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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@wiscot
I agree that it should be left up to the champion to decide between black, white, or team issue.
On a semi-related note ... my article about being at the Worlds.
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/features/chucks-worlds15-weekend/#.VhVMtJdvJSF
@chuckp
Nice work!
@the Engine
@chris
@Oli
Hey, I used to spend heaps more time here. It suited me really well at a time in my life (immediate aftermath of separation and divorce) that I needed to feel part of a community. It was pretty awesome at doing that.
I liked the fact that there was a group of like minded people who love cycling, love the history of cycling and could laugh at themselves and others. (mostly others).
Just fining a bit more so these days that a bit of preachyness (is that a word??) has set in and it gives me the shits a bit.
But, you're quite right @Oli: it is what it is.
Curious what my story was @the Engine. Trust it was one where I kept my pants on.
@mouse
The mutual respect between reptiles one...
@chuckp
Great work, photo's also
@the Engine
"The mutual respect between reptiles one…" OK, now let's hear it, we can all use a laugh ;-D
@chuckp
Great review!
@Oli
@Barracuda
@sthilzy
Thanks for the kind words guys. Glad you enjoyed the reading and pics. Being there was absolutely awesome. Close to a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the U.S., but pretty much happens all the time in Europe.
@mouse
As long as the preachyness is fun and tongue-in-cheek, it's all good. It's when it's actually "serious" that makes me wonder if people have truly lost their marbles. BTW, if you do FB check out the Steel is Real forum. Some of those guys are just off the deep end. Lots of (ignorant) carbon fiber hate.