I've determined I suck pretty badly at cobbled races. I'm currently running a career with credit agricole in 2008. Hushovd is my best cobbled guy... not elite but pretty good. I've got a fair number of cobbled helpers... 2 guys at 75 COB and 5 more around 70-72.
But I just ran the Omloop Haut Volk (I think I spelled that right) and I couldn't come close to hanging on to the top group. I finished in the second break behind the top 12 guys in the first group. I'm even working toward the classics with Hushovd this season so his form isn't half bad (77 I think).
Obviously the strategy I'm using is not working. I'm just protecting Hushovd with everyon and hanging on the front so I can avoid getting dropped... but in the end I still can't hang on once Cancellera, Hoste, Boonen et al start to push.
depending on what db you use, but in most, boonen and cancellara, especially boonen are in such good form and have such high stats that no amount of skill can stop them getting away, especially if one of them gets a gap by themselves then you will never see them get caught.
my strategy for the cobbles when you have a strong squad all round is to wait until the race has about 60kms to go and put the whole team on relay, your 5 or 6 weakest on 99% relay and your leader and 1 or 2 of your other strong guys on 65% or whatever they need to keep up with the others. you will find that at the end of a cobbles section or at the top of a hill then all or most of your squad will ride off the front. then you just set your leader up
