The professional cycling thread

[BlackVanDyke]

Anyone watching Gent-Wevelgem?

[Dicky88]

Yes was a great race in horrible conditions. Gutted for G he did loads of work there but etixx messed that one up again. Hope G can win Flanders in this form.

[Celtic Dragon]

Etixx have just made the headlines!

[Slaav]

How many times are we going to see experienced pro cyclists GUARANTEE they won't win themselves in favour of not towing someone and giving them a free rude/tow?

Today, GT did a huge amount if work but Etixx were sooooo preoccupied by not giving anyone a free tide that the let the winner, Paolini get away?

[Dr Imran T]

Slaav said:

How many times are we going to see experienced pro cyclists GUARANTEE they won't win themselves in favour of not towing someone and giving them a free rude/tow?

Today, GT did a huge amount if work but Etixx were sooooo preoccupied by not giving anyone a free tide that the let the winner, Paolini get away?

Seen this happen many times. There are some cyclists that just sit on the wheel of a fast guy, get a free tow and then jump them at the end.

Personally I'd say that's all part of the tactics of cycling. I have noted that some pro cyclists are so obsessed about not towing anyone to the line, they end up allowing some relative unknown to steal the victory.

Imagine how hard it is for a marked man like fabian?

[Sway]

Indeed. I think it's fair to say that in one day events at least, it's almost impossible for the 'best' rider in the peloton to win - unless they have significant levels of support from their team (either a whole team capable of controlling the pack, or two/three guys very nearly as strong to pull as a mini group against all comers).

I think a big part of the 'curse of the rainbow jersey' is that the rider won as no-one thought he was a threat, then has the hoops that prove he is for all to see for the rest of the year!

[Rich_W]

I saw this quote elsewhere

unknown said:

After E3 on Friday and Ghent Wevelgem. If I was Dave Brailsford I know who's I want as the protected rider at Roubaix. And it isn't Wiggins

It's a fair point. But I'll suggest that if the mood takes him Wiggins can still deliver victory on a one day event. So if Roubaix is dry and relatively wind free and he's there or thereabouts with 20K to go. He'll give it everything. And be in with a great shout of winning. And I would love for him to win.

But if it's rainy and he's had multiple punctures and is nowhere near. It might be better having Thomas there as a back up.

[Matt_N]

New Pinarello K8-S features 10mm of suspension travel due to seat stay mounted shock and chain stay compliance ready for Paris - Roubaix:

http://pelotonmagazine.com/feedzone/pinarello-k8-s...

[Jonnny]

Matt_N said:

New Pinarello K8-S features 10mm of suspension travel due to seat stay mounted shock and chain stay compliance ready for Paris - Roubaix:

http://pelotonmagazine.com/feedzone/pinarello-k8-s...

Very good idea that.

[Sway]

Trek did that yonks ago, but on their hardtail cross country frame...

Always surprised me that they never transferred it across to road, although Specialized have a similar idea now as well don't they?

[Dowks]

Trek did it on a road bike for Roubaix also 10 years ago

http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/road/2005/apr05/rou...

[JuniorD]

Dowks said:

Trek did it on a road bike for Roubaix also 10 years ago

http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/road/2005/apr05/rou...

It's funny how things have emerged such that when I read about how the bike assisted his 2nd place, my first thought is that doping possibly had more to do with it

[Sway]

I rode their cross country 'flextail' a few times, and it was like magic...

At the time, full suspension was nowhere near good enough for quick cross country - too heavy, flexy and power sapping out of the saddle.

This thing was quick, very quick. Yet not tiring, as it took all the sting out of sharp ridges.

Can only imagine that it'll make a big difference at Roubaix - better traction and less fatiguing.

Anyone got broadcast details for P-R?

[Matt_N]

Live on Eurosport 1 from 11.45 on the 12th.

[Dr Imran T]

Don't forget we have 'Tour of Flanders' this Sunday chaps

[Don1]

Don't - was flicking past Eurosport re-running the 2014 race, and was getting very excited until I looked at the date....

[mcelliott]

Dowks said:

Trek did it on a road bike for Roubaix also 10 years ago

http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/road/2005/apr05/rou...

Ha, that's not a proper Paris Roubaix bike, but this is...

[Jonnny]

Don1 said:

Don't - was flicking past Eurosport re-running the 2014 race, and was getting very excited until I looked at the date....

Cancellara healed from that broken back quickly.. Oh..

I re-watched it too.

[johnxjsc1985]

Enjoying a Sunday sitting on the sofa watching the TDF thats Flanders.
just seen Tom Boonen interviewed WTF he looks like a skinny old man. I just love the spring classics my Hero Tommy Simpson won this race many many years ago.

[untakenname]

Watching atm on Eurosport, one rider just got punted off at speed by a team car misjudging the corner, can the drivers be done for dangerous/careless driving or does the highway code not apply in races?