2012 Road World Championships, Mens Road Race Maastricht - Valkenburg 267 km 23/09/12

[El Pistolero]

It probably wasn't during that designated period. And thus they were subject to common traffic rules.

Frankly if you're a pro cyclist and you don't know that in Holland you should use the bicycle lane, if available, you're quite a n00b.

Yeah, cause there are so many important Dutch races.

Oh wait.

 

[BillytheKid]

Another case of self-serve ice cream.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Yeah, cause there are so many important Dutch races.

Oh wait.

El Troll strikes again

 

[theyoungest]

It was. Video is on TV2.no, but geo-restricted. Some Rabobank cyclists came by on the road while the policeman was giving them the fine. Needless to say, the Rabo riders were not stopped

Yeah, it's a secret plot by the Dutch police to stop the feared Norwegian cyclists.

But was it on the closed circuit? Then it would be ridiculous, but it also goes to show how clueless the average Dutchman is about cycling (contrary to what some people think about the supposed "cycling-crazy" Dutch).

 

[Panda Claws]

Yeah, it's a secret plot by the Dutch police to stop the feared Norwegian cyclists.

But was it on the closed circuit? Then it would be ridiculous, but it also goes to show how clueless the average Dutchman is about cycling (contrary to what some people think about the supposed "cycling-crazy" Dutch).

Even in Belgium, most people are clueless about pro cycling, though they all know Tommeke.

 

[theyoungest]

Even in Belgium, most people are clueless about pro cycling, though they all know Tommeke.

Maybe, but in Belgium you can go into a pub and have a discussion about cycling. That's not possible in my neck of the woods.

 

[Red Rick]

Maybe, but in Belgium you can go into a pub and have a discussion about cycling. That's not possible in my neck of the woods.

Anyway. My hope is that a group with Nibali, Contador, Kreuziger and Terpstra breaks fee on the penultimate climb of the Cauberg and that Terpstra will beat Contador in a sprint a deux. That would be so awesome

 

[Panda Claws]

Anyway. My hope is that a group with Nibali, Contador, Kreuziger and Terpstra breaks fee on the penultimate climb of the Cauberg and that Terpstra will beat Contador in a sprint a deux. That would be so awesome

A group that can prepare to lose 20-30 seconds on the Cauberg alone, though one can always hope of course.

I think the Spaniards will bluff tremendously and keep it together 'till the last ascent of the Cauberg, where Valverde and Rodriguez will fail big time.

 

[Red Rick]

A group that can prepare to lose 20-30 seconds on the Cauberg alone, though one can always hope of course.

I think the Spaniards will bluff tremendously and keep it together 'till the last ascent of the Cauberg, where Valverde and Rodriguez will fail big time.

Michel Wuyt's said he thinks the Spaniards dug too deep in the Vuelta, he was aiming at Contador, Valverde and Rodriguez. He thought Contador's tt was horrible.

I like the fact that there is some flat after the Cauberg. It totally adds a new dimension to the race. Instead of two kinds of possible winners, there are now three: Riders who want to come back after the Cauberg en win the sprint (Boonen, Freire, Sagan), riders who want to decide the race on the final ascent (Valverde, Gilbert, Rodriguez) and riders who have to attack before that. In the Gold race sprinters wouldn't have that chance to win

 

[zapata]

Michel Wuyt's said he thinks the Spaniards dug too deep in the Vuelta, he was aiming at Contador, Valverde and Rodriguez. He thought Contador's tt was horrible.

I like the fact that there is some flat after the Cauberg. It totally adds a new dimension to the race. Instead of two kinds of possible winners, there are now three: Riders who want to come back after the Cauberg en win the sprint (Boonen, Freire, Sagan), riders who want to decide the race on the final ascent (Valverde, Gilbert, Rodriguez) and riders who have to attack before that. In the Gold race sprinters wouldn't have that chance to win

Absoutely true. I remember someone complained that it ought to finish on the top, but in that case there would only be something like two or three potential winners. Now almost anything might happen. I've got my hopes up.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Absoutely true. I remember someone complained that it ought to finish on the top, but in that case there would only be something like two or three potential winners. Now almost anything might happen. I've got my hopes up.

100% agree. It's an awesome finish.

 

[Telmisartan new]

I like the fact that there is some flat after the Cauberg. It totally adds a new dimension to the race. Instead of two kinds of possible winners, there are now three: Riders who want to come back after the Cauberg en win the sprint (Boonen, Freire, Sagan), riders who want to decide the race on the final ascent (Valverde, Gilbert, Rodriguez) and riders who have to attack before that. In the Gold race sprinters wouldn't have that chance to win

This is a good point,all different scenarios possible and it'll be thrilling viewing to see which one plays out. I am leaning towards a small group 2-5 riders coming to the finish together,no particular reason i think that,just a hunch.

 

[Winterfold]

I will be there again this weekend, gonna be in Sittard by 11:15, then ride down to Valkenburg for the circuits, if anybody sees me, give a shout.

OT - but that is really nice looking kit CobbleStoner - what is it?

 

[El Pistolero]

OT - but that is really nice looking kit CobbleStoner - what is it?

 

[Orbit501]

Forgive my ignorance. Anyone know why Maxim Iglinsky isn't riding?

 

[Winterfold]

Thanks for the link

OMG

But - they appear to be from California

 

[Duartista]

It isn't a ridiculous rule. It's the law. Even pro cyclists have to abide by it

Maybe in Holland this isn't the case, but it can be ridiculous. For example, when the cycle path is just a redesignated pavement which goes past a load of driveways, it's more dangerous than being on the road (due to cars pulling out).

 

[jmspinto]

Gilbert, Rodriguez or Valverde ... surely one of this three.

 

[Pantani_lives]

1 Gilbert
2 Rodriguez
3 Valverde
4 Chavanel
5 Nibali
6 Sagan
7 Gesink
8 Contador
9 Gerrans
10 Tankink

 

[Taxus4a]

This is for Urán

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

Maybe in Holland this isn't the case, but it can be ridiculous. For example, when the cycle path is just a redesignated pavement which goes past a load of driveways, it's more dangerous than being on the road (due to cars pulling out).

But cycling infrastructure in Holland is among the best in the world (the best, together with Denmark, I think?). They get good bikelanes, so it's normal everybody should use them. (I guess, like in Belgium there's an exception on the rule for big groups of cyclists?)

 

[Netserk]

Rodriguez is overrated for this course. The flat after the Cauberg will eliminate him. Even if he gapped Gilbert by 2-5 seconds (like that ever is going to happen...) he will still lose it on the flat.

 

[rxgqgxnyfz]

Forgive my ignorance. Anyone know why Maxim Iglinsky isn't riding?

Why do you think he won't?
It's his #1 goal for the season.

 

[JRanton]

I think this course suits (2012) Gerrans very well. I can see him winning a sprint from a small elite group.

 

[the asian]

I think this course suits (2012) Gerrans very well. I can see him winning a sprint from a small elite group.

Gilbert & Valverde will have to be dropped, can't see him winning a sprint which includes them.