National Championships 2013

[Afrank]

Hope that Kennaugh takes the GB champs, although I would also like to see a non Sky win. It's unlikely, but if a non Sky did win, who would it likely be?

 

[BigMac]

I just hope the "international" portuguese riders don't skip the race as they usually do. Hey Machado, here's a chance to win something on the TT at least.

This. It seems they will all come this year, if it wasn't for the route itself wich suc*s, we could have had a nice race.

 

[Pricey_sky]

Hope that Kennaugh takes the GB champs, although I would also like to see a non Sky win. It's unlikely, but if a non Sky did win, who would it likely be?

Possibly Millar or Clancy if the get in a decent break, although Sky are really mob handed there with JTL, Stannard and Kennaugh.

Interesting that Cav is riding, although it may just be more Km's in the legs before the Tour.

 

[MatParker117]

Courses being used for the British Nationals will also be used at the Commonwealth's next year.

 

[Boardslide]

Possibly Millar or Clancy if the get in a decent break, although Sky are really mob handed there with JTL, Stannard and Kennaugh.

Interesting that Cav is riding, although it may just be more Km's in the legs before the Tour.

He rides every year but usually pulls out 3/4 way through but he may complete this year as the course forms part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games Road Race as this year the Isle of Man has a large number of riders taking part (Cav +7) and Kennaugh, it will be a good recon for their team for the games.

 

[Pricey_sky]

He rides every year but usually pulls out 3/4 way through but he may complete this year as the course forms part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games Road Race also this year the Isle of Man has a large number of riders taking part so will be a good recon for their team for the games.

Of course, I forgot about the commonwealth games although I cant see Cav doing much there if the course is similar.

 

[GPdesAmeriques]

He rides every year but usually pulls out 3/4 way through but he may complete this year as the course forms part of the 2014 Commonwealth Games Road Race as this year the Isle of Man has a large number of riders taking part (Cav +7) and Kennaugh, it will be a good recon for their team for the games.

I thought there might have been a clash with the Tour de France, but it looks like the dates are 31 July (TT?) and 3 August (Road Race?)

Hopefully Froome will take a gold for Kenya!

 

[GPdesAmeriques]

Nothing posted on the Belgian nats yet?

The organiser sure did his best hyping the route, stating that JVDB is the top favourite nonetheless the toughest course in a long time, with 4000+ altitude metres to overcome.

16 loops from 13.8km with Côte de La Roche-en-Ardenne (2.8km, 6.2% and known from our beloved LBL) as the main difficulty. 220.8km in total.

Add two more laps and that would be a great WC course!

 

[MatParker117]

I thought there might have been a clash with the Tour de France, but it looks like the dates are 31 July (TT?) and 3 August (Road Race?)

Hopefully Froome will take a gold for Kenya!

Froome rides for England in the Commonwealths.

 

[nick101]

any ideas about French champs? the French course won't suit Rolland or vockler right as a spriner won last year? with Belgium boonen is definitely showing signs of improvement and Stijn Devolder seems to have gained a new life this year and gilbert is unclear. any ideas about that? lastly what is the british course like - hilly or flat??

 

[Gloin22]

I know that the Belgium's and UK's courses are hilly and will not be won by pure spritners.

 

[nick101]

possibly vockler again for france then? as for Belgium I have no idea at all as previous winners are at lower form than usual, exept devolder obviously fitter than usual. who's racing Spanish champs? that should be an interesting race if valverde, s sanchez, contador, ll sanchez, rodriguez and Moreno are racing?.. as for british champs cav would ride it just to get some climbing in to help him for the tour, should be another interesting race tho....

 

[search]

I know that the Belgium's and UK's courses are hilly

the british course is panflat, there is not a single hill in there, but it's a twisty parcours, should still turnout to be a good race

the french champs include a part of ribin, could also be won by a strongman

 

[nick101]

ok maybe Cavendish is doing it with the aim of winning then?
whats "ribin"?
so someone dynamic like chavanel then for french? I would never disregard tommy though, very dangerous rider as he proved in 2011 and on other numerous occasions

 

[search]

whats "ribin"?

a part of dirt road, it's also used in Tro Bro Leon: http://goo.gl/maps/SSLtS

it's just 900m but they do it 13 times and the race is over a total distance of ~250km, so I wouldn't rule out someone like Turgot to win this

 

[nick101]

another interesting race then . unusual to use gravel at a national champs, haven't heard that before but that should make it even more interesting

 

[King Boonen]

the british course is panflat

No it isn't.

 

[search]

No it isn't.

maybe not "panflat", but there are no hills either

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/144261

I would say just regarding the altitude it's comperable to the course of the worlds in Copenhagen two years ago, just without the final ascent to the finish. So basically flat

 

[Bushman]

Mourey an outside bet for france then?

 

[Bushman]

Mourey an outside bet for france then?

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Mourey an outside bet for france then?

very possible, although FDJ was very strong at Tro Bro Leon this year. Rainy weather could give Mourey an even bigger chance perhaps.

 

[King Boonen]

maybe not "panflat", but there are no hills either

http://www.tracks4bikers.com/tracks/show/144261

I would say just regarding the altitude it's comperable to the course of the worlds in Copenhagen two years ago, just without the final ascent to the finish. So basically flat

The max gradient on there is wrong, they hit close to 10% at some sections.

Yes, in terms of altitude it's pretty flat, and the ramps are all short, but the ramps on Mitchell Street (I'm assuming they're not going up Buchanan Street), University Avenue, Great George Street, Blythswood Street (this one less so) and Montrose street (they should have gone up North Portland street, starts shallower and then is steeper, plus you have an extra turn at the top) all come after 90 degree turns and they'll put the hurt in some legs. I'd be very suprised if Cav was there at the end.

They should have used Gardner Street in Partick, 10% over 300m, ramping up to 12% over 150m. There are some other hills they could have put in as well but all in all it's a pretty good course. The descent down High Street will be fast, so that may come into play, but I think if someone has 15-20 seconds when they hit that they'll be good to win it.

 

[search]

okay, thanks, sounds like a good course

 

[King Boonen]

okay, thanks, sounds like a good course

Will really depend how it is raced, I can't see Sky wanting it to stay together at the odd chance Cav can hang on. It feels like it was designed for Millar, no slopes long enough he falls of the back and stop start enough that a decent time trialist could get a gap and stay away.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Mourey an outside bet for france then?

Or Chainel.

Also look out for Mathieu Ladagnous. Florian Vachon as an outsider.