Ian Stannard Thread

[Gloin22]

Total beast of a rider. Last year showed his worth many times and arguably the ride of the day at Milano SanRemo.

Dark horse for Paris Robuaix imo.

 

[Ferminal]

Hopefully, if they go into the next races with a multi-leader strategy. Only way to beat OPQS attack attack attack.

 

[the asian]

Not a fan of Sky but certainly impressive riding by him. Certainly would be a better bet than EBH in PR for Sky.

 

[spalco]

Great ride by him today, although he didn't ride very tactically in the last k. Or maybe he just wanted a hot tea and some dry clothes and didn't care about his position anymore.

 

[jens_attacks]

at one moment in the final 2 km he really was dead ...and what stannard does? he attacks them!
epic ride. just like i said, a super engine, he will fight this year for roubaix

 

[Frosty]

Likes the bad weather i think. Came third in horrible conditions at KBK a few years ago, i think there was only 20-odd finishers that day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpqZgGHmjeE

 

[maxmartin]

lots of question marks about his tactics, but the way he rode MSR is undeniably strong

 

[jens_attacks]

Great ride by him today, although he didn't ride very tactically in the last k. Or maybe he just wanted a hot tea and some dry clothes and didn't care about his position anymore.

in fact he rode it brilliantly. he'd have no chance in a sprint with ciolek,fab and sagan

 

[Ruudz0r]

I think he already did some work at the front at the bunch when Thomas and EBH were still there, so that makes it even more impressive.

 

[Gloin22]

I think he already did some work at the front at the bunch when Thomas and EBH were still there, so that makes it even more impressive.

Yep, he was at the front with around 50km to go.

Then the Thomas crashed and Sky eased off. Rest is history

 

[DominicDecoco]

The attack on Chavanel was quite an impressive move. Absolutely uncontrollable today. Could never win the race but got the very best out of his efforts.

 

[spalco]

in fact he rode it brilliantly. he'd have no chance in a sprint with ciolek,fab and sagan

That attack on the flat was fantastic, true, but he looked completely spent in the very end when he was still leading out but had no chance of getting away anymore. Still, you're right, can't criticise him for trying anyway.

 

[maxmartin]

I think initially he was only a helper for Thomas or EBH, but after those two were gone, he found himself in an unfamiliar position, and probably the sport director also had a mini panic attack don't know what to do

 

[Dazed and Confused]

This man should be Sky's early classics captain. Always.
Racing all the way. Chapeau.

 

[Gloin22]

This man should be Sky's early classics captain. Always.
Racing all the way. Chapeau.

Him and Thomas. I think Thomas would had made the final group if not that crash. Wonder how they split the roles at Ronde.

However all hope I had for EBH is now gone, he will never do well in tough classics.

 

[Ferminal]

That attack on the flat was fantastic

Very good move given fast guys behind who could have hesitated and handed him the win.

 

[Parrot23]

Looking good for Roubaix. Right size rider for flat cobbles.

Sky should rejig the deck a bit in the classics, give him a bigger place.

 

[Afrank]

Great ride by him today. I doubt he would have won with Sagan, Cance, and others behind him, but he sure made them hurt. Looking forward to see him dishing out some pain in PR.

 

[Parrot23]

Very good move given fast guys behind who could have hesitated and handed him the win.

Sky do seem to have good brains in the car (or the brass consulting with the car in the race). Richie Porte's attack in Paris Nice, and Froome's in Tirreno were perfectly timed. Ditto Stannard today.

 

[williamp78]

Given how early EBH was dropped I think Sky have to consider pencilling Stannard in as co-leader with Thomas at Flanders and PR. EBH has flattered to deceive too often in the classics to deserve leadership over Stannard.

Even better given he was leading the peloton for so long for his team leaders. And I thought his attack at the end was the only way he could win from that group; if he had sat on the wheels he still would have come sixth, he could never win a sprint. His only option was to attack early and slip away as the others looked at each other. He built up a gap until sagan decided to close it.

 

[wwabbit]

I thought it was a good move. Canc and Sagan behind had to chase him and give Ciolek the win, or force Ciolek to work... which would probably have given Stannard the win. Stannard had 0 chance if he'd hung around in the group.

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

Given how early EBH was dropped I think Sky have to consider pencilling Stannard in as co-leader with Thomas at Flanders and PR. EBH has flattered to deceive too often in the classics to deserve leadership over Stannard.

Even better given he was leading the peloton for so long for his team leaders. And I thought his attack at the end was the only way he could win from that group; if he had sat on the wheels he still would have come sixth, he could never win a sprint. His only option was to attack early and slip away as the others looked at each other. He built up a gap until sagan decided to close it.

I think you're watching through British tinted specs.

If it weren't for Sky, EBH would have won 2 or 3 monuments by now.

</Maltiv>

 

[williamp78]

I think you're watching through British tinted specs.

If it weren't for Sky, EBH would have won 2 or 3 monuments by now.

</Maltiv>

You're certainly right about the Red white and blue tinted glasses but not sure I agree with you're second statement.

Not sure you can blame his team today if he gets dropped while Cav stays with the group.

 

[Gloin22]

You're certainly right about the Red white and blue tinted glasses but not sure I agree with you're second statement.

Not sure you can blame his team today if he gets dropped while Cav stays with the group.

He was being sarcastic mate

 

[Ferminal]

Hat-trick?