2012 Pro-cycling season thread

will be on a fucking boat between uk and holland whilst this is being duked out. Gutted :(

Pleasure cruise?

Just looked at the start list and I reckon BMC might get it right tomorrow, possibly with Van Avermaet.

anyone listen to the velocast special edition with jonathan vaughters?

the new course really does lend itself to the 'strongest' rider. I reckon there will be a break which should include Cancellara, Boonen, Vanmarcke and Sagan. From there its really about who can stay with Cancellara. Tomeke has a stronger team so that could help but im going with

1 Cancellara (soloing to victory)
2 Boonen (winning a sprint for 2nd)
3 Sagan

I agree with this, but I've got a feeling that Vanmarcke can stay on a favourite's wheel, and maybe peel off to take the win.

That's what I'm hoping for - I've got a few quid on Sep to win, with a cheeky fiver on Cancellara to cover my bases!
Still, Boonen is looking very good recently, and Chavanelle is champing at the bit after tasting victory in de Panne.

Beer, crisps, and la Ronde!!!

No mention of EBH? Or will he be wasted trying to help Flecha fail to win another classic? A British team sending 2 British riders.
Feel sorry for the Euskaltel riders, I scarcely recognise a name in their team. Stupid system that forces unwilling teams to go to every race.
Matti Breschel anyone?

Flecha is returning from a broken hand (allegedly caused in a road rage incident) and hasn't raced for a month, so he'll be playing a support role to EBH. The latter is one hell of a rider, but I think that he, like Sagan, is too inexperienced to win tomorrow.

I'll be proven wrong now.

^ Covering your arse like a pair of Assos shorts there Andy.

Are you calling me a Euro gimp?

Anyway, Tao won again today, this time at Hog Hill.

When he is famous there will be an awful lot of people who knew him back in the day on this forum who don't currently know him on this forum.

mostly in English, Boonen and Cancellara calling each other the top favourite

http://www.sporza.be/permalink/1.1259695

http://sports-livez.com/channel/ch-6.php

^ Covering your arse like a pair of Assos shorts there Andy.

Lolz!

I think the only way EBH will win is if the favourites overmark each other, and let a chancer ride away.

It's a real possibility!

Also known as a possibility.

Farrar in the break so I guess he's been watching Jacky Durand videos.

Also known as a possibility.

Your posts have been peppered with more pedantry than usual of late, young William.

Are you on your period?

Ooff. Lots of money has just been lost.

I've lost a fiver there, straight off. Come on Vanmarcke!!

Suspected fractured collarbone and pelvis according to Belgian TV.

Looking more like just a collarbone now. Fingers crossed.

Fucking cyclists riding on the pavement.

Looking fairly sweet for Boonen. Brutal racing to make the selection.

what happened? just trying to find coverage.

what happened? just trying to find coverage.

Looked like a mussette or bottle in the front wheel at the feed station - straight over the bars and didn't get up. :(