Team Sky emerged victorious from the first ever Hammer Series at the weekend - and riders and spectators were unanimous in their praise of the race.
The innovative event - created by Velon - was held in the Netherlands and was based on a points accumulation method whereby points were awarded to the first ten riders across the finish line at the end of each lap in both stage one's climb and stage two's sprint.
On Cycling Weekly's Facebook, fans said that there a few issues that need sorting out, but were mainly enthusiastic about the race and also complementary of the live streams and on-screen graphics. Some even noted that it could be the blueprint to attract non-cycling fans into the sport.
Paul Johnston commented: "I watched all three. The Facebook livestream was great access.
"I found it all highly entertaining and exciting racing. Everyday was a slug-fest and that is always going to be fun to watch. You also weren't sure how it was going to end up points wise so there were some surprises to be had. All around a great race to watch. I hope it continues."
Team Sunweb at the final round of the Hammer Series (Credit: Subweb/Roel Gaj)
(Image credit: Roel Gaj)
Stuart Gardner said: "[It] was exciting... I think the TTT should be on road bikes with drafting allowed... It would add an interesting dynamic of teams having to work with each other... And safer in the finish..."
Jim Williams posted: "It's the 20/20 of cycling and good television for the 'non-cycling' spectator."
Jacob Kilby proposed: "Think they should make it into a European series with 4-5 versions in different countries... then there could be an overall of all the events as well as one overall for the individual events."
Let us know your thoughts in the comment box.
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A freelance sports journalist and podcaster, you'll mostly find Chris's byline attached to news scoops, profile interviews and long reads across a variety of different publications. He has been writing regularly for Cycling Weekly since 2013. In 2024 he released a seven-part podcast documentary, Ghost in the Machine, about motor doping in cycling.
Previously a ski, hiking and cycling guide in the Canadian Rockies and Spanish Pyrenees, he almost certainly holds the record for the most number of interviews conducted from snowy mountains. He lives in Valencia, Spain.
