Ronde Van Vlaanderen

ROK ON

Ok. Who wins. Is the Bonen vs Cancellara all over again or anyone else to watch for.

Would love to see Gilbert win but would be difficult given his outstanding form already. If he places can he hold form into Liege & Amstel?

Despite his victory in Ghent Wevelgem I think its tough for Tom to best Fabian. The later has too much power.

Ballan as an outside bet maybe?

TinyExplosions

ROK ON wrote: »

Ok. Who wins. Is the Bonen vs Cancellara all over again or anyone else to watch for.

Would love to see Gilbert win but would be difficult given his outstanding form already. If he places can he hold form into Liege & Amstel?

Despite his victory in Ghent Wevelgem I think its tough for Tom to best Fabian. The later has too much power.

Ballan as an outside bet maybe?

Spartacus for me.

TheBlaaMan

Cancellara's display in the E3 last Saturday was really, really impressive! It hardly even seemed to phase him. It would be hard to bet against him....

ednwireland

watching 3 days de panne at the moment

JacksonHeightsOwn

id like to see Boonen win, but ive a sneaky feeling Gilbert will do the business myself, either way, ill be happy

Chips Lovell

Cancellara is the overwhelming favourite at this stage. Watching the way he rode E3 was kind of depressing: getting a bike change, jumping up three groups and then riding away from everyone. If he continues in this vein its going to be like the Tour de France during the Armstrong years. Everyone else will give up and be just racing for second.

Sep Vanmarcke summed it up:

"It's unbelievable. It's not normal... I mean, it's impossible to beat him."

Boonen and Gilbert are in fantastic form, but it's hard to see beyond Cancellara. There's only one way to beat him and that is arrive at the finish with him and skin him in the sprint. Nobody seems to be able to hold his wheel these days though.

Raam

el tonto wrote: »

Cancellara is the overwhelming favourite at this stage. Watching the way he rode E3 was kind of depressing: getting a bike change, jumping up three groups and then riding away from everyone. If he continues in this vein its going to be like the Tour de France during the Armstrong years. Everyone else will give up and be just racing for second.

Sep Vanmarcke summed it up:

"It's unbelievable. It's not normal... I mean, it's impossible to beat him."

Boonen and Gilbert are in fantastic form, but it's hard to see beyond Cancellara. There's only one way to beat him and that is arrive at the finish with him and skin him in the sprint. Nobody seems to be able to hold his wheel these days though.

What super training mechanisms does he have?

petethedrummer

Hard to ignore the obvious explanation for his superhuman performance but I will so...

Couldn't the next best TT'ers in the world just decide to wheel suck Cancellara in these races? Surely there is someone who can live with him while getting a tow. Someone like Tony Martin, Bert Grabsch or Michael Rogers.

Chips Lovell

petethedrummer wrote: »

Couldn't the next best TT'ers in the world just decide to wheel suck Cancellara in these races? Surely there is someone who can live with him while getting a tow. Someone like Tony Martin, Bert Grabsch or Michael Rogers.

None of them have shown any interest really in the classics. But I don't think you simply need to be a good TT rider. Cancellara seems to have the ability to lay down an extraordiary amount of power at crucial points, which is probably a bit different to being able ride hard steadily.

ednwireland

el tonto wrote: »

"It's unbelievable. It's not normal... I mean, it's impossible to beat him."

:eek:

what did he mean by that !

ROK ON

While FC can lay claim to awesome power so can Gilbert. I think his shot would be to hang with there and launch one of his famous attacks around the MUUR or the Bosberg. He will need to distance himself from FC or else risk been ride off his wheel.

However this is the Ronde. Luck plays a huge part. My worry on Gilbert is not form, but has he peaked too soon. I think that he has and that he will hold back and focus on LBL.

Junior

ROK ON wrote: »

While FC can lay claim to awesome power so can Gilbert. I think his shot would be to hang with there and launch one of his famous attacks around the MUUR or the Bosberg. He will need to distance himself from FC or else risk been ride off his wheel.

However this is the Ronde. Luck plays a huge part. My worry on Gilbert is not form, but has he peaked too soon. I think that he has and that he will hold back and focus on LBL.

I don't think Gilbert has either the team or the power to hurt Fabian, he couldn't ride him off his wheel at MSR and couldn't beat him in a sprint either. Gilbert will need to isolate Cancellara early and knock the O'Grady card out of play for Leopard Trek and try and have Fabian cover off repeated attacks and weaken his power that way. Or just pay Pozzato to stick to him like sh*t to a blanket like he does to all other favourites.

goldencleric

Junior wrote: »

Or just pay Pozzato to stick to him like sh*t to a blanket like he does to all other favourites.

No matter how many times he ruins a race winning move I just can't help liking and rooting for him :pac:

Anyway back to the race, I would love to see a groupetto sprint like in MSR between Boonen, Gilbert, Hushovd, Fabu and Pippo with Tom taking it. Its getting boring being a Fabian fan now, let him take P-R rather than the ronde.

morana

I actually think Hushovd will have a very good race. Gilbert will be there. Staf Scherlinckx will go well and Vanmarcke also. Now i have covered everybody there.

Just think Scanlon gave Cancellara a kicking back in 1998....and boonen and schleck and a gaggle of others...

Junior

morana wrote: »

I actually think Hushovd will have a very good race. Gilbert will be there. Staf Scherlinckx will go well and Vanmarcke also. Now i have covered everybody there.

Just think Scanlon gave Cancellara a kicking back in 1998....and boonen and schleck and a gaggle of others...

The infamous Fitzy used to constantly whip McEwen in sprints as an amateur...

emtroche

Just noticed that eurosport are showing it live from 11.15! Cant remember them showing flanders from that early. Excellent!

Junior

emtroche wrote: »

Just noticed that eurosport are showing it live from 11.15! Cant remember them showing flanders from that early. Excellent!

Just don't believe Eurosport EPG, it's on when it's on !

Raam

Junior wrote: »

Just don't believe Eurosport EPG, it's on when it's on !

Live snooker earlier in the morning so there is defo a possibility of an overrun.

Diarmuid

Raam wrote: »

Live snooker earlier in the morning so there is defo a possibility of an overrun.

It's still pretty promising from ES!

With regard to a potential winner, I agree with el tonto. If Gilbert or Bonnen can hang on to Cancellara's wheel to the sprint, then either will beat him. That's a very big if though.

Wonder if he's still using Luigi Cecchini's training plans? </don'tgothere>

Chips Lovell

ROK ON wrote: »

While FC can lay claim to awesome power so can Gilbert. I think his shot would be to hang with there and launch one of his famous attacks around the MUUR or the Bosberg. He will need to distance himself from FC or else risk been ride off his wheel.

However this is the Ronde. Luck plays a huge part. My worry on Gilbert is not form, but has he peaked too soon. I think that he has and that he will hold back and focus on LBL.

The problem for Gilbert is not attacking, but being caught by Cancellara. It depends really on who, if anyone, is still with Cancellara. Gilbert's hope would be if Cancellara was in a group with the likes of Boonen, Haussler, Pozzato. So if he can't ditch them, he may not bother towing everyone up to Gilbert only to get fourth or fifth.

petethedrummer

el tonto wrote: »

The problem for Gilbert is not attacking, but being caught by Cancellara. It depends really on who, if anyone, is still with Cancellara. Gilbert's hope would be if Cancellara was in a group with the likes of Boonen, Haussler, Pozzato. So if he can't ditch them, he may not bother towing everyone up to Gilbert only to get fourth or fifth.

Like in the world championships a couple of years ago. I felt a bit sorry for him the way everyone just wheel sucked him just before and as Cadel attacked. But in retrospect I don't anymore because of all these mickey taking wins of his.

ednwireland

el tonto wrote: »

The problem for Gilbert is not attacking, but being caught by Cancellara. It depends really on who, if anyone, is still with Cancellara. Gilbert's hope would be if Cancellara was in a group with the likes of Boonen, Haussler, Pozzato. So if he can't ditch them, he may not bother towing everyone up to Gilbert only to get fourth or fifth.

bit like the 09 worlds then !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUplAPmV61I

Funkyzeit

Best race of the year imho. Absolutely love it

Just can't see past Cancellara - Whilst I'd love to see Gilbert win I think he'd be relying on a Spartacus having a crash/serious mechanical. The way he left Boonen on one of the hills (Vesten?) last year was frightening and if anything he's in better form this year.

Maybe the tactic from the likes of Gilbert, Boonen, Hushvod etc is to just let Cancellara do all of the chasing in terms of responding to attacks from the second tier riders?

In any case fascinating race ahead....

dave.obrien

Ballan looked in good form last weekend, and the likes of Hushovd, Gilbert, Boonen, Devolder and Van Avermat all have the talent. I'd include Eddie Bos in that group but, his form seems patchy... Pettacchi is wearing the teams no1 jersey, but I reckon Grega Bole's way better suited to this course. What's Goss like on cobbles?!

Outside bet goes to Van Summeren for me ( although I'd say the Haussler-Hushovd axis would have him strung and quartered if he tried anything, but I like his style!)

morana

Junior wrote: »

The infamous Fitzy used to constantly whip McEwen in sprints as an amateur...

for 9th?

with Gilbert, pozzato, Canceralara, boonen, ballan all watching each other it will be leif hoste to get away and finally win his home race!

Raam

morana wrote: »

with Gilbert, pozzato, Canceralara, boonen, ballan all watching each other it will be leif hoste to get away and finally win his home race!

I'll put money on that NOT happening

Diarmuid

morana wrote: »

it will be leif hoste to get away and finally win his home race!

Someone has not been watching his Eurosport cycling coverage ! (that link has potential spoiler material)

sy

Agree Cancellara was awesome in E3 and Boonen hid in the bunch for most of Gent Wevelgem so he seems to be trying to hide his current form. Ballan looks like he should be at peak form for this one and might just surprise the big favourites. Pozzato always does well but he has to stop following wheels and ride his own race. Has a sprint that even Boonen would fear and definitely due a big win.
As always it will come down to the Kwaremont and the Koppenberg. Gilbert has to attack here and Cancellera who was from another planet last year( I do think Boonen was not in great form at that stage so maybe he should be able to hang on when the hammer goes down) will follow.
Nuyens will try and sneak away before these climbs as will Flecha and what about DeVolder.who ripped the Koppenberg a few years back...... enough said , I just love this race the greatest classic of them all.:pac:

Ballan to sneak it if Cancellara sits up.



Chaos after crash on Koppenberg in 2006. Boonen went on to win with Hoste 2nd and Ballan Cancellara and Hincapie close behind. Big George has always been close but I'm afraid, like myself!, he's a bit past it. Ballan will be glad of his experience and BMC have an impressive team.

TheBlaaMan

There's a piece over on Velonews.com with Details of the 18 climbs on the Ronde

Should be a great race.

Spokes of Glory

http://www.paddypower.com/bet/cycling/tour-des-flandres?ev_oc_grp_ids=59290

My favourite race.

The betting says it all about FC. If Devolder somehow manages to pull off another one, I'll be holidaying in style this year.

Spokes

ednwireland

oooh nooooo Flanders route changed after cobbles theft

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/flanders-route-changed-after-cobbles-theft

nothing to do with it been april 1st !

Ronde to miss Koppenberg after thieves remove section of cobbles for driveway

The organisers of the Tour of Flanders have announced that the route of this Sunday’s race will have to undergo a late change after thieves stole a significant section of cobbles on the fearsome Koppenberg climb. Belgian police have revealed they have received information suggesting that the cobbles were stolen to order and may have already been spirited out of the country. They believe the cobbles are destined for the driveway of a fan of the Belgian Classics.

The ultra-steep and narrow Koppenberg did not feature on the Flanders route for many years because of the dangerous state of the cobbles on its 25 per cent slope. Following renovation work, the climb returned to the Flanders itinerary in 2002, but was dropped again in 2007. More extensive renovation work saw it return in 2008. Unfortunately, the quality of the new cobbles is believed to have resulted in this week’s theft.

Speaking to the media in Ghent, Belgian police detective Tom Bliboos said they had received information suggesting that a shadowy underworld figure known only by the nickname “Makka Pakka” is behind the theft. Residents close to the Koppenberg report hearing strange noises coming from the climb in the middle of Wednesday night.

“Locals say there were strange lights from the climb and an occasional trumpet sound,” said Det. Bliboos. “They thought it was kids messing around and did not call the police until it was too late. The theft was run like a military operation. Aside from the theft of the cobbles, the thieves barely left a trace apart from a well-used sponge with which they may have been planning to polish the stones.”

A tip-off suggests that the stones may be destined for a new home on a driveway in Wales. “We’ve been told that a bike fan with the initials IG and living in the village of Llepiggle funded the operation,” explained Det. Bliboos. “He is said to be a huge fan of the Classics and could not resist the thought of paving his driveway with some authentic Ronde cobbles. We would appreciate anyone with information on this person to come forward with details.”

The detective did add that there has been positive side to the story. In the course of removing the cobbles, the thieves uncovered a bent bicycle wheel which carbon dating analysis has shown is from the year 1987. “It looks like someone has driven over it in a car,” said the detective, who added: “This whole affair has created a real hoo-hah in Flanders and turned the organisers plans upsy daisy, but the race will go ahead on Sunday as planned.”

Morrisseeee

nothing to do with it been april 1st !

michaelm

http://www.nieuwsblad.be/ - Worth a look over the next few days. This is one of the biggest newspapers in Beligium and sponsor of the RVV. Their coverage over the next 3 days is virtually wall to wall - with their site updated regularly with photographers on the route, from pro teams training during the week to today's sportive and tomorrow's race. Expect to see Boonen feature on many pages. This is my first year in 5 to miss the event (thanks Brian(s)) and having severe withdrawl symptoms!

goldencleric

right bets are on, Pozzato (to wheelsuck Fabu to the finish and outkick) Chavanel and O'Grady (both may make an escape if everyone is watching Fabu?)

TheBlaaMan

goldencleric wrote: »

right bets are on, Pozzato (to wheelsuck Fabu to the finish and outkick) Chavanel and O'Grady (both may make an escape if everyone is watching Fabu?)

No way will O'Grady be going anywhere without Cancellara on his wheel. He is going to be working hard for Cancellara and unless Spartacus retires from the race, I cannot see O'Grady being given the leeway to go for the win?

Esroh

Anyone recognise this Riders on the Sportive
http://www.nieuwsblad.be/article/photobox.aspx?articleid=DMF20110402_052&start=33

http://www.nieuwsblad.be/article/photobox.aspx?articleid=DMF20110402_052&start=89

goldencleric

TheBlaaMan wrote: »

No way will O'Grady be going anywhere without Cancellara on his wheel. He is going to be working hard for Cancellara and unless Spartacus retires from the race, I cannot see O'Grady being given the leeway to go for the win?

66-1, just couldn't resist sticking a token bet on those odds

Chips Lovell

TheBlaaMan wrote: »

No way will O'Grady be going anywhere without Cancellara on his wheel. He is going to be working hard for Cancellara and unless Spartacus retires from the race, I cannot see O'Grady being given the leeway to go for the win?

Tell that to Devolder. He won twice as lieutenant to the favourite

on_the_nickel

Jesus, some big names in this race, is no-one riding the Tour of Flanders this year?

goldencleric

Before the other teams start popping champagne bottles, there is however a second part to the riddle they have to solve: How do they prevent a Leopard like Stuart O’Grady from winning? When the break of 40 goes away, he’ll be in it. He won’t have to work (waiting for Cancellara) and although all eyes are on his master, Stuart has the legs and the head to survive anybody in that breakaway and go for glory. That’s of course what happened at Paris-Roubaix in 2007. I remember that race quite well as I was there and of course he was riding a Cervelo, and it was one of the most exciting and surprising races I have ever seen

Gerard Vroomen thinks the same, but after O'Grady dropped back from the break in E3 to ferry Cancellara to the front, I'm not entirely convinced myself tbh

sy

on_the_nickel wrote: »

Jesus, some big names in this race, is no-one riding the Tour of Flanders this year?

This is one of the most prestigious races of the year. To the cycle crazy Belgians it is THE race of the year. Kelly never won this monument (finished 2nd 3 times!) and has stated that he would swap one of his 2 wins in Paris Roubaix to have this one on his palmares.

The tax man

on_the_nickel wrote: »

Jesus, some big names in this race, is no-one riding the Tour of Flanders this year?

Ronde van Vlaanderen is Dutch for Tour of Flanders.*









*just in case you're not joking.

Inquitus

on a dutch cycling forum they had a poll as follows:

Who will win the Tour of Flanders

Cancellara 127 29%
Spartacus 120 27%
That swiss guy 50 11%
The dude with the engine in his bike 94 21%
Justin Bieber 52 12%

made me chuckle

on_the_nickel

The tax man wrote: »

Ronde van Vlaanderen is Dutch for Tour of Flanders.*









*just in case you're not joking.

I was.**

** but it was sh*te, in fairness.

michaelm

Going to go with Chavanel on the basis that Quick Step have to pull out all the stops on this, their biggest day of the year, and they can't risk a head to head between their main man, Boonen and Cancellara as happened last year. Remeber they have used this trategy before to great success with Devolder.

bcmf

http://sports-livez.com/channel/ch-5.php

watching live here

goldencleric

Download the bigMAQ Nagra 3 toolbar and watch it with King Kelly's commentary:

http://www.bigmaq.co.uk/

ROK ON

The cadence some of these guys put out on cobbled climbs is just fantatsic to watch.

pprendeville

Cancellara looks like he's using deep section rims while Chavanel is using standard wheels. didn't think carbon would be used on a race like this.

bcmf

nobody saw that

dastardly00

great sprint finish!