Today in Pro Cycling News: February 4th, 2015

In today’s pro cycling news, Mark Cavendish nabs first 2015 win, Bianchi partners with Colavita, and wins for Kris Boeckmans and Scott Ambrose.

Cavendish gets first 2015 win in Dubai

Mark Cavendish survived a long sprint to cross the line first in today’s opening stage of the 2015 Tour of Dubai. The Manx Missle was lead out by Mark Renshaw, who worked with the rest of the Etixx-QuickStep team to take control of the peloton with less than 5 kilometers to go.

“We planned our leadout to go in the last few kilometers, but it was so windy there we had to use everyone to stay in the front even in the last 20 kilometers,” Cavendish said. “The other teams were coming strong as always. There was only ourselves and Giant Alpecin riding on the front. As always my team rode incredibly well, and they showed confidence together.

“I went earlier than I liked,” he added, “but I know I’ve good form and I was able to hold it. So, I knew it was OK when I went. I knew I was on top of the sprint, but I felt Andrea Guardini coming faster than me. I was happy to just hold on until the line. It’s nice to win, but it’s hard to explain the feeling unless you feel it for yourself.”

Bianchi partners with Colavita Pro Cycling

Bianchi has announced a new sponsorship agreement with the Colavita/Bianchi Women’s Cycling Team, joining two historical Italian brands in an exciting new project to develop women’s racing and performance bicycles. The team will be riding a full Celeste Sempre Pro frameset.

“It’s a perfect partnership for Bianchi and Colavita as both brands are for people who share a passion for Italian culture, travel, a healthy lifestyle, and women’s cycling” VIP Sales and Marketing at Bianchi USA, Jim Stevenson, commented.

“I’m very excited about our 2015 roster. Each rider brings something special to our team. You can expect to see these extremely talented athletes leverage and benefit from our collective experience, seasoned leadership and youth. We plan to accomplish team goals through a combination of unselfish teamwork, tactical excellence, hard work, persistence and a touch of creativity” Team Manager Mary Zider explained.

Cult Energy announces GP Costa Degli Etruschi squad

Cult Energy Pro Cycling next heads to the Italian season opener, GP Costa Degli Etruschi in Donoratico.

Cult Energy Pro Cycling DS, André Steensen says: “The race has developed from being a sprinter’s treat into being a classical Italian one-day race where the finale is fierce with two consecutive ascents on the same climb so traditionally, a small group will be fighting it out on the finish line. I think we have several cards to play in this type of race so we will try to stick to front and wait for the right moment to move.”

The riders are: Fabian Wegmann, Rasmus Guldhammer, Alex Kirsch, Russell Downing, Joel Zangerle, Romain Lemarchand, Mads Pedersen and Michael Carbel.

Giant-Alpecin for Tour of Qatar

Currently racing at the Tour of Dubai, Team Giant-Alpecin will stay in the middle east for this weekend’s Tour of Qatar.

Marcel Kittel joins the team in Qatar after starting at the Tour Down Under, where he won the warm-up criterium, The People’s Choice Classic. Kittel will be joined by  a strong line-up capable of getting a strong result if the race splits up, including Nikias Arndt (GER) and Ramon Sinkeldam (NED).

Lineup: Nikias Arndt, Bert De Backer, Marcel Kittel, Georg Preidler, Ramon Sinkeldam, Tom Stamsnijder, Albert Timmer, Tom Veelers

Novo Nordisk’s Scott Ambrose Wins Sprint Jersey at Tour de Filipinas

Team Novo Nordisk’s Scott Ambrose (NZL) took home top honors in the sprint classificationWednesday at the Tour de Filipinas after securing and protecting the jersey since Monday’s Stage 2.

“This win is the result of teamwork and dedication. I could not have done it without the support of my teammates,” the 20-year-old Ambrose said. “I am so proud to be a part of Team Novo Nordisk and I’m looking forward to our next race.”

Team Novo Nordisk’s General Manager Vassili Davidenko said winning the sprint jersey proved all of Ambrose’s hard work during the winter paid off. “The Tour de Filipinas was a massive success for Team Novo Nordisk. I am very pleased with the results, especially Scott’s stage win and how they defended the jersey,” Davidenko said. “Scott is only 20-years-old and these results show his potential. We’re excited to see what the team can do throughout the rest of the season.”

Kris Boeckmans wins first stage of Etoile de Bessèges

After the victory of teammate Pim Ligthart at the GP la Marseillaise, Lotto Soudal’s Kris Boeckmans celebrated today, winning the first stage of the Etoile de Bessèges. He was the fastest of a front group of thirteen.

The Lotto Soudal rider is the first GC leader in this stage race and he stands on the first place in the points classification as well.

“After four years without a victory and ten second places this feels great,” said Boeckmans. “At last all turned out well and I could take my fourth pro victory. In the last kilometres the situation was ideal for the team. With Dennis Vanendert, Pim Ligthart and myself three riders of our team were part of the right breakaway. Dennis had already lost many energy in the early breakaway, but he still did his part of the job. Pim was the perfect teammate and attacked in the final kilometres, so the other teams had to chase. I only had to follow and I started sprinting at 200 metres of the finish line. There was a headwind, but I could stay ahead of the others.”