2014 Pro-cycling season thread

The Giro is their main objective, being an Italian sponsored team. Horner probably wants to defend his Vuelta title so that's the compromise they've agreed.

I'd imagine the deal is Horner works for Cunego in the Giro and in return gets his Vuelta shot.

Not that Damiano "Crap without Drugs" Cunego stands any chance of winning of course

Who's gonna beat Froome in the Tour if Q-ball is out so I win another year's Sky vs. OGE bet?

OGE's southern hemisphere death ray didn't work on him

Who's gonna beat Froome in the Tour if Q-ball is out so I win another year's Sky vs. OGE bet?

Good question. Is this really just the price of Valverde's vanity? Admittedly Quintana looks a good bet for the Giro, better than for the Tour, but I still think it's a pity.

A real piti.

Sad Trombone Sound Effect - Wah Wah Wah FAIL Sound - Fail Horns - YouTube

I would rep you for that but, as you know, I've already splurged it.

Who's gonna beat Froome in the Tour if Q-ball is out so I win another year's Sky vs. OGE bet?

Teeeeeeejay?

(just kidding)

Richie Porte and Cam Wurth Tasmanian training ride

#deadinside

Pfft.. they'll never amount to anything doing such short rides...

that's not the avg heartrate recorded I hope? :-/

It's his current HR.

thought as much, ta

Not that Damiano "Crap without Drugs" Cunego stands any chance of winning of course

Would you prefer he doped?

This type of comment illuminates the problem cycling has, everyone claims to want clean cycling but they are quick to criticise riders who's performance levels are perceived to have dipped since the so-called clean age of cycling started in around 2007. Which do you prefer; unfettered doping with outrageous attacks, or cleaner, less spectacular racing?

As for Cunego, he's had a solid career, one that didn't quite live up to the early expectations following his Giro win (which was won mainly in a single, long range attack when the opposition failed to chase because they didn't want to give his team leader a free ride to the finish), but he's won big one day classics, regularly finished in the top ten in GTs and consistently won races. I've no idea if he doped or not, but I don't think he merits the criticism he gets on the internet.

Nibali should put up a decent fight for the TdF, and Contador if you believe the hype coming out of his camp.

Nope, as his hype has been hot air since Steakgate.

anyone know which will be the first race this season shown on eurosport?

Tour of Dubai.

the full schedule is here

Thanks thats super handy.

Nope, as his hype has been hot air since Steakgate.

You tell Oleg that and he'll slap ya.

Or at least deride you a lot on Twitter

Would you prefer he doped?

This type of comment illuminates the problem cycling has, everyone claims to want clean cycling but they are quick to criticise riders who's performance levels are perceived to have dipped since the so-called clean age of cycling started in around 2007. Which do you prefer; unfettered doping with outrageous attacks, or cleaner, less spectacular racing?

As for Cunego, he's had a solid career, one that didn't quite live up to the early expectations following his Giro win (which was won mainly in a single, long range attack when the opposition failed to chase because they didn't want to give his team leader a free ride to the finish), but he's won big one day classics, regularly finished in the top ten in GTs and consistently won races. I've no idea if he doped or not, but I don't think he merits the criticism he gets on the internet.

I prefer cleaner racing

The comment towards Cunego is the suspicion he was one of those riders who benefited from alleged doping more than others, and when the playing field is clean(er) fails to shine. See also Tom Danielson

Or Alberto Contador. Or Andy Schleck.

The latest evidence from the Mantova investigation seems to suggest that Cunego wasn't involved in the team's doping regime. So maybe he's been clean for some time?

Richie Porte and Cam Wurth Tasmanian training ride

Ride data

Time: 13hrs 30min
Distance: 403km
elevation gain: 4500m
Ave Power: 230watts
Ave Heart rate: 115
Kcal Burnt: 11400

blog post here http://cameronwurf.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/ritchies-birthday-party.html

115 bpm FFS