Omloop het Nieuwsblad 2012

[Race Radio]

Why would he care? He has only raced the Omloop twice, last time in 2008.

re-read what I wrote. I was referring to the lack of an overall classics team, not just Het Volk. It is unfortunate that rider like Cancellera has so little support for the coming weeks

 

[Lanark]

According to Michel Wuyts Cancellara was in negotiations with Katusha, but Bruyneel convinced him to stay. His team is just as poor as last year, that's true.

 

[Richeypen]

According to Michel Wuyts Cancellara was in negotiations with Katusha, but Bruyneel convinced him to stay. His team is just as poor as last year, that's true.

His weak team cost him Roubaix last year and its likely teams will use the same tactics again this year, especially BMC. Cant understand why Radioshack didnt sign someone like Roger Hammond up.

 

[Popchu]

His weak team cost him Roubaix last year and its likely teams will use the same tactics again this year, especially BMC. Cant understand why Radioshack didnt sign someone like Roger Hammond up.

One of the main targets of Popovych this year is the classics, in order to help Fabian Cancellara. And I'm sure, Popovych is capable to surprise.

 

[Lanark]

His weak team cost him Roubaix last year and its likely teams will use the same tactics again this year, especially BMC. Cant understand why Radioshack didnt sign someone like Roger Hammond up.

His problem in Roubaix wasn't just his team, he wasn't strong enough either. He couldn't drop Hushovd and Ballan on the cobbles, if he would have been strong enough to do that, his lack of team wouldn't have mattered. Still, you're right, he could have won last year with a better team.

I'm not sure if we're gonna see a repeat of last year. Don't forget, the competition was scared out of their minds last year for Cancellara (after his clean sweep in 2010, and his dominance in the E3-prijs just before De Ronde), this year he will be 'just' one of the favorites, not the guy everyone races against to make him lose. I'm really eager to see if BMC can actually ride as a team, but we'll see more of that tomorrow.

I don't think signing a Roger Hammond would matter much, they've got a couple of guys of that level already. Cancellara deserves a domestique of a higher level.

 

[will10]

One of the main targets of Popovych this year is the classics, in order to help Fabian Cancellara. And I'm sure, Popovych is capable to surprise.

Not these days, I'm afraid.

 

[Richeypen]

His problem in Roubaix wasn't just his team, he wasn't strong enough either. He couldn't drop Hushovd and Ballan on the cobbles, if he would have been strong enough to do that, his lack of team wouldn't have mattered. Still, you're right, he could have won last year with a better team.

I'm not sure if we're gonna see a repeat of last year. Don't forget, the competition was scared out of their minds last year for Cancellara (after his clean sweep in 2010, and his dominance in the E3-prijs just before De Ronde), this year he will be 'just' one of the favorites, not the guy everyone races against to make him lose. I'm really eager to see if BMC can actually ride as a team, but we'll see more of that tomorrow.

I don't think signing a Roger Hammond would matter much, they've got a couple of guys of that level already. Cancellara deserves a domestique of a higher level.

Canc dropped Hushov and Ballan eventually, even after pulling them for Km after KM. Hammond is better than any cobbles dom that Radioshack currently have as well.

Back on topic, Boonen has got to be big favourite tomorrow after the previous month or so.

 

[Kvinto]

Not these days, I'm afraid.

Depends on what do the words 'capable to surprise' mean to you. Believe me or not but he is a decent domestique for cobbles and will surely help Cancellara more than half the Leopard 2011.

 

[Lanark]

Canc dropped Hushov and Ballan eventually, even after pulling them for Km after KM. Hammond is better than any cobbles dom that Radioshack currently have as well.

Not on the cobbles though, only when the race was almost done.

Hammond may have been better a couple of years ago (although that is doubtfull), but Rast is obviously a much better classic rider now.

 

[ferryman]

Can't see past Boonen tomorrow. Money is on, don't let me down big fella

 

[Panda Claws]

Favorites

***** Boonen
**** Flecha
*** Gilbert, Breschel
** Van Avermaet
* Hushovd, Leukemans, Ballan


So who did I forget?

 

[Leonardus]

Think that's a pretty accurate rating of the favorites for tomorrow. Maybe Langeveld deserves a star as last years winner but he is still bruised from some crashes so I don't expect much from that side.

 

[barmaher]

I think Haussler deserves a star.

 

[Cycle Chic]

TV channels ??

Anyone got TV channel info ? steephill is just saying belgian tv.

 

[DominicDecoco]

Wonder if there will be any decent streams.

Edit: Too late. ^

 

[blaxland]

Would like to see S.Langeveld(Greenedge) and L.Boom(Rabobank) have good solid rides today,fingers crossed.But Gilbert,Haussler and Boonen would have to be the favourites.

 

[El Pistolero]

Don't expect much from Langeveld tomorrow. Hasn't had a good Qatar and Oman because of crashes and illness.

 

[Flamin]

Podium:

1. Boonen
2. GVA
3. Breschel

 

[Panda Claws]

What has Haussler shown yet this season?

Because people seem to claim he's a favorite.

 

[search]

What has Haussler shown yet this season?

Because people seem to claim he's a favorite.

not less than Gilbert, so for which reason did you give him 3 stars?

Haussler was good on the cobbles in recent years, so he somehow deserves to be mentiones as well. But it's correct, he didn't show much so far this season and I certainly doubt he will be in contention tomorrow - but that's what I think about most of the big names in tomorrow's race. There are some riders like Flecha or Paolini who really like Het Volk but I doubt we will see Gilbert, Hushovd - and possibly even Boonen - in the fight for the victory.

It's a different case with Breschel or van Avermaet, they need to deliver results to prove their rank in the team hierarchy

 

[hfer07]

just an observation: the CN article on "Gilbert chasing history" says the race is ON SUNDAY....
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gilbert-chasing-history-at-omloop-het-nieuwsblad

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Favorites

***** Boonen
**** Flecha
*** Gilbert, Breschel
** Van Avermaet
* Hushovd, Leukemans, Ballan


So who did I forget?

Langeveld for instance

Boom. Maaskant (7th last year)

 

[El Pistolero]

I fail to see how Maaskant deserves a star. We can give 30 riders a star then. No love for Chavanel by the way? Or is he not riding? With everyone looking at Boonen, I wouldn't be surprised to see Chavanel taking advantage of that. Or why not Gert Steegmans? He has been really strong so far this season.

 

[Richeypen]

Favorites

***** Boonen
**** Flecha
*** Gilbert, Breschel
** Van Avermaet
* Hushovd, Leukemans, Ballan


So who did I forget?

Paolini, top 5 in the last two years.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

I fail to see how Maaskant deserves a star. We can give 30 riders a star then. No love for Chavanel by the way? Or is he not riding? With everyone looking at Boonen, I wouldn't be surprised to see Chavanel taking advantage of that. Or why not Gert Steegmans? He has been really strong so far this season.

Bs.

Maaskant without anything hindering him is a top 10 cobble rider everywhere