Ardennes Classics Discussion thread

[Lanark]

Fränk has already won the AGR, so it would be silly to say he doesn't have any chance. Andy was really active last year as well, but neither of them are really big favourites.

 

[dlwssonic]

seems to be very hard to get away in agr and lfw

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

really depends how it is raced.

If teams wanted to mix it up a bit on the cobbles vs spartacus, they ought to mix it up here also. Leaving for a sprint finish is gonna have 1 outcome; Gilbert.

Let us hope they make it really tough, and someone can make an attack stick.

 

[TeoSheva]

. Leaving for a sprint finish is gonna have 1 outcome; Gilbert.

I agree....

 

[Lanark]

seems to be very hard to get away in agr and lfw

Not really actually, since AGR has the Cauberg finish:

2003: solo
2004: two men sprint
2005: bunch sprint
2006: solo
2007: solo
2008: sprint with a small group (8 guys)
2009: three men sprint
2010: small bunch sprint (20)

Lot's of different scenario's possible.

Fleche has had a bunch sprint in the last 7 years, but the years before that almost never. I don't know what changed, but it wasn't always a long 'wait for the Mur de Huy' reace.

 

[El Pistolero]

really depends how it is raced.

If teams wanted to mix it up a bit on the cobbles vs spartacus, they ought to mix it up here also. Leaving for a sprint finish is gonna have 1 outcome; Gilbert.

Let us hope they make it really tough, and someone can make an attack stick.

Last year Gilbert chased down attacks from Andy Schleck, Frank Schleck, Ivanov and Cunego and made attacks him self... It was a pretty aggressive race, but Gilbert was way above everyone in that race.

They can make it as aggressive as they want, but if Gilbert has his form from last year then there's not much they can do about it.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

Last year Gilbert chased down attacks from Andy Schleck, Frank Schleck, Ivanov and Cunego and made attacks him self... It was a pretty aggressive race, but Gilbert was way above everyone in that race.

i remember, but he is no superman, enough attacks, a field really pushed to the limit, could make things interesting.

Like I said, Gilbert will win if it comes to a uphill sprint, but the teams should prevent this at all costs.

Spartacus has form like last year, and he was more convincing on that terrain then gilbert on this. Look what happened. Sure these races are different, but nothing is set in stone, aggressive riding will make it hard, and harder to control irregardless of his form.

 

[El Pistolero]

i remember, but he is no superman, enough attacks, a field really pushed to the limit, could make things interesting.

Like I said, Gilbert will win if it comes to a uphill sprint, but the teams should prevent this at all costs.

Gilbert is pretty good in getting back to back wins in classics

And I don't think Spartacus had the same form as last year even though he was still way above everyone else. But they're different races and totally different cyclists, so can't really be compared anyway.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

Gilbert is pretty good in getting back to back wins in classics

it would surprise me very little if he did. AGR is probably most suited to his ability. Nor would I mind, even your manlove can't make me dislike gilbert.

 

[El Pistolero]

I actually hope Cancellara will win. Feel sorry for the guy. Definitely would save his spring season somewhat.

Other cyclists except Gilbert can go to hell

But yeah, Lombardia and AGR are the races most suited to his ability.

 

[El Pistolero]

woops double post.

 

[theyoungest]

Did someone mention already that Gilbert is pretty good at getting back to back wins in classics?

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

I actually hope Cancellara will win. Feel sorry for the guy. Definitely would save his spring season somewhat.

Other cyclists except Gilbert can go to hell

But yeah, Lombardia and AGR are the races most suited to his ability.

Wanna do a bet?

If a Rabobank guy wins you take a Rabo-avatar?

 

[Havetts]

If Gilbert wins ill take your man love Gilbert as an avatar Pistolero, if a rabo wins you take a rabo avatar .

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

Screw that make him have a Dutch flag. A Gilbert avatar... More reward then punishment

 

[boomcie]

Screw that make him have a Dutch flag. A Gilbert avatar... More reward then punishment

How about this one?

 

[movingtarget]

I forgot about Cunego. I think he can do well in the Fleche but I still like Evans or Rodriguez for the win.

 

[icefire]

How about this one?

It would be very appropriate if the win is for one of those bloody Spaniards

 

[The Hitch]

It would be very appropriate if the win is for one of those bloody Spaniards

Especially since Dutchies are obliged by their national anthem to pledge allegience to the king of Spain.

 

[maltiv]

Davide Appollonio, Kurt-Asle Arvesen, Kjell Carlström, Steve Cummings, Simon Gerrans, Mathew Hayman, Christian Knees, Lars-Petter Nordhaug.

This is Sky's team for Amstel and it looks extremely weak. Initially, they were planning to ride for EBH here (who had this race as one of his main goals) but now with him out and Uran not riding they seemingly have no one who can get into the top 10. Gerrans is nowhere near his 2009 form, at least judging by his Pais Vasco performance. Nordhaug will probably end up as their best placed rider, perhaps he could come inside the top 20 (which would be fantastic for him)...

 

[Barrus]

Especially since Dutchies are obliged by their national anthem to pledge allegience to the king of Spain.

no, we don't

 

[The Hitch]

Wilhelmus van Nassouwe
ben ik, van Duitsen bloed,
den vaderland getrouwe
blijf ik tot in den dood.
Een Prinse van Oranje
ben ik, vrij, onverveerd,
den Koning van Hispanje
heb ik altijd geëerd.


William of Nassau, scion
Of a German and ancient line,
I dedicate undying
Faith to this land of mine.
A prince am I undaunted,
Of Orange, ever free,
To the king of Spain I've granted
A lifelong loyalty.

 

[Havetts]

Literally translated:
The king of Spain,
I've always honored.

So
"I've always honored the king of Spain."

 

[Barrus]

wrong translation, it says that he has always honoured the king of Spain, not that he has pledged his lifelong loyalty to him

 

[The Hitch]

wrong translation, it says that he has always honoured the king of Spain, not that he has pledged his lifelong loyalty to him

"Always" covers the past present and future