Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, 26/02/'17, 200.7k

[GenericBoonenFan]

It's that time of the year again. Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne, the race that somehow always manages to surprise us. And the race that caused my parents a hole lot of trouble trying to get to the hospital when I was born.
Last year's edition was won by Jasper Stuyven after an outstanding performance. I think we all hope that this year's edition will be just as memorable. (Hint: I want the same winner as in 2007,2008 and 2014)

Startlist: http://www.procyclingstats.com/race/Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne%20_2017_Startlist
MAP: http://www.kuurne-brussel-kuurne.be/files/media/parcourselite.jpg

 

[Flamin]

Boonen DNS, stomach problems.

 

[Netserk]

Map:

Climbs

 

[Netserk]

Finishing map:

 

[GenericBoonenFan]

Re:

Boonen DNS, stomach problems.

***

 

[Netserk]

I expect Sagan to go on Kwaremont like last year

I doubt QS will go for a sprint, and given they ought to revenge their performance from yesterday, I think we are likely to have a great edition like last year.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Lots of fast guys here and the weather seems good for a bunch sprint. On the other hand, Trek, Sky, QuickStep, BMC, Lotto Soudal, Astana and Team Sagan should have no interest in a bunch sprint so we should see an aggressive race.

The favorite for me is Groenewegen with Kristoff and Demare second. Then Bouhanni, Sagan and Coquard and then a group of the classics riders like Van Avermaet, Benoot, Felline, Naesen, Theuns, Stuyven etc., then the weaker sprinters like Van Poppel, McLay, Colbrelli etc. and then finally all the outsiders.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Steppers passive tactics didn't pan out yesterday.
Today will give them a chance to correct the issues.

 

[GenericBoonenFan]

My favorite is Démare, he's in top shape.

 

[Keram]

Would be lot better race without finish circuit. Too much flat at the end.

 

[Netserk]

Then it would just be an easier Omloop. I think it's fine as it is, as even though a sprint is likely, so is the chance for an attack to stick.

 

[RedheadDane]

And Eurosport in Denmark isn't showing it because of stupid Bundesliga.

 

[Valv.Piti]

Re:

And Eurosport in Denmark isn't showing it because of stupid Bundesliga.

Home of cycling. :Neutral:

Boonen not riding eliminates the chance of QS playing it conservatively. Its a shame he won't ride, but I think this will make for a better race. A lot of teams doesn't really have a reliable sprinter either.

 

[Maaaaaaaarten]

Lots of attacks, but everything still together. Average sped of 48,5km/h in the first hour. Good to see how these openings have just become the norm in cobbled classics

 

[DFA123]

A few DNF yesterday could be in contention here. Coquard, Kristoff, Benoot, Debuscheree, Boom... could see all of them going well as long as they picked up nothing serious yesterday.

Kristoff favourite for me.

 

[Maaaaaaaarten]

Debusschere out with a light concussion though. Benoot wasn't originally on the startlist but he fills in for Debusschere.

 

[DFA123]

Re:

Debusschere out with a light concussion though. Benoot wasn't originally on the startlist but he fills in for Debusschere.

Ah right, thanks for the info. So I guess Benoot is not feeling too great either if he's only last minute replacement.

Hope we get a much smaller group after the Kwaremont this time - make the sprinters work really hard if they want to have any chance in the finale.

 

[sir fly]

Just took a look at the time schedule... It's going to be tight for Kwaremont.
Everything else afterwards should be in live coverage.

 

[Flamin]

Nice, Roelandts in the early break. Gougeard too, again.

 

[Arredondo]

Let's hope the strong men are able to stay away.

In case it will be a sprint, my money is on Bouhanni.

 

[TourOfSardinia]

Lead group

 

[BigMac]

So, GenericBoonenFan, is today your birthday?

 

[GenericBoonenFan]

So, GenericBoonenFan, is today your birthday?

In 1998, KBK took place on the first of march, which is....my birthday

 

[Echoes]

So you were born with a victory by Andrei Tchmil?

I was born when Régis Clère won a stage at the Tour of France, lol.

 

[GenericBoonenFan]

Re:

So you were born with a victory by Andrei Tchmil?

I was born when Régis Clère won a stage at the Tour of France, lol.

My brother was born on the day Giuseppi Guerini ccrashed into a spectator in the Tour de France he beats me :/