Reaching down in the drops for the last drop of the V
Three riders stand out in this photo: Sagan, Van Avarcan’t*, and Deggencobble in the drops, crushing it up the stupid-steep cobbled final climb at the 2015 Worlds in Richmond, Virginia. I’ve never thought much of Virginia, if at all, and I certainly never thought of Virginia’s many cobbled climbs. Goes to show that not everything below the Mason-Dixon Line is rubbish.
The photo says it all: only 66% of the riders climbing in the drops lost the World Championships, while 100% of the riders climbing on the hoods lost them. The science is conclusive: something about climbing in the drops gives you extra Awesome Speed.
From a traditional standpoint, I can’t say the US is the best place to host World Cycling Events. That said, the old Coors Classic was badass as shit, and both the CX and Road World Championships hosted here were easily the best in recent times in both disciplines. Merca: crushing it. So long as we don’t include “winning” within the concept of “crushing it”. But as far as hosting a great race? Nailed it.
Even less traditional is the Qatar Worlds location. As Gianni said, flat and cross winds. Very Dutchish or Flemishish, on the surface of it. Have you ever been in a sauna and had someone blow on you because they are an asshole? If you have, you will realize that in that sort of heat, adding wind makes the wet parts of your skin burn, not cool. In other words, cross winds in the desert is like racing in Belgium while Beelzebub chases you about with a flamethrower.
At least doffing leg warmers and extra jerseys won’t slow anyone down.
Get your picks in by the time the countdown clock goes to nil, and good luck. Oh, and study the start list, as if it helps. Remember: a Don Walker frame is on offer for the winner of the VSP! A custom steel frame!
*Except he Van Avercould at the Olympics. Quite the time to pull out the “No More Second Places” card.
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Anyone out there? Fellominati, NO traffic on this site yesterday all day????
@KogaLover
Too darned busy at work. Bike time looks bleak for a few weeks too.
@Teocalli
quick, get Brett to write another article about saddlebags!
@RobSandy
Did you see Robin Williams' bikes for sale? Almost all bikes are portrayed with an EPMS. They really made an effort to ensure they're on.
Guess I finally will need to start writing this article I have been thinking about, ranting about black decals on black bikes.
@KogaLover
I'm still here...genuinely busy at work though
Is this picture appearing?
Nope
Bugger
@Rick
I've just read a story that Sagain invited all Slovak fans who attended the race to dinner party that day I am sure it was not few (he paid the bill). Many our countrymen work in Emirates and about 40 members of his fan club from his native city Žilina made a trip to Doha.
@Pali65
That is incredible. Good for him! It is great to see a celebrity who appreciates his fans.
@Rick
So let's hope for him that him becoming Sagain did not lead to Schagrain when he saw the bill (or Sagrain or Chagrain...whatever....)