Race Thread

[Logic-is-your-friend]

What is it that you find annoying? Would it be less annoying if he were to arrogantly and disrespectfully predict the decimation of the whole CX peloton upon his arrival? What is he supposed to say?

Furthermore, it really is hard to know where you stand exactly after a long time out of CX and having only trained less than a handful of times in the field.

It's damned if you do, damned if you don't. When you win roughly 62 out of the last 65 races, each week you have to face the camera's and predict your next race. So, either you are honest and will be perceived, by some, to be arrogant, or you try not to disrespect anyone and it will look like false modesty to others.

 

[Flamin]

Okay, nevermind, MVDP is putting the hammer down right from the bat. And nobody can follow, lol.

 

[Spine Concept]

It's damned if you do, damned if you don't. When you win roughly 62 out of the last 65 races, each week you have to face the camera's and predict your next race. So, either you are honest and will be perceived, by some, to be arrogant, or you try not to disrespect anyone and it will look like false modesty to others.

I agree. With that being said, I think generally speaking it's better and more respectful to choose the modest route.

 

[Spine Concept]

He just took a tumble. Things might get interesting again? Maybe he went too hard too fast and is now fatiguing? I'd honestly rather watch an exciting race tbh.

 

[TourOfSardinia]

The mighty fall

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Well, at least the race got interesting again.

 

[Spine Concept]

This is exactly why you take the humble route

 

[Flamin]

The tumble for sure seemed to have broken his rythm for a moment and then he chose to slow down. I think we'll see him dropping Iserbyt anytime soon again.

 

[Flamin]

Meanwhile Pidcock is flying in the background. Podium spot coming up.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Pidcock back among the living.

 

[Spine Concept]

Yep. I think it really is over now. Seemed easy in the end tbh. He took his foot off the gas after the tumble, but then dropped Iserbyt again seemingly easy. Quite demotivating for the competition tbh. Also for the excitement of CX unfortunately.

 

[Spine Concept]

Great race by Piddy as well. Slowly but surely getting there. Hopefully will be challenging the top guys for the win soon.

 

[KZD]

Well he continues to be the best CX racer in the world, strong performance by Iserbyt nonetheless.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Yep. I think it really is over now. Seemed easy in the end tbh. He took his foot off the gas after the tumble, but then dropped Iserbyt again seemingly easy. Quite demotivating for the competition tbh. Also for the excitement of CX unfortunately.

Well, Iserbyt is not great in the sand, and he lost most of his time there. This really was a course for Mathieu, so it's still possible the race could be closer next time. Let's hope.

Mathieu says in the post race interview that he is 3kg lighter than during Ronde Van Vlaanderen.

 

[TourOfSardinia]

 

[Flamin]

At least MVDP said he felt good the whole race and had to give his all to drop Iserbyt. That's somehow reassuring, since he used to win races solo easily and afterwards declared he didn't have a great day... And like Logic says, it's a superb course for him. He's in better shape compared to his first cross last year as well, though otoh, the others should be too at this point.

Let's see what happens in Gavere tomorrow.

 

[Spine Concept]

At least MVDP said he felt good the whole race and had to give his all to drop Iserbyt. That's somehow reassuring, since he used to win races solo easily and afterwards declared he didn't have a great day... And like Logic says, it's a superb course for him. He's in better shape compared to his first cross last year as well, though otoh, the others should be too at this point.

Let's see what happens in Gavere tomorrow.

I mean, it pretty much falls in line with what he says most of the time. So I don’t know what conclusions we can draw from such statements. All we can do is wait and see (and hope).

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of VdP. Can’t not be a fan of such a class rider. Much like it’s impossible not to like Evenepoel. They just answer with their pedals. What’s not to admire?

With that being said, I like my CX races to be exciting. I really miss the duels of old.

 

[jmdirt]

STUD!

 

[Ricco']

I still think Van Aert is the biggest threat for VDP this season, if he improves his form a level or two.

Nevertheless, tomorrow in Gavere (it should be muddier than today but looking at the forecast it seems the riders will miss the big amount of rain that will fall after the race) and next Sunday in Namen should be harder to win for Mathieu.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

I still think Van Aert is the biggest threat for VDP this season, if he improves his form a level or two.

Nevertheless, tomorrow in Gavere (it should be muddier than today but looking at the forecast it seems the riders will miss the big amount of rain that will fall after the race) and next Sunday in Namen should be harder to win for Mathieu.

Van Aert has gone to Spain for a training week, i doubt he will be at 100% in Namur. Otherwise, that might have been a big chance to beat Mathieu there.

 

[Axel Hangleck]

Did I read right that he didn't take his CX bike? It's all road work...??

 

[postmanhat]

Superb camera angles in this race. Looks like Honsinger could be giving the Dutch club run something to think about soon! I wonder what happened to Kay? She was fourth, then disappeared completely through a couple of turns

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Mathieu now weighs 74.5kg (he says in a pre-race interview in Gavere), normally during classics season, he weighs 77.5kg.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

No idea what Iserbyt was doing during the start, but i assume it was "sleeping". Worst start i can remember by a guy on the first row. Lost 30 places or so.

 

[TourOfSardinia]

Wow Pidocchio really flying