2013 Fleche Wallonne (17 April)

[Netserk]

Are there any numbers during the training. Because if you have in mind last year's TA, then Nibali, Kreuziger and I don't rembemer who else was in that group should have the same time

He had a gap together with Di Luca on the others, before they got back together for the sprint.

 

[Ferminal]

We are used to seeing terribly exaggerated and overblown profiles, but ASO does the exact opposite often. You can barely see the climbs there.

Don't worry, the riders will make it look like there are no possibilities to attack.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Don't worry, the riders will make it look like there are no possibilities to attack.

its quite extraordinary such route can result in 5 minutes of uphill action only.

 

[will10]

Quintanaaaaa

 

[theyoungest]

Quintanaaaaa

If it plays out like that steep hill in Pais Vasco, he ain't got nothing on Henao.

 

[Dedelou]

If it plays out like that steep hill in Pais Vasco, he ain't got nothing on Henao.

It is rare when a classic finish is "played out" like a hill finish in a stage race.. different birds.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Hey Now.

I hope Alberto can finish top 5

 

[al_pacino]

Has Quintana raced this before? CQ seems to suggest not.

Its a very tough finish to judge first time around.

 

[theyoungest]

It is rare when a classic finish is "played out" like a hill finish in a stage race.. different birds.

Yes. If anything, that's more to Henao's favour. He's simply more explosive.

 

[Netserk]

Why is a crap team like Crelan - Euphony invited, instead of CCC Polsat?

No 4th for Rebellin

 

[will10]

Has Quintana raced this before? CQ seems to suggest not.

Its a very tough finish to judge first time around.

It's a good point, we don't see many first time winners here. But if Valverde has tought Quintana one thing, it's how to wait...and wait...and wait. Which is how you win Fleche Wallone.

 

[Flamin]

Sergio Luis Henao Montoya.

 

[iZnoGouD]

Hey Now.

I hope Alberto can finish top 5

 

[King Of The Wolds]

Different hills, I know, but Phil did look pretty impressive up the final ascent of the Cauberg, and put some distance into the others. If J-Rod is no good, he's my pick.

 

[Swarley]

Still no news on Purito's knee. Still, even if he decides to race, I don't think he has a chance giving his condition.

 

[Tigerion]

Other....OGE have played the Gerrans card and it will be Albasini's turn on Wednesday. Noticed he finished 2.16 down at Amstel, which means he would have done some hard riding to look after Gerro and then eased off late in the race to save himself for Wednesday, much like they did last year.

My guess is that Gerrans will sit out Wednesday and have another crack at Liege.

I think I read that all 3 races are the #1 priority of Gerro this season so I think they will be racing for him in all 3. Alba might have 2nd rider status in case there is an issue but I expect him to work for Gerro in the final.

I would also have Gerro as a much better chance than half the people in the poll

 

[ILovecycling]

I think I read that all 3 races are the #1 priority of Gerro this season so I think they will be racing for him in all 3. Alba might have 2nd rider status in case there is an issue but I expect him to work for Gerro in the final.

I would also have Gerro as a much better chance than half the people in the poll

I agree,I dont know why he isnt in the poll...

 

[Gloin22]

I think I read that all 3 races are the #1 priority of Gerro this season so I think they will be racing for him in all 3. Alba might have 2nd rider status in case there is an issue but I expect him to work for Gerro in the final.

I would also have Gerro as a much better chance than half the people in the poll

When did Gerrans shown anything in Fleche? It's not to his liking especially, more suting to proper climbers, well with few exceptions ofcourse.

Top 10 for him here would be achievement I'd say, at least for me.

 

[movingtarget]

When did Gerrans shown anything in Fleche? It's not to his liking especially, more suting to proper climbers, well with few exceptions ofcourse.

Top 10 for him here would be achievement I'd say, at least for me.

Liege is better for Gerrans.

 

[BRCYC11]

Gerrans is back in Monaco and will not be riding La Fleche Wallonne

 

[ILovecycling]

Gerrans is back in Monaco and will not be riding La Fleche Wallonne

Thanks for the information,very interesting indeed,who is leader for Orica then?Albasini or Weening?

 

[greenedge]

If it plays out like that steep hill in Pais Vasco, he ain't got nothing on Henao.

Quintana i think was viewed as more of a GC threat than Henao- maybe why Contador attempted to follow Quintana a bit more.

Also Quintana rode very well at Emilia and GDL- on the steep hills, even though he may not have the same acceleration as Henao, on hills- he still has quite a big chance.

 

[Maaaaaaaarten]

Gerrans isn't even riding I think.....

 

[greenedge]

When did Gerrans shown anything in Fleche? It's not to his liking especially, more suting to proper climbers, well with few exceptions ofcourse.

Top 10 for him here would be achievement I'd say, at least for me.

I think he has come top 10 before though.

Edit, yes he has.
http://www.cqranking.com/men/asp/gen/race.asp?raceid=10921

 

[Wilba60]

As I mentioned earlier I am sure OGE will take in the same plan as last year and Albasini will be the designated rider. He is in similar form to last year and his ride to cover moves at Amstel will have been with Flech Wallonne in mind. My feeling is that they will save Weening for support for Gerrans at Liege and someone like Sulzburger or Clarke will go on the attack and let Alba cruise in the peleton. Or they will leave them to look after Alba and use one of the Meier, Meyer's to go up the road.