2021 Strade Bianche, March 6th

[jaylew]

Then Ballerini will probably win just to spite you.

Probably. I took him off my one star list at the last second. And really I meant that I have trouble seeing anyone outside of those top 8 guys I gave 2 and 3 stars winning but I've certainly been surprised before.

 

[SafeBet]

I need to know two things. Finish time and start of broadcasting at Eurosport. I need to schedule ladies skiing world cup. Women and men biathlon, Strade and somehow manage my weekly covid testing in between.

ES live broadcast starts at 13.50 (CET).
Finish time around 16.30, I think.

 

[search]

here's what the papers think:

Gazzetta dello Sport:
* **** Alaphilippe, van der Poel
**** van Aert
*** Pogacar, Bernal, van Avermaet, Pidcock
** Fuglsang, Bardet, Brambilla, Formolo
* Bettiol

Het Nieuwsblad:
* **** van Aert
**** Alaphilippe, van der Poel
*** Fuglsang, Pogacar, Bettiol
** Mollema, Pidcock, van Avermaet, Bardet
* Wellens, Stybar, Bernal, Formolo, Küng

 

[wheresmybrakes]

I want an outsider to win for a laugh so I can hear the if only and what if's for the next week. Bardet for the win.

 

[Lequack]

Women have reached the first gravel section. It's dry and dusty.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1368124089311887360

View: https://twitter.com/JumboVismaWomen/status/1368124089311887360?s=20

 

[kingjr]

Don't see anyone beating Van Aert here if he's good.

 

[glassmoon]

I want an outsider to win for a laugh so I can hear the if only and what if's for the next week. Bardet for the win.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsY0oWuWi88

 

[Oliver]

Lotte Kopecky in the break with Fisher-Black

 

[Wvv]

Gopecky!

 

[KZD]

Don't see anyone beating Van Aert here if he's good.

He is still vulnerable if he reaches the final climb with very explosive and lighter riders like Alaphilippe but will see.

 

[Wvv]

The final climb into Siena isn't that ... impossible for heavier riders though. Because it isn't that long. It all depends on what is left in the legs. In 2015 GVA and Styby really destroyed Valverde (who was still the peak Valverde).

But the rider best suited for this particular hill is probably Julian, since he combines the power and the explosivity with a lower body weight.

 

[Krokro]

Really hope that Mathieu can shine today. In the WVA/MVDP paradigm I'd love him to beat Wout in such a race (one can dream)!
I just struggle to see why there's such a hype for Pogacar for today's race.

 

[Bonimenier]

Puncture for Kopecky. Bad luck, because she seemed strong.

Van Vleuten and Vos in the break.

 

[RedheadDane]

Just around 11 Ks to go. Van Vleuten and Vos out front, with some gap to a chase group consisting of - among others - Van Der Breggen, Longo Borghini, Uttrup, and Van Dijk. Unfortunately Kopecky had a mechanical.

 

[Bonimenier]

Looking at the women this really is a sprint classic.

 

[Eshnar]

Looking at the women this really is a sprint classic.

yeah especially since they don't do the three hardest sectors of the men's route.

 

[TourOfSardinia]

Chantelle wheel s_cking

 

[KZD]

Borghini might well take this.

 

[sir fly]

I'd never think van den Broek-Blaak could drop Longo Borghini on a finish like this.
SD Worx too strong for the rest.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Borghini might well take this.

not when she gets wheelsucked for 5km

advantage strongest team.

 

[WKA311]

Why did Vos not work with AvV? She looked to be sitting on her wheel quite easily.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

I don't think Kopecky would ever have won this race, but i would 've liked to know where she 'd have finished against this field on a finish like this. Bad time for a puncture.

 

[sir fly]

Why did Vos not work with AvV? She looked to be sitting on her wheel quite easily.

I think Vos' tactics was to get to Siena at the front and there make her move.
Missing the winning move was the mistake.

 

[F_Cance]

SD effective but ugly racing

 

[BlueRoads]

I just hope the camerawork will be a bit more steady for the men's race, at least on the non-gravel parts. I could hardly watch.