Étoile de Bessèges 2022 (February 2-6)

[sir fly]

Wonder whether Ganna matched Mollema, Vine and Tiberi uphill or the trio held on over the run-in. Probably a bit of both.
Looking forward to the GC podium contenders. Exciting course.

 

[Devil's Elbow]

Is Pedersen peaking too early or has he found a new level this year? That's another incredible ride for him.

 

[sir fly]

Phenomenally balanced tt.

 

[Devil's Elbow]

Phenomenally balanced tt.

Flat TTs with an uphill finish deserve more love in general.

 

[Salvarani]

Is Pedersen peaking too early or has he found a new level this year? That's another incredible ride for him.

He has been very good for a few years, but also had some bad luck and inconsistency.

If he is more consistent, then he could have a massive season. I dont know if that would be the "new level", because he has already shown he can win big races when in great form.

 

[Salvarani]

Solid/decent TT from Pinot.

 

[RedheadDane]

Solid/decent TT from Pinot.

Glad I'm not the only one who thought that. Danish expert Emil Axelgaard, at Feltet.dk, was claiming it was a sign that his deroute was continuing.

 

[will-10]

Credit to the organisers for a fun parcours where the GC is not defined by one stage.

 

[RedheadDane]

Mollema only 11 seconds down so Ganna's time probably won't go all the way.

Told ya!

 

[sir fly]

Pretty nice shape for Thomas.

 

[Roku]

Besseges (almost) always delivers. Great week for Thomas, surprised me on Bouquet. I had him as a very good time-triallist but it seems he can also handle short and steep hills.

I forgot his impressive 2017 while riding at Armee de Terre when he was only 21. Groupama maybe didn't offer him the best chances to shine.