73rd Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne: 28 February, 2021

[Spine Concept]

I wonder how many races Mathieu “could have” won at the end of his career if he had raced more “smartly”.

I think it’s clear who the strongest rider was today, and yes, he could have won. That’s something that you’ll be hearing throughout his career I suppose.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Even if van der Poel had given up earlier, I don't think he could have beaten Pedersen in the sprint, but he would obviously have had a better chance of doing so.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

As for Pidcock's sprint, i think nobody wasted less energy in the race than him. He was in last position most of the last 50km, he's small, always out of the wind, he's light and doesn't suffer on the climbs, and he's a CX rider and has no issues with twisting, turning or cobbles. He was probably the most fresh guy there. It was a nice sprint, but let's not turn him into a sprinting beast.

 

[Bonimenier]

Can't wait to see Pidcock demolish Ewan, Bennett and Demare in the Tour next year.

 

[armchairclimber]

As for Pidcock's sprint, i think nobody wasted less energy in the race than him. He was in last position most of the last 50km, he's small, always out of the wind, he's light and doesn't suffer on the climbs, and he's a CX rider and has no issues with twisting, turning or cobbles. He was probably the most fresh guy there. It was a nice sprint, but let's not turn him into a sprinting beast.

Well yes, as cavalier as he was yesterday, he was astute and showed good race craft today.

 

[Samamba]

As for Pidcock's sprint, i think nobody wasted less energy in the race than him. He was in last position most of the last 50km, he's small, always out of the wind, he's light and doesn't suffer on the climbs, and he's a CX rider and has no issues with twisting, turning or cobbles. He was probably the most fresh guy there. It was a nice sprint, but let's not turn him into a sprinting beast.

There is one... Pedersen.

Atleast Pidcock bridged a gap after the Kwaremont.

 

[wheresmybrakes]

Can't wait to see Pidcock demolish Ewan, Bennett and Demare in the Tour next year.

Nope, that's Remco's job!

 

[Bonimenier]

Nope, that's Remco's job!

I think it's inappropriate that you react like this after this post from yesterday:

I'm still waiting for the "if only Remco was here........" rubbish.

 

[postmanhat]

As for Pidcock's sprint, i think nobody wasted less energy in the race than him. He was in last position most of the last 50km, he's small, always out of the wind, he's light and doesn't suffer on the climbs, and he's a CX rider and has no issues with twisting, turning or cobbles. He was probably the most fresh guy there. It was a nice sprint, but let's not turn him into a sprinting beast.

He is quite handy though. Quite often when riding for GB-U23s, he'd lead Hayter out to victory, and end up winning the sprint for 2nd.

And as others have said. Pedersen did even less. Which makes Turgis's performance even more impressive

 

[jmdirt]

I wonder how many races Mathieu “could have” won at the end of his career if he had raced more “smartly”.

I think it’s clear who the strongest rider was today, and yes, he could have won. That’s something that you’ll be hearing throughout his career I suppose.

I like that he tries to make races. My memory is bad and getting worse so I won't remember today at the the end of his career.

 

[Spine Concept]

I like that he tries to make races. My memory is bad and getting worse so I won't remember today at the the end of his career.

That’s the thing isn’t it. At some point it’ll all be historical data and statistics where only the win counts. At least we live in the digital age where there’s audiovisual evidence of the heroics in cycling even if not resulting into a win.

 

[Andre]

Respect for Denmark. You beat my Belgian boys. We're in a small slump...compared to last year.

 

[RedheadDane]

Respect for Denmark. You beat my Belgian boys. We're in a small slump...compared to last year.

One of those Belgian boys played a rather large part in the win.

 

[wheresmybrakes]

I think it's inappropriate that you react like this after this post from yesterday:

Oh pants, me and my big mouth, many apologies.

 

[Bonimenier]

Oh pants, me and my big mouth, many apologies.

Apologies accepted. Keep the hypocrisy to a minimum in the future.

 

[Norbea]

Uno-X got a well deserved top 10 result. Great racing all day by the team. Hope they get lots of invites in the world tour.

 

[tobydawq]

At least we had one real race this weekend.

So, when Mathieu goes off on the front, it's a real race.

But when Alaphilippe does, it's not, because you don't like him?

 

[BlueRoads]

So, when Mathieu goes off on the front, it's a real race.

But when Alaphilippe does, it's not because you don't like him?

I can totally understand him. When Alaphilippe goes, it's a great race, when van der Poel goes it's depressing.

 

[tobydawq]

A little shocking to see that there has not been one single mention of Arjen Livyns in this thread. On the Kwaremont, he was just cruising along with Asgreen and Degenkolb who distanced all the others.

Yesterday he might not have been able to follow Alaphilippe but he certainly did seem to be able to match Ballerini, Sénéchal and co. on the cobbled climbs.

The revelation of the opening weekend.

 

[Pantani_lives]

Conclusion of the opening weekend: the two strongest teams have won; the two strongest individuals have put on a show. Now the question is whether these individuals will be rewarded with a big win this spring.

 

[Keram]

MVDP was little bit Saganed at this race. His attacks are way more ridiculous though. Anyway thanks for him he made the race. Asgreen spoiled the end. I dont get his intensions. If he would do it for other Stepper but it was pointless and it affected results greatly . I wanted to mention third thing but I forget when I was typing about Asgreen and MVDP

 

[Jagartrott]

A little shocking to see that there has not been one single mention of Arjen Livyns in this thread. On the Kwaremont, he was just cruising along with Asgreen and Degenkolb who distanced all the others.

Yesterday he might not have been able to follow Alaphilippe but he certainly did seem to be able to match Ballerini, Sénéchal and co. on the cobbled climbs.

The revelation of the opening weekend.

I don't understand how this is possible. He's 1m70 and weighs 58 kg. How the hell is he able to produce those Watts?

 

[Netserk]

So, when Mathieu goes off on the front, it's a real race.

But when Alaphilippe does, it's not, because you don't like him?

It was about the whole race, not just the main attack. (And they were hardly equivalent).

 

[Ranagazoo]

Either the Danes have a secret agreement or nobody wants MVDP to win. No way did Asgreen make that huge effort for Bert Van Lerberghe

 

[Blanco]

So, when Mathieu goes off on the front, it's a real race.

But when Alaphilippe does, it's not, because you don't like him?

I wouldn't exactly compare those two attacks. One was a nice try, the other was a monster ride.