The professional cycling thread

[Matt_N]

And the fact that it was Omega-Pharma Quickstep.

[mcelliott]

Matt_N said:

And the fact that it was Omega-Pharma Quickstep.

All right all right!

[Matt_N]

To be fair he's in with a good chance this year too.

[anonymous-user]

I guess it depends if anyone targets Omloop over KBK? Stybar, Terpstra and Devenyns are on the startlist for Omloop but not KBK. Quickstep look like they could work over the other teams on Saturday and then unleash a fresh Boonen on Sunday...

MTN look strong this year, they have quietly been picking up riders of good quality who have been pushed out of bigger teams and now have EBH, Farrar and have kept Ciolek.

I only hope that Russ Downing does something epic, he wont get many chances on this stage and it would be good to see him feature in a break

[Leithen]

UCI Wants to Remove Astana’s Licence.

Interesting times.

[Don1]

Leithen said:

UCI Wants to Remove Astana’s Licence.

Interesting times.

Finally.

[spikeyhead]

Leithen said:

UCI Wants to Remove Astana’s Licence.

Interesting times.

Let's hope it sticks and they're thrown out. It would be the move that ensures that systemic doping becomes a thing of the past.

[Matt_N]

Good, you only have to look at the 4 riders they have had banned over the last few months to see that there seems to be a 'culture' in the team.

Dirtier than a pair of knickers from one of those women that only showers once a week from that thread in the lounge.

[ewenm]

I hope the UCI have all their legal ducks in a line this time (ref Katusha). I'd guess the evidence must be compelling for them to take such a public step though. Go UCI!

[anonymous-user]

Yes this has lots of promise given the wording of the press statement.

[JuniorD]

Probably good if it happens, but a shame for the clean riders on the team, which I would like to hope includes Nibbles.

[The Stiglet]

JuniorD said:

Probably good if it happens, but a shame for the clean riders on the team, which I would like to hope includes Nibbles.

Where can he go now if they don't get a wildcard to the Tour? If he's clean then it's a complete disaster.

[mcelliott]

JuniorD said:

Probably good if it happens, but a shame for the clean riders on the team, which I would like to hope includes Nibbles.

Heard that Ouick Step are ready to offer a contract.

[anonymous-user]

If I was Nibbles, I'd keep my head down for a while, if he was to join another team and couldnt reproduce last years tour winning performances there might be a few difficult questions directed at him.

I doubt many teams will be able to afford him, nor will be prepared to disrupt their plans at this stage to accomodate him, lets be fair, he can sell himself as a clean GT winning rider so can command a healthy fee regardless of what is happening or what people suspect.

its harsh for Boom and Aru but never understood why they signed with Astana in the first place...

[Jacobyte]

What a fantastic performance from Stannard. Quickstep had it in the bag and got deservedly punished for arsing about.

[johnxjsc1985]

ewenm said:

I hope the UCI have all their legal ducks in a line this time (ref Katusha). I'd guess the evidence must be compelling for them to take such a public step though. Go UCI!

if they see it through its probably the most significant step against Drug taking in professional sport.

[Matt_N]

Omloop chat below, so if you haven't seen the result yet look away...







Wow, what a ride from Stannard there, up against it with Etixx but he rode a great last 5 or so km.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

Matt_N said:

Omloop chat below, so if you haven't seen the result yet look away...







Wow, what a ride from Stannard there, up against it with Etixx but he rode a great last 5 or so km.

That was absolutely monster from Stannard. The way he rode Boonen off the wheel was stellar.

[johnxjsc1985]

How did he beat a three man team riding against him that was awesome.

[nammynake]

Absolutely incredible - what a beast !

Does anyone have a link to the race / final kms in English? I could only find a Dutch one.