He's been golfing with Michael Phelps afaik
If you're asking is he done with European road races in 2025, I'm pretty certain the answer is yes.
Bad TDF route and bad WC course make it easy for MVDP to finally focus on the MTB after the Spring Classics!
I'm sure that's what he would prefer, but will his team (sponsors) allow it?
- Sep 12, 2022
- 8,159
- 9,678
- 17,180
He might still go for the Vuelta though. Get that red jersey and have wins in all 3 GT’s
Montreal?
The climb is just about too tough for him, I think.
Slim chance at a podium but could maybe sprint for a good placement in group 2-3.
I suppose in the same way that van der Poel can do well at Liege or Lombardia (he has top 10s in both) then the Montreal course is not "that bad", but he has no chance of winning if Pogacar decides to turn up, and a single digits percent chance otherwise.
Pursuing objectives in MTB would have a far greater chance of payoff.
- Feb 20, 2012
- 53,930
- 44,319
- 28,180
- Jul 7, 2013
- 8,097
- 14,936
- 23,180
Both Pogacar and Evenepoel should be clearly favoured vs MVP. Bronze is possible.
- Apr 3, 2009
- 12,599
- 8,459
- 28,180
1.6 km at 7% with max of 9.2...looks like 12 times?
Why is that so different from an effort like the Ronde or Amstel even? I don't know the course, never watched the Montreal race, but on paper...seems like right in his wheelhouse?
Why is that so different from an effort like the Ronde or Amstel even? I don't know the course, never watched the Montreal race, but on paper...seems like right in his wheelhouse?
- Jul 7, 2013
- 8,097
- 14,936
- 23,180
The course, in terms of total elevation gain and climbs type, should actually be more similar to Liege. Neither Amstel or Ronde have such long sections of 7%ish avg. gradient (repeated so many times on top of that). MVP would be an underdog not only vs Pogacar but also vs Evenepoel (who was very dominant recently vs non-Pogacar guys). Bronze is possible the way he did it in Liege 2024 but still guys like Pidcock, Healy and Ciccone say "hi".
- Apr 3, 2009
- 12,599
- 8,459
- 28,180
Hmm. Well I hope he goes for it, he'd IMO add a lot to the tactics and the race. I have the lingering thought that he won't be easily dismissed on this course.
I think that if Pogacar goes all in after 250km, MvdP can be happy if he's only 20s behind on that climb
- Feb 20, 2012
- 53,930
- 44,319
- 28,180
Also, most of the rest of the lap is false flat downhill, which makes it slightly easier than a straight descend and then flat inbetween. Similar reason why all the non men's elite races in Kigali were so extremely passive.
- Mar 20, 2022
- 13,263
- 18,018
- 22,180
He is irrelevant in LBL. Got a third because of group 2 dynamics.
- Feb 20, 2012
- 53,930
- 44,319
- 28,180
Over his peak for that part of the season. And La Redoute and RaF are much ahrder than the hill in Montreal.
- Mar 20, 2022
- 13,263
- 18,018
- 22,180
He can go, I don't think he has any chance against Remco, let alone Pogacar.
TRENDING THREADS
-
World Championship 2025: Men’s RR, September 28- Started by Berniece
- Replies: 2K
-
Teams & Riders The Remco Evenepoel is the next Eddy Merckx thread- Started by DNP-Old
- Replies: 36K
-
Teams & Riders Tadej Pogačar discussion thread- Started by Lequack
- Replies: 41K
-
Il Lombardia 2025, monument, October 11
- Started by Krzysztof_O
- Replies: 792
-
Teams & Riders The Great Big Cycling Transfers, Extensions, and Rumours Thread- Started by RedheadDane
- Replies: 13K
-
European Championship 2025: Men’s RR, October 5- Started by Berniece
- Replies: 854
-
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram