Spring Classics Cycling Thread
Discussion
Just a heads up for cycling fans with access to Eurosport - this weekend sees the real start of the European Spring Classics and other races on TV, Strade Bianche on Saturday (fast becoming one of my favourites) and then whatever the Giro del Lazio is now called and Paris-Nice on Sunday plus Tirreno-Adriatico from Wednesday.
I think it'll be a great classics season, especially Boonen, Cancellara and Sagan going head to head at Flanders and Roubaix.
Caught part of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad last weekend as was in Gent on Friday and Saturday and wondered what all the commotion in the main square was on Friday evening. Found a route map and managed to get a space halfway up the Molenberg - Belgians REALLY like their cycling and REALLY like their beer - made for a cold but funny afternoon. Only when we got on the Eurotunnel on the way out did we realise the camera was left at home
I think it'll be a great classics season, especially Boonen, Cancellara and Sagan going head to head at Flanders and Roubaix.
Caught part of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad last weekend as was in Gent on Friday and Saturday and wondered what all the commotion in the main square was on Friday evening. Found a route map and managed to get a space halfway up the Molenberg - Belgians REALLY like their cycling and REALLY like their beer - made for a cold but funny afternoon. Only when we got on the Eurotunnel on the way out did we realise the camera was left at home
).Strade Bianche tomorrow, Leopard have a team built around Cancellara but the likes of Phinney, Sagan, Kolobnev and Slagter are all on the entry list its not a foregone conclusion and its not flat either so its a good early indicator as to who has worked hard over the winter!
Loads of info and start list at www.steephill.tv
Milan - San Remo on the 17th, Ghent - Wevelgem on the 24th, Tour of Flanders on the 31st then Paris - Roubaix on the 7th April.... where a good downpour mid race is long overdue!!!
Loads of info and start list at www.steephill.tv
Milan - San Remo on the 17th, Ghent - Wevelgem on the 24th, Tour of Flanders on the 31st then Paris - Roubaix on the 7th April.... where a good downpour mid race is long overdue!!!
Gatsby said:
central said:
Thanks chief.Gatsby said:
Is there anywhere to watch on line? Also (whilst not a classic) is anyone showing Paris - NIce or the highlights at least?
The prologue is on Eurosport now. Looks like a quick 2.9KM TT blast. http://www.steephill.tv/paris-nice/#live
pablo said:
shock horror no one wants to work with Spartacus.... Cant help but feel Sagan is letting himself down here.
I'm not sure I like this trend. No-one wants to help Cancellara because he'll probably beat them. No-one worked with Team GB last summer because they were all too scared of Cav. No-one will help Contador on a mountain stage because they know he'll escape towards the end. Sure, it's all part of the tactics of road racing and that's why there are teams: but if it means the 'best' riders never win anything after the first couple of years of their careers it leaves a bitter taste. In other news, I think today's prologue for P-N is ridiculous. 2.9km? I assumed the dot was a typo at first!
Gizmoish said:
I'm not sure I like this trend. No-one wants to help Cancellara because he'll probably beat them. No-one worked with Team GB last summer because they were all too scared of Cav. No-one will help Contador on a mountain stage because they know he'll escape towards the end. Sure, it's all part of the tactics of road racing and that's why there are teams: but if it means the 'best' riders never win anything after the first couple of years of their careers it leaves a bitter taste.
In other news, I think today's prologue for P-N is ridiculous. 2.9km? I assumed the dot was a typo at first!
I couldnt agree more, though it does make it that bit more special when they do pull it off though!In other news, I think today's prologue for P-N is ridiculous. 2.9km? I assumed the dot was a typo at first!
It was most obvious in the 2010(?) worlds in Switzerland when Cancellara was obviously red hot favourite but they just left him at the front all day to do it alone then Cuddles came through and stole it. Le Tour should be fun, Froome has already played his cards and will be watched like a hawk but he may not need the support and has the advantage of at least 18 months of bitterness to drive him to Paris!
As for Saturday, I forgot that Sagan was now at Cannondale with Moser out there looking strong in that lead bunch of four, he was unlikely to challenge or lead Cancellara out until the end, that last km had a bit of gradient that will have suited Sagan more than Cancellara but to finish 2nd and 4th respectively was impressive given they were about 15s down with a kilo to go. To be honest, Sagan read it very well and was there if Moser faltered in the last few seconds.... to beat an Italian in Italy in a race like that would have been brave!
I did think full on TT bikes and helmets for 3kms was a bit much given how twisty the course was in the final km, choppers would have been much more fun!
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