Milan-San Remo *SPOILER*

[Flying_Monkey]

Ok, here we go with the first big one-dayer of the year. Cav has won it before but he's either bluffing very effectively or he just isn't ready for it this year - Freire has been even more invisible (and Mario Cippolini thinks it's deliberate in his case). Garmin-Cervelo could fight it out amongst themselves with Hushovd, Haussler and Farrar... there's lots of on-form Italians, Gilbert is on fire, and there's quite a few newish sprinters about who could take it if they survive to the end.

Could be tasty!

 

[raindog]

Cav doesn't seem to have hit form yet does he? Think I'll go for Patacchi.

Here's Super Mario's "form-guide"
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/mario-cipollinis-milan-san-remo-form-guide

 

[rich p]

I think Haussler will be Cervelo's main man for this one. I'd like to think Cav is bluffing but I think not.

 

[beastie]

Phillipe Gilbert . Or if it,s a bunch Sprint then Friere. Spartacus to give it the beans down from the poggio if he is still there.
Would love to see Geraint Thomas have a dig - he looks like a classics rider to me.

 

[beastie]

I think four picks is cheating really so I will stick with Gilbert.

 

[raindog]

Someone on another forum has put Evans up for the win. If you think about it he's in great shape at the moment and if he could kick himself clear on the Poggio he could well do it.

 

[beastie]

Thought about Evans too but five picks would be taking the pods. He was great last year, and is there anyone else who gives his all like him.

 

[Keith Oates]

Cav is not firing on all cyclinders at the moment and although I hope he wins I don't think it's so likely. I have a feeling that Mathew Goss is in with a good chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[raindog]

Apparently Evans isn't riding so that's scuppered that anyway.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Seems that Petacchi's particpation may be in doubt too - apparently he is having a bad time with asthma right now.

 

[fungus]

What's André Greipel's form like at the mo?


I'll have to catch the highlights as I'll be doing a 200k audax on Saturday.

 

[iLB]

What's André Greipel's form like at the mo?


I'll have to catch the highlights as I'll be doing a 200k audax on Saturday.

not great for greipel, he face planted warming up for the TTT in tirreno-adriatico and pulled out after the first stage, well rested though...

cav will be up there, i reckon

would love to see G thomas have a crack, but I'm thinking sky will ride for EBH?

 

[raindog]

would love to see G thomas have a crack, but I'm thinking sky will ride for EBH?

I'd like to see Thomas let off the leash as well, but I don't expect it to be tomorrow as I don't think M-SR would be in his range, but I expect he'll get his chance to shine one day. He's a good all rounder so what would he be able to win? Short stage races like the Dauphiné? Stages in the GTs? Certain one day classics? You need to be a massive rider to win M-SR.

 

[oldroadman]

It's wide open this time, like the old footie pools, perm any one from about 15. Whoever gets over the Poggio (which actulyy means little hill, or hillock, in Italian) in good shape and within 30 seconds of the lead has a chance. A lot comes down to who will take the chances on the descent, which is very technical. Remember Kelly getting back to the lead some years ago, such a shock he just blasted 'em in the final. Also the risk factor is high early in the race and one or two crashes can make their own selection, even if theriders recover and regain, it can just take the edge off a bit, and that 1% is all the difference.
Big Thor may have a shout in it, Haussler, or if he gets into the final in good shape, Cav will be a contender, a bit long maybe for Farrar. Then MSR almost always springs surprises.
Eurosport tomorrow afternoon...

 

[Steve H]

Although Cav hasn't really hit form yet this season, the HTC team are looking strong generally. If Renshaw, Goss and Cav can all get through the 298km unscathed, then I'm not sure I'd bet against this team this year.