Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2014, 1 March, 198km, 1.HC

[theyoungest]

Styby of course will hit top form quite early, given his ride at the 'cross Worlds. It wouldn't surprise me if he wins this Saturday, quite dominantly.

 

[Netserk]

Can't wait for this!

 

[the asian]

Hoping Boonen finally wins this.

Long overdue and will complete his Northern classics Palmares.

Terpstra/Styby have strong chances too.

Did Langeveld and Vanmarcke race in the Middle East? If they are in decent shape, should be two more contenders.

 

[Roude Leiw]

Boonen/Terpstra/Stybar remind me of

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

They had Chavanel last year, was just as good (although Boonen and Terpstra/Stybar weren't)

 

[Leonardus]

Definitely OPQS's race to lose, by far the most dominant cobbles team at the moment, and it's about time Boonen wins this. But I think one of his lieutenants will take it, Terpstra looks very strong at the moment and Boonen always seems a bit unlucky in this race. Besides, usually a bit of a outsider wins so Terpstra or Styby is a safer bet.

 

[CycloAndy]

Three great riders for OPQS but too many leaders could be their downfall unless they get their tactics right.

If they can get all 3 in the lead group, Stybar and Terpstra should take turns to launch attacks, safe in the knowledge that Boonen should be the fastest finisher left.

Similarly for Sky, the roles within the team need to be clearly defined beforehand. The addition of Knees this year, gives them a decent domestique with limited personal ambitions which should help (as a lack of teamwork and too many leaders seemed to harm their already limited chances last year). Knees, Puccio, Rasch and Rowe should be there solely to ensure that at least 3 of Stannard, Thomas, EBH and Eisel make the lead group. If this happens, Stannard and Thomas should launch attacks, with EBH/Eisel available to aim for a top 3 finish if things come together.

 

[janraaskalt]

Similarly for Sky, the roles within the team need to be clearly defined beforehand. The addition of Knees this year, gives them a decent domestique with limited personal ambitions which should help (as a lack of teamwork and too many leaders seemed to harm their already limited chances last year). Knees, Puccio, Rasch and Rowe should be there solely to ensure that at least 3 of Stannard, Thomas, EBH and Eisel make the lead group. If this happens, Stannard and Thomas should launch attacks, with EBH/Eisel available to aim for a top 3 finish if things come together.

With Thomas not riding the Omloop, "at least 3" is also "max 3".

 

[CycloAndy]

With Thomas not riding the Omloop, "at least 3" is also "max 3".

Only just noticed that. Was assuming he was going as he finished 4th last year. My bad! At least that leaves less 'leaders'. Stannard for long-range attacks and Eisel/EBH for the finish. Although EBH could put in an attack too if there are some decent sprinters left near the end.

 

[therhodeo]

Definitely think that this could be Quik Steps to lose. Beyond their top 3 the rest of the team aren't slouches. I look for Boonen to test himself a bit but let Stybar and Terpstra have a go at winning.

 

[Netserk]

I think either Boom or Chava will win this.

 

[argyllflyer]

whether you speak the language or not, you will still get more useful information than on Eurosport

haha possibly. Last year cycling.tv covered this with Rob Hatch and they've woken up today to announce they have it again.

 

[Roude Leiw]

Let me correct that for you

I think either Boonen or Chava will win this.

 

[therhodeo]

I think either Boom or Chava will win this.

I think Boom will likely do what he always does. Get ever so close to doing something really good and leaving with nothing to show for it.

 

[jens_attacks]

Let me correct that for you

text translated into visual

omg i luv this race so much

the boonenberg!

 

[peloton]

Really looking forward to this, great to see that the weather won't spoil it this year

 

[postmanhat]

Mild winters

But us Stannardistas can point to very decent form in Oman. Would love to see him and Gaudin tearing away and slowly decimating the field...probably before the Steppers launch Stybar off for a win. Can almost see it now

Speaking of which, does anyone know roughly what time the race is due to finish CET? Am working on Saturday and need to know when to make my excuses

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Mild winters

But us Stannardistas can point to very decent form in Oman. Would love to see him and Gaudin tearing away and slowly decimating the field...probably before the Steppers launch Stybar off for a win. Can almost see it now

Speaking of which, does anyone know roughly what time the race is due to finish CET? Am working on Saturday and need to know when to make my excuses

Scheduled to finish around 16:30 (CET).

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

It's a shame really that Androni and CCC gets to ride this while Trek, Cannondale and Tinkoff sits it out.

those teams don't even want to ride the omloop.

 

[will10]

Remember guys, the season doesn't actually start until Boonen attacks on the Taaienberg.

 

[postmanhat]

Scheduled to finish around 16:30 (CET).

Perfect. Thanks D&C!

 

[ILovecycling]

I wonder what will be Omega tactics,so many good riders,personaly I wouldnt count out Vandebergh,he is a beast!
Anyway my pick is Styby ...hope that Sylvain has a great race too

 

[greenedge]

I think Boonen will win, maybe Ciolek could challenge in a sprint.

If not a sprint, Roelandts, Terpstra or Phinney to win from a 3 man break.

 

[RedheadDane]

So... are some of you nice Belgian Guys going to provide a link for the Sporza feed, or do I have to go look for it myself?

 

[Roude Leiw]

So... are some of you nice Belgian Guys going to provide a link for the Sporza feed, or do I have to go look for it myself?

I do not speak flemish, so i will watch on rtbf (french belgian tv)

Here the link http://www.rtbf.be/sport/cyclisme/

It is on the right hand side of the web page, where they have the countdown until start of the race, live pictures will be in the same place once the race starts