Pro Racing Performances

[oll]

Having watched the Paris -Nice and the Tirreno-Adriatico this last week and seeing some fantastic, awe-inspiring performances I thought it might be a good idea to have a discussion document running through the year.

We could post the performances that stand out and as the racing year ends we can debate the best performances.

So far the three performances that stand out are

De Gendt for his breakaways in the Paris-Nice

Voeckler for no fear on the wet roads in the Paris-Nice.

Cadel Evans in the Tirreno-Adriatico. The stage win by Evans was timed to perfection and what a tough finish.

Now what will the Milan-San Remo bring this weekend?

[oll]

The Milan-San Remo was another great race. Again some great performances. Really impressive to see Scarponi bridging the gap before reaching the Poggio climb. When it came down to a sprint at the end it had to be a victory for Goss, however with Gilbert and Cancellara up there it could be a forerunner for some big tussles in the other 'Classics'.

[oll]

The Tour of Flanders

What an absolutely fantastic race and I am in awe of the riders.

Ben and myself decided to do a ride as a Homage to the Tor of Flanders- taking in the flatlands out to Misson, Park Drain and Wroot before returning to take in the short , sharp climbs around Firbeck- including Brookhouse. My legs felt so heavy!!! So to think these guys are doing this type of ride, but much longer and much faster and with more climbs!!!!

It was exciting and to see Geraint Thomas up in the mix was great, certainly shouting encouragement at the TV, but Cancellara just continues to amaze me. To ride and stay away for such a distance and then to have another go. Awesome.

[bennyburrito]

The Tour of Flanders was already my favorite race and this years edition proved why. It had a bit of everything in it and it certainly tees up this weekends Paris Roubaix to be an absolute cracker.

As Oll said to see Cancellara just turn on the power and pull away with 40kms to go was just breathtaking. The fact he was beaten takes nothing away from what was an awesome effort.

As mentioned in his previous post in 'Homage' to the race we embarked on our version of the Flanders race and blasted off east for a flat but very very windy hard first 40 miles followed by 15 miles of short sharp hills to finish the legs off.

The see the route in more detail please click on the link below;

connect.garmin.com/activity/77152532

In anticipation of the Giro we are intending on doing another ride in 'Homage' to this race and will be heading out towards Matlock looking for lots and lots of hills. We will update the forum nearer the time for those that may be interested.

My pick for this weekends race is Sebastien Chavanel.

Ben

[oll]

Well onto the Paris Roubaix and yet again another classic and exciting race. What is happening this season?

Really interesting to see the tactics being played out by Cancellara and Thor. Of course with Van Summerin in the lead it was easy for Thor to sit in. But when Cancellara went with a few km to go it was unbelievable. Really pleased he managed to get the second place.

Well Ben, yor pick of Chavanel didn't happen, but he certainly passed the Man Test carrying on after his tumble!

[oll]

The Amstel Gold Race today, maybe not the same excitement leading upto the final few kms, but what a great finish by Gilbert, had he gone too early trying to catch Andy Schleck and would he have enough left. In the end he made it look easy, but the shots of him as he climbed off his bike showed he was at the limit.

The shots of Cancellara trying to get back to the peloton after his tumble were amazing. Sweeping round the corners and between team cars, real bike handling skills