Alexandr Kolobnev

[craig1985]

I hope the spelling is right on this one. But seriously, what does does this guy have to do (and keeping this out of the Clinic ) to get a big win in his career? He's made the podium at Liège–Bastogne–Liège and the Giro di Lombardia, top 10 at Amstel Gold, and has been on the podium at the 2007 and 2009 World's, and technically a bronze medalist from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

 

[The Hitch]

I hope the spelling is right on this one. But seriously, what does does this guy have to do (and keeping this out of the Clinic ) to get a big win in his career? He's made the podium at Liège–Bastogne–Liège and the Giro di Lombardia, top 10 at Amstel Gold, and has been on the podium at the 2007 and 2009 World's, and technically a bronze medalist from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

train harder?

To be fair, with the exception of Stutgart, he was beaten by clearly stronger riders everytime. At LBL without Vino he wouldnt have even got the podium. So he worked with Vino who crushed him in the final metres. At Lombardia he was comprehensively behind Samu and Gilbert. Last years worlds Cuddles crushed him and if the title was on the line, Purito might have put up more of a challenge.

 

[Michele]

The Hitch got it and I would add "more motivation".

One my friend live close to him around Rome area (cant recall the exact city) and sometimes he meets him.
He told him already 1 or 2 years ago that he doesn't care much about doing a whole season but just prepare every year those last few months for a couple of races.

Before the Worlds he said that he didn't see him as a contender and he was pointing at Gilbert and Freire as main guys.

 

[jens_attacks]

well he won first edition of montepaschi strade bianche,one of my favourite races so for my point of view he already has a nice background.one day he'll become world champ probably at firenze.great rider anyway.

 

[JPM London]

Hitch & Michele are probably right, but I'm definitely with Craig as well... Every time I see him in a break towards the end I'm routing for him! So close and yet so far again and again...

 

[L'arriviste]

He's kind of obligatory, isn't he? He's woven himself into the texture of every lumpy parcours.

He's been there in the finales of LBL, Amstel etc and now the Worlds. It comes to be that you expect to see him.

As this excellent season draws to a close, now my other half even pre-empts me when she sees any lone rider and asks "is it that Kobbleneff?"

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

He was solo in the lead in Amstel this year, before the bunch brough him back. He just needs a bit more luck to win, because he doesn't have the pure class of a guy like Gilbert

 

[sherer]

think the proper spelling is Alexsandr but that would translate into Alexander in English.

Good rider just think he is missing that little bit of hunger and desire to get to the next level

 

[Tuarts]

Is Kolobnev the Russian who in 08 or 09 TDF always seemed to be off the front, particularly on sprint stages?

 

[roundabout]

He didn't ride the Tour in 2008 and 2009.

 

[theyoungest]

Is Kolobnev the Russian who in 08 or 09 TDF always seemed to be off the front, particularly on sprint stages?

Ignatiev maybe? He's known for his (mostly pointless) attacks. Kolobnev is known for always being on form in the later part of the season.

 

[Tuarts]

Hmm, I thought Ignatiev was Kazak for some reason...must've mixed him up with someone. Thanks for clearing it up!

 

[The Hitch]

Hmm, I thought Ignatiev was Kazak for some reason...must've mixed him up with someone. Thanks for clearing it up!

You might be mixing him up with Maxim Iglinsky, who is Kasakh. Ignatiev is a good tter who attacks a lot, just for the hell of it.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

train harder?

To be fair, with the exception of Stutgart, he was beaten by clearly stronger riders everytime. At LBL without Vino he wouldnt have even got the podium. So he worked with Vino who crushed him in the final metres. At Lombardia he was comprehensively behind Samu and Gilbert. Last years worlds Cuddles crushed him and if the title was on the line, Purito might have put up more of a challenge.

Let's be fair. J-Rod had been in the long breakaway that had been away all day with the likes of Rujano in it. He was the last man left of that breakaway and as such, was probably the weakest Spaniard left in the group. If it had been Valverde or Samu in his place near the end it could have been interesting. Kolobnev was stronger than Rodríguez at that point in the race because Rodríguez had nothing left to give - that was apparent when he first tried to chase Cuddles when Evans first got away. But because Rodríguez was off the front the other Spaniards wouldn't attack, and Cuddles was stronger than Kolobnev, as you would perhaps expect. That's what made Cuddles' move so brilliant.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Heh Ignatiev, talk about your young superstar who didn't deliver in the end. Oh well, he still has some years to come, but I don't think there will be any suprises now. Started as a comet even after his U23 years with a win in Laigueglia among others.
Oh well.

This topic is about Kolobnev. Which reminds me about how Rabobank completely screwed up with him thinking he was a GC-rider and they tried him as leader for the Giro classification a few times. Foolish really. Already said back then they were doing it wrong and should use him for the hilly classics.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

train harder?

To be fair, with the exception of Stutgart, he was beaten by clearly stronger riders everytime. At LBL without Vino he wouldnt have even got the podium. So he worked with Vino who crushed him in the final metres. At Lombardia he was comprehensively behind Samu and Gilbert. Last years worlds Cuddles crushed him and if the title was on the line, Purito might have put up more of a challenge.

You don't give him the credit he deserves. I have seen him many put many decent attacks in, and like gilbert did on sunday just fall short.

Suggesting purito could have beaten kolobnev is irrelevant and just nit-picking. And at LBL without kolobnev vino wouldn't have won, it works two ways.
he also just missed out at an Sebastián in 08'

Kolobnev is due a big win.

 

[Parrulo]

he needs luck. he always seems to be up there in every hilly classic and worlds.

tho i must say that always being up there but not winning does make him a likeble character

 

[aahmadhu]

tho i must say that always being up there but not winning does make him a likeble character

spot on! riders who rarely win but consistently get top 10 spots are indeed likeable, not to mention his quiet and humble demeanor.

 

[barn yard]

i love this guy and all these suicidal russians

remember what jens said, paraphrased, if i attack i will probably not win. if i don't attack i will definitely not win