together. Tony Martin was also there and understandably didn’t lift a finger, so we were caught at the bell. From then on a sprint was inevitable – Gerald finished fifth there, not far off the podium. We definitely showed ourselves as a team and can be satisfied with how the race went.”

 

Gerald Ciolek took stock: “The race went to plan for us. We wanted to make it a hard race, and the others continually attacked to get into groups. But on the very flat course, many teams wanted a sprint and held the pace high throughout the race. We achieved our goal with a fifth place in the sprint and showed our colours at the front end of the race all day.”

 

No successful title defence for Bora-Argon 18 in Germany

BORA – ARGON 18 had with Rudiger Selig and Phil Bauhaus 2 fast men in its line-up but the team decided to ride offensively and aim to make the race too hard for the sprinters. Andreas Schillinger was one of the most active riders in the peloton and managed to jump into several groups. Michael Schwarzmann rode a strong race and was caught with 2k to go when he was in a break of 3 riders. In the frantic sprint final, Rudi Selig was blocked a little and had no chance to fight for the win. He crossed the line in 24th place.

 

“The team did a good job today. They did what we said in the morning and tried everything to force a selection. We did not save anything for the final, we really put all we had on one card. In the end we did not succeed with this tactic but I am proud that we made our mark today,” said Ralph Denk, team manager.

 

 

Robert Wagner didn’t a play a big role in the German championship and finished 63rd. “This race was about the Tour de France for me,” Wagner explained. “I wanted to ride some kilometres and didn’t take part in the fight of the bunch sprint.” André Greipel (Lotto - Soudal) sprinted to become the German champion.

 

Norway

Edvald Boasson Hagen: I am insanely happy to get this win

Edvald Boasson Hagen was the next rider to add to Dimension Data’s trophy cabinet as he powered to an incredible win at the Norwegian National Championships. Boasson Hagen surprised everybody with a stinging attack in the final 1km to hold on and arrive at the finish in Bodo just 4 seconds ahead of Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and Kristoffer Halvorsen (Team Joker – Byggtorget). It was Boasson Hagen’s 3rd road title and an impressive 11th national title when you include the 8 time trial titles he has already won.

 

Edvald Boasson Hagen said: “It was an insanely fast race. Lillehammer Cycling Club was really good today, they raced like seasoned pros to control the race together with Coop. I couldn’t have asked for more out of the Lillehammer boys. It was really awesome what they were able to do.

 

”In the final I just had to take it very long. I gave everything I could, there was nothing left that I could give so I am happy that it was enough.”

 

”I had planned to be alone from the climb to the finish but it was too hard. But I managed to do a very long sprint.

 

”Alex had Sven Erik [Bystrøm], but he was tired after going after the many attacks so I planned to take him on when he took it easty and then I went with one kilometer to go and made it. I'm insanely happy to get this victory here.”

 

Alexander Kristoff: Boasson Hagen surprised med

Alexander Kristoff took the silver medal after 189 km of racing in the Norwegian Road Championships. In Bodø, Kristoff was the fastest man of a small group sprinting for second place, 4 seconds behind winner Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Dimension Data). Third place was for Kristoffer Halvorsen (Team Joker).

 

”It is never nice to finish second, but Boasson Hagen played it very smart. He surprised me, attacking from behind with a bit more than one kilometer to go. He immediately took 5 meters. If I would have countered him I would have brought fast guys Holst Enger or Halvorsen with me. I gambled that Joker would do the job and bring Edvald back. Joker still had enough riders in the front. Unfortunately that did not happen. I have to be honest, too. I had already done a big effort by chasing down Edvald, when he attacked the first time,” explained Alexander Kristoff.

 

In the finale of the race (16 x 11,8 km) Boasson Hagen indeed attacked and got away, but Kristoff, together with the IAM Cycling duo Stake Laengen and Holst Enger, joined the defending Norwegian champion. When the two IAM riders dropped, Boasson Hagen and Kristoff, the two Norwegian stars of cycling were left alone in front. Team Joker however started to chase furiously and chased the two down at 3 kilometers from the finish. Joker riders tried to get away, but Team KATUSHA’s Sven Erik Bystrøm did a great job by countering all these attacks. And then Boasson Hagen went again… to his second consecutive title.

 

Ireland

Nicolas Roche: It's one thing wanting it and another thing getting it

Nicolas Roche made it an Irish national championships double with victory on Sunday, while Andy Fenn came home third in the British road race.

 

Roche accelerated hard heading into the final 10 kilometres to distance his rivals and taken a second national road race title in Kilcullen.

 

That success followed hot on the heels of victory in Thursday's time trial, meaning Roche will don the shamrock jersey in both disciplines on the road for the next 12 months.

 

"To win both titles is very special," Roche told TeamSky.com after the race. "I've already got one road champs and one TT champs in my career, but to get the pair in the same year is really something.

 

"Today was a very important day for me. The race was organised by my local club from back when I started cycling. All my family were around, as they are most years, and I really wanted this one. But it's one thing wanting it and another thing getting it. It's worked out in the end and it was an unbelievable day.

 

"I went from about 10-12km out up the last climb. It was my only chance to go for it up there, give it my all and hope that it worked. I knew that there was no way I was going to drop the other guys on the flat - guys like Damien Shaw, (Matt) Brammeier and riders with a lot of experience.

 

"It will be brilliant to wear the shamrock jersey for the next 12 months. It's a very cool feeling and I'm convinced Rapha will do a great job getting a jersey sorted. I'm so excited!"

 

Matt Brammeier misses out on another title in Ireland

Matt Brammeier kept Dimension Data fans on the edge of their seats right up to the finish in the Irish Championship event. Brammeier was part of the early race deciding 7 rider breakaway but it was Nicolas Roche (Team Sky) who escaped with 10km to go that took the win. After 188km of racing, Brammeier came home just 30 seconds behind Roche with Michael O’Loughlin (Team Wiggins) in 3rd.

 

He said:

 

“I’m gutted to not have finished the job off today but a split second of hesitation and there was no catching a flying Roche. I was happy to be up there racing for the win and in the end I am quite proud of how I raced today.”

 

Luxembourg

Luxembourg double makes Bob Jungels confident for the Tour de Pologne

Bob Jungels has successfully defended his road race national title, two days after doing the same thing in the individual time trial race. Held in-and-out the same town of Berbourg which hosted the ITT, on a 136km course, the race witnessed a crazy pace immediately after the start, as many riders were eager to book a place in the breakaway. Once a group got clear, the peloton started working together – unfazed by the difficult weather conditions – and reeled in the escapees just in time for the decisive phase of the race.

 

Inside the final 10 kilometers, Jungels accelerated from the pack, in a move reminiscent of the one he pulled in stage 11 of the Giro d'Italia (on which he attacked and fought hard to keep the pink jersey), and forged a gap which proved to be insurmountable for the chasers. After defeating Alex Kirsch (Stölting Service Group) and Frank Schleck (Trek-Segafredo), thus achieving the double at the National Championships for the second season running, the 23-year-old sat down and talked about this performance, which he is sure will bode well ahead of his next appointment, scheduled in a few weeks' time.

 

"I am very happy with the win and with keeping this beautiful jersey. I love it and I love to wear the colours of my country. Today's race was really fast right from the gun and the wind and rain made it even more difficult. On the last lap, I attacked with 7 kilometers to go, because I felt that it was the best moment to do it and I was right, as I arrived solo at the finish line. Not only that this victory makes me happy, but it also gives me a timely boost of morale for my next race, the Tour de Pologne", said Bob Jungels, who so far this season has amassed three wins, three podiums and six top 10 placings.

Strong Alex Kirsch confirms form with second place in Luxembourg

Alex Kirsch was the only starter of Team Stölting Service Group at the Luxembourg championships in Berbourg and showed a strong performance. In the final, he and the rest of the front group were anticipated by a late attack, but Kirsch won the sprint for second.

 

Right after the start of the 136 km race the professionals and a couple of U23 riders dropped the amateur riders also participating. The 17 km circuit was more challenging than first thought with lots of hills and a couple of open stretches with wind.

 

Alex Kirsch made a move to get rid of Jempy Drucker (BMC Racing Team) who has a good turn of speed in the sprint, but only Drucker followed his attack. The two rode at the front of the race until 40 km to go when Drucker dropped back to the chase group. Kirsch had it tough all alone, and when Drucker couldn’t stay with the chasers either, Kirsch let the group catch up, counting on his sprint.

 

However, Bob Jungels (Etixx – Quick Step) made an all-or-nothing move with 3 km to the line. As the other riders couldn’t agree on closing him down, it was soon clear they would sprint for second place – Kirsch won this sprint with ease and therefore was on the podium of both championship races after his third place in the time trial.

 

“I had cracked my toe Saturday evening,” Alex Kirsch told of another obstacle. “Sunday morning I first had to try if I could put the cycling shoe on at all. Thankfully, that was possible without too much pain, but I didn’t feel great in the first part of the race. I knew I could beat everyone but Jempy in a sprint, ironically it was only him following me when I attacked. As the race went on, I felt better and better and realised I was better than Jempy. He couldn’t keep up anymore with 40 km to go, and when Jempy was dropped from the chasing group as well, I reduced my effort and let them catch me as I was sure I could win the sprint. Bob did a very clever move then, attacking at just the right moment. But after the less-than-ideal preparation I’m happy with my two podium places.”

 

Slovenia

Vitourious Jan Tratnik: I am sorry for Roglic

"I did not expect to win but I expected a good result because I was well prepared. You can never predict a win. It's nice to win," winner Jan Tratnik told siol.net.

 

"Right from the start I was active. I said that I would gamble and go on the attack When I saw who had made it into the break, I knew that this was a winning combination. I just had to figure out how to win. With four laps to go, I was a little bit in doubt. Then I attacked with three laps to go and only Roglić followed. Unfourtnately, he had a mechanical in the next lap. It was in the finale so I could not wait. I'm sorry for Primoz. I had to go forward, otherwise Iwould not have won. I had more luck.”

 

Primoz Roglic: If it hadn’t been for the puncture, I could have won

Primoz Roglic placed fifth in the Slovenian championship. Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s climber was in the lead, together with champion Jan Tratnik (Amplatz - BMC) during the final lap when he punctured and got caught by the chasers. Battaglin finished 10th in Italy, Maarten Wynants took 16th in the Belgian race.

 

“I was in front together with the eventual winner when I punctured and had to change wheels,” Roglic said. “That’s why the chasers were able to catch me. I was unlucky today. I really wanted to become national champion and if I didn’t have that puncture, I would have had a nice chance to make it. I know, since my time trial title, how beautiful it is to become the champion of your country. That feeling carried me on today, as well. It’s disappointing that I lose it because of something like this, but that’s part of the sport, as well.”

 

Russia

Pavel Kochetkov: What a nice day for Katusha

Team KATUSHA won all three podium places in today’s road race of the Russian National Championships. On a hard and hilly course of 175,75 km under the hot sun, KATUSHA played it perfectly, taking gold, silver and bronze medals.

 

Pavel Kochetkov attacked from the chasing group on the penultimate climb to join Maxim Belkov, who stayed in front of the race. Later, another attack brought Kochetkov his first title of the Russian Champion and gold medal in the road race.

 

“It was a hard race because of the profile and the heat, but I can say I felt quite good today. After the Giro d’Italia I could hold my form and it helped me a lot today. In the end I felt tired, but that’s normal, because everyone was on the limit already. The first part of the race was a bit nervous with a lot of attacks that were hard to control. But the team was really strong and I want to thank all the guys for support during the entire day. Indeed, my teammates did a great job today. With two laps to go Maxim Belkov still was in front after an early break, but the chasing group started to come closer. So I decided to attack on the climb and I was able to join Max. Together we started to work well at holding our advantage over the chasers. In the final I attacked again and it was a good move which allowed me to win. I am really happy with this victory and the jersey of the Russian Champion. But, also, I am happy with all of Team KATUSHA and Maxim and Sergey, who joined me on the podium. What a nice day,” said Pavel Kochetkov.

 

Maxim Belkov finished second, while Sergey Lagutin completed the podium with third place, taking the bronze medal two years in a row.

 

Denmark

New Danish champion eyes the WorldTour

At the Danish road race championships in Vordingborg, Team Stölting Service Group started with seven strong riders and had the role of favourites as the largest professional team. The riders absolutely fulfilled the expectations, and a marvellous team effort put Alexander Kamp in the champion's jersey – a victory for the entire team.

The start of the 201.5 km race was hectic as many teams wanted to place a rider in the breakaway. Eventually, a group of four including Michael Reihs got away, building a gap of up to 3:20 minutes. Back in the peloton, several of the Danish Continental teams took up the chase and brought the field back to within a minute of the front.

With 92 km to go Mads Pedersen made his first move, and from then on the Team Stölting Service Group riders attacked time and again until Lasse Norman Hansen was able to bridge to the front group together with one other rider. In the peloton, the other Stölting riders covered all attacks, and when a chase group of ten formed, the team was represented by Rasmus Guldhammer, Mads Pedersen, and Alexander Kamp.

With 36 km left to race Lasse Norman Hansen went solo from the front group and built a gap of 40 seconds. Behind him, Michael Valgren (Tinkoff) went in pursuit with Alexander Kamp on his wheel, reducing the gap further and further until catching Norman Hansen with 8 km to go. This front trio traded attacks on the run-in to the finish, but in the end it was Kamp and Valgren who came into the final kilometre together, with Norman Hansen losing a couple of seconds to them after his superb effort earlier.

Kamp opened up the sprint on the slightly uphill finish and beat the WorldTour pro, celebrating the first national championship for Team Stölting Service Group with a well-deserved win.

After the race, the new Danish champion Kamp said: “I'm so proud to win, and I believe the result is deserved. We raced aggressively as a team and all performed to our best level today. It's me wearing the champion's jersey now, but it was a masterful race from the whole Team Stölting Service Group.”
 

"I'm proud and I feel it is a fair result after a race where we rode offensively and where we were extremely good everywhere,” he told CyclingQuotes.

 

"This year I have a stronger team behind me and it was also evident in the final. It means a lot when we are at the Danish Nationals and it also means that it is a little difficult for the foreign professionals who ride the Tour de France because you want to have someone to help you, and today I had that. We were in the front today and we put Riwal under pressure. They rode themselves to pieces, and then we make it explode and then the other riders have to use a lot of energy.

 

"I know Valgren and I know Lasse. We have been together through the youth ranks, and of course it's fun, but today we were tough rivals. Valgren has been Danish champion once before so now it was my turn. Last year I was close but this year it had to be.

 

"I dream of the World Tour. If you don’t dream of the Tour de France, you are unambitious. But there is still some way and some things that need to be at a higher level. I'll just continue to stay focused, then it should probably come.”

 

Lasse Norman Hansen sacrifices himself for teammate in Denmark
“We wanted to start the final early and put pressure on the other teams,” said bronze medal winner Lasse Norman Hansen. “I bridged to the group with Michael Reihs and decided to attack early as I felt very good. When Valgren and Alexander were only 20 seconds behind I decided to wait for them so that Alexander and I had a numerical advantage. I sacrificed my own chance to help ensure victory for Alexander. In hindsight, my attack was a bit too early, but the win went to my teammate, and I'm happy to have paved the way for him.”

The experienced Michael Reihs added: “We had the plan that one of us was going to become Danish champion. Every one of us could have won today, and each rider committed fully to the common cause and sacrificed himself for his teammates. I have raced 17 Danish championships in my career; today's race was definitely the best team effort. It's great for Alexander Kamp, too. He had a long injury break in the spring and is only back at his best for a couple of weeks now. He won convincingly in Horsens, and today he crowned the work of the team magnificently. I also want to thank our staff and our Sports Director André Steensen, they're part of today's winning team as well.”

 

Michael Valgren close to second Danish road race title

"I would like to have won, but Alexander's faster than me, and he was perhaps the only one I was not going beat in a sprint. That's fine, but I would like to have won,” runner-up Michael Valgren told CyclingQuotes.

 

"I would obviously have liked to be alone so it was bullshit. When I get back in the end, we come to a standstill and they refuse to work because they're afraid of being in the wind.

 

"I mad a small attack and Lasse was dropped, but Alexander was still there because he was just super strong.”

 

Poland

Rafal Majka surprised by own strength at Polish Championshops

At the Polish national championship race, Rafal Majka joined the ranks of Tinkoff riders to wear their national champions’ jersey in the races ahead, after a team effort helped him take the win. After a successful season that has seen him take 5th at the Giro d’Italia, Majka fought against an ever decreasing breakaway before pushing away on the final climb for the win.

 

Rafal Majka took the win in a hard race where all the odds were stacked against him. The parcours consisted of six laps of a 37km circuit with hilly terrain and a total altitude of nearly 3,200m climbed, making the 222km route a long day in the saddle for all of the riders, and strong winds only added to the difficulty. With Polish teams dominating the start-line, it was going to be a hard push for Tinkoff, who only had three riders in the race – Majka, Maciej Bodnar and Pawel Poljanski – while one of the other teams alone had fifteen riders contesting the race.

 

After a breakaway of twelve riders formed from the start with no Tinkoff rider present, it seemed unlikely that the team would be able to add to its impressive tally of national medals, but after the second lap, Bodnar and Majka attacked, riding strong to pull in the break.

 

In the front group in the last three laps, Majka was among twenty riders in the third lap to go, a group that dropped down to ten riders in penultimate lap due to the crushingly-fast pace, and by the final it was only Majka and one other left to contest the win.

 

With one lap left, Majka took his chance to take the lead and build up a small advantage, using the climbing legs he put to good use in the Giro d’Italia, he built up an advantage that in spite of the best efforts of his rival, he was able to hold until the finish. Majka will now pull on the Polish champion’s jersey for the coming year.

 

The new Polish champion was delighted with the outcome – which for him he wasn’t expecting so soon after a training camp.

 

"I'm very excited and thrilled to be crowned road champion of Poland for the first time in my career. I came yesterday, directly from the high-altitude training camp in Livigno and jumped right into the race, so I consider this to be a very good result.”

 

Joining the ranks of Tinkoff riders with national champions’ jerseys, Majka was excited to be joining the team at the Tour de France after such a strong performance at this race.

 

“It was a hard race, with nearly 3,200 meters of altitude gain and climbs of 3-4 kilometers but that's exactly the kind of profile that suits me and that I like to race on. I felt in very good form, my legs were really strong and that is a very positive sign for the Tour de France. Starting next Saturday, I will be ready to give my best to support Alberto in his fight for the yellow jersey.”

 

As has been characteristic of all of Tinkoff’s victories this season, it was teamwork that won the race against great odds, and Majka was quick to thank his fellow riders today.

 

“Unlike the other Polish teams with lots of riders, we were only three here. However, I told Maciej Bodnar and Pawel Poljanski that I felt very strong and I was aiming for the gold, and they put on a strong performance to help me. I'd like to thank them for their effort."

 

Verva-ActiveJET climber in the top 10 at Polish Championships

Pawel Cieslik took seventh place for Verva.

 

“The race did not go our way. It is true that we had Łukasz Bodnar in front but with such strong competition he was not a sure bet for a medal. The guys did a good job in the second half of the race but we were not close enough to jump to the first group, before Majka attacked with Rutkiewicz. On the last climb I tried to get away and take bronze, but a long and grueling race had cost too much. Unfortunately, we leave the race empty-handed.”

 

Portugal

Loyal Jose Mendes rewarded with big win in Portugal

José Mendes took the national title after a hard race around Braga. On a tough course the finale became a sort of elimination race and Mendes  had the best legs in the end. He took a confident solo win 18 seconds ahead of Nelson Oliveira.

 

"It's a title that has always been a goal and today I made it. I gave everything and got the victory. Nelson is very strong, but ultimately I succeeded, he said.

 

“I am really happy for José. He is always  strong and reliable when the hard races come. In Norway and Slovenia, he already showed good shape. Today he gave himself the best reward for the hard work in the last weeks,” said Ralph Denk, Bora-Argon 18 team manager

 

Switzerland

Jonathan Fumeaux: Even many champions do not achieve this

Jonathan Fumeaux, 28 years old, managed to win the 2016 Swiss professional national road race championships solo after having been in front of a hard-chasing pursuit for over 30 kilometers. It is the third professional win for Fumeaux, who comes from the Swiss town of Conthey, which is made all the sweeter by the fact that IAM Cycling will leave the peloton at the end of the season.

 

“I have trouble believing that I am even wearing the jersey,” Fumeaux said as he descended the podium after taking possession of his prize, surrounded by all his friends and fans.

 

Jonathan Fumeaux had a head nearly clear enough to speak about a day that one does not expect to have twice in a career:

 

“I must say a big thank you to the team because we really all did a perfect job of work.  We were always present in all the breakaways. And then when Reto Hollenstein was pulled back with all the other favorites, I was able to counter-attack.  Essentially, I did a second individual time trial after the one I did already on Wednesday, since I was out in front for 30 kilometers alone.  I didn’t ask any questions; I just gave everything I had.  Winning in front of this home crowd, really just about 25 kilometers from my home, is a dream come true that many great champions never even manage to achieve.  This means that I am truly the happiest of men.”

 

Mathias Frank and Martin Elmiger set fire to the race.  Having taken turn to hit out on the front to attack, the two IAM Cycling riders were pulled back by the peloton quickly enough.  Pirmin Lang also spent time at the front of the pack along with Patrick Müller (BMC Development), before being brought back as well.  Such a scenario was repeated by Reto Hollenstein.

 

The race jury took out a portion of the 19.5 circuit. This did not prevent the IAM Cycling team from celebrating a superb double with Jonathan Fumeaux and Pirmin Lang taking first and second in what essentially is Michel Thétaz’s, the IAM Cycling founder, back garden.

 

Jonathan Fumeaux, who already submitted to a doping control on Wednesday after the individual time trial, was woken early Sunday morning to undergo a second doping control commissioned by the UCI at the team hotel.  Slightly disgruntled by the sleep interruption, he couldn’t possibly suspect that he would have to submit to yet a third control in less than ten hours after his victory.

 

Czech Republic and Slovakia

Juraj Sagan: I got crucial help from Peter to win this title

It was glory for the Tinkoff riders in the Czech and Slovak national championships today on a race that saw members of the team take the top spot in both, while the team took the entire podium in the Slovakian race. Successes in today’s races, which were run side-by-side, build on the team’s strong performances in the Time Trial national championships, held in the past week.

 

Tinkoff riders continued their successes in their respective national championships today with two of the team’s riders crowned in the Czech and Slovak National Championship road races, with Tinkoff dominating the podium at the Slovak race, where Juraj Sagan took the national champion’s jersey from his younger brother, Peter, crossing the finishing line forty-one seconds ahead. Teammate Michael Kolar came third, making it a Tinkoff 1-2-3 on a hard-fought race. Juraj’s win comfortably defeated his brother’s hold on the race, having held the Slovakian national champion’s jersey since 2011.

After the race, Juraj was justifiably thrilled with the outcome.

 

"I'm proud to be the new Slovak Champion. It's such a great feeling, especially because this is my first victory as a professional rider, so it adds a special value to it. It was also a nice feeling to have Peter on the podium with me. We were the two brothers together, him wearing the World Champion jersey and myself with the Slovak Champion jersey. Thanks to all our team-mates for the hard work in today's tough race."

 

"It's my second professional victory and the Slovak title is the dream of every athlete. I am incredibly happy that Roman and I are champions of our respective countries. In the break, we had two teammates which was to our advantage as we did not have to chase. Then we attacked in the end and it worked. When I was joining them, I got a crucial assistance from my brother. In recent years, it has been our job to defend the title.”

 

Peter Sagan: I worked for Juraj and Kreuziger

"I think it was really great,” Peter Sagan told cycling-info.sk. “From the beginning we had a good race. Erik and Michal were in the break from the beginning so we did not have to chase. In the end, the Czech riders started to attack and when we found ourselves in front with a small group , I tried to rider so that Juraj and Roman oculd win. It was absolutely great. Given the results for us at Tinkoff, it could not have gone any better.”

 

Roman Kreuziger: This title has been the goal for some years

In the Czech National Championships, Roman Kreuziger took the top spot, improving on his 8th position in last year’s race. Kreuziger, who has ridden a stellar season in support of Alberto Contador, most recently at the Critérium du Dauphiné, took centre stage on a day where his competition included big names from the professional peloton, challenging him until the finish. Kreuziger finished the race six seconds faster than his closest competitor, taking the jersey for the first time.

 

After the race, the new Czech champion was taking stock of what had been an incredibly busy race.

 

"The Czech and Slovak Championships are always a hard race to predict. Since the year 2000, the two federations have been holding them together, so we have four titles at stake simultaneously: Czech and Slovak Elite and Czech and Slovak U23. That makes for a bigger peloton and it isn't always easy to understand who races where. However, we had Erik Baska and Michael Kolar in the early breakaway and they did an excellent job, taking the pressure off us. It was up to the other teams to do the hard work and everything went according to the plan we made this morning with our Sport Director, Ján Valach. I'm really happy to wear the Czech national champion's jersey.”

Having worked hard to take the title in last year’s race, coming eighth, Kreuziger was thrilled to finally have the jersey on his shoulders.

 

“It's the first time in my professional career I wear the national champion's jersey. In the early years of my career I wasn't so much focused on it but since three years now, I was keen on having it. It's, obviously, a great result and I hope to honour my national jersey in the big races ahead! The two previous holders had a number of wins in the Classics and other special races, so I will try to continue flying the Czech colours with success in the future."

 

Sport Director, Ján Valach, gave some insight into how the race unfolded.

 

"It was a tough race course, 185km long, consisting of a circuit that was raced nine times. It had two climbs of 2km each and our strategy going into the race was to put riders in the breakaway as soon as possible. A nine-man break was formed right from the start, with seven Czechs, and two Slovaks, Erik Baška and Michael Kolar. The stayed in the front until the last lap and with 10km to go they were joined by Peter Sagan, Juraj Sagan, Roman Kreuziger, Zdenek Stybar and a couple of other riders. With 1km to go, Kreuziger attacked and took the solo win, ahead of Stybar and Juraj Sagan. It was a good result for Tinkoff, with the Czech and Slovak champions now flying our colours."

With many national races still to come, Tinkoff riders will be contesting the wins in their respective countries, hoping to build on the team’s successes on the national stage.

 

Zdenek Stybar: It was hard to beat all those Tinkoff riders

In the Czech Republic, the race was a wild one, with a plethora of attacks coming inside the final 50 kilometers, when the peloton disintegrated and just a handful of riders made it to the front group. Among them was also former champion Zdenek Stybar, who was gunning for his second title, following the one of 2014. The 30-year-old's main rival was Roman Kreuziger (Tinkoff), who made his move in the last kilometers, just as the terrain was becoming tougher, and went on to take the victory. Stybar came second on the day, just six seconds adrift, while Petr Vakoč – last season's winner – finished fourth, adding this strong result to the third place he got a few days ago, in the individual time trial.

 

"I expected the Nationals to be hard, but this year things were really tough and at one point I found myself outnumbered by the Tinkoff guys. I felt good, the shape is coming and this makes me happy for the second part of the season. Unfortunately, I had cramps and because of this I couldn't accelerate when Roman attacked. It's a pity, because the sprint was on cobbles and I was very confident in my chances", said Stybar after concluding the 185-km race in Kyjov.

 

Austria

Bora-Argon 18 neo-pro close to victory in Austria

In Austria 6 riders managed to go clear from the peloton in the last 3 laps with about 60k to go. In that group, BORA – ARGON 18 had Gregor Mühlberger. The young Austrian allrounder tried to attack together with Michael Gogl on the last short climb but they could not get rid of Matthias Brändle. In the sprint Brändle showed his experience and just took the win ahead of Mühlberger.

 

“Gregor rode an almost perfect race and our other two guys also did a great job. We managed to be in all important groups today and in the end Gregor was the one at the head of the race. I thought he could take the win out of these therre riders, but M. Brändle showed all his experience in the last kilometre. The sprint was really on the limit and he pushed Gregor a little bit towards the barriers, but the jury decided that it was ok. Now we have to accept that and settle for 2nd,” said Christian Pömer, sports director.

 

Eritrea

Daniel Teklehaimanot proud to bring national jersey to the Tour

With an early start in Asmara, Daniel Teklehaimanot got the day off to a magnificent start by soloing to victory after a late attack in the final 10km of the race. It was Teklehaimanot’s 2nd road race title of his career. Teklehaimanot crossed the line ahead of Dimension Data Continental Team rider, Metkel Eyob while 3rd place went to Michael Habtom.

 

Daniel Teklehaimanot said: “I am very happy for this victory. Today the race was really difficult though, it was a flat course so we had to be on the attack all day to make it hard. The Eritrean jersey is something I am really proud to wear and now, the team is not final, but it is possible that I can show the jersey off at the Tour de France on every stage and not just the time trial like last year.”

 

Rwanda

Surprise win for U23 rider in Rwanda

Bonaventure Uwizeyimana who rides for the Dimension Data for Qhubeka Continental Team was just able to edge out his World Tour team compatriot, Adrien Niyonshuti, to take a fine win.

 

Adrien Niyonshuti said:

 

“It was a close race. Yes, maybe I am a little disappointed not to win but I won the time trial and now I have more happiness for my friend Bonaventure to win, and to see the talent in Rwanda increasing. This was very special to me because these riders come from my academy and already this year I have been training with Bona and Valens in Italy so I am happy still for the success of Rwandan cycling.”