Gent-Wevelgem Photo: Jim Fryer / BrakeThrough Media
The wind-swept break in last weekend’s Gent-Wevelgem was a perfect example of the bike being the great equalizer. Stijn Vandenbergh, 2 meters tall and Luca Paolini, 1.74 meters tall were both there. And until the last few kilometers, no one would bet against either.
I’m always cheering for the tall professionals. I’m no pro but I am tall; it’s all I have in common, actually. In a sport where the average professional might be more Van Avermaet than Van Summeren in stature, it really does not matter. Had Nairo Quintana been in that break, he would have been just as much of a threat as any of the others. Not being fat is a given in cycling but beyond that, all bets are off. The question is how fast can one make the bike go? Short femurs, flat feet, no calves, little hands, gibbon-like arms (cough, strack, cough), horsey teeth, all are welcome on the bike.
As much as I have scoffed at Bradley Wiggins’ chances in Paris-Roubaix, mostly due to his twiggo-sized body, he can make his bike go very fast, again and again. He cannot be discounted.
We have all seen the highly unlikely cyclist disappear up the road ahead of us. I’ve learned the hard way to keep my mouth shut and judge no one by their short femurs. The same holds true for old bastards, but that is another article.
Luca Paolini showed what makes a successful racer. As he rolled over the finish line he pointed to his head and his heart. It was mind over matter: crash a few times, change a bike, solo bridge up to the break, get dropped by the break, chase forever to get back on and finally win from a select group that contained two Quick Step teammates. Bravo. Body type in cycling is no matter; it is all heart and mind.
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View Comments
@ChrisO
Seemingly...yet, I'm going to pick him to win either P-R or Ronde. He is always at the end of these races, maybe if all the other QS teammates are in the ditch and he gets the go-code. He might be better at crushing souls that puzzling out team tactics. He might just have the correct amount of Dumb. I like this guy.
@Ron
I fucking love his station wagon! That's what made think this guy was a badass.
Can we expect you to be cruising the big island in one some day soon? Or DSing for Frank next year on the Big H. Climb?
Also, how about Peeters and his huge head and slicked hair? That guy is looking more and more like he's in the Belgian mob.
@frank
I must say that riding with you was a nice change for me, since most people I come across on the road (that aren't my biological brothers) aren't nearly big enough to poke a hole in the breeze for me (1.87m).
@Gianni
Seems Lefevre doesn't quite share your confidence in the big man, here's what he had to say after Sunday's race.
Source - http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/terpstra-makes-the-best-of-a-challenging-gent-wevelgem
@Mikael Liddy
Ouch. Doesn't pull any punches.
@frank
Another good article posted just precisely as when you intended it (of course). Visualize the vision, do the vision. I did move my saddle and seatpost this past Tuesday, 5mm up and 10mm forward. Feels as though I gained some unlocked potential energy -- over the spindle. The rails are now at the max position line on the rear. I may evolve to 0 setback this year. Experiment.
@RobSandy
Jesus, that is cold. I might have to rethink my bold VDB choice for the Ronde or P-R.
It is good Boonen is out, QS has a few potential winners already. It does confuse things when three guys on your team could win a classic. Trek needs to hire one. They are flat fucked now.
When Tomke went down, I immediately said Stybar is smiling, he will win Roubaix now.
@gilly
I remember when I started racing I didn't rate the older grey haired guys (been young and fit myself ) but I soon came to respect the wily and cunning riders they were. What they didn't have in fitness they made up for in experience and doing just enough work in a bunch. I learned a lot watching how they rode (especially when I was the one being dropped)!