GP Rouwmoer Essen Preview: Mud! And Niels!
by Douglas Ansel on Dec 16, 2011 10:12 PM EST
in News
Email
PrintIt's Saturday in Belgium already, and you know what that means... There's a cross race to watch on TV in less than 12 hours! This time it's the GP Rouwmoer Essen, the fourth stop of the 8-race GVA series. And it's going to be great because Niels Albert and Zdenek Stybar are back in the game after some time away from racing (Albert coming back from an injury sustained in training last month, Stybar from recovery and some training on Mallorca). Want to get caught up on the course, the weather conditions, and more? Click the button, jump to the story!
First, lets talk course. As our venerable and always insightful GS said:
Essen. In Belgium, but so close to the border that if you lean just a little to the left (or the right, depending on which way you're facing), you'll see windmills and clogs everywhere. Essen, home of Aernouts, Stybar, and Meeusen, so you'll see cross fans everywhere. It's partly a forest race with small stairs (right around a u-corner, haha), and some good steep climbs; and partly a field race with a bridge.
Sounds like fun, right? Well wait til you hear about the weather. It's been raining this week.And there is a 90% chance of rain tonight. Could this get any better? Yes, as there is an 80% chance of rain tomorrow with a high of 5deg Celsius (41 degrees Farenheit) and winds around 40kph. Not a day for the weak of heart, that's for certain.
For the riders, we should see Nys, Albert, Pauwels, and Stybar on the start, joined by home rider Tom Meeusen. Meeusen was riding very well last weekend, particularly on Sunday, so look for him to be up at the front tomorrow. In the GVA series overall, Kevin Pauwels starts the race with a 12-point lead in over Zdeneck Stybar and 21 points on Sven Nys. For the women, Marianne Vos is back to racing and should join the usual set of characters. The women's series leader is Sanne van Paassen, followed by Helen Wyman at 3 points and Nikki Harris another 3 points down.
Race times:
Elite Women: 1315 CET
Elite Men: 1500 CET
Now, before you head off to whatever comes next, here is viddy of the last two laps of last year's race. It was muddy last year too, and Nys won (after Albert flatted out of the lead...). Which means you get to watch Nys in the mud, which is amazing. Enjoy!
365 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I will miss this because I have a dental appointment
and will catch it on cyclingtorrents later.
Will not miss Sunday’s race.
It seems as though Cavendish rides faster on some climbs than the fastest climbers in front of the race. Danilo Hondo
Cyclingfans has some links.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Looks lovely!
I don’t bike in that, but I sure would love to run in it.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Expected to go live in about 4 minutes (2:45 local, 8:45 Eastern US)
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
found
this from cyclingfans (which you posted). Showing last year recaps.
by JustJoshinYa on Dec 17, 2011 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
On my way to have lunch with a load of Basques. Keep me informed!
It's pronounced "Int-CHOW-stie"
by Albertina on Dec 17, 2011 8:46 AM EST via mobile reply actions
stybar - also muddy
I think he just said, “This race is dedicated to my love, Albertina” – but I may have mistranslated that…
by JustJoshinYa on Dec 17, 2011 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
Hi, everybody. I see Albert is nice and muddy from his recon of the course,
so that’s a great sign! Muddy cross, oh yeah!
Who's your favorite today, geert?
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Pauwels sounds like he's been recorded on a different speed.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
He's fine--or he was, last time I checked the basement.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
part of his prep.
making everybody else sleepy.
Hope it's still muddy then.
He wears it well.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Ah...hot coffee, warm gingerbread, cold muddy cross.
Good December day!
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Got very confused by the 1st links on the sports-livez page
PDC Championships? Is that the cx we were planning last week?
Aka Pigeons!
Sadly, I'm not Belgian enough for that one
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:07 AM EST up reply actions
Nice puddles!
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Well, unless they're totally blind drunk, they should have known...
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Very good section here.
Good prospects of a soft crash.
Yeah, look at their legs already.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
I do like how Nys does things like run when everyone else rides, early in the race
Used to think it was weakness, now I’m sure it’s energy-conserving!
Aka Pigeons!
I keep having running dreams that involve cyclists.
Maybe it stems from a subconscious desire to watch more cross.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
8min lap, so about 12 total.
its going to be tough.
Metric time.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
So Wellens and Albert out ahead
chased by Nys & other Lanbouwkrediet and Aernouts and the rest
Aka Pigeons!
Yep, Belgian weather is back
I was just outside, and the weather turned from chilly but sunny to full on hailstorm blizzard and back to sunny again, all in 15 minutes. My face hurts.
The first annual Cyclocross GP R’lyeh is eagerly awaited.
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 17, 2011 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
Ha!
Now THAT would have fun obstacles!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
Non-Euclidian geometry opens up some intriguing possibilities.
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 17, 2011 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
this morning was first snow in my garden
if only belgium was flat but at 5000 feet instead of sea level
moo
Aww...hope it's fun duties!
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
one for $65, two for $100.
(I think I got that right this time).
Aw!
just wait until daddy duties includes HAVING to watch cx!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:17 AM EST up reply actions
Yay! It's snowing here in Indy!
Goes well with the gingerbread.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
I bet the water’s pretty cold for that though.
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 17, 2011 9:19 AM EST up reply actions
Nys just a few seconds behind Wellens & Albert
chasing group 10 secs behind Nys – who’s there, Peeters & Meeusen?
Aka Pigeons!
See how guys jump off and on their bikes in the pit?
The pit section is in better shape than the actual parcours, but if a rider goes into the pit they either have to change, or they have to at least pretend by jumping off and back on.
Put on your cow suit and get out there!
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Er...like we can read their numbers?
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Ha! True!
yay for mud races!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
Soon we won't be able to make out the kits.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Luckily they lapped me after 10min.
II am already in the beer tent.
They did mention her once, at a hill where she rode
(wasn’t forced to walk) so I guess, yes.
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
Willj=elevation snob
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
It's the company you keep--those Alps are so high-and-mighty.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
UCI demands a paved start / finish
For races that want to organise national champs, world champs or world cup
Do they specify how long it has to be? Can they just put a paved gully to catch all the rain in and put the finish there?
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 17, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
does he still have a cold?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
Amazing, can he keep this up?
Would love to see him win a race (assuming Sven will turn it up in a few laps & get him)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
I like having lots of teams in the peloton
so i hope he stays Rabo. And surely he’s not babyfaced enough for Fidea??
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
Wellens sneaks a glance over his shoulder & sees Nys closing
Probably not a good idea!
(Add Jaws theme tune here!)
Aka Pigeons!
I was just thinking the same thing
Also that the Belgian stripes look good on him
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
Very true
The Brit ones = so disappointing, but the white kit at least gets muddy in a highly comedic way (looking forward to pics of Helen after the race – I liked her tweets earlier in the year about not being able to get all the mud out of her kit – THIS should be fun!)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
Not on Gilbert's shorts.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
In the olden days before clipless pedals
did cross riders use the same toeclips and leather straps as for road?
He did start well
and it’s a huge season, must be hard to judge when to relax a bit, no?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
Looks closer.
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Albert has apparently stated that he really wants to win in Baal
Baal, which is officially named the GP Sven Nys.
I do love Albert for his polemica
and for this strops, when thing don’t go well
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
yes, no mechanical fun, Svenneke!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
Under one of those giant puddles
they should dig a big hole, covering it with planks of wood that you can’t see under the water
and remove the planks before the last lap
Ha, yes
so you have to choose the right line!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
You need it
even if carrying
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
Pigeons jinxed him!
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
DAMN ME!!!!!
AAAAARGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
The site of muddy Sven walking off the course is giving me sadface
any clue what mechanical?
and who will take advantage? Is this the time for Wellens’ 1st win in years?
Aka Pigeons!
I want a 3-man duel
Nys-Albert-Boom
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
I was sad I'm missing tomorrow
but it’s probably a good thing for Nys
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
Enough to make more Cabin-Boy Jens stories?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
Then KPow? Or did I miss somebody?
5 uur gefietst vandaag. Begin al een kleurtje te krijgen, ook belangrijk.--Thomas Dekker
Nice return for Albert
and I’m always happy for Peeters to get on the podium (sorry gs!)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
It's the bunnyhopping
I’m shallow that way! It’s why I like Tommeke Meeusen so much
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Oh, it's good that he had this win, then!
If he keeps going = good (I like his interviews)
if he doesn’t= can go out on a high
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
it's the water
very surprising that Wellens won in these conditions. He’s normally the first one who struggles with the cold.
Mallorca did NOT help Styby!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
Any idea which variety of mechanical attacked Nys?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:04 AM EST reply actions
AFAIK,
derailleur, or derailer for purists, always refers to the thing at the back. UK type persons might call them rear mech / front mech.
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
of course, in this race, it needs a giant arrow
pointing at the mud!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
Gah! I am paying penance with the complete loss of streams
I have stills of very cute children, & very occasional movement (nice that it stuck on a pretty puddle though!)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
“I’m speechless. I can’t believe this. I felt good, but two laps from the end I cramped due to the cold and I couldn’t catch up with Nys, but I never lost him completely either. And then suddenly, he was standing there… And then I kept thinking ‘no mechanicals for me now, please, be careful’… I have to thank so many people. I’m so happy. Winning Essen is special. Thanks to everyone who kept believe in me. Thanks to so many people, who kept on supporting me. This is good for me, good for the team. I showed I’m still here, after a couple of incredibly hard races. Thanks to the national coach also, for selecting me tomorrow, for believe in me. I was 100% today, and I had some luck, and I feel so happy.”
Aw, that's very lovely
Sad for Nys, but Wellens had ridden hard all race, and if Nys couldn’t win, Bartje deserved to
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Albert
I would’ve been third, if I’m honest, of course. The first 45min or so were good, but then I got a bit of a pounce. This is sad for Sven, to have to lose like this. My wrist felt ok, I’m just always scared to fall, to hurt it again. But I’m happy with this comeback. And now recuperate for tomorrow, a hard race. But I feel confident. I’d happy with the same placing.
I always imagine kittens
when I see the word “pounce”.
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Peeters
I’m very happy. This race suits me, you have to fight to keep up the speed, and lots of running, running, running. One leg ahead of the other, it was so incredibly hard… but I like this. Another important podium spot, this is good. I needed this, if I didn’t do good here my classification would’ve been totally lost. I hope that now I can move towards the top 10.
Is that Rob's baby?
or a random child from crowd? Nice hat, that kiddy has!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:18 AM EST reply actions
Little cx star of the future?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
Crowd are very happy today!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:18 AM EST reply actions
Indeed
my sticky stream stuck on him with a ridiculous grin!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the translatys gs
and for the company everyone else!
(please please please, can you all gve lots of info in tomorrow’s race thread, so I can pretend I saw the race, when I get home? xx)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 10:20 AM EST reply actions
That sucks to read about Nys. I was thinking he's been lucky most of this year not to have mechanicals and need to pit...
today the luck ran out I guess…
Indeed
Mind you, last year’s mechanical disasters felt more like bad management than bad luck!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 17, 2011 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
Little video highlights of the men's race
and photo gallery: http://sport.be.msn.com/gvatrofee/2011/fotospecial/?fotospecial_id=8667&foto_order=1&language_id=1
Aka Pigeons!
(Can anyone find any photos or vid from the women's race?
I can’t find any, googling in English)
Aka Pigeons!
I am having uncharacteristic bursts of national pride
about the fact that the UK is now the 2nd strongest nation in terms of women’s CX. Check out today’s results & the current GVA ranking!
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit, 0:42:17
2. Sophie de Boer (Ned) Young Telenet Fidea, + 01:00
3. Nikki Harris (GBr) Young Telenet Fidea, + 01:22
4. Helen Wyman (GBr) Kona, + 02:00
5. Daphny van den Brand (Ned) AA Drink-Leontien.nl, + 02:33
6. Sanne Cant (Bel) BOXX Veldritacademie, + 02:45
7. Gabby Day (GBr) Renner Custom Cyclocross Team, + 03:06
8. Reza Hormes-Ravenstijn (Ned) Orange Babies Cycling Team, + 03:32
9. Joyce Vanderbecken (Bel) Cycling Team Vermeeren, + 05:24
10. Maureen Bruno-Roy (USA) + 05:50
GVA Trofee Rankings after Essen (scroll down)
1. Helen Wyman (GBr) Kona, 39 points
2. Nikki Harris (GBr) Young Telenet Fidea, 38
3. Daphny van den Brand (Ned) AA Drink-Leontien.nl, 33
4. Sanne Cant (Bel) BOXX Veldritacademie, 31
5. Sophie de Boer (Ned) Young Telenet Fidea, 29
6. Gabby Day (GBr) Renner Custom Cyclocross Team, 27
7. Sanne van Paassen (Ned) Brainwash wielerploeg, 25
8. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit, 25
9. Joyce Vanderbecken (Bel) Cycling Team Vermeeren, 22
10. Reza Hormes-Ravenstijn (Ned) Orange Babies Cycling Team, 19
Aka Pigeons!
I'm so upset. What the hell is wrong with Styby???
I mean seriously, have they tested him for mono etc?! Almost unbelievable :’(
It's pronounced "Int-CHOW-stie"
No new livethread for Namur?
It’s one of the most beautiful races of the season. It deserves a white helmet thread IMHO.
Lovely photos from Cyclephotos.co.uk
http://cyclephotos.co.uk/2011/12/gva-4-gp-rouwmoer/
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 18, 2011 12:51 PM EST reply actions
I really like these, just after the race
Vos: http://cyclephotos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2011-gva-essen-16-marianne-vos.jpg
Van den Brand: http://cyclephotos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2011-gva-essen-17-daphny-van-den-brand.jpg
Van de Ree: http://cyclephotos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2011-gva-essen-19-monique-van-de-ree.jpg
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 18, 2011 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
it's the amount of detail the does it:
- her fantastic facial expression
- the name on her helmet
- José Morinho in the left hand corner
- …
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Podium Cafe
Related FanShots on Podium Cafe
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Celebrate the Giro d'Italia at Podium Cafe!
Check our Giro Section for race updates, on-the-scene reports, and other hijinx.
Featured Stories
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
