2021 Strade Bianche, March 6th

[titan31]

And just not to forget Simmons.
Great ride, but too little luck today.

Ya, I thought he looked strong. Had attacked at one point earlier and hurt the group a good bit. I think he'd have been on for a top 5 tbh without the puncture and crash.

 

[Leinster]

This really is a crosser's road race... The top5 is made of three active crossers, one ex-crosser and one ex-mountainbiker.

Yes, but at the same time I think if the course was 100% paved, ultimately the top 10 would be pretty similar. Yes, those crossers are good on technical courses with punchy climbs, but is that cause, or effect?

 

[RedheadDane]

Relax. I didn’t call anyone “girlish” so I don’t know why it’s in quotes.

Well, surely the opposite of a "manly celebration" would be a "girlish celebration". Was just wondering why you were pointing out that VDP's celebration was somehow "manly".

 

[jaylew]

Ya, I thought he looked strong. Had attacked at one point earlier and hurt the group a good bit. I think he'd have been on for a top 5 tbh without the puncture and crash.

He was certainly better than 57th in any case.

 

[SafeBet]

Rivi finished 18th after being in the break, puncturing and having to wait minutes while the whole peloton was passing by?

I find it hard to believe.

 

[BlueRoads]

Yes, but at the same time I think if the course was 100% paved, ultimately the top 10 would be pretty similar. Yes, those crossers are good on technical courses with punchy climbs, but is that cause, or effect?

I don't know. It's just that I actually didn't think the technical side here was as important as people said it was. But now I'm inclined to think otherwise.

 

[Blanco]

Ok, Alaphilippe is the best puncheur in the world, but Strade is a damn hard race, maybe his punch won't be there if those cross guys do the forcing for a while.
I remember Valverde, best puncheur in the world at that time, being beaten by Stybar and Van Avermaet at that wall...

In fact, I dare to say, if Van Der Poel comes with the front group at the bottom of that wall, he will win. Doesn't matter who the competition are...

 

[BlueRoads]

Also Ballerini with a very strong place, considering he worked and had a mechanical or crash or something.

 

[red_flanders]

Well, surely the opposite of a "manly celebration" would be a "girlish celebration". Was just wondering why you were pointing out that VDP's celebration was somehow "manly".

One person being manly doesn’t make another girlish. He’s a big guy, strong, and I like his style. Maybe I have a bit of a man crush on him. Nothing to worry about.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

.

You're the best.

 

[jaylew]

Not sure why some seem surprised to see Bernal up there. He's always been a good one day racer, particularly in Italy, and had shown he was on good form. I expected him to do a top 5.

 

[BlueRoads]

Why do men always have men crushs on men that I don't like?! Is it so that I have less competition?

(I thought his celebration was bold, but I liked the emotion.)

 

[dusty red roads]

Why don't you like MVP?

Great race, great finale!

 

[Jagartrott]

in this field, this demonstration. I think everyone knows now 2020 MVdp was not top Mvdp.

It's difficult to really assess the current field and form. I'd be interested in his time up the final mur for instance.

 

[Keram]

Great race in beautiful scenery. For me this race is on par with Ronde and Roubaix. I want to say big thank you to person who invented this race back in early 00s. It was bilion dollar idea.

 

[jaylew]

in this field, this demonstration. I think everyone knows now 2020 MVdp was not top Mvdp.

Did anyone actually think that? I thought it was obvious, particularly in the early races.

 

[BlueRoads]

Why don't you like MVP?

Great race, great finale!

No real reason, actually. I guess I just don't like his facial expressions often and he lacks... I don't know, he's just not heart-warming. But a great bike rider.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Not sure why some seem surprised to see Bernal up there. He's always been a good one day racer, particularly in Italy, and had shown he was on good form. I expected him to do a top 5.

I expected him in the top 15 or so. But i didn't expect him on the podium. I actually expected Pogacar to be better here than him. But it's nice to be surprised. Both him and van der Poel surprised me in a very good way.

 

[Red Rick]

30w/kg here

I'm not interested in Alas output I wanna know MVDPs

 

[Netserk]

Well, surely the opposite of a "manly celebration" would be a "girlish celebration". Was just wondering why you were pointing out that VDP's celebration was somehow "manly".

Girlish would be the opposite to boyish, and you know it. No need to twist things.

 

[topcat]

A 1-2 of the two most likeable flamboyant riders. Capiche?

 

[ice&fire]

I'm not interested in Alas output I wanna know MVDPs

So does his powermeter supplier

 

[Leinster]

I don't know. It's just that I actually didn't think the technical side here was as important as people said it was. But now I'm inclined to think otherwise.

I think it’s clearly a factor, and at least an advantage for the top 5 today over some others, but at the same time the multiple winners of the race, Kwiat and Spartacus, don’t have any elite off-road background, and won against guys like Sagan and Stybar who do.

vdP is one of the 2 best crossers in the world right now, but he’s also one of the best puncheurs. The latter, imo, is much more important to his win today.

 

[Andre]

Heartbreaking race. I don't think Wout is in top form yet. Damn it!!

 

[dusty red roads]

No real reason, actually. I guess I just don't like his facial expressions often and he lacks... I don't know, he's just not heart-warming. But a great bike rider.

Haha, we all have our whims!