2015 Strade Bianche, 7th March, 200 km, 1.HC

[bala v]

It's perfect route for Stybar. The hills are little bit longer then those in cobbled classics like OHN and it should give him advantage on Cancellara and Sagan (who doesn't look like a guy in great shape for now). Valverde on the other hand is not as fast and explosive as Stybar.

If those four will reach final kilometer together I would bet on Stybar since the final uphill stretch in Siena looks perfect for him.

How on earth would longer hills give Stybar advantage on Cancellara and Sagan, both better, or at least equal, climbers than him. And Valverde is not fast and explosive like Stybar, are you out of your mind!!!

If those four reach final kilometer together I would bet on Stybar to finish dead last, since final stretch in Siena looks perfect for him NOT

 

[Wallenquist]

Uhm no he's not. He has clearly stated his goals for the year as MSR, the Ardennes and TDF.

Also, do you really think that Stybar has a shot against Valverde if they reach the final KM together? I mean, I guess anything's possible, but saying that Stybar is the favorite in that situation is perhaps stretching it a bit, don't you think?

Do you have a source where he's saying he will peak for Ardennes ? Not that I don't believe you, I'm just surprised. Even checked his calendar and looks quite the same as last year, just switched Paris Nice for Tirreno+Strade Bianche.

And yes, I believe if they reach the final kilometer together he will be the favorite. Last uphill stretch in Siena is steep but short, he can drop Valverde there.

 

[Netserk]

Hugo Koblet is talking about Kwia, Wallenquist is talking about Stybar.

Regarding calender^^

 

[Wallenquist]

Hugo Koblet is talking about Kwia, Wallenquist is talking about Stybar.

Regarding calender^^

You're right! Thanks

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Do you have a source where he's saying he will peak for Ardennes ? Not that I don't believe you, I'm just surprised. Even checked his calendar and looks quite the same as last year, just switched Paris Nice for Tirreno+Strade Bianche.

And yes, I believe if they reach the final kilometer together he will be the favorite. Last uphill stretch in Siena is steep but short, he can drop Valverde there.

Oh yeah, as Netserk says, I'm talking about Kwiatkowski's schedule - not Stybar. I thought you were talking about Kwiatkowski as well. But I'm joining the chorus that says that you must be out of your mind if you think Stybar has an advantage over Valverde on the Sienna finish. I don't think there's anyone I would pick over Valverde on this finish.

 

[Wallenquist]

Oh yeah, as Netserk says, I'm talking about Kwiatkowski's schedule - not Stybar. I thought you were talking about Kwiatkowski as well. But I'm joining the chorus that says that you must be out of your mind if you think Stybar has an advantage over Valverde on the Sienna finish. I don't think there's anyone I would pick over Valverde on this finish.

Hey. I've never said Stybar would have advantage on Valverde on that finish, just saying I would bet on him in that sprint as he is possibly faster and more explosive then Valv. EOT for me, let's just wait a week

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Do you have a source where he's saying he will peak for Ardennes ? Not that I don't believe you, I'm just surprised. Even checked his calendar and looks quite the same as last year, just switched Paris Nice for Tirreno+Strade Bianche.

And yes, I believe if they reach the final kilometer together he will be the favorite. Last uphill stretch in Siena is steep but short, he can drop Valverde there.

Hey. I've never said Stybar would have advantage on Valverde on that finish, just saying I would bet on him in that sprint as he is possibly faster and more explosive then Valv. EOT for me, let's just wait a week

Now I'm confused

 

[Kwibus]

It's perfect route for Stybar. The hills are little bit longer then those in cobbled classics like OHN and it should give him advantage on Cancellara and Sagan (who doesn't look like a guy in great shape for now). Valverde on the other hand is not as fast and explosive as Stybar.

If those four will reach final kilometer together I would bet on Stybar since the final uphill stretch in Siena looks perfect for him.

Looks more perfect for Valverde.

Also on what do you base this "Stybar is faster on an uphill sprint vs all these absolute topnodge riders". I have no idea why he would beat them, but most of all how he could beat Valverde on this finish is beyond me

 

[Lexman]

Might be interesting to know, but yesterday, during OHN Stybar was sick had stomach problems...

Might be resolved though for Strade Bianche...

 

[Bushman]

It is a bit of a stretch to call Stybar a bigger favourite than Cancellara, Valverde and Sagan. That being said, I expect a great ride from him and I won't be really surprised if he wins the race. He has started the year well and he looks very, very motivated this season.

 

[sir fly]

Vanmarcke looks like the strongest rider in peloton at the moment and I suppose he'll try to put a mark on this race too.
Will be interesting to see how Cancellara and Sagan look at the moment.

 

[bala v]

What's with this Stybar hype all of a sudden. I mean he's good rider and all that, but he's not freaking Cancellara or something. To call Stybar a favorite in Strade Bianche over Cancellara, Sagan, Valverde, Gilbert, etc, a riders superior to him in every way, and more suited and as a matter of fact, proven in this race is really beyond me!

Top 5 finish in this race would be success for him, although I think it's out of his reach.

And Vanmarcke! Please give me a break. He's not going to finish top 20. This isn't cobblestones

 

[Pentacycle]

Stybar is normally as much of a favorite as GVA, same type of rider. But with (ex-) cyclocrossers you never know...

 

[SafeBet]

I don't know why but I too have the feeling Stybar could get the win here.
Really curious to see if Felline can compete with the big boys on such a parcours.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

ok, missed Omloop live unfortunatly, but nothing can get in the way of seeing this on the telly.

Lifted from steephill:

I'm torn on the weather front: sunny conditions = fantastic landscape pictures, sh!te weather = seriously hard race.....

Gerrans? Nah, surely we have ambitious riders here who will take risk over the distance.

 

[Bexon30]

ok, missed Omloop live unfortunatly, but nothing can get in the way of seeing this on the telly.

Lifted from steephill:

I'm torn on the weather front: sunny conditions = fantastic landscape pictures, sh!te weather = seriously hard race.....

Gerrans? Nah, surely we have ambitious riders here who will take risk over the distance.

Great race I was lucky to be there last year. It's going to be tough anyway, but it could be brutal if it's windy and wet. Looking forward to watching this.

 

[DFA123]

Hey. I've never said Stybar would have advantage on Valverde on that finish, just saying I would bet on him in that sprint as he is possibly faster and more explosive then Valv. EOT for me, let's just wait a week

I think Valverde would be a strong favourite if he is in the lead group going into Siena. Last year he destroyed Cancellara, Cunego and Kreuziger on the climb and wasn't too far off catching Sagan.

I'm not sure Stybar still has the power needed to win after 200 tough kilometes.

 

[ILovecycling]

Stybar is a good wildcard, but he is not the favorite. Hasn't shown anything this season. Not that Cancellara and Sagan have shown anything either except some good dune surfing, but their baselline is so much higher.

Are sou serious? He was a bug powerhouse at ohn.He is the main favourite here.

 

[Banana_Joe]

I don't want to say it too loud, but Pozzato seems to be in quite good shape.. Will be interesting to see what he can do. Finished 4th in 2010.

 

[SafeBet]

Gerrans? Nah, surely we have ambitious riders here who will take risk over the distance.

And he has yet to race this season. Hard to put him among the contenders.

 

[Carols]

I just love this race. It may be young but always eventful! I'd like to see Pippo do well. Is it possible?

 

[ILovecycling]

Stybar is normally as much of a favorite as GVA, same type of rider. But with (ex-) cyclocrossers you never know...

poor Stybar,btw GVA is never a favourite FTW

I don't want to say it too loud, but Pozzato seems to be in quite good shape.. Will be interesting to see what he can do. Finished 4th in 2010.

shhhh....but yes,I have the same opinion

 

[SafeBet]

He will disappoint all of you once again.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

poor Stybar,btw GVA is never a favourite FTW

shhhh....but yes,I have the same opinion

What's up with all this Stybar hype all of a sudden? Sure, he was OK in Omloop, but he has yet to show anything that puts him among the favorites let alone making him "the top favorite".

FWIW, I'd rate GVA over Stybar in most, if not all, one day races (except PR).

 

[bala v]

poor Stybar,btw GVA is never a favourite FTW

Poor Stybar is often favorite, especially in this forum, but very rarely wins. I think even Van Avermaet wins more than him.