La Flèche Wallonne: September 30th, 2020

[tobydawq]

What's the point with a non-finalised start list? I would think most of us can find one of those...

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Do you think Bagioli could be a contender?

Normally i would say no, too soon. But in 2020 stranger things have happened.

 

[Pantani_lives]

Vanendert's chances are growing, because he seems to be the only one who takes this race seriously. Now that we finally have a trustworthy start list I'll give my stars:

****Pogacar, Kwiatkowski
***Hirschi, Dumoulin
**Landa, Porte, Woods, Vanendert
*Wellens, Jungels, Konrad, Kreuziger, G. Izagirre, D. Martin

 

[Koronin]

Wish I could trade with you! In Australia we get coverage of the Vuelta, but not the Giro.

Giro is only on a pay streaming service here called FloBikes. Or FuboTV which is also a pay streaming service that is basically a internet/streaming version of cable.

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

What's the point with a non-finalised start list? I would think most of us can find one of those...

Well, people are complaining left and right about the PCS startlists, and I just linked to Cyclingfever's , which, most often, at least that's my experience, is more to the point compared to PCS.

 

[red_flanders]

Interesting - and weird - that Alaphilippe decides to pass on this. It's 5 minutes of bikeracing to add another classic to your palmares. However, with Alaphilippe out, the field is very open this year. Woods, Hirschi, Kwiatkowski and Pogacar are my favorites here.

I get it. He burned a lot of matches at the Tour, raced a hard World's a week later, and has LBL this weekend. I'm a little disappointed he won't be there with the jersey on but it opens up the race, and I totally get him needing a mid-week break. Hopefully he's enjoyed some partying the last couple of nights and will be well rested to show the jersey in LBL. I get it from his POV.

 

[search]

for sure, even one week after the Worlds it's usually tough to be back in action- let alone on Wednesday. Will be interesting to see how guys like Hirschi, Woods or Dumoulin figure, but it wouldn't be too surprising to see them off pace

 

[yaco]

I am interested if Porte goes from the beginning of the climb - He can hold big watts for a period of time - Maybe he can do a Betancur.

 

[Escarabajo]

I'll be shocked if Porte shows any interest in this race.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

A bit shocking to see Lotto's lineup for this race. Or is it just me? I also can't understand why they're not bringing Vanhoucke.

Interested to see how Simmons, Arensman, Van Wilder, Goossens, Champoussin, Alba, Bagioli, Vansevenant... will do.

 

[Koronin]

Wish Prades was coming into this after racing instead of coming off an injury.

 

[Brumdog66]

In the last 6 years this race has only been won by Alaphilippe or Valverde...

 

[Koronin]

In the last 6 years this race has only been won by Alaphilippe or Valverde...

Yep and the 3 winners before that 2011 Gilbert, 2013 Rodriguez, 2013 Moreno.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Yep and the 3 winners before that 2011 Gilbert, 2013 Rodriguez, 2013 Moreno.

Quick before she sees!

 

[Velolover2]

Woods is confirmed for the Mur.

I was surprised that he has no top 10 results in this race. Mur De Huy is almost too easy for him.

 

[The Hegelian]

Hard to predict for sure. Hirschi is still in red hot form, I think he can win. I like Woods too.

 

[Andre]

I'll go with Jelle...for surprise victory

 

[Velolover2]

What about Gorka Izagirre? Without Jakob, he should get his own chance. He is pretty punchy and almost outsprinted Demare in that cobbled uphill sprint.

 

[Kaptain Kool]

I voted for Roglic. After his 2019 Giro and 2020 Tour victories-in-waiting, this one will be breeze.

 

[hfgon1]

I voted for Roglic. After his 2019 Giro and 2020 Tour victories-in-waiting, this one will be breeze.

I bet against it.

PS: Only because he is not even on the startlist

 

[RedheadDane]

I bet against it.

PS: Only because he is not even on the startlist

Aren't you getting a little caught up in minor details here?

 

[sir fly]

Why's Valverde absent?

 

[tobydawq]

Why's Valverde absent?

No idea. You know who will tell you that it has been known all along and that he only wants to ride a farewell procession for the Spanish fans. In truth, it makes no sense. Hopefully it's because he wants to be fresh for LBL.

 

[gregrowlerson]

Don't sleep on Kämna...

I agree. He is rather slender. He should sleep on top.

 

[sir fly]

No idea. You know who will tell you that it has been known all along and that he only wants to ride a farewell procession for the Spanish fans. In truth, it makes no sense. Hopefully it's because he wants to be fresh for LBL.

I'd say there's more than one who'd make a dignifying excuse.

Movistar's lineup's a man short which makes me think it was a late withdrawal.
Don't know what's been their preliminary lineup, though.