11th for My Man Meintjes. Love seeing Qhubeka at the sharp end.
Worth remembering he's only 23. Much, much more to come from him.
“Road racing was over and the UCI had banned my riding positions on the track, so it was like ‘Jings, crivvens, help ma Boab, what do I do now? I know, I’ll go away and be depressed for 10 years’.”
We really have lacked a courageous rider with form for these races this year. Nibali, Kwiatkowski and Gilbert probably fit the bill for courageous but all three were clearly way below par today.
That makes two really, really poor editions of L-B-L in a row.
Alaphilippe really does look an exciting prospect however. 22 years of age. His presence in the final group was the last remaining thread of interest I had in that finish.
These uphill sprinters lack the cojones to attack despite the inevitability of a Valverde drubbing.
This is the problem for me. In a position like that Valverde is going to win far more than he loses so why are so few riders scared to risk trying further out? I know tiredness plays a part but today Katusha were about the only ones who tried to stop the inevitable. Possibly didn't help that a few contenders got taken out in the big crash I guess.
These uphill sprinters lack the cojones to attack despite the inevitability of a Valverde drubbing.
This is the problem for me. In a position like that Valverde is going to win far more than he loses so why are so few riders scared to risk trying further out? I know tiredness plays a part but today Katusha were about the only ones who tried to stop the inevitable. Possibly didn't help that a few contenders got taken out in the big crash I guess.
This, for me, too.
The hilly classics have become one dimensional tactical affairs.
Strong teams control the race until the pointy end.
"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
So I was half talking to my mate, half watching the race. Genuinely hadn't even realised Valverde was racing until the final couple of K's... Tactically perfect from Valverde but it's not a glorious win. God knows why the others didn't attack earlier on. J Rod and Valverde in a bunch with a hill at the finish? Not sure what other result you would expect really.
Tactically perfect from Valverde but it's not a glorious win. God knows why the others didn't attack earlier on.
I think his team did the work for him by chasing down the breaks and keeping him comfortable.
Team work won that race and they all win money. (not the glory though)
`
Organiser, National Championship 50 mile Time Trial 1972
These uphill sprinters lack the cojones to attack despite the inevitability of a Valverde drubbing.
This is the problem for me. In a position like that Valverde is going to win far more than he loses so why are so few riders scared to risk trying further out? I know tiredness plays a part but today Katusha were about the only ones who tried to stop the inevitable. Possibly didn't help that a few contenders got taken out in the big crash I guess.
This, for me, too.
The hilly classics have become one dimensional tactical affairs.
Strong teams control the race until the pointy end.
These uphill sprinters lack the cojones to attack despite the inevitability of a Valverde drubbing.
This is the problem for me. In a position like that Valverde is going to win far more than he loses so why are so few riders scared to risk trying further out? I know tiredness plays a part but today Katusha were about the only ones who tried to stop the inevitable. Possibly didn't help that a few contenders got taken out in the big crash I guess.
This, for me, too.
The hilly classics have become one dimensional tactical affairs.
Strong teams control the race until the pointy end.
What's the solution?
Smaller teams?
I reckon UCI points are the problem, better to sit in and come 5th than go all out from 30km and then get caught and dropped. I don't know what you do about that though.
From a team point of view I think Astana in particular and also Tinkoff and OGE gave it a go by putting decent second string riders up the road. Katusha also played it quite well at the end but JRod just doesn't have the sprint to beat Valverde unless it is on the much steeper slopes so they probably shouldn't have helped Movistar chase the break down. Sky had a half hearted go with Roche getting in a small move before his crash and Siutsou briefly trying to bridge to the break and Ettix worked quite hard but Kwia seemed to be feeling the effects of a tough start to the season. The others may as well have not been there.
I know he's not popular, but there has to be some credit for 2nd, 1st & 1st in AGR, FW & LBL.
So close to the clean sweep.
My missus (who races) and her potty-mouth sums him up perfectly - on watching his L-B-L (and after we'd just watched his F-W victory), she exclaimed "f*cking hell - he's a f*cking f*cker, isn't he!"... After a moment of reflection, I had to admit she had a point. That's the thing; when you go into the race as favourite, have your team play all the right moves - then cap it off with a peerless finale... You're the don.
I said in another thread, he is the best all round cyclist in the peloton. I don't like him but I respect how good he is. The fact he is 35 makes it even more impressive.
I can't see him maintaining this kind of level for more than two seasons.
I said in another thread, he is the best all round cyclist in the peloton. I don't like him but I respect how good he is. The fact he is 35 makes it even more impressive.
I can't see him maintaining this kind of level for more than two seasons.
I think he's doing pretty well concidering he's already 35. Two more might be pushing it.
Posts
Worth remembering he's only 23. Much, much more to come from him.
@DrHeadgear
The Vikings are coming!
If you haven't got the legs you haven't got the legs. Valverde is not your average rider.
As far out as that
Is reachable from here.
Believe in miracles
And cures and healing wells
Alaphillipe is 22!
Yates not too far either I think.
Superb to see.
boring
Amstel: 7th
Fleche: 2nd
LBL: 2nd
Some riders would retire happy with that.
Alaphillipe is a 2nd year pro.
That makes two really, really poor editions of L-B-L in a row.
Alaphilippe really does look an exciting prospect however. 22 years of age. His presence in the final group was the last remaining thread of interest I had in that finish.
This is the problem for me. In a position like that Valverde is going to win far more than he loses so why are so few riders scared to risk trying further out? I know tiredness plays a part but today Katusha were about the only ones who tried to stop the inevitable. Possibly didn't help that a few contenders got taken out in the big crash I guess.
hurrah !!
Classy rider that boy
Think it was over a couple of weeks ago.
With my tongue out of my cheek, though, this year's Tour could be really good.
This, for me, too.
The hilly classics have become one dimensional tactical affairs.
Strong teams control the race until the pointy end.
MTB
NEW Cross
Track/Grass Track/Winter bike
Team work won that race and they all win money. (not the glory though)
`
What's the solution?
Smaller teams?
100 finishers. Quintana @ 10mins.
I reckon UCI points are the problem, better to sit in and come 5th than go all out from 30km and then get caught and dropped. I don't know what you do about that though.
So close to the clean sweep.
My missus (who races) and her potty-mouth sums him up perfectly - on watching his L-B-L (and after we'd just watched his F-W victory), she exclaimed "f*cking hell - he's a f*cking f*cker, isn't he!"... After a moment of reflection, I had to admit she had a point. That's the thing; when you go into the race as favourite, have your team play all the right moves - then cap it off with a peerless finale... You're the don.
Proper racer.
All year round, whatever the race, he'll probably feature on the podium.
I can't see him maintaining this kind of level for more than two seasons.
I think he's doing pretty well concidering he's already 35. Two more might be pushing it.