104TH LIÈGE-BASTOGNE-LIÈGE 1.UWT April 22nd, 2018

[HelloDolly]

Re:

The hubris of UAE and Lotto is strange to see considering their lack of results so far

You certainly talk ( write) so ***

 

[EroicaStradeBianche]

Snooze...

 

[TourOfSardinia]

Is this Alberto commentating on http://sebn.me/sebn-10.html

 

[Red Rick]

Re:

Is this Alberto commentating on http://sebn.me/sebn-10.html

Contador translating the Valgren interview lol

 

[Zama_Olyas]

Re:

Is this Alberto commentating on http://sebn.me/sebn-10.html

Dunno but this year Samu and Santi Perez will be commentating la vuelta on one spanish channel.

 

[Rollthedice]

The going gets tough.

 

[LPP68!]

I like the ferme libert. Quite tough, lots of fans. And with a fitting bike park.

 

[Valv.Piti]

Yeah, Ferme Libert is a super nice climb.

 

[Red Rick]

Re:

Yeah, Ferme Libert is a super nice climb.

I was wondering if they could just split the peloton there, but naturally it doesn't happen. Would have the added effect of making the positioning super nervous next time.

 

[DNP-Old]

Re:

Is this Alberto commentating on http://sebn.me/sebn-10.html

Yes, along with Javier Ares.

 

[Rollthedice]

What's going on with UAE?

 

[GuyIncognito]

Re:

What's going on with UAE?

Cyclingnews live commentary says they had Costa taking pulls at km 0. WTF?

 

[Bot. Sky_Bot]

Yes. Sky doesn't have any chances with UAE train.

 

[Gigs_98]

Can't wait for Dan Martin to get dropped on la redoute

 

[Bot. Sky_Bot]

Can't wait for Dan Martin to get dropped on la redoute

? What's is wrong with Martin, in your opinion?

 

[El Pistolero]

Valverde getting another free ride to Ans and y'all wonder why I lost respect for the Ardennes peloton.

 

[Gigs_98]

Can't wait for Dan Martin to get dropped on la redoute

? What's is wrong with Martin, in your opinion?

I don't dislike Martin but four days ago he got dropped on the penultimate ascent of the Mur. He just doesn't have the shape to win here right now but still UAE rides like they have the fahorite in their team again

 

[Bot. Sky_Bot]

Re:

Valverde getting another free ride to Ans and y'all wonder why I lost respect for the Ardennes peloton.

Yes, so far it looked like the peloton had forgotten FW lesson.

 

[Valv.Piti]

Too easy of a route

 

[Brullnux]

Re:

Valverde getting another free ride to Ans and y'all wonder why I lost respect for the Ardennes peloton.

In fairness, another team driving the pace is better than letting Movistar just dictate a fairly slow but OK tempo. Obviously UAE aren't that strong a team so the pace still isn't too high, but they've taken 40 seconds in 12km, which isn't too bad. I'm not convinced Movistar have the team to just be able to chase down all attacks with no [roblem at all - if Nibali or Bardet or Wellens attacks, then Movistar alone will really struggle to bring them back.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re:

Valverde getting another free ride to Ans and y'all wonder why I lost respect for the Ardennes peloton.

Matthews will be there to beat him

 

[Valv.Piti]

Re: Re:

Valverde getting another free ride to Ans and y'all wonder why I lost respect for the Ardennes peloton.

Matthews will be there to beat him

If Valverde has his normal gear on Ans, Matthews isn't doing anything

 

[Bot. Sky_Bot]

Can't wait for Dan Martin to get dropped on la redoute

? What's is wrong with Martin, in your opinion?

I don't dislike Martin but four days ago he got dropped on the penultimate ascent of the Mur. He just doesn't have the shape to win here right now but still UAE rides like they have the fahorite in their team again

From that point of view, you are right.

 

[Rollthedice]

Re: Re:

Valverde getting another free ride to Ans and y'all wonder why I lost respect for the Ardennes peloton.

Matthews will be there to beat him

The Bling factor.

 

[DFA123]

It seems pretty clear to me why UAE are riding like this. They know Martin isn't in amazing shape right now, but are still confident that he can put in a strong anaerobic effort in the last km - if he gets in the position to do so. Given that, he would have no chance in a chaotic, uncontrolled race. But, in a very controlled race, at a steady tempo, they think he has a chance. And a great chance at a top 5 position, even if he can't get the win.

Seems pretty logical. Would be ridiculous for them to try to mix the race up, when their number one rider appears vulnerable when the real racing starts early.