Guys, can't we just have our Rogla versus Evenepoel comparisons? I might have poured cold water on the debate yesterday but it's at least better than Bettini versus Vino versus Gilbert stuff.
For example here's what Fausto Masnada had to say about Roglič in a recent interview, i.e. after seeing him in Tenerife before he left with Jumbo for Tirreno:
Masnada dal Teide: «Prima gli allenamenti, poi le gare in tv» - bici.PRO
Rough translation: Roglic is thinner than last year & in great shape already, whilst Wout is apparently fat
(not really, just more 'normal' sized compared to Rog).
Nice always to read some word from our huge Fausto. Some things I noticed:
-he reiterate that strade bianche is a very good race, but not a monument.
-he mentions that quickstep Giro team is built entirely around remco, protecting him, 'the diamond', and no trying any other strategies. They may eben race defensively as a team to protect remco, although is not in Remco 's nature to defend. He think that in contrast, Jumbo will try and play more cards and race more aggressive to win the Giro.
-he will race Cataluña and then Itzulia Pais Vasco before going back to altitude before the Giro. This is a new programme for him. I would maybe rather Romandie over itzulia, better race for him and an opportunity to lead the team. Maybe Van Welder lead at Romandie
-he is far too humble and sees himself purely as a domestic, a gregario for Remco in this spring campaign. Maybe that is fair enough after his mononuclosis. Shame that this guy, who put fear in the heart of Pogacar on 9th October 2021, when nobody else could, had such a rough 18 month. He says for instance that kelderman has deserved to ride as a leader more than himself. I'm no so sure about this. Anyway he hopes to play an important role in the Giro.
-he sees roglic as a very calculating and cunning rider .