MrUfo87 - Well, a sprint after such a race isn't really a sprint anymore Though Stijn was coming around faster near the end, but the sprint wasn't long enough. Stijn sometimes waits to long for the sprint, while his strength is riding a long sprint, not a fast one.

JuanMotr - I'm happy to hear from you and that you'll follow again You can look at the first post for their palmares, see what you missed real fast. In short: Willy 3rd in the Tour, wearing yellow of 10 days or so and getting WC ITT unexpectedly, Stijn getting stronger. Thanks

Mordekaiser - Certainly. I'll do it later because the game isn't running now. I'll post them before Roubaix!

dienblad - Thanks! Well, it is sometimes bad luck on PCM, I was up the front but for some reason he got blocked constantly, though just when he rejoined and the attacks came, I put him at the back intentionally, so that was just a mistake.

wroblitz - That's true!

krisa - Let's hope so!!

alex344 - Thank you very much! Roubaix may be better, we'll see!

Bikex - Can't get much closer, next time it has to be it!

wogsrus - Maybe it is next time, let's hope so!

sutty68 - The master now has 4 victories in the Ronde, damn

FreitasPCM - He's incredibly strong. Stijn may be able to beat him in Roubaix, though, in the sprint.

Jakstar22 - Thank you!

Daggen - You're right, thanks

Jesleyh - Thanks for the continuous support, much appreciated

In this year's Paris - Roubaix (see the article 'Paris Roubaix'), Stijn Van Gent (25) missed his biggest chance to date to win his first monument. An illness was the basis of Van Gent's poor performance and retirement halfway the race.

Stijn Van Gent, for some at the top of his strength, was among the top favorites for the victory in Roubaix. With his explosive sprint and his infinite stamina, he was getting closer and closer to his first monument. Many believed Paris - Roubaix would finally give him glory, but fate decided otherwise.

After an unwise but impressive long-time chase in the Ronde, Van Gent reported to have developed a cough. It didn't seem to bother him during the week, but the morning of the race, it had turned into more than a nasty cough. The doctor advised him not to start, but he wouldn't listen. Halfway the race he was reported at the back of the peloton. Five kilometers later, he abandoned and was taken to the hospital for a check-up. He is back at home and resting.

The DS of Team Garmin, Ian Butler, declared Stijn is all right and his Giro participation is definitely not in danger. His fans continue to wait for his first monument. Labelled as a great talent years ago, their patience is running out. Beside minor classics and some sprint victories, he has a lot yet to prove. But Stijn Van Gent has little to worry, says DS Butler: "Stijn is incredibly talented and is still so young. He still has a lot to conquer in his career. The points jersey in a Grand Tour, the Giro, is his next objective". So it seems Van Gent still has time to write history. However, both Tom Boonen and Fabian Cancellara scored their first monument at the age of 25, something Stijn Van Gent will never have done.

Ian Butler wrote:

cunego59 wrote:


Well, I guess you have no choice but to win Il Lombardia then...