Spring classics 2013

[Robyklebt]

Het Whatever the first one, and as usual no ape win

Actually happy and unhappy finally. Happy: Didn't really expect to get to sprint for the win with Villa and his 47 mountain. Unhappy... obviously was so happy at the prospect that I worked waaaaaay to much with him in the end to get the sprint and "compensate" the sprint value a bit... he ended up 4th beaten by something like 80 meters by Sproles..
But the race was interesting, First sieb by the ape, Buttu the hero who entered the annals of RSF as the first sieber in an important race of 2013. Was basically a safety sieb to keep others from siebing in the following mountains... Didn't work, since Allagen siebed... And kept going, while 2/3 of my awesome team was behind. But since he didn't get any help there, that in a way even helped me, we just rode the whole nonpavé but lots of 6+7 section from 59 to 103 with Oma for Allagen and Buttu for me. Mistake there, should have been Gong, but ok, Buttu was stronger, so in the end 3 or 4 km of Peterhans were enough to get back to the front. Next was an Alk keeping away of some apes... but the counter by..? and he remained with only 3 guys.. Lots of small siebs and riders then coming back finally. The favorites on paper, FL-Allagen-Alk obviously couldn't decide who to eliminate, and of course had to watch each other and everybody else too. Villa, no mountain, or Sproles, no pavé, or ok, not that much... Only one of them there and probably much easier for them though. Decisive moments then.... Sieb, Villa dropped as usual, in front... FL rides, but too slow, slow connection couldn't change in time I think, there probably Villa could have been eliminated definetly, or almost, really made to suffer at least. Then last 6** Magram in tempo, only 5 stay, FL without fighting not... FL with fighting and that group does it I think. Even without him, chances were there. But there IMO Allagen wanted to much, he had 2 riders, one of them the best sprinter, 65... all in pretty soon. Just ride with Magram, ask the rest to join at the Lange Munte or the pavé before and probably chances are better. But who knows... in the back, Sieb by FL on the bit before the Lange Munte.... Villa stays, FL then gave up. IMO he should have kept going through the pavé, Villa was fighting for sure, and Fariborz dropped, Fariborz at the point had basically as much energy as Villa... after all Villa usually was in the back being brought back by someone while Fariborz was in front with Scodreanu as help, later Daiken too... just keep riding and good chances Villa drops too.. but he gave up, excellent for me. Then the organization of the chase was pretty easy... Villa 70, Sproles 67, Benni 65 with Steinsson at 60.. Not much back Alk with another 65 who I thought waiting for would make sense, but then wasn't done, ok too. So collaboration.. .in which Villa did way too much, since he had 200 less than Sproles for the sprint and lost..... Plus hadn't realized it was a +1 final.. seeing that I probably would have done a bit less... but seeing how Sproles had that much more energy.. probably still would have lost clearly, maybe beaten the 62 guy for 3rd but bah...

Anyway, cool race, good win by Sproles, not a nice end for the apes, but as I said, getting there wasn't really expected, so not too unhappy finally. Just a bit. But still not planning to ride for Villa in RVV.. Fariborz-Daiken or so looks more promising. Some sprint would help though..

[team fl]

Since when is Omloop a Sprint classic?

Anyway, the only race Bear is riding in February and HE WINS IT AND STEALS IT FROM BENNI! Grrr.....

[Robyklebt]

Not a sprint classic clearly since supersprinter Villa was even beaten by Benni. Grrrrrrrr

[Bear]

Since when is Omloop a Sprint classic?

Anyway, the only race Bear is riding in February and HE WINS IT AND STEALS IT FROM BENNI! Grrr.....

Sorry for that.

Although I dont ride many races at the moment, there are still some important races I really like to win.Het Volk was one of them and the group was good too. My team was not the greatest , but I think I did a good race. I had a lot of luck during the last kms because firefox did not work for 3 minutes. Some siebs and waiting for the right moment to use my riders was the key I think, and of course, the opponents who worked in my favor, or didn't do anything. Power was a key too, especially with 74,X pave. Worked out perfectly for me.

[Robyklebt]

Milano Sanremo

The apes starting at 10, at least that's the plan.

1 D.Gao: Wants to win in a sprint
2 N. Buttu: Wants to help Gao
3 B. Gong: Wants to ride a last monument and help Gao, mainly there as a loader.
4 N. Legrand: Wants to win solo
5 F. Mollagholipour: Wants to bring Gao back to the front after Capo Berta-Cipressa
6 N. de Pellevoisin: Wants to ride downhills and be there
7 P. Scodreanu: Wants to win solo too. Unlike Legrand he'd take a sprint win as well though
8 D. Sekiguchi: Wants to win solo
9 A. Tasman: Wants to win the classics sprint
10 Z. Yamada: Wants to bring back Gao after the Turchino if we have to deal with farmers, or after Le Manie if we have to deal with splitters.

Yep, 10 riders, one will be kicked... not sure which one, for sure not Gao though. Very likely one of Buttu-Gong-de Pellevoisin. Although mmh, they're important because of their helping abilities without being dropped soon... we'll see. Yamada since bringing back the sprinters not really our job with our lowly 89? But knowing the sheep mentality of RSF.... sprinters all flock together since they are too chicken to try it alone, nonsprinters do the same, for the same reason, and they bring a sprinter just in case as well... Who knows, maybe somebody will ride for a sprint... no no, Yamada has to stay I fear. We're not going to give up Gao already there, if we do, will have to be after Capo Berta. So leader, Gao, but as I said, very likely the classics will be allowed to do their own race, not having to wait for Gao. 4 classics incl. Tasman are one "team", Gao and 4 others the other one. Then depending on how the race develops.. one or the other option will be favored. Decision sometime after Capo Berta.

[Robyklebt]

Not much to say actually
Some classic sprinter won, one of 10 or so. Good they had a team without classic sprinter riding for them, otherwise they wouldn't have had a chance against the mass of teams (3) riding for their sprinter.

[Bear]

It didn't feel like a monument.

[Robyklebt]

Damn Hugo!

[Ronson]

First time I rode a classic ... 3rd! It's ok

Congrats to Benni, he really deserved it

[team fl]

What a sensational preparation by Hugo Marxer. Already during Paris - Nice, he was investigating every single inch of the course from Milan to San Remo - which already was reflected in the results then. The final "dress rehersal" was at Handzame, Hugo still in Italy but the team already with his instructions. And, Ollé Ollé won the sprint. A good sign. A short break on Saturday, arrival at the team hotel on Saturday evening, good dinner, good sleep and then: Let Hugo's plan grow and mature. His plan was as simple as genius: a two options tactic for Ollé Ollé and Benni. The Ollé Ollé part was quite simple: Ride for the sprinters, sprint, win. In the end, that was no option anymore, so go on to the Benni stuff and pray, that the weather will have weakened the classic helpers until km 290, the km that was chosen for the attack by Hugo. And well, if Hugo says so, it works. And it worked: his tactical knowledge and grande Stefano Benni's skills led to the inevitable:

MSR VICTORY 2013!!!



Grazie Hugo!

[sylvainmeteo]

2 out of 2 for Shane, he won Dwars Door Vlaanderen and Harelbeke

[team fl]

2 out of 2 for Shane, he won Dwars Door Vlaanderen and Harelbeke

on friday he was just lucky that benni could not ride competitively.

[sylvainmeteo]

2 out of 2 for Shane, he won Dwars Door Vlaanderen and Harelbeke

on friday he was just lucky that benni could not ride competitively.

Yeah, that would have been interesting if he was there... and Shane finished 10th at Deinze Wewelgem, still Ronde van Vlaanderen to finish the month, but I should not be very competitive there

[Robyklebt]

Ayaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa... so we can expect an even weaker team than usual?

[Robyklebt]

RVV, ha!

Ok, the ape will start at 14h.

1 D. Sekiguchi
2 N. Buttu
3 T. Häfeli
4 N. Legrand
5 F. Mollagholipour
6 H. Peterhans
7 P. Scodreanu
8 V. Villa
9 Z. Yamada

Although just saw that Zibi is a Pavéstar too, mmh, he might come in for somebody, damn... .but probably not. Goal is of course the triple win here.

[team fl]

Team FL most probably racing in the evening again after Gent - Wevelgem, at 20h:

x1 Stéphane Antiga
x2 Kenny Banzer
x3 Stefano Benni
x4 Henri Bienvenu
x5 Victor Fargas
x6 Jan Flachbart
x7 Arni Steinsson
x8 Kari Steinsson
x9 Walter Walch

Waiting for somebody to get injured or ill:

- Xaver Unsinn
- Benni Büchel

[Robyklebt]

Not 14h Too bad, the ape would have enjoyed to see (and try to derail) the FL Flanders assault!

[gaurain rx]

So lineup for RVV where the team will have to defend the Gaïolle win of last year. Morning or afternoon, depending on the weather irl.

1. Charles TImonier
2. Tomas Dépucelle
3. Franco DelPonte
4. Yannick Frognet
5. Patrick Ledigé
6. Xavier Lemembré
7. Marissa Lopard
8. Jean Petitjean
9. Terence Vrunethen

[Robyklebt]

Fight between Daiken and Fariborz basically. Daiken won.

[Robyklebt]

Apes at 9!

1 V. Villa: Leader, there to win. Because of him at least part of the controlling will fall to us. Idiot. He better delivers.
2 N. Buttu: From potential RVV leader to simple water carrier on cobble stones.
3 T. Häfeli: Nr 2 (no 3, but 2 too, but 3 as well actually), so protected for as long as possible
4 F. Mollagholipour Nr 3, (no 4, but 3 too, and 2 as well), see Häfeli
5 H. Peterhans: The secret weapon, after all has experience winning on pavé. Middle part man
6 P. Scodranu: Slippped in at the last next to last moment, Legrand was planned, but Nicolas got drunk with Abel, Ivan and Yuri in Magadan, so he we'll stay there while Pompiliu will help.
7 D. Sekiguchi: There for the double, but he refuses to even consider the idea, even downtrained flat to show us that he can't do it. Ok, Villas personal support. Still would think the double cooler, but if he doesn't want
8 Z. Yamada: The oldie in his last monument, With Peterhans "responsible" for the middle part, for the rest he'll look after his long time colleague Häfeli
9 C. Zibi: The south african superstar, here as personal assistant to Fariborz, since he as nr 3 (and 2 and 4) deserves a personal assistant as well.

[Moscow Team Pro]

Moscow ready for Roubaix:

1) JAMIESON: Leader of the team, after Omloop (5 °) Tour of Flanders (6 °) and Ghent-Wewelgem (5 °) is his last chance to win a classic, not the favorite, will have to attack and hope that is the right time?
2) WANG: the young Chinese will be the last leader of the herd, let's see how to resist.
3) ABDASHAT: could you say something in the sprint, but the competition is tough and he will not be leading the pack, it will help if there is a need.
4) MARINESCU: after the red Sarthe want to be his friend and escort Jamieson as far forward as possible.
5) RUCKOJ: more major help.
6) Yurchenko: escort Wang which must remain cool as possible.
7) WEGERLEY, the American is a fish out of water in the team, but will spare no work tomorrow.
8) Grivko: good leg for the team
9) HONCAR: the boy is the first experience, let's see if he can get to Roubaix.

[Moscow Team Pro]

Congratulations to Petit Singe, but race really flat. Anyone with a bit of courage, all waiting for the sprint. Villa 20 km alone and no one attacks him. After running all the classic North I can say that in 99% of cases you can not get yourself. Group without courage.

I love you just as well.



MOSCA

[Robyklebt]

Hehe

But ok, Allagen controlled the end well, and he had chances to beat Villa by following him... good riding by Allagen, but Ape luckier. And ok, IMO he should have let Jamieson in front. Let Villa make the effort to get him back, not a km with Sükrü. And maybe if he goes for sprint, Allagen should have tried to bring back Magram earlier... with Häfeli of course... then I could have done some controlling too. Like this... it was boring

Early escape: 2 guys, hopeless. there were x teams who had "no chance" at the end. And x teams that needed me to work to be weakened. I thought Scodreanu would be dead when we reach the first pavé, but no, nothing at all happened.
Then.. all fit, for me basically ok. I had one of the stronger teams, not on top, not bad either with 3 80 guys, but behind as well, 76-74 army that can stay on pretty long. The only team clearly stronger=forever. And he destroyed it, he was the only one who really could there, others can put me into difficulty a bit, but think there without forever I would have had control until km 228. I had 7 guys, most other 4 or less... and of course Peterhans, Zibi, Yamada and Buttu weren't fit at all, but no number 4 was at this point. Ok, forever opened it up, but badly for himself... shouldn't have used the second rider in the flat. And the monster pavé guy came too early. Then, Allagen closed it. Good for me in retrospect of course, but he could have won it too this way, think he rode well at the end. A bit more communication and his chances even increase, I would have done 2 km more too. Like this it was 4 km more in the end I think (incl one attack) But didn't really know what he was doing, since he didn't tell me, so.. ok, I just follow Sükrü and wait. Allagen basically had 2 possibilities there. 1) Ride for sprint, follow Villa and hope to beat him. Which was possible. 2) Ride for Costanzo AND Sükrü. Attacks, open race. There of course then his opponents are not only Villa, but Eloy and the other 60+ sprinters too... both can work for Allagen, he chose option 1 and almost pulled it off, only almost fortunately for me.

But yes, was boring really. And while I don't think I rode badly, did what I had to do, made no mistakes, right amount of luck, I didn't do anything special either... just was there and that was it. Not that much fun. In the end all passive, yes, but there the race was pretty much closed, Allagen chose option 1. The problem was more before that. The early attack that could and would have weakened me. 2. Siebs.... I need 3 fit riders in the end. fittish. VIlla of course, but Häfeli (who had Mollagholipour as helper for too, changed a bit between the 2, Häfeli had him more, slightly I think) and Mollagholipour too... Other teams with 6 riders, me with 7, I still lose out, since most other teams need 2 guys fit, not 3. Put me under pressure by not letting me have all my 9 guys in front until 50 km from the end. and yes, I only had 8 then when Pompiliu was riding... so Fariborz had only 1 helper (0 actually since I made a mess of it and Villa had 3 and Fariborz only Scodreanu for mysterious reasons..) but not enough... sieb, hard, make me work to come back with Scodreanu, repeat it, don't let me have my full team to help my 3 big guys. Or attack if you think the siebing thing won't work because my team is too strong in the middle to be too isolated. Then I have to kill Scodreanu sooner or later. And then the next one. Zibi I think, don't even know who was nr 2 tempo guy anymore, didn't even get to use him.. So yes, too passive, but not necessarily in the end, when Allagen closed it down, but earlier.

Anyway, ape won, wasn't all that much fun, but a win is a win. Would have preferred the win 2011 with Bakthiyar... which was possible, but completely fucked that one up argh... brr. After a brillant display of how to use siebs and attack I wanted to suck on 43 sprinters... argh. Which killed the group, who had chances there. Argh. But ok ok, today.... yep... doing nothing wins pavé races, yes yes, true up to a point, but only up to a point. Sometimes you have to do something to.

[Moscow Team Pro]

Your analysis is perfect in every way.

I speak for myself: I have only 14 riders in my team, of which 3 sprinters and time trialists 1. I remain 10 for Roubaix. Three of these are under strength because of the Tour de La Sarthe, gregarious, then ok. I'm not on the run at the beginning for this reason and to protect Jamie, and Wang, Lev is to get them up to at least -30. I think there were 4/5 teams that could organize a getaway with 8/9 runners, this would have to work much harder Ape.

Allagen had 5% to beat Villa in a sprint. I think the same form, like energy, Allagen has two runners but Conrad always works. Villa in a sprint just follow a 50 sprint to win.

Would it have been more fair to wait behind and not follow Jamieson?

I attacked because I was hoping that at least 2/3 would follow me, that way I could play me on the podium in this race for me was the maximum target.

At the end of the 4th place is what I could do and I did it, I remain convinced that there was no courage.

[Robyklebt]

Mmh... bigger chance than 5% for Allagen! IMO his decision was one of 2 he could take that made sense. Going for a sprint made sense, and he had chances.

There were other guys with 6x sprint in the group... I can't just wait for a 50 sprint and beat Allagen there, then it's Eloy or Montel or the Freude guy who wins, if they go early (they didn't, good good). If I'm on one of them.. (I was, Montel) then yes, then I will usually win, but there is no guarantee they go early. Because they can expect the others to be on them... So I needed a safety:
Basically my sprint was: At 300 (or 350 forgot) Häfeli goes, Villa follows. All with full energy that would mean:
Villa 75,5
Sükrü 72,5
But ok, Magram went and then I had a bit more 76 vs 72,6 If Magram doesn't go.... it's already closer.. maybe enough for Sükrü already? Don't know...
So only 3 sprint less... sprint "chance" goes until 6.. so already there he has some chances. But, less energy for Villa already weakens him a bit. And there yes, Allagen should have talked more (first time that happens, usually he talks too much) Tell me early he goes for a sprint... then I go in earlier.. I would have had no problem doing 6 more km than him. Then with the sprint as it went IMO very very close. So finally I did 4 or 5 km, while Allagen did one with Sükrü earlier... which makes 3 or 4 more than him. And the sprint already wasn't super clear. IMO Allagens decision to go for a sprint was ok. Not 50-50 as he said later, still 60-40 or 70-30 for me... but he could have increased his chances by ordering me into tempo. I would have gone in earlier...

But yes, generally not enough courage to try by the others. A bit in the end too (I followed Sükrü, he maybe followed me?) An attack might have gone without either of us, then... but mostly before the forever show.. Until then it was too easy for me. And without forever IMO then I control until 228 pretty easily. But ok, next year I hope to be here as an outsider without a guy who can sprint... will try to be more active than the challengers today. But it's not always easy either.. .we'll see.