When I went to bed last night, I thought about the World Road Race Championships, and whose name I would be reading this morning as the new wearer of the rainbow stripes.
Even though I thought of this name, I didn’t really expect to see it at the very top of the tree.
But when I did, a wry smile crossed my face. Yes, I’ve been a harsh critic of Cadel, for his riding and his bizarre antics off the bike.
Now, he’s World Champion. And I’m happy for him. Genuinely. I’d cheered him on in unsuccessful World and Olympic campaigns as a mountain biker, and felt his disappointment back then. Maybe the weight of expectation, from an Australian public not versed in cycling, and which expects success as a matter of course, contributed to the manner in which Cadel reacts to the lack of a big win, be it a Grand Tour, a Classic or indeed, the Worlds.
Now, the monkey is off his back. Maybe it’s still got its claws in, hanging on defiantly, until he can win the Tour. But even if he never does, no-one can take away these rainbow stripes.
Chapeau, Cadel.
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Well put, well put. While I, too, have continued to be annoyed by this antics, I'm very pleased to see something work out for a rider who, it does seem, suffers a disproportionate amount of bad luck.
In cycling, the strong usually make their own luck, an I'm happy to see Cadel earn his stripes. Maybe it can be a lesson to our aging Georgie for next year's Roubaix.
CRACK - OH WOW - CRACK. OK - Who is to blame for him winning! Damn Cyclones -ha ha
This will be his justification to put more people around him to help in the Grand Tours.Maybe Armstrong would be worthy now.
@K Man
I just finished watching the footage. I've never seen a less emphatic victory salute.
That said, it was a beautiful win.
Oh, shit. I just realized that, given the outfits he wears when he (temporarily) leads a Grand Tour, we are going to have to suffer white shorts for another season.
Good on him! That was a killer win for Cadel, he showed smarts and power. Spartacus was looking like he was going to slay all except every Spanish rider was sitting on him the last lap, Gilbert too. Such pussies, if anyone had worked with Fabian they would have at least had a silver medal. I'm glad the Italians and Spanish came up short this year.
Best American finisher, 59th......oh we suck.
@john
Especially Sanchez. What a douche. They actually had a gap and he wouldn't work. And, truth be told, no way could Spartacus beat Sanchez in a sprint.
Cadel is the new Rainbow Turd. Just wait and see.
In hindsight, Cadel proved to be a fantastic wearer of the rainbow jersey.
@Pedale.Forchetta
No doubt man. Short of a guy like Ricco wearing the stripes, it's always nice to see the rainbow mixing it up in a race. Cadel put on some pretty big shoes for Thor to step into. If anyone can wear it well Thor can but time will tell.
@Marko
btw, I had your same idea about him at the time...
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