Laurent Fignon - Giro
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for the Giro, 2016, starting in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands and finishing in Torino, Italy. Here is a provisional start list. The riders make the race so it should be fantastic racing, a race up the whole of the country, for three weeks, what’s not to love? The Giro usually has a crazy stage and we are unsure what this year’s edition holds in that category, maybe more racing at night, or on dirt, bring it on. The Shark, Landa, Malmerde, Uran Uran, even Red Ryder, and more, each have a decent shot at the over all.
We all know the drill, this race starts on Friday so keep your delgado monkey on a tight leash. Consult your personal oracles; there are bike frames, carbon wheels, V-kit and more for the winners of the season-long overall VSP. Further details can be found on the VSP page. Bon chance.
[vsp_results id=”42800″/]
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View Comments
@wiscot
A-Merckx man, since when did common sense and logic have anything to do with this?
@dinosaurJR
You going to let anyone tell you how to do your job?
It's all about Worlds and/or Olympics for these guys - what's the point in dragging themselves over all those mountains and tiring themselves out unnecessarily with little to no chance of further stage wins when they can ease off and fight battles they can win later in the season? They're just going to get eliminated anyway, most likely...Worlds in particular will be a race for the pure sprinter for the first time since Copenhagen so good luck to them, I reckon.
@Teocalli
Cipo did actually win the Maglia Ciclomino, as it was back then, three times in the 90s. It was the Tour and Vuelta he didn't ever finish.
@Oli
Yeah I know but I was acting in the best traditions of journalism in not letting facts get in the way of a good story line.........
He was certainly economic with his efforts in the latter part of his career (if I remember correctly).
@Teocalli
A-Merckx! Exactly how I feel.
I can't agree with the proposed Rule, though. It's completely unenforceable. I would be way too easy to fake an injury or illness. And, as @Oli said, they would probably (certainly) be eliminated in the mountains. "Sorry mates, just had a jour sans and couldn't make the time cut-off. Guess I'll pack my bags and go home."
Quote of the day from Bob deLuxe: [On becoming more of a climber] “The thing is, I’m pretty convinced you can’t change your body. Either it comes with the years or I will continue like this. I consider myself a good bike rider and despite my weight I don’t climb badly."
In other words, I'm not too fat to climb, or, a new mantra for Velominati.
@MangoDave
Logic and rational thought have no place here.
If their stage wins are forfeit they'll make it over the Cols, or their teammates will drag them over for the point.
The level of injury required for an exemption will require x-Ray's showing visible separationor limbs dangling off and illnesses would be of a nature that require isolation. In short riding a grand tour would be preferable to faking ones way out of it.
@Oli
In my head not making the time cut and being eliminated is more honorable way of leaving the race (that wont upset the organisers or the host nation) than simply throwing in the towel. Double super especially whilst in possession of the sprinters jersey.
As others have said this is partially short sighted race planning, partly the way the sport has developed.
It still gets on my tits though.
@chris
Got it! Very persuasive.