Worlds Copenhagen 2011

[Buffalo Soldier]

Boonen could win this.

 

[Havetts]

Whatever has a hill in the last 5 kilometer will be a prey to Gilbert if he times it correct and the domestiques are knocked out by an extreme tempo of Belgium .

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

If Belgium make the race hard enough to drop the sprint domestiques he should be able to win.

Everyone but GB and Belgium will be in a tough position, try and beat Cav in a sprint, or beat Gilbert in a selective race. I would be leaning towards the sprint at the moment.

it also helps belgium a great deal that GBR only has 5 riders with a uci score at the moment. They need a couple more to get points.

 

[dlwssonic]

Gilbert can really win it easily. Rainbow colors in BMC!

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

Gilbert can really win it easily. Rainbow colors in BMC!

depends how big and strong the opposition teams are in the final lap. Because if they power up the start of teh climb it could neutralize attacks, including gilbert.

but at this point I wouldn't put it past him.

 

[dlwssonic]

depends how big and strong the opposition teams are in the final lap. Because if they power up the start of teh climb it could neutralize attacks, including gilbert.

but at this point I wouldn't put it past him.

canc might have a chance too. No amount of riders can stop him.

 

[auscyclefan94]

you have gotta love the Belgiums at the worlds. They are always animators and race aggressively.

 

[Swabian Lass]

I don't know that Gilbert will win it easily. If they can't drop the GB team by the end, Cavendish may get his leadout and if that happens the money is on him. I agree that Gilbert is the front runner though. One thing's for sure, he'll attack, and attack....and attack. He won't let it become dull for sure.

 

[El Pistolero]

I hope Tommeke wins

 

[sagard]

canc might have a chance too. No amount of riders can stop him.

I think so too. He was checking out how fast he could sprint on stage 21. If he can get the real high end guys out of the final selection, he'll take a shot.

 

[dlwssonic]

I think so too. He was checking out how fast he could sprint on stage 21. If he can get the real high end guys out of the final selection, he'll take a shot.

He can power away from the peloton too. Heard it was technical before the finishing line. He has a good sprint. He did well in this years MSR sprint too.

 

[usedtobefast]

I hope Tommeke wins

yeah,he is my pick.

 

[Alex Simmons/RST]

Who's going to be there to watch?
I'll be there (support for a client competing).

It was 1998 since I was last in Copenhagen.

 

[Fus087]

So there's a kick in the last kilometer, it wont force a selection, only make the sprint longer/harder. If Cavendish can win a bunch sprint at Cap Fréhel then it should be no problem for a sprinter. Unless your name is Guardini or Van Hummel.

You forget that this kick is done 17 times. As is another 400m, 5-6% uphill, and several other short uphills. The route is up-and-down (not much, but still never flat) and with relatively many turns for the first ~7 km. The second half is more straightforward and flattish, with the last turn at around 800m to go.

My prediction: If he's in the same form as now, Gilbert will go solo on the last lap on Søllerød Slotsbakke (the 400m, 5-6% uphill). From there it's ~11 km to the finish. It's 50-50 if he'll make it.
If not, Cancellara (or someone of that type) could try something at the roundabout with ~2 km to go.
And if there's a bunch sprint after all, it's for the Hushovd/Breschel types - you can die several times on that final uphill.


And to answer Alex Simmons: Yes, I'll definitely be there.

 

[karlboss]

I dare say if Gilbert couldn't get away and stay away on a climb that gains 100m at 8%, decend and then another which gains 60m at more than 10%, he's not going away over 100m climbing per lap spaced over 3 large bumps and assorted smaller bumps. The only person capable of staying away is cancellara and at the worlds without anything super selective to make a break it is unlikely. If Gilbert wins it'll be in the sprint.

Final 400m at 6% will decide the winner. Bunch Sprint of at least 50 riders. I'll be cheering for Sagan.

 

[Fus087]

karlboos, you leave out the hurling headwind on the last lap in Geelong (I suppose that's what you're hinting at). Without that, Gilbert may have stayed away; he said so himself.
There won't be significant wind on this year's course, it's mostly surrounded by forest.

But yes, a small-ish bunch sprint is the most likely outcome.

 

[karlboss]

Maybe, though he was caught with about 3km to go and needed to hold on for 6. If in still condidtions he could have held for 6 and only managed 3...that is one hell of a head wind.

 

[RedheadDane]

Is it bad of me that my initial reaction after hearing that Grabsch might be a favourite for the TT was "Is Cancellara not competing?"?

 

[RedheadDane]

Oh. You're just jealous that in this case World Championship in the Capital actually meant exactly that!
I might not be a Copenhagener myself but having the WC is freaking cool!

 

[maltiv]

Who's going to be there to watch?
I'll be there (support for a client competing).

It was 1998 since I was last in Copenhagen.

I'll be there of course, together with the rest of Norway, looking silly with all our flags. I imagine Denmark will look like it has been occupied by Norway!

 

[RedheadDane]

There's even gonna be an extra ferry! You crazy-crazy Norwegians!

 

[Hugo Koblet]

I'll be there! Have been looking forward to this for a very long time!

 

[just some guy]

I'll be there! Have been looking forward to this for a very long time!

Cant decide to make the trip from Stockholm or not.

 

[Kazistuta]

Obviously going.....can't let the Norwegians (although they've got two major favorites) get all the audience attention!!

 

[Descender]

I'll be there as long as I can find a suitable train connection back to Germany.