theyoungest said:
yeh i read that last week and choked on my drink. You really couldnt make it up.
-
The Cycling News forum is still looking to add volunteer moderators with. If you're interested in helping keep our discussions on track, send a direct message to
In the meanwhile, please use the Report option if you see a post that doesn't fit within the forum rules.
Thanks!
yeh i read that last week and choked on my drink. You really couldnt make it up.
I had the fortunate opportunity to attend the Grand Prix du Montreal yesterday, and it was absolutely spectacular. Racing aside (which was real exciting), the atmosphere in Montreal proved that the race has staying power, and the citizens of Montreal and the province of Quebec are thrilled to be hosting these cycling events.
So many things happened that I personally enjoyed from seeing Sandy Casar and co. enjoying coffee at a cafe in Old Montreal (they were kind enough to let us get a picture with them), and then right across the street Sylvain Chavanel and Jerome Pineau were enjoying a meal decked out in their Quickstep apparel as their bikes sat harmlessly against the fencing.
I saw Fat Pat McQuaid share a nice three minute conversation with George Hincapie (wonder what about
), and then moments later Ryder Hesjedal shared a very uncomfortable nod with the UCI President, which was quite humorous.
The team presentations were done well, introducing teams two at a time. All teams were welcomed quite warmly, especially the French teams and Garmin (of Course). Big shout out to Samuel Sanchez as he gave me a thumbs up and a nice wave as I displayed the "Aupa Samu" sign I made the night before.
And this was before the racing even started. The parcours were very good I thought, and the last lap was fantastic. Gesink was attacking like a madman, and when he came into view for the final kilometer the fans erupted! If it wasn't for the dumb-a** family that decided to put their folding chairs right against the railing at the 50m to go sign, I could have touched Gesink as he lifted his arms in the air for victory.
Oh, dunno if this was discussed, but Levi DID attack! However weak and short of an attack it was, he did climb out of the saddle and push, but soon stop when he realized that everyone was still behind him.
Overall the place was electric, fans were lining the climb (forget the name) like it was the Mur du Huy, or the Koppenberg, and Gesink was greeted at the finish by a flood people. And to top it off, on the walk back to the car, Haimar Zubeldia stopped next to us and asked my girlfriend (who was wearing my Euskaltel cap) if she was Basque! Whether he was hitting on her or not is debatable, but I got a big kick out of it.
Once I can get some pictures uploaded, I'll post some. But again great debut Montreal!
So many things happened that I personally enjoyed from seeing Sandy Casar and co. enjoying coffee at a cafe in Old Montreal (they were kind enough to let us get a picture with them), and then right across the street Sylvain Chavanel and Jerome Pineau were enjoying a meal decked out in their Quickstep apparel as their bikes sat harmlessly against the fencing.
I saw Fat Pat McQuaid share a nice three minute conversation with George Hincapie (wonder what about
), and then moments later Ryder Hesjedal shared a very uncomfortable nod with the UCI President, which was quite humorous.The team presentations were done well, introducing teams two at a time. All teams were welcomed quite warmly, especially the French teams and Garmin (of Course). Big shout out to Samuel Sanchez as he gave me a thumbs up and a nice wave as I displayed the "Aupa Samu" sign I made the night before.
And this was before the racing even started. The parcours were very good I thought, and the last lap was fantastic. Gesink was attacking like a madman, and when he came into view for the final kilometer the fans erupted! If it wasn't for the dumb-a** family that decided to put their folding chairs right against the railing at the 50m to go sign, I could have touched Gesink as he lifted his arms in the air for victory.
Oh, dunno if this was discussed, but Levi DID attack! However weak and short of an attack it was, he did climb out of the saddle and push, but soon stop when he realized that everyone was still behind him
.Overall the place was electric, fans were lining the climb (forget the name) like it was the Mur du Huy, or the Koppenberg, and Gesink was greeted at the finish by a flood people. And to top it off, on the walk back to the car, Haimar Zubeldia stopped next to us and asked my girlfriend (who was wearing my Euskaltel cap) if she was Basque! Whether he was hitting on her or not is debatable, but I got a big kick out of it.
Once I can get some pictures uploaded, I'll post some. But again great debut Montreal!
Interesting races. I thought Hagen would get the first, Sagan the second but these things happen, it didnt quite happen for them but its all about timing in races like that.
I only remember seeing one BMC rider during the whole weekend and he disappeared in seconds.
The usual odd tactics, chasing for no reason and general bravado from the Shack team. Ryder Hesjedal looked the strongest rider over the 2 races so big up to him for a couple of tremendous rides.
I only remember seeing one BMC rider during the whole weekend and he disappeared in seconds.
The usual odd tactics, chasing for no reason and general bravado from the Shack team. Ryder Hesjedal looked the strongest rider over the 2 races so big up to him for a couple of tremendous rides.
You're right, they were a bit further back than I originally thought.theyoungest said:Ah, in that case, we might as well consider EBH the winner...
Just ignore it. He is already looking ridicolous by saying that. Why react?theyoungest said:Ah, in that case, we might as well consider EBH the winner...
Uhh, I just admitted he was right. I thought Sagan was just a few meters behind Gesink, from what I could see on the low quality stream yesterday. He had a bigger gap than I thought and there was no way EBH would have passed him anyway.Dekker_Tifosi said:
Attended both races and was amazed.
Spent 2 days in Quebec as a leadup to the friday race. Beautiful city - perfect place for a road race (had seen some Tour de Beauce stages/National road race there before but this was on another level). The atmosphere when Ryder attacked...wow. Those tight little climbs where packed with people jumping and screaming and basically going nuts.
Remember seeing the G.P. des Amériques (Montreal) long ago but didnt compare to the suspense of sunday's race. Absolutely spectacular racing on a wonderful circuit. Was near the top of the main climb when Gesink attacked...
The only thing missing is a third race to make a weeklong outing worth the trip. Even if it's like the old 100k de Montreal on the F1 track
Spent 2 days in Quebec as a leadup to the friday race. Beautiful city - perfect place for a road race (had seen some Tour de Beauce stages/National road race there before but this was on another level). The atmosphere when Ryder attacked...wow. Those tight little climbs where packed with people jumping and screaming and basically going nuts.
Remember seeing the G.P. des Amériques (Montreal) long ago but didnt compare to the suspense of sunday's race. Absolutely spectacular racing on a wonderful circuit. Was near the top of the main climb when Gesink attacked...
The only thing missing is a third race to make a weeklong outing worth the trip. Even if it's like the old 100k de Montreal on the F1 track
Nice updates Nvpacchi and toasted.
Good to hear it was a great experience for the people in Canada. Let's hope these races stay around a little longer!
Good to hear it was a great experience for the people in Canada. Let's hope these races stay around a little longer!
I wasn't able to get down to Montreal this year... hopefully next year.
I gotta say that I miss the Sherbrooke-Cote des Neige-Avenue des Pins portion that used to feature in the GP des Ameriques. The little 180 hot dog turn right before the Mont Royal climb really bunched things up, and made that climb much less decisive.
Perhaps, if these races remain, North American race promoters can build a bit around them and keep these guys over for a longer period of time - and maybe even split some of the costs for getting them over here... which, correct me if I'm wrong, is the usual killer for top level North American events.
I gotta say that I miss the Sherbrooke-Cote des Neige-Avenue des Pins portion that used to feature in the GP des Ameriques. The little 180 hot dog turn right before the Mont Royal climb really bunched things up, and made that climb much less decisive.
Perhaps, if these races remain, North American race promoters can build a bit around them and keep these guys over for a longer period of time - and maybe even split some of the costs for getting them over here... which, correct me if I'm wrong, is the usual killer for top level North American events.
Wergeland said:
It wasn't clear from the first reports that he went down only that he had problems with a pedal.
Bag_O_Wallet said:
The organizer has a 5-year contract with the UCI for the ProTour events.
The vehicles, hotels, and hospitality are all provided by the organizer for the entire entourage. Not sure about travel, but this is the cost of the PT license.
michaeld said:
Travel for the ProTour teams is paid by the organizers - they chartered a plane for these races. Pro Continental teams must pay their own way, which is one reason Cervelo stated as to why they didn't participate. Oh and the race also paid for all the rental team cars.
Um... you'll really want to edit that post. He'll likely appreciate your support but might take exception to you thrusting him.maltiv said:
this_is_edie said:
I just remembered that the Quiznos stage race will be finishing in Colorado just before QC and Montreal. I wonder if they'll help foot some of the bill for the charter(s)?
Of course you can'tDekker_Tifosi said:
Cadel will own Bobby G's boney ****!It was to just get race fitness. Nobody expected him to win (except maybe meMellow Velo said:
)TeamSkyFans said:
So what are you saying?
Was he really going to need them for anything that couldn't be done over the phone or by any Canadian doctor?auscyclefan94 said:
Depends on the kind of medical attention you need. Evans was riding, so it's my understanding he didn't need much.auscyclefan94 said:
TRENDING THREADS
-
Teams & Riders The Remco Evenepoel is the next Eddy Merckx thread- Started by DNP-Old
- Replies: 29K
-
Teams & Riders The Great Big Cycling Transfers, Extensions, and Rumours Thread- Started by RedheadDane
- Replies: 11K
-
Teams & Riders Tadej Pogačar discussion thread- Started by Lequack
- Replies: 24K
-
-
-
Teams & Riders Everybody needs a little bit of Roglstomp in their lives- Started by johnymax
- Replies: 19K
-
Teams & Riders Jonas Vingegaard thread: Love in Iberia- Started by Samu Cuenca
- Replies: 7K
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram