Race Thread

[Ricco']

Just watched Puck's Zonhoven video. It looks like a very fun track, I would rate it for now as an improvement over the traditional route of the last years. Retains the same distincts parts of the course while adding a new flavor to it.

 

[senna6541]

In one day races, I suppose. It is kind of crazy that with his particular skillset (huge engine, can get over hills well better than just about anyone who isn't a pure climber or GC type, and can sprint with the sprinters) that he's only got 1 monument and no road worlds jerseys so far. I expect that to change this year.

Winning stages in a GT isn't the same as winning the biggest one day races where every team and their leader has the exact same objective - win the race. Say what you want about he mental make ups of Wout and MVDP, but MVDP is much more of a killer and someone who is not really interested in podium places. If he has the legs to win and gets a sniff on the finish line, he goes for it and closes the deal.

 

[theyoungest]

Just watched Puck's Zonhoven video. It looks like a very fun track, I would rate it for now as an improvement over the traditional route of the last years. Retains the same distincts parts of the course while adding a new flavor to it.

It looks quite technical, which should suit Puck in the women's race, and should make the men's race quite competitive.

 

[DNP-Old]

Bisiaux is back in the World Cup and just continues to dominate the junior ranks. Don't think he'll have much trouble getting the world title in Hoogerheide too.

 

[Barkintheeye]

It looks quite technical, which should suit Puck in the women's race, and should make the men's race quite competitive.

Yes the new sandy off-camber sections will be fun to watch. Looks to be really difficult. Possibly some running on the first lap(s).

Is Van der Poel on the startline?

 

[TourOfSardinia]

Just watched Puck's Zonhoven video. It looks like a very fun track, I would rate it for now as an improvement over the traditional route of the last years. Retains the same distincts parts of the course while adding a new flavor to it.

link?

 

[Third Time Lucky]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhcaRxt_4kU

 

[Axel Hangleck]

Looks like much less running than previously; and Tibor Del Grosso also did a GoPro lap - I think him and Puck are competing to see who gets more views......

 

[Ricco']

That young dutchie group (Puck, Molengraaf, Del Grosso, Van Lierop) is fun to follow. Molengraaf even did a cool whip during the recon video, I think it won't be long until she is up there with the best elite riders. Maybe 1 or 2 more years.

For now she won again the junior race (unbeatable in the age group this year) by around 1'30''.

 

[Third Time Lucky]

Damn, Van Empel nearly spilt herself in half with that crash!

The first crash.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

This is slowly turning into Val di Sole on sand.

 

[Barkintheeye]

Van Anroij Queen of the Sand

 

[Barkintheeye]

…and Pieterse, Van Empel and Van der Heijden the princesses. And Brand Cinderella’s stepmother (sorry that was nasty and undeserved, Brand is actually good but a little crude on the bike).

 

[Samu Cuenca]

If she isn't already the owner, Van Anrooij should invest in this company:

Organic Clothing For Men & Women | Breathable & Natural Fabrics

Discover the essence of comfort and style with Sand by Shirin's organic clothing. Explore fluid fit fashion for men & women, crafted from breathable natural fabrics. Shop now !

sandbyshirin.com

 

[pmcg76]

Van Anrooij the best on the sand courses, but might have been a much tighter race without the crashes. Will be really tough for Van Anrooij to skip a possible Senior Worlds now, but if course is not that technical, she might be better aiming for the U-23. The real battle today was between Brand, Alvarado and Van der Heyden.

 

[Barkintheeye]

Aaoow not game over immediately

 

[chickenlips]

VDP got roglicitis at the moment

 

[jono]

This sucks.

 

[Barkintheeye]

That’s probably it… WTF?

 

[Axel Hangleck]

It's obvious the form isn't there, he just looks laboured and the mistakes are more regular...When on form he's less inclined to make mistakes.....and everything 'flows'.

 

[jono]

If you can't ride away from Sweeck and Vanthourenhout, you're on bad form.

He's pulled the parachute already.

 

[Carrick-On-Seine]

Shut up Hatch!

 

[DNP-Old]

Are we certain David is not riding around with Mathieu's transponder?

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

At this point, the difference between Van Aert is the rest is massive. VdP is struggling to stay on the wheels with Sweeck (one of my favorite racers) and Vantourenhout.
I think VdP's confidence has been cracked, which has contributed to his mistakes.

 

[jono]

At this point, the difference between Van Aert is the rest is massive. VdP is struggling to stay on the wheels with Sweeck (one of my favorite racers) and Vantourenhout.
I think VdP's confidence has been cracked, which has contributed to his mistakes.

The difference is massive, but he is not struggling to stay with those two riders. He will dust them easily in the final lap, but he's conceded to WVA. After the three falls, he had nothing to gain from going hard.