VN ticker: Thomas reunited with stolen bike, Sagan to debut at San Juan, Dumoulin second in 10km run
Here's the news making headlines for Monday, November 15.
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Geraint Thomas reunited with stolen bike
Geraint Thomas has had his bike brought back to him, just three hours after it was stolen.
Thomas had returned from a coffee stop while out on a training ride in Menton, France to find his unique Pinarello Dogma F missing this weekend. No sooner had he returned from a cab ride home, Thomas was reunited with his bike by local officials.
“Look what showed up!” he tweeted along with a photo of himself, his bike, and three police officers Sunday afternoon.
Thomas didn’t tell the story of how the bike was returned to him but praised local officials, writing “Big thanks to the Menton Police for their help. All’s well that ends well.”
The Welshman promised a full account of the short-lived loss on his next “Geraint Thomas Cycling Club” podcast.
Look what showed up!! Boy have I got a good story for you on next week’s @gtcc_ pod 🤣 Big thanks to the Menton Police for their help 👮♂️👌 All’s well that ends well pic.twitter.com/qW5x8qXnbt
— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) November 14, 2021
Peter Sagan to debut for Team TotalEnergies at Vuelta a San Juan
Peter Sagan is expected to debut for Team TotalEnergies at the Vuelta a San Juan next January.
The Vuelta a San Juan has issued a statement to confirm that Sagan will be on the start line for the weeklong race on January 30 in what will be his first competition for his new French team.
Sagan has scored top-10s in his two previous appearances at San Juan but is yet to taste victory. Will it be third-time lucky for the Slovak this January? It would make for a dream start to his high-profile move to TotalEnergies after five years with Bora-Hansgrohe.
The Vuelta a San Juan will be confirming more headline riders for January’s race in the coming weeks.
With Australia’s Tour Down Under canceled, the Argentinian race is likely to draw a number of top names looking to get the wheels rolling on their 2022 seasons.
¡CONFIRMADO!
⚡ El triple campeón mundial @petosagan es el primer ciclista confirmado con su nuevo equipo para la #VueltaSJ2022.
▶️Info en la nota: https://t.co/fHcPqQqCgx#DondeTodoEmpieza #Ciclismo pic.twitter.com/TXm5Z7ga38
— Vuelta a San Juan OK (@vueltasanjuanok) November 12, 2021
Mark Padun to leave Bahrain Victorious
Ukranian climbing ace Mark Padun will be leaving Team Bahrain Victorious.
Padun, 25, confirmed on social media Monday that his four-year stint with the team has come to a close.
“Doing this post to give thanks to Bahrain Victorious for four years with this team where I’ve started my pro cycling career, had a lot of successes and have made unforgettable memories with stuff and rides,” he wrote.
Padun shot into the world’s eyeline this summer with his two consecutive stage wins in the mountainous finale of the Critérium du Dauphiné, and was a key cog in sending Jack Haig to the podium at the Vuelta a España.
He has not yet confirmed his new team for 2022, but reports have linked him with Ineos Grenadiers.
Chris Juul-Jensen extends with Team BikeExchange
Chris Juul-Jensen extended with Team BikeExchange through the 2023 season.
Riding into his seventh season with the GreenEDGE-backed organization, the Dane is looking forward to helping the team by delivering wins on a variety of one-day and grand tour races.
“It was an obvious choice for me to renew with Team BikeExchange. I have spent six fantastic years with the team surrounded by many incredible colleagues. They are what I enjoy the most on this team and what motivates me every time I pin on a number,” Juul-Jensen said.
Jensen, 32, won stage 4 of the 2018 Tour de Suisse and was also the GC winner of the 2016 Tour of Denmark. He’s skilled in time trialing and helped Orica-GreenEDGE to team time trial wins in the 2019 Tirreno–Adriatico and the 2019 Czech Cycling Tour.
“We are happy to keep working together with Chris, a very intelligent rider who always helps the team in many different races and situations, not only while racing on his bike, but also supporting the team off the bike and delivering constructive feedback,” said Brent Copeland, Team BikeExchange general manager. “We count on his full support and commitment to stay with GreenEDGE Cycling, his determination is what we need to continue our journey.”
Tom Dumoulin second in 10-kilometer running race
Tom Dumoulin raced to second-place at the Groene Loper Run in his hometown Maastricht this weekend.
The Dutchman covered the 10-kilometer course in an impressive 32:38 to finish just 17 seconds back on the winner. His pace of 3:19/km (5:20/mile) is generally considered excellent for amateur runners.
Adam Yates also pulled on his running shoes this off-season, and last week cracked the three-hour mark at the Barcelona Marathon.
@thijszonneveld je zou een aardig lopersgroepje kunnen vormen van wielrenners. Pidcock, Yates. En Tom loopt even een 10k in Maastricht vanmiddag.. pic.twitter.com/x0N8nCyJgu
— Bram Op den Camp (@bramopdencamp) November 14, 2021