Ciolek determined to push hard for big result in Le Samyn race tomorrow
MTN Qhubeka captain showing strong form thus far this yearHaving ridden well in both Trofeo Laigueglia and the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, where he placed fifth and eleventh respectively, Gerald Ciolek will continue his push for big results in the Le Samyn race in Belgium tomorrow. The former world under 23 champion will lead the MTN Qhubeka team in the race and while he remains slightly ill, he’s hoping for a strong performance. “Last Saturday before Omloop Het Nieuwsblad I was a little concerned because I got a cold in the morning so I wasn’t feeling 100%, but during the race was going quite well,” he said today. “Now the cold isn’t getting better but it’s not getting worse so I can take encouragement from this. At the moment I am feeling good on the bike still. I had a really good winter and I can see the result of that [...]
Michele Acquarone Video: It’s very important for the Giro d’Italia to go global
Race chief talks about Belfast start, logistical challenges, growth of race and the big starsA little over a year and a half after he took over from Angelo Zomegnan as the central figure in the organisation of the Giro d’Italia, Michele Acquarone has said he believes the race is breaking new ground. “I am very, very happy,” he said of the growth and increase in profile the race has experienced in that time. “Our strategy is easy – just look at the fans, at what the fans want, and give them what they want. It’s very, very easy. “And, remember that our fans are not just the Italian fans – we have fans all around the world. We have to think about what they want, but on an international global basis.” Aquarone was speaking to VeloNation at the announcement that the 2014 Giro d’Italia will begin in Belfast and spend [...]
Video: Sean Kelly hails Giro d’Italia 2014 start in Ireland
States the Belfast-Dublin project will inspire fans of the sport and riders alikeFormer world number one Sean Kelly has applauded the fact that the Giro d’Italia will start in Ireland next year, saying that it is a massive boost for the sport on both sides of the border and also for the Irish riders who could take part. Speaking at the An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly team launch on Tuesday in Belgium, he admitted to being surprised that the project was set to be confirmed today. He didn’t explain why, but it is likely a reference to the difficult economic conditions in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the two areas that the race will visit. Despite that financial pressure, the necessary funding has been secured and the race will visit Ireland for the first time ever next May. Details will be confirmed this morning but it is [...]