Spring Classics 2016 discussion & commentary ***SPOILERS***

[smutchin]

Awful news. Poor kid.

And so unnecessary.

 

[Crackle]

This is doubly tragic in light of the concerns already raised and the incidents already witnessed. Poor lad, just awful.

 

[Berk on a Bike]

Does anyone have an update on Daan Myngheer?

He's still in intensive care in a Corsican hospital.

According to reports, Wanty-Groupe Gobert are leaving the decision whether to start 3 days of De Panne with Antoine Demoitié's family. The family meanwhile released the news that Demoitié was an organ donor and his death has saved the lives of three other people. Makes me wonder how many other pros are pledged donors.

EDIT: I'm seeing a report that W-GG will not be at the start line for 3 Days of De Panne. Unconfirmed.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

EDIT: I'm seeing a report that W-GG will not be at the start line for 3 Days of De Panne. Unconfirmed.

Not starting De Panne, and also pulled out of the Route Adélie and Paris-Camembert as well. They have confirmed they will ride Ronde van Vlaanderen,

 

[rich p]

Grim news.

 

[Berk on a Bike]

Does anyone have an update on Daan Myngheer?

A very sad update. His team have just announced his death on Facebook. RIP.
https://www.facebook.com/RoubaixLilleMetropoleTeamCycliste/posts/1345605132117531

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

A very sad update. His team have just announced his death on Facebook. RIP.
https://www.facebook.com/RoubaixLilleMetropoleTeamCycliste/posts/1345605132117531

Another very sad ending

 

[smutchin]

Quite appalled at some of the crass comments I've seen making entirely baseless suggestions as to the reasons behind Daan Myngheer's demise. FFS. Some people.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Tomorrow at 8.30pm CEST

 

[SWSteve]

I'm sure others have said this, but does anyone else think that Sagan stands out from other cyclists?

When he's been in moves this spring so far, he doesn't look like the others, like here's just more to him (body wise), like he is athletic, compared to the others who are cyclists.

 

[rich p]

I'm sure others have said this, but does anyone else think that Sagan stands out from other cyclists?

When he's been in moves this spring so far, he doesn't look like the others, like here's just more to him (body wise), like he is athletic, compared to the others who are cyclists.

I thought he looked a bit too chunky, if that's what you mean Steve?
We've been saying for a few years that he needed to change his physique and training if he didn't want to end up as a one trick green jersey contender. Maybe he's decided to be a classics and sprint jersey rider when some thought he might trim down to be a more viable stage racer. He's a decent enough climber as it is.

 

[SWSteve]

Yeah, I would say he looks chunkier, it may be his position on the bike, but he he looks a lot chunkier than I would have thought.

 

[smutchin]

He's always been a stockier rider and has always had a more muscular upper body than some riders I could mention (eg Froome). I can't say I've noticed anything particularly different about him this season.

Even if he is carrying extra weight, it's not really doing him any harm - we may joke about how many times he finishes second, but oh look, he's top of the UCI world ranking, over 300 points ahead of GVA. OK, so GVA may have more actual victories so far this season, but you can't fault Sagan for consistency. And as has been mentioned previously, he will learn to turn those nearlies into wins, in much the same way GVA has done this season.

I still think he could win a GT one day, as Sean Kelly did.

 

[Crackle]

I still think he could win a GT one day, as Sean Kelly did.

yep, he won the ToC with a heroic defence of his lead (I actually double checked that in case I misremembered and he came 2nd), so he's got what it takes for stage racing and at 26, still time to develop.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Only one day to go until Flanders.

I really wish I was there But I'll make do with sitting all day in front of my laptop