Does Gilbert deserve full backing at the Worlds?

[King Boonen]

What do you think? Afwul season so far yet wants full support at the worlds. If not Gilbert then who should Belgium build the team around? And if he won't work for someone else should he be picked?

 

[Netserk]

He is by far Belgium's best bet for a medal/win. His form is on the rise, and I think he will be near (but not at) the same level he had a year ago in Valkenburg.

So yes, I do think he deserves full backing.

 

[murali]

i dont know whether gilbert had ever had a worse season than this one. Nothing is working for him, even when he is having good legs.

When we look at last year, he still had a bad streak, but magically won the rainbow.

having seen both sides, it is a vino option. cant figure out who that is though

 

[King Boonen]

He is by far Belgium's best bet for a medal/win. His form is on the rise, and I think he will be near (but not at) the same level he had a year ago in Valkenburg.

So yes, I do think he deserves full backing.

Think I agree with this. Would be a very strange situation though if his first win after winning the rainbow jersey is for another rainbow jersey.

 

[Ferminal]

Yes, Belgium should use their other six men to ride on the front the whole day and hope Gilbert flukes a win on his own in the final two laps.

 

[fraserhughes]

I voted who cares. I see the worlds being two ways:
1. A solo attack up the last hill. Nibs, Valv, Uran, Spartacus, etc
2. A small group making it to the finish for a sprint. Sagan or ... err Sagan.

I don't see Gilbert winning from either of those situations given his performances this season.

 

[Dutchsmurf]

I voted yes, simply because I don't see who else they could support.

 

[movingtarget]

I voted yes, simply because I don't see who else they could support.

Yes hard to see another Belgian having a good chance even if I don't think Gilbert can win.

 

[IndianCyclist]

Give him full support. He won't win. Then blame him

 

[Afrank]

Yes, he hasn't really done too much this season to earn full support. But who else do Belgian have that can contend? A quick look at CQ shows the top belgians are GVA (not likely to do much on this course), Bakenlants (not an elite climber that can hang in with the best, maybe a good bet for a early break), Roelandts, Meersman, Leukemans, etc. (petty much classics riders and sprinters that aren't likely to do much on this course).

So Gilbert is pretty much their best bet, wouldn't be much point in giving someone else full leadership over him.

 

[Billie]

i dont know whether gilbert had ever had a worse season than this one. Nothing is working for him, even when he is having good legs.

Last year was way worse prior to the wc.

He showed some good form multiple times this year. Cauberg during Amstel, Redoute in Tour de Belgique and holding off the peloton on stage 7.

Combine that with wearing bib #7, he deserves full backing

 

[Red Rick]

Yes he deserves, but there was a Vino option, and I couldn't resist

 

[Roderick]

Yes, he hasn't really done too much this season to earn full support. But who else do Belgian have that can contend? A quick look at CQ shows the top belgians are GVA (not likely to do much on this course), Bakenlants (not an elite climber that can hang in with the best, maybe a good bet for a early break), Roelandts, Meersman, Leukemans, etc. (petty much classics riders and sprinters that aren't likely to do much on this course).

So Gilbert is pretty much their best bet, wouldn't be much point in giving someone else full leadership over him.

unless there's a 10k-long climb, every course suits GVA

 

[roundabout]

With a few hours precision Gilbert has timed his form to peak on the afternoon of the 29th of September.

 

[Pippo_San]

What other option has got Belgium? Not the best course for their roster as of now...

That aside, Meersman should be given at least a free role if his form is good (which I doubt).

 

[SKSemtex]

Looks like Gilbert has just closed this pool right now.

 

[The Hitch]

I don't believe in full backing in a 1 day race

Unless you only have like 3 riders or only 1 rider is any good, you can always make room for a second leader who gets little protection but nonetheless can be used for other things.

Gilbert should obviously be full leader for which about 5 riders should work hit that is more than enough. At least 3 of them fan very easily be given - try to make some attacks, roles.

 

[Jux1893]

I voted yes, simply because I don't see who else they could support.

Same here.

PS: I was also inclined to vote for the Vino option.

 

[murali]

after today's performance, anything can happen.

i wish i could change my vote to yes now.

 

[barmaher]

Anything apart from Gilbert beating a world class field on a day with 3500m+ of climbing.

 

[hfer07]

What bothers me is his "diva attitude" to "demand leadership" when he hasn't earned it with results. Yes- he just won a Stage in the Vuelta- it means nothing to prove his worth as a team leader in a parcours that isn't going to suit him at all...

 

[hrotha]

Despite his abysmal season, he's still Belgium's best hope by far. Van Avermaet has earned the right to have a free role a priori though.

 

[Eyeballs Out]

I can't really see the point in having someone like Bakelandts pulling on the front of the peloton when he can be such a dangerous attacking rider

 

[CycloAndy]

Despite his abysmal season, he's still Belgium's best hope by far. Van Avermaet has earned the right to have a free role a priori though.

Spot on!!!

 

[jaylew]

Possibly Belgium's best bet but not enough of a favorite to be given a full team at his disposal so I voted no. GvA at the least should be able to play his cards.