De Ronde van Vlaanderen (270.8 km), 2024 March 31 (Sunday)

[Salvarani]

This is such a weak break all things considering

Durbridge and Touze are probably the strongest from that group, but not saying much.

Durbridge been 12th in Ronde but that was a long time ago.

Touze has been decent so far this season.

 

[vladimir]

I assume MVDP is extremly satisfied with how the first hour has gone...

 

[Netserk]

Someone let me know when Van Lerberghe takes his first pull in the break.

 

[Samamba]

This is such a weak break all things considering

Definitely given they had to put in a lot of effort already. Don't think they'll play a significant role.

 

[QueenStagiaire]

What was Lidl Trek doing not going for the breakaway?

 

[Zoetemelk-fan]

Bla bla bla....we know who is not racing. But who's winning ?

That's for the finish line to decide

 

[AmRacer]

What was Lidl Trek doing not going for the breakaway?

200 km to go

 

[DNP-Old]

I might strangle someone later this week, and I will not be held responsible nor judged for my actions. I am sure you can figure out where on the world this is.

 

[rghysens]

I might strangle someone later this week, and I will not be held responsible nor judged for my actions. I am sure you can figure out where on the world this is.

Schoten?

 

[Tim Cahill]

I forgot they moved the damn clocks forward

 

[dazaau]

Alpacin to send a bottle of wine to the public transport scheduler lol

 

[TourOfSardinia]

What's the demo?

 

[Tim Cahill]

They pre-empted riders trying to dart across the tracks this year!!!

 

[Netserk]

I forgot they moved the damn clocks forward

That's why I wrote it in the OP. You're lucky though, it's been one of the most quiet starts of the race.

They pre-empted riders trying to dart across the tracks this year!!!

In Flanders of all places, they ought to stop the train.

 

[RedheadDane]

What's the demo?

Cho-Chooo!

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

2.3.035 The following rules shall apply:
1. One or more riders who have broken away from the field are held up at a level
crossing but the gates open before the field catches up. No action shall be taken
and the closed level crossing shall be considered a mere race incident;

Hard luck guys

 

[Tim Cahill]

'I'm still here for mysel.... errrr we're all in for Mads!'

A display of confidence towards his team leader from Toms Skuijns there.

The rule governing neutralisation just seems to incentivise riders chancing their arm with the train tracks, surely a judgement call should be made in the situation as an already doomed break just lost a minute for nothing,

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

It's 3am in California, and I'm watching, but snoozing too...feel like I can get a couple more hours before anything will change.

 

[rghysens]

It's 3am in California, and I'm watching, but snoozing too...feel like I can get a couple more hours before anything will change.

No more action at least until the first Oude Kwaremont.

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

The rule governing neutralisation just seems to incentivise riders chancing their arm with the train tracks, surely a judgement call should be made in the situation as an already doomed break just lost a minute for nothing,

I agree that the rules are not kind to the break, but they do what they can to disincentivise risky behaviour in the rules

2.3.034 It shall be strictly forbidden to cross level crossings when the barrier is down or closing,
the warning signal ringing or flashing.
Apart from risking the penalty for such an offence as provided by law, offending riders
shall be sanctioned as provided in article 2.12.007; besides, the disciplinary commission
may impose a suspension of up to one month as well as a fine of CHF 200 to 5’000.

(presumably nearer 5000 for such a high profile race) and by the physical barrier they put up.

 

[Gigs_98]

I assume MVDP is extremly satisfied with how the first hour has gone...

I think it actually doesn't matter too much. This way Alpecin needs to work for the entire flat bit. If someone dangerous was in the break I think it's much more likely other teams would help them. If there was still no break the teams fighting to get in would basically control themselves. Don't know if this scenario is much better for him.

The crucial section for Van der Poel was not the start but the 100km-50km to go part of the race, where his team needs to keep things controled.

 

[Breezy1985]

Didn’t Trek lose Stuyven and Pedersen is also banged up? How deep is their squad?

How deep is their squad ?
I really mean to learn,
cause their livin with Van dep Poel
breaking away,
and Trek can't let that be,
and neither can JV.

 

[Zoetemelk-fan]

I might strangle someone later this week, and I will not be held responsible nor judged for my actions. I am sure you can figure out where on the world this is.

Let me heal your wounds

(yr.no's weatherforecast for Oudenaarde)

 

[Zoetemelk-fan]

It's 3am in California, and I'm watching, but snoozing too...feel like I can get a couple more hours before anything will change.

Yes pls, we need your jinx now

 

[Netserk]

My Dark Horse for a surprisingly good result today is Campenaerts. I hope he or Naesen will be the best Belgian.