2013 Spring Classics

[mr. tibbs]

Damn. Poor Chava. Maybe Flanders 2011 was his best chance at a monument. I like Boonen a lot, but I was screaming at the TV when he made the move that launched Cancellara.

 

[element]

PR - Boasson Hagen?
Wishful thinking. A bit unrealistic.

Yes, but I think it is possible if they can sort out his fuelling problem, and no one else will pick him so I can be smug if he wins

 

[Caruut]

Froome isn't explosive at all is he?

Doesn't need to be when the rest of the field finish 5 minutes back.

 

[Mad Elephant Man]

I pick Peter Sagan for every race he rides
I pick Cancellara for every race he rides that Sagan does not
I pick Gilbert for every race he rides that Sagan and Cancellara do not.

 

[42x16ss]

He rode in Algarve. Wasn't too good in the ITT though.

There's still enough time for him to be good at the Ronde. This year I'm hoping that Chavanel will finally get the major classic win that he deserves.

 

[greenedge]

Nobody's mentioning Valverde?
I think he'll be very strong.

I considered him.

I also think Voeckler will go well.

I am not committing yet also as to who i think will win most of the races as a lot could happen.

 

[the asian]

There's still enough time for him to be good at the Ronde. This year I'm hoping that Chavanel will finally get the major classic win that he deserves.

Yes it's still early days in the season. The new Ronde course suits him well. If Boonen struggles he'll be OPQS's best bet.
Pozzato seems to be in impressive form though.

 

[theyoungest]

Yes it's still early days in the season. The new Ronde course suits him well. If Boonen struggles he'll be OPQS's best bet.
Pozzato seems to be in impressive form though.

Terpstra was better than Chavanel last spring. And in Qatar he seemed to be one of the strongest riders.

 

[karaev]

anybody knows something about Flecha form?

Also who do you think will be Sky strongest man in Omlop and Kurne? They have so many strong riders who also showed good form already. I would like Eisel to win at least one classic.

 

[Zam_Olyas]

anybody knows something about Flecha form?

Also who do you think will be Sky strongest man in Omlop and Kurne? They have so many strong riders who also showed good form already. I would like Eisel to win at least one classic.

Flecha form will be there not winning again.

 

[Panda Claws]

Terpstra was better than Chavanel last spring. And in Qatar he seemed to be one of the strongest riders.

Lol no. about the last spring part

 

[jaylew]

Nobody's mentioning Valverde?
I think he'll be very strong.

You must have missed this:

The Green Bullet will be back at full strength and will win another Ardennes classic this year.

 

[Winterfold]

Henao to podium LBL

Edit: Gloin went further, and Hitch went for Wiggo

Crazy prediction: LBL podium; Wiggo, Henao, JTL

Ps will whoever superglued Hitch's full stop key please unstick it. Thanks.

 

[Netserk]

Henao to podium LBL

Edit: Gloin went further, and Hitch went for Wiggo

Crazy prediction: LBL podium; Wiggo, Henao, JTL

Ps will whoever superglued Hitch's full stop key please unstick it. Thanks.

It's when he types on his phone that he often hits full stop instead of space Not much to do about it.

 

[theyoungest]

Lol no. about the last spring part

Is there even any discussion? Both in the races and in the results Terpstra was better.

 

[El Pistolero]

Is there even any discussion? Both in the races and in the results Terpstra was better.

Chava had a flat tire in Roubaix and in Flanders he used up too much energy before the final. Re-watch the race if you want.

 

[Pentacycle]

Chava had a flat tire in Roubaix and in Flanders he used up too much energy before the final. Re-watch the race if you want.

Lol, both Terpstra and Chava did a lot of work for Boonen during the race, tbh Chavanel is overrated on cobbles. He's never been that good in P-R, even without the flat tires. Still for Niki it was the best form of his career, Chavanel is way more reliable. He's also a much better climber.

 

[Zam_Olyas]

So if anyone wants to rewatch not that i have an opinion in the above matters, just in case anyone wants to revisit last years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWwqmfTJiBY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZWbZoX3rig

 

[Netserk]

Terpstra was more impressive. Hands down _O_

 

[the asian]

Agree Terpstra was more impressive last year, but he would still be behind Chava in the pecking order at OPQS, especially at Ronde. That was my point.

 

[kanari]

I think Chavanel's spring last year was a disappointment to most after the 2011 season. Terpstra on the other hand surprised on the upside, I have no idea who will be stronger this year but if I'd have to bet I would say Terpstra.

 

[Afrank]

Henao to podium LBL

Edit: Gloin went further, and Hitch went for Wiggo

Crazy prediction: LBL podium; Wiggo, Henao, JTL

Ps will whoever superglued Hitch's full stop key please unstick it. Thanks.

Crazier prediction: 1.Schleck 2.Boswell 3.Wiggins

 

[Viking]

anybody knows something about Flecha form

I haven't heard anything about how Flecha is riding so far. The good news for Flecha fans is that I'm pretty sure Vacansoleil will give him full support at RVV and PR.

 

[will10]

Chavanel pretty much sacrificed himself for Boonen at the Ronde last year, covering everything from miles out and doing a great job disrupting the chase in the Sagan group. Who knows what could've happened in Roubaix...

I'd love to see him win a big one.

 

[Viking]

Lol, both Terpstra and Chava did a lot of work for Boonen during the race, tbh Chavanel is overrated on cobbles. He's never been that good in P-R, even without the flat tires. Still for Niki it was the best form of his career, Chavanel is way more reliable. He's also a much better climber.

I basically agree with you. Chavanel is no cobbles specialist, but he's pretty solid. And he's great on those vicious little climbs on the Flanders route. Terpstra is definitely better on the truly rough cobbles of PR. So, if I were in charge at OPQS, and Boonen was not on form, I'd back Chavanel in Flanders and Terpstra in Paris-Roubaix.