If CN says it's so, it's so.There ya have it.. Best sprinter of 2020. Says so right there on the front page. Nice one Sam.
That's too give them a false sense of security.Interesting that he has a bad one on one with a lot of riders but better when they are all together
In theory a flat race with a couple of hills at the end should be prime territory for him and he’s clearly feeling good so it’s not impossible. But the fact is he’s never really been in contention at MSR and it‘snot that common for it to end in anything like a big group sprint these days.He is in pretty good condition. Good he really win MSR next month?
Agreed, the thing shaping San Remo (and the sprinter’s chances to win) is the presence of a set of ultra-elite puncheurs (Alaphillipe, Van Aert, MVDP, Sagan if he could back to his old self) who are also excellent descenders. Even though everyone knows what’s coming, when they take off near the top of the Poggio it’s hard for anyone else to stay with them.I feel there's way too many really strong classics guys these days who'll fancy their chances for it to come together for a sprint.... One can live in hope though.
Ballerini is down to ride MSR as well.He needs a strong headwind on the Cipressa and Poggio to keep the Puncheurs under control. If a group of 30-40 arrives at the Via Roma, he should be strong enough to be among them, especially with Quickstep working for him.
The question is will they be working for him, or for Alaphilippe? (and the answer is "probably Alaphilippe")
Noone goes as fast on the Poggio as Alaphilippe, so it's hard to not ride for him. Bennett and Ballerini both have to try their best to hang on in case Alaphilippe gets caught.He needs a strong headwind on the Cipressa and Poggio to keep the Puncheurs under control. If a group of 30-40 arrives at the Via Roma, he should be strong enough to be among them, especially with Quickstep working for him.
The question is will they be working for him, or for Alaphilippe? (and the answer is "probably Alaphilippe")
Van Aert went as fast as him last year, a bunch of guys went with him the year before, and he barely hung on when Sagan and Kwiatkowski attacked.Noone goes as fast on the Poggio as Alaphilippe, so it's hard to not ride for him. Bennett and Ballerini both have to try their best to hang on in case Alaphilippe gets caught.
You're kidding right? I suggest you rewatch the footageVan Aert went as fast as him last year, a bunch of guys went with him the year before, and he barely hung on when Sagan and Kwiatkowski attacked.
But yes, when Alaf inevitably attacks on the Poggio, and someone goes with him, it will help him to have the insurance option of “I have 2 in-form sprinters in my team in the peloton, so you’d better pull with me if you want this attack to succeed.”
In terms of this thread, the crucial point is that Sam has never made it to the Via Roma in a group with anything to sprint for.
Your first paragraph couldn't be more wrong.Van Aert went as fast as him last year, a bunch of guys went with him the year before, and he barely hung on when Sagan and Kwiatkowski attacked.
But yes, when Alaf inevitably attacks on the Poggio, and someone goes with him, it will help him to have the insurance option of “I have 2 in-form sprinters in my team in the peloton, so you’d better pull with me if you want this attack to succeed.”
In terms of this thread, the crucial point is that Sam has never made it to the Via Roma in a group with anything to sprint for.
He's surplus to requirements now.Haven't seen Sam's name down to do anything prior to the tour... Maybe the dauphine but that's six or so weeks off... Anyone got an idea what's on his schedule between now and then?