Fair point, but I think this crosses the threshold for things outside the racers control
OK, on to today’s results…
Pidcock scores another win and takes the stage in the Ruta Del Sol. Seems the contract with Q36.5 is definitely paying dividends for them.
Almeida’s finishing kick was something in Andulcia…he almost caught and passed his teammate right at the line. He also dropped Vingegaard and Roglic in the process. Very impressive.
The whole stage has been canceled. Just as if it never happened.
Visma seem to be way off in training. All there big guns dont have what others have had in terms of fitness. I know its early season and might not matter, but jonas not having it, kuss not having it, Wout not having it seems really weird.
I wouldn’t read too much into it. These aren’t the races they are peaking for.
Pog appears to peak for anything he enters
Pogi is on another level. Though I would argue the GC line in UAE is not as strong as in Algarve (with regards to Vingegaard).
I’m a couple days behind but yesterday the stages I watched were pretty awesome:
-
Ruta Del Sol Stage 1
- The breakaway battle was great. Tactical but Van Gils was just a beast. Missed a corner on the descent and still came back to win. The mostly downhill but hilly finishes are always amazing to watch.
-
UAE tour stage 4
- The intermediate points battle was so good. I have no idea who the teams or riders are but the way Tarozzi of VF Group-Bardiani just completely controlled being ganged up on 3-1 was so good. He played it perfectly. Even though he ended up losing the classification lead in the end of the day it was great watching him manage the lose-lose situation he was placed in.
So are we thinking that WVA is going to get the W at Omloop? I feel like visma has a stacked team for this race. Does trek typically not bring Pedersen or Milan?
He wasn’t flying in his first races of the season, but I wouldn’t put it past him. Omloop hasn’t really come down to a bunch sprint the last years which makes it a bit more unpredictable. It also seems that more and more sprinters are doing only Kuurne. Milan rode Omloop last year, but I think it’s Stuyven who has been Treks main man there the last years. My bet is on a win from one of the outsiders from a relatively small group.
I’m Australian. It’s a boring race and parcours. They’re limited by what the teams have traditionally wanted in early season races. I’m sure the race organisers could a create a more interesting and demanding race (hot weather not withstanding) but their hands are tied. The local TV coverage is lame a and never seeks to sophisticate the level of cycling discussion . Just a tourism ad for South Australia.
Doesn’t need to peak. He’s just up above always…
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
Opening weekend…Omloop Het Volk (I still refuse to use the “new” name) and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne are this weekend.
All hail the Northern Classics!!!
Predictions?
Any options other than Flo in the US today?
VPN
Free stream: Sporza / VRT (Belgium)
16km to go, and it looks like the final selection might be kicking off
I did not have uno x winning in opening weekend on my bingo card 
love to see any outsiders winning
Top 2 winners of the women’s race even more unexpected! (And the announcer for that one for flo should be embarassed. Hire someone who has ever watched cycling. Preferably women’s cycling.)
Good lord he was bad….I feel for any announcers having to do a race solo, but that doesn’t excuse his horrific pronunciation, lack of awareness and rudimentary statements.