Nat Bromhead
A huge week of cycling begins this weekend with a smorgasbord of action broadcast and webcast live to our screens.
The excitement kicks off later tonight (Friday 10:45 AEST) with the much-anticipated Hammer Series. A completely new format of bike racing, three disciplines will be raced over three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
First up is the ‘Hammer Climb’ which consists of 11 laps around a 7km fan-friendly course. With 2 climbs along the way, points will be awarded to the first ten riders over the line. Double points are awarded on laps three, seven and 11.
The first of three events, the Hammer Climb, takes place in Vaalserberg, Vaals before Saturday’s Hammer Sprint and Sunday’s finale, the Hammer TT at the Sportzone in the Dutch city of Limberg.
Teams Racing For Points
The Hammer Climb and Hammer Sprint are points races in which riders will attempt to win for their team. Each team’s finishing positions from Friday and Saturday will be combined to determine their starting place on Sunday’s Hammer Chase team time trial. First team over the line on Sunday will win the debut Hammer Series.
Dumoulin Leads An All-Star Cast
With a host of big-name riders in Limburg for the action, Giro d’Italia winner Tom Dumoulin is ready to back up and win. Speaking to series commentator Robbie McEwen, Dumoulin said he was excited and looking forward to the new concept.
“I’m finally home,” he said. “It was an amazing time in the Giro and now an amazing time at home. Physically it’s going to be difficult in the first hour but I expect to be good after that and I hope to get some points for the team, because it’s a points race and I’ll be doing the second half probably after my tired legs from the Giro.”
The Hammer Series will be webcast live and free on Facebook & YouTube. Bicycling Australia will have a link to the action on our Facebook page as the racing gets underway.
Tour de France Primer – It’s Dauphine Time!
The action continues after the Hammer Series debut with the 69th edition of the Critérium du Dauphiné starting Sunday.
The 8-stage race begins in Saint-Etienne and takes in numerous classic locations including the iconic Alpe d’Huez.
Three-time Dauphine winner Chris Froome will be up against rivals including Richie Porte, Esteban Chaves, Alejandro Valverde, Alberto Contador, Romain Bardet, Dan Martin and Fabio Aru – yes … this one’s sure to be an outright thriller.
Each stage will be broadcast via SBS Viceland & the streamed on the SBS Cycling Central website.
Bicycling Australia will have full day-by-day coverage of the Dauphine – check our website each morning for reports, photos and video highlights.
