Itzulia Basque Country 2024, April 1-6

[Volderke]

Physically they might be... but in what condition and how will this affect them mentally?

the 'ideal' prep won't be there, that's for sure. Remember when some (including me) said Remco should just go to the Tour last year, arguing that Remco's excuse of not having the ideal prep is maybe something he will never get, so he should better go?

 

[Salvarani]

the 'ideal' prep won't be there, that's for sure. Remember when some (including me) said Remco should just go to the Tour last year, arguing that Remco's excuse of not having the ideal prep is maybe something he will never get, so he should better go?

He should go, because of Olympics, but maybe not for GC or with those expectations.

 

[proffate]

Yeah well, you're not wrong. That guy aint getting up the Koppenberg and Paterberg, I can tell you that much. And wasn't he the guy who was supposed to set infinite training goals, go hard on the hometrainer etc. etc.? Like how big was he before? When I got the first glimpse of him, I knew what was up. Meanwhile Patrick was gliding.

Yea, this weight loss journey is a joke, but clearly something that attracts followers.

And it's not just about carrying some extra weight, it's about calf definition. It is not possible to ride your bike and not have at least some muscle somewhere.

 

[Nick2413]

Really bad luck, and he's had plenty of it.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1775956113294246377

View: https://twitter.com/TeamEmiratesUAE/status/1775956113294246377

With fractured vertebrae it may be too soon to know how much his nerves are impacted. They say no nervous system damage but that can take weeks or months to reveal itself as he recovers. At least he’s able to move.

 

[saunaking]

Nevertheless, Patrick's race videos are really good / to the point / ... and I am always happy to watch those, especially when I haven't seen the race myself.

He's like a Chris Horner, but with hair.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

I hate to be that guy but one glimpse of Benji in lycra is enough to tell you all you need to know about whether this guy is a real cyclist/fan of the sport.

That sounds a bit narrow-minded. I don't think there's any right way to be a fan of the sport. Also according to Skjelmose, having a fat ass can even be an advantage in some cases.

 

[saunaking]

I'm not a huge fan of Benji but I don't think we need to talk crap about him or diminish his knowledge of cycling due to his body shape or ability to pedal a bike.

 

[ManicJack]

Yea, this weight loss journey is a joke, but clearly something that attracts followers.

And it's not just about carrying some extra weight, it's about calf definition. It is not possible to ride your bike and not have at least some muscle somewhere.

Now I'm going to have to find some videos that I never would have watched otherwise.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

I know it could have been worse but Jay vine and Steff cras have very serious injuries. Sad day for the sport

 

[Volderke]

I'm not a huge fan of Benji but I don't think we need to talk crap about him or diminish his knowledge of cycling due to his body shape or ability to pedal a bike.

Nevertheless, I have raced myself and when I hear non-racers giving their opinion / vision on how some things happen in the race... It feels a lot of times like those opinions of non-racers miss out on the nuances of how and why things happen in a race. So fully agree the bodyshaming shouldn't be here, but the ability to pedal a bike is sometimes handy / an asset when talking about pros pedalling bikes.

 

[Brullnux]

I hate to be that guy but one glimpse of Benji in lycra is enough to tell you all you need to know about whether this guy is a real cyclist/fan of the sport.

What a ridiculous thing to say

 

[Bolder]

Pray tell what he is "consulting" on. Social media management? To me, "consultant" is a euphemism for "on the dole".

Visma was having both do some kind of strategic analysis, which always seemed kinda weird to me. Then again, we’ve seen even ex-pros and seasoned DSs make plenty of boneheaded calls, so why not try an enthusiastic amateur. That said, the collective and individual knowledge on here is infinitely deeper and wiser.

I dunno, I enjoy the pre race previews on LR. I don’t find Benji particularly annoying.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Half the time when Benji is voicing an opinion or idea on the LRCP it feels like he's just pitching softballs for Broe to swing at, and even Benji doesn't know if these words hold any truth or not. He's a cuddlier version of ChatGPT.

The rest of the time he's on Twitter, waiting to see what the popular opinion is before he voices it, or waiting for Richard Plugge to tell him what his opinion should be.

 

[proffate]

I'm not a huge fan of Benji but I don't think we need to talk crap about him or diminish his knowledge of cycling due to his body shape or ability to pedal a bike.

His lack of insight stands on its own.

The obvious visual cues that he is NOT a cyclist are only noted because they cast doubt on the backstory he crafted as to why you should care about him, the person. Compare to Rob Hatch --- far less offensive and I know absolutely nothing about him (hardly even knew what his face looked like till recently), because he doesn't make the conversation about him.

 

[Oldermanish]

And that's the problem.
Sometimes, having pictures can be a good thing; if they show signs of life.
Other times, having pictures can be a bad thing; if they show no signs of life.
Unfortunately, it's impossible to know which is which.

Here's one thing that would've helped: One of the the riders in the break executed a bailout into the trees, on camera. He rejoined the break that had a lead of 2:20 at that time. Why in the Holiest of fu*cks wasn't there a response to the field and cars to alert the main field!!!! There's motos with cameras in front of the field and some sort of slowdown could've been transmitted. Oh wait; all of the riders have earpieces for....safety. This was avoidable and I'm sure the DS of the rider that regained the break knew what happened.

On a more human level: two JV riders came back quickly to check on Jonas and do what they could. One of them (I think it was Kuss) then moved to helping an EF rider, still in the trench and then moved to help several other riders including a check-in on Roglic who appeared "OK" in the trench. I think they care how this occurred.

 

[Volderke]

His lack of insight stands on its own.

The obvious visual cues that he is NOT a cyclist are only noted because they cast doubt on the backstory he crafted as to why you should care about him, the person. Compare to Rob Hatch --- far less offensive and I know absolutely nothing about him (hardly even knew what his face looked like till recently), because he doesn't make the conversation about him.

While I agree about Benji not the sharpest tool in the cycling analysis toolbox, I wish him a big audience and all the best with whatever career he can make in cycling.
I mean, the higher he gets, the more hope I have to become a DS or maybe even the president of the UCI. Or wait... You didn't have to show any cycling IQ for that last position. Nevermind.

 

[Oldermanish]

Well, at least we have good news regarding Roglic.

Remco update:

Following the crash during Thursday’s stage 4 of Itzulia Basque Country, Remco Evenepoel was taken to hospital, for medical examination.

There it was revealed that the Belgian Champion suffered a fracture to his right collarbone and his right scapula.

Bummer. The scapula could be problematic if it's badly fractured. The collarbone maybe less so but he'll be away from outdoor riding for at least a month.

 

[Volderke]

Here's one thing that would've helped: One of the the riders in the break executed a bailout into the trees, on camera. He rejoined the break that had a lead of 2:20 at that time. Why in the Holiest of fu*cks wasn't there a response to the field and cars to alert the main field!!!! There's motos with cameras in front of the field and some sort of slowdown could've been transmitted. Oh wait; all of the riders have earpieces for....safety. This was avoidable and I'm sure the DS of the rider that regained the break knew what happened.

On a more human level: two JV riders came back quickly to check on Jonas and do what they could. One of them (I think it was Kuss) then moved to helping an EF rider, still in the trench and then moved to help several other riders including a check-in on Roglic who appeared "OK" in the trench. I think they care how this occurred.

Kruiswijk

 

[noob]

Broken collarbone and several broken ribs for Jonas.

Not good but honestly could have been worse.

I am sooo relieved to read this!

Well for the 15% of peloton that has ADHD it will put them to sleep.

It's funny because it's true

 

[proffate]

While I agree about Benji not the sharpest tool in the cycling analysis toolbox, I wish him a big audience and all the best with whatever career he can make in cycling.
I mean, the higher he gets, the more hope I have to become a DS or maybe even the president of the UCI. Or wait... You didn't have to show any cycling IQ for that last position. Nevermind.

even Benji might be over-qualified to be president of the UCI

 

[Oldermanish]

In fairness Remco and Jonas may make the Tour but I cant imagine they will be at their best shape

And with a Giro in his legs Pog wont be at his best

This could be the best opportunity for Roglic to win a Tour before he finishes

Remco, maybe and Jonas doubtful. Hopefully a speedy recovery for both but neither sound like they'll escape surgical restructure. Damn bad way to start what seemed to be an amazing season.
Roglic would no doubt like to race with all of them. He knows too well what this feels like.

 

[Oldermanish]

Kruiswijk

Excellent, thanks. Couldn't see numbers from the grainy video. Says alot about some Brotherhood of pain, there.

 

[staubsauger]

Well for the 15% of peloton that has ADHD it will put them to sleep.

2 tablespoons of Nescafe Gold and Alaphilippe isn't hectic anymore?

 

[RedheadDane]

2 tablespoons of Nescafe Gold and Alaphilippe isn't hectic anymore?

Why was I imagining him just straight up eating the tablespoons?

 

[QueenStagiaire]

Why was I imagining him just straight up eating the tablespoons?

Eating the coffee using a spoon or eating the spoons???