Yates brothers, Alaphilippe return at San Sebastian: Daily News Digest
Welcome to your Daily News Digest. Here’s what’s happening today:
Julian Alaphilippe and both Yates brothers are among the many big names set to return to racing at the Clasica San Sebastian, Yorkshire flooding could force route changes for road worlds, Soraya Paladin headed to CCC-Liv. Those stories and more in today’s Daily News Digest.
Story of the Day: Yates brothers, Alaphilippe confirmed for return to racing at the Clásica San Sebastián
After the racing comes to an end in Paris, the week after the Tour de France can be tough for cycling fans, but WorldTour cycling returns in full force soon with no fewer than three top-division events starting this coming weekend. Saturday sees Spain’s Basque Country host the Clasica San Sebastian and also the start of the Tour of Poland, while Sunday offers the RideLondon-Surrey Classic.
On the heels of the Tour, the races often have uncertain start lists until shortly before things get underway. That’s especially true for San Sebastian, where big names often try to squeeze just a little bit more out of their Tour form before taking some time off. Fortunately, team roster announcements are finally trickling in. Defending champ Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick-Step), former winner Adam Yates and his brother Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott), and Dan Martin (UAE-Team Emirates) are among the big names now confirmed for that start.
Julian Alaphilippe wins stage 3 of the Tour de France. Photo: ©kramon
Atop the long list of notables on the provisional start list but not quite confirmed for San Sebastian are Tour champ Egan Bernal (Ineos), 2014 San Sebastian winner Alejandro Valverde and his Movistar teammate Mikel Landa, 2016 winner Bauke Mollema (Trek-Segafredo), and Michael Woods (EF Education First).
Over at the Tour of Poland, past winner Ion Izagirre and his Astana teammate Miguel Ángel López are among the big names expected to line up for the start, along with some impressive speedster talent in the form of Fernando Gaviria (UAE-Team Emirates) and Pascal Ackermann (Bora-Hansgrohe).
Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Soudal), Michael Matthews (Sunweb), Elia Viviani (Deceuninck-Quick-Step), and Alexander Kristoff (UAE-Team Emirates) are just a few of the notables likely to contend at the sprinter-friendly RideLondon.
Moving Pictures
A police department somewhere in France probably has a great photo album of team cars passing by now that the Tour is over.
The most common souvenir from the Tour de France is a speeding ticket from one of their ubiquitous speed traps pic.twitter.com/RK8J0xymUK
— Race Radio (@TheRaceRadio) July 30, 2019
And then there’s this gem from Tate Roskelley. Who knew a swingset could be so harsh?
Race Radio
Courtney nominated for sportswoman of the year
American mountain bike star Kate Courtney is one of 10 finalists nominated for Sportswoman of the Year by the Women’s Sport Foundation.
Winners are announced on October 16 following a selection process that combines a public vote with an Awards Committee vote.
Yorkshire worlds course might require alteration
Weather conditions led to hazardous roads and route alterations at both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France this year, and it appears that the roads of Yorkshire are trying to get in on that trend as the road world championships loom.
And now the bridge has completely gone ???? pic.twitter.com/vbeMXDcyI4
— Sam Blades (@SamBlades93) July 30, 2019
According to the Guardian, organizers are assessing the damage, but with worlds less than two months away, a parcours detour seems probable.
Kelly Catlin’s life and tragic death
The cycling world was shaken in March when Kelly Catlin took her own life at the age of 23. This week, the Washington Post published an article that tells the story of her life and tragic death.
McEwen to be inducted into Sport Australia Hall of Fame
Robbie McEwen will be inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame this October. The sprinting legend won three green jerseys at the Tour de France, and he has stayed busy in the cycling world as a commentator since hanging up the wheels.
“To be recognized at a national level by a Hall of Fame that takes into consideration all sports and what all Australian athletes have ever done is a huge, huge honor,” McEwen said.
Austrian cyclist safe after abduction
Nathalie Birli was rammed while riding near her home in Austria last week, beaten, and then abducted. Now she is home safe, and a suspect is in police custody.
The New York times reports on her harrowing story.
Paladin to CCC-Liv in 2020
Soraya Paladin will transfer from Alé-Cipollini to CCC-Liv in 2020, the latter team has announced.
Soraya Paladin at the Giro Rosa. Photo: Anton Vos/Cor Vos © 2019
The versatile 26-year-old Italian is in the middle of a career year that has seen her tally numerous top 10s in WorldTour events throughout the season, including at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Giro Rosa, and La Course, to name just a few.
“We have had Soraya in our sights for some time,” said CCC-Liv manager Eric van den Boom. “With her we can even be more prominent in the finals.”
In case you missed it …
Feature Image: Simon Yates at the Tour de France. Photo: Gruber Images
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