Remco basically confirms what we have been saying about the team. I hope Lefevre keeps word and puts a significant part of next year's budget in supporting Remco. He deserves it.
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I would think Remco to be better at RVV than at Amstel or FW. Seeing what Pogacar did this year, I don't see why an in form Remco wouldnt contest.
His pace actually increased throughout the race.
Check point 1: 13:31
Check Point 2: 26:58 (13:27)
Final 40:22 (13:24)
The significance of Flanders cobbles is very overrated, it's by no means comparable to the impact of the PR sectors. I think in the future a spring season centered around Flanders, Amstel and LBL is very feasable for him (if he doesn't target the Giro).The handling skills and the descent abilities have improved slightly. But Evenepoel still can't ride efficiently on cobbles and gravel. We saw that again this season. It's partly psychological. It just locks up when riding on gravel. In the Brabantse Pijl we saw him mess on the cobblestones.
I don't think this will ever work out. So, no Flanders or Roubaix, not even the Strade Bianche and most Flemish spring classics. He can ride Milan-San Remo (without winning chances) and the Amstel. He can even win that race if the race is made hard (early).
He can ride Milan-San Remo (without winning chances)
The handling skills and the descent abilities have improved slightly. But Evenepoel still can't ride efficiently on cobbles and gravel. We saw that again this season. It's partly psychological. It just locks up when riding on gravel. In the Brabantse Pijl we saw him mess on the cobblestones.
I don't think this will ever work out. So, no Flanders or Roubaix, not even the Strade Bianche and most Flemish spring classics. He can ride Milan-San Remo (without winning chances) and the Amstel. He can even win that race if the race is made hard (early).
The significance of Flanders cobbles is very overrated, it's by no means comparable to the impact of the PR sectors. I think in the future a spring season centered around Flanders, Amstel and LBL is very feasable for him (if he doesn't target the Giro).
Yet the key points are Kwaremont and Paterberg. Cobbles.
They're key because it's uphill, not because of Cobbles (which play a factor, just not a massive one).Yet the key points are Kwaremont and Paterberg. Cobbles.
What sort of block would he have on uphill cobbles? I would understand downhill or slippy flat passages but it's not like he's gonna crash on Paterberg.But he will still block on the cobblestones. Not just physically, but especially psychologically. I can only see him participating in the Nieuwsblad in the future. Only if he fully participates there for a win, I will ever see him participate in Flanders. Otherwise not.
According to Velonews (not the most reliable), Remco strongly targeting Worlds TT. Only 34kms. Any idea on the course? If flat, I do not see him beating Ganna (particularly riding the new Bolide).
Hasn't he been practising that particularly climb that gave him trouble in Brabantse Pijl afterwards? Thought I heard something like that somehwere. Would be interesting to see him there again next year. I think he can do more than fine on cobbled climbs if he puts his mind to it.The handling skills and the descent abilities have improved slightly. But Evenepoel still can't ride efficiently on cobbles and gravel. We saw that again this season. It's partly psychological. It just locks up when riding on gravel. In the Brabantse Pijl we saw him mess on the cobblestones.
I don't think this will ever work out. So, no Flanders or Roubaix, not even the Strade Bianche and most Flemish spring classics. He can ride Milan-San Remo (without winning chances) and the Amstel. He can even win that race if the race is made hard (early).
Hasn't he been practising that particularly climb that gave him trouble in Brabantse Pijl afterwards? Thought I heard something like that somehwere. Would be interesting to see him there again next year. I think he can do more than fine on cobbled climbs if he puts his mind to it.
For those who remember his Brabantse Pijl and more specifically his struggling on the cobbles of the Hertstraat:
He just uploaded a Strava training ride where he said he did the Hertstraat x5 and completed it fully in the gutter.
Training on his weaknesses combined with a bit of self-mockery it seems.
Compared to his overall high level the way he rode the Hertstrast compared to the rest of the group was comically bad. Good that he recognised that and can do so in a self effacing wayYes:
They're key because it's uphill, not because of Cobbles (which play a factor, just not a massive one).
What sort of block would he have on uphill cobbles? I would understand downhill or slippy flat passages but it's not like he's gonna crash on Paterberg.
You mean PogacarThe Kwaremont is really not that steep though. The hard thing about it really is the cobbles, not the fact that it's a hill.
Anyway I could see him winning it, but it will have to be in Gilbert style. No way he'll drop the likes of VDP on the cobbled climbs.
It has one "climb" they have to do twice. Judging by the profile it's something like 700 meters of 6.5%. Not problematic for Ganna.Are you sure that Ganna i THAT good on technical and hilly TT routes? (Because, of course, he is very good on every kind of parcour)
I expect that it would suit better to more explosive and compact riders like Roglic.
Roglic is too weak from a w/cda perspective to be competitive on a course as flat as that.Are you sure that Ganna i THAT good on technical and hilly TT routes? (Because, of course, he is very good on every kind of parcour)
I expect that it would suit better to more explosive and compact riders like Roglic.
I'd agree his lack of skill is partly psychological but that's due to serious lack of coaching. It takes some riders awhile to figure out how to adjust gearing and tempo to maintain momentum. It can be counter-intuitive to try to accelerate in a bigger gear to get a better vibration response and less disruption of rhythm. I've used Quintana as an example of a lighter rider that seems to always adjust to aggressive situations like cobbles, crosswinds and tight riding. It can be done and Remco could do it if he valued that sort of race. Again, Hinault did not like rough races for the most part.The handling skills and the descent abilities have improved slightly. But Evenepoel still can't ride efficiently on cobbles and gravel. We saw that again this season. It's partly psychological. It just locks up when riding on gravel. In the Brabantse Pijl we saw him mess on the cobblestones.
I don't think this will ever work out. So, no Flanders or Roubaix, not even the Strade Bianche and most Flemish spring classics. He can ride Milan-San Remo (without winning chances) and the Amstel. He can even win that race if the race is made hard (early).