Paris Nice (6th March -13th March) The Race to the Sun

MPFGLB

Or should that be the race away from the snow

So here it is ...the first European World Tour race of the season
https://twitter.com/ParisNice/status/677434995015876608

A TT prolog of 6.1 kM
Some sprints (stage one with a dirt track finish) and rouler stages and one MTF next Saturday
Looks like an interesting course with lots of possibilities
And the weather looks like a major factor with rain and snow in France

Favouries are Geraint Thomas, Richie Porte & Alberto Contador for most observers

However the bad weather will help riders like Simon Spilak & Rui Costa

https://twitter.com/tomjelteslagter/status/706032958134730753

But because the course is not specifically a climbers course and there are bonus seconds then other riders may come to the fore

Most interesting is that Orica Greenedge are backing Michael Matthews for GC (and they dont usually get it wrong) while one would think that Tom Dumoulin will have a very good chance as the climbs are not too steep and the prolog should suit him...

Roman Bardet & Tony Gallopin should be best of the French and Gallopin went very well last year in the rain. Also riders like Wico Kelderman & Ion Izzagire will benefit from the TT and hilly course

Andrew Talansky usually goes well here and it will be interesting to see the new Cannondale Pierre Rolland. Louis Leon Sanchez was flying in the Algarve until he crashed so could be one to watch

Some of the old brigade like Frank Schleck & Sylvain Chavanel are leading for their respective teams. I expect they will both be on the attack at some stage


Some strong riders who are in the race as support may get a chance to shine if not on GC then on one or two stage ..including Sergio Henao, Rafal Majka, Yuri Trofimov,Ben Hermans, Philip Gilbert, IInur Zakarin, Louis Meintjes, Tim Wellens,Simon Yates, Gorka Izagirre, Lieuwe Westra., Mikel Nieve

Both Alexis Vuillermoz and Nicolas Roche suit these parcours but are riding in support and have been recovering for illness so form is probably not yet there but could see them go for a stage

Three of the top sprinters Andre Greipel, Marcel Kittel, & Alexander Kristoff will be competing and should make these stages very interesting.

Matt Brammeier is riding in support of Serge Pauwels but expect to see him in the break also.

Start list :http://www.procyclingstats.com/race.php?id=163638&c=3

Preview : http://cyclinghub.tv/post.php?id=1366

MPFGLB

Tried to log into Boards during the race but couldn't ...very annoying as will have to give up if it continues

So Orica had it right as usual Matthews blew it out of the water today ...maybe can keep it until next Saturday ?? Not sure if the team are up for it with SKY, BMC & Tinkoff very strong

Eamonnator

@MPFGB
Great introduction, thanks very much.
Are you going to do a daily thread?

MPFGLB

I am not sure about a daily thread
Maybe just add to this one and use spoilers

The problem is logging in to boards...its not good at the moment

Eamonnator

MPFGLB wrote: »

I am not sure about a daily thread
Maybe just add to this one and use spoilers

The problem is logging in to boards...its not good at the moment

Sorry, that's just not good enough.
I want parcours, favourites, those nice maps, showing elevation and of course little titbits about riders.
A very high standard has been set with theGiro and TdF previews.
But, I'm expecting great things from you.

Melodeon

As the OP of this race thread this is kinda MPFGLB's baby, but I'll throw a few daily stage threads together if that's okay with them?

MPFGLB

Melodeon wrote: »

As the OP of this race thread this is kinda MPFGLB's baby, but I'll throw a few daily stage threads together if that's okay with them?

You go for it

Want to start with tomorrow ?

I can do so some but am really having problems loggin on to Boards for soem reason

Melodeon

MPFGLB wrote: »

You go for it

Want to start with tomorrow ?

I can do so some but am really having problems loggin on to Boards for soem reason

Will do!

I'm just about to watch today's highlight programme, so I'll knock something together after that.

MPFGLB

Melodeon wrote: »

Will do!

I'm just about to watch today's highlight programme, so I'll knock something together after that.

Thank You ( but I wouldn't let Eamonator know your taking a break )

Those roads at the end tomorrow will be the deciding factor....very narrow, open and full of gravel and dirt ...say there will be a few issues and surprises