I’m getting too old and cranky for all this race schedule changing. I know they already did this last year and presumably I had the same gripings then, but Lombardia is supposed to close out the season and I’m downright angry that Paris-Tours is closing out the books now; it only seems right that one of the most beautiful races should close out the season, not some sprinter’s classic that even The Prophet didn’t bother to win.
Speaking of the end of the year, this season has blown by; it seems only a moment ago that the cobbled classics were in full flight and the whole of the season was stretching out before us. That confirms it: Time is an asshole. On the other hand, time always provides another season so I guess that’s a redeeming quality.
Ok, the caffeine is kicking in and I’m now capable of an emotion other than resentment, so lets get more positive. There’s a beautiful race coming this weekend so get stoked! We have a newly crowned World Champion whose choice of bib shorts color to scrutinize. This is important work, people, and no one else is going to do it. His team has a strong track record for pairing leader and championship jerseys to team-issue bibs, with the glaring exception of Der Panzerwagan’s white (and bloody) skinsuit. My money is on team-issue.
Remember we have some major prizes on offer; @il muro di manayunk has a solid lead, but if he’s out of the points and Der @Steampunk has a good showing, anything can happen. (That might not be true, it might be mathematically impossible but I don’t feel like doing the math.) So prognosticate on the start list and get your picks in by midnight on Saturday Pacific Time (or when the clock goes to zero). Cheers, and good luck.
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@frank
Are we foregoing the Women's Chrono des Nations?
@Steampunk
Was wondering the same thing. Given the generally piss-poor coverage of women's racing, I could see finding a start list before the day of the event being an issue.
@ChrisO
Ha! Great point. I would have taken that bet with crazy odds b/c I was SURE that Sagan was going to own the Monuments, at least MSR and maybe a RVV and Lombardia in there as well.
Missed all bar the last few km today. Too busy driving a support car to a race organised by my local club.
Apparently my car is not British Cycling compliant for support vehicles.
Race radio was pretty cool. Going to jack in working and be a DS now...
Tell me Martin wasn't within a vth of one percent of crashing in that last corner. Fuck me that is a great last km!!
Gianni=0 points. MF'er. Why did I pick Ryder instead of D. Martin? Danny Boy winning his second Monument, chapeau, he has now won two more than any American.
@frank Great finish but you only really get an idea of how hard he went off the back of the group from the overhead shot.
@Pedale.Forchetta
And even more support for this kid: "QuickStep confirm that Michal Kwiatkowski managed to finsh the race, despite suffering from very bad cramp with 10 kilometres to go."
I can only imagine the thought process of those riding with d Martin, beautifully timed attack. They all stared at him riding away and wasted any chance of bringing him back. Was it just me or did anyone else clinch their cheeks watching that last turn with Martin? Liege is still fresh in my mind I guess.
@Buck Rogers
We're applauding world champions for finishing races now? HURRAH! A pro did his fucking job! Everyone go celebrate!