Race Day of the Year: Nominations, Please!
by Chris... on Oct 19, 2009 1:42 PM EDT
68 comments
This category sounds straightforward but is worth a few nuggets of explanation. First, stage races and classics are apples and oranges, but I don't want to have more subcategories than the UCI Pro Tour rankings, so we will do as we have done in the past and ask you to pick out a single day that you feel was the best race of the year. Be it a Monument or a stage of the Volta a Catalunya, say why you think it was a great race, and feel free to elaborate. I'll ask you to err on the side of objectivity: if you are torn between a fierce competition between the sport's giants and the day your favorite guy won in a long, uncontested escape, go with the former. One more hint: you might think about certain races that had a lasting impact on the season. Big names and attacking styles aren't all that matters. Voting starts next Monday. Go!
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Worlds
Although still fresh, I don’t think my mind will change on this one. Cadel Evans win at worlds was the best 1 day race of the year. Cadel overcame being a “nearly” man and won with alot of grit, not to mention the last 10 k were simply explosive with the Italian and Spanish teams attempting to mark each other while Cancellara simply tried to blow everyone away.
by Huntero on Oct 19, 2009 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
I’m not (wasn’t?) a fan of Cadel’s, but I still can’t get over how happy I am that he won and how he did it. After tanking at the Tour, flatting at the Vuelta, I figured Cadel would’ve accepted the fate we’ve bestowed on him and disappeared into oblivion.
But no, he defies the odds, wins with panache, and drills a “F%(^ .you” into the skulls of all the haters and doubters.
Then he gives mad props to the jersey by finishing strong in the last few races of the year.
Well done, Cadel. Well done. Definitely the race day of the year.
Thinking hard - really hard - of something witty to say....
by Cyclingrush on Oct 19, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Worlds and Lombardia
were my favorite. The season ended with great races.
by aavf on Oct 19, 2009 2:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lombardia
The Autumn Double makes this a strong candidate. The significance of this feat is potentially big. It’s a blow against specialization.
ABRUZZIAM...uh oh
by Chris... on Oct 19, 2009 2:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Can we also nominate most disappointing race day of year
Ventoux in Tour de France . Hyped, hyped and hyped. And ultimately a huge let down.
Moo
by Willj on Oct 19, 2009 2:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Did you go in the end Will?
"If I were World Road Race Champion, I would wear black shorts. That probably has more to do with me being on the wiser side of 30 and understanding better that the decisions I make now never really go away. White shorts would not be something I'd be proud of...." - David Millar, in Rouleur.
by Albertina on Oct 19, 2009 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Tony Martin's performance saved that day for me. Unreal strong kid, that one.
I was really proud of him.
by Ruthann on Oct 19, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no .... I wimped out !
(was there for dauphiné)
Moo
by Willj on Oct 20, 2009 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh boo!
I suppose once in a year is ok ;-) It was mighty cold on the Tour day…..shouldn’t have gone up so high in hindsight!
"If I were World Road Race Champion, I would wear black shorts. That probably has more to do with me being on the wiser side of 30 and understanding better that the decisions I make now never really go away. White shorts would not be something I'd be proud of...." - David Millar, in Rouleur.
by Albertina on Oct 20, 2009 4:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
MSR
Cavendish’s burst to pip Haussler at the line was phenomenal to watch, as well as being indicative of both rider’s breakout success this year.
Jens Voigt doesn’t know where you live, but he knows exactly where you will die.
by OnTheRivet on Oct 19, 2009 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
riders'
Jens Voigt doesn’t know where you live, but he knows exactly where you will die.
by OnTheRivet on Oct 19, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
MSR was a great milli-moment, but I thought the entire race was dreadfully boring. The last minute was good, but bah to everything else
by PopUp Rolen on Oct 19, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked it that so many said Cav couldn't win it and then he did. Plus all of the drama on the podium
Cav crying, HH depressed…
by ZoeRochelle on Oct 19, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was probably most dramatic finish of a race
but the race itself was quite lacking in any sort of aggressiveness, I think only like 2 or 3 riders attempted to attack on the Poggio, and even those attacks seemed half hearted.
Dammit Elk! I don't care if it's your mating season, you are disturbing my peaceful sleep! Just STFU!
by Phil H. on Oct 19, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Paris-Roubaix... Being there has helped this nomination.....
"the rest was over 30. And that doesn't mean old and useless, but experienced and with the stamina"
Jens! Voigt, Crit Intl Interview, 2009
by CycleGirl on Oct 19, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Roubaix
The final 20k were stunning – filled with 2003 Tour-type drama (musette and Beloki type). Crashes, rider brainfarts (\o/), meltdowns (van der Flecha I think), riders on the rivet (Thor), and amazing grinta from Tommeke to hold off a charging Pippo. Plus Thor keeping Lotto off the podium at the end.
That was the race of the year IMHO.
by samboo on Oct 19, 2009 4:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
followed closely by:
Worlds
MSR
by trangential on Oct 19, 2009 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+2 on Roubaix.
But I’m such a huge Roubaix snob that I’m my vote normall wouldn’t count. This year was more amazing than usual. I enjoyed LBL quite a bit too.
by Mr Van P on Oct 19, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stage 17, Tour de France
The toughest stage of the Tour, it gave sustained entertainment, with an interesting breakaway – including Hushovd solo efforts – before the GC favourites fought it out up and down over two very tough climbs. It was the day that decided the final podium of the Tour, and the Green Jersey winner
(Paris-Nice would get my vote as the best stage race overall, Worlds as the best One Day race)
by William H on Oct 19, 2009 5:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Stage 17 Contador and Brothers Schleck approach top of Colombiere
very fun day
Moo
by Willj on Oct 20, 2009 2:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You must have been very near me that day!
"If I were World Road Race Champion, I would wear black shorts. That probably has more to do with me being on the wiser side of 30 and understanding better that the decisions I make now never really go away. White shorts would not be something I'd be proud of...." - David Millar, in Rouleur.
by Albertina on Oct 20, 2009 4:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was
"If I were World Road Race Champion, I would wear black shorts. That probably has more to do with me being on the wiser side of 30 and understanding better that the decisions I make now never really go away. White shorts would not be something I'd be proud of...." - David Millar, in Rouleur.
by Albertina on Oct 22, 2009 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you were a few hundred metres above me I think ....
did you see all the cheese-man dancing / wave stuff? (50 metres above me)
I heard a little basque being spoken but none of them looked like you ;)
Moo
by Willj on Oct 22, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cheese man? No!
I think all the Basque I managed was Kaixo. I then scurried off before they found out that I was actually English. The perils of wearing orange at the Tour….!
"If I were World Road Race Champion, I would wear black shorts. That probably has more to do with me being on the wiser side of 30 and understanding better that the decisions I make now never really go away. White shorts would not be something I'd be proud of...." - David Millar, in Rouleur.
by Albertina on Oct 23, 2009 4:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"well...you live in england so: you love the rain. loves the queen. hates cycling. based on mr bean had a tremendous amount of humour. all ride in a mini cooper. all getting drunk before the age of 12. getting drunk at least 3 times a day."- frinking, 7/9/09
by benrazor on Oct 20, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be orginial I'll throw out stage 21 of the Giro(ignoring the fact Di Luca's results wouldn't have stood)
the amazing scene of historic Rome, on the cobbles and raining, the Giro on the line. Di Luca going out and setting a dope infested great opening split time, then of course Menchov’s fall and quick bike change, finishing with a Roman warrior like scream. Amazing stuff. In all reality I’d say Lombardia was the best for me.
Dammit Elk! I don't care if it's your mating season, you are disturbing my peaceful sleep! Just STFU!
by Phil H. on Oct 19, 2009 6:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Roubaix
from my point of view was incredibly anti-climactic, Boonen got his gap by virtue of not going down in the turn, and Pippo was gapped because he was third wheel. Does it take anything away from Boonen’s win? No, I don’t think so. However, a 3 up sprint with Thor vs. Tommeke vs. Pippo would have made it the best race of year. Instead of being an almost. When you throw out the fact that its Roubaix and everyone waxes romantic about it, I think that this years Roubaix was good, but not particularly special.
by Huntero on Oct 19, 2009 6:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Roubaix
I was there, I rode the cobbles, I drank Leffe, I ate frites, I drank with Basques, I dined with CycleGirl. It was fab. Obviously I didn’t have much clue what was going on in the wider scheme of the race but the excitement of being in Arenberg and seeing the expressions of determination and suffering on the faces of those riders was magical. Then experiencing the sheer power of Boonen at the Carrefour de l’Arbre…wow, to be half a metre from the great man on the cobbles was something else. Just as memorable was the poor Euskie boy right at the back who just wanted to finish…just as much of a hero.
"If I were World Road Race Champion, I would wear black shorts. That probably has more to do with me being on the wiser side of 30 and understanding better that the decisions I make now never really go away. White shorts would not be something I'd be proud of...." - David Millar, in Rouleur.
by Albertina on Oct 19, 2009 6:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+1000
Rave Party on the Carrefour de l’Arbre was a day I will never forget… and everything else Albertina said is a definate yes!!! next time we will Party that night away (I know where that Party will be)….. Instead of wearing ourselves out by dinnertime… haha
"the rest was over 30. And that doesn't mean old and useless, but experienced and with the stamina"
Jens! Voigt, Crit Intl Interview, 2009
by CycleGirl on Oct 19, 2009 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We were quite knackered, no?!
It’s no wonder I failed to make it up the Koppenberg the next morning!
"If I were World Road Race Champion, I would wear black shorts. That probably has more to do with me being on the wiser side of 30 and understanding better that the decisions I make now never really go away. White shorts would not be something I'd be proud of...." - David Millar, in Rouleur.
by Albertina on Oct 20, 2009 4:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Needed a pic.. Rave Party on the Carrefour de l'Abre - Best Day Roubaix..
Fun times – 
Pippo fighting to come back -
ohh and one more, how close you get to the riders –
"the rest was over 30. And that doesn't mean old and useless, but experienced and with the stamina"
Jens! Voigt, Crit Intl Interview, 2009
by CycleGirl on Oct 21, 2009 5:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully it was the Leffe Bruin you were drinking
The blond is shite, but the frietjen are always good!
If I just had one more gear, I...
by SpunOut on Oct 20, 2009 2:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, it was the blond...I like it!
"If I were World Road Race Champion, I would wear black shorts. That probably has more to do with me being on the wiser side of 30 and understanding better that the decisions I make now never really go away. White shorts would not be something I'd be proud of...." - David Millar, in Rouleur.
by Albertina on Oct 20, 2009 4:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah i prefer the blonde too.
and the radieuse.
by yeehoo on Oct 20, 2009 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Talking of Leffe...
allow me to annouce how excited I am that I going to the Koksijde WC Cross in November!!!!!! Yessssss!!!
"If I were World Road Race Champion, I would wear black shorts. That probably has more to do with me being on the wiser side of 30 and understanding better that the decisions I make now never really go away. White shorts would not be something I'd be proud of...." - David Millar, in Rouleur.
by Albertina on Oct 20, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
RVV for me
Not cause of the great race but the first big bike race I’ve been to. Riding around on the cobbles chasing the riders as the route snaked back on itself. . Beer and frites with my buddies. Seeing the peloton suffer. Breaking my bike frame on bad Belgian roads. Watching Devolder escape in a smoke-filled pub surrounded by fat, moustachioed Flemish men who shouldn’t be allowed to wear lycra. Just generally awesome really.
by thebongolian on Oct 19, 2009 7:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Roubaix
For one day it is hard to beat – all of the hype and then the cobbles, the dust. George got a flat – there are always lots of crashes in different sectors with Thor taking out Pipo in the biggest crash this year.
This is what happens every year in Roubaix, but it is still memorable.
by John.. on Oct 19, 2009 7:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was tempted to go with MSR
because of the finish and because Cav really silenced the critics.
But the racing at Worlds was more interesting and Cadel got redemption for a frustrating season and he also silenced the critics. So The World Championships it is.
No horn, watch for finger.
by sminer on Oct 19, 2009 7:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If me crying at the finish means anything then it has to be the Worlds.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
by Seahorse on Oct 19, 2009 8:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yup me too
Much more eloquently put by several others already, but watching Cadel win, the emotions immediately after and in the presentation… tears of joy.
by slowK on Oct 20, 2009 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interestingly I'd have Mendrisio as one and two
Cancellara was magnificent too – in both races.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
by Seahorse on Oct 20, 2009 7:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll carry water for Fabian here too.
Who wasn’t in awe? Who won’t still remember the amazement of watching the man catch two riders and then sit up and celebrate for the last 200 meters and still crush his, well what can you call the others, they weren’t competition.
Cyclovia: Bogota www.streetfilms.org/archives/ciclovia/
by flying dog on Oct 19, 2009 8:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Total awe.
There is a commemorative photo up on my work notice board now ;-)
"If I were World Road Race Champion, I would wear black shorts. That probably has more to do with me being on the wiser side of 30 and understanding better that the decisions I make now never really go away. White shorts would not be something I'd be proud of...." - David Millar, in Rouleur.
by Albertina on Oct 20, 2009 4:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm suprised nobody has said LBL when Andy shot out of the field like a cannon to take an impressive monument win...
Other amazing days that have not been said were…
Paris-Nice: The Conta-bonk…Tour of California Stage 1:Bruyneel loses his precious radio…Giro Stages 2 and 3: Cavendish actually lost a race.
My personal favorite though probably Haussler’s mountain escape in the Tour. That was some emotional riding.
by Vlaanderen90 on Oct 19, 2009 11:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That ToC stage was definitely cool...
In that the riders had to cope with epic weather conditions AND had to think for themselves.
by tgartner on Oct 20, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My three picks (not in any order)
1. Paco Mancebo taking stage 1 of the ToC. Dusting Nibali and that Liquigas guy in the sprint after being out front all day was effin’ sweet!
2. Cattle putting the wood to the favorites and his understated celebration was unlike any other celebration I’ve ever seen. It seemed more relief than pure joy and a little redemption thrown in for good measure.
3. Menchov’s saved Giro and the resulting celebration. It wasn’t his first GT win but that celebration showed the magnitude of what he had done and the awesome field he laid waste to, AWESOME!
If I just had one more gear, I...
by SpunOut on Oct 20, 2009 2:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm probably going to catch some grief for the Paco Mancebo win but hey
It was a quality win against two much fresher guys with supposedly better snap in their legs. A win of that nature doesn’t come along too often and the stars were aligned that day for Mancebo. He will probably never have a win that satisfying again.
If I just had one more gear, I...
by SpunOut on Oct 20, 2009 5:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry, i can't decide!!
too many beautiful races!!
Worlds, Suisse, Tour, Paris Roubaix….Giro
by semprenaroda on Oct 20, 2009 6:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tour de France, Stage 20 to Mont Ventoux
HUGE sense of anticipation, almost sick-making;
Great sport by Garate, Pellizotti;
Last stage of the battle between Andy and Alberto. What a great contest they had last July! More, please.
Contador becomes virtual winner of Tour after going through hell for 3 weeks—no, 11 months
Lance makes podium in third, and all the implications
by Steno on Oct 20, 2009 10:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So many...
I pick, in order:
MSR
Roubaix
Tour Stage 13
Worlds
Tour Stage 17
"go to work, send your kids to schoo,l follow fashion, act normal, walk on the pavements, watch T.V., save for your old age, obey the law; Repeat after me: I am free"
by jsallee00 on Oct 20, 2009 10:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Stage 14 - Giro - finishing on the San Luca (Bologna) of Giro dell Emilia fame
A great stage – 12 breakaway riders making a good group; a mad parcours with three decent climbs and a stupid finish; a small gap all day, will they/wont they catch the breakaway action; under the archway then all out war; grivko attacks and blows, froome attacks and then comes to a standstill, gerrans attacks and goes on to win; and the GC brigade have an equally entertaining race a minute back. Loved it.
by andrewp on Oct 20, 2009 5:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Stage 17 TdF
By far the best stage of an otherwise below par Tour, excitement-wise.
by Mark T1979 on Oct 20, 2009 5:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, it's gotta be Menchov's winning the Giro's Rome TT; so much more suspenseful than Le Tour.
Of course nods also go to the Tour de Suisse Final TT and Worlds Road Race.
"As you can imagine, there are better places to have your birthday party than in some village called Mushny Mush Mishme." --The Wisdom of Jens
by Josenka on Oct 20, 2009 8:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Roubaix and Mendrisio
Saw both live, great races. I wish some of the giro or tour stages (when I had lunch at home just to watch them) were that good.
Your bike doesn't want to crash so relax and let it roll!!!
by perezbike on Oct 20, 2009 11:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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