Bicycle Racing News and Opinion,
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
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2018 Tour de France | 2018 Giro d'Italia
True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us. - Socrates
Latest completed racing:
- November 1: Cyclocross Koppenberg
- October 28: Cyclocross Ruddervorde
- October 23 - 31: Tour of Hainan
- October 21: Japan Cup
- October 9 - 14: Presidential Tour of Turkey
- October 14: Chrono des Nations
- October 13: Il Lombardia
- October 11: Gran Piemonte
- October 10: Milano-Torino
- October 9: Tre Valli Varesine
Petr Vakoč plans his return to racing after terrible accident
Here's the post from his Quick-Step team:
26-year-old Czech rider Petr Vakoč – who will continue with Quick-Step Floors in 2019 – talks of his injury, subsequent recovery process spanned over several months and his goal of returning to the peloton.
Why 100 days? I am coming back!
I was hit by a truck and I am lucky to be alive. After three surgeries, months of rehabilitation and gradually increasing the training load it seems I might be able to come back. Not just back to normal life, but back to racing. My goal is to be on the start line again in 100 days from now.
Petr Vakoč winning the 2016 Brabantse Pijl. Sirotti photo
It is a path with an uncertain finish line, but which in itself is a goal. I am passionate about racing again. And not just racing, but winning! I am working hard to get back to the level where I used to be. And even higher. I would like to share my story with fans as well with people overcoming obstacles in their life. I am approaching this path with humility, as you can try really hard, but there are things outside of your control.
Like when you get hit by a car. You can choose unfrequented roads, ride with lights on even during the daylight, and give cars priority even while you are riding on the main road. But in just a small moment, a distracted driver or simply bad luck can send you to the ground and your life might be over. I am grateful to be alive. To be able to return to a normal life, and despite some permanent consequences, to be on a quest to get back in the peloton.
Surely it is not possible to prevent all accidents, but I am convinced that their risk can be reduced. There is unnecessary hostility between drivers and cyclists. People in cars often do not realize how dangerous it is to pass cyclists only by centimeters. For me, this has been a topic of great interest during the recent months. I would like to change the situation for the better. Perhaps by introducing a rule to pass cyclists with a minimum distance of 1.5 meters, as is the standard in many other countries already.
My goal is to jump back to racing in February. I have an immense support from the team. I have the opportunity to take my time to get healthy and fit, without any pressure to prove myself in the last races of this season or to be ready for the very beginning of the next. I really appreciate it, in a professional sport it is not something to be taken for granted. Therefore, I can focus all my energy on getting back to full strength. If everything goes according to plan, in exactly 100 days I will pin the number on my back again and step on the start line with the rest of the Wolfpack.
Wish me luck!
Damien Howson to continue with Mitchelton-Scott
Here's the news post from the team:
Mitchelton-SCOTT is pleased to announce that Australian climber Damien Howson will continue with the outfit for the next two seasons, having been with the team since turning professional.
The 2017 Herald Sun Tour winner has been a key contributor in supporting the team’s general classification leaders in their Grand Tour success, including Mitchelton-SCOTT’s most recent triumph at the Vuelta a Espana.
As a valuable member of the Australian outfit, Howson is continuously developing and growing as a rider, becoming more experienced in his role in the tough three-week races, which head sport director Matt White is pleased to see, as the squad solidify themselves as Grand Tour contenders.
Matt White - Head Sport Director
"Damien has been with the team since he turned professional. So we are really pleased to announce that he will be continuing his career with us. The relationship and development is really moving in the right direction. The key for him is to continue to get experience in riding at the highest level including Grand Tours, learning from them and targeting the next goals we have for them. We are a team that is evolving and to have him with us on this journey is exciting for both parties.
"He didn't get to finish the Tour de France this year because of an injury so his appearance at the Vuelta was another good opportunity for him to do a three-week race and get more comfortable with his role. Being part of a winning Grand Tour team is something very special and I am sure he learnt a lot from the experience. Now onto our next challenges in 2019 and beyond.”
Damien Howson looking well-pleased at the 2017 Herald Sun Tour.
Damien Howson
"I am very happy, I have been with the team now for five years and I think we have a good relationship together and I am learning a lot from what I am capable of doing and also what the team expects in the direction the team has been heading.
"I am really happy of being a part of the development of the team and I hope to improve on that in the years to come. I've built a lot of friendships within the team with the staff and riders and I feel that the relationship between every rider is ultimately the importance of having a great team.
"We are all aiming to achieve our best and grow so over the next two years I am hoping to be a part of the many more successes I am expecting the team to have."
Damien Howson
Date of Birth: 13th August 1992 (26)
Nationality: Australia
Place of Birth: Adelaide
Turned Pro: 2014
Joined Mitchelton-SCOTT: 2014 (August 2013 as a stagiaire)
Top results:
2018 1st Hammer Stavanger - General Classification (team)
2018 1st Hammer Stavanger - Stage 2 (team)
2018 1st Hammer Stavanger - Stage 1 (team)
2017 1st Herald Sun Tour - General Classification
2017 1st Herald Sun Tour - Stage 1
2018 3rd Herald Sun Tour - General Classification
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