Minor race thread 2017 **spoilers**

[smutchin]

A new "old" rider will be on the startline of Brabantse Pijl later this week

It's the Brabant Arrow Wednesday.

Both on the same day as the Flèche Brabançonne, annoyingly.

#shamelesslynickingsomeoneelsesjoke

 

[BalkanExpress]

It's the Brabant Arrow Wednesday. Watched this race last year, a super race won by Petr Vakoc, who saw off Alaphilippe and others.

Forecast is dry but a little breezy.

For the first time in years I am off work on race day. I may take the kids down to the start..

..and then drop them at home and head to the finish.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Alaphilippe is out of the Ardennes races due to injury, which is a bit of a bugger as he must have fancied his chances.

http://www.quickstepfloorscycling.com/en/news/detail/alaphilippe-ruled-out-of-ardennes-classics/3114

 

[smutchin]

That's a shame - he would definitely have been among the favourites for LBL.

 

[roadrash]

bummer

 

[BalkanExpress]

Well I didn't make Leuven, family stuff.

Imshould give Mr Matthews the habitual kiss of death, as this race is ideal for him. Would be nice if Devolder win as I need The teams sponsors in a good mood as I want to borrow a fair chunk of cash from Crelan to, yes, you guessed it, possibly buy a Wiliems veranda

 

[roadrash]

Alaphilippe is out of the Ardennes races due to injury, which is a bit of a bugger as he must have fancied his chances.

http://www.quickstepfloorscycling.com/en/news/detail/alaphilippe-ruled-out-of-ardennes-classics/3114

I fancy philippe gilbert for this the way hes been going lately

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Now there's a name form the past! Postobon-Manzana although now called Manzana Postobon...

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

A strong group on the front of 13 on the front; they don't look too organised tho

 

[mjr]

Well, Colbrelli with number 13 made that look easy for the torturers, leaving Vakoc a distant second.

 

[mjr]

The torturers did use up their teammate in the break in the attempt to keep the break out in front, whereas Quick Step again took three into the finishing straight. I think each Lotto had two, too, with the Soudal version finishing 4&5th.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Minor you say? Damien Shaw, a 32 year old Irish (former?) firefighter and part of An Post won his first pro race yesterday at stage one of Tour du Loire et Cher
http://www.stickybottle.com/races-results/big-breakthrough-damien-shaw-takes-first-pro-win/

There's hope for us all (I am lining up the Vuelta in a few years when I am old enough to win it)
http://www.anpostchainreaction.com/en/damien-shaw-the-firefighting-cyclist-257.htm

 

[roadrash]

@Marmion ,... chris horners alter ego...

 

[roadrash]

Good to see Arnaud demare beat boo hoo hani today (GP Denain, French road race cup)