Norris Calls for Sportsmanship from Verstappen
Norris Wants a Level Playing Field
Norris has made it clear that he desires a fair and clean fight for the championship, emphasizing that it's not his responsibility to alter his own driving style. "I want clean, fair racing. It's what I do. It's what I provide and how I race. It's how I've always raced in my career," the McLaren driver stated. Norris believes the onus is on Verstappen to modify his approach if the two are to engage in a true battle for the title.Verstappen Shrugs Off Criticism
Verstappen, for his part, has brushed off the criticism of his driving in Mexico, where he was penalized for incidents with both Norris and Lewis Hamilton. The reigning world champion remains unapologetic, suggesting that he will continue to race with the same aggressive mindset that has made him a dominant force in the sport.Norris Focused on Ferrari Challenge
While the battle between Norris and Verstappen has captured the attention of the F1 community, the McLaren driver is more concerned with the resurgence of Ferrari. The Italian team has been the team to beat in the last two races, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc securing a 1-2 finish in Austin and a 1-3 result in Mexico. Norris, however, is not overly concerned about Ferrari's form, stating, "No, it's not a concern. We're working hard. We've said for over 10 races so, our focus is not on Red Bull, it's on Ferrari."McLaren Facing Constructors' Championship Challenge
The battle between Norris and Verstappen has also had an impact on the constructors' championship, with Ferrari's recent resurgence cutting McLaren's lead to just 29 points. Norris remains confident in his team's ability to maintain their position, acknowledging the strength of Ferrari's drivers and car. "They have two very strong drivers, a very quick car so it's up to us to keep doing our best," he said.Norris Seeks to Emulate Senna's Legacy
Underlying Norris' desire for a fair fight with Verstappen is his aspiration to emulate the legacy of legendary Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna. Norris has long admired Senna's commitment to sportsmanship and fair play, and he is determined to carve out his own path in the sport while upholding these values. By calling for a clean battle with Verstappen, Norris is not only fighting for the championship but also for the preservation of the sport's integrity.Rediscovering the Thrill of Battenkill
A Storied Past, a Promising Future
The Battenkill road race has a rich history, having been a fixture on the domestic racing calendar for 12 years. During its heyday, the event even held UCI 1.2 men's races, with notable victories by Caleb Fairly in 2010 and Francisco Mancebo in 2012. Now, after an eight-year absence, the race is poised to make a comeback, offering both amateur and elite competitions, as well as a gran fondo event.Dieter Drake, the president of Anthem Sports and the driving force behind the event's revival, is excited to bring the Battenkill back to life. "It will be very similar in look and feel to what existed there when we produced the Tour of the Battenkill on many of the same roads years ago: paved and gravel roads, covered bridges, beautiful landscapes," he told Cyclingnews. The courses will feature a mix of gravel and paved surfaces, with approximately 20% of the routes comprising gravel sections, echoing the successful formula of the recently introduced Growler one-day race at Levi's Gran Fondo.
A Harmonious Calendar Fit
The decision to revive the Battenkill was carefully considered to ensure it complements the regional cycling calendar. "The date was set to accommodate the regional calendar for racing and other popular and long-standing cycling events," Drake explained. "It's really important that we support those events first."The Battenkill is strategically scheduled for the second Saturday in May, serving as a prelude to other prominent races, including the Gran Fondo New York. Drake has also expressed optimism about the potential return of the UCI-sanctioned Joe Martin Stage Race, which was postponed in 2024 due to production costs. "I'm hopeful that Battenkill is a good prelude to that great event returning next May," he said.
A Collaborative Effort
The revival of the Battenkill has been a collaborative effort, with Drake working closely with USA Cycling to ensure the event's smooth integration into the regional calendar. "USA Cycling was very accommodating and receptive to the event being added to the regional calendar," he noted.The event's previous organizer, Anthem Sports, had discontinued the Tour of the Battenkill in 2017 after an unsuccessful attempt to upgrade the men's elite race to the UCI level. The event was then taken over by another organization and staged as Tour of the Battenkill gran fondos from Greenwich, New York through this year. Now, with Anthem Sports back at the helm, the Battenkill is poised to reclaim its place as a premier cycling event in the region.
A Diverse Competitive Landscape
The revived Battenkill will offer a range of competitive opportunities, catering to both amateur and elite cyclists. The amateur races will feature various age divisions racing a 100-kilometer course, while the elite races will challenge riders with 120-kilometer courses for women and 180-kilometer courses for men.The return of the Battenkill comes at a time when the cycling landscape in the region is evolving. A Gran Premio New York City was held this past May as a UCI 1.2 event, and a Gran Fondo New York is scheduled for May 18, 2025, just three hours from the Battenkill's Cambridge location. This diverse array of events promises to create a vibrant and engaging cycling scene in the area.
A Scenic Cycling Playground
The Battenkill's appeal extends beyond its competitive nature, as the event promises to showcase the stunning natural beauty of the region. Riders will be treated to a captivating mix of paved and gravel roads, with the added charm of covered bridges and breathtaking landscapes.Drake's vision for the revitalized Battenkill is to recapture the essence of the event's previous editions, where cyclists could immerse themselves in the region's picturesque scenery while pushing their limits on the challenging terrain. "It will be very similar in look and feel to what existed there when we produced the Tour of the Battenkill on many of the same roads years ago," he said, ensuring that the event's unique character remains intact.
Unlock the Secrets to Breeders' Cup Betting Success
Embracing the Evolving Landscape
The Breeders' Cup has come a long way since its inception four decades ago. What was once a simple menu of win, place, show, and exacta bets has now blossomed into a veritable smorgasbord of wagering options, including trifectas, superfectas, rolling doubles, pick 3s, pick 4s, and more. This expansion has made the event even more enticing for gamblers, but it also requires a more nuanced approach to ensure success.One of the key trends to consider is the growing influence of European and Japanese thoroughbreds. In recent years, these international powerhouses have been making their mark on the Breeders' Cup, often outperforming their domestic counterparts. Savvy bettors would do well to keep a close eye on the form and pedigree of these foreign-based contenders, as they may hold the key to unlocking some of the most lucrative payouts.
Additionally, the unique characteristics of the Del Mar racetrack and turf course could play a significant role in determining the outcomes of certain races. Horses with a penchant for early speed may have an advantage on the main dirt track, while those with a preference for inside posts could thrive on the turf. Understanding these track biases and adjusting your betting strategy accordingly can give you a significant edge over the competition.
Honing Your Betting Approach
When it comes to Breeders' Cup betting, the adage "less is more" often rings true. Rather than spreading your wagers across a multitude of races, the experts recommend focusing your action on the few events where you have the most confidence in your opinions.If you strongly believe in a particular horse's chances, consider backing it to win rather than diluting your opinion by including it in a combination bet. Conversely, if you view a race as more wide-open than the general consensus, exploring multi-horse wagers like exactas, trifectas, or superfectas could be a more rewarding strategy.
Discipline and restraint are key when navigating the Breeders' Cup betting landscape. It can be tempting to get caught up in the excitement and chase high-risk, high-reward bets, but this approach often leads to disappointment. By sticking to your most confident opinions and managing your bankroll judiciously, you'll be better positioned to weather the ups and downs of this thrilling event.
Spotting Potential Upsets
While the Breeders' Cup features many of the world's elite racehorses, it's not uncommon for underdogs to emerge victorious. Savvy bettors should keep a keen eye on horses with enticing morning-line odds, as they may hold the key to unlocking some of the most lucrative payouts.In the Classic, for instance, the 4-year-old Arthur's Ride, at 15-1 on the morning line, could be a tempting option. After leading from gate to wire to win the prestigious Whitney Stakes, he'll be looking to bounce back from a disappointing Jockey Club Gold Cup performance and pull off a stunning upset.
Similarly, the California-based Thought Process, a 2-year-old filly trained by Phil D'Amato, could be poised to pull off a surprise in the Juvenile Fillies Turf. With a three-race win streak and 5-2 morning-line odds, she'll be looking to upstage the highly regarded British-based Lake Victoria.
By identifying these potential upsets and incorporating them into your betting strategy, you can position yourself to capitalize on the unexpected and potentially reap outsized rewards.