2024 Zurich WC routes revealed

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Jul 7, 2013
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It really depends on the tactical decisions of a few teams. IMO it's too hard for all the durable sprinter types. I think for Van Aert and Van der Poel it's right on the limit. I think maybe Ganna could be a wildcard.

And it depends a lot on how Slovenia choose to set Pogacar up and if Roglic is gonna want to play ball

Belgium has more cards to play so they could send Wout (or someone else) first. Not sure how strong Slovenia will be, Rogla may not even want to go there (to be only the 2nd guy in hierarchy).
 
Apr 30, 2011
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Had it been raced in 2017, it'd be a Sagan route. But with the level differences in the current peloton, favourites could even aim for a solo from the penultimate lap.
 
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Jul 4, 2023
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The RR route has Remco written all over it, unless he struggles to build up suffient form after peaking for the Tour for the first time. The two climbs come in quick succession and are followed by several kilometers of undulating terrain, where he can obliterate any chase there' ll be or drop those few who have survived the climbs with him.
It does suit Remco quite well, yes. Only problem is it that Pogi is just a better rider
 
Sep 1, 2012
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It does suit Remco quite well, yes. Only problem is it that Pogi is just a better rider

Overall Pog is obviously a better rider, but in a one day race on such terrain the balance of power between the two is not at all clear cut.
 
Jul 7, 2013
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it really is a bomb for him looking at the profile closely I will be impressed if anyone beats him.

If anyone it has to be Remco. All based on Pogacar beeing strong though. But those slopes, distance it all fits him to the tea but what does not nowadays.

This is WC, Slovenia will have weaker team than rivals, no radios. Under those circumstances it's not obvious that Pog will simply nuke the peleton. Other teams will have more cards to play so tactically it's trickier to be in the right place and at the right time. I agree that Pogi + Remco finale is plausible but completely different scenarios could realize as well.
 
Jul 7, 2013
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Yeah exactly I agree but doesnt Slovenia and Belgia have max spots? I think so?

Slovenia have potential if Roglic plays ball but not the depth like Belgia and others of course.

I actually don't know. I thought that Slovenia had less guys but OTOH Pogi gives them ridiculous number of points so maybe it's max...
 
Oct 30, 2023
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This is WC, Slovenia will have weaker team than rivals, no radios. Under those circumstances it's not obvious that Pog will simply nuke the peleton. Other teams will have more cards to play so tactically it's trickier to be in the right place and at the right time. I agree that Pogi + Remco finale is plausible but completely different scenarios could realize as well.
Watts cure a lot of tactical weaknesses
 
Nov 16, 2013
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Why are we calling it Belgia now?

To go accord with ilmaestro's notion that a person from Belgium is called a Belgium?

Anyway, if they can line up with Pog, Roglic, Mohoric, Tratnik and Novak, their team is plenty strong. But I don't really think Roglic has much interest in that.
 
Jun 30, 2022
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Why are we calling it Belgia now?

To go accord with ilmaestro's notion that a person from Belgium is called a Belgium?

Anyway, if they can line up with Pog, Roglic, Mohoric, Tratnik and Novak, their team is plenty strong. But I don't really think Roglic has much interest in that.
Doesn‘t ilmaestro usually call them Belges?
 
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Sep 12, 2022
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Yeah exactly I agree but doesnt Slovenia and Belgia have max spots? I think so? if its based on 24 rankings they have.

Slovenia have potential if Roglic plays ball like @Red Rick said but not the depth like Belgia and others of course. Also Roglic himself is so good on max day can win if the tactics comes into play.
Roglic only rides for himself
 
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Sep 12, 2022
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Only top 4 GC rider who helped a teammate win Tour de France - and did it with a broken back. But don't let facts interfere with your imagination
Indeed he did that because he was injured, otherwise he wouldn’t have done that. And on top of that he then left the TDF instead of helping more because he cared more about the Vuelta and his own success.

And your statement about “he’s the only top 4 GC rider that helped someone else win a TDF”. It’s not Vingegaard’s fault that Roglic didn’t win before 2022, he helped him a lot too.
 
Nov 16, 2013
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Indeed he did that because he was injured, otherwise he wouldn’t have done that. And on top of that he then left the TDF instead of helping more because he cared more about the Vuelta and his own success.

Didn't he ride around with a broken back or something like that? Maybe stop acting as if he just stopped the race like Ayuso did this year...
 
Mar 12, 2010
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Exciting route which should lead to an exciting race.

Some of the criticism is harsh but I assume Tratnik, Novak and Mohoric will be there
 
Mar 28, 2024
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Teddy solves all kind of problems (tactical or not) by simply pushing more watts. He calls it intelligent racing and who are we to disagree!
Offense is the best defense he said during to Tour too. Gotte love that approach. Even on last TT downhill absolutely no chill.
 
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May 5, 2010
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Indeed he did that because he was injured, otherwise he wouldn’t have done that. And on top of that he then left the TDF instead of helping more because he cared more about the Vuelta and his own success.

Wasn't he basically forced to leave by the team?