Il Lombardia, sunday, october 6th, 2013

[Eshnar]

Or go back and finish in Como.

Or finish in Aprica
But no, the finish in Lecco is fine, it's just the route that is a problem.

 

[Arredondo]

Or finish in Aprica
But no, the finish in Lecco is fine, it's just the route that is a problem.

The race in 2011 was really spectaculair, with the attack of Nibali and Gilbert on the Ghisallo. It shows that the route isn't a problem, more the weather conditions and how they big guys feel themselves. I can imagine that due to the bad weather last year, everybody waited for the Vergano, because they were already tired.

 

[Eshnar]

The race in 2011 was really spectaculair, with the attack of Nibali and Gilbert on the Ghisallo. It shows that the route isn't a problem, more the weather conditions and how they big guys feel themselves. I can imagine that due to the bad weather last year, everybody waited for the Vergano, because they were already tired.

2011 was very promising, but both Nibali and Gilbert failed because of the route. I don't think we'll see any big guns attacking early.

 

[Arredondo]

2011 was very promising, but both Nibali and Gilbert failed because of the route. I don't think we'll see any big guns attacking early.

But in current cycling, are there many classic races where you see attacks from big favorites at let's say 80 k to go? I don't think so.

 

[Eshnar]

But in current cycling, are there many classic races where you see attacks from big favorites at let's say 80 k to go? I don't think so.

Nope. And this one is no exception. In 2011 it happened because they didn't know the route well.

 

[Panda Claws]

2011 was very promising, but both Nibali and Gilbert failed because of the route. I don't think we'll see any big guns attacking early.

Gilbert was not that good anymore at that point in the season, very tired. I think he's in better shape now.



Also, a shame that Cancellara does not ride this. It is only one more week and he might as well test his Firenze form here.

 

[JPM London]

Where to watch??

Might have an opportunity to go to the race - if I can get the logistics to align! - so looking for suggestions from anyone who knows the race and the route and the area and so on and so on...

... great spots to go?

 

[Taxus4a]

The protagonists may be the same first 4 of the WC race

Yes, to change Valverde for Urán becouse Alex is not going to ride. I guess Rui Costa will do.

You must take into consideration people that crash in the Worlds, as Dan Martin or Evans and people that was working as Scarponi, Visconti,...as well as Contador, but if Roche is there maybe he will be the leader.

Betancur is getting better as well.

 

[Arredondo]

Yes, to change Valverde for Urán becouse Alex is not going to ride. I guess Rui Costa will do.

You must take into consideration people that crash in the Worlds, as Dan Martin or Evans and people that was working as Scarponi, Visconti,...as well as Contador, but if Roche is there maybe he will be the leader.

Betancur is getting better as well.

I expect Scarponi for the podium. If Italy played it better in the finale sunday, i think Scarpa would be up there with the top 4.

Piti and Italy, it's never going to happen i guess.

 

[Christian]

RSLT for "Il Lombardia"

BAKELANTS Jan
BENNETT George
BUSCHE Matthew
HERMANS Ben
MONFORT Maxime
OLIVEIRA Nelson
SCHLECK Andy
ZUBELDIA Haimar

http://sport.rtl.lu/cyclissem/news/473990.html

 

[shalgo]

What's the over/under on the km at which Schleck will abandon?

 

[Dazed and Confused]

So will one of these pick up the win

or will the favorites control the race for a sprint up the last climb. Yes, wait until the very end for J-Rod's drive and see if that helps the chance to pick up the win. 22 DSs with the same idea. A dime a dozen.

 

[Taxus4a]

RSLT for "Il Lombardia"

BAKELANTS Jan
BENNETT George
BUSCHE Matthew
HERMANS Ben
MONFORT Maxime
OLIVEIRA Nelson
SCHLECK Andy
ZUBELDIA Haimar

http://sport.rtl.lu/cyclissem/news/473990.html

I am happy to see Andy here, I hope so..., but I am no very confident about his chances.

 

[Zam_Olyas]

I am happy to see Andy here, I hope so..., but I am no very confident about his chances.

His chances of withdrawing or winning?

 

[BigMac]

This + Rain = Aamazing.

My favourite race just after P-R (and from last years, the Canadians)

I like the percorso, found the race beautiful last year tbh.

 

[Parrulo]

Just sayin . . .

 

[Eshnar]

Just sayin . . .

Bettini to materialise into the peloton and to crush the field?

 

[winkybiker]

One of my favourite races. Beautiful, unpredictable and romantic (as the closing race of the season - I don't count Beijing yet). The race of the falling leaves... (just fewer now it is a bit earlier in the year).

 

[jsem94]

That Bettini win is one of the most beautiful and emotional moments in cycling history. Absolutely amazing.

I hope for a beautiful race. One of my favorite on the schedule.

 

[Taxus4a]

His chances of withdrawing or winning?

I mean to repeat his 4th place in his first and only time he finished this race.
I d bet he will not finish, but who know, maybe he is ok after his problems and is up there

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Bettini to materialise into the peloton and to crush the field?

If only. Lombardia 2006 was one of the greatest rides I ever saw.

 

[Pippo_San]

I think Nibbles will just trash everyone and smoke the entire peloton.

That or Purito will take another Lombardia.

 

[pastronef]

I think Nibbles will just trash everyone and smoke the entire peloton.

That or Purito will take another Lombardia.

that would be nice, so nice to see him win. Look at his WChamps podium pictures almost in tears

 

[ferryman]

I think Nibbles will just trash everyone and smoke the entire peloton.

Nah, Scarponi for the win. He just needs to call in the favour he did for the Sicilian last Sunday

 

[SafeBet]

If Nibs has still the form he had in Firenze he can take this.
But he needs to get rid of the ghosts of that crash. He looked truly tentative on the final descent from Fiesole.

Other obvious names are Purito, Rui Costa, Uran, Scarponi.