Thought I'd responded, ... but hadn't, so apologies for being a bit late!
Never had any solid expectations that Juarez would overcome his opponent either in the quarter- or semi- final. Is pretty cool to see a 50K minimum wage domestique rider reach the final, sure most of us were not expecting that when the IHCC kicked-off! Three-times in a row to overcome a much more fancied favourite seems statistically unlikely, but who knows, Juarez has really got into this competition!
Obviously is quite different from a 200+km mass start race, but hope Juarez's performances here indicate that it might have been a sensible decision to have signed him up for a number of the hilly cobbled classic races, even with just 67 cobbled rating. In the right circumstances, his decent flat/hill/spr/Acc combo might see him scrape a few points now and then in those outings in light of IHCC viewing? Something we'll keep an eye on as the season evolves! He was our first FA signing this year in light of the fact that I do like his stat combo as offering a versatile domestique that could in theory be useful at 75%+ of the race calendar (and as he is South American made him 1st choice over the similar Pons and Wackerman who are very similar (but have the advantage of youth ) as alternatives).
Scorchio wrote:
He was our first FA signing this year in light of the fact that I do like his stat combo as offering a versatile domestique that could in theory be useful at 75%+ of the race calendar (and as he is South American made him 1st choice over the similar Pons and Wackerman who are very similar (but have the advantage of youth ) as alternatives).
Much appreciated!
The expected dominator vs the surprising underdog for the finale, a great storyline.
Scorchio wrote:
He was our first FA signing this year in light of the fact that I do like his stat combo as offering a versatile domestique that could in theory be useful at 75%+ of the race calendar (and as he is South American made him 1st choice over the similar Pons and Wackerman who are very similar (but have the advantage of youth ) as alternatives).
Much appreciated!
The expected dominator vs the surprising underdog for the finale, a great storyline.
Certainly is a compelling story-line. Are we sure the IHCC is not being run as a 'race' in the style of the post-tour crits!
Was pretty surprised that both Wackerman and Pons were still unbid until very late in the window. Hopefully they both have a few decent days themselves this season. Obviously more helper types, but damn useful in that function!