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Day in the life: Ridley Racing Team

25 Nov 2024

On Saturday, November 16th, we spent the entire day at the cyclocross in Merksplas following the new Ridley Racing Team. Get a unique behind-the-scenes look at the brand-new team.

Cyclocross day in the life

The team arrives 3.5 hours before the race. 

Felipe Orts cyclocross with fan

A fan enthusiastically hands a gift to Felipe Orts. This is one of the best aspects of cyclocross: nowhere else can you get so close to the top athletes. 

Day in the life Ridley Racing Team Tour bus
Felipe Orts and Daan Soete

Felipe Orts and Daan Soete set off to explore the course in Merksplas.

Cyclocross Merksplas
Day in the life cyclocross team

Lore Sas is ready for the start. Since there is no separate U23 category, she starts with the elites – an extra challenge. 

Cyclocross Ridley Racing Team
Cyclocross Orts ridley racing
Ridley Racing Team sports director and Orts

The sports director gives the final instructions to Felipe Orts while he warms up.

Start cyclocross Merksplas
Ridley Racing Team Cyclocross Sand
Pit crew Ridley Racing Team

Can you spot what they're trying to catch? Halfway through the race, Felipe throws his sunglasses toward his pit crew.

Bike cyclocross Orts

Sports director Richard Groenendaal gives Felipe Orts the final words of encouragement and instructions.

Felipe Orts
Spanish Cyclocross champion Orts
athlete recovery after race

Felipe Orts and Daan Soete discuss the race.

Post race cyclocross athletes
Clean gear after race

And of course, after the race, the bike needs a good cleaning.