Cavandish and the Olympics

Mint Sauce

Before I start, dont get me wrong, but I am a supporter of Canvendish, but watching the last couple of TDF and this years, it has got me wondering how much of a chance does he have of Olympic Gold.

It seems that he always had the support of the team in previous years to get him in a good position for the sprint, and to some extent this year with Sky, although reading here that support might be more for Wiggens. But come the Olympics is he going to get the same support from the other GB riders or fellow competitors that he usally rides with? Surely it being the Olympics, loyalities might be put aside.

Now I understand riders will be helping each other to get to the finish, but once it gets to a certain point wont it be every rider for himself.

C3PO

I suppose the same could be said for the World Championship last year but he was helped by the team there too!

Inquitus

irish-stew wrote: »

Before I start, dont get me wrong, but I am a supporter of Canvendish, but watching the last couple of TDF and this years, it has got me wondering how much of a chance does he have of Olympic Gold.

It seems that he always had the support of the team in previous years to get him in a good position for the sprint, and to some extent this year with Sky, although reading here that support might be more for Wiggens. But come the Olympics is he going to get the same support from the other GB riders or fellow competitors that he usally rides with? Surely it being the Olympics, loyalities might be put aside.

Now I understand riders will be helping each other to get to the finish, but once it gets to a certain point wont it be every rider for himself.

As at the worlds, team GB will all ride themselves into the ground for Cav as he's team GB's only chance of winning the Gold in the race. Team GB will also we super strong as they were in the worlds. Whether Cav can do Box Hill 9 times, who knows.

buffalo

They're national teams - it's a bit like saying Robbie Keane is out to score goals for himself, not Ireland. If the team can get a gold for GB, they'll be happy I'm sure.

If Cav is still in contention after all the climbing, they'll do their damnedest to get him to the front and launch. If not, well... they've stated that Cav is their Plan A, B and C, so it might be every man for themselves then.

Beasty

I would guess there's an understanding whereby Sky are doing whatever is necessary to support Wiggins in the Tour, but Cav knows he will be getting full support from the rest of the team (GB) in the Olympics. Team GB funding is driven by Olympic success and if they can pull off the men's road race it will be a further boost for British cycling. It's interesting to see they've packed the team with TT'ers - they are only there to protect and give a lead out to Cav (and in the case of Wiggins in particular to target a medal in the TT)

ROK ON

He will have unequivocal support.
But so will guys that the course may suit just as much if not more, Sagan, Griepel, Bonen and Cancellara.
It should be a cracking race.