News archive

Season is over

Despite not having raced a lot during 2010 Fredrik together with his team has decided to end the season early.

- I have been struggelng all year to find good form. Despite not having raced a lot, I have still spent a lot of energy trying to get form over and over again. Together with the team we decided to end the season early, in order to get some extra recovery time before starting to work on the preparations towards 2011. 

Clàsica San Sebastian ends early with stomach cramps.

Fredrik was on the startline of todays 30th edition of the Clàsica San Sebastian. This years edition saw the riders doing the two major climbs twice, before heading back to San Sebastian for the finish. Despite feeling good during the first part of the race, Fredrik had to let the main pack go with still 80km due to stomach cramps.
-I felt ok, but half way up the climb I had to slow down as my stomach was aching too much. I'm certain it's something I've eaten the night or morning before the race. It sucks, but hey, life goes on, Fredrik says.

Brixia Tour

Today Fredrik and the Team Garmin Transitions will start in the stage race Brixia Tour in Brescia, Italy.

Follow the race on: www.brixiatour.com  

Building up for second part of the season

After having competed in Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, GP Nobili and both the national time-trial and road race, Fredrik took a week off the bike.

Next race Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

After a long break Fredrik will return to racing beginning of June in the French stage race Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, between the 6th and 13th of June.

- I have tried to listen to my body and I now feel a lot better than I did a month ago. I hope to be back in an ok condition in June to progress from there for the rest of the season, Fredrik says.

No Giro di Italia for Fredrik

Fredrik together with the team decided Fredrik will not Giro di Italia during the coming weeks.

- I have had a really hard time finding my form during the spring. The season is long and my focus will now be to come back for the later part of the season, Fredrik says.

The calendar will be updated as soon as Fredrik's program it determend.

Pais Vasco

After suffering from the crash in Volta ao Algarve and from another crash during training, were Fredrik broke a rib, Fredrik has also lately been struggling from over training due to a hard 2009 season and an ambitious winter training. Fredrik has been forced to resting and recovery during the last couple of weeks.

Fredriks 2010 racing program has, and will have minor changes.

Fredrik will race in Pais Vasco, Spain, this week, a race he will purely have to see as training.

Volta ao Algarve

The 2010 season could have started better for Fredrik. He was not able to follow the front group on the 2nd stage of Volta ao Algarve and on the 3rd stage Fredrik suffered from a crash and was taken to hospital.

-There was a guy who crashed in front of me and I had no chance to stop. The crash was not that bad, but I landed on my face.

-I received stitches on face and ear, but for the rest I am fine. Now I am even more motivated to go home and train to come back and do better in the next races. Fredrik said after the race.

Team Garmin-Transitions’ team kit unveiled

The new team kit design for Team Garmin-Transitions in 2010 was on display in the opening criterium of the Tour Down Under in Adelaide, Australia.

Fans of the Argyle Armada can purchase kits and other select team gear from the team online store starting now!

More team items will be added soon, so keep checking back to: shopslipstreamsports.com

Training has begun

Fredrik spent last week in Girona, Spain, on his first training camp with his new team, Garmin-Transitions. - The whole team was not present, but it was very nice to meet a few of the other guys and most of the staff; Fredrik says.

The program for next year’s spring is also preliminary set. Fredrik will start in Algarve, Portugal in February.  Then do Paris-Nice, and possibly Volta Catalunya, before doing Fleche Wallone and Liege-Bastonge-Liege. Then, in May, for the second time he will ride the Giro d’Italia.

Happy Holidays !

Time to rest

After over 100 racing days for Fredrik during 2009, it has been a hard first year as a road rider, and it's now time for a well deserved break.

- It has been a very hard but fun year for me. In every single race I have started I have learnt something. I have done some mistakes but also earned some results and I am happy that I took the chance to try it on the road, which is something I have always been dreaming about. I am very grateful to Daniele Nardello, Mauro Gianetti and Alvaro Crespi, who gambled and took me on the team. I wish them and the rest of the Fuji-Servetto Team all the best! And I would like to thank them for the 2009 season.

As reported earlier Fredrik has signed a new contract for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, with the American team, Garmin-Transitions.

- When Jonathan Vaughters contacted me and offered me a spot in the team, I was immediately interested. Everything about the team attracts me. I will go to Girona, Spain, for the first training camp in early December and I really look forward meeting my new team mates.

Fredrik 6th in Giro dell Emilia

The Scandinavian riders had a great day in todays 92nd edition of Giro dell Emilia, Bologna, Italy, by finishing 2nd, 3rd and 6th.

With 20km to go a front group of four riders broke away and held the gap until the finish. The group included former team mates of Fredrik, Jakob Fuglsang and Thomas Lövkvist and eventual winner Robert Gesink.

At 10km to go Fredrik alone attacked the chasing group and tried to over bridge the gap. He did not manage to do so, but was only caught by World Champion Cadel Evans with a few hundred meters to go and finished 6th.

Tomorrow Fredrik will participate in GP Beghelli.

Below are the final kilometers of the race.

World Championships not a success

The world Championships did not turn out to be what Fredrik had hoped for.

With two and a half laps to go Fredrik was involved in a crash, forcing him to wait for the service car to change bicycle.

- I am disappointed that I didn't get a chance to try my legs. The crash forced me to change bike at the worst moment possible. With only two laps to go, the race was just about to start.

Fredrik will continue to race a few more races before his well deserved break, starting with Giro dell'Emilia on Saturday.

Interview on cyclingnews.com

Fredrik was interviewed at the start of yesterdays stage of the Vuelta Espana. Saying; "I'm doing OK, but I'm not in great form,".

"I'm also in the Swedish team for the Worlds. Of course, I've got to get through the rest of the Vuelta and if I do have really good legs one day then I will try to get into a break. But I don't want to push myself too hard, I need to save my head as I'm mentally tired, so in all likelihood I'll just hold back and sit in the gruppetto."

"I know the course at Mendrisio well and I also know that it should suit me if I'm riding well. There's lots of climbing and if I come out of the Vuelta with good legs then I'll be really looking forward to it."

Fredrik also, commented on next years season, since it's now official that he has signed a deal with Garmin Slipstream. Fredrik says he is looking forward to, together with his new team to develop his qualities, but also saying he has been very happy with Fuji Servetto.

Read the full interview here.

Inside La Vuelta Espana with Fredrik on PezCycling

PezCyclingNews' Edmond Hood made an  interview with Fredrik at the Vuelta Espana, which can now be read on www.pezcyclingnews.com. Fredrik talks about his change to road cycling and his goals and expectations on Vuelta Espana.

Read the article here.

Vuelta España and World Championships

On Wednesday Fredrik will travel to Holland(!) to start in his second Grand Tour of the year, Vuelta España.

 - I don't have any specific goals for the race. I will be trying to help me team with domestic work and go for good results on individual stages; Fredrik says.

Today it was also announced that Fredrik together with Thomas Lövkvist and Markus Ljungkvist will represent Sweden at the at the Worlds Road Race in Mendrisio the week after Vuelta Espana.

Misfortune and bad luck for Fredrik in Poland

Following the crash on stage 2 in Tour of Poland, Fredrik had another day of bad luck, when crashing on the second lap of todays stage. After changing his wheel he was back on the bike, but never managed to get back to the peloton or front group again.

Tour of Poland

Follow Fredrik and the rest of the Fuji-Servetto riders, stage by stage, in Tour of Poland on the Team Fuji-Servetto's website.

Clasica San Sebastian and Tour of Poland

Fredrik finished 43rd, +3.18 , in yesterdays Pro Tour race Clasica Sebastian in Spain. Best of the Fuji Servetto riders did David de la Fuente who was in the front group and  finished 18th.

- The downhills were very wet and slippery and therefore the course became a little bit dangerous. There were lots of crashes involving several of my team-mates. I lost contact with the front group in the last climb. Not much to do about it... I will travel to Poland tomorrow morning(read today) and start Tour of Poland in the afternoon; Fredrik said after the race.

Team Fuji-Servetto at Vuelta Espana 2009

Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport(CAS) has admitted Pro Tour cycling team FUJI-SERVETTO participation in the Vuelta Ciclista a España 2009. The Team received an official confirmation by the authority on Friday evening, claiming a decision in their favour.

Read more on www.fuji-servetto.com .

Tour of Austria

After returning to his home in Switzerland after the Swedish Championships, where Fredrik finished 12th, he went to Austria to participate in Tour of Austria.

Fredrik's main objective was to get back into racing mode and was happy to help his team mates with domestic duties.

As previously scheduled Fredrik will not do Tour of Brixia this week, but will instead focus on training and preparations for the coming races. Please go to Calendar for the full racing schedule.

Watch out for mountainbikers on the road...

A couple of weeks ago cyclingnews.com featured an article about mountainbikers who successfully switched to the road, where Fredrik was presented. Also Fredrik's former Team mate Dane Jakob Fuglsang was presented and followed up the article by winning Tour of Slovenia last week.

In this weeks National TT Championships the mountainbikers keep impressing on the roads. In Sweden young mountainbiker Alexander Wetterhall won with Fredrik in 3rd position. In France, Olympic Silver medalist in XC Jean-Christoph Peraud surprised everyone with his win and in The Czech Rebublic Tereza Hurikova won the women TT.

Earlier this week Fredrik did an interview with Swedish TV, talking about the switch to road cycling and his hopes to ride the World Championship on home turf in Mendrisio this year.

Well deserved rest

After finishing three weeks of racing in Giro di Italia, Fredrik has been resting for a week and will now start training again for the coming races.

 - I am happy with what I achieved in the Giro and have really enjoyed a couple of days on the sofa. I have done 55 days of racing so far this year, compared to 35 days during the 2008 season. Tomorrow the training starts again for the next part of the season, Fredrik says.

Fredrik's next race will be the Swedish Championships in Götene, in South Western Sweden, where Fredrik will represent his swedish club Skara CK.

Interview on Radio Stockholm

Fredrik talks about yesterdays extremly hard stage in Giro d'Italia, the coming week and what the riders do during a rest day on Radio Stockholm.

Listen to the interview here (in swedish).

Happy Birthday Fredrik!

Fredrik was celebrated at the start of today's stage of Giro d'Italia.

Fuji-Servetto to the Giro d'Italia

FUJI-SERVETTO has chosen the nine riders that will take part at the start of the 92nd Giro d’Italia, which starts on Saturday, May the 9th at Lido di Venezia. Stefano Zanini, Sabino Angoitia and Daniele Nardello will be the team managers, while Fredrik Kessiakoff and Eros Capecchi will be the riders leading the squad, as the 9-man team is completed by Ricardo Serrano, Iker Camaño, Jesús del Nero, Ángel Gomez, Alberto Fernández de la Puebla, Héctor González and Davide Vigano.

 - It's both with excitement and respect that I look forward to the Giro. It's my first race ever with more than 9 stages and I have no idea how my body will react. This is a long time dream of mine coming true!

9th overall in Tour de Romandie

Fredrik finished in the peloton in the last stage of Tour de Romandie and thereby also kept his overall 9th position.

Fredrik will now rest for a couple of days before the Giro d'Italia starts on Saturday.

Fredrik 4th at today's stage of Tour de Romandie!

Today's queen stage of Tour de Romandie was held in cold and rainy conditions. Fredrik stayed very active during the final 50km. Fredrik finished 4th and went up to 9th position overall.

 - I wanted to try something today, I've had good legs the last couple of days, but not been able to show it. Today I went for it, and although it wasn't a complete success, I am happy to have tried; Fredrik said after the race.

For a full race report, go to http://www.fuji-servetto.com/.

Big time loss for the Fuji-Servetto squad at the TTT in Tour de Romandie

The Fuji-Servetto Team lost over a minute in todays team time trial stage at Tour de Romandie.

The team started without De la Fuente who didn't finish yesterdays stage due to asthma issues. During the race several of the riders suffered from mechanical issues and the squad didn't find the rythm needed to perform well.

Tour de Romandie stage 3

Stage results

1. Oscar Freire Gomez (Rabobank) 4.06.56 
2. Frantisek Rabon (Columbia) s.t.          
3. Assan Bazayev (Astana) s.t.         

16. Fredrik Kessiakoff (Fuji-Servetto) s.t.

General classification
 
1. Gregory Rast (Astana)     6.19.13
2. Ricardo Serrano (Fuji-Servetto) +0.06
3. Lars Ytting Bak (Team Saxo Bank ) +0.12

16. Fredrik Kessiakoff (Fuji-Servetto) +0.38

Victory to Fuji Servetto through Serrano!

On stage 1 of Tour de Romandie, the Fuji-Servetto squad earned a great success by the victory of Riccardo Serrano. Serrano out-sprinted his two break-away companions, who broke away already after 22km.

Fredrik finished in 21st place, in the big group 31 sec behind the winner. Fredrik is now in 19th place in the overall classification, +0.39.

Tour de Romandie

The Swiss stage race "Tour de Romandie" started today with a prologue, where Fredrik finished in 17th place, +0.06.

The Fuji Servetto Team will represented by:

181 Fredrik Kessiakoff (Swe)        
182 Iker Camano (Spa)               
183 Ermanno Capelli (Ita)           
184 Juan Jose Cobo (Spa)           
185 David De La Fuente (Spa)     
186 Angel Gomez (Spa)               
187 Josep Jufre (Spa)               
188 Ricardo Serrano (Spa)

Amstel Gold Race

Results Amstel Gold Race

1. Serguei Ivanov (Katusha) 6.38.31

2. Karsten Kroon (Saxo Bank) s.t.

3. Robert Gesink  (Cervelo) +0.08

...

51. Fredrik Kessiakoff +4.30

Buy your own Fuji-Servetto outfit!

Show your support for the Fuji Servetto riders and buy your own Fuji-Servetto outfit here!

Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco

After loosing some time on stage 1 in Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco, Fredrik showed a great performance in the 3rd stage and finished 9th, +55 sec behind winner Alberto Contador.

“I climbed well, but suffered again from bad positioning in the peloton, I came a bit late at the turn that marked the start of the climb and Astana did a strong start, so the group got cut and the gaps formed there were impossible to bridge. I kept a good pace and kept overall leader [Luis Leon Sanchez] as the reference.”

In the last days time trial Fredrik finished 25th and climbed up to 15th position overall.

Fredrik returns to racing

After a well deserved break after Milano-Sanremo, Fredrik will return to racing in tomorrow's Gran Premio Miguel Indurain, Estella, Spain.

And on Monday he will start in the Pro Tour stage race Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco .

Milano-Sanremo

Results Milano-Sanremo

1. Mark Cavendish (Columbia) 6.42.31

2. Heinrich Haussler (Cervelo) s.t.

3. Thor Hushovd (Cervelo) s.t.

...

105. Fredrik Kessiakoff +8.19

Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 7

On today's final stage of Tirreno-Adriatico Fredrik finished in the peloton, on the same time as winner Mark Cavendish (Columbia).

In the over-all classification Fredrik finished 54th, +33.04, after winner Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni).

Fredrik's next race is already on Saturday when he will race the Italian classic "Milano-Sanremo".

Results Stage 6

1. Mark Cavendish (Columbia) 4.09.46.

2. Tayler Farrar (Garmin) s.t.

3. Baden Cooke (Vacansoleil) s.t.

...

97. Fredrik Kessiakoff s.t.

Tirreno Adriatico Stage 6

After 7.07.06 Fredrik finished today's 230km long stage in the peloton that, was distanced with over 30 min.

Results Stage 6

1. Michele Scarponi (Diquigiovanni) 6.36.
2. Stefano Garzelli (Acqua Sapone) +00.01
3. Ivan Basso (Liquigas) +00.03
...

110. Fredrik Kessiakoff +30.54

Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 5

Fredrik finished 12th, +1.04, after winner Klöden (Astana) in todays time-trial stage of Tirreno Adriatico.

- I tried the time trial bike for the first time ever this morning and it felt awful. We did a few adjustments and the feeling on the bike this afternoon was a lot better. It was the first time for me on a time trial bike in years, and it differs a lot from mountainbiking... I am happy with todays result but to improve I need to get a lot more time on the time-trial bike, Fredrik said after the race.

Results Stage 5

1. Andreas Klöden (Astana) 0.41.32

2. Stijn Devolder (Quickstep) +0.20

3. Tomas Lövqvist (Columbia) +0.21

...

12. Fredrik Kessiakoff (Fuji-Servetto) +1.04

Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 4

Unfortunately Fredrik had another day of bad luck in today's stage of Tirreno Adriatico. With 30 km to go Fredrik had another crash and lost contact with the front group as the peloton split up after the crash.

Fredrik worked hard to get back to the front group but, ended + 1.38 after winner Rodriguez.

Results Stage 4

1. Joaquin Rodriguez (Caisse d'eparange) 4.11.41

2. Davide Rebellin (Diquigiovanni) +0.06

3. Tomas Lövqvist (Columbia) +0.10

...

33. Fredrik Kessiakoff (Fuji-Servetto) +1.38

Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 3

The third day of the "Corsa dei Due Mari" was raced over a 166-km route from Fucecchio to Santa Croce sull’Arno today. As expected the stage finished with a sprint. American Tyler Farrar (Garmin) surprised all the favorite sprinters and won the stage. French rider Julien El Farès (Cofidis) is still in the leaders jersey, while Fredrik and Fuji Servetto teammate Eros Capecchi are 25 seconds down, but with the same time as the main favorites of the overall win.

Tomorrow's stage includes the gruelling and mythical  climb of Montelupone, a real wall of 1.7 km, reaching 21% at it's steepest point.

Results Stage 3

1. Tyler Farrar (Garmin) 3.53.48

2. Mark Cavendish (Columbia) s.t.

3. Enrico Rossi (Ceramica Flaminia) s.t.

...

88. Fredrik Kessiakoff (Fuji-Servetto) s.t.

Bad luck for Fredrik in stage 2

Ermanno Capelli did a great job for the Fuji Servetto team today by staying in a breakaway for 150km! 

But the stage did not become easy for Fredrik.

 - I don't know what happened, but I crashed just before the last climb of the stage, so I had to chase the peloton all the way up the mountain, and just managed to make it back to the peloton. I am so disappointed...  I had to waste so much energy just to make it back to the peloton, Fredrik said after the stage.

The roads were very narrow and slippery on todays stage, with lots of marble dust covering the roads, causing several different crashes, involving all three Swedes (Lövqvist, Ljungqvist and Kessiakoff) in the race.

Results Stage 2

1. Alessandro Petacchi (LPR) 4.32.43

2. Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) s.t.

3. Koldo Fernandez (Euskatel) s.t.

...

59. Fredrik Kessiakoff (Fuji-Servetto) s.t.

Fredrik Gets PEZ'd!

Gordon Cameron of PezCycling News made an interview with Fredrik prior to his debut as a pro-roadcyclist in Tour de Langkawi, that can now be read on www.pezcyclingnews.com.

Click here, to go direct to the interview! 

Tirreno-Adriatico Stage 1

In stage 1 of Tirreno-Adriatico Fredrik finished 35th, +12 seconds behind winner El Fares, who beat his escape companion in the sprint.

Fredrik finished in the front group, of about 40 riders, together with most of the favorites of the general classification.

Results Stage 1

1. Julien El Fares (Cofidis) 3.34.03

2. Vladimir Duma (Ceramica Flaminia) s.t.

3. Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) +0.12

...

35. Fredrik Kessiakoff (Fuji-Servetto) s.t.

Will the Fuji Servetto Team ride Tirreno-Adriatico? UPDATED

The Fuji Servetto Team now on the official start list!

The Fuji Servetto Team line up for Tirreno Adriatico:

241 Camano Ortuzar Iker ESP

242 Capecchi Eros ITA

243 Capelli Ermanno

244 De La Fuente Rasilla David ESP

245 Del Nero Montes Jesus ESP

246 Kessiakoff Fredrik SWE

247 Nardello Daniele ITA

248 Vigano Davide ITA

Will the Fuji Servetto Team ride Tirreno-Adriatico?

Earlier tonight CAS confirmed the Fuji Servetto Team's right to start in the Tirreno-Adriatico. The organization of the race has however not yet given the riders their numbers for tomorrow's race.

The Fuji Servetto riders left late this afternoon for Cecina, still doubting if they will be allowed to race or not.

So...we will all find out tomorrow at 12.30 when the race starts if Fredrik will participate or not....

The Fuji-Servetto website now online!

The Fuji-Servetto Team website was launched today. Please go to www.fuji-servetto.com/ for the latest news on the Team.

Calendar updated

With the Fuji Servetto Team now racing the Tirreno-Adriatico Fredrik will be on the start line again already on the 11th of March, in Cecina.

Fredrik will after that take a break, which means he will not do the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali, previously on his schedule.

Giro del Friuli Venezia Giulia

In heavy rain the 31st edition of Giro del Friuli Venezia Giulia, was held today.

The peloton split up on the last climb, and a group of about 30 riders broke away. With Fuji-Servetto rider Eros Capecchi in the front group, the rest of the Fuji Servetto riders only had to watch their contenders in the peloton and hope for a good sprint from Capecchi.

Fredrik finshed in the second group that finished just seconds behind the front group.

Fredrik will now have a little break until next race, Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali, the 25th-29th of March.

Results
1° Mirco  LORENZETTO (Lampre Ngc) 4.38.00
2° Grega Bole (Team Aeronautica Militare Amica Chips Knauf)
3° Manuel Belletti (Diquigiovanni Androni)

21° Eros Capecchi (Fuji-Servetto)

?? Fredrik Kessiakoff (Fuji-Servetto) +

Photos from Gran Premio dell'Insubria

Photos from Saturdays Gran Premio dell'Insubria.

Copyright: Ti-Press

Fredrik 6th at GP Lugano

On a rainy and cold Sunday, the 63rd edition of Gran Premio di Lugano took place today. With four climbs per lap, riders were being dropped from the first kilometer. With half a lap to go, out of the five Fredrik was in the front group which consisted of about 30 riders. On the last climb, Fredrik attacked and caught the last escapees of the day. On the last descent the eventual winner, Rémi Pauriol, and Davide Rebellin managed to get away. Fredrik finished 4th in the chasing group, 3 seconds behind.

- I am happy I was able to show I had some power left after Saturdays escape. I gave it a go in the last climb, but did not make it...but I will keep on trying. Fredrik said after the race.         

1. Remi Pauriol (Fra)                  4.34.46
2. Davide Rebellin (Ita)
3. Simon Gerrans (Aus)              0.03
4. Francesco Reda (Ita)                 
5. Peter Velits (Svk)                 
6. Fredrik Kessiakoff (Swe)     
7. Daniel Navarro (Ita)                     
8. Ben Swift  (Gbr)                      0.16 
9. Fabian Wegmann (Ger)               
10. Christian Knees (Ger)               
11. Damiano Cunego (Ita)                   
12. Giuseppe De Maria (Ita)

Good friend Gustav Larsson came to cheer for Fredrik.

Long breakaway for Fredrik in Gran Premio dell' Insubria

Only 18 km into todays race, Fredrik togheter with David Loosli (Lampre) and Ronny Scholz(Team Milram) went away in the breakaway that would lead the race during most of the day. When the trio, 52km into the race, finished the 2008 World Championships circuit in Varese, they had a lead of 7.45 min.

Only 5km from the finish the trio was caught.

- When we were caught, I really tried to stay in the bunch, but.....no after 150km in a breakaway my legs said it was enough for today at the last climb in Lugano, Fredrik said.

Fredrik won the "Gran premio della montagna" in Cunardo, in honor of Alfredo Binda.

Trofeo Laigueglia - learning by mistakes...

Saturday Fredrik rode his first European race as a pro at the "Trofeo Laigueglia", Italy, where he finished 59th.

- I felt ok during the race, although it was a very nervous peloton during most of the race. This caused me not to dare to go down and get water from the service car, as I had to fight for every position in the peleton. By the time the final climb started I was out of water, still with 50km to go. I managed to finish with the second group, although quite dehydrated. This is a mistake I should not have to make again. Every race is a new experience, and every race adds routine, Fredrik said after the race.

Next race will be on home turf, when Fredrik will ride GP Lugano and GP dell'Insubria, coming weekend.

2009 Spring Calendar Updated

Fredrik's spring race schedule has now been updated and can be found under "Calendar". Fredrik's next race is already coming weekend in Laigueglia, Italy.

Fredrik 4th overall at Tour de Langkawi

In his first race in the Fuji Servetto jersey , Fredrik finished 4th overall at the Tour de Langakwi in Malaysia. It was on stage 5, the queen stage of the race, on the gruelling and mythical climb up to Gentings Highland, that Fredrik showed he is someone to watch out for also on the road, by finishing 4th, 44 second after winner Serpa.

"In many ways, that's what I hoped for," Fredrik said after the race. "I had high expectations, but I also have to be realistic. To be a climber in cycling is something special. Friday's race somehow proves that what I've done in mountain biking is valid also for me as a road rider."

"I also have to thank Daniele Nardello who I often train with", Fredrik said. "He pushed the management of the Fuji-Servetto team to hire me. It was a gamble for them. They didn't know what they were getting. At the age of 28, I don't have many years for learning the job."

Overall results:

1 SERPA PEREZ Jose Rodolfo SDA 24:22:12

2 CRAWFORD Jai AUS 24:22:39 +00:27

3 RODRIGUEZ Jackson SDA 24:22:59 +00:47

4 KESSIAKOFF Fredrik FUJ 24:23:06 +00:54

5 TSCHOPP Johann BBO 24:23:34 +01:22

For more info and photos go to: www.ltdl.com.my

Fuji Servetto Pro Tour Team presented

Yesterday evening the Fuji Servetto Pro Tour Team was presented in Cecina, Toscany, Italy. The evening was hosted by former World Champion Paolo Bettini and the presentation was lead by famous cycling TV commentator Davide Cassani.

Team Camp and racing debut for Fredrik in February

Today the first Team camp of the Fuji- Servetto Pro Tour Team will start in Cecina, Tuscany, Italy. The team will train together for a week and on Thursday the official Team presentation will take place.

Fredrik will however leave Tuscany already on Friday for Malaysia and his first race in the Fuji-Servetto jersey, in Tour de Langkawi.

2009

Yesterday I finally signed a one year contract with the ”Fuji-Servetto” Protour team. I have been in contact with the team for quite some time, but things were not finalized until yesterday the 29th of December.
The reason I have decided to make this transition is simple. It has been a dream of mine for many years. What I have achieved in mountainbiking has also helped me take the leap, especially my world cup win in 2007 in Maribor and my bronze medals at the worlds- and European championships.
One thing has to be said, making the leap has not been easy, as leaving mountain biking with such a disappointing season was never my intention. Most disappointing of all of course has to be the Olympics, where I went to fight for a medal, but ended up struggling even to finish the race.
I have decided to take this road adventure step by step, learning and doing without pressure. Two years should give me a good indicator as to whether the road is for me or not. In other words, I am not necessarily saying goodbye to mountain biking forever.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have been part of my mountainbike career so far. A big “thank you” to my family and my girlfriend Maria for always being there for me. To Andreas for the great adventures, to Markus and Alex for giving me the opportunity, to Jan ten Tusscher who keeps believing in me, to Allan and Daniel for all the support and to everyone else out there who has been involved.

Fredrik named "Best Swedish Male Mountainbikerider of the Year"

At an award ceremony last Saturday in Jönköping, Sweden, Fredrik was awared "Best Swedish Male Mountainbikerider of the Year". Fredrik was unfortunately not able to attend, but is happy winning the award for the third time in a row.

Fredrik just started his winter training after a well deserved rest and will in the next couple of weeks release his plans for the 2009 season.

Tough times...

The Olympic result was of course a big disappointment for Fredrik.
- All the preparations went perfect and the start of the race was good. But when I started to feel that i didn't have the legs to take a medal I lost it all... It has been a very tough period for me since the Olympics. However, I would like to thank all of you who have sent e-mails and text messages to support me. Also a big thanks to my family who came over to give me their support.
Unfortunately I will not race in the World Cup final in Schladming this weekend. Instead I will race in Italy together with my team, Fredrik says.

Fredrik is on his way to China!

Fredrik left for China earlier today and will be landing in Beijing tomorrow morning and go directly to the Swedish cycling camp about 100km outside Beijing.

Dont forget to check Fredrik's blog on, www.fkessiakoff.blogspot.com, and leave a comment!

Fredrik and Lenovo for the Olympics!

From today on and during the Olympics Fredrik will keep a blog together with Lenovo on www.fkessiakoff.blogspot.com.

Fredrik is at the moment up in the Italian mountains for his final preparations before he goes  to Beijing the 12th of August.

Dont forget to watch Fredrik's Olympic race on the 23rd of August at 9 o'clock in the morning central European time!

Swedish Championships XCO

Fredrik became today again Swedish Champion XCO.

Swedish Championships

Fredrik won today's Swedish Championships Mountainbike Time trial, in Norberg.

Yesterday Fredrik was the guest at the talkshow "Gomorron Sverige" (Good Morning Sweden) ........

See the interview:

Fredrik 5th at the World Championships - UPDATED

Fredrik finished 5th at the 2008 cross-country World Championships in Commezzadura, Italy. After a strong start, Fredrik stayed with eventuall winner Christoph Sauser and 2nd place Florian Vogel.

Bad start, but strong finish in Fort William

After some problems at the start Fredrik had a really bad first lap and went out on the second lap in 45th position.

Fredrik 10th in Andorra

Fredrik finished 10th at todays World Cup race in Andorra.

7th at the European Championships

Fredrik finished 7 th at todays European Championships in Sankt Wendel, Germany.

Follow the European championships live!

Fredrik will be travelling to Sankt Wendel, Germany today, to compete in this years European championships.

DNF in Madrid due to illness

Fredrik did not finish the 3rd World Cup in Madrid due to illness.

Fredrik will therefore also be resting the coming weekend to prepare for the European Championships in Sankt Wendel, Germany, in two weeks.

Update

It has been a while without updates, but hopefully there will be more news, more often, from now on. Here are some of Fredriks latest races and results:

Italian cup Brescia

First Italian cup in 2008 was held in Montichiari, Brescia. Fredrik was able to stay in front group throughout most of the race, and finished 4th.

Prima vittoria 2008!

First victory of the season was taken yesterday, in what was also Fredriks first race of the season.

New Kit

Here is the first photo in the Full-Dynamix kit.

Time to change

After four years on a Cannondale I have decided to move on to new challenges.

Busy end of season

It has been a busy "off season" for Fredrik. Although there have been no races and little training, the schedual has been full of obligations.

Finally a World Cup victory!

In the last round of the World Cup, Fredrik achieved one of his long term goals; to win a world cup!

4th at Worlds again

Despite not reaching the podium in this years World Championships Fredrik proved once again his ability to peak for selected races.

No relay at Worlds

There was no Swedish team competing at the worlds relay race today, Tuesday. Fredrik's bike did not arrive in time from his final worlds test race in Basel, Switzerland.

Victory at the German Bundesliga Final

Fredrik took an impressive win at the final race of the Bundesliga Cup in Bad Salzdetfurth. In a man-to-man fight he beat Olympic- and World Champion Julien Absalon.

Fredrik 8th at the Marathon Worlds

Fredrik did a solid race at the Marathon World Championships in Verviers, Belgium and finished 8th.

Victory at the Swedish Championships

Fredrik gets to wear the Swedish champion jersey for one more year.

Bronze at European Championships!

The weather was relatively good for racing compared to the previous couple of days which had temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. The course was dusty and tricky and consisted of 6 laps.

(ph. Michele Torretta / solobike.it)

Bike Infection Kaprun

Fredrik finished 4th in this years Bike Infection in Kaprun.

Fredrik on the podium in St Felicien

Fredrik finished in 3rd place on todays World Cup in St Felicien, Canada. This was Fredriks first spot on the podium since the World Cup in Fort William 2005, where he also finished 3rd.

World Cup #4 Mont Saint Anne

Fredrik finished 6th in the 4th World Cup in Mont Saint Anne Canada, yesterday evening. Spanish and French rider Hermida and Absalon attacked early, while Fredrik was in the chasing group all through the race. On the last lap the chasing group split up and Fredrik could finish in 6th place, 2.53 behind Absalon.

World Cup #3 Champery

Fredrik did not have one of his steller days in Champery, Switzerland today.

Fredrik had a complete off-day. After almost 2½ hours of suffering he finally ended on 42nd place.

But he showed an admirable fighting spirit and will be motivated to get a top performance in the next two World Cups in Candada on June 24 (Mont Ste. Anne) and July 1 (St. Felicien).

World Cup #3 Champery

Toworrow the #3 round of the UCI Mountainbike World Cup 2007 will be held in Champery, Switzerland.

The mens race starts at 14:00. For live coverage go to german website: www.bikesportnews.de.

5th and final stage of Ringerike GP

On the last stage of Ringerike Grand Prix Fredrik finished in the front group, in 13th place. Overall Fredrik finished 11th. 

For more info about the race go to: www.rgp.no or www.syklingensverden.com.

Stage #4 Ringerike GP

Today’s stage was for a change held in sunshine and good weather conditions. Mountainbiker and former team-mate of Fredrik, Peter Riis Andersen won the stage. Fredrik finished in the front group together with Riis and came in 17th. 

In the overall standing Fredrik is now in 12th position.

Stage #3 Ringerike GP

With heavy rain and 7 degrees all through todays stage, Fredrik had a hard day at work. He finished 18th and lost almost 4 minutes to the stage winner, Evald Boasson Hagen. 

Fredrik is now 13th in the overall standing, 04:02 after Boasson Hagen.

Stage #2 Ringerike GP

On the second stage of Ringerike GP Fredrik finished 22nd. After an attack in the last climb, youngster Evald Boasson Hagen managed once again to escape from the peleton and take the victory. Six seconds down came Fredrik in the bunch.

Fredrik is now 11th overall, 9 seconds behind Boasson Hagen, but still with the same time as the 2nd placed rider. 

Stage #1 Ringerike GP

Fredrik finished 6th on todays stage in Ringerike Grand Prix. The Norwegian rider Evald Boasson Hagen won the stage after an attack on the last kilometer. Three seconds down Fredrik finished 5th in the bunch sprint.

For more info and live coverage from the race go to: www.syklingensverden.com.

Program Ringerike Grand Prix

Wednesday May 30 - 1. Stage: Start at 12:00 h. Beitostølen - Beitostølen(160.0 km)

Thursday May 31 – 2. Stage: Start at 12:00 h Fagernes - Vik i Hole (157.0 km )

Friday June 1 – 3. Stage: Start at 12:00 h Hønefoss - Kleivstua (129,0 km )

Saturday June 2 – 4. Stage: Start at 12:00 h Hønefoss - Hønefoss (168.0 km )

Sunday June 3 – 5. Stage: Start at 10:00 h Hønefoss - Hønefoss (160,6 km )

2# World Cup Offenburg

In a rainy Offenburg Fredrik had a bad day and did not finish the race due to a crash on the first lap. Fredrik is now down to 12th position in the overall World Cup. Next World Cup will be held in Champery, Switzerland in two weeks. 

Marathon Bike Brianza

After the race in Lugagnano Fredrik together with his teammate Jakob Fuglsang went up to northern Italy to do a marathon race in Brianza, Lecco. On a nice course Fredrik finished 7th despite having a crash in the last kilometer.

Victory for Fredrik in Lugagnano

On Saturday the last round of the Italian Cup was held in Lugagnano Val d’Arda, close to Piacenza. Fredrik had to start in the second row but managed to get up in the front group on the second of the eight laps. On the last lap Fredrik attacked Yader Zoli and crossed the finish line as the winner.

Swisspower Cup #4 Hasliberg

Yesterday Fredrik took another spot on the podium finishing in 3rd place in the windy Swisspower Cup race in Hasliberg, Switzerland.

Race Update

The last ten days Fredrik has been on a training camp in Italy with his team, Cannondale-Vredestein. During the training camp they also participated in two races.

Fifth in the first World Cup 2007

This weekend the first round of the 2007 world cup was held in Houffalize, Belgium. After a hard day at the office, Fredrik managed to cross the finishline in fifth position.

Easter on the road

Once again Fredrik spent easter Saturday on the roadbike in Affoltern a.A.

Fredrik second in Schaan

Fredrik finished second in the first round of the Swisspower cup in Schaan, Liechtenstein. Fredrik finished 1.03 behind Julien Absalon.

Fredrik down with the flu

Fredrik has been diagnosed with the flu and will also miss the Cape Epic.

No race this weekend due to illness

Unfortunately Fredrik has become ill and has been forced to cancel his participation in the first Italian cup of the year in Sardinia, Italy.

First races done

Fredrik just finished his first races in 2007 on the island of Cyprus. Two victorys, a third place and a tenth place are the first results of the new season.

Training camp

Fredrik just finished his first training camp towards the 2007 season. This year, Fredrik and 3 other members of the Swedish Olympic committee spent 10 days near Granada, Spain. Next trip will be to Cyprus, for the first race of the season on the 25 of February. The picture below was taken on the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain. 

Team Presentation