Marc Hirschi discussion thread

[Valv.Piti]

Gonna need more than one, tennis is doing a horrendous job replacing my fave players.

Thankfully lots of riders to pick from atm in cycling.

 

[Blanco]

Boy is a real deal! Ala and cyclocross duo will have big, big problems with this guy.

 

[RedheadDane]

Søren Kragh was asked by Danish television if Hirschi is a future star. His reply:
"If he isn't a star already."

 

[Finn84]

He's making a good case for super-combatif.

 

[Red Rick]

He's making a good case for super-combatif.

Literally the only one with a case. Might have to overcome not being French though.

 

[tobydawq]

Literally the only one with a case. Might have to overcome not being French though.

Yeah, because French riders always win that...

 

[Red Rick]

Yeah, because French riders always win that...

Nah, but some picks have been ridiculous.

 

[Mayomaniac]

We'll need someone like him, otherwise the Ardennes classics could become a Quickstep-only affair in the next few years (the Remco-Ala duo and behind them Almeida an Bagioli are already lurking).

 

[SafeBet]

Can't wait to see him in the Classics with this shape.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Incredible rider. It's not just that he got his stage win but also that he has a second and a third place as well. That's really remarkable for a rider type like him in his first Grand Tour. I did expect him to do well in this Tour based on his form in Dauphine, but I certainly didn't expect him to just demolish the field at will.

 

[SKSemtex]

He could potentially win Strade, Amstel, San Sebastian, Ronde, MSR, Liège, and perhaps even Lombardia. Also Paris Nice and other 1 week stage races with a similar profile.

I think of the non-sprinters, there aren't many that are faster. He won't be too far off of Stuyven's speed imho. If i were to compare him, i'd say he's a refined Max Schachmann.

Great. So we have another 5,5 monuments winner without the first classic race win.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Great. So we have another 5,5 monuments winner without the first classic race win.

Hence the word "potentially".

 

[Bardamu]

Nobody here thinks he's a potential GT-winner?

 

[LaFlorecita]

How awesome to see Hirschi grab the stage win. Thoroughly deserved. He really is in amazing form at the moment.

 

[tobydawq]

Nobody here thinks he's a potential GT-winner?

I do. The way he climbed the other day was amazing, and that's all it takes to convince me when you see his general level.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Nobody here thinks he's a potential GT-winner?

Not really at this point (personally). He's more like a crossover between Alaphilippe and Schachmann imho. But maybe a Vuelta, who knows, or if he changes his focus. But so far the signs for me are he'd be a great 1 week stage racer, hilly stages, ardennes classics etc. Also based on his U23 results.

 

[Red Rick]

Not counting GTs out for him, but that would require him to try first.

I say let him try for GC in Paris Nice/Tirreno type races, and if it doesn't work for him just focus primarily on stage hunting and classics.

 

[Jagartrott]

Marc Hirschi winner of Strade Bianche 2021. Perfect skillset for that race.
His descending is how it should be, by the way: clean and confident, not all the twitching and unnecessary zig-zagging of Alaphilippe.

 

[Vino's Mum]

Awesome ride today. Such a well-timed move, and my favourite win of the race so far.

Given the incredible form he has just now, it’s a real shame he won’t have the chance to improve on his third place at last year’s San Sebastian, though perhaps he could do something at (quickly checks his next races...) the Ronde?

 

[Bardamu]

Not counting GTs out for him, but that would require him to try first.

I say let him try for GC in Paris Nice/Tirreno type races, and if it doesn't work for him just focus primarily on stage hunting and classics.

Yeah he can still figure out what he's best at, but his climbing has been very impressive.

He'll ride Gent-Wevelgem and Flanders I see, won't he ride the Ardennes?

 

[Leinster]

He'll ride Gent-Wevelgem and Flanders I see, won't he ride the Ardennes?

Liege this year might have a load of guys coming off the Tour with some hot form, looking for a big win. It could be an amazing race.

 

[red_flanders]

Marc Hirschi winner of Strade Bianche 2021. Perfect skillset for that race.
His descending is how it should be, by the way: clean and confident, not all the twitching and unnecessary zig-zagging of Alaphilippe.

He's definitely a pleasure to watch ride and descend in particular.

 

[Escarabajo]

I love the way he rides his bike. He gives a new meaning to that Cervelo bike.

 

[pink_jersey]

Not really at this point (personally). He's more like a crossover between Alaphilippe and Schachmann imho. But maybe a Vuelta, who knows, or if he changes his focus. But so far the signs for me are he'd be a great 1 week stage racer, hilly stages, ardennes classics etc. Also based on his U23 results.

He's Alaphilippe with better engine but less explosive. The guy is a joy to watch. Like Ala he really loves to put on a show.

 

[hayneplane]

Such a well deserved win both for today’s ride and what he has given to the race already.

Maybe he could go for the polka dot jersey as well this year.