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Olympia's Tour Discussion
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| Aquarius97 |
Posted on 23-12-2018 17:54
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Grand Tour Specialist
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 Olympia's Tour
Welkom in Nederland voor de 7e editie van Olympia’s Tour! A race many time trial-based squads have been looking out for, as it’s the only stage race centered around a TTT. However, with 3 normal stages, a KoM jersey given based on just one climb and two more time trials, there’s a lot more to look out for in this pan-flat world.
When you think of time trials at PCT level, the first name that comes up is Jerôme Coppel. The Frenchman has dominated the PCT time trials so far. However, due to not having a capable TTT squad, Carrefour has decided not to bring him here.
So who is the favourite to take this? Well, it all depends on how highly you value the TTT. Zmorka is the best TT rider of the bunch, but Durbridge and Viennet (Yorkshire) have a stronger TTT squad, even though sending a sprinter with Stauff may slow them down a little. In case you believe having a full TTT squad will be decisive, Generali with Viviani, Koren and Sterbini has a lot of opportunities to have a rider on the final podium, too.
Apart from that, you can split the outsiders into two groups: The time trailists that lack the proper teammates to get them through the TTT without losing some time, or the slightly weaker time trailers who may rise in case of a good TTT result. 2013 winner Cornu, Schädlich and Novatek’s Ford-Sergent duo belong to the first group, who might be able to score big with single stage results in the ITT and hope to hang on during the TTT. Fablok’s riders, as well as Yorkshire’s and Generali’s co-leaders, may be the ones to take adventage of a positive TTT result. Lastly, Chavanne is also here to hunt for prologue wins, though the stages might be slightly too long for him to perform well.
However, with the unpredictability of the time trials, even many unnamed time trailers should not be ruled out for a potential victory. A special focus in case of a surprising result goes to last year’s winner Ignatiev, who is always able to do something special with his unique skillset. Maybe a late escape in a regular stage will give him a time adventage over his rivals?
Assuming there will be no crosswinds or breakaway victories, the sprinters will also get three opportunities to impress. Lo Cicero, Mohs, and Vantomme stand out as potential stage winners, followed by a huge group of “80” sprinters. Special attention during the race may appear on Meyer, Moser and 2014 GC winner Holloway, who are decent time trailers as well and may finish on a nice GC spot with the help of some crucial bonification seconds.
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 24-11-2024 23:15
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| sgdanny |
Posted on 23-12-2018 18:07
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Betting on that even without a leadout, Mohs will do okay and then tag along for the TTT to get a podium
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| Yellow Jersey |
Posted on 23-12-2018 18:43
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Strong TTT squad for CT standards, here is a little different but I'm still hopeful of seeing Mottin setting a strong result here after taking Windhoek home.
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| Ollfardh |
Posted on 23-12-2018 19:18
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Hmm, why are we here again? Van Aert? Bonifazio? Peeters? Let's go breakaway!
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 23-12-2018 22:15
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Tour de France Champion
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We're all out here for AKA. Hopefully a flat stage or two are tough and his flat helps him out, otherwise it's a pretty empty race for us barring a surprise.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| Marcovdw |
Posted on 23-12-2018 22:29
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I think we have a decent TTT squad, even though no Úran. Even kept Martinez out of the Vuelta wildcard just to have a little extra boost. The sprinter stages are the kind Drapac likes, so hopefully he'll take a few good results.
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| Vien |
Posted on 24-12-2018 07:53
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Was weird to write a preview of a race I'm racing 
Been looking forward to this race ever since I signed Zmorka, and it was the main reason for me to sign a TTT squad. Yorkshire's team is scary, but if we perform in especially the first stage, a big W is possible.
Anyway, hopefully this will be the start of Zmorka's big month! |
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| Yellow Jersey |
Posted on 24-12-2018 18:03
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congratz Vien, making the most of Coppel's ausence really. Mottin with a solid start, the TTT should be good with Top5 quality in here and I'm sure he can keep himself composed in the final ITT so I'm confident.
Edited by Yellow Jersey on 24-12-2018 18:52
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| DaveTwoBob |
Posted on 24-12-2018 18:38
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Would have preferred a top 10 from Schädlich but OK with 12th.
Yorkshire boys looking good for the team event!
Thanks for the report Aquarius.
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| Marcovdw |
Posted on 24-12-2018 21:35
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Very good opening considering the weather. Novatek and cycleYorkshire set to battle for the teams classification
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 25-12-2018 04:41
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Tour de France Champion
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Nothing to note for Carlsberg. Hopefully AKA can change that tomorrow. And in a good way! That's right fate! I know your tricks. I'm not looking for a note that he crashes out (even though that's impossible now )
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| Vien |
Posted on 25-12-2018 07:48
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Good start!!! But holy, the points Yorkshire will score if they win the TTT. Certainly the winner of this stage.
Edited by Vien on 25-12-2018 07:55
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| tastasol |
Posted on 25-12-2018 09:18
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Almost a guy top 100, not too shabby that Hopefully we can do better in the sprints. Feels weird to be here without a couple of good TT guys.
Convincing win by Zmorka!
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| DaveTwoBob |
Posted on 25-12-2018 17:48
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Nice win for Mohs, Ok with Haller in 7th.
Thanks for the festive report Aquarius.
Merry Christmas to one and all.
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 25-12-2018 19:45
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Ehhh, AKA not really up to snuff. At least he was involved. There was a split second where I thought he was charging up for a top 5, but then he lost it and ended up 8th. I guess I'll take it. We'll see what happens later on.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| Marcovdw |
Posted on 25-12-2018 23:24
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Shame Drapac was held up there, otherwise he could have challenged for a podium instead of sixth. But it's a good sign he's participating at the front.
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 26-12-2018 16:52
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The high winds really should have favored AKA's rider type, but PCM didn't think so I guess.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| sgdanny |
Posted on 26-12-2018 17:56
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Solid performances here on display from Mohs, even without a leadout. Fantastic stuff
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| Marcovdw |
Posted on 26-12-2018 20:42
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Ninth is the first place without points, you should know that by now Drapac.
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| Vien |
Posted on 27-12-2018 08:38
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About time Carrefour did this... Grats to Lo Cicero for a very deserved win! |
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