Tour of Flanders *SPOILER*

[jpembroke]

So, 5 days to go; who's it gonna be then?

 

[mangaman]

Hard to separate Boonen and Cancellara I'd say (I'd go for Boonen though)

Pozzato possibly?

 

[rich p]

Cyclingnews have the start list up but there are some inaccuracies.

I'd like to see someone other than Cancellara or Boonen winning it but I don't know who! Farrar maybe.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

You're both looking at the wrong people in the right teams IMHO - although of course they are both in with a good chance.

1. Stijn Devolder has been devoting himself entirely to this (according to the Quick Step manager, who is mightily pissed off by the fact that he isn't doing much else).

2. It was Matti Breschel who should have taken Gent-Wevelgem for Saxo Bank the other day were it not for a puncture. I think he's on top form and looks up for it.

Other riders who are there or there abouts right now, but haven't featured much before are Jurgen Roelandts (as well as Gilbert...) for Lotto and Daniel Oss of Liguigas, who I have been really impressed with recently.

Then of course you shouldn't discount Garmin's David Millar (of all people) who seems to have discovered some new motivation (or something) recently, or Flecha and Boasson-Hagen for Sky.

But I am going with Breschel (or Boasson-Hagen, if he's well again).

 

[chfp77]

I think Boasson Hagen is out with an achillies injury,think it'll be between Boonen and Devolder. Be interesting to see how it pans out if there both riding strong!

 

[chfp77]

Maybe Lief Hoste's turn this year??

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I think Boasson Hagen is out with an achillies injury,think it'll be between Boonen and Devolder. Be interesting to see how it pans out if there both riding strong!

Indeed - the only problem is if internal rivalry is causing problems at Quick Step as the manager was suggesting (he also said that Wouter Weyland is basically all talk!), or whether this was all just some pre-race psychology going on.

 

[jpembroke]

I have a tenner each-way on Lars Boom. Hell, why not?

 

[Skip Madness]

I'd echo Flying Monkey's nod towards Daniel Oss (can you echo a nod?). More generally it's hard to see past the usual suspects, but I think Vacansoleil have enough talent and variety in the squad to cover most eventualities. I have a crafty feeling that Sarah Düster could be trouble in the women's event.

Bjorn Leukemans for the men and Grace Verbeke for the women. Now that I've called them you can all safely bet on others.

 

[rich p]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/final-team-selections-for-tour-of-flanders

Cav's doing it! He'll struggle on the steep bits at the mo.

 

[Keith Oates]

I would like to be wrong but I can't see Cav on the top step, I think Millar has a small chance but is also unlikely so I will go for Boonen. Thank goodness I never bet for money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[raindog]

Mark will be riding for Eisel on sunday
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cavendish-pledges-support-for-eisel-at-flanders

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Mark will be riding for Eisel on sunday
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cavendish-pledges-support-for-eisel-at-flanders

...and just for the experience, I expect. I think they want him to get hardened up so he can ride more without protection and therefore have more chance to take the points jerseys in the Tours (think Hushovd).

 

[Keith Oates]

Good point, FM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[andyhunter]

i think a rider out of Topsport Vlaanderen - Mercator will win.