Paris Roubaix 2019 Preview

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Season highlight for junior racing. The most important one day race held on the same day as "big" Paris Roubaix. The same sectors, just a shorter distance. It's the big one.

History

17th edition was in danger as organizers were lucking funds. Luckily, 2015 Paris Roubaix winner, John Degenkolb raised a crowdfunding which helped to gather the missing money. Thank you, John! Paris Roubaix Juniors has a pretty short history with first edition dating back in 2003 but it's a big event with impressive list of past winners (just to name a few: Geraint Thomas, Guillame van Keirsbulck, Jasper Stuyven or Florian Senechal, Mads Pedersen with Sagan, Debusschere and Demare all finishing second in different editions). Since 2008 junior version of cobbled classic is a part of UCI Nations Cup meaning we will have national teams instead of club teams at the start in Saint Amand les Eaux. Last year, we have witnessed a sprint battle between three riders. Lewis Askey managed to beat Samuele Manfredi on the line while Mathias Skjelmose finished third just few seconds behind.

Lewis Askey beats Samuele Manfredi. @directvelo

Route

The route is pretty much the same as last year. Juniors will cover 111 kilometers from Saint Amand les Eaux to Roubaix facing seventeen cobbled sectors. There is a small addition of 200m od cobbles but apart from that, juniors will cover the same sectors as last year. Mostly the same ones as last sixteen in elite race. So actually the only difference between elite and junior race is the distance as the crucial cobbled sections are pretty much the same. The juniors will tackle total of 29,2km of cobbles. The main difference between elite racing and juniors is that we can expect attacks and strong pace on every single cobbled sector for two reasons at least. One is to tire the legs of other teams and second to stay in front and control the race instead of  risking a crash in the middle of group. Strongest teams will be at the front for all cobbled sectors while the crucial moves should happen in the most difficult sectors like Mons-En-Pévèle and obviously Carrefour de l’Arbre.

source: www.equipe-cycliste-velo-club-roubaix.com 

Favorites

We are in the middle of classics campaign but the list of favorites didn't change that much since Gent Wevelgem. The strongest team is still Great Britain. They arrive with several options once again but obviously the key man is last year's winner, Lewis Askey. If the race turns into a battle between the strongest riders, Lewis will be up there with the best. He was one of the strongest riders on Kemmelberg and managed to ride away in final kilometers with his main opponent, Quinn Simmons. We can expect the same scenario tomorrow. The other possibility for GB is to us the strength in numbers. Having guys like Ben Tulett and Sam Watson who was already top10 last year gives a chance for different tactics. We can either see them in front reducing the bunch or attacking early and forcing other teams to work. Let's not forget that they have managed to finish second, third and fourth in Wevelgem.

Lewis shared his thoughts before the race:

Any sector can blow the race apart if I’m honest. They are all very hard. It only takes one problem near the front to completely split a bunch. It’s down to the riders to decide what happens or when it blow up. Yes, Roubaix is of course the biggest one day race. It has too much history and prestige to not be the biggest. The junior race been on the same days as the pros makes for a surreal feeling racing with huge crowds so all the juniors want to perform well here. With that said though; there is still a long season ahead! Yes I know my favorite part of the season is coming to an end :(

I have asked Lewis who does he think may be his main opponents for tomorrow:

Quinn Simmons is clearly very strong this year, Casper Van Uden has strong legs however hasn’t had a result since KBK & Sam Watson has been really strong and had consistent results.

Do you think other teams may try an early attack considering how strong GB team is ?

I think people will try but I think it’s going to be too hard and fast for that to be an option. It’s a race to the first sector and then the first few sectors are so close that you would have to be going so hard to get away.

Quinn Simmons leads strong as always US team. Simmons rode just one race in Europe and he won it. He was the strongest rider in Gent Wevelgem and he managed to beat Paris Roubaix winner on te line. I don't think we need a better recommendation for a race favorite. If nothing bad happens, Simmons in the man to beat and I would expect other teams to try avoid bringing him to velodrome in Roubaix with their leaders. The problem is that he has a very strong team behind him which will be fully committed to help him for a win. Both Garrison and Lamperti are capable of fighting for a win as well. The only team comparable with GB at the start.

I have asked Quinn how does he remember last year and what does he think and he race and being the favorite:

Everyone was very strong at Gent and many other guys have won big races this year so it’s hard to say. For sure, I could to be the marked man but I think Roubaix is hard enough that it will sort it’s self out and the strongest riders will be there at the end. 

Last year I had an early crash then a flat so spent much of the day chasing. If I can have a mechanical free race things have already improved. 

Roubaix for sure is big but for juniors it’s still very hard to be on top form because of our limited race schedule this early in the year. Maybe look to the World Championship to be bigger but Roubaix is definitely top 3 the most important races of the season.

Netherlands brings their best team as well with several cards to play. Casper Van Uden was unlucky in Wevelgem two weeks ago but he is still the same guy who won Kuurne and without bad luck he should be competitive for the win. Bodi del Grosso is the most consistent rider on cobbles this year as he was up there with the best in almost every race he entered: third in Kuurne, fifth in Nokere Koerse, fifteenth in Bernaudeau Junior and recently twelve in Ronde. Axel van der Tuuk still has no luck this year so far but I'm more then sure it's just a matter of time when he gets a result.

Belgium brings a solid team with several riders who may surprise us tomorrow. In Gent Wevelgem surprisingly their best rider was Nicolas Marthe who finished seventh but this time I would expect other riders to shine. On paper, Alex Vandenbulcke should be their leader. He was recently fourth in Ronde and also fourth in Nokere Koerse. If race came down to any kind of sprint, Alex should be one of the favorites. Milan Fretin was nineth here last year and managed to finish third in Nokere Koerse. I haven't lost my faith in Arnaud De Lie. So far, his results are not even close to what we have witnessed in u17 category which is not surprising but I stil believe De Lie fits perfectly for this kind of races and it's only a matter of time when we see a big result from him.

France starts their home race with a clear leader and one of the biggest favorites, Antonin Corvaisier. Winner of Trophée Louison Bobet, second in Kuurne, third in Ronde, seventh in Bernaudeau. Fast on the line and strong on cobbles. If he wants to win he has to make sure he arrives with Askey or Simmons together on velodrome in Roubaix. If he does that, everything can happen. Big favorite for tomorrow.

I have asked Antonin to share his thoughts as well:

Roubaix is obviously a hard race with a lot of difficulties. I hope finish in top ten of course but I also hope that a French rider wins tomorrow. I think Mons-en Pevele and Carrefour de l’Arbre are the most difficult sectors in the race. Yes, Paris Roubaix is the biggest race of the year, all riders have prepared for this race. All the team is prepares to win this race !

One team brings much stronger group then in Gent Wevelgem. It's Denmark with addition of two Team NPV - Carl Ras Roskilde Junior riders, William Blume Levy and Fredrik Wandahl. Blume Levy is Ronde Van Vlaanderen winner who started his season riding for smaller races and finishing high every time he entered. In the very first uci race, he rode away with his team mate and won Ronde. He fits perfectly for this kind of races and he may be the guy who will follow the big moves in the final. Or he may do the big move by himself. Wandahl might be a little bit too light for cobbles but he is one of those riders who are just too good to scratch him from the list of favorites.

I have asked William about last year race and his hopes for tomorrow:

Last year I had a lot of bad luck with crashes and stomach cramps that made it impossible to be in the final of the race. I have high hopes for the race, I think we have a strong team with different options, and for sure we are aiming for the win. The hardest and most crucial sectors are Mons-en-Pevele and Carrefour de l’Abre

Other notable starters: Michel Hessmann, Marco Brenner, Maurice Ballerstedt, Hugo Page, Carlos Rodriguez, Juan Ayuso, Axel Huens and Hugo Toumire.

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Gent Wevelgem 2019 Preview

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It's finally time for first Nations Cup event of the season, Grote Prijs André Noyelle (aka Gent Wevelgem U19).

History of the race started in 1983 when Reginald Vandamme won the first edition. In 1996 race was named after André Noyelle, the only Belgian Olympic gold medallist in cycling who was born in Ypres, city host of this event . On the list of previous winners you may find some big names like Meersman, Stannard and Devolder. Dutch riders have won three consecutive editions (Looij in 2013, Cornelisse in 2014 and Eenkhoorn in 2015). Last year we have witnessed a breakaway of three strong riders who managed to keep the gap over peloton for the whole race and sprinted for a victory in Ieper. Samuele Manfredi won ahead of Søren Wærenskjold and Quinn Simmons. Remco Evenepoel was eleventh and it was probably his biggest defeat last season.

2018 podium (photo: directvelo)

Route

Race profile by @laflammerouge

Race will start and finish in Ieper and it's 120,5 kilometers long. The main difficulties are of course the cobbled climbs. Riders will tackle two laps with three climbs on each: Baneberg (136 m, 1.2 Km at 6.5%),  Kemmelberg (158 m, 1.0 Km at 7.9%) and Monteberg (93 m, 0.8 Km at 5.5%). Famous Kemmelberg is the crucial point with high gradients and 600 meters of cobbles. The second ascent of Kemmelberg crests with 31 kilometers to go. We can expect some crucial moves there but the last 27 kms after Monteberg are flat which may help some dropped riders to come back to the main group. The race scenario depends on weather conditions. If we are going to have strong winds and some rain then we can expect small group to fight for a win. With good weather conditions we may even see a group sprint of 20-30 riders.

Favorites

Great Britain is the strongest team at the start and also the most successful one on cobbles this season. They have four strong cards to play and we can expect them to try control the race and keep as many options as possible likely until second Kemmelberg or even the last kilometers. Paris Roubaix 2018 winner, Lewis Askey has already finished fourth in Guido Reybrouck Classic and sixth in Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne despite some bad luck. Samuel Watson won Guido Reybrouck Classic just a week ago and was also eighth in Paris Roubaix last year. Leo Hayter was fourth in Kuurne while Ben Tulett, cyclocross world champion, started his road season with eleventh place in Bernaudeau Junior. Each of those can win tomorrow and the road will probably decide who they will ride for.

I have asked Samuel Watson to share his thoughts about the race:

I haven’t actually yet ridden the route as I didn’t race this race last year. I am traveling to Belgium tomorrow and on Saturday we will do a recce of the race. Which then we will know everything we need to know about the route. I have never been in a junior race where the bunch sprint is going for the win, a break has always been up the road and I know last year the winning move went very early last year so possibly that could happen this year to. In junior races there are lost of people in the race who are capable and are going for the win so I don’t really have a list of favorites for the race.

Netherlands brings their best team as well with several cards to play. So far, Capser Van Uden seems to be the strongest as he has one the most important race so far, Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne with a strong sprint from a group of favorites. Bodi del Grosso is the most consistent rider on cobbled this year as he was up there with the best in each of three races he entered: third in Kuurne, fifth in Nokere Koerse and fifteenth in Bernaudeau Junior. Axel van der Tuuk had no luck this year so far and is eager to prove that his great results as first year junior wasn't just a luck.

Quinn Simmons is going to ride for the first time in Europe this year in Gent Wevelgem but it shouldn't be an issue for him as last year he was already third in this year. He was racing against the pro's earlier this season in USA and score some notable results including stage in in Redlands Classic. One of the strongest riders at the start tomorrow with a stron team backing him.

Quinn Simmons shared his thoughts as well:

Last year we made and early break that was out for 110k. I do not think that will be possible again. We were able to do recon today and I think that any of the main climbs could be critical depending on how the course is raced. For favorites it is hard to say because this is the First Nations cup of the season but I believe the Danish and Italian teams will be good as always and the Netherlands with Casper van Uden already showing very good form this year. For me I hope to ride a safe race and hope for good legs. It’s my first euro race of the year and we just flew over so still some jet lag but we will see how things play out.

Belgium is not as strong as usual but still have several strong riders that worth a mention. Alex Vandenbulcke was ninth here last year and showed good shape in first few races of this season including fourth place in Nokere Koerse. Other notable starters are probably first year juniors, Ramses Debruyne who finished sixth in Guido Reybrouck and 15th in Kuurne and Arnaud De Lie who is yet to prove his talent in junior category but considering how strong he was in cadets, big result is coming sooner or later.

I have Asked Alex about his thoughts before the race:

Well last year was amazing, i attacked before the second time Kemmelberg and then Remco Evenepoel joined me. He rode to a small group where I could sprint for seventh place. I did a recon, but I know the place its only 50 km form my home. I think every part will be crucial because there will be some wind. But Kemmelberg will be the most crucial part. The favorites are Lewis Askey and Casper van Uden and in general Dutch and English riders. I hope to do well like last year but it is always difficult to be better then a year before.

Italy is always strong in nations cup events but their leaders, Andrea Piccolo and Antonio Tiberi are more suited to hilly classics. But considering how strong both are, I wouldn't rule them out for tomorrow. Especially Piccolo is already in great shape and has two wins this year in Italy.

France brings Hugo Page who already won two races this season and finished tenth in Bernaudeau Junior. Antonin Corvaisier was second in Kuurne and seventh in Bernaudeau Junior. He also won Trophée Louison Bobet in France earlier this year. Both French leaders are suited to this type of races and Corvaisier is very fast on the line. If a group arrives together in Ieper he will be one of the favorites.

Surprisingly, Spain brings a very strong and competitive team. Carlos Rodriguez is their most successful junior rider in many years who already managed to finish sixth in Paris Roubaix last year. He was also fourteenth in Gent Wevelgem. He is a strong versatile rider who is capable to do well in almost every terrain. As a second year junior now, we can expect Carlos to improve his results. Other notable started is Juan Ayuso, another wunderkid from u17 category. So far this year, he was the only one who can match the domination of Contador's team for which Rodriguez is racing. If someone is going to surprise everyone tomorrow, it may be Ayuso.

Other notable starters: Benjamin Hertz, Robin Skivild, Michel Hessmann, Finley Newmark, Sakarias Koller Løland, Michał Gałka and Michał Jaskot.

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Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne 2019 preview

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The off season for juniors is finally over and we can witness some of the best riders at the start of traditional season opener in Belgium. Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne is the first uci categorized race of the season for juniors, first official race for many riders and first important test for most of the big names aiming for results in classics period.

Despite it's just the first race of the season and the fact that on the start list we can find teams mostly from Belgium and the Netherlands the race is an important event. The list of previous winners include guys like Moreno Hofland, Adam Blythe and Geraint Thomas. Dylan Groenewegen was 2nd in 2012 as well as Jasper Philipsen in 2016. In recent editions, most of the strongest juniors looking for glory in classics started their season in Kuurne. Last year we have witnessed the first uci win by Remco Evenepoel who attacked win 70km to go, dropped Ilan Van Wilder and finished solo with 40 seconds gap. Jacob Hindsgaul from Denmark was second managing to break away from big group on final kilometers. Charley Calvert from Great Britain won the sprint for third place.

Route

Race profile by La Flamme Rouge

The race is 123 km long this year and starts in Kuurne before heading to Oudenaarde for the most important part of the race with all the hellingen. We have a new opening climb which is placed instead of Wolvenberg. The climb is  Volkegemberg (33km, 1000m, avg. 5%, max 12 %) and it's slightly more difficult then the opening one from last year. Apart from the, the route follow the same hills as usual. The next 55 kilometers is the crucial part with all the important hills that will surely split the field. Riders will tackle one after another: Stokstraat (40,3km, 1.1km, avg. 5%, max 8%), Kanarieberg (49,6km, 1km, avg. 7.7% , max 14%), Hotond  (55,8km, 2.7km, avg. 3% , max 7,5%), Oude Kwaremont (66,5km, 2.2km, avg. 4% , max 11,6%), Tiegemberg (76,4km, 750m, avg. 5.6% , max 9%) Holstraat (80,8km, 1km, avg. 5.2% , max 12%) and finally Nokereberg(88,3km, 350m, avg. 5.7% , max 7%) which ends 35 km from the finish line. After that, riders will head back to Kuurne on flat roads with one 15 kilometers lap at the end in Kuurne.

After doing the recon ride, Leo Hayter shared his thoughts about the route:

We rode the course earlier today. The wind didn’t seem too strong, so I think the race will be made between the Canarieberg and the Kwaremont, both of them having a pretty narrow lead in will cause some problems though. The kilometers following the Kwaremont are pretty open and the long cobble section before the feed should mix things up.

The race scenario is pretty similar every year. The strongest teams and riders tries to split the field on every climb. The famous Oude Kwaremont is the place where usually the crucial moves happen. The flat part after the climbs may or may not give a chance for dropped riders to come back. What I don't expect to happen is the bigger group arrive together and sprint for a victory. Even if we have a bigger group after the climbs, some riders will be able to break away and hold the gap over the chasers.

Favorites

Evenepoel's team, Acrog Pauwels - Sauzen - Balen BC brings a strong lineup with several cards to play. My personal favorite is one of the juniors to watch in 2019, Casper Van Uden, who was already mentioned in my preview last year. Casper might be a wild guess as his best results last year came from TTs and hills but I believe we may witness his breakthrough on cobbles right on the start of the season. Last year he was in the main group finishing 24th. Enrico Dhaeye and Arjan Poleij did well as J1 winning smaller races in Belgium. They should be able to provide a strong support to Casper and may as well try their own luck. Finally team brings Robin Orins, one of the best u17 riders in Belgium last year. Let's see if he can shine in juniors right from the start.

Spiderking Soenens U19 Team should be one of the strongest on the start who was also part of my juniors to watch, Axel van der Tuuk rode full classics season last year, won E3 Harelbeke and finished second in Guido Reybrouck Classic. Considering how strong is his team, Axel is one of the favorites for Sunday. Tom Portsmouth won several races in Belgium last year in u17 category while Bodi Del Grosso already has scored a uci win from last year winning the opening stage in Grudziądz in Poland where he has also finished sixth overall.

I have asked Axel about his opinion and also how the 2018 race unfold from his perspective:

Last year was my first race in u19, so i was a bit nervous. It was nice weather, so very hectic from the beginning. I awaited all the mountains and got in the big first group, behind Evenepoel. Got cramped in the final, so no good result, 37th i think?

This year will be totally different, the weather will play a big role, hard wind and lots of rain. I think this will be the biggest thing to make the difference, i hope for a very hard race. Real classic weather, i like it!

As usual in season opener, we have several teams from Great Britain. The national team brings several strong cards to play including Leo Hayter, younger brother of Ethan who is yet to prove his talent is uci races. Last year he had several podium places in Belgium but also managed to win two stages in Junior Tour of Assen finishing fourth in GC. He also won a TT and finished third in Boucles de L'Oise. Finally, he was second in Junior Tour of Wales where he has also won the TT. He is one of the riders who had very good first year as junior but are yet to prove their talent in the most prestigious races.

I have asked Leo what he expect from the race and who does he see as a the strongest cards to play from Great Britain:

I didn’t have much experience with road racing last year so didn’t get to race any of the early season classics, so KBK will be my first. Our recon ride will be on Saturday looking at the key sections of the race, although I did a few Interclubs and Kermesses in the Kortrijk area last year, so it shouldn’t be all new. As a big season opener it will definitely be messy in the start. Weaker riders will struggle on the opening climbs but I think the big splits will happen on / after the Kwaremont. I wouldn’t be surprised if Lewis Askey follows team South Easts previous success in the classics and takes the win. Finley Newmark was consistent throughout last year also. Although a team mainly comprised of 1st year junior riders, the GB team is strong and all of us are capable of winning on the right day.

South East Region team brings one of the juniors to watch and one of the biggest race favorites, Lewis Askey. Paris Roubaix winner from last year should use his experience from last year when he  tried his luck several times during the race and also helped to lead out Charley Clavert who finished third. This year he will have a strong support and should ride for a win if nothing bad happens.

I have asked Lewis about his opinion and also how the 2018 race unfold from his perspective:

Being the first race of the year it was a pretty crazy start. I put myself in the right places and didn’t get caught up in any crashes. The pack seemed to thin out quicker than I expected with the short climbs early on. These sort of short sharp hills suit me so I was feeling good. I think the Kwaremont is going to be important; the wining break could go over it but I think the race is more easily lost here than won. Last year I was off the front over it but we got brought back on the fast open decent after it. Coming into the finish last year I was trying to get away on the flat but nothing was getting away so I committed to leading my teammate Charley Calvert out. He won the bunch sprint for 3rd from it & I just rolled in at back of main bunch. This year I’m just going into it with the idea of enjoying it & seeing what happens. I’m racing for south east for this race so won’t have a specific role. All I’m expecting is a pretty sketchy start and some hard racing!

Arnaud De Lie is one of the favorites despite racing for the first time as a junior. Last year he won 13 races including two stages and second overall in West-Vlaanderen Cycling Tour. He is very strong rider with great TT and sprint and should be able to compete against the best juniors right from the start. 

Milan Fretin should lead Zannatta Galloo Team. He was already ninth in both Paris Roubaix and E3 Harelbeke last year and scored two top ten places on stages in Ster Van Zuid Limburg. Branko Huys was known mostly thanks to his results in TT but I believe he should be able to compete with the best on cobbles as well. Last year he skipped the classics apart from Nokere Koerse but later was eleventh in Driedaagse van Axe proving his ability to ride in this type of races.

Last name on my list is Hidde van Veenendaal who rode the classics campaign last year but didn't manage to get any notable results. He won three races in Belgium later the season and scored several decent results in uci races including second overall and two top ten places on stages in Poland in Grudziądz. He was also eleventh overall and fifth on the final queen stage in Driedaagse van Axel.

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Juniors to watch in 2019 part III

Hello and welcome in the final part of my juniors to watch list. As usual, last part will contain two names from 2002 being first year juniors in upcoming season together with last two riders from 2001. Enjoy reading!

Andrea Piccolo (2001, Italy)

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As for many riders on this list, first result that draw my attention for Andrea came from u17 category and 2017 European Youth Olympic Festival. Piccolo won the road race out sprinting his breakaway compatriots at the line. The thing that is worth to mention is that all his opponents were from the same country, Russia. You have to be way stronger and smarter to beat three riders from the same team at the finish line. He ended the season with 14 wins from national calendar winning the annual u17 ranking in Italy. In 2018 he won 12 times in Italy including national title in time trial, overall classification of Tre Giorni Orobica, GP della Liberazione and prestigious Trofeo Emilio Paganessi few weeks before the Worlds where he has beaten some of the strongest juniors riders like Vacek, Wandahl, Hailu or Mayrhofer. Piccolo also impressed in Nations' Cup events in spring. He was second behind Evenepoel in Trophée Centre Morbihan and fourth in GP Général Patton. In European Championships he finished sixth in road race. World Championships in Innsbruck was one of the season highlights for Andrea. First, he surprised many with third place in time trial before being a protagonist in road race. In the end he took eleventh place but he was simply one of the strongest riders in field. His talent was already noticed by WT teams as Andrea was invited to Astana training camp earlier this year. Personally, I see Piccolo as one of the top3 juniors for 2019.

Axel van der Tuuk (2001, Netherlands)

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Third Dutch rider on my list and a guy who was a little bit off the radar I believe despite very good results as first year junior.  He road full cobbled classics campaign with two highlights: second place in Guido Reybrouck Classic (behind Evenepoel) and solo win in E3 Harelbeke.  Next he switched his focus to stage races with fifth place and stage win in Poland in Grudziądz ahead of Tour du Pays de Vaud where he won an opening TTT with national team and scored two top ten places on stages in very mountainous race that does not entirely fit into Axel's characteristics.  One of the season highlights came in June when Axel won national title in time trial and continued with eleventh place in European Championships TT. The second part of the season was marked by stage win and fourth place in GC of Ronde des Vallées and another decent ride in Grand Prix Rüebliland where van der Tuuk was in top ten of each stage and finished eleventh in GC against very strong field. Axel can be fast on the line, rides well in TTs and showed great potential on cobbles. Should be one of the favorites for cobbled classics but we can also expect him to finish high in GC of hilly Nations Cup events, especially the ones with TT.

I have asked Axel how he reflects his 2018 season and what are his goals for 2019:

My 2018 season was really great. I didn’t expect it to turn out so successful, it got better every week. In Guido Reybrouck I really knew I could race for good results at the juniors. My biggest highlight was E3 Harelbeke I think, also with becoming Dutch champion TT and stage 1 in Ronde des Vallees. Overall it was a good season, unless the end, the season became a bit to long for me, i got very ill for a time... all recovered and ready to rumble the new season. I have no specific goals. Just try to do well in UCI races and hope to race the World and European championship.

Mathias Vacek (2002, Czech Republic)

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Mathias follow the path of his older brother Karel who is currently riding for Hagens Berman Axeon team. After decent season as first year u17, he moved to Italy to race for the same team as Karel, Team Giorgi A.S.D. The result was probably above anyone expectations as Mathias managed to win no less then 22 races as second year u17! He dominated the Italian scene winning time trials, especially the uphill ones and one day races, usually finishing solo. He also won both titles in National Championships and won Course de la Paix for u17 riders including two stage wins. In other words, he was simply the best rider in Italy in u17 category. Looking at Karel's transition to u19, we can expect Mathias to shine right from the start of his junior campaign. His climbing skills are immense and he should be one of the strongest juniors on climbs right away. Course de la Paix win is clearly within his reach in 2019.

Marco Brenner (2002, Germany)

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If 22 wins by Vacek was impressive then what about 40 wins by Marco ? Obviously it's something that you cannot really compare as Marco won it in different disciplines including cx and track but the number of wins clearly shows how big is his potential. Marco Brenner will race for Italian team Autozai Contri Omap and stands out as the biggest competitor for Mathias Vacek as they will both race in Italy next season. Brenner won two of the biggest stage races in u17 category last year: Radjugendtour Oststeiermark and Critérium des Jeunes in Luxembourg. Obviously he has also won stage races in germany like TMP Jugendtour and 3-Etappenrennen in Weilburg-Odersbach. He also won Coppa d’Oro, one of the most prestigious one day races in Italy. In other words, he was probably the best u17 racer in Europe. It will be very interesting how he managed to move to higher category. We should be able to witness many duels between him and Vacek on Italian soil.

I have asked Marco how he reflects his 2018 season and what are his goals for 2019:

My season 2018 was my best season so far, over 40 victories included the GC win at 

Radjugendtour and the mountain jersey, GC and mountain jersey and points jersey at Criterium Europeen des Jeunes and a vice national title both on road and cyclocross and a national title at points race on track. My goals for next year: participation at some Nations Cup events and win some races.

That's all. What do you think about my selection ? Did I miss anyone ? Do you see other guys from 2002 having bigger potential ? Let me know, looking forward to ready your opinions!

Next step: KBK preview. 

Juniors to watch in 2019 part II

Welcome in the second part of my annual juniors to watch list.

Michel Hessmann (2001, Germany)

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Michel continues tradition of great TT riders in junior category from Germany with likes of Kittel, Schachmann, Kamna or Appelt in the past. Hessmann was already impressive in u17 category where he was second in Radjugendtour Oststeiermark after winning the opening TTT with his team. He also won a silver medal in Youth Olympic Festival in Györ in TT and TMP Jugendtour, stage race in Germany with strong international lineup. His junior campaign started with a solid 20th place in Paris Roubaix before scoring two top10s in Nations' Cup events. Thanks o fifth place in TT he finished sixth overall in Trophée Centre Morbihan and seventh in Saarland Trofeo after fourth place in TT. In July Hessmann narrowly missed podium in Juniors Road European Championships TT finishing fourth behind Evenepoel, Van Wilder and Tiberi.  His time trial skills finally brought him a win in National Championships TT. The final part of the season was marked by top10 finish in Giro della Lunigiana against strong competition before finishing fourth in World Championships in TT behind Evenepoel, Plapp and Piccolo which was clearly Michel's strongest performance as first year junior. In 2019 we can expect Michel to aim for a win in TT in one of the Nations' Cup events and aim for gold medal in TT in Yorkshire.

I have asked Michel how he reflects his 2018 season and what are his goals for 2019:

My Season 2018 began in Roubaix without any expectations and some fear about the cobbles it turned to be one of the coolest races i did even though i only got 20th due to two flats at the wrong moment. The first breakthrough was at the Nations Cup Trophee Centre Morbihan with a 5th Place in the TT and 6th in GC it continued with a  4th Place in the TT at the nations Cup Saarland Trofeo After i recovered from two Crashes with a small concussion the Stages before. After that everything the season got. even better with the 4th Place at the Europeans TT and the worlds TT which was one of the greatest experiences I had so far.

In 2019 my goals are for sure the European Championships TT and even more the worlds TT. But the Most Important Thing for me is to further develop as a Rider and try to find my strengths as a Rider.

Carlos Rodriguez (2001, Spain)

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It barely happens to see a junior from Spain achieving such a great results in international races. Carlos, as many other in my list, was a dominator in u17 category in his home country. As a junior he proved his ability to TT, climb and ride well in hilly terrain but actually his first impressive ride came from Paris Roubaix where he finished sixth. In May he won TT and finished fourth in Tour de Gironde before claiming his first Nations Cup win in Trophée Centre Morbihan where he managed to ride away on the final stage which also gave him fifth place in GC. After that Carlos scored second place in GC of Vuelta al Besaya and won Vuelta al Pais Vasco for juniors, two the most prestigious stage races in Spain for juniors. He confirmed his great shape with bronze medal in RR Juniors Road European Championships where only Balmer and Evenepoel were stronger. With such an impressive season, full of great results, Carlos was a bit off in Worlds but I'm sure next year he will be a strong competitor for TT win. In 2019 we can expect Carlos to prove his ability as a stage racer and I believe he is on a right path to join Kometa team in 2020 as he is already a part of Alberto Contador's team in junior category.

Quinn Simmons (2001, USA)

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Quinn, who was focused more on MTB then road racing as a young rider, started his 2018 campaign on the road with two stage wins and overall in Valley of the Sun Stage Race in February which is important test for all American juniors aiming to ride in Europe. His spring block of racing started with third place in Gent Wevelgem, before finishing third again in overall classification of Ster Van Zuid Limburg and seventh place in Paris Roubaix. Despite limited program in Europe he also managed to win a stage and points jersey in Saarland Trofeo. Finally, in July Simmons won road race in National Championships. With more focus on road racing, inn 2019 we can expect Quinn to shine in classics and aim for a big win in one of them. As he states himself, he would like to earn a spot in development team focused on racing in Europe in 2020.

I have asked Quinn how he reflects his 2018 season and what are his goals for 2019:

2018 for me went way different then expected. I originally planned to race road only to train for the MTB. After some good results in the US i was selected for the national team classics block. With that a 3rd place finish at Gent was definitely one of the highlights of the year. I went back home for some more MTB racing only to return to Europe for 2 nations cups, winning the final stage of Trofeo was also a highlight for me. The final part of the season kicked off with US nationals, I was able to win the XC, Short track and road race, again the big highlight of the season for me. The worlds was rather disappointing personally but the US team road a great race to put guys top 10. 

For 2019 I’d like to have a good spring, try and keep my title on the road, and then do a good result at the worlds. With that, the biggest goal of the entire year is to earn a spot on a good Europe based u23 program for 2020 so I can continue my development.

Casper Van Uden (2001, Netherlands)

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In 2017 Casper was undoubtedly the most successful u17 rider in Europe winning races in Belgium, Netherlands and prestigious Radjugendtour Oststeiermark where he won two stages and GC. His junior campaign started with a strong fifth place in Bernaudeau Junior before reaching one of the best results of the season which was second place in Ster Van Zuid Limburg and win in young rider classification. Casper continued his successful spring by wining Rund um Düren and Boucles Cyclistes Sud-Avesnois stage race in France after winning the opening time trial. His best results in Nations' Cup event came from Saarland Trofeo where he had a decent ride on each stage which gave him eleventh place in GC and fourth in young rider classification. In second part of the season Casper claimed third in Tour du Condroz, second in queen stage of in Bugey Valromey Tour and fourth in Philippe Gilbert juniors. Looking at the results from uci races only, you may think there were stronger candidates for my list but I'm sure that Casper will improve as a second year junior and win a big race in 2019. Let's wait and see if my feelings were right.

I have asked Casper how he reflects his 2018 season and what are his goals for 2019:

2018 was a hard year for me because of some personal reasons. But I had  a steady season and nine victories. The most important thing of the 2018 season was that I learned loads of things, witch gives me a good feeling for 2019. I hope to ride a steady season, learn loads and get a few wins in the big races in 2019.

Stay tuned for third and final part!

Juniors to watch in 2019 part I

After an off year which is more precisely explained here I'm glad to welcome you back on my blog with annual "Juniors to watch" list just before the season starts.

I've made my list of juniors to watch twice in a past and looking back at mentioned names I can proudly say that I have listed some of the biggest talents in junior category back then who managed to develop into professional riders. Long story short, from ten riders on my 2014 list, eight are racing as professionals right now. The other two were Igor Decreane and Adrien Costa..

The list from 2015 was more tricky as it contains both World Tour level riders (Sivakov, Honoré, Eenkhoorn & Philipsen) together with guys who did not prove their talent (yet?) like Leo Appelt and Anthon Charmig.

What the future brings for riders mentioned below ?

Lewis Askey (Great Britain, 2001)

Photo: swpix_cycling

Lewis was one of the riders who were an obvious picks for my list. There is no better way to prove your talent then win in a Nations Cup event in junior category. And it's even more obvious if you win Paris Roubaix, decisively the most important one day race in U19 apart from World Champs. Lewis also proved his ability to ride on cobbles in Gent Wevelgem where he was 13th and E3 Harelbeke where he finished fifth. The second part of the season was highlighted by 2nd place in Philippe Gilbert Juniors where Askey showed his skills on more hilly terrain. Lewis is also a successful cyclo- cross rider who has recently won three races of HSBC UK Cyclo-Cross National Trophy Series, silver medal in National Championships and finished third in World Cup in Heusden-Zolder. In 2019 Lewis Askey will be one of the favorites in spring classics and you can expect him to be ready for his home World Champs in Yorkshire.

I have asked Lewis how he reflects his 2018 season and what are his goals for 2019:

My 2018 season was pretty amazing now I look back on it. I always believed I could do well but to win the biggest nations cup of them all wasn’t expected. Coming into that velodrome into deafening crowds and been able to put my hands in the air is something I will never forget. It sends shivers down my spine writing about it here. I had a good spell in the classic season with great legs at Gent Wevelgem even if I only came away with 13th and a 5th at E3 Harelbeke. I love the hard messy races, I don’t like coming to the finish with 100 other people it’s stressful so war of nutrition races like Roubaix suit me. I also managed 2nd place at La Philippe Gilbert. Road worlds was an amazing experience I didn’t come away with the best result (20 something) but I learnt a lot to take to next year. I also had a good season on the UK scene winning Hatherleigh, 2nd in Cicle Classic and 2nd in Road National Championships. In 2019 the big goal is clearly the home world championships. Apart from that, I just want to carry on enjoying riding my bike (I’m only a junior & still at school). I’m hoping to compete in nations cups and have a good classic season. That’s what I enjoy so I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. Roubaix is going to be a goal, it would be pretty cool to win that twice in a row there’s nothing wrong with giving it a go. And finally Cicle Classic. I got 2nd last year and I loved the race so that would be nice to win as I think is portrays the type of rider I’d like to be!

Enzo Leijnse (2001, Netherlands)

I have spotted Enzo first time in 2017 when he had impressive amount of wins in local races in Netherlands including prestigious Wim Hendriks Trofee and Junior Cycling Tour Assen. He also showed his skills in Tour de Himmelfart, Danish race he clearly loves as he has already managed to win it three times in three different age categories. Most recently, in 2019 as a junior.  Thanks to his versatility and time trial abilities, Enzo gained his best results in stage races. He started well in May finishing twelve in Course de la Paix with second place in youth category behind Antonio Tiberi. The next stop was Saarland Trofeo where he finished sixth in GC and once again second in youth category behind Fredrik Wandahl. After that Enzo won Acht van Bladel thanks to second place in time trial and decent ride on all other stages. The season highlight was clearly Grand Prix Rüebliland, the race which is not a part of Nations Cup but always provide high level of competition and for many riders it's the last test before the Worlds. Leijnse won time trial on third stage and managed to hold on the leaders jersey on the final stage. In 2019 Enzo will continue to ride for WTC De Amstel team and we can expect him to see in the biggest Nations Cup events as a part of national team. General classification win in one of the Nations Cup events is definitely withing his reach. 

Hugo Page (2001, France)

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Hugo Page is another example of rider who had amazing palmares in u17 category (and younger ones, as well) including Trophée Madiot general classification win in 2017 and three titles on track. His transition to junior category went extremely well as he has managed to win his first ever uci rated race in junior category out sprinting his opponents in Bernaudeau Junior. His next stop was Tour des Portes du Pays d'Othe where he managed to win the overall classification thanks to TTT win by his team, BTWIN-AG2R La Mondiale U19. The next French race on his calendar was Tour de Loué-Brulon-Noyen where he managed to win the opening time tria. His sprinting skills gave him a win once again in Tour du Pays de Vaud where he has won a reduced bunch sprint and finished nineth in GC. The second part of the season was quieter one with several solid places including 12th in UEC Juniors Road European Championships on extremely difficult race won by Remco Evenepoel and tenth in season closing Chrono des Nations. In 2019 we can expect Hugo to win some bunch sprints but also to prove his level in more hilly terrain. 

Fredrik Wandahl (2001, Denmark)

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My personal favorite and one of the riders I expect to shine or even dominate junior category in 2019. On paper, there were riders who had a better results as first year junior in  2018 but it was Fredrik who improved steadily for the whole year before his season's best performance in World Championships. As many riders on my list, Fredrik impressed already in u17 category winning Criterium Europeen des Jeunes in dominating style with two solo stage wings and second place right behind his team mate, William Blume Levy on the final stage and, obviously, a GC win. Other notable win was GC in Course de la Paix u17. His first spring as a junior was full of decent results in stage races with 15th place in GC in both Course de la Paix and Cottbuser Junioren-Etappenfahrt. In May Fredrik won two stages of Tour de Himmelfart and finished sixth overall. Saarland Trofeo was the first sign of his big talent as he managed to escape and win the opening stage of the race leaving behind some big names like Wærenskjold, Vacek and Leijnse.  In general classification Fredrik finished fourth and won the young rider jersey. The biggest win of the season came just few weeks later when Fredrik has become the national champion in road race. in July Wandahl finished second in Johan Museeuw Classic after a sprint from elite group which included names like Braet, Hessmann and Mayrhofer. Finally, Wandahl was fifth in Innsbruck where he was the best first year junior on very difficult route against the very best of junior riders of the whole 2018. In 2019 I expect Wandahl to win at least one Nations Cup event and continue to prove that Denmark is one of the leading nations in junior category.

I have asked Fredrik how he reflects his 2018 season and what are his goals for 2019:

Last year was a very good season, especially since I was only a first year junior. I had a rough start at the 2018 season, but I continued to motivate myself. 

My best moments from the 2018 season are my First Nations Cup stage victory and winner of the overall youth classification in Saarland Trofeo. My national championship in road race was big me. And my fifth place and best placed 2001 at the junior World Championship in Innsbruck was the biggest result. 

My goals the next season are the classics, but my main goals are Course de la Paix and  World Championships in Yorkshire.

Stay tuned for second part!

Fresh start

Hello World!

After a long break, I've decided to give it another try with my junior cycling blog. You may notice a new logo and blog theme as well. In recent months I have struggled with time and motivation to work on it. My real life responsibilities have been more and more time consuming, especially with a new job position and my two year old boy who is about to start riding bike by his own :)

I have always tried to keep a high quality of each article that is published here. I have never aimed to own a news site with "news" based on copy/paste of other people's work. Tweets and retweets sounds more reasonable for this kind of activity but I don't expect to be fast with any news related to juniors, I simply have no time to do that right now, sorry! Same goes with live tickers. I'm worried that I won't have enough time to provide you a live updates from the race more then once or twice per year (Paris Roubaix and World Championships sounds reasonable). Luckily, other sites are looking more and more interested in junior racing while races itself puts more attention to social media which, in general, provides a better coverage of junior races then few years ago. This of course caused that number of visitors on my blog have never been very high but I had expected it. After all, writing only about junior racing will never be popular, isn't it ? On the other hand, thanks to this blog and Twitter, I had a chance to chat to many people involved into cycling and more importantly, I had a chance to comment junior race in Polish TV which was clearly the biggest achievement so far related to this blog.

Being off for almost a year caused that I have almost completely missed covering Remco Evenepoel's dominance. Of course I have mentioned him, even as an outsider for 2017 Worlds, but that's nothing compared to amount of articles about him in recent months. It's a pity but to be honest, I don't think I could provide you any valuable information about him in recent months considering how limited is my access to riders. After all, I can say that I'm glad we had Remco in junior ranks as it gave a bit more attention to junior racing in general which is always a good news.

Soon I will start with my traditional "riders to watch" topic and from that point I will try to continue with my previews and hopefully there will be time for more activity. There are some ideas but the time will tell if I will be able to write about it.  Also Under19Zone is now on Insta! Don't expect to see my photos or photos of me riding a bike but I have noticed that more and more people like it more then twitter so I decided to try it. If you like it more then Twitter, give me a follow please. If you have managed to read it until this point, give me a shout, write a PM on Twitter or simply comment here. If you have any thoughts about my blog it definitely a good moment to share them with me :) I would be very glad to hear from my readers.

Until next time,
Tom