Kinnekulle Energiloppet & Götene GP
APRIL 26TH, 2024
The Swedish cycling season has kicked off with some thrilling action as our team tackled two demanding races: Kinnekulle Energiloppet and Götene GP.
Kinnekulle Energiloppet The Kinnekulle Energiloppet, part of the Swecup series, presented a formidable challenge with its 161.4 km course including 13 demanding ascents of Kinnekulle. The race saw Axel Persmeen, Oskar Persson, Johan Bornström, Gustav Lovidius, Oliver Stridsberg, and Neo Viking at the starting line with high hopes.
The strategy for the day was to stay close to the major teams like Motala Serneke Allebike, Team IBT-Tripeak, and Team Kjekkas, and to push hard in the final two laps. The pace was intense right from the start. Unfortunately, Neo had to drop out on the second lap due to knee issues. Oliver and Gustav found themselves yo-yoing between the main pack and the back, eventually settling into smaller groups formed behind the leaders as the main bunch progressively dwindled.
During the penultimate climb, Axel, Oskar, and Johan were well-positioned. Oskar managed to break away with the front runners over the crest, joining a four-man group chasing a lone Norwegian ahead. Despite their efforts, the group couldn't close the gap to the Norwegian. Coming into the final climb, the race regrouped, except for the leading Norwegian who managed to stay ahead, narrowly winning by 30 cm over Calle Kagevi, with Axel finishing 8th, Oskar 12th, and Johan 21st. Gustav and Oliver fought bravely to finish 44th and 45th respectively, out of 80 starters with only 46 finishing. The team was proud of everyone, from those who battled at the front to those who fought valiantly further back, especially Oskar who was incredibly close to landing a podium spot.
Götene GP Next, the team faced the Götene GP, a fast-paced race over 55 minutes plus two additional laps around a 1300-meter circuit in central Götene. Competing were Tobias Stridsberg, Axel Persmeen, Oskar Persson, Johan Bornström, Gustav Lovidius, Oliver Stridsberg, and Neo Viking.
The plan was to maintain a strong presence at the front and cover moves with as many riders as possible, saving Neo for the final sprint. With both Norwegian and Danish cyclists in the mix, along with Sweden's only professional team, Motala, fielding nine riders, the speed was high from the outset. Tobias, Axel, and Johan managed to stay near the front, involved in all key moves while the others were slightly behind. As the race approached the last four laps, the leading group had whittled down to about 25 riders. A crash then allowed a breakaway group of six to gain a gap, but Axel impressively bridged to them alone and set up Neo for the finale.
The final corners were tight and competitive, and although Neo was slightly boxed in, he managed to secure an 8th place finish. Tobias came in 11th, Johan 14th, Axel 15th, with Gustav and Oliver finishing 33rd and 35th, respectively.
These races were not only tests of speed and strategy but also of resilience and teamwork. The season is looking promising with the team showing great depth and spirit, and we're eager to see what the next races hold for us.