Tour of Flanders

[steve471]

Ok I know there are some cycling fans on this board and wanted to hear your picks for this weekends race. I myself think Boonen looks hard to beat, the man is just riding awesome right now. So there is my pick what do you others think?









Please tell me there are others that follow this. If so maybe we can devise a way to put some cigars on the line for the big classics coming up.

[Marathon]

Sorry I didn't see this earlier, Steve. I didn't think Boonen would repeat - not because I didn't think he was strong enough, I just wasn't "feelin' him". Prior to the race, I might have been inclined to lean towards Fabian Cancellara or Karsten Kroon. Again, no particular reason, just gut feeling. Good thing we weren't betting. Good to see Georgie get third.

[steve471]

All right somebody else does follow cycling!!

Well I'm feeling Georgie for P-R. Felt bad Hoste made the break with him at the back, bad timing by Hoste who seems to just want to ride for himself. George was not real happy after the race bu tried to remain diplomatic. Remember a couple weeks ago when Hoste chased down a break that Hammond was in, I just get a bad feeking about this guy.

Ghent is up in the air haven't made my mind up about that one yet.

Just did my first race of the season today, a 42 mile crit with a sprint every third lap or mile. Finished 12th out of fifty some riders which made me real happy because I hate crits and I was racing against a bunch of cat 2 + 3's God I am hurting so I had to have a great Cuban cigar to help ease the pain.

[Marathon]

I've been a mountain biker for about 10 years. I've got a Cannondale CAAD 5 frame sitting in the garage waiting to be built up, though, so I'm a pending road weenie .

A friend and I have been discussing for several years taking a month and going to Europe to kick around and catch the spring classics. Probably one of those things that will never happen, but at least fun to think about.

I would love to see George win Paris-Roubaix.

[Alpedhuez55]

Originally Posted by steve471

Please tell me there are others that follow this. If so maybe we can devise a way to put some cigars on the line for the big classics coming up.

I could be in on that action!!!

I forgot about Fladders. I just hads way to much going on this weekend.

I think it is hard not to go with Boonen for PR. He is the best sprinter in the business, and he will not let a break get away.

[Marathon]

I assumed from your user name you were a cycling fan, and was wondering when you'd join in.

[Pablo]

I never figured Ned Flanders for a Mountain Biker.

[steve471]

Absolutely Boonen is definately the hands down favorite and if you want to win he is "the" man to beat. Since Marathon expressed his "feeling George" for P-R premonition I will go with a long shot and say Flecha. Garaunteed the guy is gonna have a go and if they are innattentive enough and let him get a gap he is gonna be hell to bring back, and I'd look for Kroon to be joining him in the split. Well there's my prediction.

[free_jazz]

Glad to see Boonen took it. Must be nice having Bettini on the same team.

[mosesbotbol]

Boonen is the man. Classics are a hard one predict, now that this thread is active, let's talk Paris-Roubaix. Could Hincapie win it? Another Boonen victory? Hushvold? Hincapie looks good.

My pick is Hincapie for P-R. His career is deserving of it.

[steve471]

Hincapie is deserving no doubt but I think he lacks the killer instinct to try a make or break move like Hoste did yesterday. You can't take Boonen to the line and expect to beat him like George did last year. IMO you have to go after a flurry of attacks that is the only way to break free from the Quick Step juggernaut. Then the hard part is staying away from them which prove darn near impossible with Pozzato, Bettini, and the rest riding so strong. I gotta believe the attack will come a long way out and hope to stay there and Flecha fits the bill for me.

[Marathon]

I can't argue with your logic, Steve. I think a long break probably has the best chance.