Biggest surprise/upset cycling season 2010
by Frinking on Nov 3, 2010 8:08 AM EDT
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PrintI bet there are going to be a lot more polls.. This one is about.. Biggest surprise/upset.. (tadaaa!)
It could be anything. Rider who surprised you.. Sagan! Team what stunned your mind, course, stage, GT which turned out be more excited. A DS who opend your mouth saying Whaaa.. Or anything.. As long as the rider, person, newssite, thing turned out to be more surprising than you have expected.
My nominees:
Canadian PT races. For a race which is held for the first time it was gold. There was not even a tofield de the WC in Geelong but the races where one of the greatest this season. Not much races can say that.. I hope they stick around for some time..
Ok and another one.. Mikel Nieve! (Because else he would have gone by unnoticed) Second year Pro at Euskaltel and second year he could go unnoticed till the Vuelta. What a work he managed to do for Anton.. A lead out on the mountain where Anton has a stage win. After Anton's crash he didn't panic but tried it the other way.. What began as a chanceless, Frinklish, attack.. 5 minutes behind the breakaway! turned out to be the set up for Nieve's GT stage win.. He almost succeeded to win a second one.. After that a top 10 in Lombardia.. Take that Cancellara.. See you next year Nieve..
So What are your nominees. Everything is allowed!
Forgot to add: Deadline Sunday 7 November
(It's a test to enter all the cycling world so it could turn out all wrong)
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I think you might mean biggest surprise of the season.
But perhaps the biggest upset/surprise of the season is the “new big team”, Team Luxembourg. Not just the new team but what happened to SaxoBank in the process. Where did that whole thing come from?
But you got the idea!
and changed..
True.. Riis seemed to have a perfect team balance.. Till the Schleck’s thought they could do better? Or was it another reason thy left?
"Where did that whole thing come from?"
In the end these type of things typically boils down to money, i.e. sponsor problems.
The best team, with the most popular riders couldn't land a sponsor.
I think there was something else going on.
Sponsor problems started at the end of 2008 when a deal with
a new sponsor called IT Factory turned out to be a fraud (It Factory was an empty shell). Since then Riis Cycling have slowly, but surely cut back on expenses by firing staff etc culminating when Saxo Bank at the end of 2009 announced it would stop sponsoring the team one year earlier than planned putting severe pressure on the shop. Insiders saw an opportunity to do things better and worked hard to establish a new team, which suceeded all the while Riis tried to find new sponsors. One can always find reasons such as need for new challenges etc, but the root cause of the collapse was lack of cash.
I want to act more detached and pretend that I'm disappointed instead of upset.
How am I doing so far?
Pfffft
They give those things to anybody. You know that an actor got one last year, right?
There are 2 ways - the easy way and the way that I did it.
Getting Di Luca back in business after a reduced ban from his 3rd doping violation,
had me spill coffee all over the keyboard.
You can't take everyone! I did already have three Euskies.
And you might have noticed that I was quite successful without him ;)
De cross gaat door!
Cervelo Test Team + Garmin Transitions sitting in a tree, k i s s i n g . . .
Two teams combining was a surprise to me. I think it says a lot about the Cervelo brand that another team would morph to get their bikes.
It seems like it was more about the opportunity to get at Cervelo's riders
If I just had one more gear, I...
I can agree with that at least in the sense that the sponsor Garmin said they wanted a more international flavor for marketing purposes.
But it is a major shake up for the team that still is on the look out for diamonds in the rough and has their own development squad. Their classics squad was developing without buying a whole new classics team. I think they’ll be riding Cervelos long after Thor and Co. have moved on.
I agree about them riding Cervelos long after Thor and co. are gone but
Bikes really are bikes, at least at the top end. If Garmin-Cervelo do well this year, JV will be considered a genius. An evil genius, but a genius nonetheless.
If I just had one more gear, I...
Wildest story.
Cancellara using non human combustion power to propel him over the cobbles.
Only one question remains:
Who was behind the relevations? Better word for you, Frinking?
I like your choices Frinking
and I would add Hesjedal at the Tour . Garmin pulling another surprise top 10 out of the hat.
Porte all the way for me...as he was on my VDS team, I fully expec ted a doughnut.
Sagan’s performance at TDU made choosing him smart. He pinned his colours to the mast in January. aside from that, I’m a little ashamed that I was suprised by Evans on Stage 7 at the Giro…beautiful.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Porte was asked the very same question this post is about.
He answered Matthew Goss as biggest surprise, and the fact that riders continue to use doping as the biggest disappointment. He also tells a story that sounds rather painful, about a rider on Saxobank, that shall remain unnamed, who got his penis stuck in the zipper, and they had to help him get it outhttp://www.procycling.no/article3020417.ece
I guess the rider it happened to, doesn’t need much time to name his biggest upset this season;)
"We had to help him get it loose!"--double ouch for the embarrassment
But sounds like it turned out okay:
He drove in fact a very good prologue afterwards, but when he stood there with the penis in the squeeze, he was pretty shaky!(Google-translated)
My fruit bowl is full of sex wax--gavia
Worlds in Geelong
For years, this was touted as the “Sprinters” opportunity to get the Rainbow. Riders like Cav and Farrar made it a major priority for their seasons, changing schedules to peak in the fall. Everyone was under the impression that this was going to be a battle of the fast men. Then the Italians paid a visit to the course in July and Pippo and Paolo sounded the first warning bells that the course was much tougher than everyone thought. So what started out as a sprinters’ Worlds, quickly turned to a climber’s Worlds, and finally realized itself as a power man’s Worlds.
"Thanks again, Floyd Landis, Yellow Jersey Wearer: Nuisance Category"
Vino winning LBL
Gotta’ say, I wasn’t suspecting that.
Even more interesting was how that win pretty much shut up any pundant saying much of anything regarding his past.
What would Deming do? (+8:00 GMT)
You obviously didn't listen then
Badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger...
by TheFigurehead on Nov 3, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
The noise was much less after he crossed the finish line.
Oh sure, just before it there were all sorts of shouting, but the French and most everyone got real quiet after that.
What would Deming do? (+8:00 GMT)
Eh.... no, they didn't
Pretty much every account of that race includes some reference to the controversial nature of the result.
Well, I'm not talking about booing at the finish line
He’s a doper, and a stupid fuck. No need to be quiet about it.
Badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger...
by TheFigurehead on Nov 3, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Doper – Yes
Stupid F* – Well, that’s just childish name calling, but it seems from how things have shaken out that there is significant evidence to the contrary of your opinion.
What would Deming do? (+8:00 GMT)
Vino is one of the black clouds over the 2010 season
Ugly – and he rode selfishly in the Tour, too.
by rubesANdbabes on Nov 4, 2010 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions
When did he not ride selfishly in the Tour?
Actually I thought he was much more of a team player then most tours he rode in during the last decade.
What would Deming do? (+8:00 GMT)
+1
He was as a good a teammate as anyone could hope for. Doesn’t matter though. 50/50 chance he screws up his meds again this year when he’s going for the TdF GC IMO.
Too good to be true!
He did ride for Bert but his season as 38yo?
Win lbl, rides giro for GC then help with stage win TDF 2nd in San Sebastion …..riding “clean”-at least some dopers are more discreet in their later years.
"More accurately, the principle of Occam’s Razor recommends selecting the competing hypothesis that makes the fewest new assumptions"
I've loved Vino all season, but it was no surprise...and i think he was excellent at Le Tour
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I do believe he is a strong and aggressive rider...
but that was an awfully long and impressive performance. I found him enjoyable to watch, but I have my doubts.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
Doubts?
Like the ‘doubting if Santa Claus really exists’ kinda’ doubts?
What would Deming do? (+8:00 GMT)
I don't have those kind of doubts.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
He lives in Finland
"It was getting colder and colder as we went up. About halfway up, I started to go a little backwards and as I passed Thor he looked at me and said, "If you lose my wheel I will smash you." I took his wheel and found an extra gear." João Correia
You can laugh, but I had no doubts at all. He was a man on a mission.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I agree he was a man on a mission
and I wouldn’t laugh at your lack of doubt here. And I can still enjoy his riding and not take away from his results even though I reserve a little doubt.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
Very wise I suspect..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Daniel Martin: good season!
Tre Valli Varesine+Japan Cup+Tour of Poland and 2nd place in Emilia. Not so bad…
+1
the leap…
For me, Flanders. I think it is the single most beautiful day of racing in the year.
by Tyler Farrar on Nov 2, 2010 12:07 PM PDT
by Chris Fontecchio on Nov 3, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Cadel Evans
The inspiration of the WC stripes lifted him to a whole new level this past season. I hope he rides like that in 2011.
Nooo!
If I made a contest where Evans won.. I… never write again! Grrr..
But ok.. Good nominee.. But he is 5643st on my list
Build a bridge..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Thor Hushovd
crossing the line in front of the yellow jersey group after climbing Col de Peyresourde, Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet and Col d’Aubisque on Tour stage 16. I did not see that coming.
Igor Anton...knew he had it in him, but was kinda wondering if he'd ever fulfil any of his real potential.
Pleasantly amazed what he did in the Ardennes at his first attempt, and then the Vuelta (no, we will not mention the carrotsmak).
De cross gaat door!
As always, I can’t do just one.
Biggest surprises / revelations of the 2010 season
1 Vino LBL, Tour stage. Style, aggression, unpredictability, etc.
2. Liquigas!!!
3. Giro’s stage with massive breakaway.
Biggest upsets.
1. Situation with Contador!
2. Snubbing of VacansOleil of any GT participation.
3. Zeke! What did you do my hart!
I used to be a big fan of the Racer Formerly Known as Bert! But then again, I used to believe in Santa ,Tooth Fairy and innocence of Floyd!
.
Only a great champion dares take on a suit like that.
Looks shiny too.
How bad a suit is that?
This bad: at first I thought that was a photo of Ricco.
by R Mc on Nov 3, 2010 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Same here, bad.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
How about Peter Velits?
I’m not sure anyone expected him to get third (or second?) in the Vuelta this year. And I was definitely surprised when he won the Stage 17, Peñafiel I.T.T., beating Menchov and Cancellara! Sadly, I had the other Velits on my VDS…
You're either on the bike or off the bike.
by Merry Crankster on Nov 3, 2010 12:24 PM EDT reply actions
Biggest upset:
The number of doping cases still occuring. Talk about stupidity and hard headedness, it’s time to throw them out. Any PED that shows up that can’t be seriously viewed as a possible contamination case, you’re history.
Another upsetting moment was Lance’s Tour, but lady luck was bound to depart.
So many surprises:
As strong as Boonen looked this spring, it was surprising that Cancellara was that much stronger and able to pull off that string of wins.
I thought Andy looked like he had no chance coming into the Tour, and for a good part of the final ITT I thought he was totally going to pull it off.
Evans WC reign being so inspiring.
and many more…
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
btw, frinking, i think you mean the deadline is NOVEMBER 7, not october 7
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
Menchov
I never saw him on the podium of the Tour. My respect for the guy keeps growing.
For me, Flanders. I think it is the single most beautiful day of racing in the year.
by Tyler Farrar on Nov 2, 2010 12:07 PM PDT
by Chris Fontecchio on Nov 3, 2010 2:56 PM EDT reply actions
Biggest Surprise?
Never expected Sleeping Maiden Velo and The Txapela wearing Txirrindulariak of Txindoki to go one / two in the VDS.
moo
After his bust, i never expected anyone with jen grey to make the top ten! let alone second!!!!
'When playing a game, the goal is to win, but it is the goal that is important, not the winning' - Dr. Reiner Knizia
by bought with blood on Nov 3, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
GHH
I thought he was going to tear stuff up this year.
"It was getting colder and colder as we went up. About halfway up, I started to go a little backwards and as I passed Thor he looked at me and said, "If you lose my wheel I will smash you." I took his wheel and found an extra gear." João Correia
Everyone's missed the greatest difficulty....
Trying to put nominations in before October 7!!!
:-)!!!
Where's the next cafe - is there a bakery there too?
Cavendish's pre-TDF-stage-5 performances
"Oh man, it’s going to take days to kill all these people!"
My biggest upset was the Chaingate incident TdF
Computer i was watching on nearly thrown, tears were there…… added by Phill not winning worlds (my fault I was sleeping)..
"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
upset
Tommeke’s injury. He was totally going to win green and rainbow
after being beat in the spring.
RULE 42:
A bike ride/race shall never be preceeded with a swim and/or followed by a run
by perezbike on Nov 4, 2010 12:11 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Totally. I'm still in denial that he no longer has that beautiful Belgium jersey too.
De cross gaat door!
he will have rainbow in 2012
dont worry
RULE 42:
A bike ride/race shall never be preceeded with a swim and/or followed by a run
Hutarovich over Cav, Farrar and Peta in the Vuelta. Biggest upset of the year, hands down.
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
Big upset, yea
but I just don’t find it all that surprising in a sprint finish for the occasional upset to occur.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
Tyler Farrar taking out Cav in the last sprinter's battle of the Vuelta (and year).
Props to the 26 K-B-K finishers, too.
Landis spilling his guts and the aftermath!
Firstly Landis telling all was a surprise the the whole Jeff and the feds thing pursuing it.
"More accurately, the principle of Occam’s Razor recommends selecting the competing hypothesis that makes the fewest new assumptions"
Oh yea, Landis.
Luv that guy.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
Taylor Phinney to BMC
I really thought for sure that Trek would have kept this kid close and guided him to Lux and cultavate him as their poster boy in the US for a decade or more.
What would Deming do? (+8:00 GMT)
nobody
talked about Tiago Machado!! best rookie in Radio Schack!
by the way, there are a public petition for Tour of Algarve in TV! you can give your contribution!
I mentioned Machado in the best/worst transfers post
As being one of the guys that helped Radio Shack save face this year.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
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