Gent conjures up images of the quintessential Flemish city. Age-old medieval architecture rising from the river’s edge is classically Belgian. Gent is also firmly tied to Belgium’s greatest gift to the world, cycling tradition. Many a pro-expat cyclist has relocated to Gent with the hope of testing their mettle in the seat of cycling’s soul. Brad Wiggins and Tyler Farrar are two current stars who come to mind who emigrated to Gent. It is where Wouter Wylant hailed from and I believe it’s where Andrei Tmchil calls home. Wevelgem, while I’m sure a very fine place, boasts only an old German airport constructed in WW1 and a pair of Miss Belgiums (2007 and 2011). But the countryside in between is the ideal place to hold one of cycling’s classics, Gent-Wevelgem.
Some may see it as a semi-classic. That argument held more water when the race was placed in between The Ronde Van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix in April. Now that it’s been given it’s own weekend on the calendar leading up to Cycling Week, I think it’s fair to say that, while not a Monument, it deserves full classic status. Just look at the list of winners – Van Looy, Merckx, Van Springel, Godefroot, Maertens, Steels, and Boonen. And those are just a smattering of the Belgians. Throw in a few Cipollinis, Mosers, Kellys, and Hinaults and the winners list is a who’s who of hardmen.
That is all well and good but what is really getting me excited about Gent-Wevelgem this year is the Kemmelberg. The Kemmelberg factors virtually every year in the race but what’s different for me this year is the Keepers Tour is staying in Kemmel, very near the fabled climb. I imagine striking out on a morning ride just days after the race to have a go at the climb myself with the other blokes on the tour. I just hope I don’t have to unclip and walk up the damn thing and thank Merckx I don’t have to do it twice if I don’t want to (The racers will complete the climb twice).
There is no such thing as a VSP that is easy to forecast but this one can be particularly tricky. It’s usually one for the sprinters but rather than ending in a bunch gallop it often ends with a sprint from a small selection of riders who make it over the Kemmelberg intact. What does this mean for Mark Cavendish after his dismal day last weekend? Additionally, riding a bloc in this race could risk a premature peak for The Ronde the following week. In which case, maybe you look to guys like Sagan, Haussler, and EBH who are strong and likely to factor in the Monuments but may (and have) lay it all out for a day of Flandrian glory as they plot their up-and-comer status.
Here’s some great footage of the Kemmelberg and many of the other climbs being contested in 2010. It’s all good but if you want to skip to the Kemmelberg it’s featured at 7:30.
There are many dudes who seem to be going well right now so get your picks in before 5am PST. Here’s the challenge – think for yourself this time, don’t follow the herd, and you just might put yourself in position to increase your tally for the Shop Apron awarded at the end of the season. Start list here.
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So was the upshirt gal...excited for the breakaway lads and wanted to congratulate them? Or...was she a Boonen fan and wanted to distract them?
@Steampunk
He said that in the interview as well - said he really had to dig deep and hold on for a long time; he was completely empty. It didn't look it from the pictures!
I also notice he's only doing the one-arm salute these days. Love it. Its all Merckxian. I wonder if its because he doesn't want to risk a careless crash before the big races.
@paolo
I think Marko isn't saying he can't win without a leadout, Marko's saying he can't win without getting an armchair ride to the finish. I could be wrong, but I've never seen him tow himself up to a group or bridge up solo. Even Cipo did that to win Wevelgem.
The problem Cav has right now is a combination of expectation and talent. He's as fast as he is in the sprint because he's specialized in it, and he's more or less a one-trick pony. Good on him, but that comes at the cost of being a worse sprinter. Even if you see him on his bike, he's so far forward, not very good for climbing.
I also find myself thinking the same thoughts I think re: the Schlecks in terms of him just not learning to climb just as they can't seem to learn to TT. But in fairness, he would lose some of his top end if he diversified. Its a matter of priorities.
But I agree - his speech blaming someone else for letting the wheel go is lame. Ride your race and take responsibility. Simple as that.
@frank
Good points all...can't argue with that. Never seen Cav close down an attack or a gap on his own.
It seems like quite a few one trick ponies are going to have to come up with something new if they want to win.
@frank
You should have seen his fight to get back up with the leaders in the Commonwealth Games RR - it was ultimately unsuccessful, but not for want of trying!
@frank
Why do you say being forward isn't good for climbing? It's common for climbers to sit forward on their bikes, especially short ones. If they aren't standing they are sitting on the noses of their saddles.
0730 started watching the feed on Sporza, and started sampling Belgian Beers.
Needless to say I needed a nap by the time 1130 rolled around. But now I am able to fix some wheels...
@Buck Rogers
I was thinking we should have her run backwards up the climbs.
Ah, I see where I went wrong and missed this: I only checked the latest article yesterday. Damn.
Couldn't even watch the race, but would've loved to. I mean, an Euskaltel rider on the front? On COBBLES?
@Oli
Seven seconds on Google for a climber who fits both your points: Pantani - rockin' back in the saddle for power like a badass.
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But without being facetious, I'm certainly not saying you can't be forward to climb well - and anytime any of us are on the rivet we're forward (as the phrase suggests) - but I'm talking about the regular position. His natural position is very far forward, like a triathlete almost. Have a look at some of the side shots from MSR. Maybe he's got an odd physiology, but its very unusual. He certainly doesn't climb well, that's for sure. Granted, Fuentes was also rather far forward, and he could climb well enough, but its definitely not a common position for a climber to be THAT far forward. That's all.