Van Avermaet a proven classics rider!

[Echoes]

Van Avermaet deserves a lot more recognition from cycling fans than he has on CN (but well CN ...).

To me Greg epitomises fighting spirit, dedication and competitiveness while relatively lacking raw talent on an international scene. Sagan has a lot more talent than him but if he had Greg's professional conscientiousness, he would have twice his palmares by now. Greg is laughed at because he supposedly always loses (CNers forgot about the fact that he already won a classic and in a brilliant manner) but when he's nearly lost a race, he does not sit back/throw up his hands, he forgets and just focuses on the next race. Tomorrow is another day. And that's how his calendars regularly exceed 80 or even 90 days and that's how you'd see him on such diverse races as Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, even the Tour of Lombardy which he finished 12th. Even on the Amstel, what would have happened if he were allowed by his team to take his turn with Fuglsang instead of racing for Gilbert. He finished all of the 5 so-called "Monuments" in the first 12. That's quite amazing. When did we last have such a versatile rider?

I don't want to be chauvinistic but I like the current blend of Belgian riders, the generation 1985 to 1988: Van Avermaet, Roelandts, Vanmarcke... They don't win a lot but they deserve a lot of credit.

 

[PremierAndrew]

Re: Re:

He deserves his thread to be bumped after today doesn't he?

Very nice win by Greg. Classy rider and I really like him, also his racing attitude. Always on the offense, always very close, but rarely wins. The better are his wins

Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) doesn’t win often, collecting far more placings and disappointments than victories because of his lack of a finishing sprint.

The first lines on CN.com article about Greg winning today.
Hmmm yeh he definately lacks a sprint ....

Can I remind you he couldn't pass Ian Stannard.

In a sprint like that, it depends on who is more tired, and Stannard was stronger that day. You really think GVA would be unable to beat Stannard in a sprint if it was pan flat?

 

[IndianCyclist]

extremely long sprint

 

[Kwibus]

Van Avermaet deserves a lot more recognition from cycling fans than he has on CN (but well CN ...).

To me Greg epitomises fighting spirit, dedication and competitiveness while relatively lacking raw talent on an international scene. Sagan has a lot more talent than him but if he had Greg's professional conscientiousness, he would have twice his palmares by now. Greg is laughed at because he supposedly always loses (CNers forgot about the fact that he already won a classic and in a brilliant manner) but when he's nearly lost a race, he does not sit back/throw up his hands, he forgets and just focuses on the next race. Tomorrow is another day. And that's how his calendars regularly exceed 80 or even 90 days and that's how you'd see him on such diverse races as Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, even the Tour of Lombardy which he finished 12th. Even on the Amstel, what would have happened if he were allowed by his team to take his turn with Fuglsang instead of racing for Gilbert. He finished all of the 5 so-called "Monuments" in the first 12. That's quite amazing. When did we last have such a versatile rider?

I don't want to be chauvinistic but I like the current blend of Belgian riders, the generation 1985 to 1988: Van Avermaet, Roelandts, Vanmarcke... They don't win a lot but they deserve a lot of credit.

Fully agree. Greg is a great versatile rider and indeed his willingness to race anywhere and everywhere is awesome.

 

[Billie]

True champion. Not ever whining when he once again only earns a close 2nd/3rd/4th place. Thats what makes him so great imo. Keep fighting. Just like Sagan

 

[SeriousSam]

He's a very talented rider but he just doesn't win anything. He is the Bridesmaid of the Bridesmaids, or was, until Sagan managed to lose to him.

I really like multidimensional riders like him though, and I hope he can land some big victories in the future.

 

[jaylew]

Van Avermaet deserves a lot more recognition from cycling fans than he has on CN (but well CN ...).

To me Greg epitomises fighting spirit, dedication and competitiveness while relatively lacking raw talent on an international scene. Sagan has a lot more talent than him but if he had Greg's professional conscientiousness, he would have twice his palmares by now. Greg is laughed at because he supposedly always loses (CNers forgot about the fact that he already won a classic and in a brilliant manner) but when he's nearly lost a race, he does not sit back/throw up his hands, he forgets and just focuses on the next race. Tomorrow is another day. And that's how his calendars regularly exceed 80 or even 90 days and that's how you'd see him on such diverse races as Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, even the Tour of Lombardy which he finished 12th. Even on the Amstel, what would have happened if he were allowed by his team to take his turn with Fuglsang instead of racing for Gilbert. He finished all of the 5 so-called "Monuments" in the first 12. That's quite amazing. When did we last have such a versatile rider?

I don't want to be chauvinistic but I like the current blend of Belgian riders, the generation 1985 to 1988: Van Avermaet, Roelandts, Vanmarcke... They don't win a lot but they deserve a lot of credit.

Totally agree. I really like GVA. I've brought up his record across all he monuments before. No one has as consistent results across all 5. He really needs a monument or a major Flemish classic though. Worlds could be a good course for him this year. I'd love to see him take the win there since I hope to be there in person.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

One of my favorite riders in the current peloton.
Please continue the style and aggression even if it doesn't always result in a first place, Greg.
This sport needs guys like you.

edit: Adding:

From the bottom of the climb....

 

[johnymax]

Count me in the club of fans who really like GVA. Great rider and deserves a lot more love than he gets.