2013 Road World Championships: Men's Road Race, Lucca-Firenze 272.2 km

[The Hitch]

One problem with Sagan is his preparation for worlds. Going to the Vuelta is the best preparation a rider can get for worlds, and he may not want to do that with already having competed in the Tour. It would be good if he went to the Vuelta for at least part of the race and left early like Cav did in 2011.

Sagan could definitely be a possible wildcard for the race, if he can get over the climbs with the main group than he will be the big danger in a sprint.

Sagan said at the beginning of the season this worlds wasnt for him and its not a target this season.

 

[The Hitch]

I think Contador really should do this. Hes being stupid not to.

Why reduce the team sizes? I have little doubt the strongest will win no matter what.

Doesn't always happen at the worlds, especially with superteams.

Last 2 years were basically bunchsprints where the course didn't allow anyone to do anything until the final. This will be different.

It's good no doubt.

Is the Team TT done on the same track?

I think they should put a climb at the end of the ttt to **** with everyone like the Cauberg last year.

Feel sorry for TJVG though.

 

[hrotha]

Dunno about Colombia. Will they ride as a team or every man for himself?

 

[dgodave]

Are there any nice pallazzi or basillicas along the course?

 

[karlboss]

Personally I think this may be easier than mendrisio and if we look at the top few there they are indeed the GT contenders...kolobnev+Cancellara. This is the only thing Cancellara has left on his calendar. He must have a chance.

 

[Pippo_San]

It looks even better for the Spaniards. Valverde, Rodriguez or even Contador can all win with this amount of climbing
The Fiesole could be too much for Moser, also for Gilbert(although he believes he can win), if the race is hard. But of course Nibali will entertain us as he always does.

Considering all of the Spaniards are going full nuts at the Tour, I'm keen to say they're gonna be tired or not in a comparable fitness to people like Nibbles, so no dear Spain, not this year.

Everything looks perfect for the Shark so far, I think he'll be flying on the wings of the enthusiasm at the WC (not the toilette )

 

[Afrank]

Sagan said at the beginning of the season this worlds wasnt for him and its not a target this season.

Expected as much (that he wouldn't care too much about it). And with the amount of climbing the course presents he would probably have to peak again pretty soon after his Tour peak to have a chance of being competitive here.

 

[The Hitch]

Expected as much (that he wouldn't care too much about it). And with the amount of climbing the course presents he would probably have to peak again pretty soon after his Tour peak to have a chance of being competitive here.

He doesnt care about it precisely because he aknowledges its too hard for him. Next year and beyond however, the quest to surpass Freire and Merckx begins.

 

[dgodave]

Dumb question: how many of the circuits do they do?

 

[Afrank]

dumb question: How many of the circuits do they do?

10
...................

 

[ElChingon]

Dumb question: how many of the circuits do they do?

Its all in the first post of this thread.

 

[dgodave]

Its all in the first post of this thread.

I looked there, but its all in this funny moon language.

 

[shalgo]

First post updated with the new maps.

 

[Michele]

If I understood correctly, today a group of italians is gonna test ride the Worlds route; nothing organized officially, but just by themself.

 

[Netserk]

Do you know who?

 

[minessa]

Do you know who?

Nibali, Agnoli, Aru, Paolini, Pozzato, Ulissi, Felline, Caruso, Visconti, Santambrogio https://twitter.com/Toscana2013

 

[Netserk]

Thanks!

 

[hfer07]

Nibali, Agnoli, Aru, Paolini, Pozzato, Ulissi, Felline, Caruso, Visconti, Santambrogio https://twitter.com/Toscana2013

Italy means business!!

 

[SKSemtex]

He doesnt care about it precisely because he aknowledges its too hard for him. Next year and beyond however, the quest to surpass Freire and Merckx begins.

He does care now . It is good to know that italian boss of an italian team wants him in a good shape and make a special camp for him.

“We’re planning a high-altitude training camp in Colorado along with the [USA Pro Challenge] so that he arrives on form for the worlds and the two Canadian races in Montreal and Quebec,” Amadio said. “If he stays concentrated, I think that he could have a good worlds. It’s hard, but it’s not impossible.”

 

[CycloAndy]

Nibali, Agnoli, Aru, Paolini, Pozzato, Ulissi, Felline, Caruso, Visconti, Santambrogio https://twitter.com/Toscana2013

Surprised not to see Cataldo there. Reckon that means he will just do the ITT?

 

[offbyone]

Pretty boring course, but long.

 

[thehog]

Surprised not to see Cataldo there. Reckon that means he will just do the ITT?

He's hiding in Tenerife.

 

[Afrank]

Pretty boring course, but long.

They do that hilly (very hilly) circuit 10 times, trust me, it will be plenty exciting.

 

[Netserk]

I suggest we use this as race thread, since the OP contains the relevant information and the title is right.

 

[deValtos]

What does the first 100K look like before the circuit ?