Firenze 2013

[delgado]

Yes the next worlds are in Limburg, on very familiar terrain, but knowing the hills around Florence, the 2013 course will HAVE to be one of the best ever. Are there any pointers to the actual route? Surely they'll do the Fiesole hill?

 

[Race Radio]

Yes the next worlds are in Limburg, on very familiar terrain, but knowing the hills around Florence, the 2013 course will HAVE to be one of the best ever. Are there any pointers to the actual route? Surely they'll do the Fiesole hill?

The organizer website is rather poor. http://www.firenze2013.it/

It appears they will start in Lucca, hit some climbs on the way to Florence. Then 10 time this circuit
http://www.bikemap.net/route/887675#lat=43.7789&lng=11.27802&zoom=15&type=2

Should be a hard course.

 

[delgado]

ok thanks there's a semi-poetic recital of the prospective course on that website, I'll match that to the maps. I don't see Fiesole mentioned explicitly, that worries me because that loop would be on par with the Sallanches circuit. Copenhagen can you tell we're starved for hills.

*edit* Fiesole it is, didn't click your second link right away. I'm nothing but happy now.

 

[The Hitch]

Theres 3 miles from the last climb to the finish.

If Valverde is allowed to ride this could be good for him. I dont think any of the riders faster than him in a sprint will make it over the hills in a lead group. Maybe Sagan or EBH.

Also on recent sprinting form, Cancellara. He could go on the weak descent and tt for 5km.

 

[Race Radio]

As I understand it there will be 2 solid climbs on the way into town from Lucca, then 10 laps at 1040 feet per lap. That climb to Fiesole has some steep sections and it could be a 12,000 foot day. I would assume they will repave the road but that road down the backside from Fiesole sucks.

Pure sprinters will have a hard day.

 

[delgado]

obviously anybody but an italian would be a national tragedy. The course does look suitable to a two prone strategy for them (Nibali and Visconti, maybe)

 

[Anonymous]

obviously anybody but an italian would be a national tragedy. The course does look suitable to a two prone strategy for them (Nibali and Visconti, maybe)

It will be an italian hehe and the race will be amazing.

 

[craig1985]

Gilbert already FTW.

 

[just some guy]

Valverde Gilbert and Evans for the Podium -

 

[Sophistic]

looks good; 2k@3,5%, 1,5@10% and 0,7@8,5%

 

[goggalor]

Looking forward to this already!

And Limburg won't be dull either.

 

[dlwssonic]

Valverde Gilbert and Evans for the Podium -

Evans will already be 36 by then!

 

[AussieGoddess]

should be awesome

2 in a row for Gilbert

 

[just some guy]

Evans will already be 36 by then!

Yes and will imo become a 1 day race specialist he has a contract till 37 and had his best season this year

 

[jens_attacks]

davide rebellin world champion in firenze

 

[Valentino]

I wonder who will crash in the double hairpin before the finishing straight.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Valkenburg - Wout Poels
Firenze - Wout Poels

Looks like we'll have a double world champion

 

[mb2612]

Valkenburg - Wout Poels
Firenze - Wout Poels

Looks like we'll have a double world champion

Nah, Meintjies will win the U23 in Valkenburg, before stepping up to the full rainbow bands in Firenze

 

[Ruudz0r]

1 Ulissi
2 Ratto
3 Ponzi

 

[El Pistolero]

1. Gilbert
2. Vanendert
3. Greg van Avermaet

Gilbert and Vanendert will break away from a lead group of 10 riders taking gold and silver. Greg will win the sprint for third of the chasing group.

 

[theyoungest]

Looking forward to this already!

And Limburg won't be dull either.

Can't we fast forward to Firenze? The Cauberg is getting a bit boring, let alone 10 times in the same race.

 

[delgado]

The Cauberg is getting a bit boring, let alone 10 times in the same race.

agreed, see my "familiar terrain" euphemism, in the very first post.

 

[patterson_hood]

Cav FTW!!!


Seriously though, probably Gilbert.

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

Theres 3 miles from the last climb to the finish.

If Valverde is allowed to ride this could be good for him. I dont think any of the riders faster than him in a sprint will make it over the hills in a lead group. Maybe Sagan or EBH.

Also on recent sprinting form, Cancellara. He could go on the weak descent and tt for 5km.

Agreed it might be his year. He has said he wants to win the WC RR before he retires. If he can get away on the descent....

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

I wonder who will crash in the double hairpin before the finishing straight.

I thought that was Gesink's role?