Timmy-loves-Rabo said:I think that comes down to the more difficult nature of cobblestones tho, very tough area, generally why you see such big selections in these races.
Still, cobblestoned is talking bs again. But.. ardennes imo have become oh so bland and boring in recent years. At the cobbles we see selections and chaos. At the ardennes we see action in the dying stages. Terrrible racing imo. One of teh reasons I like GlB more probably, it is more chaotic.
Last year the Ardennes were much better than the cobbled classics. This year it was kinda boring for a lot of people, I agree. But that's because the Schlecks only have one brain between them.
I'd like some course changes in the Ardennes:
- FW needs to change desperately, so it won't become an uphill sprint all the time.
- Amstel Gold Race should finish 3km or so after the Cauberg to shake up the race a bit. Now Phil will always win.
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But these days the competition in the cobbled classics is a bit lacking. Boonen isn't like he used to be anymore and Gilbert never shows up in top shape at the cobbled classics. Most hilly classic specialists also decide to skip the Ronde even though it could suit them. I'm thinking of guys like Valverde, Kolobnev, Ivanov, Vinokourov, Rebellin, Cadel Evans, etc