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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View Comments
@Ron
Try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2g-PKcggpnk
In Slovakia we have it on state TV.
@Ron
Try NBC sports app
Where did Sagan come from?.........again!
Holy Shit! What a bike race! Sagan is amazing. Wow!
The King is dead, long live the King!
My wife sent me out to get ice with 13K left. I made it back at 1.5K left. Great race!
Great race, credit to the Belgians for making it.
Sagan is amazing.
Boonen in 3rd was a surprise to me. A little surprised GvA didn't try something, but it was a long race.
Boasson Hagen beat Kristoff for 6th/7th, after doing a lot of work for him during the race. Not a great year for Kristoff, who we all thought might be the person to challenge Sagan.
Thanks for the links, gents. I found it with 7 K to go on a French feed.
Damn, Sagan!!! My wife was a month pregnant last year, the little guy is 5 months old this year...I said he's Sagan's good luck charm!
I'd have been happy with anyone on the podium winning. Sagan seemed so happy he actually spoke in full sentences, not single words, post race. Jeez, what a savvy racer.
@Ron
As a matter of practice, I always check the NBC sports ap/website first for US feeds. The women's and men's elite races were shown live.
Here in Slovakia the whole country is celebrating. After second title we call him Sagain...