World Champs Road Races - SPOILER

[Fiona N]

that wimmins race was dire today, should have just fast forwarded to the last couple hundred metres, no escapes, no excitement, no sport.

Maybe they should change the rules so that the strong countries get a maximum of three riders and the weaker countries up to the full whack (?is that 8) which would make it far more difficult for Italy, Australia, GB, Germany etc. to just control the bunch and expend team members running down break-aways

 

[Smokin Joe]

A lumpier circuit is what the race needed.

 

[dragon72]

I'm not a big fan of those hamster-wheel lap-course races. It's great for the spectators on the ground, who get to see the riders numerous times, but as a tele-spectator I much prefer a good old A to B race.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I'm not a big fan of those hamster-wheel lap-course races. It's great for the spectators on the ground, who get to see the riders numerous times, but as a tele-spectator I much prefer a good old A to B race.

A big problem with circuit races is that after a couple of laps the riders get the feel of the course, where all the hills are, how they and others are going on them and the places where the wind is going to help or hinder. It makes it a lot easier to anticipate and stifle any aggressive moves off the front.

The trouble is that the Worlds does need something to differentiate it from other races, which it already does to one extent with national teams. Perhaps two big circuits rather than multiple smaller ones?

 

[beastie]

Most of the road racing so far has been ok, this was the first bland race so far. That said the lack of lumps kinda limits the attacks. I think the men's race will be a lot more aggressive though.

 

[accountantpete]

Early stages - 7 man breakaway 8 mins up the road ( or round the circuit) leaving only GB and Germany to chase them down.

 

[oldroadman]

oldroadman - are you the same generation as Les West?

No, about 8-10 years on, so more of a crossover. Now I still see Les, he's still knocking 7 bells out of the blokes up Gun Hill. Always had to beware when he said he was "not feeling great". This meant an execution job on the field at some point, usually followed by a solo win. Great bloke.

 

[oldroadman]

A lumpier circuit is what the race needed.

Riders make the race - Nederlands is not know for a lot of climbs, but the races there can be very agressive indeed. Too many negative tactics can close a race down even on a lumpy parcours, you just let the climbers play and then close 'em down on the descents.

 

[raindog]

Great bloke.

Absolutely. One of my big heros when I were a lad. Saw a photo of him during the ToB on one of the podiums - Stoke, I suppose - and he still looks lean and fit.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Riders make the race - Nederlands is not know for a lot of climbs, but the races there can be very agressive indeed. Too many negative tactics can close a race down even on a lumpy parcours, you just let the climbers play and then close 'em down on the descents.

That's true, but I was specifically referring to women's racing which historically has tended to be rather negative (with some great exceptions, obviously).

 

[User169]

Enjoying the dutch commentators continual references to the "English" team.

 

[Stephenite]

Yes!!

That was hard work just watching it!!

 

[brockers]

HAT!

 

[Smokin Joe]

Jesus, that was a tense last kilo.

Well done that man, Sportsman of The Year here we come.

 

[beastie]

Well that was a better race than yesterday.!!