Who will win the 2009 Amstel Gold Race?

[dylanfly]

Who will win the Amstel?

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

What's with the 'or's?

Gilbert gets my support!

 

[BroDeal]

My man Cunego will win again if he starts. I have not seen a start list yet.

 

[bikepure]

whats ur 1,2,3

why is Valverde in the selection. Banned , cuffeed and behind bars.

The races finishes after 31 climbs on the Cauberg, which when you look at it would seem the big sprinters would be ruled out but Zabel is a past winner ..So im going for strong men needing a win:
1, Philippe Gilbert,
2,Damiano Cunego
3, Karstin Kroon the form is there

 

[Epicycle]

My man Cunego will win again if he starts. I have not seen a start list yet.

He'll be there.

Cyclingfever has a preliminary startlist.
http://startlist.cyclingfever.com/startlist.html?_p=startlijst&id=19123

Too bad DiLuca will miss another edition.

 

[Zoncolan]

Cunego for sure looks like the man to beat judging on his recent form.

Podium:
1. Cunego
2. Valverde
3. Scarponi

Dark horse: Joaquin Rodriguez

 

[Jasper]

1. Cunego
2. Valverde

3. Rebellin
4. F. Schleck


Same names as last years edition, other ranking. I think Gilbert can get inside the top 10, but winning won't be possible I'm afraid, as he's against fresh fit and highly motivated riders, while he's already had a very tiring spring campaign so far.

 

[titan_90]

Davide Rebellin

 

[jaylew]

why is Valverde in the selection. Banned , cuffeed and behind bars.

Not true. He's still racing and winning. I haven't yet heard that he's been banned from any of the Ardennes races and if he's there he's a good bet to win at least one.

 

[BikeCentric]

I picked Cunego as well - he's on form and ideally suited to that race its many short(er) power climbs. Valverde will be dangerous as always as well.

 

[Kazistuta]

Where is Sami Sanchez? Or does anyone know something I don't?

I would consider him right up there along with Cunego, Valverde and Rebellin if he starts. And Sami has proven that he's right on form.

Two outsiders not on the voting list: Alexandre Kolobnev and David De La Fuente - both have very good form right now and should be suited well for this race.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

My understanding is that Sanchez is preparing his entire season around winning the Vuelta.

I picked Valverde, as I think he has some fire, and an axe to grind before he gets suspended. But I really want Cunego to win. I like the kid, despite some of his youthful exuberance in 2004. If Simoni forgives him and says he'll support him, I will too.

 

[Jasper]

The question is, will the organisers of the three upcoming ardennes classics take the risk of letting Valverde start, while it is quite possible that he gets a suspension next month? I mean, he's a serious contender for victory in all three races, so chances are likely he takes another win. They surely don't want to take the risk of his potential victory blowing up in their faces later on, when he gets suspended? It's not like they couldn't see it coming...

 

[skidmark]

I dunno about the organizers and Valverde. I haven't heard anything, but it must have come up...

Until he's banned, I'm picking him to win his first Amstel, he's got a reason to be motivated for sure.

 

[dylanfly]

What's with the 'or's?

Gilbert gets my support!

What's with Gilbert? Has he even had a top-twenty placing in this race? He's more of a "hard man", no? Not quick ready to handle such huge amounts of climbing I think. This is a really hilly race!

Gilbert's best results in related races: 2007 19th in Flèche Wallonne
16th in Liège - Bastogne - Liège

 

[dylanfly]

Any word on Elmiger?

I read that Elmiger crashed in the Paris-Roubaix. Any one know if he's okay? He's a great rider and stands to do very well in the classics if healthy! Please update!

 

[Merckx]

When I play Pro Cycling manager, Frank Schleck always seems to win the Amstel Gold Race. So.... I'm going with Franky on this one