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Gigante crowned Queen of Willunga – Live coverage

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Profile of stage 3 of the 2024 Women

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Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal) dominates on Willunga Hill to win the third stage and the overall of 2024 Women’s Tour Down Under

WILLUNGA HILL AUSTRALIA JANUARY 14 Sarah Gigante of Australia and AG Insurance Soudal Team celebrates at finish line as stage winner during the 8th Santos Womens Tour Down Under 2024 Stage 3 a 934km stage from Adelaide to Willunga Hill 370m UCIWWT on January 14 2024 in Willunga Hill Australia Photo by Tim de WaeleGetty Images

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What a gigantic ride by Gigante who claims the overall victory at the 2024 Women’s Tour Down Under.

Nienke Vinke takes second. Neve Bradbury (Canyon-Sram) outsprints Amanda Spratt for third.

Sarah Gigante is the queen of Willunga Hill and wins stage 3! 

Gigante is being chased by 19-year old Nienke Vinke (dsm-firmenich PostNL). Behind them is Spratt and Neve Bradbury (Canyon-Sram).

Uttrup Ludwig is popped. 

1.5km to go. Gigante keeps on pushing the pace at the front with 8 seconds to chase group with Uttrup Ludwig and Spratt.

Uttrup Ludwig has now dropped to third wheel. Spratt is fighting back.

Gigante goes again and drops everyone with 2.3km to go! Disarray in the peloton.

Gigante’s acceleration draws six riders with her. Uttrup Ludwig is on her wheel.Gaps are opening at the front!

Gigante comes to the front followed by Uttrup Ludwig. Gaps opens to Edwards who fights to get back on.

3km to go

Fight for position at the bottom of Willunga Hill! 

4km to go – Lidl-Trek’s Lauretta Hanson is putting the hammer down, and it strings the peloton out.  Lots of damage at the back.

Here comes dsm-firmenich PostNL at the front for their protected rider Francesca Barale who is wearing the best young rider jersey

7km to go

Canyon-Sram swarms to the front, taking over from Lidl-Trek. Gigante is yo-yoing back to front. 

Block headwind with less than 9km to go. Lidl-Trek’s Elynor Backstedt is at the front of peloton as they squeeze on by the cars on the side of the road.

Around 7km to the bottom of Willunga Hill, with a lull in the peloton.

Crash at the back of the peloton on a tight right-hand corner. Kate Richardson (Lifeplus Wahoo) went down and quickly gets up and is back on her bike.

15km to go

FDJ-Suez at the front of the peloton heading to the famous Willunga Hill. 

With the time bonuses in today’s stage, Roseman-Gannon and Wlodarczyk are tied atop the virtual general classification, one second ahead of Uttrup Ludwig.

Results of the second intermediate sprint:

1 – Dominika Wlodarczyk (UAE Team ADQ)

2- Georgia Baker (Liv AlUla Jayco)

3- Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco)

Our own Simone Giuliani., Cyclingnews’ Australia editor reports that it was gusty in the exposed sections on the climb up Willunga, making the branches of the eucalyptus trees sway as the views over the countryside opened up.

Defending champion Brown is setting the pace for her teammate, leader into the stage Uttrup Ludwig.

25 km to go

Reduced peloton all together with a moment of calm before the final climb up Willunga.

Luckily all the riders avoided the dog on the road with some riders going on the grass! 

30 km to go

Strong winds are causing havoc for some of the riders in the field.

Roseman-Gannon is now tied with Uttrup Ludwig atop the general classification. One more chance to get time bonus seconds with the second intermediate sprint coming up before the final up Willungsa Hill.

Tiffany Cromwell (Canyon-Sram) is pushing the pace at the front, causing havoc for the climbers in the crosswinds. And another turn and change of wind direction.

Gigante got in trouble in the crosswinds. She was dropped and only has one teammate Ally Wollaston to bring her back. Brown is also driving the chase. Gigante used a lot of energy to catch back on before the right turn.

Gigante is about 7th wheel from the back and her teammates are trying to bring her back up in the windy conditions. Grace Brown (FDJ-Suez) is also caught out.

Fight for control at the front between FDJ-Suez, Lidl-Trek, Human Powered Health, UAE Team ADQ and Liv AlUla Jayco with cross-tailwind pushing them on the road. The other teams also coming to the front. 

Lidl-Trek drives the peloton speeding on the road. The break was gobbled up. Riders calling off the pace in the back.

Two riders attack off the front into a headwind and it’s deja vu as Fityus and Dale give it another go. No response from the peloton.

Fityus crosses the line first on the uphill to the intermediate sprint line in the Township of Willunga head of Dale.

Roseman-Gannon jumped from the teammate’s wheel to take third and the all-important time bonus seconds.

Coming upon 4km is the first intermediate sprint of the day at Willunga, with the all-important time bonus seconds on offer as well as sprint points.

50 km to go

Breakaway caught just before the feedzone. Liv AlUla Jayco comes to the front to calm things down.

Fight for position in the peloton with a change of direction coming up. FDJ-Suez at the front and Visma-Lease a Bike takes over the pace making.

Washing machine is started to take place in the field. Lots of movement to stay at the front. Winds eased for now with the field spread across the road. No urgency to reel back in the three riders at the front.

Right on cue. The Dutch teams come to the front with crosswinds expected soon. Fight for position in the peloton who is keeping the three-rider breakaway close at 27 seconds. 

No reaction from the peloton with Fityus the best-placed rider on GC, sitting in 44th place, 48 seconds down.

Dale attacks again with Haylee Fuller (BridgeLane) and Lucie Fityus  (ARA – Slip Capital) jumping on her wheel with 70km to go.

75km to go

Peloton caught the early break of four riders, and FDj-Suez is a the front to control for the ochre jersey of Uttrup Ludwig.

And it’s all back together. 

And now we have four riders together off the front. Ragusa, Edwards, Dale and Edwards are together with a 32-second lead on an uncategorized climb.  Peloton is keeping them on a short leash.

One more rider, Stine Dale (Coop-Repsol) jumps to chase the three riders off the front as the trees swirl around in the wind.

Ricardo easily bridges up to the break, making it three off the front with a gas of 30 seconds. And Ricardo goes straight to the front with Ragusa on her wheel.

Gina Ricardo (BridgeLane) jumps from the field and goes off on a lone chase to the breakaway.

Ragusa is still not pulling through while Edwards, the Oceania champion, keeps on pushing at the front. Peloton speed has picked up but no sense of urgency, yet.

Edwards flicks her elbow to get Ragusa to pull through but Ragusa shakes her head.

Ragusa takes care of business, and goes solo to take top points. That should secure the overall QOM classification. Edwards jumps, and screams at the motorbike to get out of the way, and Ragusa slots in behind her.

90km to go

Five riders – Ragusa, Poulsen, Edwards, Dale and Söderqvist in the breakaway with less than 1 km to the too of the QOM. Peloton keeping them close.

Poulsen and Ragusa are joined by Sophie Edwards (ARA – Slip Capital), Stine Dale (Coop-Repsol) and  Karin Söderqvist (Lifeplus Wahoo) but the peloton is chasing hard.

The road goes up from the start, with the first QOM only 3.8km into the stage, the cat 1 climb at Windy Point with an average gradient of 6% and a max gradient of 20%. 

That didn’t take long. First attack by Amanda Poulsen (BridgeLane). She’s joined by Katia Ragusa (Human Powered Health) 

Flag drop by race director Stuart O’Grady and we’re out of the neutral zone and racing has started! 

One rider to watch today is Sarah Gigante (AG Insurance-Soudal). The Australian  holds the record for the fastest ascent of Willunga and put in a scorching performance to win with a margin of more than a minute at Santos Festival of Cycling domestic event in 2021 on the climb.

Read more on Gigante in her interview with Cyclingnews Australia editor Simone Giuliani.

The riders are rolling through the 7km neutral section on their way to the official start. Today’s forecast high is 30 degrees Celsius under cloudy skies. Winds are up, which could make things interesting as the race hits the coast with about 20km to go before heading back inland to take on Willunga Hill. 

We’re just moments away from the neutral roll out for the third and final stage for the 85 riders in the peloton.

When asked what she thought of the ascent of Willunga Hill, Uttrup Ludwig’s  response was a grinning ”I like it.” Read more in our analysis – All to play for on Willunga Hill finale at the Women’s Tour Down Under.

Stage 3 of the Women’s Tour Down Under is set to start in just under 10 minutes. Starting in Adelaide, the 93km stage heads towards the coast to deliver the final challenge, the famous Willunga Hill, a 3km climb with an average gradient of 7.4% and a maximum of 15.6%

Stage 2 winner Cecilia Uttrup Ludwig (FDJ-Suez) tops the general classification with a 2-second lead on Sofia Bertizzolo (UAE Team ADQ) and 3 seconds on Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco). Tight GC with 25 riders all within 10 seconds of the leader.

Welcome to Cyclingnews’ live coverage of the third and final stage of the Women’s Tour Down Under.

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12 Proven Methods to Make Money Blogging in 2024

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Make money blogging

 

Make money bloggingThis is a contributed article.

The world of blogging continues to thrive in 2024, offering a compelling avenue for creative minds to share their knowledge, build an audience, and even turn their passion into profit. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting, there are numerous effective strategies to monetize your blog and achieve financial success. Here, we delve into 12 proven methods to make money blogging in 2024:

1. Embrace Niche Expertise:

Standing out in the vast blogosphere requires focus. Carving a niche allows you to cater to a specific audience with targeted content. This not only builds a loyal following but also positions you as an authority in your chosen field. Whether it’s gardening techniques, travel hacking tips, or the intricacies of cryptocurrency, delve deep into a subject you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Targeted audiences are more receptive to monetization efforts, making them ideal for success.

2. Content is King (and Queen):

High-quality content remains the cornerstone of any successful blog. In 2024, readers crave informative, engaging, and well-written content that solves their problems, answers their questions, or entertains them. Invest time in crafting valuable blog posts, articles, or videos that resonate with your target audience.

  • Focus on evergreen content: Create content that remains relevant for a long time, attracting consistent traffic and boosting your earning potential.
  • Incorporate multimedia: Spice up your content with captivating images, infographics, or even videos to enhance reader engagement and improve SEO.
  • Maintain consistency: Develop a regular publishing schedule to build anticipation and keep your audience coming back for more.

3. The Power of SEO:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ensures your blog ranks high in search engine results for relevant keywords. This increases organic traffic, the lifeblood of any monetization strategy.

  • Keyword research: Use keyword research tools to identify terms your target audience searches for. Strategically incorporate these keywords into your content naturally.
  • Technical SEO: Optimize your blog’s loading speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall technical aspects to improve search engine ranking.
  • Backlink building: Encourage other websites to link back to your content, boosting your blog’s authority in the eyes of search engines.

4. Monetization Magic: Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services. When a reader clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you get a commission.

  • Choose relevant affiliates: Promote products or services that align with your niche and resonate with your audience.
  • Transparency is key: Disclose your affiliate relationships clearly to your readers and build trust.
  • Integrate strategically: Don’t just bombard readers with links. Weave affiliate promotions naturally into your content, highlighting the value proposition.

5. Display Advertising: A Classic Approach

Display advertising involves placing banner ads, text ads, or other visual elements on your blog. When a reader clicks on an ad, you earn revenue.

  • Choose reputable ad networks: Partner with established ad networks that offer competitive rates and relevant ads for your audience.
  • Strategic ad placement: Place ads thoughtfully, avoiding an overwhelming experience for readers.
  • Track your performance: Monitor ad clicks and conversions to measure the effectiveness of your ad placements and optimize for better results.

6. Offer Premium Content:

Providing exclusive, in-depth content behind a paywall can generate additional income. This could be premium blog posts, ebooks, online courses, or webinars.

  • Deliver exceptional value: Ensure your premium content offers significant value that justifies the price tag.
  • Multiple pricing options: Consider offering tiered subscription plans to cater to different audience needs and budgets.
  • Promote effectively: Highlight the benefits of your premium content and encourage readers to subscribe.

7. Coaching and Consulting:

Leverage your expertise by offering coaching or consulting services related to your niche. Readers who find your content valuable may be interested in personalized guidance.

  • Position yourself as an expert: Showcase your qualifications, experience, and client testimonials to build trust and establish your credibility.
  • Offer free consultations: Provide a limited free consultation to potential clients, allowing them to experience your expertise firsthand.
  • Develop clear packages: Outline different coaching or consulting packages with varying time commitments and pricing structures.

8. The Power of Community: Online Events and Webinars

Host online events or webinars related to your niche. These events offer valuable content while also providing an opportunity to promote other monetization avenues.

  • Interactive and engaging: Structure your online events to be interactive with polls, Q&A sessions, or live chats. Click here to learn more about image marketing with Q&A sessions and live chats.

9. Embrace the Power of Email Marketing:

Building an email list allows you to foster stronger relationships with your audience and promote your content and offerings directly.

  • Offer valuable incentives: Encourage readers to subscribe by offering exclusive content, discounts, or early access to new products.
  • Segmentation is key: Segment your email list based on reader interests to send targeted campaigns that resonate more effectively.
  • Regular communication: Maintain consistent communication with your subscribers through engaging newsletters or updates.

10. Sell Your Own Products:

Take your expertise to the next level by creating and selling your own products. This could be physical merchandise, digital downloads, or even printables related to your niche.

  • Identify audience needs: Develop products that address the specific needs and desires of your target audience.
  • High-quality offerings: Invest in creating high-quality products that offer exceptional value and user experience.
  • Utilize multiple platforms: Sell your products through your blog, online marketplaces, or even social media platforms.

11. Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations:

Partner with brands or businesses relevant to your niche for sponsored content or collaborations. This can be a lucrative way to leverage your audience and generate income.

  • Maintain editorial control: While working with sponsors, ensure you retain editorial control to maintain your blog’s authenticity and audience trust.
  • Disclosures are essential: Clearly disclose sponsored content to readers, upholding transparency and ethical practices.
  • Align with your niche: Partner with brands that complement your content and resonate with your audience.

12. Freelancing and Paid Writing Opportunities:

Your blog can serve as a springboard for freelance writing opportunities. Showcase your writing skills and expertise through your blog content, attracting potential clients.

  • Target relevant publications: Identify online publications, websites, or magazines related to your niche and pitch your writing services.
  • High-quality samples: Include high-quality blog posts from your site as writing samples when pitching to potential clients.
  • Develop strong writing skills: Continuously hone your writing skills and stay updated on current trends in your niche to deliver exceptional work.

Conclusion:

Building a successful blog that generates income requires dedication, strategic planning, and high-quality content. In today’s digital age, there are numerous opportunities to make money online through blogging. By utilizing a combination of methods such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products or services, you can leverage your blog’s potential and achieve financial success.

Remember, consistency in posting, engaging with your audience, and staying adaptable to trends are key to thriving in the ever-evolving blogosphere. Embrace new strategies, refine your approaches, and always keep your readers at the forefront of your content creation journey. With dedication and the right approach, your blog has the potential to become a valuable source of income and a platform for sharing your knowledge and passion with the world, making money online while doing what you love.

Image Credit: DepositPhotos



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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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