Gent-Wevelgem (men’s) 2024 (Sunday, March 24)

[Sciatic]

Of course it could have been closed when Trentin decided to go a potato chase instead. But in the end I think most sprinter teams played it fine. Quick Step have numbers, Intermarche can ride for Girmay, I think even Bora and Jumbo have 3 riders left. The front group was just too strong with Pedersen and MvdP today.

But when is a front group that contains MVDP not “too strong.”

 

[Brullnux]

Blythe has picked Pedersen as his winner.

Congratulations Mathieu van der Poel on your first ever Gent-Wevelgem.

 

[Volderke]

The peloton was going nowhere either with the likes of Intermarché doing nothing, so nothing wrong with Ineos and Total trying to salvage something.

Anyone with some cycling brain would have known Bora, Jumbo and SQS were going to work after the last Kemmel. If Intermarch would have been fully committed as well, the differnce, now over a minute, would have been under a minute. Seeing the 2 leaders riding would have inspired the chase even more.

But honestly, I think Intermarch already knows Girmay just isn't good enough today and there is just too much sprint quality in this chase group to even podium.

 

[Didinho]

Intermarché should start riding when they get to G2.

 

[postmanhat]

Nice to see Turner's form returning after his crash last February. Might have had better luck today with a Kung/Mohoric with him in the chase.

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

Matieu sucking wheels a bit

 

[skippo12]

So what should he do then? If he loses do you then think your little theory has been proven?

What plenty of riders have done before when they were 1v1 with the heavy favorit. Take less turns instead of doing just as much (right now even more) work.

 

[Filippo_3467]

But when is a front group that contains MVDP not “too strong.”

well I think Lidl could have brought him back if he would have been away solo. the peleton has quite a lot of numbers left without all the blocking and slowing down in the corners the peleton would be close enough for a all out chase from strong teams. But the two strongest teams were in the front in that scenario it is always difficult.

 

[Brullnux]

Matieu sucking wheels a bit

Not sure he is, I think it might just be how the cameras are cutting. He just seemed to be on a very long 1km turn

 

[Devil's Elbow]

Anyone with some cycling brain would have known Bora, Jumbo and SQS were going to work after the last Kemmel.

And Ineos or Total were going to do anything in a sprint? This was the most they could try.

 

[tobydawq]

What plenty of riders have done before when they were 1v1 with the heavy favorit. Take less turns instead of doing just as much (right now even more) work.

The problem is that MvdP isn't a heavy favourite anymore.

 

[Samamba]

Intermarche can ride for Girmay

Yeah they can but haven't done it lol?

Would fit their strat if they still don't do anything now and then all sprint for a 10th place.
They act like they're a small pro conti team.

 

[Squire]

Anyone with some cycling brain would have known Bora, Jumbo and SQS were going to work after the last Kemmel.

Doesn't matter when they gave it away by slow-pedaling into it though. VDP and Pedersen could definitely have been caught today if a few more teams had helped Ineos inbetween the bergs.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

I don't care what you all say, Canyon could have done a better paint job on VdP's bike other than just plain white, ffs. The Canyon-SRAM design they have on the website is infinitely better.

 

[Didinho]

Why everyone saying Mathieu isn’t riding? Maybe he stops in the last km or so, first stay away.

 

[Devil's Elbow]

The funny outcome would be Pedersen winning the sprint for first and Philipsen winning the sprint for third.

 

[topcat]

Commentators are shocked that G2 have been caught by the peloton. I'm shocked they're getting paid.

 

[Unchained]

As a fan of both riders, whoever wins between VdP and Petersen, I'm happy with the result.

sweet!! Funny how both these riders work everything, every time! MVP will jump dozens of times per race and he is like a pitbull, each time he gets a little gap he tells all involved, let's make this thing work,... And if nobody wants to work or looks weak, he jumps them and tries to make it alone..
I like Petersen for sure but Van derPoel is an absolute stallion and his never give up style is great to watch, currently see Pogacar pushing and pushing and pushing, like today, but pure heart and style I love MVP..
I am wondering if he tries a kilo or 2 k out and attacks Petersen? Just thinking his recent sprints look awesome, maybe MVP thinks he can drag race!! Why not he can do everything else!!

 

[skippo12]

The problem is that MvdP isn't a heavy favourite anymore.

Why? He has a better track record than Pedersen in sprints like this.

 

[Sciatic]

Nice touch with the Danish flag on the seat tube

 

[tobydawq]

Why? He has a better track record than Pedersen in sprints like this.

No?

 

[RedheadDane]

"It would be the first time that Van der Poel and Pedersen sprint together in the same group."

As opposed to when they sprint together in different groups?

 

[Mayomaniac]

Why? He has a better track record than Pedersen in sprints like this.

Not if Pedersen is smart enough to go for a long sprint. If you leave it late and let it come down to the initial acceleration you play Van der Poel's game.

 

[Brullnux]

Why everyone saying Mathieu isn’t riding? Maybe he stops in the last km or so, first stay away.

I really do think it's been a trick of the cameras, for a while whenever they cut to the front group it was Pedersen at it, but I find it unlikely that MDVP wouldn't work and Pedersen would accept that.

 

[Potomac]

Nothing against Mads or MVDP, but for some reason I find myself rooting for them to get caught.