World Championships 2023: Men's Road Race (August 6)

[King Boonen]

Forgot to say, was a couple of lads squaring up outside Connolly's shouting at each other in uninteligeble weegie on the circuit last night. A mustn't miss sight for everyone visting our fair city! Don't worry, their bark is almost always worse than their bite. Maybe MVDP could pop down and ask them to be quiet?

 

[TrekCyclist]

Evenepoel not the favourite for me. Climbs just not long enough. The course seems to suit Pedersen or MvdP better, at lease on paper. Curious to see in what shape Alaphilippe will show up.

 

[Nick2413]

There will be tons of small groups scattered throughout the circuit. No big teams chasing and covering every move. Maybe a couple teams with multiple riders but it will be hectic.

 

[Didinho]

6.5% if for 200m they're gonna go mid 30s at least.

I meant through the corner. Went faster uphill offcourse.

 

[Jumbo Visma Fan :)]

What’s the percentage chance of rain tomorrow?

 

[King Boonen]

What’s the percentage chance of rain tomorrow?

This is usually the most accurate forecast. So highest chance of rain when they're likely just reaching Glasgow/on the first couple of laps.

Glasgow (Glasgow) weather

Glasgow 7 day weather forecast including weather warnings, temperature, rain, wind, visibility, humidity and UV

www.metoffice.gov.uk

 

[KZD]

After watching the junior race today, I really don't think that we will have even a reduced bunch sprint. We are going to have either a rider winning solo like today or a sprint in a small group. Can't really understand why a rider like Pidcock is not riding this. He is British, the circuit is hard enough for him to be in contention and would still have a few days to recover before the XCO race.

As for the candidates, Belgium has the strongest team. Remco and Van Aert are two of the biggest favourites and even a rider like Philipsen or Benoot could possibly win on a great day. Regarding the criticism from people like Boonen for bringing three leaders, I think its legitimate but Remco and Van Aert had to be on the team and Philipsen was dominant in the Tour sprints where he was climbing better than any other sprinter and got second in Roubaix so it would be harsh not to bring him even though I think the circuit could is ultimately a bit too hard for him.

Van der Poel should be the favourite, especially if its raining, but will he be able to stay with Remco if he attacks? I think he can and beat him in a sprint but he will need to be right on his wheel when he attacks. Pogačar would have a good chance, if he was on the shape as in the De Ronde but I don't think he will be and not having a rider like Mohorič at his side will also make things more difficult. The Danish team is also looking really good and they should be very motivated after today. If Alaphilippe was in the same shape as two years ago he would be one of top favourites but right now Laporte seems to be their best bet and a really good one.

I will go with Van der Poel for the win. Remco to come second and Pedersen to complete the podium beating Van Aert and Laporte in a reduced sprint. As for surprises watch out for Lutsenko and Kooij.

 

[Aimar16]

Can't really understand why a rider like Pidcock is not riding this. He is British, the circuit is hard enough for him to be in contention and would still have a few days to recover before the XCO race.

From a business point of view, perhaps it makes more sense for Pinarello to have the Dogma XC do well in the cross-country race than to be in the top 10 with the road bike

 

[search]

As for surprises watch out for Lutsenko and Kooij.

Usually Lutsenko performs better in good weather. It won't be super cold, but still not quite perfect for him, I'd think, even if it doesn't rain.

 

[Jagartrott]

After watching the circuit during the juniors' race, I concur with several (ex)riders that this parcours is stupid. It's just... too much. A circus act of sorts.

 

[postmanhat]

After watching the circuit during the juniors' race, I concur with several (ex)riders that this parcours is stupid. It's just... too much. A circus act of sorts.

Because it has corners? Which require skill, courage, and racecraft to be in the right position at the right time. Rather than only relying on a superior physiology?

 

[Jagartrott]

Like I said, and echoing riders, 'too much' - of course cornering, technical skills etc. are relevant and should be tested, but also in RVV there isn't a corner every 300 m (like here: 42 in every 14 km lap).

 

[Netserk]

After watching the circuit during the juniors' race, I concur with several (ex)riders that this parcours is stupid. It's just... too much. A circus act of sorts.

Was the 2018 ECRR also too much?

Was Leuven too much?

 

[meat puppet]

Watched/skimmed the junior races. Seems like Evenepoel attack is inevitable. Only half-joking here: if MVDP or WVA wants to win, they should pre-arrange a rogue split with trade teammates

 

[Valv.Piti]

I don't get it either. I didn't feel like it was completely exaggerated, and riding a crit/kermesse type of race is after all a pretty big discipline in the world of road racing, only that we usually see these type of races on a bit lower level and nobody cares about them. Why not introduce it with a twist of small explosive hills? Sounds good to me.

This is definitely a good course which will produce great racing (hopefully). My only gripe is the fact that they have to ride these flat roads to being with, why not start on the laps?

 

[Skijumper Roglic fan]

Just noticed there are no Russian riders in the Elite Men WCRR. No Vlasov, no other Russians. Is that possible?

 

[RedheadDane]

Just noticed there are no Russian riders in the Elite Men WCRR. No Vlasov, no other Russians. Is that possible?

Russians are still banned from participating.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Hoping for a Philipsen win now just for the memes.

 

[Lequack]

Hoping for a Philipsen win now just for the memes.

He did win today.

 

[SHAD0W93]

He did win today.

Looks like we found another time traveler.

Which is why Philipsen needs to win tomorrow, complete the meme.

 

[wirral]

Michael Matthews to win the sprint from the second group and look disappointed as if he could have won it.

 

[Blanco]

To me, Evenpoel hold the key of the victory. His attack is inevitably coming, or he will try to sneak in the front group like in Wollongong. Once he's there, his group is not going to be caught. Now the question is, who else will be there? If the big teams (Netherlands, Denmark, France...), react with 2nd or 3rd options like for example Van Baarle, Skjelmose and Senechal, then Remco's 2nd win is very likely. But if the top dogs like Van Der Poel, Pedersen and Laporte goes with him, then their chances will become very high.

 

[search]

Michael Matthews to win the sprint from the second group and look disappointed as if he could have won it.

everything but a win would be a disappointment, he said. So yeah, he better be prepared for that.

 

[Jagartrott]

Was the 2018 ECRR also too much?

Was Leuven too much?

These worlds are just one level further. It gets criticized by riders that also did the 2021 and/or 2018 WCC, so I assume that it indeed means those were different than the current one. And I personally do not like it too much, because it feels gimmicky and artificial.

 

[tobydawq]

At least many of the bends are wide. If they had been all narrow, it would have been a freakshow.