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

[mjr]

Both of them were much better races than the men's Omloop and KBK that were televised last weekend IMO.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I noticed that a whole group in the women's race got disqualified for ducking under the train crossing barriers as they were closing, including Bronzini and my pick, Moolman. Must have been frustrating for them, they were just about the catch the lead group. But those are the rules and they've been made much clearer this year.

 

[smutchin]

I was watching the Tirreno-Adriatico earlier, followed by highlights of Paris-Nice, then had to go out, so have only just seen the results of the Ronde Van Drenthe... wot no Lizzie?

DNF, apparently.

Chantal Blaak won, Gracie Elvin came second, followed by Trixi Worrack and Anna Van Der Breggen, who is now overall leader in the Women's Tour. And @Flying_Monkey's favourite Floortje Mackaij was 7th.

Detailed report, including some great pics, here: http://cyclingtips.com/2016/03/on-t...s-dolmans-takes-another-womens-worldtour-win/

 

[Crackle]

Migraine

 

[Louch]

What race is the end of the spring classics

 

[User169]

What race is the end of the spring classics

Liege Bastogne Liege

 

[Louch]

I can keep my beard another month then

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Ominously for Lizzie Armiststead and everyone else in women's cycling, Marianne Vos is back. In her first race back, the Drenstse Acht Van Westervald, on the weekend, she came in 10th without being anywhere near on to top racing form yet.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vos...-leads-worldtour-standings-womens-news-short/

 

[Strathlubnaig]

Just watched the Belgian Nokere Koerse there, and pretty good viewing to, hard racing and big efforts and attacks, guessing no radios ... Strong work by Scott Thwaites of Bora-Argon18 but the final wee cobbled ramp did it for him and many others. Good to see the Pro-Conti teams laying it down against the WT guys.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Just watched the Belgian Nokere Koerse there, and pretty good viewing to, hard racing and big efforts and attacks, guessing no radios ... Strong work by Scott Thwaites of Bora-Argon18 but the final wee cobbled ramp did it for him and many others. Good to see the Pro-Conti teams laying it down against the WT guys.

It was pretty good, I watched it live on my mobile phone and it broke the monotony of the seminar I was supposed to be paying attention to.

 

[lyn1]

Just watched the Belgian Nokere Koerse there, and pretty good viewing to, hard racing and big efforts and attacks, guessing no radios ... Strong work by Scott Thwaites of Bora-Argon18 but the final wee cobbled ramp did it for him and many others. Good to see the Pro-Conti teams laying it down against the WT guys.

Pity, as he was strong and is good on uphill sprints, but the team took it up too far early given they only had 2 lead out men. He was exposed at the front with his lead outs gone and they had not even reached the base of the climb. The team seem to struggle to get enough men into the lead outs.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

This is not a Spring Classic (nor is it a Minor Stage race) so probably should not be in this thread, but given that there is not a Minor Day Race thread...

Kris Boeckmans makes his return to racing today

 

[Flying_Monkey]

given that there is not a Minor Day Race thread...

SOrry, I have neglected my usual duty

 

[Berk on a Bike]

Dwars Door Vlaanderen is going ahead on Wednesday despite the terrorist attacks in Brussels. Good on 'em.

 

[Berk on a Bike]

Dwars Door Vlaanderen is going ahead on Wednesday despite the terrorist attacks in Brussels. Good on 'em.

A postscript: Giant-Alpecin have withdrawn from the race. They were due to field an under-strength team (six instead of eight) and three of the six have had trouble travelling into Belgium due to the attacks. A few other teams are sending reduced squads; Movistar have only four riders competing. Further, organisers have stated there will be a minute's silence from the peloton at the start, and there will be no podium ceremony after. It's going to be a sombre and emotional affair.