Teams & Riders Vincenzo Nibali discussion thread

[Rollthedice]

More from Nibali before the start:

"I'm back from a dark period and it would be important for me to win here. Cycling and sport are made of cycles and for various reasons, recently, I haven't been able to express myself at my best. Anyway, I think I still have something to give. Surely the most suitable stage for me will be the last one. Moreover, I know the roads very well since I've trained very often in these parts. The main objective, however, is to arrive at the best at the Giro di Lombardia. I don't know if I'll continue to race after 2022, but I'll surely stay in cycling and I'd like to wear the blue jersey one last time".

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Let's see today how are the legs. Last climb is small but any weaknesses will show.

Thanks for your posts @Rollthedice

 

[Rollthedice]

Let's see today how are the legs. Last climb is small but any weaknesses will show.

Thanks for your posts @Rollthedice

First somewhat of a test, not quite his cup of tea but it's not a garage ramp, 3km at 6.2%, I'd say top 10.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

First somewhat of a test, not quite his cup of tea but it's not a garage ramp, 3km at 6.2%, I'd say top 10.

It looks similar to stage 1 in the Tour. And there he didn't have his best legs and was still comfortable in the group.

I don't want to have too high expectations but I think top 10 is easily achievable on this finish with the shallow startlist. Certainly no steep ramps to explode on.

And hopefully after Luxembourg some rest has improved the condition. I didn't even realise he started in Frankfurt until today.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Basically as expected. Always close to the front, looked decent.

Maybe could have placed a few positions higher if he didn't box himself in but it doesn't matter much.

 

[johnymax]

Basically as expected. Always close to the front, looked decent.

Maybe could have placed a few positions higher if he didn't box himself in but it doesn't matter much.

Honestly I expected at least one attack from him. But he probably saw there's no chance in succeeding so opted for saving the legs for tomorrow probably.

 

[Red Rick]

Top 25 for Antonio the state of this field.

 

[Rollthedice]

Top 25 for Antonio the state of this field.

He was pushing the pace in front at some 1.5 km to go. It's not the field, it's Antonio getting ready for Lombardia.

 

[Rollthedice]

Basically as expected. Always close to the front, looked decent.

Maybe could have placed a few positions higher if he didn't box himself in but it doesn't matter much.

Damn, he missed the top 10, finished 11th. Yes, tomorrow we'll see how's the shape.

 

[Red Rick]

1st places are Bag on the menu boys and girls

 

[TourOfSardinia]

Just in time to tempt
Remco downhill again

 

[Lui98]

He did it. Vincenzo had great legs today and he finally delivered.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

BELLISSSIIIMOOO

 

[TourOfSardinia]

He did it. Vincenzo had great legs today and he finally delivered.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

What a great performance. Attacking decisively in the climb. Having the legs to stay away. Increasing the gap on the descent. A masterclass. And I know is a small race.

A shame now he will be more marked by rivals next Saturday. I wish a little more under the radar. But its worth it to win the home race.

And yes, organisers did their best to gift the race to him with this stage. But he finished the job

 

[Ivan_Basso_77]

To me it doesn't matter that this is a small race. Signs of life are here. Grazie Vincenzo. Solo la vittoria e bella.

 

[dercuforever]

Great victory ! Could see how much it meant to him. That's a real boost of confidence.

 

[DoYouEvenRideBruh]

For all I care Nibali could be winning the local criterium in Messina. As long as I see him cross that finish line with raised arms... it makes me so happy.

 

[Rollthedice]

Small race, big win. Home in Sicily, tears and finally the bag is back! In style!

 

[Carols]

After watching literally Thousands of bike races in my life rarely have I been as happy as watching the last 25km of this race. Grazie Vincenzo!!! Forever a Champion!! Whoever gave him dossard #1 had foresight .
On to Glory at Il Lombardia, there is still bite in that Shark

 

[Breezy1985]

Small race, big win. Home in Sicily, tears and finally the bag is back! In style!

Did they pass by his house to see his trophy cabinet ?

 

[Breezy1985]

Small race, big win. Home in Sicily, tears and finally the bag is back! In style!

Did they pass by his house to see his trophy cabinet ?

 

[Rollthedice]

Did they pass by his house to see his trophy cabinet ?

That's stashed away in Lugano.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Great week for trek segafredo. Victory for Vincenzo. 9th overall for Niklas, 12th overall for Antonio, 1st overall in teams classification.

 

[skippo12]

Didn´t even need the downhill. Easily dropped the 3rd tier climbers. 40s gap in less than 5km. Difficult to say what that means for Lombardia but I cannot help myself. It´s in the bag.