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31 Mar 14
19:35
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Date Joined:
11 Jul 11
The first week of the Flanders classics again showed that riders who are attentive at the head of the peloton, not only stay out of trouble for the most part, but obviously have the best chance to react to attacks by keeping pace on the climbs. And so we are again reminded of what it means to be considered as a tough-as-nails classics specialist rider. By being at the head of the peloton and staying with the high pace of the race, the chances of a rider calculating the right move to follow increases, but on the other hand it also fatigues the rider considerably.
The reason why only five names, since 2010, have featured on the winner’s list in E3 Harelbeke, Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, is because Boonen, Spartacus, and now Sagan -- have the ability to punish themselves at the head of the peloton for most of the early and middle parts of the race, and then still have the legs to launch attacks, and additionally have a kick left in the finale. On that list, the two Belgians of Nuyens and Vansummeren on the other hand, have an intimate knowledge of the region, but especially an intimate knowledge of the cobbles and climbs which come up in these races, since they are from the region and have grown-up with these races and trained on these cobbles.
My first two selections are based on this latter understanding -- that a rider from the region is well-suited to the task of winning here.
At 28 years-of-age Jurgen Roelandts is a name which has been heard for many years in pro cycling at this level, but let us consider that he is still quite young by the modern standards of #shutuplegs, and he has given some indication that his best results are still to come. Indeed his best result at this prestigious race came only last year when he claimed the third step after a battle of attrition which began with a high pace from the outset, and concluded when as the sole leader he was caught by Sagan and Spartacus on the Paterburg. Roelandts has been riding very well from the start of the season openers and continued this form with a good showing in Milan-San Remo for 23rd, after using Tirreno-Adriatico as a training ride. He continued to only improve with a 12th in E3 when he finished with the big names at just over a minute behind, and then a last start 10th in Gent-Wevelgem, where it appears like he just didn’t find the right wheel in the stretch; although he was always going to be disadvantaged somewhat by a bunch sprint. Originating from this region, he knows these cobbles like the back of his hand, can hold his position in the peloton, and is in peak form. Not to be discounted lightly. Consider closely.
Stijn Devolder is also from this region and has won this race back-to-back in 2008-2009, and whilst his results on paper in his last three starts 61/20/51 appear ordinary, his riding can only be described as animated exceptionalism. In Gent-Wevelgem, in the Champion of Belgium jersey he attacked late and dragged two other riders clear with him, up until about about 2kms to-go when they were caught. In Dwars door Vlaanderen when Terpstra won, it was Devolder who organised the chase and took long pulls on the front of a four man group who closed to within 15secs of Terpstra, but were ultimately swept-up, and again within only a couple of kms to-go. In E3 Harelbeke most of the work being done to bridge to the four breakaway riders by the eighteen rider group including Cancellara, Boonen, Degenkolb, EBH, and Vanmarcke was done by Devolder, and this came after he provided major support for Cancellara before that. He was riding for Spartacus but he was arguably riding better than him, certainly equally as well. Whilst he is 34 years-of-age, it is worth considering that he is only one year older than his team-mate, and while yes, he is a devoted team-mate and will again turn himself inside-out for Cancellara given the opportunity -- he is giving every indication that his form is good-enough to work for Cancellara and still have something left for himself to win. Big danger. Warrants respect.
If this is the season for which Niki Terpstra will be regarded as having raised his level of racing to the highest of standards, then he needs to claim a monument, and I simply cannot exclude him here, nor for Paris-Roubaix, as his form and speed, especially with what he showed in his win in Dwars door Vlaanderen, suggests that there’s more wins to come this season. Treat warily. One of the main contenders.
Sep Vanmarcke is ultra-consistent with four-from-four top-5 results, including the third step in KBK when his team-mate Hofland failed to beat Boonen, and when he beat his fellow countryman Stijn Vandenbergh. He is very positive about the efforts of his team, and I like that Lars Boom is on the start list with him as he should offer some good late support. Worthy of close consideration.
Peter Sagan needs no introduction and is clearly the deserving favourite. He will be at the head of the peloton for a long way, and I don’t believe that he’ll be easily disposed on the climbs in the way Spartacus did last year on the Paterburg. At 7/2 he becomes a WIN ONLY proposition and everything suggests he’ll offer value on the basis of a saver. Improving. Likely winner.
Terpstra and Sagan are on the start-list for Three Days of De Panne, so worth noting their performances there. Geraint Thomas is positive about his chances but he has hit the ground a few times too many for my liking. Boonen is nursing an injury and this level may be too high for him to cope. Spartacus is far too short, but it would obviously be no surprise to see him open up the engine when it counts.
Stijn Devolder 50/1 E/W (betway)
Niki Terpstra 17/1 E/W (bet365)
Peter Sagan 7/2 WIN ONLY (bet365)
Jurgen Roelandts 50/1 E/W (paddypower)
Sep Vanmarcke 14/1 E/W (888sport)
Good luck to all,
SP
The reason why only five names, since 2010, have featured on the winner’s list in E3 Harelbeke, Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, is because Boonen, Spartacus, and now Sagan -- have the ability to punish themselves at the head of the peloton for most of the early and middle parts of the race, and then still have the legs to launch attacks, and additionally have a kick left in the finale. On that list, the two Belgians of Nuyens and Vansummeren on the other hand, have an intimate knowledge of the region, but especially an intimate knowledge of the cobbles and climbs which come up in these races, since they are from the region and have grown-up with these races and trained on these cobbles.
My first two selections are based on this latter understanding -- that a rider from the region is well-suited to the task of winning here.
At 28 years-of-age Jurgen Roelandts is a name which has been heard for many years in pro cycling at this level, but let us consider that he is still quite young by the modern standards of #shutuplegs, and he has given some indication that his best results are still to come. Indeed his best result at this prestigious race came only last year when he claimed the third step after a battle of attrition which began with a high pace from the outset, and concluded when as the sole leader he was caught by Sagan and Spartacus on the Paterburg. Roelandts has been riding very well from the start of the season openers and continued this form with a good showing in Milan-San Remo for 23rd, after using Tirreno-Adriatico as a training ride. He continued to only improve with a 12th in E3 when he finished with the big names at just over a minute behind, and then a last start 10th in Gent-Wevelgem, where it appears like he just didn’t find the right wheel in the stretch; although he was always going to be disadvantaged somewhat by a bunch sprint. Originating from this region, he knows these cobbles like the back of his hand, can hold his position in the peloton, and is in peak form. Not to be discounted lightly. Consider closely.
Stijn Devolder is also from this region and has won this race back-to-back in 2008-2009, and whilst his results on paper in his last three starts 61/20/51 appear ordinary, his riding can only be described as animated exceptionalism. In Gent-Wevelgem, in the Champion of Belgium jersey he attacked late and dragged two other riders clear with him, up until about about 2kms to-go when they were caught. In Dwars door Vlaanderen when Terpstra won, it was Devolder who organised the chase and took long pulls on the front of a four man group who closed to within 15secs of Terpstra, but were ultimately swept-up, and again within only a couple of kms to-go. In E3 Harelbeke most of the work being done to bridge to the four breakaway riders by the eighteen rider group including Cancellara, Boonen, Degenkolb, EBH, and Vanmarcke was done by Devolder, and this came after he provided major support for Cancellara before that. He was riding for Spartacus but he was arguably riding better than him, certainly equally as well. Whilst he is 34 years-of-age, it is worth considering that he is only one year older than his team-mate, and while yes, he is a devoted team-mate and will again turn himself inside-out for Cancellara given the opportunity -- he is giving every indication that his form is good-enough to work for Cancellara and still have something left for himself to win. Big danger. Warrants respect.
If this is the season for which Niki Terpstra will be regarded as having raised his level of racing to the highest of standards, then he needs to claim a monument, and I simply cannot exclude him here, nor for Paris-Roubaix, as his form and speed, especially with what he showed in his win in Dwars door Vlaanderen, suggests that there’s more wins to come this season. Treat warily. One of the main contenders.
Sep Vanmarcke is ultra-consistent with four-from-four top-5 results, including the third step in KBK when his team-mate Hofland failed to beat Boonen, and when he beat his fellow countryman Stijn Vandenbergh. He is very positive about the efforts of his team, and I like that Lars Boom is on the start list with him as he should offer some good late support. Worthy of close consideration.
Peter Sagan needs no introduction and is clearly the deserving favourite. He will be at the head of the peloton for a long way, and I don’t believe that he’ll be easily disposed on the climbs in the way Spartacus did last year on the Paterburg. At 7/2 he becomes a WIN ONLY proposition and everything suggests he’ll offer value on the basis of a saver. Improving. Likely winner.
Terpstra and Sagan are on the start-list for Three Days of De Panne, so worth noting their performances there. Geraint Thomas is positive about his chances but he has hit the ground a few times too many for my liking. Boonen is nursing an injury and this level may be too high for him to cope. Spartacus is far too short, but it would obviously be no surprise to see him open up the engine when it counts.
Stijn Devolder 50/1 E/W (betway)
Niki Terpstra 17/1 E/W (bet365)
Peter Sagan 7/2 WIN ONLY (bet365)
Jurgen Roelandts 50/1 E/W (paddypower)
Sep Vanmarcke 14/1 E/W (888sport)
Good luck to all,
SP
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your posts dont get the response they deserve but i thoroughly enjoy reading them please keep them up, for what its worth i think Luca Paolini (Kat) is in great form and may be allowed to ride his own race here
Hey thanks cedarmaster, I'm writing this stuff - albeit much rougher - to crystallize my thoughts on the subjects, so just as well I polish them up a little and post them on here. Glad to hear your enjoying them. I've noticed that some of my observations are coming out a few days later in respected online cycling media, and in some cases even less advanced, so no doubt they're valid, but can't explain the lack of discussion -- perhaps I'm being too exclusive? 
On Paolini: I agree with you that he is in good form, and that he can ride his own race at the Ronde. Certainly he is inferring that he'll attack early and try and go long, so would be no surprise to see him in the early break.
"After I've gone and had a look around the new course, I'll have two days to mull over where I should attack. That way, I'll have a film in my head beforehand of what I'd like to do, but on Sunday, I'll still have to see how the race is going. There are always unforeseen factors, and you just have to see how your legs are on Sunday morning as well. This year, the parcours is a bit different again, so there might be a chance to get away in a little group. We'll have to find some way of surprising the big names anyway. If you wait until the moment when they start to attack, then you've already lost the race. They're just too strong, so you have to invent something. It does seem like people wait until the last minute because they're afraid they won't have the energy in the finale. Maybe before there was a bigger scope for attacking earlier because there were more flat roads in the finale, so a good passista could make the difference by attacking from distance."
He looked very hard in E3 and I perked-up when I saw him there, but as a 37yo veteran he did look like he lost a bit of sharpness in De Panne on the second day when Terpstra went on the attack with about 20kms to go, with team-mate and Gatto.
I think the parcours at Paris-Roubaix would suit him better, rather his style. He's a nice price at 50/1 and am not trying to convince you to not back him, but I won't be. Might take another look prior to the next monument, though.
Good luck,
SP
On Paolini: I agree with you that he is in good form, and that he can ride his own race at the Ronde. Certainly he is inferring that he'll attack early and try and go long, so would be no surprise to see him in the early break.
"After I've gone and had a look around the new course, I'll have two days to mull over where I should attack. That way, I'll have a film in my head beforehand of what I'd like to do, but on Sunday, I'll still have to see how the race is going. There are always unforeseen factors, and you just have to see how your legs are on Sunday morning as well. This year, the parcours is a bit different again, so there might be a chance to get away in a little group. We'll have to find some way of surprising the big names anyway. If you wait until the moment when they start to attack, then you've already lost the race. They're just too strong, so you have to invent something. It does seem like people wait until the last minute because they're afraid they won't have the energy in the finale. Maybe before there was a bigger scope for attacking earlier because there were more flat roads in the finale, so a good passista could make the difference by attacking from distance."
He looked very hard in E3 and I perked-up when I saw him there, but as a 37yo veteran he did look like he lost a bit of sharpness in De Panne on the second day when Terpstra went on the attack with about 20kms to go, with team-mate and Gatto.
I think the parcours at Paris-Roubaix would suit him better, rather his style. He's a nice price at 50/1 and am not trying to convince you to not back him, but I won't be. Might take another look prior to the next monument, though.
Good luck,
SP
I'll be waiting to see how Terpstra pulls-up from De Panne, but it looks like he'll make my main selections bracket with Devolder as value and Sagan as saver. Obviously Terpstra didn't win De Panne as a very short favourite, but his team-mate Van Keirsbulck did. Then add Gert Steegmans third step finish, who doesn't look like he'll even be making the start-line, and also consider that the prospects over Tony Martin being targeted for the classics this season during his ride in Dubai was exciting team management, and yet they didn't go that way with him at all -- and it's quite clear that OPQ can dominate this race by spreading themselves in countless tactical ways.
Perhaps unintentionally, it actually brings Boonen back into the picture, but I'm not sold over his condition.
In any case, the way Terpstra was behaving in De Panne toward his team by throwing bottles and arguing with team-mates, suggests that he is the real deal should he find some luck in the race. He has made it quite clear how he sees himself in the team, and so I wouldn't be reading too much into manager Patrick Lefevere's comment that Boonen and Terpstra are "co-captains". And even if they are, it's Terpstra who'll be kicking-up a storm in the race should he perceive anything other. Now at 20/1 about the place, in top form, and with such a powerful OPQ engine-room, I am very excited by his chances.
Some money has come for Devolder, so he was good value at 50/1.
Good luck,
SP
Perhaps unintentionally, it actually brings Boonen back into the picture, but I'm not sold over his condition.
In any case, the way Terpstra was behaving in De Panne toward his team by throwing bottles and arguing with team-mates, suggests that he is the real deal should he find some luck in the race. He has made it quite clear how he sees himself in the team, and so I wouldn't be reading too much into manager Patrick Lefevere's comment that Boonen and Terpstra are "co-captains". And even if they are, it's Terpstra who'll be kicking-up a storm in the race should he perceive anything other. Now at 20/1 about the place, in top form, and with such a powerful OPQ engine-room, I am very excited by his chances.
Some money has come for Devolder, so he was good value at 50/1.
Good luck,
SP
Thanks Swing i had not seen that quote, i realise he is up against it and cant leave it for a late sprint. looking at the prices i thought Sagan would be favourite rather than Spartacus but it looks like the bookies fear each way money on Spartacus and he is probably shorter than his form merits.
Is any rider in better form than Alexander Kristoff at the moment?
Is any rider in better form than Alexander Kristoff at the moment?
Yes, I think you are correct, the books always follow proven practices and with Spartacus' strike-rate in this race and in the classics even, they cannot take any chances -- why I won't even think of laying him to pay for some selections. So, yes, it's a default position for them to install him as favourite, and I too would have Sagan as favourite over him in terms of implied probability, since he is giving every indication that he'll aim for similar domination in such races in this and coming years. In Day 1 of De Panne when he attempted to let his team-mate Gatto win, there was no one except Gatto who could go with his attack on one of the helligen. That's why I think if he was riding like this last year in the race, Spartacus would have found it much tougher to drop him on the Paterburg, and why if he is there on Sunday not many will be capable of dropping him.
I think there are some riders in equal form to Kristoff but not necessarily better, and by winning in San Remo he did make his breakthrough, but the only thing with this parcours is that there are less flat, open road sections this year, and I would query his weight on the final hellingen, which come closer to the finish than in the previous year, at least. He'd be one I'd be looking at closely for Paris-Roubaix, since again like Paolini he has that power style. But winning at nearly 300kms means a great deal in cycling, and he has kept his condition very well in Dwars door Vlaanderen, Gent-Wevelgem, and even figured in the finish in Day 2 of De Panne, so I wouldn't want to attempt to convince you not to back him. But I won't be, since I cannot back every rider, and have a specific amount for outright bets since there's not much liquidity on BetFair to put up bids which turn out successful for such races. Got burned too many times, prior.
Cheers,
SP
I think there are some riders in equal form to Kristoff but not necessarily better, and by winning in San Remo he did make his breakthrough, but the only thing with this parcours is that there are less flat, open road sections this year, and I would query his weight on the final hellingen, which come closer to the finish than in the previous year, at least. He'd be one I'd be looking at closely for Paris-Roubaix, since again like Paolini he has that power style. But winning at nearly 300kms means a great deal in cycling, and he has kept his condition very well in Dwars door Vlaanderen, Gent-Wevelgem, and even figured in the finish in Day 2 of De Panne, so I wouldn't want to attempt to convince you not to back him. But I won't be, since I cannot back every rider, and have a specific amount for outright bets since there's not much liquidity on BetFair to put up bids which turn out successful for such races. Got burned too many times, prior.
Cheers,
SP
i am not a Terpstra fan and was quite pleased to see his time trial farcical start, i think he is too reliant on a strong team. i would be more keen on Sep Vanmarcke and would prefer him in a match bet with Terpstra, cant see Betfair extending into match bets though in the Classics, as you say it would be great to have more liquidity in the cycling markets.
Roll on Sunday :)
Roll on Sunday :)
cedar -- if you take pleasure from the misfortunes of others than frankly I don't have much time for you! 
Hey Clay -- you saying that causes a chill to rise up my back, and I would be the first to line-up to put my money on him for this race, but he hasn't shown anything since his good early KBK win, and the thumb injury is not really ideal, although it's not such an issue as it has been reported. He's been on the drift for a while, but even now at 10s it's not enough for me and I'd want 15s to make my bets work. Am willing to be convinced, and get a juggling position working, though. SP.
Hey Clay -- you saying that causes a chill to rise up my back, and I would be the first to line-up to put my money on him for this race, but he hasn't shown anything since his good early KBK win, and the thumb injury is not really ideal, although it's not such an issue as it has been reported. He's been on the drift for a while, but even now at 10s it's not enough for me and I'd want 15s to make my bets work. Am willing to be convinced, and get a juggling position working, though. SP.
Devolder has gone from 50/1 to 25/1 with the books, and is as low as 15/1 with at least one. Amazing drift. SP.
cedarmaster • April 2, 2014 6:33 PM BST
your posts dont get the response they deserve but i thoroughly enjoy reading them please keep them up.
Totally agree allways read Swinging and youve improved my limited cycling knowledge greatly.
Was dissapointed to see Stannard(my fav rider) crash out last week as I thought he could go really well in 1 of the classics
your posts dont get the response they deserve but i thoroughly enjoy reading them please keep them up.
Totally agree allways read Swinging and youve improved my limited cycling knowledge greatly.
Was dissapointed to see Stannard(my fav rider) crash out last week as I thought he could go really well in 1 of the classics
Hey geoff -- good to hear from you again. Thanks for your kind words mate.
It's hard to armlength riders when you become a fan, and I'm like that for the Australians, but I have a soft spot for riders from GB. Love to see the New Zealanders get beaten, but if someone is going to win in sport and it's not going to be an Aussie than it might as well be someone from the Old Dart.
Hope you had something on Stannard in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad? Brilliant win in tough conditions. Played Van Avermaet like a violin. It'll be interesting to see Wiggins go here, though. I suspect he's much better suited to the Ardennes Classics so am surprised Sky have entered him for Scheldeprijs only, but if he can get physical on Sunday he should make the final selection. Who are you tipping?
Cheers,
SP
It's hard to armlength riders when you become a fan, and I'm like that for the Australians, but I have a soft spot for riders from GB. Love to see the New Zealanders get beaten, but if someone is going to win in sport and it's not going to be an Aussie than it might as well be someone from the Old Dart.
Hope you had something on Stannard in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad? Brilliant win in tough conditions. Played Van Avermaet like a violin.
It'll be interesting to see Wiggins go here, though. I suspect he's much better suited to the Ardennes Classics so am surprised Sky have entered him for Scheldeprijs only, but if he can get physical on Sunday he should make the final selection. Who are you tipping?Cheers,
SP
SwingingPick
04 Apr 14 18:57
Joined: 11 Jul 11
cedar -- if you take pleasure from the misfortunes of others than frankly I don't have much time for you!
'Love to see the New Zealanders get beaten'
??
04 Apr 14 18:57
Joined: 11 Jul 11
cedar -- if you take pleasure from the misfortunes of others than frankly I don't have much time for you!
'Love to see the New Zealanders get beaten'
??
Was Terpstra really beaten by another rider, or did he encounter an unfortunate incident which you were "quite pleased" to witness, cedarmaster? I suggest you find the definition of 'misfortune' -- I reject your inference that witnessing another team/rider lose, is the same as witnessing an opponent finding misfortune. You didn't say you were quite pleased he lost, but essentially that he suffered from a broken pedal. Big difference, and suggests your character is mean-spirited. 
Cheers, Dan
Cheers, Dan
Racing Post puts up Cancellara 4pts @ 13/8
Everyone would love to see Fab win, good luck to all cyclists today, lets have a race to remember
Everyone would love to see Fab win, good luck to all cyclists today, lets have a race to remember
I don't often pop in here but what a great write up OP.
I've stuck a little bit on Thomas, Degenkolb and Roealants for the win on here at fancy prices but my main bet is Styber. Since seeing how strong he was at the Eneco last year, and of course his ride in last years Paris Roubaix he has been in my thoughts for this race.
He has been a little quiet up to now but if his form at the CX worlds was him building to the Spring classics he could be the one. Omega Pharma have so many cards to play that tactics may dictate he doesn't get let off the leash but I have been pleasantly surprised by his price all through the build up.
Good luck all.
I've stuck a little bit on Thomas, Degenkolb and Roealants for the win on here at fancy prices but my main bet is Styber. Since seeing how strong he was at the Eneco last year, and of course his ride in last years Paris Roubaix he has been in my thoughts for this race.
He has been a little quiet up to now but if his form at the CX worlds was him building to the Spring classics he could be the one. Omega Pharma have so many cards to play that tactics may dictate he doesn't get let off the leash but I have been pleasantly surprised by his price all through the build up.
Good luck all.
Switched to Sep late after my ante posts failed, lost on the day but....what a race. What a sport.
Sagan has to be one of the most tactically inept rider (of the top riders) I have seen for a long time. Spartacus done him up like a kipper and you could see it happening all day long. Spartacus conned Sagan into doing a lot of donkey work while like Sagan Spartacus had no teammates around him (but it didn't seen to both him). Sagan, amazingly, didn't seen to want to save himself for the moment Spartacus went into beast mode, the world and his wife knew was coming. Once it happened Sagan was spent.
He has went into Milan San Remo and the Tour of Flanders with huge expectations and he has never ever looked like winning either this season. A p!ss poor effort from him tbh
He has went into Milan San Remo and the Tour of Flanders with huge expectations and he has never ever looked like winning either this season. A p!ss poor effort from him tbh
great race, great win.
while Sagan still Shows some tactical weaknesses from time to time I like him very much, as he might be the most talented and versatile rider since Eddy Merckx. He doesn't always rely on his sprint abilities, but goes for different strategies, winning solo or from smaller groups, attacking on the flat or im ascents, when he's in form sometimes you have the feeling he is toying with the opposition
while Sagan still Shows some tactical weaknesses from time to time I like him very much, as he might be the most talented and versatile rider since Eddy Merckx. He doesn't always rely on his sprint abilities, but goes for different strategies, winning solo or from smaller groups, attacking on the flat or im ascents, when he's in form sometimes you have the feeling he is toying with the opposition
bb66 - his ride today was appalling - amateurish in the extreme
Cheers, Federalski.
Could someone please explain to me why OPQ permitted Stijn Vandenbergh to combine with the lead group after Spartacus had his dummy spit, when Terpstra was working hard to bridge in order to give them strength in numbers?
I mean, talk about tactical weaknesses from those getting paid the dosh to make the right calls. Appalling stuff! 
Nice ride by Vanmarcke to get on the podium, he is confirming his ability for these classics, and worth remembering that he was the only one who could go with Spartacus in Paris-Roubaix last year. SP
Could someone please explain to me why OPQ permitted Stijn Vandenbergh to combine with the lead group after Spartacus had his dummy spit, when Terpstra was working hard to bridge in order to give them strength in numbers?
I mean, talk about tactical weaknesses from those getting paid the dosh to make the right calls. Appalling stuff! Nice ride by Vanmarcke to get on the podium, he is confirming his ability for these classics, and worth remembering that he was the only one who could go with Spartacus in Paris-Roubaix last year. SP
Couldn't trade it but loved the race. Had a bit of everything.
Disappointed in the winner as I thought GVA deserved it more, but GVA might be one of those riders who can never manage to finish it off.
I think Devolder might still be riding it.
Disappointed in the winner as I thought GVA deserved it more, but GVA might be one of those riders who can never manage to finish it off.
I think Devolder might still be riding it.
What a great race. Promised myself to get a campervan and see next year's race.
I've seen the TDF and Worlds many times but never a Spring Classic.
Paris-Roubaix next week. I can't wait.
I've seen the TDF and Worlds many times but never a Spring Classic.
Paris-Roubaix next week. I can't wait.
GVA did a lot of work and there's something sad about a rider who shows himself so openly on the road as he did, and then fails to win. As I've previously said, his fellow countryman and similar style of rider, Gilbert, had well and truly made his name in the sport by GVA's age, and one has to doubt that GVA will ever get that breakthrough monument. Having said that, his belief in his abilities has always been found wanting, and only recently has his attitude appeared to be altering toward the positive belief in his talent, suggesting that a big win is around the corner. Maybe next season now, though? SP.
GVA is in the same category as Rojas for me, I think you or someone else commented on it before that he's destined to lose out in a sprint.
Gilbert can only win dirty for me, I ignore him in races from a betting angle unless it's obvious. That's not to say other riders are clean but Gilbert is only a contender when it is obvious IMO.
Gilbert can only win dirty for me, I ignore him in races from a betting angle unless it's obvious. That's not to say other riders are clean but Gilbert is only a contender when it is obvious IMO.
I don't get involved with talk about drug-use in cycling, sorry CJ. My point is, and yes I have made it before, that by the time Gilbert was GVA's age, he had won:
Amstel Gold (Netherlands)
Liege-Bastogne-Liege (Belgium)
La Fleche Wallone (Belgium)
World Championship (prestigious race)
GVA may still achieve similar greatness, since he now finally has the belief in his own abilities, and therefore has matured considerably as a rider. However, my comparison of the two, since they're fellow countrymen, is based on the Belgian peoples' belief that they should produce a classics specialist GREAT, every few years, to continue their country's domination of their own races, or in races where such domination exists or holds great value or prestige.
Cheers,
SP
Amstel Gold (Netherlands)
Liege-Bastogne-Liege (Belgium)
La Fleche Wallone (Belgium)
World Championship (prestigious race)
GVA may still achieve similar greatness, since he now finally has the belief in his own abilities, and therefore has matured considerably as a rider. However, my comparison of the two, since they're fellow countrymen, is based on the Belgian peoples' belief that they should produce a classics specialist GREAT, every few years, to continue their country's domination of their own races, or in races where such domination exists or holds great value or prestige.
Cheers,
SP
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