With Omloop Het Nieuwsblad the Spring Classics start for this year. So it's time to open the thread.
Last year Finn Iles got 2nd. This year I will start with Tyler Medaglia, ThomasKjer Olsen and Joel Robert. Hopefully it will be possible to win one of my favourite races of the season.
As I will ride the 3 Loops Legends event (everyone can do it, just go 3 loops and 150km on 27nd of Feb) myself on Saturday, I will go for the evening. Although I am interested to start at some afternoon classics.
Spring Classics 2021
Moderator: englishmods
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Donkey joins too! Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, one of the races I like the least though. Not only because I never won it... but also... just not my thing. Overrated in real life for one. And despite their unpredictability actually I think hilly pavé races usually turn out to be the most predictable ones.
Now for this year I miss the old Het Nieuwsblad, the one with Lange Munte and not much else at the end. The one where Lanz would have had chances.
The new version since a few years of course is just a shorter old RVV, the great Muur-Bosberg finish. Which somehow never translated that well to c4f, but still prefer it to the new RVV finish, both in reality and in c4f (which is reality too btw)
Anyway, tomorrow
14h! Join 14h everybody! Better to have 1 bigger editions than 4 times 3 teams! Let's make it 1 -9-1-1!
Donkey with
1 Samuel Lanz: Yes, not the ideal leader for a race that will be decided in hills. The last flat pavé, Haaghoek further away than last year too. But well, what other race should he target this month? Yep, exactly. So Het Nieuwsblad it is.
Moretti and Totakhyl, are next... Moretti a bit too young still but 78 pavé is ok. Just the mountain missing for him as well, in a few month should be at over 60, but not yet. Totakhyl has the mountain but misses the pavé, but still 75... Those 2 will support Lanz, or take their own small chances, if they see the possibility
Rest pure helpers....Baaba Faye, Trewlove and people like that.
Now for this year I miss the old Het Nieuwsblad, the one with Lange Munte and not much else at the end. The one where Lanz would have had chances.
The new version since a few years of course is just a shorter old RVV, the great Muur-Bosberg finish. Which somehow never translated that well to c4f, but still prefer it to the new RVV finish, both in reality and in c4f (which is reality too btw)
Anyway, tomorrow
14h! Join 14h everybody! Better to have 1 bigger editions than 4 times 3 teams! Let's make it 1 -9-1-1!
Donkey with
1 Samuel Lanz: Yes, not the ideal leader for a race that will be decided in hills. The last flat pavé, Haaghoek further away than last year too. But well, what other race should he target this month? Yep, exactly. So Het Nieuwsblad it is.
Moretti and Totakhyl, are next... Moretti a bit too young still but 78 pavé is ok. Just the mountain missing for him as well, in a few month should be at over 60, but not yet. Totakhyl has the mountain but misses the pavé, but still 75... Those 2 will support Lanz, or take their own small chances, if they see the possibility
Rest pure helpers....Baaba Faye, Trewlove and people like that.
Kraftsystemrevision! Include the distance!
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
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Gipfelstuermer
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Re: Spring Classics 2021
3 Loops Legends! Love those challenges! But it's nothing for my area.... 3 times out and into the city... horrible! If I did 150k, would for sure do only one large 150k loop or even 150k in one direction and take the train back home
So I currently "only" plan a 100k day on the bike for tomorrow and then ride 14h Omloop, hopefully on time for that.
Leader for Omloop? Chris Looper... ehm... Cooper! He is in his golden age. First win with 35 years! second win with 36 years! And now he wants his first big win! Last big win then in Roubaix with 38 years!
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Re: Spring Classics 2021
Bah, looks like small groups. Also the evening is very low in participation because of this stupid tour.
@Gipfel: You can also do one big loop and two small loops.
Why do I like Omloop so much? Because it's the first classic of the season. Usually it's all out and noone knows about who will be strong this Spring. Thats one thing for real life. For c4f it's about memories - one of the first classic I did well. Yes, it favours classics more than pavé specialists, but it gives many options for some action.
@Gipfel: You can also do one big loop and two small loops.
Why do I like Omloop so much? Because it's the first classic of the season. Usually it's all out and noone knows about who will be strong this Spring. Thats one thing for real life. For c4f it's about memories - one of the first classic I did well. Yes, it favours classics more than pavé specialists, but it gives many options for some action.
Re: Spring Classics 2021
6 teams, so in the end better than orginally feared. But ok, we had a good afternoon group of 5 people, with some guys joining occasionally, so even hoped for a 7-8 team group really. But 6 good enough.
Race, not for Lanz most likely, not for Moretti, not for Totakhyl, but was confident I could get all 3 back after the Bosberg. Lanz, Moretti possibly dropped in the Muur Bosberg combi, but with 88 flat, likely I can come back, and bring back Moretti too. And pick up Totakhyl along the way in case he's dropped too. But what for, no sprint really, Lanz attacking pointless, he's sure to have x guys on his wheel.
So anticipate. Some siebs and mini action before, but the bigger the group the better I thought, then the chasers will normally be the weakened helpers. All good, not much happening, Freudenfeuer ahead, with many breaks. A CC double attack, chased by Faye, with only Totakhyl there, weakened him a bit, but thought catching CC early there not a bad idea, not sure if T-Mobile with a rather unfit team it seemed would have ridden there if the peloton was together. So let him and others ride in the back, Faye rides in front until all is together again. Next another double attack by CC, this time Teixeira and STakhanov there, not much happening either, good control behind.
Then ran into trouble at km 156, probably Valkenberg, split, Moretti not fighting in the back, Lanz fighting in front, didn't fight much. And since the attack was planned somewhere between the Valkenberg and the Muur.... needed to come back. Fortunately only AAD riding, but seemed to be trying to get organized, so a km by Moretti to settle the issue. Freudenfeuer then in, Gipfel coming from the back with Swift and Teixeira in the same group.. catch the main peloton too, perfect. And as hoped as soon as it's all together both Gipfel and Freudenfeuer go out. Texeira in, double attack with Lanz-Moretti in. No sectrick since I didn't bother to have my computer clock on time... so at first didn't even plan to go out with Texeira, he's dead enough after all. Then thought why not, out, but too late, but seems I was pretty close to the sectrick. With a clock going 22" to slow, as I checked later. Now on time for tomorrow
But was ok like that, gain 30" and the chase is harder immediately. Like that 9", slower chase, up to close to 30" pretty fast.
The problem here was another one. Very good following by Gipfel, Majerus and Brandt on Lanz. Then Ockers from T-Mobile, and Majerus doesn't wait for Moretti. And like that for Lanz it's very difficult with Brandt there. Alone hopeless, yep, but Brandt and Ockers seemed a bit.... 57 sprint. Something like Majerus and Frazier, 52-54 sprint, perfect. But well. Majerus rode, at the Muur Brandt and Lanz and Ockers in tempo, Majerus gone. Brandt and Ockers alone between, Lanz back in for the Bosberg. At this point my plan was: In front ride with Lanz from the Congoberg on. Out on the steep downhill, but ride the rest with those 2, maybe can somehow profit in the sprint, should have a bit more energy, but not enough normally. But with luck, who knows. 2) Try to make the chasing group smaller, so sieb with Totakhyl at both the Muur and Bosberg. Hope for a small group, where Totakhyl then can suck and maybe later profit there?
But then Brandt siebs, Lanz in front of Ockers... wait? Go? In, then Brandt waits in front... ahhh, in or out, out or in? In the end decided to go without Ockers, really only had 2 km time to wait, then Ockers ride alone too much, will need to take a break. Plus he has Kohl in the bakc with his sprint, so can afford to gamble more than me, and go out, let Brandt alone, who then goes out too... So though ok, no Ockers, but in retrospect the wrong decision I think. Plus at that point I thought we go through, didn't think they catch us. In the back the CC sprinter Lim dropped, but the rest there, and collaborated very well, maybe with LIm there the collaboration is worse.. but not always the case, sometimes my sprinters in the end are helped by the mass of the other teams in the back that want to keep their attacking options open too, and then sprint. But well, the sieb wasn't really especially anti-Lim, the result yes, but hoped to benefit from it with Totakhyl. Didn't work. In front caught, excellent collaboration by Freude-T-Mobile-AAD. Sprint, the AAD train has only dead Brandt there, T Mobile slower, weak Ockers, and Freude on the wheel. Totakhyl on Freude, which was the wrong choice clearly, shold have been on the AAD train, which I realized about 10 minutes after the race
There I actually would have had a chance, only 5 less than Wolfowitz, same form.
4th place by Totakhyl finally. Donkey.... not really satisfied, the Ockers situation wasn't handled well. The attack worked pretty well I think, no block no problem, rather a block by Texeira than somebody coming in at the last second. Followers a bit strong, but that's the risk, waiting IMO was the worse option there, just didn't work, that Ockers situation. Of course unlikely I win it with Ocker there either, but the group would have good chances to go through.
Race, not for Lanz most likely, not for Moretti, not for Totakhyl, but was confident I could get all 3 back after the Bosberg. Lanz, Moretti possibly dropped in the Muur Bosberg combi, but with 88 flat, likely I can come back, and bring back Moretti too. And pick up Totakhyl along the way in case he's dropped too. But what for, no sprint really, Lanz attacking pointless, he's sure to have x guys on his wheel.
So anticipate. Some siebs and mini action before, but the bigger the group the better I thought, then the chasers will normally be the weakened helpers. All good, not much happening, Freudenfeuer ahead, with many breaks. A CC double attack, chased by Faye, with only Totakhyl there, weakened him a bit, but thought catching CC early there not a bad idea, not sure if T-Mobile with a rather unfit team it seemed would have ridden there if the peloton was together. So let him and others ride in the back, Faye rides in front until all is together again. Next another double attack by CC, this time Teixeira and STakhanov there, not much happening either, good control behind.
Then ran into trouble at km 156, probably Valkenberg, split, Moretti not fighting in the back, Lanz fighting in front, didn't fight much. And since the attack was planned somewhere between the Valkenberg and the Muur.... needed to come back. Fortunately only AAD riding, but seemed to be trying to get organized, so a km by Moretti to settle the issue. Freudenfeuer then in, Gipfel coming from the back with Swift and Teixeira in the same group.. catch the main peloton too, perfect. And as hoped as soon as it's all together both Gipfel and Freudenfeuer go out. Texeira in, double attack with Lanz-Moretti in. No sectrick since I didn't bother to have my computer clock on time... so at first didn't even plan to go out with Texeira, he's dead enough after all. Then thought why not, out, but too late, but seems I was pretty close to the sectrick. With a clock going 22" to slow, as I checked later. Now on time for tomorrow
But was ok like that, gain 30" and the chase is harder immediately. Like that 9", slower chase, up to close to 30" pretty fast.The problem here was another one. Very good following by Gipfel, Majerus and Brandt on Lanz. Then Ockers from T-Mobile, and Majerus doesn't wait for Moretti. And like that for Lanz it's very difficult with Brandt there. Alone hopeless, yep, but Brandt and Ockers seemed a bit.... 57 sprint. Something like Majerus and Frazier, 52-54 sprint, perfect. But well. Majerus rode, at the Muur Brandt and Lanz and Ockers in tempo, Majerus gone. Brandt and Ockers alone between, Lanz back in for the Bosberg. At this point my plan was: In front ride with Lanz from the Congoberg on. Out on the steep downhill, but ride the rest with those 2, maybe can somehow profit in the sprint, should have a bit more energy, but not enough normally. But with luck, who knows. 2) Try to make the chasing group smaller, so sieb with Totakhyl at both the Muur and Bosberg. Hope for a small group, where Totakhyl then can suck and maybe later profit there?
But then Brandt siebs, Lanz in front of Ockers... wait? Go? In, then Brandt waits in front... ahhh, in or out, out or in? In the end decided to go without Ockers, really only had 2 km time to wait, then Ockers ride alone too much, will need to take a break. Plus he has Kohl in the bakc with his sprint, so can afford to gamble more than me, and go out, let Brandt alone, who then goes out too... So though ok, no Ockers, but in retrospect the wrong decision I think. Plus at that point I thought we go through, didn't think they catch us. In the back the CC sprinter Lim dropped, but the rest there, and collaborated very well, maybe with LIm there the collaboration is worse.. but not always the case, sometimes my sprinters in the end are helped by the mass of the other teams in the back that want to keep their attacking options open too, and then sprint. But well, the sieb wasn't really especially anti-Lim, the result yes, but hoped to benefit from it with Totakhyl. Didn't work. In front caught, excellent collaboration by Freude-T-Mobile-AAD. Sprint, the AAD train has only dead Brandt there, T Mobile slower, weak Ockers, and Freude on the wheel. Totakhyl on Freude, which was the wrong choice clearly, shold have been on the AAD train, which I realized about 10 minutes after the race
There I actually would have had a chance, only 5 less than Wolfowitz, same form.4th place by Totakhyl finally. Donkey.... not really satisfied, the Ockers situation wasn't handled well. The attack worked pretty well I think, no block no problem, rather a block by Texeira than somebody coming in at the last second. Followers a bit strong, but that's the risk, waiting IMO was the worse option there, just didn't work, that Ockers situation. Of course unlikely I win it with Ocker there either, but the group would have good chances to go through.
Kraftsystemrevision! Include the distance!
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
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flockmastoR
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Re: Spring Classics 2021
So it's finally the real season starting.
My team was planned to be at UAE, giving Schwackhöfer the chance to win his first TT beeing bored to hell for some days, getting McCulloch on that medium hill and attack on the flat stages without having a chance to win but T-Mobile than talked me into starting at Tour du Haut Var where I knew before I cannot race 2 of 3 days. I decided to still set the form for Omloop Het Nieusblad at least for Wolfowitz, my 2 helpers McCulloch and Schöning near to topform too.
Plan was, not to move and try to anticipate the race, follow the right guys and hope for a win. Thought that Schöning wouldn't really make it till the end, the mountain pave still hard to predict at least for me. So he rode somewhere in the back after a sieb already, McCulloch also rode a +5 after the flat pave siebs and made a sieb himself after the Bajramovic, Loève +2Donkey +CC group. Still surprises me that he finished in the top group with only 67.6 pave. Rinderknech got more help and didn't ride so much but wasn't in front.
Ockers in the front group and T-Mobile going for the group than made me not wait for Pernsteiner. Schöning in front of Pernsteiner after the sieb was still a surprise (ok was his #4 and my #2 but still). Increased my chances in this group, one helper less for T-Mobile who at that time was distanced with ockers too. And the gap was hard to close so need for the leaders to ride themselfes (some energy saving option for Wolfowitz).
For me a T-Mobil-A train with Freude in the wheel was clear. But I was surprised that Izatullah was not on mine. Brandt was perfekt, saved me from an early wheel catcher and was clear he cannot beat Wolfo in the end. In between I was surprised he could easily follow the McCulloch launch, but Wolfo stayed cool and brought it home!
My team was planned to be at UAE, giving Schwackhöfer the chance to win his first TT beeing bored to hell for some days, getting McCulloch on that medium hill and attack on the flat stages without having a chance to win but T-Mobile than talked me into starting at Tour du Haut Var where I knew before I cannot race 2 of 3 days. I decided to still set the form for Omloop Het Nieusblad at least for Wolfowitz, my 2 helpers McCulloch and Schöning near to topform too.
Plan was, not to move and try to anticipate the race, follow the right guys and hope for a win. Thought that Schöning wouldn't really make it till the end, the mountain pave still hard to predict at least for me. So he rode somewhere in the back after a sieb already, McCulloch also rode a +5 after the flat pave siebs and made a sieb himself after the Bajramovic, Loève +2Donkey +CC group. Still surprises me that he finished in the top group with only 67.6 pave. Rinderknech got more help and didn't ride so much but wasn't in front.
Ockers in the front group and T-Mobile going for the group than made me not wait for Pernsteiner. Schöning in front of Pernsteiner after the sieb was still a surprise (ok was his #4 and my #2 but still). Increased my chances in this group, one helper less for T-Mobile who at that time was distanced with ockers too. And the gap was hard to close so need for the leaders to ride themselfes (some energy saving option for Wolfowitz).
For me a T-Mobil-A train with Freude in the wheel was clear. But I was surprised that Izatullah was not on mine. Brandt was perfekt, saved me from an early wheel catcher and was clear he cannot beat Wolfo in the end. In between I was surprised he could easily follow the McCulloch launch, but Wolfo stayed cool and brought it home!
Boaz Trakhtenbrot:
Schrödinger's Dogs: Alive & Dead
- Winner Giro 2022
- 10 GC wins
- 16.609 Eternal Points
Schrödinger's Dogs: Alive & Dead
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Joel Robert makes it a Belgian win at 21h.
Most of the race was just rolling. With just 6 teams every was waiting to move. At km81/82 Gala and Fraegg attack with 2 riders each. So I started chasing a little bit. I controlled the race and was lucky noone siebed at the Hellingen to get rid of my helpers. Maybe this would have changed not so much anyway. With around 45km to go I started to chase and little more and later also Tukhtahuaev joined for a few km.
Then Muur. I had Otokar in who was already very weak because he helped for a long time. Tukhtahuaev siebed at the Muur. I did not see everything because I watched for TKO and Joel. Both together so I rode TKO and come back easily before Bosberg.
Bosberg. I siebed with Tyler. But I realized once again that 6** is not really hard for pavé. So the group was kind of big. TKO and Joel were siebed which saved a lot of energy and so I switched to Joel as the clear leader. TKO and Gala controlled and in the end Alberto (Gala) and Tyler kept the bunch together. There was no real try to attack. Most likely Tyler could have countered all attacks anyway.
Sprint: Gala train against Bear train. I started to accelerate a little earlier and had just Tukhs Askarov with 49 sprint on Joel. So Joel finished it off.
Nice win for Joel. Very funny indeed as I had two helpers for Tyler all the race and just one for Joel. I might think of my strategies for the upcoming races...
Most of the race was just rolling. With just 6 teams every was waiting to move. At km81/82 Gala and Fraegg attack with 2 riders each. So I started chasing a little bit. I controlled the race and was lucky noone siebed at the Hellingen to get rid of my helpers. Maybe this would have changed not so much anyway. With around 45km to go I started to chase and little more and later also Tukhtahuaev joined for a few km.
Then Muur. I had Otokar in who was already very weak because he helped for a long time. Tukhtahuaev siebed at the Muur. I did not see everything because I watched for TKO and Joel. Both together so I rode TKO and come back easily before Bosberg.
Bosberg. I siebed with Tyler. But I realized once again that 6** is not really hard for pavé. So the group was kind of big. TKO and Joel were siebed which saved a lot of energy and so I switched to Joel as the clear leader. TKO and Gala controlled and in the end Alberto (Gala) and Tyler kept the bunch together. There was no real try to attack. Most likely Tyler could have countered all attacks anyway.
Sprint: Gala train against Bear train. I started to accelerate a little earlier and had just Tukhs Askarov with 49 sprint on Joel. So Joel finished it off.
Nice win for Joel. Very funny indeed as I had two helpers for Tyler all the race and just one for Joel. I might think of my strategies for the upcoming races...
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Sprinters win at KBK 21:00h
A sprint in the end where Mapei's Kesting was by far the strongest. He also had the the right wheel with JuanJoya Borja (Pokemonogatari). Sun Bak (Idéfix) became third after the early sprint try launching out of the three rider sprint train.
There was no escape group going and just some siebs. Tyler siebed at the Kwaremont but the group was not strong enough against the sprint teams. Actually I hoped for a smaller group without the riders with good sprint skill. But the race was too easy until that so the sieb was nothing special.
A sprint in the end where Mapei's Kesting was by far the strongest. He also had the the right wheel with JuanJoya Borja (Pokemonogatari). Sun Bak (Idéfix) became third after the early sprint try launching out of the three rider sprint train.
There was no escape group going and just some siebs. Tyler siebed at the Kwaremont but the group was not strong enough against the sprint teams. Actually I hoped for a smaller group without the riders with good sprint skill. But the race was too easy until that so the sieb was nothing special.
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flockmastoR
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Re: Spring Classics 2021
At the afternoon Jacob Wolfowitz could make it a Belgium double win. Schrödinger's dogs rule!!!Bear wrote: ↑Tue Mar 02, 2021 12:57 amSprinters win at KBK 21:00h
A sprint in the end where Mapei's Kesting was by far the strongest. He also had the the right wheel with JuanJoya Borja (Pokemonogatari). Sun Bak (Idéfix) became third after the early sprint try launching out of the three rider sprint train.
There was no escape group going and just some siebs. Tyler siebed at the Kwaremont but the group was not strong enough against the sprint teams. Actually I hoped for a smaller group without the riders with good sprint skill. But the race was too easy until that so the sieb was nothing special.
Boaz Trakhtenbrot:
Schrödinger's Dogs: Alive & Dead
- Winner Giro 2022
- 10 GC wins
- 16.609 Eternal Points
Schrödinger's Dogs: Alive & Dead
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Strade Bianche today. For me it will be 21:00 again as I ride stradekomoot myself during the day. I anyone else wants to join... https://advntr.cc/events/strade-komoot/
Lineup for Strade Bianche:
#1 Joel Robert
#2 Harry Everts
#3 Blake Gutzeit
#4 Emil Johannson
#5 Tyler Medaglia
#6 ThomasKjer Olsen
#7 Petri Pohjamo
#8 Brandon Semenuk
#9 Kees VanDerVen
I think I only started once at Strade Bianche in my c4f history and I cant remember how I did back then. It was before 2016 I think. Last year it was too bad because I had Finn Iles and Tim Gajser as nice duo.
Lineup for Strade Bianche:
#1 Joel Robert
#2 Harry Everts
#3 Blake Gutzeit
#4 Emil Johannson
#5 Tyler Medaglia
#6 ThomasKjer Olsen
#7 Petri Pohjamo
#8 Brandon Semenuk
#9 Kees VanDerVen
I think I only started once at Strade Bianche in my c4f history and I cant remember how I did back then. It was before 2016 I think. Last year it was too bad because I had Finn Iles and Tim Gajser as nice duo.
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Eiffel!
Planned as an annoying climber with TT, he insisted on taking the flat he was covering, and now he's become a contender in 1 day races too. Thanks to his sprint as well of course.
Pretty tame edition of Strade Bianche though. No early escape at all.
Expected some sort of fight CC+Donkey+Gude+Lünen vs the classics, Gipfel, Free, T-Mobile. With CC possibly going for both options. With Schartner as possible candidate in both cases too. And the rest in early attacks.
But no. Gipfel attacked at km 113 with Cooper and Majerus. Very confusing, panic in the Donkey camp. Because it didn't really seem to make much sense, those 2 guys were the guys that I was afraid of. If they stay in the peloton and sieb Eiffel in one of the few flat **. Then depending when and where a big chase, maybe with allies, maybe everybody for himself. But by attacking with those 2 that danger was gone. Of course other still can do those anti climber siebs, but Cooper/Majerus seemed perfect for that... Ok.
Free as usual did nothing, not sure why I was afraid he might try something with his team. He never does anything to create the chances it seems. I'm not sure why either, he had the team to put the climbers in trouble too. Funniest his fairplay comment to Gipfel and T-Mobile: "warum nix gegen die Bergfahrer probiert". (why didn't you try anything against the climbers) Too funny, do it yourself?
T-Mobile was quiet too, and even rode with us late for Kohl, Against the not dangerous escape in front and to cover attacks.
So control was absolutely no problem, even if one of the potential allies, the great Lünen, for once decided not to ask clever questions but to use his climber with flat as a helper... Amazing stuff.
Ah, and nobody going in the km 1 attack was perfect for Eiffel-Sindarov too of course. So basically nothing happened, a sieb here and there by Donkey, soft stuff, one a bit harder Sindarov was left with just one helper a small while, but doubt it made a big difference, wasn't prepared to invest much to keep him away.
So all down to the last km, attacks by the 2 84 climbers, arrive on top together, Eiffel with 55 sprint wins.
Helper of the race for me Belhassen, helper from the start, stayed there except one late sieb by forgot who, but back soon then. And could help Eiffel. Not much riding, some hills in tempo, but little. But very useful like that, a free helper at all times.
So not an exciting race really, waiting for the last km. Ok for me this year. Not really used to having such an untypical Donkey rider yet though. Races like this wait for the end and sprint, stage races win time in the TT... very strange everything.
Planned as an annoying climber with TT, he insisted on taking the flat he was covering, and now he's become a contender in 1 day races too. Thanks to his sprint as well of course.
Pretty tame edition of Strade Bianche though. No early escape at all.
Expected some sort of fight CC+Donkey+Gude+Lünen vs the classics, Gipfel, Free, T-Mobile. With CC possibly going for both options. With Schartner as possible candidate in both cases too. And the rest in early attacks.
But no. Gipfel attacked at km 113 with Cooper and Majerus. Very confusing, panic in the Donkey camp. Because it didn't really seem to make much sense, those 2 guys were the guys that I was afraid of. If they stay in the peloton and sieb Eiffel in one of the few flat **. Then depending when and where a big chase, maybe with allies, maybe everybody for himself. But by attacking with those 2 that danger was gone. Of course other still can do those anti climber siebs, but Cooper/Majerus seemed perfect for that... Ok.
Free as usual did nothing, not sure why I was afraid he might try something with his team. He never does anything to create the chances it seems. I'm not sure why either, he had the team to put the climbers in trouble too. Funniest his fairplay comment to Gipfel and T-Mobile: "warum nix gegen die Bergfahrer probiert". (why didn't you try anything against the climbers) Too funny, do it yourself?
T-Mobile was quiet too, and even rode with us late for Kohl, Against the not dangerous escape in front and to cover attacks.
So control was absolutely no problem, even if one of the potential allies, the great Lünen, for once decided not to ask clever questions but to use his climber with flat as a helper... Amazing stuff.
Ah, and nobody going in the km 1 attack was perfect for Eiffel-Sindarov too of course. So basically nothing happened, a sieb here and there by Donkey, soft stuff, one a bit harder Sindarov was left with just one helper a small while, but doubt it made a big difference, wasn't prepared to invest much to keep him away.
So all down to the last km, attacks by the 2 84 climbers, arrive on top together, Eiffel with 55 sprint wins.
Helper of the race for me Belhassen, helper from the start, stayed there except one late sieb by forgot who, but back soon then. And could help Eiffel. Not much riding, some hills in tempo, but little. But very useful like that, a free helper at all times.
So not an exciting race really, waiting for the last km. Ok for me this year. Not really used to having such an untypical Donkey rider yet though. Races like this wait for the end and sprint, stage races win time in the TT... very strange everything.
Kraftsystemrevision! Include the distance!
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
-
Gipfelstuermer
- Posts: 1695
- Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2011 10:43 am
- Location: Weltenbummler
- Contact:
Milan San Remo Preview 2021
Milan San Remo Preview 2021
I saw this headline Van Der Poel, Van Aert, Alaphilippe and Pogacar in their own league... but it is Eiffel, Sindarov, Beauvue and Wolfowitz in their own league! However, the strongest rider doesn't always win in San Remo... This is a preview of Milan - San Remo or La Classicissima or La Primavera...
For the early classics, it is never easy to judge who is the favo. Normally at this point of the year, we have not seen much from the favorites, but with the covid calendar everything has changed. You never know which race is cancelled or postponed... so all the big names go on the start list for all the races that actually take place.
So what have we seen so far? Jacob Wolfowitz (Alive And Dead) dominated the opening weekend, taking Omloop and KBK. Can he also be strong without pavé? At Strade Bianche he was only 22nd place, while Tim Eiffel (Big Donkey) and Nodirbek Sindarov (CircleCycle) dominated the race. They also dominated Tirreno-Adriatico later on. At the same time, Thierry Beauvue (Pokemonogatari) dominated UAE Tour and Paris Nice. His specialty is more in time trial and he didn't even start on the pavé of Omloop and the Strade Bianche... but he must be named as a favorite as he leads not only the ingame Points Ranking but also the World Tour Ranking.
But is it always the strongest rider who wins in San Remo? Well, we have seen the style how Nibali, Alaphilippe and Van Aert have won MSR... and we have seen Yuigahama do the same in RSF. But we have also seen bunch sprint and hill sprint - and we all know how realistic sprints are in RSF! For example, last year, the strongest rider was clearly JJ, but did he win? No, he did not. Well, 1 pixel missing only in the sprint but if you don't win, you don't win. And at the end, let's not forgot that an escape win is possible too.
In addition, we have the question, whether the teams will actually rider for their superstars? There are some internal battles going on at the superstar teams. Will Wolfowitz have to ride for Karatzoglu? Will Eiffel have to ride for Messerli? Will Sindarov have to ride for Lim? Will Beauvue have to ride for Rukawa? Most other teams wish they had these problems!
Let's see tomorrow what will happen on Cipressa and Poggio.
I saw this headline Van Der Poel, Van Aert, Alaphilippe and Pogacar in their own league... but it is Eiffel, Sindarov, Beauvue and Wolfowitz in their own league! However, the strongest rider doesn't always win in San Remo... This is a preview of Milan - San Remo or La Classicissima or La Primavera...
For the early classics, it is never easy to judge who is the favo. Normally at this point of the year, we have not seen much from the favorites, but with the covid calendar everything has changed. You never know which race is cancelled or postponed... so all the big names go on the start list for all the races that actually take place.
So what have we seen so far? Jacob Wolfowitz (Alive And Dead) dominated the opening weekend, taking Omloop and KBK. Can he also be strong without pavé? At Strade Bianche he was only 22nd place, while Tim Eiffel (Big Donkey) and Nodirbek Sindarov (CircleCycle) dominated the race. They also dominated Tirreno-Adriatico later on. At the same time, Thierry Beauvue (Pokemonogatari) dominated UAE Tour and Paris Nice. His specialty is more in time trial and he didn't even start on the pavé of Omloop and the Strade Bianche... but he must be named as a favorite as he leads not only the ingame Points Ranking but also the World Tour Ranking.
But is it always the strongest rider who wins in San Remo? Well, we have seen the style how Nibali, Alaphilippe and Van Aert have won MSR... and we have seen Yuigahama do the same in RSF. But we have also seen bunch sprint and hill sprint - and we all know how realistic sprints are in RSF!
For example, last year, the strongest rider was clearly JJ, but did he win? No, he did not. Well, 1 pixel missing only in the sprint but if you don't win, you don't win. And at the end, let's not forgot that an escape win is possible too.In addition, we have the question, whether the teams will actually rider for their superstars? There are some internal battles going on at the superstar teams. Will Wolfowitz have to ride for Karatzoglu? Will Eiffel have to ride for Messerli? Will Sindarov have to ride for Lim? Will Beauvue have to ride for Rukawa? Most other teams wish they had these problems!
Let's see tomorrow what will happen on Cipressa and Poggio.
GIP MASTERPLAN
Gameplay: Flexible Min-Tact. Improve Sprint System. Windkante.
Marketing: Re-attract old players. Advertisement. Social Media.
New Players: Fair Start Budget, New Tutorial.
Fairplay: Improve FPC features, Fair Prize Money Disribution.
Gameplay: Flexible Min-Tact. Improve Sprint System. Windkante.
Marketing: Re-attract old players. Advertisement. Social Media.
New Players: Fair Start Budget, New Tutorial.
Fairplay: Improve FPC features, Fair Prize Money Disribution.
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Big Donkey is ready for MSR.
1 F. Messerli
The rest of the team is there to support him.
Will have to review the lineup once more later, first not sure who should be there anyway. Espariat wasn't planned but nominated now.
And of course mistakes... Just found out Gabel had managed to sneak in... Instead of Lanz. Which of course doesn't sound especially good.
Anyway, Messerli, so hoping for a more interesting race than if everybody rides for the same type of rider.
1 F. Messerli
The rest of the team is there to support him.
Will have to review the lineup once more later, first not sure who should be there anyway. Espariat wasn't planned but nominated now.
And of course mistakes... Just found out Gabel had managed to sneak in... Instead of Lanz. Which of course doesn't sound especially good.
Anyway, Messerli, so hoping for a more interesting race than if everybody rides for the same type of rider.
Kraftsystemrevision! Include the distance!
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
-
flockmastoR
- Posts: 3378
- Joined: Thu Feb 18, 2010 11:42 pm
- Contact:
Re: Spring Classics 2021
One small correction: He is still called Karatzoglou!!!
But looks like we have a big group in the afternoon with some nice "guests" like Bearclaw, Free, Dickson and Team FL. Looks like Messerli will wear start number 1.
But looks like we have a big group in the afternoon with some nice "guests" like Bearclaw, Free, Dickson and Team FL. Looks like Messerli will wear start number 1.
Boaz Trakhtenbrot:
Schrödinger's Dogs: Alive & Dead
- Winner Giro 2022
- 10 GC wins
- 16.609 Eternal Points
Schrödinger's Dogs: Alive & Dead
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Ha!
Not only team intern nr 1 but overall? Cool. Stay away higher classified managers!!!!!!!!!!!
Team fix, Lanz in, Gabel out
Still a doubt about another guy, Espariat, do we really want him there? Thinking.
Not only team intern nr 1 but overall? Cool. Stay away higher classified managers!!!!!!!!!!!
Team fix, Lanz in, Gabel out
Still a doubt about another guy, Espariat, do we really want him there? Thinking.
Kraftsystemrevision! Include the distance!
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Wheeler for MSR afternoon!
I didn't mean to say it. But I meant what I said.
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Big group, nice.
And with different kind of riders. The hill sprinters, flat sprinters, all there.
Not the group I expected, I thought it would be a mass of 60+ mountain 70-80 sprint guys. Then Messerli with his 55 - 87. Then a few pure flat sprinters.
But there are quite a few stronger guys than expected, which makes it more interesting.
-Jan Kehrer 59 mountain, 89 sprint
That's a guy I can't drop, and that has more sprint. A challenge, but the few races I did with Fau he came accross as somebody who will only ride if really forced. possible not even then. So a group looks pretty good actually. Or go for Löffel.
-Patrick Miller 61-85
-Jakub Hasek 62-84.
2 guys that could win from Messerli's wheel, if that's where they are.
Further problem for Messerli of course is that 2 of these teams have very strong mountain support for their sprinters, 83-69 and 77-78, certainly not easy to come back against guys like this. Add to that those strong T-Mobile guys and Lanz-Trewlove have their work cut out for them. The predicted Messerli vs hill sprinters fight at the end to me looks rather unlikely at this point.
Dropping Kehrer/Miller/Hasek looks good for Löffel, but well, I don't really have the team for that, rely on good old T-Mobile. Dropping Kehrer looks the most likely of these options. Dropping all 3.. difficult.
Next, flat sprinters, 6 of them, 4 with 90 sprint, Seven Down with a good flat team for Walker, the question will be, does he wait for the once behind? Or does he attempt a Seven-Donkey thing? Mosca has the flat express, no support in mountain, only 88 sprint, but with 50-72 should be in the sprinters group easily. FL good flat too, mountain not top. Pokemon with Borja, here the question if Borja is the leader, with Rukawa an excellent guy available for the mountain, but might be there in support of Beauvue and is futile attempt to become eternal nr 1 in points. No Pik then, 88 sprint, but 72 flat, so shouldn't be the last of the sprinters. Has the flat power, but then everybody has similar one too, but mountain lacking again.
Last and least, Lopez, 50-54, will be furthest behind after the sieb, waiting sounds idiotic, should be out.
Last group of course the classics, attacks, or group without sprinters, doesn't look bad actually. Toto, Gipfel, Poke, CC are possible leaders, drivers in this group. Others, Fau, LiqLiq might have to take a decision, sprinter or classic? But with the relative lack of flat going through from the Cipressa looks almost impossible, will have to be an attack in the Poggio then. Let's see who follows, who tries to block. And who's there anyway.
Prediction: NoPik to win! I can't be right evey year aftar all
And with different kind of riders. The hill sprinters, flat sprinters, all there.
Not the group I expected, I thought it would be a mass of 60+ mountain 70-80 sprint guys. Then Messerli with his 55 - 87. Then a few pure flat sprinters.
But there are quite a few stronger guys than expected, which makes it more interesting.
-Jan Kehrer 59 mountain, 89 sprint
That's a guy I can't drop, and that has more sprint. A challenge, but the few races I did with Fau he came accross as somebody who will only ride if really forced. possible not even then. So a group looks pretty good actually. Or go for Löffel.
-Patrick Miller 61-85
-Jakub Hasek 62-84.
2 guys that could win from Messerli's wheel, if that's where they are.
Further problem for Messerli of course is that 2 of these teams have very strong mountain support for their sprinters, 83-69 and 77-78, certainly not easy to come back against guys like this. Add to that those strong T-Mobile guys and Lanz-Trewlove have their work cut out for them. The predicted Messerli vs hill sprinters fight at the end to me looks rather unlikely at this point.
Dropping Kehrer/Miller/Hasek looks good for Löffel, but well, I don't really have the team for that, rely on good old T-Mobile. Dropping Kehrer looks the most likely of these options. Dropping all 3.. difficult.
Next, flat sprinters, 6 of them, 4 with 90 sprint, Seven Down with a good flat team for Walker, the question will be, does he wait for the once behind? Or does he attempt a Seven-Donkey thing? Mosca has the flat express, no support in mountain, only 88 sprint, but with 50-72 should be in the sprinters group easily. FL good flat too, mountain not top. Pokemon with Borja, here the question if Borja is the leader, with Rukawa an excellent guy available for the mountain, but might be there in support of Beauvue and is futile attempt to become eternal nr 1 in points. No Pik then, 88 sprint, but 72 flat, so shouldn't be the last of the sprinters. Has the flat power, but then everybody has similar one too, but mountain lacking again.
Last and least, Lopez, 50-54, will be furthest behind after the sieb, waiting sounds idiotic, should be out.
Last group of course the classics, attacks, or group without sprinters, doesn't look bad actually. Toto, Gipfel, Poke, CC are possible leaders, drivers in this group. Others, Fau, LiqLiq might have to take a decision, sprinter or classic? But with the relative lack of flat going through from the Cipressa looks almost impossible, will have to be an attack in the Poggio then. Let's see who follows, who tries to block. And who's there anyway.
Prediction: NoPik to win! I can't be right evey year aftar all
Kraftsystemrevision! Include the distance!
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
-
Seven Down
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2020 1:14 pm
- Contact:
Re: Spring Classics 2021
WALKER! 
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Yep, Walker! Taking it easy, not riding too much turned out to be the right tactic! 
Interesting edition, different from the last few ones, pure sprinters are back in the game at MSR, good.
For the Donkeys.... from the start it seemed that I was somewhere between the chairs. Not strong enough to drop Walker and co, decisively, not strong enough to hope to be able to get a lift with him from guys like Kehrer, Miller etc. So Löffel, but can't change my whole tactic to Löffel. And didn't have the team for that anyway. Ok, instead of Lanz fit, Faye. Instead of Trewlove sort of half fittish, Espariat? But even then, a collaboration with T-Mobile seemed problematic, neither of us had the necessary classic to cover the Poggio. Plus well, Celestino lately has often been left behind at the first opportunity by Tivaliainen and Ockers, so even if I had been in front with my 2 classics, and rode, the risk of "treason" by T-Mobile seemed kind of too big. Otherwise could work, no block but Tivalainan from the top can get a lot back,. But well, simply not enough power in the flat before the Poggio for a T-Mobile-Donkey-AAD attempt. An attempt that wasn't even tried.
Anyway, the race, 3 man escape, down to 2 soon, Bahrain giving up, Falkenbier and FL insisting. 34'29" then Pokemon and Gipfel decided to make the race go on. Donkey would have waited another km, then ridden until it's under 34'30" again, then see if people like Fau and Liquigas, that if they ride for their guys have excellent chances, plan to do something. Or anybody else. But ok, it was Poke first, Gipfel right after who showed common sense. Then nothing happening, some short tempo by Donkeys, then some by Fau, Pokemon riding the most by far. Bärenattack later, after Capo Berta Seven Down took over. So nothign much happening really.
So at the Cipressa,... Beauvue siebs, but not extremely strong, at least 3 hill sprinters there, a probably Boulanger was there too, so 4. That meant that the classics were almost out of it. T-Mobile too, unless some of the guys with the strong classics helped.
Then came Messerli with his Armada, 2" behind Walker. With Lim with him or another second or so back... Draupnisson there, so was clear we were all going to be together after the 5. And even if not, at this point waiting for Walker seemed the most sensible thing anyway, with Kehrer, Miller, the LiqLiq guy all in the Messerli group after the 5 for sure (they probably were a bit ahead before, but no sensible help for them, weird)... even if Draupnisson wasn't their, didn't ride, waiting for Walker would have made sense.
Further back the rest of the flat sprinters, strangely somehow even Lopez, the 50-54 managed to be there. Did they ride with weak guys? When I checked Pavoni for Bear seemed pretty close to Messerli and co, how did Lopez manage to stay there? Boh, doesn't matter.
Matters, so now the Donkey went and checked.
Boulanger 4" behind the first group, not helped or not fighting? Classics in front, which kind of makes sense, they seemed to have better chances than Boulanger somehow.
Hasek 7" back, nobody from his team with him. 2 classics in front.
Miller at 8" With 2 59-89 guys. Leaving the 67-85 in front. 71 and 77 mountain further back
Messerli at 12"
Walker with Lim at 14"
Borja, Hoogervorst at 15" 67-81 for Borja there, but no 79-74 or Beauvue. Price 82 with Pavoni 77-61 there too.
Lopez and Wheeler at 18" FL full team almost, Lopez Toto with shit.
So all close
Decisive here, as usual, probably LiqLiq. By doing nothing once again he once again fucked up his best chance of winning. Îf he just let's his 77-78 wait for his sprinter, Hasek, rides with him, gets close to T-Mobile, has him wait, collaborates, blocks the Poggio... then it's hard for any of the groups in the back to come back. Dickson IMO should have tried too, 67/85 on a +5 still is good, let him drop back. Or eh, why was the 71 so far back? But ok, if LiqLiq rides for Hasek Miller doesn't come back there, has to hope for the next group.
In the back maybe, probably, Rukawa or Beauvue should have waited for Borja. Then the chances to come back are pretty decent I guess.
Next km, Draupnisson wins 3" to Ockers in front. 2 big pelotons, the one with Celestino-Karatzoglou-Löffel-Nook, followed by the one with Walker and LIm, who picked up anything in between. As I said, if LiqLiq or even Dickson, ride in a way I'd regard as sensible the race can change. Sotomayor if fit should be similar to Draupnisson, so 4-5" behind T-Mobile at this point. And with the mass of riders he could have there, convincing T Mobile to wait those seconds, then all in, use Tivalainen too if the Poggio is blocked.. .and the group has chances.
At 17" is the Borja group, pulled by Pavoni. Ok, against Draupnisson on a 5 Rukawa doesn't come back, stays a bit closer, but probably not close enough to come back.
At 20" the flat sprinters pulled by Nishida, strong performance there, as fast as Pavoni!
Then very strong riding by CC and Seven Down, Dickson too, just a bit weaker riders. Once it was clear that T-Mobile in front would get no help by classics (and really there was nobody that could help, Gipfel with 3, but if he helps he loses a card...) the Donkey joined too.
Third peloton, then second came within 3", but 4" before the Poggio, and with nobody falling back, again Rukawa might have been worth a try, but no guarantee it works, it was over.
Then the sprint, Donkey not doing a train was clear, do that 2 man train often enough, thought would be expected here, so... Löffel on Celestino, Messerli on... Kehrer. No, the Mosca guy. Kehrer, ok no, Halvorsen, Moscaguy. Went there, too far back, that was it. Then at 250 or 200 meters gambled, thought maybe Miller in front of Nook would go very early, hoping that Nook would not wait till 50 to go himself, but leave him a chance, something that a cryptic message by POkemon seemed to hint at, so went ot that train, Beauvue changed too, Miller didn't go, Messerli does what they do when they don't get the wheel, use energy for nothing... and then back to Halvorsen.. .trying to save a place in the top 10 at this point. 7th in the end, but somehow 3rd to 7th was all pretty close, another 25 meters and might be third... which doesn't matter, the win was almost impossible after the attempted and failed lane change.
Winner Walker, no scruples for him, he went on Lim's wheel. No mercy at all, CC was huge in bringing back the group, on keeping it together with Cubas and Draupnisson (or only Draupnisson, Cubas helper?) But that's the race, it's MSR, no time for presents, CC hoped to ride himself to freedom from Walker or other strong sprinters by riding, didn't work. Bitter for him. But well, Karma, 2 years ago escape, winning there AND winning the sprint in the back. + for CC for not doing a trick sprint out of frustration, he probably was tempted, but good he didn't. But well, for an 80 sprinter in this group it was always going to be difficult, it was always likely that somebody would be on his wheel, thus preventing him from going really early. So Walker won pretty clearly from the CC train, good win, no complaints. He wanted, it, took action when needed, a fit underraced Walker delivered. KO to Messerli in their private battle, not even if Messerli wins another 20 stages includind 10 GT stages and Walker nothing Messerli can win that duel. (Ok, in that scenario he would, but well) Miller a strong second with a good sprint, then a whole bunch of guys at almost the same level, Hasek (who wiith his train should have done better, but why do 4 guys instead of 3??) finally third.
Loesr of the sprint Löffel, he was dropped of the train somehow by the Messerli acrobatics, never recovered....
No regrets on this one really, there wasn't much I could do differently. Team was ok, Trewlove weaker than hoped, Lanz better than hoped. Didn't need to buy Trewlove, but didn't expect Lanz to train that much....So ok. Missing a real blocker for the Poggio, but maybe can be dealt with. But never was in danger of actually needing one. Then the sprint, the wheel choice wasn't that bad, the attempted lane change IMO was worth a try, if Miller goes, that train might be faster, Nook goes at 100, Miller Nook still open, maybe super Messerli somehow gets them? Doubtful, but well...Winning from Halvorsens wheel looked doubtful too, without the acrobatics maybe Messerli gets second, but honestly 2nd or 7th then isn't that big of a difference anymore.
Interesting race, like it when MSR is unclear like it was this year. Original plan was GAbel for 2022, but after the comeback of sprinters I might think of something else until then, seems too mainstream then.
Interesting edition, different from the last few ones, pure sprinters are back in the game at MSR, good.
For the Donkeys.... from the start it seemed that I was somewhere between the chairs. Not strong enough to drop Walker and co, decisively, not strong enough to hope to be able to get a lift with him from guys like Kehrer, Miller etc. So Löffel, but can't change my whole tactic to Löffel. And didn't have the team for that anyway. Ok, instead of Lanz fit, Faye. Instead of Trewlove sort of half fittish, Espariat? But even then, a collaboration with T-Mobile seemed problematic, neither of us had the necessary classic to cover the Poggio. Plus well, Celestino lately has often been left behind at the first opportunity by Tivaliainen and Ockers, so even if I had been in front with my 2 classics, and rode, the risk of "treason" by T-Mobile seemed kind of too big. Otherwise could work, no block but Tivalainan from the top can get a lot back,. But well, simply not enough power in the flat before the Poggio for a T-Mobile-Donkey-AAD attempt. An attempt that wasn't even tried.
Anyway, the race, 3 man escape, down to 2 soon, Bahrain giving up, Falkenbier and FL insisting. 34'29" then Pokemon and Gipfel decided to make the race go on. Donkey would have waited another km, then ridden until it's under 34'30" again, then see if people like Fau and Liquigas, that if they ride for their guys have excellent chances, plan to do something. Or anybody else. But ok, it was Poke first, Gipfel right after who showed common sense. Then nothing happening, some short tempo by Donkeys, then some by Fau, Pokemon riding the most by far. Bärenattack later, after Capo Berta Seven Down took over. So nothign much happening really.
So at the Cipressa,... Beauvue siebs, but not extremely strong, at least 3 hill sprinters there, a probably Boulanger was there too, so 4. That meant that the classics were almost out of it. T-Mobile too, unless some of the guys with the strong classics helped.
Then came Messerli with his Armada, 2" behind Walker. With Lim with him or another second or so back... Draupnisson there, so was clear we were all going to be together after the 5. And even if not, at this point waiting for Walker seemed the most sensible thing anyway, with Kehrer, Miller, the LiqLiq guy all in the Messerli group after the 5 for sure (they probably were a bit ahead before, but no sensible help for them, weird)... even if Draupnisson wasn't their, didn't ride, waiting for Walker would have made sense.
Further back the rest of the flat sprinters, strangely somehow even Lopez, the 50-54 managed to be there. Did they ride with weak guys? When I checked Pavoni for Bear seemed pretty close to Messerli and co, how did Lopez manage to stay there? Boh, doesn't matter.
Matters, so now the Donkey went and checked.
Boulanger 4" behind the first group, not helped or not fighting? Classics in front, which kind of makes sense, they seemed to have better chances than Boulanger somehow.
Hasek 7" back, nobody from his team with him. 2 classics in front.
Miller at 8" With 2 59-89 guys. Leaving the 67-85 in front. 71 and 77 mountain further back
Messerli at 12"
Walker with Lim at 14"
Borja, Hoogervorst at 15" 67-81 for Borja there, but no 79-74 or Beauvue. Price 82 with Pavoni 77-61 there too.
Lopez and Wheeler at 18" FL full team almost, Lopez Toto with shit.
So all close
Decisive here, as usual, probably LiqLiq. By doing nothing once again he once again fucked up his best chance of winning. Îf he just let's his 77-78 wait for his sprinter, Hasek, rides with him, gets close to T-Mobile, has him wait, collaborates, blocks the Poggio... then it's hard for any of the groups in the back to come back. Dickson IMO should have tried too, 67/85 on a +5 still is good, let him drop back. Or eh, why was the 71 so far back? But ok, if LiqLiq rides for Hasek Miller doesn't come back there, has to hope for the next group.
In the back maybe, probably, Rukawa or Beauvue should have waited for Borja. Then the chances to come back are pretty decent I guess.
Next km, Draupnisson wins 3" to Ockers in front. 2 big pelotons, the one with Celestino-Karatzoglou-Löffel-Nook, followed by the one with Walker and LIm, who picked up anything in between. As I said, if LiqLiq or even Dickson, ride in a way I'd regard as sensible the race can change. Sotomayor if fit should be similar to Draupnisson, so 4-5" behind T-Mobile at this point. And with the mass of riders he could have there, convincing T Mobile to wait those seconds, then all in, use Tivalainen too if the Poggio is blocked.. .and the group has chances.
At 17" is the Borja group, pulled by Pavoni. Ok, against Draupnisson on a 5 Rukawa doesn't come back, stays a bit closer, but probably not close enough to come back.
At 20" the flat sprinters pulled by Nishida, strong performance there, as fast as Pavoni!
Then very strong riding by CC and Seven Down, Dickson too, just a bit weaker riders. Once it was clear that T-Mobile in front would get no help by classics (and really there was nobody that could help, Gipfel with 3, but if he helps he loses a card...) the Donkey joined too.
Third peloton, then second came within 3", but 4" before the Poggio, and with nobody falling back, again Rukawa might have been worth a try, but no guarantee it works, it was over.
Then the sprint, Donkey not doing a train was clear, do that 2 man train often enough, thought would be expected here, so... Löffel on Celestino, Messerli on... Kehrer. No, the Mosca guy. Kehrer, ok no, Halvorsen, Moscaguy. Went there, too far back, that was it. Then at 250 or 200 meters gambled, thought maybe Miller in front of Nook would go very early, hoping that Nook would not wait till 50 to go himself, but leave him a chance, something that a cryptic message by POkemon seemed to hint at, so went ot that train, Beauvue changed too, Miller didn't go, Messerli does what they do when they don't get the wheel, use energy for nothing... and then back to Halvorsen.. .trying to save a place in the top 10 at this point. 7th in the end, but somehow 3rd to 7th was all pretty close, another 25 meters and might be third... which doesn't matter, the win was almost impossible after the attempted and failed lane change.
Winner Walker, no scruples for him, he went on Lim's wheel. No mercy at all, CC was huge in bringing back the group, on keeping it together with Cubas and Draupnisson (or only Draupnisson, Cubas helper?) But that's the race, it's MSR, no time for presents, CC hoped to ride himself to freedom from Walker or other strong sprinters by riding, didn't work. Bitter for him. But well, Karma, 2 years ago escape, winning there AND winning the sprint in the back. + for CC for not doing a trick sprint out of frustration, he probably was tempted, but good he didn't. But well, for an 80 sprinter in this group it was always going to be difficult, it was always likely that somebody would be on his wheel, thus preventing him from going really early. So Walker won pretty clearly from the CC train, good win, no complaints. He wanted, it, took action when needed, a fit underraced Walker delivered. KO to Messerli in their private battle, not even if Messerli wins another 20 stages includind 10 GT stages and Walker nothing Messerli can win that duel. (Ok, in that scenario he would, but well) Miller a strong second with a good sprint, then a whole bunch of guys at almost the same level, Hasek (who wiith his train should have done better, but why do 4 guys instead of 3??) finally third.
Loesr of the sprint Löffel, he was dropped of the train somehow by the Messerli acrobatics, never recovered....
No regrets on this one really, there wasn't much I could do differently. Team was ok, Trewlove weaker than hoped, Lanz better than hoped. Didn't need to buy Trewlove, but didn't expect Lanz to train that much....So ok. Missing a real blocker for the Poggio, but maybe can be dealt with. But never was in danger of actually needing one. Then the sprint, the wheel choice wasn't that bad, the attempted lane change IMO was worth a try, if Miller goes, that train might be faster, Nook goes at 100, Miller Nook still open, maybe super Messerli somehow gets them? Doubtful, but well...Winning from Halvorsens wheel looked doubtful too, without the acrobatics maybe Messerli gets second, but honestly 2nd or 7th then isn't that big of a difference anymore.
Interesting race, like it when MSR is unclear like it was this year. Original plan was GAbel for 2022, but after the comeback of sprinters I might think of something else until then, seems too mainstream then.
Kraftsystemrevision! Include the distance!
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Re: Spring Classics 2021
It was really nice to have a race with with 18 teams again. It makes it much more challenging to win or get a good result.
For me MSR 2021 was the expected desaster - so maybe it's not really a desaster when it's already expected.
Pre-race problem/mistake:
- Toby downtrains mountain - only 49 now
- I did a mistake with my lineup (Matteo - instead of Wyn) - wanted to give the race to the Italian but with Wyn, Toby most likely comes back to main group
Race mistakes:
- after the Cipressa i waited for FL group. Maybe better to give everything right away to come back
- +2 before Poggio i was too late with yes alone with Tyler - but probably wont be enough because front group had really strong riders
But the race was really nice to be in (sprint of first group was interesting to watch) and it makes me wanna come back next year with a stronger leader.
in-race-thoughts:
- actually I expected a strong sieb at the Capo Berta to make the sprinters fight and get lose of some helpers. but did not happen
- where I have to look? TV or laptop... almost did not see Stuyven on the line
For me MSR 2021 was the expected desaster - so maybe it's not really a desaster when it's already expected.
Pre-race problem/mistake:
- Toby downtrains mountain - only 49 now
- I did a mistake with my lineup (Matteo - instead of Wyn) - wanted to give the race to the Italian but with Wyn, Toby most likely comes back to main group
Race mistakes:
- after the Cipressa i waited for FL group. Maybe better to give everything right away to come back
- +2 before Poggio i was too late with yes alone with Tyler - but probably wont be enough because front group had really strong riders
But the race was really nice to be in (sprint of first group was interesting to watch) and it makes me wanna come back next year with a stronger leader.
in-race-thoughts:
- actually I expected a strong sieb at the Capo Berta to make the sprinters fight and get lose of some helpers. but did not happen
- where I have to look? TV or laptop... almost did not see Stuyven on the line
Re: Spring Classics 2021
E3 (22:00): 9 teams - not too bad
I am quite ok with my race (5th for Joel in the end) although I did some mistakes.
Early group was controlled by CBJ and Rhodan, so group had no chance at any point. Actually wondered why they were so confident to be favourites. I was wrong as it turned out. For me Falkenbier was the clear favourite with good pave, flat and sprint skill for at least 4 riders. Most likely the race was too easy before the Paterberg. After the race I thought that I should have done more to make it harder for others to keep up on pavé. Then Paterberg sieb, Joel and TKO not fighting and dropped. That was on purpose but maybe I should ride after the sieb. Kwaremont (6*** + 3*** is massive and maybe the best option compared to real Kwaremont) I go in with Tyler and on two km a siebed all other riders. 36km solo, why not? So I try. Maybe better to have some others with me. But with 47 sprint maybe better to try alone then to lose in sprint.
Back in the main bunch TKO brought Joel back. One km I should have done slower but was no difference in the end. I hoped the group wont work well together anymore after NoPik comes back. But they still worked together and with Falke's riders joining it was over for Tyler. With 3km to go he was caught.
Sprint: CBJ with a good train but Falke's even better. CBJ launching earlier with 60+ sprinters and finishing it off. NoPik following Falkes training had no chance to get in front. Olaf also with a strong leader at the line but he was blocked during the sprint by his own rider. Maybe he lost the win there.
Very exciting race in the end. I love those races with some action far from finish, although it doesnt work out most of the time. So next year I try again...
I am quite ok with my race (5th for Joel in the end) although I did some mistakes.
Early group was controlled by CBJ and Rhodan, so group had no chance at any point. Actually wondered why they were so confident to be favourites. I was wrong as it turned out. For me Falkenbier was the clear favourite with good pave, flat and sprint skill for at least 4 riders. Most likely the race was too easy before the Paterberg. After the race I thought that I should have done more to make it harder for others to keep up on pavé. Then Paterberg sieb, Joel and TKO not fighting and dropped. That was on purpose but maybe I should ride after the sieb. Kwaremont (6*** + 3*** is massive and maybe the best option compared to real Kwaremont) I go in with Tyler and on two km a siebed all other riders. 36km solo, why not? So I try. Maybe better to have some others with me. But with 47 sprint maybe better to try alone then to lose in sprint.
Back in the main bunch TKO brought Joel back. One km I should have done slower but was no difference in the end. I hoped the group wont work well together anymore after NoPik comes back. But they still worked together and with Falke's riders joining it was over for Tyler. With 3km to go he was caught.
Sprint: CBJ with a good train but Falke's even better. CBJ launching earlier with 60+ sprinters and finishing it off. NoPik following Falkes training had no chance to get in front. Olaf also with a strong leader at the line but he was blocked during the sprint by his own rider. Maybe he lost the win there.
Very exciting race in the end. I love those races with some action far from finish, although it doesnt work out most of the time. So next year I try again...
Re: Spring Classics 2021
5 teams only in the afternoon, hoped for more.
Donkey with.... no rider for this really. Most likely seemed a sprint with a bunch of 60-65 sprinters. To possibilities for me, wait and try the Lanzsieb at the second km of the Oude Kwaremont, pretty confident I end up with Moretti, possibly even with Stakhanov (depending a lot on how the first km is ridden) and Totakhyl in front, 4 riders vs... if they fight 2 T Mobsters with sprint, some other guys... so thought I just go and win with Swift, Brotcorne Swift attack, but got almost no time, in at 2', increasing speed to keep it at 4 or so with a sprinter riding... so that was completely hopeless, thought ok, try Moretti-Stakhanov, 2 of my leaders. Probably in retrospect Stakhanov-Espariat or something like that better, having Moretti fit in the back would have made sense. This escape too didn't get much time, no chance at all, so try with Lanz, sieb, Totakhyl and Wolfowitz stay... work together but simply way too far to have a real chance. Especially since in the back T-Mobile-RfM and Seven Down rode well together. Only chance was if one refuses to cooperate, but didn't. Even went for actually unnecessary supermass at some point.
Sprint then 11th place by Totakhyl.... in a 5 team race that's an achievement... but ok, would have gotten 5th or 6th or whatever by just waiting I guess, but what point was there...
In the bakc Mobster did the work early, but too early. "Forced" or opened up the chance for me to attack more. And really especially the first escape was never dangerous, would have needed 10' to even start dreaming. Just wait with tempo and you might get help normally. SEcond group needed more time as well of course, wasn't dangerous either... again Mobster maybe a bit too eager to chase, but here more understandeable, if he lets me ride with Swift until the Oude Kwaremont and I have Moretti-Stakhanov fit there and 2'... yeah, then I can be dangerous. But we were faaar from that.
T-Mobile complained a bit about riding too much, yeah, it was pretty likely that he wouldn't manage to drop all the others sprinters, too far from there... but at the same time he started so early that there was no need to ride for Seven Down and RfM early. AFter the Oude Kwaremont Seven was in immediately, while Mobster rode in a group further behind. And yes, at this point then he was only 3rd favorite all of the sudden, with Hughes 67 in the group, and the usual strong RfM train. But still with chances to win. Maybe don't sacrifice Kohl there to keep 2 chances? Or put fighting in for Kohl, he will stay in with Lanz almost 100% sure (Totakhyl even stayed, so Kohl too in retrospect). Then of course with Lanz and his sprint, you don't know if I ride, some days I will, some days I won't, on Friday would have been ok to ride. Kohl all the way, Lanz most km, Totakhyl with many breaks to have a chance. Wolfowitz don't know... but be it as it may, you don't lose much by staying in front with 1 guy. With 2 more difficult, then you're forced to ride alone, but 1 oculd have worked. Like this worth a try too, but having Kohl ahead somehow wouldn't really have hurt him. Hughes winning the sprint finally. Seven Down new classic prince.
Not a superb edition really, just 5 teams never great. And having no real good option not ideal either for my fun.. .but well, I tried, in the end as expected nothing, doesn't matter.
Donkey with.... no rider for this really. Most likely seemed a sprint with a bunch of 60-65 sprinters. To possibilities for me, wait and try the Lanzsieb at the second km of the Oude Kwaremont, pretty confident I end up with Moretti, possibly even with Stakhanov (depending a lot on how the first km is ridden) and Totakhyl in front, 4 riders vs... if they fight 2 T Mobsters with sprint, some other guys... so thought I just go and win with Swift, Brotcorne Swift attack, but got almost no time, in at 2', increasing speed to keep it at 4 or so with a sprinter riding... so that was completely hopeless, thought ok, try Moretti-Stakhanov, 2 of my leaders. Probably in retrospect Stakhanov-Espariat or something like that better, having Moretti fit in the back would have made sense. This escape too didn't get much time, no chance at all, so try with Lanz, sieb, Totakhyl and Wolfowitz stay... work together but simply way too far to have a real chance. Especially since in the back T-Mobile-RfM and Seven Down rode well together. Only chance was if one refuses to cooperate, but didn't. Even went for actually unnecessary supermass at some point.
Sprint then 11th place by Totakhyl.... in a 5 team race that's an achievement... but ok, would have gotten 5th or 6th or whatever by just waiting I guess, but what point was there...
In the bakc Mobster did the work early, but too early. "Forced" or opened up the chance for me to attack more. And really especially the first escape was never dangerous, would have needed 10' to even start dreaming. Just wait with tempo and you might get help normally. SEcond group needed more time as well of course, wasn't dangerous either... again Mobster maybe a bit too eager to chase, but here more understandeable, if he lets me ride with Swift until the Oude Kwaremont and I have Moretti-Stakhanov fit there and 2'... yeah, then I can be dangerous. But we were faaar from that.
T-Mobile complained a bit about riding too much, yeah, it was pretty likely that he wouldn't manage to drop all the others sprinters, too far from there... but at the same time he started so early that there was no need to ride for Seven Down and RfM early. AFter the Oude Kwaremont Seven was in immediately, while Mobster rode in a group further behind. And yes, at this point then he was only 3rd favorite all of the sudden, with Hughes 67 in the group, and the usual strong RfM train. But still with chances to win. Maybe don't sacrifice Kohl there to keep 2 chances? Or put fighting in for Kohl, he will stay in with Lanz almost 100% sure (Totakhyl even stayed, so Kohl too in retrospect). Then of course with Lanz and his sprint, you don't know if I ride, some days I will, some days I won't, on Friday would have been ok to ride. Kohl all the way, Lanz most km, Totakhyl with many breaks to have a chance. Wolfowitz don't know... but be it as it may, you don't lose much by staying in front with 1 guy. With 2 more difficult, then you're forced to ride alone, but 1 oculd have worked. Like this worth a try too, but having Kohl ahead somehow wouldn't really have hurt him. Hughes winning the sprint finally. Seven Down new classic prince.
Not a superb edition really, just 5 teams never great. And having no real good option not ideal either for my fun.. .but well, I tried, in the end as expected nothing, doesn't matter.
Kraftsystemrevision! Include the distance!
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Gent-Wevelgem today
1 Löffel
2 Coderch
3 Espariat
4 Lanz
5 Quaghebeur
6 Stakhanov
7 Swift
8 Totakhyl
9 Trewlove
Only 2 teams right now afternoon, might change to the morning.....
1 Löffel
2 Coderch
3 Espariat
4 Lanz
5 Quaghebeur
6 Stakhanov
7 Swift
8 Totakhyl
9 Trewlove
Only 2 teams right now afternoon, might change to the morning.....
Kraftsystemrevision! Include the distance!
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Morning! With Moretti in for Swift, no idea why Moretti wasn't in in the first place.....
Kraftsystemrevision! Include the distance!
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Basics reform: Give blue a chance!
Don't punish bugusers. We all have to use bugs, since most of them are declared as "features"!
Got a carrot from FL. But they threaten to take it away now.
Re: Spring Classics 2021
Normally I will start at 22:00. But it's gonna be late at night again and if 19:00 has enough teams I might change to 19. So please let me know if I can go to bed early today or not 
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