Paris-Nice *SPOILER*

[Flying_Monkey]

It's that time of year again, and it seems to have come so soon. I love Paris-Nice. I love it not just because it can be an early form guide to the Grand Tours (which it isn't always in any case), but mainly for itself. I always hope that it's a race that will be won by someone who also loves it for itself, and not just as a stepping stone to 'bigger and better things'.

So who do people fancy this year?

 

[montage]

Spartacus.


Edit:.....mistook this for Paris-Roubaix....not sure why...I hang my head in shame.
Not sure what the profile is like, but I'm going to go with Sammy Sanchez

 

[sparty69]

Spartacus.

Eh?, as far as I'm aware I'm not in it!!

 

[531c]

I love Paris-Nice.

Totally agree. It's my favourite race of the year, symbolic of the end of Winter and the arrival of Spring.

I'd like to see Nicolas Roche win. It's exactly 30 years since Roche senior signalled his arrival on the pro scene by winning the race.

 

[fozzy]

please, please, please mr wiggins or mr thomas, they have to have a chance don't they?

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I'd like Roche to win, but I think this one might be perfect for Peter Sagan. He's on awesome form right now.

Sky seem to have an early iteration of what might be their TdF squad with new climber, Rigoberto Uran, and also Xabier Echaide, alongside Wiggins, Thomas and co. Only Jeremy Hunt I can't really see being in the TdF squad when it comes down to it.

 

[raindog]

I was wondering why Berto isn't riding - anyone got any news? Maybe he's not welcome?

I'll be going to watch the TT next friday with a couple of pals - we'll ride part of the course before they close the road - can't wait.

 

[rich p]

I'll put my £1 on Tony Martin but it's the sort of race that Wiggins should be doing well in.

 

[raindog]

I reckon Sagan will take tomorrow's opening stage.

 

[ColinJ]

Ooh, thanks for the reminder. I'd better fire up my old analogue satellite system and set the PVR to record tomorrow's stage while I'm out on a forum ride!

 

[Keith Oates]

I'd like to see Wiggins do well but I don't have a good feeling about this current form!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dave_1]

I'd like Roche to win, but I think this one might be perfect for Peter Sagan. He's on awesome form right now.

Sky seem to have an early iteration of what might be their TdF squad with new climber, Rigoberto Uran, and also Xabier Echaide, alongside Wiggins, Thomas and co. Only Jeremy Hunt I can't really see being in the TdF squad when it comes down to it.

FM, I think Hunt might be viable for a TDF place..if they're taking the focus off Wiggins then they will likely need someone like Hunt. I think if he goes well in the March classics he could be seen sheltering some sky big hitters on non-mountain stages of TDF? Hope so...am jst guessing at sky's planning

 

[ColinJ]

I had a look at the listings and thought that International Eurosport weren't showing it. Turns out that the Germans in charge of the Astra satellite prefer to watch Handball! However, highlights of stage 1 are being shown tonight. That'll do me. Normal coverage will be 90 minutes every afternoon during the week.

I'm looking forward to this!

 

[iAmiAdam]

De Gendt takes no.1 I wouldn't of bet on anything other than Voigt in the last two kms of that, Great win there.

 

[raindog]

Yeah, and it's nice to see a break go all the way, especially into that headwind.