Christmas Eve around the corner!
The only thing I can frown on is a route that is perhaps a little too hard, with the risk of it becoming a total dissapointment of a snoozefest. I don't know whether Martigný would have been that much better compared to Imola, it turned out to be a dull fest, with only Pogi getting away on the penultimate lap. Highly due to all favorites were afraid to expose themselves too early.
On the other hand, we have since witnessed that the new superstars are not afraid to expose themselves. And those who are least afraid are the two favourites in advance here.
However, still the risk of pure snooze party if it turns out to be a two man battle, the one reading soft spots in his competitors defense and rapidly get it done with a few punches and, hence, a race that is decided long before the finish line.
That's exactly why I like well-thought-out route designs - which give the chance to both classic riders, GC riders, sprinters, puncheurs, etc. And then sometimes with a weather that delivers an extra unknown compared to again other types with higher stamina under severe conditions.
In fact, if I have to be a bit harsh, I actually think much better of Harrogate's and Leuven's route designs, which in my world have given us some of the best WC RRs in history.
But basically. It's my Christmas Eve.
And the same thing has happened throughout all +40 years, I get completely electric all the way out in the chair, whether it's an early morning break where absolutely nothing happens. And especially when watching a TV broadcast where there is no chatter of indifferences constantly (which just punctures the balloon, less is more) but rather little heist stories, while nothing really happens.
Either way, I can feel what's happening to me right now into my bones and nerves just reading the OP's rundown here. Full thrills.
I'm ready. Game on!
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