The VAM-Berg, 5 months later
The changes in the calendar caused by the global pandemic made the Miron Ronde Van Drenthe the last race of the 2021 season. Now, less than 5 months later, the Dutch event returns to its original date and its natural status as a spring classic. As far as Cycling Fantasy is concerned, this will be the first race of the year to score for the 2022 women's Pavés classification.
Route
The route is similar to that of the 2021 edition, with 6 cobbled sectors in the initial part of the race. The second half of the route’s highlights are the 4 ascents of the VAM - Berg, the famous hill built on trash that characterizes the race. The last time the hill is passed, however, is 14 kilometers from home, and sometimes some sprinters can make up lost ground.
Favorites
Reigning race winner Lorena Wiebbes (1200) will lead Team DSM to defend her title. We must remember that the team overwhelmingly dominated the race last year, placing four riders in the group of seven that played for victory. Canyon // Sram Racing riders Alice Barnes (600) and Elise Chabbey (800), Alison Jackson (400) for Liv Racing Xtra, Lotte Kopecky (1000) and Elena Cecchini (400) for Team SD Worx, Chiara Consonni (600) for Valcar - Travel & Service, Grace Brown (800) for FDJ Nouvelle-Aquitaine Futuroscope, Marta Bastianelli (800) for UAE Team ADQ or world champion Elisa Balsamo (800), for Trek Segafredo, will presumably be Wiebbes' main rivals for victory.