2018 Strade Bianche, 1.UWT, 03.03.18

[johnymax]

What an epic first win would it be. Cmon Benoot!

 

[Kwibus]

Re: Re:

Wait, isn't this what we wanted when we reduced teams to 7 riders?

Exactly. You want crazy racing but then you complain big teams don't shut down every move.
This is what we need.

Exactly, fans wanted unpredictive races and now some are complaining when favorites don't shut down every single attack.

Wasn't it more a case of a lot people complaining about Sky/Movistar (but primarily Sky) train controlling races although that never was the case in the classics, so sledgehammer to crack a nut, if you now complain about the favourites missing out in races like this.

We dont complain. We are surprised, they got what they deserve.
More tactics is good, smarter racing, using your instincts instead of always waiting for your team.

 

[tylervernon]

Come on, Valverde! You can still get your first win of the season!

 

[RedheadDane]

The Dane in me would've liked for Søren Kragh to get a top result.
The cycling fan in me just absolutely *** loves this!

 

[ppanther92]

Valverde the strongest of the pre-race favorites, but still losing on Benoot. We will for sure have a deserving winnr today.

 

[DFA123]

Van Aert is absolutely cooked. Bardet's been pulling by himself for about 5km now. And Bardet pulling by himself isn't going to catch anyone.

 

[Akuryo]

Incredible by Benoot but also kudos to Stybar for probably 4 top fives in 4 years.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Where the hell was Van Avermaet today by the way

 

[King Boonen]

Re:

Van Aert is absolutely cooked. Bardet's been pulling by himself for about 5km now. And Bardet pulling by himself isn't going to catch anyone.

Yup, I’m hoping they can hold on for 2/3, but if Bardet blows they’re done.

 

[Kazistuta]

If the timing is right, then Bardet and Van Aert are doing an amazing job at keeping the chasers at bay...

 

[Aristarchus]

Benoot still pushing well. Hard to see him giving it up now.

 

[Carols]

Benoot!!! Riding in for the Win. Great performance

 

[TMP402]

Re: Re:

Benoot looks lighter than previously - I wonder if he could be even more of a threat in the Ardennes than on the cobbles this year. Hard to believe he's still only 23 - he's been around for ages.

He is lighter this year! New strategy for this year.

Plus he's been struggling with choices. Jack of all trades, didn't he try to climb better last year?

Well he was always good at climbing. I remember him being in the GC group way longer than any neo-pro had any right to be, at the 2015 Dauphiné.

 

[Valv.Piti]

I really think Sagan could be in trouble with this many great classic riders this season..

 

[Red Rick]

I think just about everyone is already wrong about the most top 10 without a win predictions

 

[GenericBoonenFan]

I'm in bed with the flu but this race turned my shitty-ass weekend in a great one!

 

[del1962]

Great to see Benoot finally get a win

 

[hfer07]

Bravo Benoot !!!

 

[ppanther92]

Benoot is such an amazing rider. The only thing i fear is, that he will have kind of an Boasson Hagen fate. He is good in so many things.

 

[jaylew]

Re:

Where the hell was Van Avermaet today by the way

With Gilbert?

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Well done Benoot. Far out deserved the win and got it

 

[SKSemtex]

I miss final duel on this climb. But deserved winner.
Really elimination race. We need more like this.

 

[Jungle Cycle]

Finally!! well deserved...
Aert = star
Bardet, unespected and brave...

 

[winkybiker]

Proper win, that. Nicely done.

 

[Maaaaaaaarten]

Amazing race by Benoot! Really happy he finally got a win