2014 Dwars door Vlaanderen, March 26, 200.8km, 1.HC

[maltiv]

Seems like EBH is in instead of Geraint Thomas.

 

[Flamin]

Seems like EBH is in instead of Geraint Thomas.

Oh, thought EBH was on the startlist anyway, but now I notice he's first reserve indeed.

 

[Angliru]

Some horrible falls, especially the one in Paris Nice 2 or 3 years ago, that one broke him. While just a week before he had a good race in Omloop het Nieuwsblad.
Btw it does look like he's on the way up, because he finished just behind Mollema in MSR last sunday (38th place at 1'30 something).

But really, he's one of those neverending bad luck stories.

Thanks for the update. I'd lost track of him for a while. I hope he gets back to the Pro Tour level. He had a such a bright future.

 

[postmanhat]

Looks like being good weather

Bah!

 

[manafana]

remember gatto being on my radar last year and then he won it, I will be previewing race so more broad thoughts earlier but doubt we see this defended at all.

Boonen too will surely be treating this as a leg stretcher.

 

[VeloHuman]

Stannard is probably motivated to keep proving himself as the one Sky should be backing in the Classics.

 

[GP Blanco]

Interesting choice by Valverde. Makes sense, but keeps him out of stage racing for entire March. Will be a long period since Murcia to Pais Vasco, where he'll race on a daily basis and hilly terrain again.
This is a good race to meet the cobbles, but he should race on Friday too, in my opinion. A race with WT points in offer and higher renome should provide racing conditions more similar to those he's preparing for.

But this one is easier which means less risks for him.

 

[hfer07]

Very intrigued by Valverde's inclusion in the race.... He might spice things up in a different fashion...

just hoping it won't rain tomorrow though, so we can see all the contenders trying hard without any premeditating/hesitating

 

[manafana]

He's signed with Garmin through 2015, so he's safe this year team wise.

this alone suggests he very much retains the talents needed to make it

 

[Sykhrzon]

With no Cancellara or Sagan, this should be an easily digestible starter for Boonen.

 

[Flamin]

Besides Geraint Thomas, Eisel is also a non-starter for Sky. No substitutes.

This will be pretty much a walk in the park for OPQS. Boonen or Terpstra FTW.

Edit: this is the updated startlist: http://ddv.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/2403/original/Deelnemers.pdf?1395777072

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Stijn will step up. Good chance as Cancellara rests.

Anyway beside Valverde, I hope a player from a smaller team gets a podium here. Maybe Ghyselinck or one of the Topsport guys.

 

[Popchu]

Stijn will step up. Good chance as Cancellara rests.

Anyway beside Valverde, I hope a player from a smaller team gets a podium here. Maybe Ghyselinck or one of the Topsport guys.

De Vreese and Drucker of Wanty, maybe.

I don't expect the MSR-riders to be recuperated from Sunday. At least the weather will be 'good' tomorrow: around 10°C and no rain.

 

[manafana]

worth nothing Gatto came off a top 20 in San Remo to win last year however.

 

[Kwibus]

Valverde will win this. Will be epic.

 

[Jspear]

Valverde will win this. Will be epic.

A CN article says Valverde has never raced on cobbles. I'd like to see him do well, but I doubt he'll win it. OPQS will probably take the win.

 

[Peter von]

A CN article says Valverde has never raced on cobbles. I'd like to see him do well, but I doubt he'll win it. OPQS will probably take the win.

yeah he'll probably loose the sprint to Boonen

 

[jsem94]

LOL. Valverde to find his true niche and run with it. Will win RVV and PR double. Would be hilarious.

 

[Kwibus]

A CN article says Valverde has never raced on cobbles. I'd like to see him do well, but I doubt he'll win it. OPQS will probably take the win.

Never raced on the cobbles doesn't mean he won't do good at it. Some riders just never try it.

 

[Jspear]

Never raced on the cobbles doesn't mean he won't do good at it. Some riders just never try it.

I know that. But we simply don't know. Besides that he will have to compete against OPQS. They specialize in this terrain, and they have two strong contenders. I'm just saying it will be hard for him. It would be kinda neat to see him win.

 

[rghysens]

Looks like being good weather

Bah!

Some local showers are predicted this afternoon.

 

[manafana]

one thing is since its dry this is managable for valverde, its just 3 cobbles sections were i expect him to maybe struggle, the muurs should be fine.

 

[Flamin]

one thing is since its dry this is managable for valverde, its just 3 cobbles sections were i expect him to maybe struggle, the muurs should be fine.

You do know the key point in the race (Oude Kwaremont-Paterberg) is also cobbled, right?

 

[UselessToo]

Bjoern Leukemans has this in the bag

 

[barmaher]

Indeed, Flamin'

Not to mind the Eikenberg, Taiaenberg, Paterberg, Nokereberg, etc., etc.