The professional cycling thread

[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.

[Matt_N]

Don't think you'll find one, could only find the video on Steephill.

[Matt_N]

johnxjsc1985 said:

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

Agree.

Etixx were clearly setting it up for a Boonen sprint but when Boonen broke away at 5km or so to go they expected Stannard to try and cover it and wear himself out.

By Stannard keeping calm and slowly reeling him back it not onto saved his legs but left Boonen exposed and tired.

Vandenburgh had done most of the work for them so was cooked and then Terpstra went onto the front and basically gave Stannard a nice lead out!

He played them superbly, chapeau.

[nammynake]

Think I've found one:

http://www.cyclingfans.com/node/17177

[johnxjsc1985]

I can't remember such a comprehensive drubbing by a lone rider against a team of three he killed them.
What a great start to the spring races for Sky

[Jonnny]

To be fair, Stannard said himself.. If the chasing pack wasn't so fast he'd have had no chance as Etixx would have repeatedly attacked him, but with the pack only 25s behind they pretty much had to carry him along.

[johnxjsc1985]

Jonnny said:

To be fair, Stannard said himself.. If the chasing pack wasn't so fast he'd have had no chance as Etixx would have repeatedly attacked him, but with the pack only 25s behind they pretty much had to carry him along.

he was being attacked all the time while two of them rested.
Looking forward to todays race I think highlights are on Eurosport later.

[nammynake]

johnxjsc1985 said:

he was being attacked all the time while two of them rested.
Looking forward to todays race I think highlights are on Eurosport later.

Live on Eurosport 2 at 1:45pm, then highlights on Eurosport at 5pm.

[johnxjsc1985]

nammynake said:

Live on Eurosport 2 at 1:45pm, then highlights on Eurosport at 5pm.

Good days viewing.footie,cycling ,dinner , snooze then top gear all equals angry wife

[johnxjsc1985]

just watching Stannard inflicting pain again the man must be made of granite

[johnxjsc1985]

Sky have had some start to this season.

[johnxjsc1985]

anyone like to take a punt at the winner?

[johnxjsc1985]

Wow what a great finish and a great start to the spring races.

[Matt_N]

Great finish from the Manx missile, brilliant weekend for thr Brits.

[Gruffy]

That drubbing I gave him last year shamed into some great form over the winter

[johnxjsc1985]

6 wins so far for Cav he seems to have got his edge back.Not a bad weekend for the Brits