2014 Liege-Bastogne-Liege, 1.UWT (262 Km's)

[BigMac]

I originally had Costa in there, but swapped him out for Nibali. Nibali placed 14th with the final group while Costa was 1:44 back, so at the moment of making up the names for the poll I figured he might be a better choice to go with. Forgot about the problems he had in FW. My mistake not remembering that. Looking back either would work for that spot really.

I agree with you though, I think Costa will definitely be a contender. I suppose the smartest option would be to include both instead of Schleck. But Schleck has to be in there, we all know this is the race he makes his comeback in.

Me and Costa forgive you hehe.

 

[happytramp]

I'm with this guy

 

[Afrank]

That picture is great, love it!

 

[Shardi]

Mick Rogers anyone?!

 

[Netserk]

I like to see who voted for what rider, and if you vote early when most people have not voted yet, you cannot see that afterwards.

Yes you can. You just click on the numbers.

Doh!

 

[Panda Claws]

Yes you can. You just click on the numbers.

Doh!

Oh cool Thanks!

Gilbert: (paraphrased from Dutch) "I would not mind going to the finish with Daniel Martin."

 

[spanky wanderlust]

kwiatkowski will not factor in the finale.

it's hard to see past gilbert or valverde here.

i'm hoping j rod will finally get one!

 

[Red Rick]

I can't see Gilbert possibly winning. Except for 2010 and 2011, he was dropped like a stone every year on the last hill, or even before that

 

[Bushman]

Just watched the finish of Flèche Wallone and judging by the climbing time and the fact that there were quite a lot of riders close to each other, it seems there are many riders on a very high level.
IMO Valverde is the top favorite with Martin following closely. I rate Valverde higher because I would back him in a sprint against Martin.
Then there are a few riders who are a bit of uncertainties to me. Gilbert has looked better this year and I don't think anyone would like to decide it in a sprint against him. Kwiatkowski is a bit of the same, if he is in the front group when they reach Ans he could very likely be the winner, but can he survive the tougher climbs of LBL? Nibali was looking better wednesday and he is a guy that you can never write off. Fuglsang has also looked strong and Astana are set to ride an aggressive race.
The dutchies Mollema and Slagter could be in with a shot on a good day, but I doubt especially Slagters ability on such a tough course.
i am sure Kreuziger will be in the mix but I have a hard time seeing him winning.

I think it will be a very open and unpredictable race, a bit like last year. Looking forward to it

 

[yespatterns]

If Jill Bear is in contention close to the finish I think he'll take it. It will be some order of He, Kwiat, and Valve.

 

[Samson777]

Since Froome will be in the race, I will probably have to go with "others" Also that will include a wonder strike from Iglinsky. Suprised to see how few votes Gilbert got, anyway when Martin is so good at fleche he have to be a good bet on doing good in Liege.

 

[Geraint Too Fast]

Scarponi coming in under the radar as usual. He'll be the best Astana rider on Sunday.

 

[Sykhrzon]

Voeckler!

 

[skidmark]

I'd like to see Costa attack over top of the final climb, and then Valverde, Nibali and Purito in a group behind. Then, Purito attacks on the flat with a couple of K to go, Valverde bluffs and Nibali can't chase, and J-Rod catches Costa in the final drag to the finish and bursts past for the win.

 

[BigMac]

I'd like to see Costa attack over top of the final climb, and then Valverde, Nibali and Purito in a group behind. Then, Purito attacks on the flat with a couple of K to go, Valverde bluffs and Nibali can't chase, and J-Rod catches Costa in the final drag to the finish and bursts past for the win.

Sort of a World's revenge? Not going to happen.

Costa getting away from a group with Nibali and Valverde and then bursting past Purito is more likely and charming.

 

[Jspear]

Sort of a World's revenge? Not going to happen.

Costa getting away from a group with Nibali and Valverde and then bursting past Purito is more likely and charming.

If there was a worlds repeat that would be hilarious. But...there's other riders here that will spoil that fun.

 

[Martin]

Purito. Definitely. Katusha has to do something big on Sunday.... and ag2r will have 2 guys in the top 10.

 

[Volderke]

Suprised to see how few votes Gilbert got,

this.

I just upped his vote to 9, still Nibali / Kwiatkowski and some other riders who never podiumed in Liege get more votes
And one of the Schlecks (which one?) gets even 6...?

 

[SafeBet]

this.

I just upped his vote to 9, still Nibali / Kwiatkowski and some other riders who never podiumed in Liege get more votes
And one of the Schlecks (which one?) gets even 6...?

Nibali was second two years ago.

 

[Arredondo]

I'm expecting a lot from Nibali. I wouldn't be surprised if he does the same trick as in 2012, but now with the best outcome.

 

[Volderke]

Nibali was second two years ago.

Please read again, I didn't say Nibali didn't podium, I was referring to the votes for 'Kreuziger' and 'other riders'. Or those 'other riders' must be Kolobnev - Cunego - Iglinsky - Gasparotto? Still awkward those got more votes than Gilbert.
A win by Nibali will depend on how many teams have how many riders in the finale. For this edition, he has Iglinsky on his side in contrast to when he got 2nd

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/iglinskiy-allowed-free-role-at-liege-bastogne-liege

be afraid, be very afraid

 

[Carols]

Voted for Nibali even though I think he will most likely come up short....heart vote

If Nibs can't win I'd be happy enough to see Valverde, Purito, PhilGil or Dan Martin win it!

 

[alessandrocheti]

I choose Valverde, this is my scale of stars

***** Alejandro Valverde

**** Philippe Gilbert

*** Daniel Martin – Michal Kwiatkowski

** Vincenzo Nibali – Damiano Cunego – Joaquim Rodriguez - Bauke Mollema

* Jelle Vanendert – Simon Geschke – Diego Ulissi – Roman Kreuziger – Tom Jelte Slagter

 

[Geraint Too Fast]

Scarponi coming in under the radar as usual. He'll be the best Astana rider on Sunday.

He's under the radar because he's not even starting . Four top 10's in five starts not good enough for Vino?