Lesser known races 2023 edition

[Mayomaniac]

Glassdrive masterclass on Alto de Montejunto. Figueiredo, Moreira and Nych doing the 1, 2, 3 with Whelan in 6th. 💥💥💥 How do they do it?

Alto del Montejunto with the steep Avenal part at the start seems to be Figueiredo's backyard, probably as much as the steep Barreiro climb on the SdG stage in the Volta. The guy just loves those gradients.

 

[Mayomaniac]

Also, the young Eulalio Alfonso from ABTF Betão - Feirense finished 4th today and they kept Antonio Carvalho fresh for the Volta, we might still get a proper fight.

 

[DNP-Old]

Tour de Wallonie has more kilometers of time trialing than the Tour de France, pathetic... Happy to see it though, and very intrigued to see how far Tarling can get in an ITT of this length against Pippo. Only a fraction shorter than Glasgow, with a very comparable design.

 

[RedheadDane]

Tour de Wallonie has more kilometers of time trialing than the Tour de France, pathetic...

Other races aren't basing their route design on the TdF.
The TdF isn't basing its route design on other races.

 

[DNP-Old]

Other races aren't basing their route design on the TdF.
The TdF isn't basing its route design on other races.

So what?

 

[RedheadDane]

So what?

It's not a problem.
This year, the TdF had few TTing Ks, while Wallonie has more.
Next year, it might be the other way around.

 

[DNP-Old]

It's not a problem.
This year, the TdF had few TTing Ks, while Wallonie has more.
Next year, it might be the other way around.

I swear every time anyone comes to critique anything you'll take a sprint you your keyboard to defend it with the most boring takes.

 

[RedheadDane]

I swear every time anyone comes to critique anything you'll take a sprint you your keyboard to defend it with the most boring takes.

Thinking that the TdF absolutely should have a load of TT Ks seems like a boring take.

 

[DNP-Old]

Thinking that the TdF absolutely should have a load of TT Ks seems like a boring take.

Sure, whatever.

 

[RedheadDane]

Sure, whatever.

The only reason for a stage race to have a certain amount of TTing Ks is "tradition". And that's not really a reason.

 

[DNP-Old]

The only reason for a stage race to have a certain amount of TTing Ks is "tradition". And that's not really a reason.

Vingegaard should start in the world championships.

 

[RedheadDane]

Vingegaard should start in the world championships.

Personal preferences is a very good reason to do, or not do, something.

 

[Tim Cahill]

Good reminder that the Volta is starting soon in here, I usually only remember when August hits but with The Tour being how it is this year I was considering maybe a few of the riders there might end up in fluoro jerseys a few years down the line.

Unfortunately last year was a slight disappointment with W52 unable to compete and the inevitable Glassdrive dominance, but it was saved a little in part due to some entertaining dynamics, if my memory is right Moreira mowed down his own teammate dragging a Radio Popular rider up with him on Torre?

Haven't paid much attention as I'm a pure fair-weather fan when it comes to Portuguese cycling, is there anyone who can challenge? Going off PCS Luis Gomes looks quite promising, any Efapel guys look like they can have a go?

 

[Izzyeviel]

Any idea what happened at the Junioren Rundfahrt? Seems like a kid had a nasty crash.

 

[Ricco']

Will there be TV broadcast for the weekend stages of the Wallonie or they will do as usual and only show the stages done after the end of the Tour?

 

[RedheadDane]

Will there be TV broadcast for the weekend stages of the Wallonie or they will do as usual and only show the stages done after the end of the Tour?

It's on GCN+.

 

[edkDeus]

Good reminder that the Volta is starting soon in here, I usually only remember when August hits but with The Tour being how it is this year I was considering maybe a few of the riders there might end up in fluoro jerseys a few years down the line.

Unfortunately last year was a slight disappointment with W52 unable to compete and the inevitable Glassdrive dominance, but it was saved a little in part due to some entertaining dynamics, if my memory is right Moreira mowed down his own teammate dragging a Radio Popular rider up with him on Torre?

Haven't paid much attention as I'm a pure fair-weather fan when it comes to Portuguese cycling, is there anyone who can challenge? Going off PCS Luis Gomes looks quite promising, any Efapel guys look like they can have a go?

Luís Gomes doesn't have any chances in GC, as high mountains are his weakness. In 21 he got over the Torre thanks to a breakaway and could've have done a good GC, but blew up the next day. But he's a very fun rider to watch, a puncheur with a good sprint who's constantly attacking.

I think Efapel will flop like last year, already did so in the Troféu Joaquim Agostinho. Afonso Eulálio and António Carvalho could produce a bit of a challenge. They left Glassdrive for Feirense, but Carvalho always struggles in the Torre (and I think he's in doubt to race after a crash) and Eulálio is worse in the TT than Figueiredo. Luís Fernandes is good at the Torre, but can't TT and isn't as good on the other climbs.

Expect another 1-2-3 from Efapel, maybe 1-2-3-4 if they aren't forced to burn Whelan/Nych too soon in the race, so it should be pretty boring. Another team needs to step up soon.

 

[Red Rick]

Any idea what happened at the Junioren Rundfahrt? Seems like a kid had a nasty crash.

RIP Jacopo Venzo

 

[Rob5091]

Jacopo Venzo - just 17 years old - tragic. Condolences to family & friends.

 

[Izzyeviel]

FFS.

 

[DNP-Old]

Thibau vs. Arnau incoming.

 

[Tim Cahill]

Lovely static camera footage of the last few hundred metres, real cycling!

Lot of wind too, looking forward to seeing who completely misjudges it.

 

[Samamba]

That last "straight" looks well... not straight. Interesting choice for a bunch sprint.

 

[DNP-Old]

Holy *** Pippo!!

 

[tobydawq]

Lol, Ganna.