Last few years Cavendish, when in top form, is unbeatable in mass sprints.
But lately I saw the question raised by some posters if it's not only due to Cavendish pure speed, but also his rather unimpressive opponents.
We saw Farrar, Greipel, Petacchi and others regularly getting their *** kicked by either second-string sprinters or even neo-professionals like Guardini. Especially when Guardini left the others behind as if they were standing still the eyebrows were raised. Are those guys really Cav's main opponents?
We also noticed that some other strong first year pro sprinters made a very quick transition and started winning immediately or at least placing high. Guys like Howard and Modolo last year, and guys like Degenkolb and Matthews this year (albeit for the harder sprints maybe)...
So, is the current generation of top sprinters behind Cavendish just a weak batch?? Or is the new generation just extremely talented?
But lately I saw the question raised by some posters if it's not only due to Cavendish pure speed, but also his rather unimpressive opponents.
We saw Farrar, Greipel, Petacchi and others regularly getting their *** kicked by either second-string sprinters or even neo-professionals like Guardini. Especially when Guardini left the others behind as if they were standing still the eyebrows were raised. Are those guys really Cav's main opponents?
We also noticed that some other strong first year pro sprinters made a very quick transition and started winning immediately or at least placing high. Guys like Howard and Modolo last year, and guys like Degenkolb and Matthews this year (albeit for the harder sprints maybe)...
So, is the current generation of top sprinters behind Cavendish just a weak batch?? Or is the new generation just extremely talented?