He's one of the all time greats, There's nothing unfair in expecting him to accomplish what the all time greats have done in the past (repeatedly in some cases).Brullnux said:Excluding Boonen and Cancellara, nobody since 2003 has won two monuments in the same year. Before that, 1987 with Argentina (last ever non-cobbled double). So to expect more is, despite temptations, kind of unfair on him. Maybe he can win Lombardy, but history is against him.
As said, Degenkolb in 2015 was a half-cobbles double.Brullnux said:Excluding Boonen and Cancellara, nobody since 2003 has won two monuments in the same year. Before that, 1987 with Argentina (last ever non-cobbled double). So to expect more is, despite temptations, kind of unfair on him. Maybe he can win Lombardy, but history is against him.
Bettini '06 (& Cipo '02) as well.Leinster said:As said, Degenkolb in 2015 was a half-cobbles double.Brullnux said:Excluding Boonen and Cancellara, nobody since 2003 has won two monuments in the same year. Before that, 1987 with Argentina (last ever non-cobbled double). So to expect more is, despite temptations, kind of unfair on him. Maybe he can win Lombardy, but history is against him.
Also, a Monument/Worlds double has been done (Sagan 16, Boonen 05, Freire 04). Boonen’s even a triple.
But Nibali already has a double of sorts; he’s the first to win Lombardia and then follow up with MSR the next year since Kelly in 91/92.
That's all monument/WC/GT combo's?Netserk said:Bettini '06 (& Cipo '02) as well.Leinster said:As said, Degenkolb in 2015 was a half-cobbles double.Brullnux said:Excluding Boonen and Cancellara, nobody since 2003 has won two monuments in the same year. Before that, 1987 with Argentina (last ever non-cobbled double). So to expect more is, despite temptations, kind of unfair on him. Maybe he can win Lombardy, but history is against him.
Also, a Monument/Worlds double has been done (Sagan 16, Boonen 05, Freire 04). Boonen’s even a triple.
But Nibali already has a double of sorts; he’s the first to win Lombardia and then follow up with MSR the next year since Kelly in 91/92.
So it's done for ('02), '03, '04, '05, '06, '10, '12, '13, '15 & '16. While it was quite close to being done almost every missing year.
Netserk said:With GTs as well, you'd have to add Cunego '04, Di Luca '07, and either Nibali '17 or Froome '17 as well.
Red Rick said:Looks like Nibali a contract extension to 2020 or 2021 is in the works.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vincenzo-nibali-absent-from-giro-ditalia-for-final-shot-at-tour-de-france/
Eyeballs Out said:- they've worked a lot towards the TTT with Merida, both on the track and also a motor racing circuit. Some new TT equipment. Plus they've recon'ed the cobbles stage, again with Merida
Not sure how to answer that other than to say yes, they ride Merida, so I assume they are working on setup and trialing the new equipment to see what worksRedheadDane said:Eyeballs Out said:- they've worked a lot towards the TTT with Merida, both on the track and also a motor racing circuit. Some new TT equipment. Plus they've recon'ed the cobbles stage, again with Merida
What does the "with Merida" part mean? 'Merida' is the name of the bikes they're using, right? Hopefully they're using their bikes for the recon'ing.
I still hope they won't take Colbrelli, it's useless as an helper, he can't deliver for himself with the field of the Tour and if doesn't rain he won't even "show himself".EroicaStradeBianche said:Looks like: nibali, pozzo, pelli, izagirrex2, colbrelli, haussler, koren
Yes, Haussler on the other hand would be fine for me, you need someone for the flat, he's good on the Roubaix cobbles and a good asset in a TTT.Ivan_Basso_77 said:I would prefer Gaspa to Colbrelli any day. He is much better team player and will certainly be helpful in the hilly terrains.
Eyeballs Out said:Not sure how to answer that other than to say yes, they ride Merida, so I assume they are working on setup and trialing the new equipment to see what worksRedheadDane said:Eyeballs Out said:- they've worked a lot towards the TTT with Merida, both on the track and also a motor racing circuit. Some new TT equipment. Plus they've recon'ed the cobbles stage, again with Merida
What does the "with Merida" part mean? 'Merida' is the name of the bikes they're using, right? Hopefully they're using their bikes for the recon'ing.
Ivan_Basso_77 said:I would prefer Gaspa to Colbrelli any day. He is much better team player and will certainly be helpful in the hilly terrains.
What in seven hells is there to do for Colbrelli's personal amibitions in the Tour? 9th places in bunch sprints?skippo12 said:Ivan_Basso_77 said:I would prefer Gaspa to Colbrelli any day. He is much better team player and will certainly be helpful in the hilly terrains.
For whatever reason Gaspa hasn`t performed well in GTs. He truely is a one day specialist.
I agree with your point about Colbrelli...I want Bahrain to go all out for Nibali. Everyone needs to know his role and Colbrellis personal ambitions could be a problem.
Red Rick said:What in seven hells is there to do for Colbrelli's personal amibitions in the Tour? 9th places in bunch sprints?skippo12 said:Ivan_Basso_77 said:I would prefer Gaspa to Colbrelli any day. He is much better team player and will certainly be helpful in the hilly terrains.
For whatever reason Gaspa hasn`t performed well in GTs. He truely is a one day specialist.
I agree with your point about Colbrelli...I want Bahrain to go all out for Nibali. Everyone needs to know his role and Colbrellis personal ambitions could be a problem.
I agree expecially considering Ritchie Porte might be Nibali's main rival Mohoric could become the MVP just by leading the peloton down descents.Ivan_Basso_77 said:If Mohoric isn't too tired from the Giro, I believe he deserves a place. May the wisest choice be taken.