General News Thread

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If the peloton is compact with one lap to go, I don't see any upside Evenepoel has over Van Aert. In that case, I think he should launch Van Aert on the hill, and otherwise help him. Of course, he should be free to attack however he pleases before that.
 
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The WC championship route in Wollongong will be one that suits GC/Ardennes types riders - No sprinter type will get through this type - I even have my doubts that Matthews can get through this course.
I rode 90% of the course this summer (I have family who live on it).

Looks like Matthews can get through it, but he's close to the lowest level of climbing who can. The only true GC riders I see capable of winning this are Pogacar and Roglic unless they try from distance.

Wout and MVDP will go nuts on this course.
 
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Also, I dont buy the 'one of the climbers' at all either. I want to see Vingegaard etc. contest the win before I believe it - I wonder if he even wants to go.
Does Vingegaard race outside the month of July? I am just kidding ;).

Yeah, this looks like a classic MVDP vs Van Aert throw down. It should be a classic. Though I wouldn't count out an angry Pog, who almost managed to beat MVDP in Flanders.
 

Best line-up for The Tour of Denmark I've seen with a a lot of the classics riders and even some GC guys.

It looks like Benelux Tour 2.0 now that the race has been cancelled for 2022.

They should have replaced the flat Skive stage with another hilly stage since Vingegaard (they are passing his hometown) isn't there.
 
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Nizzolo out of the EC RR after his Tour de l'Ain crash, Viviani will replace him. That means that Dainese will be even more of a clear cut nr. 1 on his team if it comes down to a bunch sprint.
Dainese
Trentin
Viviani
Mozzato
Baroncini
Milan
Ganna
Guarnieri

Potentially a top level sprint train, on paper they can fight for the 3rd place behind Belgium and the Dutch, but you never know. Dainese usually also doesn't have such a great sprint train.
 

Best line-up for The Tour of Denmark I've seen with a a lot of the classics riders and even some GC guys.

It looks like Benelux Tour 2.0 now that the race has been cancelled for 2022.

They should have replaced the flat Skive stage with another hilly stage since Vingegaard (they are passing his hometown) isn't there.
Apologies to the many Danes on this forum, but I didn't realise there were so many of you in WT teams! And that's just a small selection considering some aren't racing due to teams and other races!
 
If Alaphilippe had his usual preparation I'd have him at the same chance as Wout and Van der Poel, but for now I'd say he's underdone.

His relative freshness may work for him though.
Agree on on the first but not sure about VDP. I think the course can test him if its raced hard. Alaphilippe should love it. Based on the racing I have seen this season I think WVA will be the hot favourite on such a course. Don't see the best grand tour riders gapping the best classics riders on this course. Matthews in Tour form has an outside chance. Probably too tough for Ewan especially with the way his season has gone so far. Valverde from a few year years ago would have been licking his lips............how the Belgians approach it with Remco as well is anyone's guess. Hopefully the Aussies are not silly enough to select Porte, O'Connor or Hindley. Simon Clarke has to be included in the team to support Matthews.
 
Agree on on the first but not sure about VDP. I think the course can test him if its raced hard. Alaphilippe should love it. Based on the racing I have seen this season I think WVA will be the hot favourite on such a course. Don't see the best grand tour riders gapping the best classics riders on this course. Matthews in Tour form has an outside chance. Probably too tough for Ewan especially with the way his season has gone so far. Valverde from a few year years ago would have been licking his lips............how the Belgians approach it with Remco as well is anyone's guess. Hopefully the Aussies are not silly enough to select Porte, O'Connor or Hindley. Simon Clarke has to be included in the team to support Matthews.

I suspect Australia will select one of O'Connor or Hindley because of doubts that Matthews can make the final and also taking into account the absence of Haig - Would like them to take Plapp for development, however he will probably ride the under 23's.