Hoogerland frustrated at Ricco’s non-communication in Emilia finale
Last fall, Vacansoleil’s Johnny Hoogerland burst on the scene as an aggressive rider with the legs to match. Much was expected of the 27 year old Dutchman in 2010, but little has come of it. Hoogerland went into the winter with extreme motivation to build upon what he had started at the end of 2010, but seemingly went too far, as the all-arounder has had little to show for his efforts this season.
Once again though, the fall has seen Hoogerland to the fore. While he hasn’t been able to score anything close to a big result yet, Hoogerland has been in many late moves that had reasonable chances of success.
The Giro dell’Emilia was the latest in a consistent run of strong performances following his non-selection to the Dutch World Championship team. Hoogerland, who finished as the best Dutchman in last year’s Worlds in Mendrisio in 13th, was extremely miffed to miss out on this year’s event in Geelong. The motivation from the slight and a turnaround in form have resulted in a dangerous rider, but unfortunately, a dangerous rider without many possibilities remaining in 2010.
This weekend was officially Vacansoleil’s final racing in Italy – at the moment the team does not have invites to either Piemonte or Lombardia. There is hope of a late call up for Piemonte on Thursday, but a last minute selection to Lombardia looks almost impossible. It’s disappointing for Hoogerland, as he put in a stellar ride in the Race of the Falling Leaves last year.
Another rider disappointed in the non-selection to Lombardia is of course former runner-up, Riccardo Ricco.
Ricco and Hoogerland, however, do not seem to be getting off on the right foot. Following another strong, attacking ride at the Giro dell’Emilia, Hoogerland was harsh in his words for his teammate, Ricco.
The Dutchman is fed up with Ricco and the opportunity Hoogerland lost by riding for his fast finishing Italian teammate.
“I asked Ricco how good he was, but he did not answer. Working for him, I never fully committed to the attack, but maybe I could have won that way,” said a frustrated Hoogerland in De Telegraaf.
In the end, high above Bologna at the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, new Vacansoleil signing, Riccardo Ricco, placed 9th, almost a minute behind back to back winner, Robert Gesink. Hoogerland was just a little behind Ricco in 12th, while teammates Wout Poels and Rob Ruygh, also managed top 20 finishes.
Hoogerland was confident that he could have done much better on Saturday had he the chance to race for himself.
“I played my role, but I had better chances to ride my own race.”
While Hoogerland feels he could have fared better on his own legs, whether he likes it or not, Vacansoleil has a race winner in Riccardo Ricco, not just a race winner, but a rider who won the Copa Sabatini just days ago. Hoogerland, for all of his aggression and race defining efforts, is not a rider known for his winning, but rather his hard riding.
Of course, this is Riccardo Ricco we’re talking about, so it seems highly unlikely that only Hoogerland is at fault in this situation. Either way, with a long 2011 season not too far away, the two will be better served coming to some kind of accord, or else it will be a long year. Together, the two attackers could form a spectacular combo.