Probably a boring race because Valverde knows what he's doing. He can take on anyone on that finish and he has the team to control the race with Moreno, Izagirre, Betancur light, Visconti, ...
Anyone who could cause problems in the past won't be able to do it sunday. Gilbert is not starting, Henao is not starting, Gerrans is not in shape, Rodriguez is too old. That only leaves the Martin/Alaphillipe duo that could hurt him, I hope they will but it's going to be hard.
Arn't Etixx duo rather really defensive Ardennes riders? I don't recall them doing anything ever before Ans (in case of Alaphilippe it's only one Liege so it's understandable)
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Hoping:great solo win by Nibali/or a great race combined with Rodriguez/Gaspa win
Expecting:If the weather is like last year a dull race with a Valv win
If the weather is terrible(a lot worse than last year)an exciting race with a Valv or Gaspa win
Fearing:A very dull race with a Valv or Orica win
It won't be as easy as stealing candy from kids in Flèche, but with the team Don has at his disposal, I think they will be able to neutralise the race
You need to move on!!! If Martin was strong enough he would of finished in front of Alaphillipe in Fleche
Hells 500 Crew and 6 x Everester
Don Rd Launching Place
Melbourne Hill Rd Warrandyte
Colby Drive Belgrave South
William Rd The Patch
David Hill Rd Monbulk
Lakeside Drive Emerald https://www.everesting.cc/hall-of-fame/
According to Paul Martens the organizers are making a mistake by adding this new climb late in the race.
Instead of making it more exciting, he expects a more boring version now. The group at the finish might be smaller but having a new climb there could also mean no attacks until then hence less excitement.
I`d say the truth might be somewhere in between. But if the weather really is that bad, we should see some riders struggling anyway, who were in other races recently with 20 degrees more than tomorrow.
Ollfardh wrote:
Probably a boring race because Valverde knows what he's doing. He can take on anyone on that finish and he has the team to control the race with Moreno, Izagirre, Betancur light, Visconti, ...
Anyone who could cause problems in the past won't be able to do it sunday. Gilbert is not starting, Henao is not starting, Gerrans is not in shape, Rodriguez is too old. That only leaves the Martin/Alaphillipe duo that could hurt him, I hope they will but it's going to be hard.
Gerrans isn't in that bad shape but I also doubt he beats Valverde.
The one squad that could cause some havoc is Astana, they have riders in form Fuglsang, Kangert, Rosa and I wouldn't be surprised to see Nibali try something long range
Hells 500 Crew and 6 x Everester
Don Rd Launching Place
Melbourne Hill Rd Warrandyte
Colby Drive Belgrave South
William Rd The Patch
David Hill Rd Monbulk
Lakeside Drive Emerald https://www.everesting.cc/hall-of-fame/
Hoping for an exciting race. Bad weather could make it interesting. It would be great to see Rodriguez come up with a win but that probably won't happen.
I totally agree with Martens regarding the course change. They are doing the exact opposite of what I think would lead to an exciting race. The ardennes in the current state are not even comparable to the Flanders classics, which is sad to see.
You need to move on!!! If Martin was strong enough he would of finished in front of Alaphillipe in Fleche
You need to:
1. Stop caring so much about someone else's opinions
2. Not take forum comments so seriously
3. Stop arguing with me for no fricking reason when arguments are not occurring
So now we've cleared up what we need to do. Sure I'll move on.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy
Read somewhere there is expected headwind, 20 m/s last 30 kilometres. Thats quite a lot, no?
Whatever, can't watch the race anyways due to my brother getting confirmed (it is called that lol, sounds weird). Do i a) cut every connection and watch the replay later or b) sneak in front of the tv with 5 km to go?
