Who will win Strade Bianche 2015 ?

[JaffaGT]

Who will win Strade Bianche 2015 ?

 

[SeriousSam]

I'm hoping Valverde but it's obviously going to be Stybar.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

What is Viviani doing in the poll? I don't even think he's gonna win if he's the only one in the race.

Without knowing the complete startlist, the favorites should be something like this:

***** Valverde, Sagan
**** Cancellara
*** GVA, Cunego
** Nibali, Moser, Vanmarcke, Pozzato, Boom, Stybar

Is the complete startlist available somewhere?

 

[lemon cheese cake]

Everybody stop!!! Defending champ Kwaitowski isnt on the list!!!!

Other than that Cancellara wont win now that Ive cursed him by choosing him. He is my pick though.

 

[LaFlorecita]

I hope Stybar will do well and I hope Valverde won't win.

 

[Jspear]

Who will win? No clue. I want Cancellara to win.
Ya strange to see Viviani on the list. Valverde will be 2nd.

 

[JaffaGT]

Kwiatkowski is not racing?

 

[Sinafey]

Kwiatkowski is not racing?

In this year no. He prepare for P-N.

 

[Wallace]

I voted Cancellara. I'm not a fan--especially because he keeps beating the guys I like--but he's in monster form now. I'd be astonished if he doesn't win a monument or two this season (and yes, I know Strade Bianche isn't a monument).

 

[phanatic]

Went with Valverde, though I don't know if he has last year's form, or similar. LOL at Cance being tied for the lead and no votes for Sagan. If Fabian can't win, he can still make sure Peter loses.

 

[Volderke]

Gilbert not in the list?

 

[Dr. Juice]

What are the characteristics required to win this race? I know a powerful allrounder with or without good sprinting abilities will win.
But I know P-R ...you need a big engine and ability on cobbles. Etc Etc.

What are the difficulties? Are there many steep sections? Special technique for the sterrato?

 

[DFA123]

What are the characteristics required to win this race? I know a powerful allrounder with or without good sprinting abilities will win.
But I know P-R ...you need a big engine and ability on cobbles. Etc Etc.

What are the difficulties? Are there many steep sections? Special technique for the sterrato?

I think when it's dry the sterrato doesn't have a massive impact on the race, apart from looking amazing - no special technique required like on cobbles. When wet it becomes very slow and sticky and would make attacks much more likely, because a greater proportion of power goes towards fighting rolling resistance than wind resistance.

There are a lot of steep sections (double digit steep). Most are short and it's a bit like Amstel Gold in that respect - but without the ridiculous street furniture. These are plenty enough though to make several selections throughout the race.

Finish is like a short Mur de Huy - I think about 20% at the steepest, followed by a flat final 200m to the main square.

 

[bala v]

Gilbert could do well, if he's riding. I think he has some good form, he's well suited to Siena finish, and also can attack from far out.

I see Viviani have one vote, pretty interesting. Somebody from the family I suppose

 

[Eshnar]

What are the characteristics required to win this race? I know a powerful allrounder with or without good sprinting abilities will win.
But I know P-R ...you need a big engine and ability on cobbles. Etc Etc.

What are the difficulties? Are there many steep sections? Special technique for the sterrato?

Think of it as a mix between Flanders and Amstel.
Just take a look at last year's top 10 and you'll notice how many different kind of riders can win this. The sterrato is not as problematic as the cobbles, but it does make a selection even when dry (for reference see the carnage last year on sector 7, the longest and hardest of the race, where the peloton entered with 100ish riders and left with 20 and attacks all over the place). When dry you have to be careful descending AND climbing, as you don't have as much grip as on tarmac and you better stay on the saddle to not let your rear wheel slip. On wet, it's as bad as a Roubaix, period.

 

[Carols]

I voted for Cancellara to win but I would like to see Pippo podium something this spring!!!

 

[elfed68]

Valverde for second.

 

[markene2]

Iglin.. Oh wait, Valverde will take this!

 

[May0maniac]

Iglin.. Oh wait, Valverde will take this!

Is Lutsenko racing Strade Bianche?

 

[Bexon30]

Iglin.. Oh wait, Valverde will take this!

If he enters the last climb in a select group of riders who can hold his wheel going up and out kick him on the line? If in form Valverde for me takes it.

 

[Beacon Hill]

Gilbert looks in good nick ... is he down to start?

Otherwise someone like Kennaugh or Battaglin as dark horses. Suppose its best to wait until the startlist is available.

 

[Oliver]

Gilbert will ride Paris-Nice (like Kwiatkowski).

Come on Nibali!

Other riders who compete: Arredondo, Visconti, Uran, Kreuziger, Niemiec, Pozzato, Nocentini, Lobato & S Sanchez

 

[Beacon Hill]

Forgot about this guy ...

https://twitter.com/MorenoMoser/status/572523976825704448

 

[SafeBet]

Voted for Stybar. More of a gut feeling than a rational choice.

 

[MBotero]

Valverde to forget in this race that he loves the podium places more and to make the mistake of going for the win