Pro-cycling thread

No comment on EBH's absolute demolition of the rest of the field in the time trial in Qatar today then?

He took 25 seconds out of second place in 13 kms.

Nespresso?

I'm sure he was just being testy.

Westra did remark that 'legs felt good but 472 watts avg clearly isn't enough these days'

Peaked too soon init.

Only chopper are in form now.

(hope he wins a classic to prove me wrong, EBH 4 eva)

Anyone heard anything of what EBH is aiming at for this season? I never quite understood what happened to, why he went through a couple of dodgy years after his initial success?

EBH = Electric Bicycle Handler?

Probably being with Sky for 4 years, and most of the focus being for GC, the race schedule didn't suit him.
Hopefully he will shine at Dimension.

This - but there are too many riders of his ilk now ie big lads who can sprint and handle the odd ramp.

I like him but he's not as good as Degenkolb, Sagan or Kristoff at what he does.

472 watts avg clearly isn't enough these days

Christ.

Only Sagan could hang onto him up hill, even then it might be a close run thing.

His Achilles heel is that he can't handle a 250 km race as well as some.

He's still one of the most versatile riders in the peloton though. Can win sprints, time trials and week long stage races.

I never felt he took his chances.

But then I dont really know how he was feeling, each time I thought he had a chance.

The was talk of struggling to eat on the road or something, no?

Punctured today and loses lead (although to Cav). It can be so cruel. Quite a good race this year. Am I correct in thinking it isn't being shown on any TV channels in the UK?

Meh, still don't see the fascination with him. There's other more exciting riders and more successful riders. Is it just because he has a better nickname or what?

Watching Kittel gaining Places, riding up the dam wall, made me think he his a good season Ahead of him.

yep, although I have been able to find decent video on YouTube each evening. Generally with French commentary. cyclinghub seems to be uploader - though I just google Tour of Qatar and select video.

EDIT: Final KM's up already
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4AC3iA7d44

He's still one of the most versatile riders in the peloton though. Can win sprints, time
trials and week long stage races.

Is versatile short-hand for doesn't win anything in the modern Peloton ? The versatile rider is always going to be behind the specialists now unless extremely talented ie Marianne Vos

Is that true? What's Sagan's specialty?

It ain't tactics.

Is that true? What's Sagan's specialty?

The versatile rider is always going to be behind the specialists now unless extremely talented ie Marianne Vos

Sagan has been a bit patchy, especially in the past few years where he's been gunning for the eternal second title. He probably could of won a lot more if he ditched trying to get over cols, and stuck with Classics and/or sprinting

Be interesting to see what rider he is this year after the worlds win.

Sagan patchy?

10 wins last year. 17 second place yes. But 10 wins. That's a lot.
He's only gunning for the eternal 2nd because he's ALWAYS there or there abouts, he's anything but patchy.

Sagan
http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider.php?id=140797

Wins
http://www.procyclingstats.com/rankings.php?c=1&filter=1&id=2485&index=0&nation=&team=&compare_to_id=2485

/sagansuperfan

Who is the lotto nl jumbo rider whos during turns on the front in the beginning with one hand on the hoods and the other in the drops? Is he injured? Looks peculiar and uncomfortable.

The motor controls are in the hoods... :sarcastic smiley:

I don't know how many third places he's got, but at least 27 podiums is phenomenal for one year!