A 'Classics' rider

[toby123]

Does GB have anyone or anyone up-and-coming who could be considered a one-day specialist? I mean, at the moment, we are seeing so much success, but almost entirely through highly calculated scenarios like time trials (e.g. Wiggo) and bunch sprints (e.g. Cav), which is great, but wouldn't it be nice to cheer on someone British who could be like Chavanel, Gilbert, etc who ATTACKS and gets into race-winning moves?

The women's race was so exiting because we had someone - Armitstead - who was willing to take a bit of a risk and break away and not hang around in the bunch hoping that it would all come back together for a bunch sprint, and roll over the line at the end not having given their all. Just a few thoughts, feel free to agree or disagree.

 

[Baggy]

Geraint Thomas.

 

[Chuffy]

Yup. Mr G won the U23 Paris - Roubaix and was right up there at the end of Flanders in 2011 setting things up for Flecha, although I thought it should be the other way round. Would love to see him stop this silly track lark and concentrate properly on one day races...

 

[iLB]

I believe Wiggins will have a serious crack at Paris Roubaix in the next few seasons.

 

[black'n'yellow]

I believe Wiggins will have a serious crack at Paris Roubaix in the next few seasons.

explain pls..?

 

[ColinJ]

I believe Wiggins will have a serious crack at Paris Roubaix in the next few seasons.

Surely too risky when he is still going for Grand Tour wins?

I'm sure there are a few less hilly ones that will suit Cavendish as he gets older and a bit slower.

 

[StuAff]

Well, Sky have just the man to teach someone that kind of classics... Servais Knaven (16 finishes at Roubaix with a win in 2001).

 

[iLB]

Bugger me if I can find it now, but in one of the post tour interview articles I read he seemed to allude to Roubaix as a potential goal. If you consider his love for the history of the sport it would make sense to crave a monument too.

 

[thom]

Bugger me if I can find it now, but in one of the post tour interview articles I read he seemed to allude to Roubaix as a potential goal. If you consider his love for the history of the sport it would make sense to crave a monument too.

I never thought he'd win the TdF. If Sky were to really go for it, now I'd say they could get close but as ColinJ says, while he's looking at the TdF (as sure as hell he will do next year), it seems way too risky.

What about Ian Stannard, or perhaps Ben Swift ?
Actually, if you're talking lumpy Ardennes Classics, how about Jon Tiernan-Locke ? He maybe a Sky target for next season and may also make the GB WC team later in the year.

 

[Chuffy]

Bugger me if I can find it now, but in one of the post tour interview articles I read he seemed to allude to Roubaix as a potential goal. If you consider his love for the history of the sport it would make sense to crave a monument too.

Sure I read that too. You're not making it up.

 

[lukesdad]

Stannard is the man ...given the chance that is.

 

[black'n'yellow]

Bugger me if I can find it now, but in one of the post tour interview articles I read he seemed to allude to Roubaix as a potential goal. If you consider his love for the history of the sport it would make sense to crave a monument too.

I suppose if Van Summeren can do it. Duclos Lasalle won it at 38, so Wiggo has a few more years yet....

 

[raindog]

Jonathan Tiernan-Locke could be the man. Presently with Endura Racing, I think he'll be signing for a big team for next season.

I think there are certain races Brad could win too.

 

[Noodley]

I think all of the previously listed riders could be good Classics riders. I suppose it depends on their goals as to whether it materialises.

 

[moxey]

Yup. Mr G won the U23 Paris - Roubaix and was right up there at the end of Flanders in 2011 setting things up for Flecha, although I thought it should be the other way round. Would love to see him stop this silly track lark and concentrate properly on one day races...

I'm sure I read somewhere that he is stopping track cycling after the games
Could be wrong though