Le Samyn 2020 (March 3)

[gerundium]

It's time for the next semi classic cobbled race of the spring. Again windy and some showers expected.

Let's see if DQS can make it three in a row in this race.

 

[F_Cance]

Stuyven vs QS

 

[search]

Stuyven vs QS

Kirsch said he is leading Trek, so I guess there's a chance that Stuyven may take it a bit more easy today

 

[Eyeballs Out]

Looks a decent chance for Terpstra to get off the mark for Total Direct Energie. They've got a decent cobbles team on paper this year with him, Van Gestel, Gaudin, Petit (plus Turgis who isn't riding today)

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

A few teams starting with only 6 riders. Lotto Soudal even with 5.

 

[Cinemaniak]

Not a very interesting race, given the very average field of contenders at the start. Shame really.
Only DQS is taking this somewhat serious.

 

[Flamin]

Not a very interesting race, given the very average field of contenders at the start. Shame really.
Only DQS is taking this somewhat serious.

It's an ideal race for the second tier and young classics guys to shine. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[search]

definitely, this course is always going to deliver spectacle, no matter the competition. Really looking forward to this

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

Agree. However, looking at the line-up, this year anything but a DQS win will be a surprise.

 

[WKA311]

Not a very interesting race, given the very average field of contenders at the start. Shame really.
Only DQS is taking this somewhat serious.

It's usually one of the best races of the year actually. A few favourites, some strong classics riders who usually fly under the radar and then always a surprise here and there. Conti riders or youngsters.
The wide span in quality of the starting list just makes this race very interesting. For me at least.

Will be looking at the Groupama U23 squad, some interesting names in there.

 

[RedheadDane]

Chantal Blaak has left the building!

Will be looking at the Groupama U23 squad, some interesting names in there.

Talking about those… so... while WT teams are allowed to - for select races - "upgrade" riders from their conti squads to the WT squad. But... conti squads are also allowed to "downgrade" riders (suppose only those who're actually U23 riders) from the WT squad for select races? (Brunel riding)

 

[search]

Talking about those… so... while WT teams are allowed to - for select races - "upgrade" riders from their conti squads to the WT squad. But... conti squads are also allowed to "downgrade" riders (suppose only those who're actually U23 riders) from the WT squad for select races? (Brunel riding)

yeah, it's possible both ways - with no age restrictions actually

(ignore the highlighted part, that was about something else)

 

[tobydawq]

Agree. However, looking at the line-up, this year anything but a DQS win will be a surprise.

Maybe. Merlier looked strong in Kuurne, though, and he may be the fastest rider present.

 

[RedheadDane]

yeah, it's possible both ways - with no age restrictions actually

Aah… okay! So, I guess that if a WT rider got injured and needed some race back in his legs, he could be sent to a Class 2 race to get back in the rhythm?
And of course this is a Class 1 race, so organisations are equally allowed to send WT squads or Conti squads.

 

[Mayomaniac]

yeah, it's possible both ways - with no age restrictions actually

(ignore the highlighted part, that was about something else)

Yes, ISN/ICA are using both tactics.

 

[search]

Aah… okay! So, I guess that if a WT rider got injured and needed some race back in his legs, he could be sent to a Class 2 race to get back in the rhythm?

yep, only Groupama, Isreal, NTT, Jumbo, Sunweb and Wallonie are able to make use of that opportunity though

https://www.uci.org/docs/default-source/rules-and-regulations/part-ii-road/teams-participation.pdf?sfvrsn=85d4c6aa_24

for whatever reason Bahrain is not allowed to swap riders, and CCC & CCC Devo (as they have different paying agents) have no official connection at all, by the look of it

 

[sir fly]

Boels talked the talk and, today, walked the walk.
Van den Broek - Blaak showing Van Vleuten she can dominate on her terrain, too.

A good race behind Chantal. Shame for Biannic she hasn't materialized the efforts with the podium.

 

[repre]

And now the real cycling starts

 

[RedheadDane]

"Chantal Van Den Broek - Blaak"... now there's a tongue twister!

 

[gerundium]

Van lerberghe out with what looked like a broken collarbone / elbow

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

Lawrence Naesen also out in the same crash.

 

[repre]

And it is raining now. We'll get great race today

 

[RedheadDane]

Saw a pretty good point from PCS; is this the first time a women's Class 2 race has been shown live on Eurosport?

 

[spalco]

Hard racing there; not an easy day on the bike.

 

[TourOfSardinia]

..... is this the first time a women's Class 2 race has been shown live on Eurosport?

I've not seen the LeSamyn Women's race shown live before.