2017 Volta Ciclista a Catalunya, March 20-26, WT

[DFA123]

Re: Re:

Edit: Valverde is, or isn't riding the Tour? I can't remember.

Yes, he will.

Indurain, Itzulia, Ardennes, Tour is confirmed. I guess, he will also add Dauphiné and Nationals.

He has won so many stage races in Spain, but not Pais Vasco...insane numbers.

5xVuelta a Andalucía
3xVuelta a Murcia (as a stage race)
2xVuelta a Burgos
2xVuelta a Castilla y León
2xVuelta Ciclista a la Comunidad Valenciana
1xVuelta a España
1xVolta a Catalunya ... will add another one

https://www.cyclingranking.com/Riders/Overall

In this ranking he might enter the Top Ten.

It's a very fine resumee for a rider who is even more successful as a one day racer. Interesting ranking - it's always difficult to compare eras I guess, but Valverde could just about have his eye on 3rd position of all time if he can keep going for another 4 seasons.

Chapeau to Contador as well for edging past Phil Anderson into 25th position.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

\
Apparently you still don't get it.

Its the way you spew your dislike for certain riders (Froome, Valverde etc.) when they are beating Contador thats extremely frustrating. Can't you see it?

No, I can't. We all have our likes and dislikes and I dislike them regardless of who they beat Well, maybe I will cheer for Valverde if he and Froome are the last riders in the race.

 

[burning]

Re: Re:

I just did armed with a jens attacks tweet :lol:

Let me try to understand this. When Contador puts out 7,0 w/kg on Peille, its stratospheric, worldclass and the best that ever happened to mankind.

When Valverde puts out 6,6 w/kg on Caro (which is about the same level considering the length of the climb compared to Peille, pretty much), its ridiculous, ****** and laughable and you what what we aren't allowed to talk about in here. Only cause you adore and love Contador to the point I've never seen and hate Valverde as much as Froome.

Sometimes you make me sick. I probably shouldn't have added that last sentence, but man.

I actually think it's quite funny that Contador fans of all people are the ones screaming clinic.

The funny part is they are only screaming clinic when he is beaten. Otherwise, they don't.

I saw some Contador fans celebrating his Pais Vasco win last year on clinic but whatever.

It was glorious in clinic after 2014 Pais Vasco, it was like a festival with Skybots and Contador fans, but contador fans usually celebrate the wins in clinic as well.

 

[WheelofGear]

Re: Re:

\
Apparently you still don't get it.

Its the way you spew your dislike for certain riders (Froome, Valverde etc.) when they are beating Contador thats extremely frustrating. Can't you see it?

No, I can't. We all have our likes and dislikes and I dislike them regardless of who they beat Well, maybe I will cheer for Valverde if he and Froome are the last riders in the race.

You seem to respect Valverde at least. Don't know if you do the same with the Sky riders. Maybe with the exception of Henao. :lol:

 

[rhubroma]

Re:

given long standing hype procession, saying goodbye to bertie's era would be really painful. it was quite obvious last season yet. the only thing I don't understand is why he's trying to win so hard. damn, it's just a volta catalunya, training race. it's not necessarily to stomp your authority over the rest. the tour is what really matters. all the other races should be a pure build-up. valverde and froome do as usual showing nothing special. contador keeps sabotaging himself.

While I concede your thoughts about Froome here, did you see Valverde drop them today?

 

[WheelofGear]

Contador can still win if attacks tomorrow. He has to try.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

Feel sorry for Tejay.

Have to say, Froome is the single most annoying and frustrating rider to watch. His horrible style, the washing machine legs, the constant yo-yo-ing...

I don't get you Fleur. Horrible style, washing machine legs and yo yo are things you don't NEED to like. It appears effective for Chris as it is appears effective for Alberto to ride out of the saddle. I can understand it won't fit your taste of what you deem aesthetically pleasing and that's fair enough. But to then make the leap and call someone an annoying and frustrating rider to watch is just childish. It's bike racing. In today's case, the point was to race up the mountain in the most effective manner. If that's seated and spinning for Chris then so what? No one's calling out Alberto for being out the saddle too often to their liking now are they? If you can't live with Froome competing like that, then better take up watching ballet or something as you will know by now he won't bother about the style police's verdict. From what I read on this forum over the years, (yes I lurk more than post :lol: ), you have a lot of knowledge of the professional cycling scene and the riders, and often make very valid points and provide insightful and funny information. But your love for Alberto seems at times, to make you a bit psychotic about some of his rivals and spewing your revulsion discredits and undermines no one else but your own presence on this forum. I mean, after a vomit like that, no one is going to suddenly think: 'Ah she's right!' 'What an insightful statement she just made!' You'll only antagonise people and I can't believe that is what you truly want for yourself (hence the bother to write this post). So bring back the Fleur that's full of adoration for her prince on two wheels and leave the other riders for what they are; bike racing rivals, not ballerinas. Cheers and have a good weekend!

Sure it might be very effective for him (in fact I'm sure it is) but that doesn't make it less annoying to watch for me.

 

[DFA123]

Re: Re:

\
Apparently you still don't get it.

Its the way you spew your dislike for certain riders (Froome, Valverde etc.) when they are beating Contador thats extremely frustrating. Can't you see it?

No, I can't. We all have our likes and dislikes and I dislike them regardless of who they beat Well, maybe I will cheer for Valverde if he and Froome are the last riders in the race.

You seem to respect Valverde at least. Don't know if you do the same with the Sky riders. Maybe with the exception of Henao. :lol:

I reckon Sky hang around forums these days to see which riders are gaining in popularity and then sign them up at the end of the season. Kind of a win hearts and minds thing: 'look, we have Landa, Rosa and Kwiatkowski, will you stop throwing urine at Froome now'.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

It was glorious in clinic after 2014 Pais Vasco, it was like a festival with Skybots and Contador fans, but contador fans usually celebrate the wins in clinic as well.

Yeah I think I was in the clinic as well Great times, I hope we can have such a party one more time

valverde and froome do as usual showing nothing special. contador keeps sabotaging himself.

Eh?? I thought both Berto and Piti tried to win today, what is the difference?

 

[rhubroma]

Re:

Contador can still win if attacks tomorrow. He has to try.

Froome is clearly building his form here. I'm not so sure about Contador. Valverde has clearly hit a sensational level of fitness in this first part of the season. Unless Valverde has a bad day tomorrow and Contador was just not really strong today, though his performance on La Molina suggests that he just hasn't that super form necessary to make the difference, then it will be impossible to drop Valverde tomorrow.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

I reckon Sky hang around forums these days to see which riders are gaining in popularity and then sign them up at the end of the season. Kind of a win hearts and minds thing: 'look, we have Landa, Rosa and Kwiatkowski, will you stop throwing urine at Froome now'.

I am convinced they do that, they always sign a few riders I like (this year Rosa and Kenny), but it just makes me hate the team more. Hands off my boys!

 

[snccdcno]

Re: Re:

\
Apparently you still don't get it.

Its the way you spew your dislike for certain riders (Froome, Valverde etc.) when they are beating Contador thats extremely frustrating. Can't you see it?

No, I can't. We all have our likes and dislikes and I dislike them regardless of who they beat Well, maybe I will cheer for Valverde if he and Froome are the last riders in the race.

Please try and be more respectful to riders that beat Alberto but remember it's fine to tell them to GET FVCKED when he beats them

 

[Forever The Best]

Re: Re:

Edit: Valverde is, or isn't riding the Tour? I can't remember.

Yes, he will.

Indurain, Itzulia, Ardennes, Tour is confirmed. I guess, he will also add Dauphiné and Nationals.

He has won so many stage races in Spain, but not Pais Vasco...insane numbers.

5xVuelta a Andalucía
3xVuelta a Murcia (as a stage race)
2xVuelta a Burgos
2xVuelta a Castilla y León
2xVuelta Ciclista a la Comunidad Valenciana
1xVuelta a España
1xVolta a Catalunya ... will add another one

https://www.cyclingranking.com/Riders/Overall

In this ranking he might enter the Top Ten.

It's a very fine resumee for a rider who is even more successful as a one day racer. Interesting ranking - it's always difficult to compare eras I guess, but Valverde could just about have his eye on 3rd position of all time if he can keep going for another 4 seasons.

Chapeau to Contador as well for edging past Phil Anderson into 25th position.

Lol at Valverde being above Coppi, Bobet, Van Looy and Indurain. I also think that Saronni, Jalabert, Bettini, and Kuiper are better than him, probably Fignon, Janssen and Nibali as well.
Anderson being just behind Contador is ridiculous.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re:

Contador can still win if attacks tomorrow. He has to try.

He can try but I don't see how he can win there are 40km from the summit to the line and he'll have the entire Movi and Sky squads chasing him.

 

[silvergrenade]

Re: Re:

Feel sorry for Tejay.

Have to say, Froome is the single most annoying and frustrating rider to watch. His horrible style, the washing machine legs, the constant yo-yo-ing...

The constant coming back and beating Contador

+10000000

 

[WheelofGear]

Re: Re:

Contador can still win if attacks tomorrow. He has to try.

Froome is clearly building his form here. I'm not so sure about Contador. Valverde has clearly hit a sensational level of fitness in this first part of the season. Unless Valverde has a bad day tomorrow and Contador was just not really strong today, though his performance on La Molina suggests that he just hasn't that super form necessary to make the difference, then it will be impossible to drop Valverde tomorrow.

Need a profile of the climb to see if it is possible. Contador was able to attack on a shallow climb like Eze after all.

 

[WheelofGear]

Re: Re:

Contador can still win if attacks tomorrow. He has to try.

He can try but I don't see how he can win there are 40km from the summit to the line and he'll have the entire Movi and Sky squads chasing him.

Remember the soft climb of Col de Eze?

Don't know about tomorrow's climb, but it's rated cat 1.

 

[DFA123]

Re: Re:

Edit: Valverde is, or isn't riding the Tour? I can't remember.

Yes, he will.

Indurain, Itzulia, Ardennes, Tour is confirmed. I guess, he will also add Dauphiné and Nationals.

He has won so many stage races in Spain, but not Pais Vasco...insane numbers.

5xVuelta a Andalucía
3xVuelta a Murcia (as a stage race)
2xVuelta a Burgos
2xVuelta a Castilla y León
2xVuelta Ciclista a la Comunidad Valenciana
1xVuelta a España
1xVolta a Catalunya ... will add another one

https://www.cyclingranking.com/Riders/Overall

In this ranking he might enter the Top Ten.

It's a very fine resumee for a rider who is even more successful as a one day racer. Interesting ranking - it's always difficult to compare eras I guess, but Valverde could just about have his eye on 3rd position of all time if he can keep going for another 4 seasons.

Chapeau to Contador as well for edging past Phil Anderson into 25th position.

Lol at Valverde being above Coppi, Bobet, Van Looy and Indurain. I also think that Saronni, Jalabert, Bettini, and Kuiper are better than him, probably Fignon, Janssen and Nibali as well.
Anderson being just behind Contador is ridiculous.

Yep, I know all kinds of rankings have these strange anomalies - but I'm really struggling to understand the formula which put those two so close together.

 

[rhubroma]

Re: Re:

Contador can still win if attacks tomorrow. He has to try.

Froome is clearly building his form here. I'm not so sure about Contador. Valverde has clearly hit a sensational level of fitness in this first part of the season. Unless Valverde has a bad day tomorrow and Contador was just not really strong today, though his performance on La Molina suggests that he just hasn't that super form necessary to make the difference, then it will be impossible to drop Valverde tomorrow.

Need a profile of the climb to see if it is possible. Contador was able to attack on a shallow climb like Eze after all.

The rivals here are stronger.

 

[Forever The Best]

Re: Re:

Contador can still win if attacks tomorrow. He has to try.

Froome is clearly building his form here. I'm not so sure about Contador. Valverde has clearly hit a sensational level of fitness in this first part of the season. Unless Valverde has a bad day tomorrow and Contador was just not really strong today, though his performance on La Molina suggests that he just hasn't that super form necessary to make the difference, then it will be impossible to drop Valverde tomorrow.

Need a profile of the climb to see if it is possible. Contador was able to attack on a shallow climb like Eze after all.

Alt de la Musara:

It is almost 40 km from the finish. And there are no difficult climbs before Musara to break up the pleoton.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

Contador can still win if attacks tomorrow. He has to try.

He can try but I don't see how he can win there are 40km from the summit to the line and he'll have the entire Movi and Sky squads chasing him.

Remember the soft climb of Col de Eze?

Don't know about tomorrow's climb, but it's rated cat 1.

Yes, but there were less kms till the finish, and when he attacked on Eze he gained 5 seconds in the end. This year, he attacked on Peille and made it all the way to the line and gained 20 seconds. I don't see him gain time at all tomorrow.

 

[rhubroma]

Re: Re:

Edit: Valverde is, or isn't riding the Tour? I can't remember.

Yes, he will.

Indurain, Itzulia, Ardennes, Tour is confirmed. I guess, he will also add Dauphiné and Nationals.

He has won so many stage races in Spain, but not Pais Vasco...insane numbers.

5xVuelta a Andalucía
3xVuelta a Murcia (as a stage race)
2xVuelta a Burgos
2xVuelta a Castilla y León
2xVuelta Ciclista a la Comunidad Valenciana
1xVuelta a España
1xVolta a Catalunya ... will add another one

https://www.cyclingranking.com/Riders/Overall

In this ranking he might enter the Top Ten.

It's a very fine resumee for a rider who is even more successful as a one day racer. Interesting ranking - it's always difficult to compare eras I guess, but Valverde could just about have his eye on 3rd position of all time if he can keep going for another 4 seasons.

Chapeau to Contador as well for edging past Phil Anderson into 25th position.

Lol at Valverde being above Coppi, Bobet, Van Looy and Indurain. I also think that Saronni, Jalabert, Bettini, and Kuiper are better than him, probably Fignon, Janssen and Nibali as well.
Anderson being just behind Contador is ridiculous.

Yep, I know all kinds of rankings have these strange anomalies - but I'm really struggling to understand the formula which put those two so close together.

In my opinion the criteria used, whatever it may have been, is rather dubious.

 

[Valv.Piti]

Re: Re:

\
Apparently you still don't get it.

Its the way you spew your dislike for certain riders (Froome, Valverde etc.) when they are beating Contador thats extremely frustrating. Can't you see it?

No, I can't. We all have our likes and dislikes and I dislike them regardless of who they beat Well, maybe I will cheer for Valverde if he and Froome are the last riders in the race.

I figured you couldn't. It has become increasingly obvious during the time I've spent on this forum... It just comes across as so incredibly butthurt. Not that you probably care one bit.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

Please try and be more respectful to riders that beat Alberto but remember it's fine to tell them to GET FVCKED when he beats them

I'll try to remember that for the next time Berto wins something, I may be waiting a while, mind you :lol:

 

[Poursuivant]

My thoughts: last 5km were great to watch. Valverde was clearly the strongest in the race, he dropped them with ease, and looked "comfortable " all the way to the line, amazing performance. And to think he had a minute deducted. Shame he isn't going the Giro really.

Froome was a lot stronger than I thought, I thought he would be dropped pretty early but he is stronger than last year in March. Contador's attack seemed to lack that big punch after Pantano (brilliant again) had put the hammer down. He does genuinely seem to be declining now, completely understandable, but you should never write him off, and he will be better in July, but whether that's enough is another story.

Soler was so strong today, I was so impressed with him, Gaudu and the ninja ride from Carthy. All three were exceptional, but particularly Soler today. TJ obviously didn't have it but as someone else said, it also might be a mentality problem. That is never to be underestimated.

As for Thomas, he is going to be in a world of trouble in the Giro big climbs if he struggled today, I thought he would be better today. Kruijswilk slowly working his way into form too.