Iljo Keisse Appreciation Thread

[Froome19]

I read this article a while back in Procycling and was instantly blown away.

You have to read it to comprehend the hardships Keisse has been through.
I seriously believe that there are an incredibly limited number of riders who would still stick with the sport after experiencing what Keisse has experienced.

Here is the article, it is a must read for anyone who really wants to get in touch with cycling and its riders.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/iljo-keisse-from-tragedies-to-triumph



And now he has the mental strength to come back and even take a breakaway in what was far from normal cicumnstances, this guy is seriously something special. The composure he demonstrated when trying to put his chain back on was amazing considering what victory would mean to him.

Also I genuinely believe he is one of the best track riders out there: I dont know much about 6 days, but he seems to constantly up there and he was amazing in a one man team at revolution in Manchester last year.
And of course considering his win in Turkey he obviously isnt half bad on the road either, its such a shame though that his career has been marred and apprehended by the numerous misfortunes as otherwise he could have (and can still) become a really good classics rider.

 

[cineteq]

I'm in, highlight of the year thus far on stage 7, Tour of Turkey

 

[jsem94]

I just read that story. I had not idea of the significance of that stage win. He's been through so much.

 

[CobbleStoner]

been talking him up for awhile now, his class, tactics, speed and determination is unmatched on the boards.
too bad worlds were in Melbourne this year, Iljo would have partnered with DeKettle if it was in Europe and he would have a rainbow jersey this year.
Go Iljo!

 

[aarnold517]

His actions in the last kilometer make so much sense after reading that article. When you've been through and dealt with what he has, a dropped chain is nothing. Consider me a fan!

 

[Spine Concept]

How can you not be a fan of Iljo? He definitely has a fan in me.

 

[cineteq]

Tough loss, he was also at Wouter's service

 

[El Pistolero]

Yeah, one of his best friends actually. Iljo Keisse is a legend in Gent and so is Weylandt.

 

[AussieGoddess]

Im definitely in.

Amazing ....

 

[therhodeo]

Read that article today. Really gives perspective on what some of these guys go through for this sport.

 

[hughmoore]

I watched it on Eurosport in Australia on Saturday night and was cheering for him as well. He was the strongest in the breakaway doing majority of the turns.

Have added him to my favourite riders list also.

Great drama, definately one of the highlights of this year.

Plus I laughed also, given shrek would have waited for the DS to put his chain back on.

Were there Race Radios in Tour of Turkey?

Regards


Hugh

 

[virandociclista]

Great guy this Keisse, I hope now he can have only good luck and happiness. He deserves it a lot.

 

[bubblegum]

must say that article brought tears to my eyes, i cant imagine experiencing so much hardship

 

[Kwibus]

Just read the article... Lot of goosebump moments.

Wether he was guilty regarding doping or not he's had a lot of **** to endure the last 10 years that's for sure. I wish him best of luck from now on.
I'm sure it started during stage 7 of the Tour of Turkey. Allthough you might consider it was bad luck as well....

 

[RedheadDane]

Just read the article. My eyes are still teary!
Poor guy lost practically all his closest friends!

 

[Moncoutie]

That was a great win the other day, but had no idea about what had gone before. Can't help but wish him every success from now on.

 

[The Hitch]

The denny story is what got to me most. Depression always to me seems worst in an endurance athlete because when they are not feeling depressed they are putting themselves through massive pain. its a very sad cycle.

 

[jens_attacks]

i hope everything will be good from now on for him.go keisse!

 

[Afrank]

Hopefully we will see him soloing to many more wins in the future. He's the best kind of cyclist, the kind that keeps going no matter what happens.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Amazing!!!!!

Here is the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3ru3vGR8nck#!

 

[Afrank]

Amazing!!!!!

Here is the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3ru3vGR8nck#!

The best part of that video besides Keisse's ride is the commentator.

 

[Andy99]

The best part of that video besides Keisse's ride is the commentator.

Yep. And after all the grief Carlton Kirby gets on this forum who'd have thought it?

 

[King Of The Wolds]

The best part of that video besides Keisse's ride is the commentator.

And the Accent Jobs rider congratulating him afterwards who seems even more thrilled than he is.

 

[The Hitch]

Yep. And after all the grief Carlton Kirby gets on this forum who'd have thought it?

He's always been praised for his enthusiasm and ability to call a finish.

What he gets critisced for - his knowledge was pretty apparent even in the final 2 mins of the video there.

I mean he thinks Iljo was caught ffs, and has to be corrected by Smith

 

[barn yard]

I mean he thinks Iljo was caught ffs, and has to be corrected by Smith

i was watching it live and i thought he was caught as well

from the aerial view as the bunch went into the last corner you could see that there was a rider stopped on the side of the road as the bunch came through

only after the camera zoomed in could you tell that it was an astana rider