The fourth of the Monuments, and potentially the hardest. It finishes the Ardennes classics week. This is the one of the oldest races in the world, hence its nickname La Doyenne.
History
First held in 1892, and won by Leon Houa, the race has grown and grown. The original route ended on the flat in the center of Liege, but in 1991 it was moved to the suburbs, and now it is a tough uphill finish in Ans. The 1980 race is one of the most famous because it was held during a snow storm. Bernard Hinault won by over 10mins. The route has not changed since 1991. There is so much history in the race its impossible to squeeze in here.
Winners and Records
Eddy Merckx is the most prominent winner, taking the title 5 times.
Phillipe took the 2011 race to round of his famous Ardennes Triple.
The fifth and final monument. Traditionally the end of the European season this race is held in mid-october creating a different challenge to the early season races. Its hilly route makes this the climbers classic. It is also known as the Race of the Falling Leaves.
History
It was first ran in 1905, and won by Giovanni Gerbi of Italy. The route has changed a lot since then. It first ran from Milan out and back to Milan. It has been to Como, Monza, Bergamo and Varese amongst others. The most famous climb it that of Madonna del Ghisallo in the later half. The route has chancged again for 2012, and it is going to be tough, and may change the shape of the race.
Winners and Records
The great Fausto Coppi has the most wins with 5.
Oliver Zaugg shocked to win in 2011.
This is the 2011 map, cause i cant find a 2012 one
Look Ahead to February
Fabians' first race comes towards the end of the month in Belgium with the Omloop, then K-B-K.
RSNT will also be in Mallorca and Algarve.
Vuelta a Mallorca
Simple 5 day race.
Nothing special from the team
GC; 1st Rodriguez, 2nd Karpets, 3rd Astarloza ... 5th Zaugg
Volta ao Algarve
Again a 5 day race.
Again nothing special.
GC; 1st Millar, 2nd Rodriguez, 3rd Kreuziger ... 7th Machado
GP del'Insurbia-Lugano
One day hilly race.
Nothing of note
GC; 1st Kreuziger, 2nd Kocjan, 3rd Callegarin ... 7th Zaugg
Omloop het Neuisblad
Here we go, Fabian's first race of the year.
Team; Cancellara, Bennati, Roulston, Rast, Posthuma, Popovych, Gallopin, Irizar
Result; 1st Hushovd, 2nd Haussler, 3rd Ballan ... 7th Cancellara
Comment; For a first race thats good. He ended only 30" down in the second group, being out sprinted by Boonen.
Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne
Same team as the Omloop.
Results; 1st Haussler, 2nd Boonen, 3rd Vansummeren ... 8th Cancellara
Comment; Again a solid performance. The rest of the main cobblers have all done 10+ days so are carrying good form. Fabian was 1minute down, but won the sprint in the 2nd group, ahead of McEwen.
Look Ahead to March
Several races for Fabian in March, of course.
First is the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen.
Then Tirreno-Adriatico.
Mid-way through the month we get serious Milan - San Remo, the first goal
Then its the Dwars door Vlaanderen
The E3 Prijs
Gent - Wevelgem
Finally finishes the month with the KBC.
Its going to be busy, its going to be crucial.
PCM.Daily NFL Fantasy Football Champion: 2012 PCM.Daily NHL Prediction Game Champion: 2013 PCM.Daily NFL Prediction Game Champion: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2021
I reccomend skipping the Giro with him.
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