I think at least one of the 2 cobbled monuments will throw up a surprise winner, I can see a situation where Sagan and Cancellara are marked out of riding for the win, a la 2011. Perhaps Chavanel's "attack and wait for Tom" will finally pay off.
"In many ways, my story was that of a raging, Christ-like figure who hauled himself off the cross, looked up at the Romans with blood in his eyes and said 'My turn, sock cookers'"
Course means canc CAN ride away from Sagan even if Sagan tries to follow.
Canc has this.
I think unless Sagan has a chase on at some point, like E3, Canc might have a harder time getting rid of him
Agree. Cancellara would be my favourite, but you can never talk in absolutes when it comes to cobbled classics. I think Cancellara will need to pick his moment very carefully, think he'll struggle to simply ride Sagan off his wheel, but then he's done it to a lot of great riders before.
Always a good chance those two will watch each other while somebody else goes up the road.
Weather looks dry and with moderate wind.
"I have a lovely photo of a Camargue horse but will not post it now" (Frenchfighter - July 2013)
So how come Cancellara didn't win in 2011? In fact, if it's that simple, how come he doesn't just win every race that's selective enough?
Tbh I still think he would have won had he not broken his collarbone last year. He's phenomenal on the Kwaremont and he gets 3 stabs at it.
Sagan might have followed had he not had to bridge the gap to the first group, but that he had to do tha is indicative of his lack of parcours knowledge. The twists and turns punish that heavily.
So will we see a re-run of Roubaix 2011 where a break stays away, no one is prepared to bring it back and put Cancellara back into the race and Cancellara's team isn't strong enough to bring it back. Has Cancellara made a mistake in being too strong at E3?
Everyone will watch Sagan and luigi, and I think of Luigi tries to attack and finds himself with Sagan he'll just sit up. But if there are a few people away with him and Sagan, I would expect Sagan would continue to ride
I reckon he'll fancy his chances. Cancellara wasn't able to drop him on the Poggio (yes, I know it's not the same climb) and would probably take Cancellara in a sprint. But then would Cancellara take him to the line?
It amuses me noone is surprised that Gilbert is rubbish.
He was this time last season as well. Enjoying the off season too much? I think he'll still win a hatful of races this season including possibly a defence of his title which only 5 others have done.
For Flanders I would love to see Geraint or possibly Stannard taking advantage of the two favourites watching each other but personally I think Rick's prediction will prove true.
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I can't see past Cancellara for this one....and PR.
Is reachable from here.
Believe in miracles
And cures and healing wells
Canc has this.
I think unless Sagan has a chase on at some point, like E3, Canc might have a harder time getting rid of him
We're over to Amsterdam / Haarlem for the long weekend. Debating going to watch the race.... looking cold to be standing about for hours tho'
I know..... rule #5
@gietvangent
Agree. Cancellara would be my favourite, but you can never talk in absolutes when it comes to cobbled classics. I think Cancellara will need to pick his moment very carefully, think he'll struggle to simply ride Sagan off his wheel, but then he's done it to a lot of great riders before.
Always a good chance those two will watch each other while somebody else goes up the road.
Weather looks dry and with moderate wind.
Errr...I...ummm...Errr...didn't actually watch E3.
I'll get my coat.
So how come Cancellara didn't just disappear up the road in Strade Bianche?
Less selective than Kwaremont.
Because he'd had a long chase on, puncture etc. Lots of wasted energy
So how come Cancellara didn't win in 2011? In fact, if it's that simple, how come he doesn't just win every race that's selective enough?
Tbh I still think he would have won had he not broken his collarbone last year. He's phenomenal on the Kwaremont and he gets 3 stabs at it.
Sagan might have followed had he not had to bridge the gap to the first group, but that he had to do tha is indicative of his lack of parcours knowledge. The twists and turns punish that heavily.
But why do that if come the Kwaremont, Cancellara will just ride away from him?
OK, your Sagan. Or Sagan's DS, what would you do? What would your tactics be?
OK, who else other than Cancellara and Sagan?
(Getting quite excited now!)
(I can't keep up with these nicknames!)
Boonen is a write off.
Luigi was Cancellaras codename when Fuentes was doping him - or giving him yoghurt?
Getting VERY excited, as am off to Gent on Saturday to spend the weekend drinking and watching the race
Wrap up warm.
He was this time last season as well. Enjoying the off season too much? I think he'll still win a hatful of races this season including possibly a defence of his title which only 5 others have done.
For Flanders I would love to see Geraint or possibly Stannard taking advantage of the two favourites watching each other but personally I think Rick's prediction will prove true.