Lesser known races 2024 edition

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70+km to go and Kung went solo in Denain... I think it's a bit early lmao

I don't think it's so much about the result for him. After missing Strade and Tirreno (+training, I guess?), he needs some hard racing to get in shape for the classics

 

[Samamba]

I don't think it's so much about the result for him. After missing Strade and Tirreno (+training, I guess?), he needs some hard racing to get in shape for the classics

Sure, but could've waited 20km maybe. On the other hand, its cobbles, probably better to be upfront then in the peloton if you really don't want to take risks, and it's not like you don't have a chance going early in these kind of races.

 

[QueenStagiaire]

How are they even going to catch the breakaway? It‘s very difficult with Roubaix syndrome.

 

[Samamba]

Yeah that break actually has a big advantage. Kung also already 1'30 on peloton. no idea why no one is riding there

 

[search]

How are they even going to catch the breakaway? It‘s very difficult with Roubaix syndrome.

I was thinking the same, but they seem to be dropping back with mechanicals one after the other anyway

 

[Samamba]

Peloton is attacking eachother when they are 5 minutes behind lmao

 

[Samamba]

If the peloton doesn't start working together on the next 15 km with way more asphalt this is done. Only like 40 riders left in it tho.

Kung is also not closing in fast. Doubt he can close that gap on his own.

 

[yaco]

I doubt that this break will come back - Jayco who probably have the worst cobbles squad have no idea about tactics - When you are this bad it is non-negotiable that you get in the break - Anyway, I'm interested in how Morgado performs.

 

[Rob5091]

Looks like the peloton have gone up a gear - the chase is on!

 

[Samamba]

Looks like the peloton have gone up a gear - the chase is on!

Not at all. Typical attacking on Cobbled sections and then doing nothing on asphalt. Break is winning this. Or favorites need to get away quickly and work together

 

[Tim Cahill]

What are they doing, absolute Sunday group ride vibes in the peloton

 

[Salvarani]

If Wellens is tired on Saturday resulting in him not being able to do his crucial job for Pog, UAE should look at themselves. Why is he riding Denain tomorrow too with MSR 2 days later? Are they so obsesses with their UCI points?

Because Wellens is a good rider that should have some opporuntities of his own as well?

These are the type of races he can achieve results in and score points in. Also be a guide to riders like Morgado and so on in these races. He is probably a better helper being able to have races where he has freedom as well. Just like any person you need challenges and opportunities to perform your duties. Also those you dont find as fun, but you do them anyway because it is expected of you.

If he doesnt have his best day on Saturday? So be it. Anything could be a factor. Cant control or plan for everything. Maybe someone else on the team has an opportunity to step up and show themselves, if thats the case.

Just my two cents.

 

[Max Rockatansky]

After missing Strade and Tirreno (+training, I guess?), he needs some hard racing to get in shape for the classics

His wife lost their child, that should have been born in August. So he took a break.

 

[Samamba]

Ok important moment in the race now. UAE with an attack. 8 to 10 guys have a gap. If they start working together on the flat it might still be possible.

 

[search]

His wife lost their child, that should have been born in August. So he took a break.

yeah, that's what I was referring to. But no idea if he kept training or stayed with the family.

Hand stopped, the 3 minute gap between the front group and Küng is about correct, btw.

 

[Samamba]

I will never understand cyclist. There is literally not a single rider in that favorite group that shouldn't be riding and they are still not working together

Also always the same riders btw. Like Van Gestel, he does it in every race when he's in the attack.

 

[yaco]

Jayco has four riders in the second chase group and they are riding as a bunch in the middle of the group - Surely you put two riders in the front to move up to the first chasing group.

 

[QueenStagiaire]

UAE doing weird moves for placement again

 

[Samamba]

Baroncini is never making this solo ofcourse. Doubt anyone has chance to make it to the front group, but you're definitely not gonna do this solo. Would be better to drop back and just work with 8 (if they would work ofcourse).

 

[joseph89]

Baroncini done

 

[Samamba]

They would've cacthed them if the 10 man group immediately just started working together. Now it seems for the break. They deserve it, or more most of the favorites absolute don't deserve it.

 

[Salvarani]

How/long hard are the last sections?

 

[Rob5091]

Mud!

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Still possible if that GPS is correct.

 

[Samamba]

Bruuh I can't with some of these teams. Cofidis with 2 hasn't hit the front in like 5kms. Molano also just sitting back, even tho he's equally as fast as De Lie.
They could actually still catch them if they just go full all 8.