2020 World Championships - now confirmed for Imola, Italy.

[Red Rick]

Yet they will all ignore that in fact this has Zoidl vs. Konrad written all over it.

Aren't Austrians just gonna be too busy watching Thiem lose another RG final or is that a week later?

 

[Mayomaniac]

The difference between Il Lombardia and Worlds is, that MvdP will have a MUCH better team supporting him (if indeed they ride for him).

At worlds, the Dutch team will be one of the strongest, and one of only 10 teams with a full squad.

On the flip side of that, Roglic and Pogacar will be in trouble, because even with a full squad, the Slovenian team can probably only count on Mohoric to have any longevity in the race.

Polanc should be a decent climber to support them, but their team won't be stacked with climbing domestiques.
The Dutch should go with Tom and Bauke as the leaders, their team should be really strong, just like Italy, France, Colombia and potentially even Spain, if the Movistar guys come out of the Tour in good shape.

 

[Gigs_98]

Aren't Austrians just gonna be too busy watching Thiem lose another RG final or is that a week later?

Yeah, we are, but 3 sets against Rafa don't take that long

 

[Red Rick]

Yeah, we are, but 3 sets against Rafa don't take that long

It's Rafa. He'll take his time.

 

[Mayomaniac]

If I'm Cassani I'm bringing Nibali, Formolo, Ciccone, Caruso, Conti, De Marchi, Bagioli (as a learning experience) and the last spot is up for debate. If Pozzovivo rides himself into shape and recovers from his injuries he could be on the team, Moscon has shown that he's always able to be great at the WC when Cassani needs him, but his form is a question mark, Cataldo could be a solid workhorse and Visconti also needs to show something in the next few races. I wouldn't bring Ulissi, but that's just me, I don't trust him after a long, hard race.

 

[RedheadDane]

If I'm Cassani...

But... are you?

 

[Mayomaniac]

But... are you?

My hairline says no...

 

[Gigs_98]

If I'm Cassani I'm bringing Nibali, Formolo, Ciccone, Caruso, Conti, De Marchi, Bagioli (as a learning experience) and the last spot is up for debate. If Pozzovivo rides himself into shape and recovers from his injuries he could be on the team, Moscon has shown that he's always able to be great at the WC when Cassani needs him, but his form is a question mark, Cataldo could be a solid workhorse and Visconti also needs to show something in the next few races. I wouldn't bring Ulissi, but that's just me, I don't trust him after a long, hard race.

Nibali and Formolo as the leaders?
Btw, now that you mentioned him, that race would suit Moscon brilliantly if he indeed manages to get into shape. I for one hope he won't.

 

[Mayomaniac]

Nibali and Formolo as the leaders?
Btw, now that you mentioned him, that race would suit Moscon brilliantly if he indeed manages to get into shape. I for one hope he won't.

Yes, Nibali as the leader with Formolo as the 2nd option who should attack first.

 

[Broccolidwarf]

My hairline says no...

But what does the fox say?

 

[Gigs_98]

Just mapped the route FlammeRouge predicts on cronoescalada and it looks like overall a bit more than 400m altitude gain per lap. I'm unsure about the gradients though. It doesn't seem quite as steep on my profile than on the FlammeRouge one. Maybe I used a different street somewhere. Also that first small climb is something like 3% steep so really pretty flat.

 

[Zoetemelk-fan]

I'm excited to get the exact WC route. Withe Tre Monti and 2x1,5k@10% a lap, I bet it would be a tad more than 400hm a 28.8k lap.
Anyone with info on the two hard climbs? Been in the area some 30 yrs ago.

 

[Red Rick]

Yes, Nibali as the leader with Formolo as the 2nd option who should attack first.

Formolo wins a rainbow jersey. Everyone else gets to see Nibs' trophy cabinet.

EVERYONE WINS

 

[SafeBet]

Io sono Italiano?

Real Italian would say he has stopped following cycling in June '99.

 

[SafeBet]

Yes, Nibali as the leader with Formolo as the 2nd option who should attack first.

I disagree with this but I'm probably the biggest Formolino fanboy out there. He might be in exceptional shape coming out of the Tour (and not riding for GC).

 

[Red Rick]

Real Italian would say he has stopped following cycling in June '99.

No love for Lo Squalo?

 

[Rollthedice]

I disagree with this but I'm probably the biggest Formolino fanboy out there. He might be in exceptional shape coming out of the Tour (and not riding for GC).

Fair enough, would be nice though to see a finish like in the Italian Championships in 2014 with the same actors and outcome.

 

[SafeBet]

No love for Lo Squalo?

He's loved by hardcore cycling fans. Pantani could move mountains.

 

[Ivan_Basso_77]

I'm excited to get the exact WC route. Withe Tre Monti and 2x1,5k@10% a lap, I bet it would be a tad more than 400hm a 28.8k lap.
Anyone with info on the two hard climbs? Been in the area some 30 yrs ago.

Here's the profile. Doesn't look that bad, I'd say.

 

[Broccolidwarf]

Here's the profile. Doesn't look that bad, I'd say.

It isn't..... until you have to ride it 9 times in a row

 

[Red Rick]

Final climb also more than 10km from the finish line which really encourages racing.

 

[tobydawq]

Amazing. God this autumn is going to be insane

 

[BlueRoads]

I admit, it's a very good route. I still don't like the sight of motorsport courses, but just going by the profile it's good.

 

[Gigs_98]

Honestly, I'm still a fairly young cycling fan, but this might be the best WC route I can remember. Any news on the number of laps? This could be really, really hard.

Edit: Just saw it's 9 laps, 259 km, 5000 m climbing. Ouch

 

[Koronin]

Depending on how they come off the Tour I wouldn't discount Higuita on this route.

I'm not sure Alaphilippe can climb well enough for this course.

Nibali, Woods, Fuglsang, Woods, Pogacar, Dumoulin, Bardet, Pinot, Higuita should all be good. If Valverde can find his form by the end of the Tour he'll likely get a one of the podium spots.