Cav, Cancellara, Martin and C Anker on the World's course

frenchfighter

Interesting description by Chris.
http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/5812/ ... inale.aspx

Cancellara is saying Porte is a major threat. Porte himself is saying he has really good form and thinks he can shock people.

I think people may be expecting a slightly flatter TT course than it actually is. I for one hadn't checked it out but here is what Tony Martin has to say. Porte may have some advantage here given his ability to climb well, although the climbs aren't long.

“This is no rouleur’s course,” Martin told Radsport-news.com, “but with two short but steep 10-15% climbs it’s more of a power course. I must confess that my jaw dropped the first time I saw the climbs; the course is really challenging, if not technically.”

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/5808/ ... ected.aspx

And from Cav this is an example of speaking too early and without being fully informed:
Cavendish-says-he-has-chance-in-World-Championships-road-race
http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/5799/ ... -race.aspx
Mark-Cavendish-backtracks-on-World-Championship-chances
http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/5804/ ... ances.aspx

Bronzie

There's a video of McEwen riding the road race course (thanks to Afx for the link):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpKArLtAiqU

The Challambra Crescent climb is surprisingly steep - certainly more challenging than it looks on the profile. 11 laps up that is going to sting after 250km. However, it's still a fair way from the finish on wide straight roads so the wind direction and strength could play a major factor as to whether the escapees can stay away.

Reminds me of the recent Montreal circuit race course.

frenchfighter

Thanks that is a good view of the ciruict. Super smooth and wide roads. Those climbs look decent too.

Yellow Peril

I would agree with the Porte comments. He road really well in the ToB and looked full of cycling. He looks like he is hitting form nicely.

Looks like a reality check from Cav. I really hope he is sandbagging with his comments but I fear not. Was he really the right pick for this course?

rick_chasey

Mis-read - ignore post.

Yellow Peril

If he had a larger 'supporting team' in the race then his chances would be increased with riders to chase down breaks and guys to keep him in the mix over the humps.

Who knows he may get lucky but no country is going to want to leave it until the last quarter of a mile if he is still around.

frenchfighter

Another preview including video that is good:

http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2010/01/ ... australia/