2024 European Championships in Heusden-Zolder/Hasselt (September 11-15) Discussion Thread For All Races

[yaco]

I am glad that Belgium brought two sprinters. You should always bring two quality sprinters to such a race, because, there is always the chance one crashes out.

 

[Coffeeplanter]

Alvarez and Seixas, it's on.

 

[Coffeeplanter]

Alvarez, Seixas and Orn-Kristoff. It's more than just on.

 

[tobydawq]

I am glad that Belgium brought two sprinters. You should always bring two quality sprinters to such a race, because, there is always the chance one crashes out.

There is also the chance that they can't work together and the result will suffer from that so no, you can't just categorically say that...

 

[Coffeeplanter]

These three won't slow down. This could legit be over.

 

[Coffeeplanter]

Sparfel is killing the chase, but the peloton not too far behind.

 

[Coffeeplanter]

Hakon Eiksund Oksnes chasing Orn-Kristoff, because why not?

 

[Coffeeplanter]

Paul Fietzke attack is making the gap come down quick. But Sparfel is in that group and you don't want to drag him to the lead group, let alone the finish line.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

So the exact same situation as in the U23 yesterday, with tree riders having a 17 second gap at this point of the race.

 

[Coffeeplanter]

Normally Seixas will have to get rid of the other two if he wants to win. I'd say a sprint is a toss-up between Alvarez and Orn-Kristoff, both have won bunch sprints.

 

[Samamba]

Intermarché have 2 European Champs in their ranks

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Easy win for Ørn-Kristoff in the end.

 

[Coffeeplanter]

Keizer der Juniores won't start until 14:30, some guys could still make the start to go H2H with Ashlin Barry.

 

[RedheadDane]

Easy win for Ørn-Kristoff in the end.

He does have quite an advantage; he's an eagle!

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

So the exact same situation as in the U23 yesterday, with tree riders having a 17 second gap at this point of the race.

 

[yaco]

There is also the chance that they can't work together and the result will suffer from that so no, you can't just categorically say that...

I can categorically say that. It's not often that you get a flattish course for a major championship, and there is only maybe three or four teams who have 2 quality teams to play this card.

 

[Coffeeplanter]

So the exact same situation as in the U23 yesterday, with tree riders having a 17 second gap at this point of the race.

I cannot imagine this being a blue sprint for the race tomorrow otoh. From the very second Alvarez and Seixas attacked the gap between the leaders and peloton swung between 20 and 40 seconds the entirety of the race. It is that is junior racing where a bunch of headless chickens are just constantly attacking each other, but with a little bit of organisation, which the pros do possess, that is an inevitable bunch sprint.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

The usual suspects are trying, but it will be very difficult to break the Dutch team here.

 

[yaco]

The usual suspects are trying, but it will be very difficult to break the Dutch team here.

I suspect it is impossible. It's a pity there is no Charlotte Kool who should have selected as a back up option to wiebes.

 

[AmRacer]

The Dutch killing the race, they want a bunch sprint. Booring

 

[Coffeeplanter]

The Dutch killing the race, they want a bunch sprint. Booring

Don't hate the player, hate the game. This course is just too weak to create any sort of adversity.

 

[Brullnux]

The Dutch killing the race, they want a bunch sprint. Booring

I think tomorrow will be similar

 

[Tim Cahill]

Elena Cecchini, any relation?

 

[Samu Cuenca]

I suspect it is impossible. It's a pity there is no Charlotte Kool who should have selected as a back up option to wiebes.

Her presence wouldn't really make a difference to the race though.

The Dutch killing the race, they want a bunch sprint. Booring

One of them might accidentally end up attacking and win like last year. The Italian lead out is stronger, so if Balsamo has great legs, there could be at least a bit suspense if it ends in a bunch sprint.

 

[Coffeeplanter]

I think tomorrow will be similar

The exodus of Wout pushing Belgium towards definitive bunch-sprint-wanters has sealed this, I am very much afraid.