Yes and yes @photos:Tim de Waele/Corbis and CyclingWeekly
Before we move on to the last Monument of the season, let’s reflect on what happened in Richmond. My deeply held fears of the American organizers making a mess of things were unrealized. The two cobbled climbs were spectacles and the resulting road races were pretty damn fine.
Personally, I don’t think the Worlds should ever end up in a bunch sprint. Sprinters should have their chance but the race should be so tough that even a flat course ends up in a fractured gasp for the line. The women’s finish was not a field sprint. Lizzy Armitstead led from the bottom of the last hill and made sure no one got past her for very long. Anna VDB was there but she was not going to win this one. Armitstead was probably the strongest/fastest in her field and kept it together to prove that.
Peter Sagan won from kilometers out, gaining time with each corner. He might not have been the strongest or fastest but he was most definitely the smartest. He sat in the field the whole race and then jumped everyone with a move that won the day.
Neither winner had a strong team for support. When it comes down to the final kilometers, it’s all legs, brains and heart.
It will be a pleasure seeing the rainbow stripes on these two for the next year.
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Agreed - Richmond did itself proud and two worthy world champions in Sagan and Lizzie (and a top result for Specialized, who will market the hell out of it!). Special mention to Kiryienka in the TT, love that guy, an absolute beast of a rider - great results for the sport.
I was fortunate enough to be there to witness these events. The atmosphere at Libby Hill Park was a highlight. From my perspective, the organization and the road race course were extremely fan friendly. I was in awe watching the road races from the junior levels through the elite women and men. I think even a non-cycling fan would be entertained and impressed by the sheer speed that these athletes carried over that parcours. My ears are still ringing from the shouts, cheers and cowbells.
This got my heart going pitter-patter
It will be interesting to see how the upcoming 2016 season plays out for both new World Champions, Sagan in particular though. Will this win be the watershed moment that precedes his realization of the expectations that have been thrust upon him? It will be interesting to watch things play out. Based on his celebration of his victory, conventional thinking could be turned upside down during his reign.
Interestingly, it seems that Oleg seems to have a muzzle on at the moment.
@frank
The finest garment in all of sports.
Hear Hear
Well said, Gianni.
@Sparty
Lucky you. I had the same impression as we watched the Ronde in 2012, from the edge of a cobbled climb. Sweet jesus, they are hauling ass! The women were hauling ass. The U23 guys were hauling ass. TV never brings that to you. You have to be there.
@Jay
I think Sagan is will kill it. Even in 2012 he was just getting distanced in the Ronde, either Fabs or Boonen were schooling him but he is capable of some Spring Classics and Milan-Sanremo. I could not have been more impressed with his Worlds win. It was genius.
@Jay
Please be with black bibs! Please be with black bibs! Please be with black bibs! Please be with black bibs!...