Flanders News and Notes
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 31, 2010 2:15 PM EDT
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Some tidbits from the world capital of Awesome! this week...
- Stijn Devolder isn’t conceding anything headed into Sunday. "Ik ben beter dan vorig jaar" is his take -- basically, I’m better than past years. He goes on to talk about how he was on the verge of giving the pack the slip last Saturday. News to his team, apparently. Devo calls the first three stages of Driedaagse de Panne "purely training" but might show a little something of his form in the closing time trial.
- Bad news for Stijn: while Fiorenzo Magni has no problem with Devolder matching his record of three consecutive Flanders wins, the 90-year-old champion is picking Boonen.
- Leif Hoste got some ink today, mostly to talk about how lousy things are going. He was sick with the buikgreip last weekend (blech), and things are what they are. Het Laatste Nieuws talks with DS Herman Frison, and all he keeps saying is "what can you do?" Answering the question, is it possible to have less than no confidence? (yes) Hoste doesn’t even appear to enter Frison’s thoughts in the conversation. It's all about Gilbert, and if they get major contributions from the rest of the squad, apparently it will be to Frison's surprise.
- I’ve seen a couple articles talking about the continued "mondialising" of the classics, all generally positive and expected. There’s a long interview today with some expert on the subject of sponsorship, who basically says that there’s a limit to how much Belgian companies (mostly big banks) can do to keep up with the big foreign sponsors. Seems more like resignation, but Belgians haven’t been complaining too openly about the outsiders coming in. The total lack of Belgian wins, another matter.
- Nick Nuyens was out perusing the Ronde course yesterday, giving lie to the notion that he’s not ready to start Sunday. He says his participation wasn’t compromised by the thrills and spills last weekend.
- Mark Cavendish was also seen on the course yesterday, prepping for his first Ronde with mate Bernhard Eisel. Cav has previously said he wanted to be more of a classics guy than a pure sprinter (who doesn’t?), and is making good on his promise to try. Good luck dude!
- Did I read a rather detailed description of Boonen’s recon plans somewhere, or just dream it? It seems like an odd thing to publicize, but maybe it’s like stars in LA, there’s a social contract on not bothering him while he’s training. Or at least not being too obvious about it.
- Speaking of Boonen, that article with Lore holding him on a leash isn't what it looks like. It's all "stand by your man" and "he's always there for me." Snore.
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I do believe Devo is trying
And he was pushing the lead group at around 50km to go last Saturday, but then he disappeared. No way was he about to give the pack the slip. We’ll just have to see on Sunday but if he doesn’t get seriously competitive either of the next two Sunday’s, he’s totally out of QS. Radio Shack? At any rate I rate him higher for P-R this year.
Doesn't sound like Devolder can be counted on to do his job
contempt for the team isn’t a wise career move. Better to keep those thoughts to himself by doing the verbal sandbag til raceday, no? Talented racer for sure, PR skills need more work.
"Oooh God...if there IS one, save my soul...if I HAVE one." -Eugen Weber
by Koppenberg34 on Mar 31, 2010 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
From Devolder:
“I feel good in this team. You can believe the gossip, but it only amuses everyone at the [team’s] table.”
From CN who I trust less and less but oh well.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
CN
I am giving them props. They’re all over here.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 31, 2010 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions
It's not their coverage I question,
it’s their there they’re editing.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
Nothing to do with the quote from Devolder...
My comment about CN was just a generalization. The Devo quote was to defend him against the “lack of PR skills” remark from Koppe.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
But I'm now thoroughly confused about the QS team dynamics
But maybe that’s just what they (QS) want.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
I was just thinking today, that this whole kerfuffle could be a huge coordinated sandbagging effort by Devolder, Boonen & co.
"Today I was honked at...I caught up and made a great honking noise back...he caught up and said I'm gonna punch you in the face...I laughed."
~DZ
Yea it's got me confused about whether they are united or not
or if Devo is the leader or not.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
No, of course not.
He’s just the defending champion, that doesn’t give him any weight in this race.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
More News: Boss Hog is out for Flanders says Team Sky
Inflamed achilles and skipping de Ronde to try and get healthy for Paris-Roubaix
There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx.
There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx. There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx. There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx. There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx. There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx. There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx. There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx. There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx. There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx. There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx. There is no Team Barbie Barbie jinx.
The advantage of becoming pigeon takes enormous proportions.--Sporza live ticker, Stage 2 Driedaagse de Panne, courtesy of Google Translate.
heh
Since we’re on the intertubes, anyone way to say that Sky is pushing him too fast? That he’s being asked to do too much for such a young rider?
I'd agree with that...
When you look at other classics stars now, he has gotten his leadership before any of them. Even Boonen had a down year in ‘03(same age) and had a bunch of other classics riders to help his progression.
He shouldn’t have any pressure on him yet to perform
"Cofidis Keukeleire in revelation set off a seat and made the job off." Oh Google translator...
by Vlaanderen90 on Mar 31, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
In terms of days racing or pressure?
In any case, probably both. Last year before the classics he’d only done the Challenge Mallorca (or whatever you call it—the Trofeo races in early February). This year he did both the Tours of Qatar and Oman, and as race leader. So, more and heavier racing, and definitely more pressure.
The advantage of becoming pigeon takes enormous proportions.--Sporza live ticker, Stage 2 Driedaagse de Panne, courtesy of Google Translate.
I'm sure I'm about three days late telling everyone this
So, I’ll preface with my own Fail.
Anyway, Haussler is out of both, due to a tear in a knee ligament.
You all knew that right?
OK Epic fail
I’m like 12 days late telling you all this. I only read it confirmed on his blog today.
Oh well, too late for me, too bad for Heinrich.
It depends
if you are driving in a Mclaren-Mercedes SLR like Jeremy Clarkson did when he drove from Britain to Norway you are brilliant, if not you are an idiot. Jens is an idiot I assume.
Proud member of Thuggetz nation.
Go ahead and slap her
if you want to end up on in the gutter in the roughest neighborhood in Denver, with a massive headache and several broken bones…I know nothing!
Proud member of Thuggetz nation.
Roughest neighborhood in Denver
Is that the one where old ladies have to cross the street themselves sometimes? Yeah I’ve heard about that, it’s legend.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 1, 2010 2:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Chris - Any hub bub about Lance riding de Ronde?
I’m interested to hear if the Belgian press and fans go all in on they hype like every other race/country/press outlet does when he makes an appearance.
on that note, hopefully the sporza commentators aren't told to "talk up" la like the french were
see “LE CARNET D’UN TECHNICIEN DE FRANCE TÉLÉVISIONS” at the bottom of the following link
http://www.cyclismag.com/article.php?sid=5703
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
there was something in HLN today
but I skipped it. They’re certainly interested, although I’m not sure what there is to say.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 31, 2010 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions
London Odds
Boonen, T 4.50
Cancellara, F 4.50
Pozzato, F 9.00
Breschel, M 11.00
Flecha Giannoni, J-A 16.00
Gilbert, Philippe 17.00
Devolder, S 25.00
Gasparotto, E 35.00
Ballan, A 35.00
Ivanov, S 35.00
Nuyens, N 40.00
Hincapie, G 40.00
Eisel, B 45.00
Burghardt, M 45.00
Boom, Lars 50.00
Leukemans, B 50.00
Chavanel, Sylvain 55.00
Hushovd, T 55.00
Langeveld, S 55.00
Maaskant, M 60.00
Van Avermaet, G 60.00
Oss, D 65.00
Kroon, K 65.00
Iglinskiy, M 65.00
Hammond, R 80.00
Van Summeren, J 80.00
Voeckler, T 80.00
Roelandts, J 80.00
Hoste, L 80.00
…
Armstrong 250.00
Hincapie at 40.00?
Huh.
Translated from Danish into English: "Bush league, psyche out shit, man! Laughable!"
I think Flecha is a bit high...I would think he would be a bit lower around 10.00 or 11.00
especially is lady luck goes his way Sunday
"Cofidis Keukeleire in revelation set off a seat and made the job off." Oh Google translator...
by Vlaanderen90 on Mar 31, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Really? I'd go the other way- more like 25 or 30:1
Not much team support and there’s a handful of other riders who can do what he does but better. His main quality is that he’s strong.
Well he can drop Gilbert on the cobbles...
and he hasn’t been heads up with Breschel so he is the 3rd favorite. He not be able to sprint too well but he can ride harder at the end of a classic then most.
"Cofidis Keukeleire in revelation set off a seat and made the job off." Oh Google translator...
by Vlaanderen90 on Mar 31, 2010 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Ha! this is the fun of oddsmaking.
I see Phil-Gil dropping Juan Der Fletcha! Either way though, he’s top 5.
The guy who I see is priced too high is Iglinsky, I would also put money on Roelandts for top 10.
Roelandts is strong and deserves to be higher....
I am struggling to see why Ballan is rated so high after his anonymous year so far.
My sure lock for a top 10 in Bernie Eisel.
"Cofidis Keukeleire in revelation set off a seat and made the job off." Oh Google translator...
by Vlaanderen90 on Mar 31, 2010 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Van Der Flecha!
I’d forgotten that nickname :)
Translated from Danish into English: "Bush league, psyche out shit, man! Laughable!"
He's totally riding in support.
If he wins, it’s because he got in a breakaway either in support of Ballan, or totally by accident. Hincapie at 40 and Kroon at 65 is, at the very least, completely reversed.
Translated from Danish into English: "Bush league, psyche out shit, man! Laughable!"
There ain't not party like my Nana's tea party...
Translated from Danish into English: "Bush league, psyche out shit, man! Laughable!"
Even Gasparotto at 35?
best two points ever spent
Hincapie
Don’t odds reflect incoming bets? Nobody in Belgium is putting down money on George, am guessing. Obviously they know what he can do, but they’re busy obsessing over their own guys.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 31, 2010 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Voeckler ahead of Roelandts and Hoste? That must be an april fools day joke right?
"Oooh God...if there IS one, save my soul...if I HAVE one." -Eugen Weber
by Koppenberg34 on Mar 31, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that the favorites are about right ...
but it would be fun two have a fiver each on Ivanov (35-1), Syl-Chav (55-1), & Iglinskiy (65-1????)
Put me down for 10 euro each for Boonen, Cancellara, Breschel and Flecha.
I feel confident that will be profitable.
Lotto: Always low on luck?
It my memory has not malfunctioned, 2009 began as unmemorable as 2010 for them. All I can seem to recall before Summer of 2009, besides Gilbert attacking everywhere, was the Lotto pile-up on the Roubaix cobbles and their non-showing (save Gilbert) at the Giro. So, perhaps this team needs more time to warm its winning legs—or these angsting riders can switch teams since look what transferring has done for Evans attitudewise; then again, Hoste might stop angsting through every interview like some trust fund baby.
Wigglypuff Cav Crunch, Breakfast of Madison Champions!
Pretty much
First win was Cadel’s in Coppi e Bartali when he outsprinted Cunego on the last stage. Gilbert’s much awaited stage win in the Giro were their third so far, Kaisen won a stage in Turkey.
The problem is though that ha Belgian team is supposed to do better in Belgium. I’m being reminded of a comment from Jens on Boonen vs. Hoste and their mothers.
Staring at the swim team gets you killed by a gang of dancing ninja men who know how to twirl.
by TheFigurehead on Mar 31, 2010 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
That was worth being reminded of.
The advantage of becoming pigeon takes enormous proportions.--Sporza live ticker, Stage 2 Driedaagse de Panne, courtesy of Google Translate.
On the Lore comment
I read it as “Lore is drawing the lines for Boonen”, which given his history, made me laugh.
Vlaanderens Mooiste
oh dear
They didn’t expect anyone would translate it to English…
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 31, 2010 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Boonen for the win, then
two of these five: Oss, Maaskant, Van Amermaet, Boom, Nuyens
"Oooh God...if there IS one, save my soul...if I HAVE one." -Eugen Weber
Oss!
We shall see. Young guys doing well in shorter races can be in for some rude awakening in de Ronde. But he’s strong.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 31, 2010 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions
When Freire won?
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 31, 2010 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he was trying to say Oss was the last man standing for Benna
and that he has proven he can go that far but Flanders is a whole different ballgame
"Cofidis Keukeleire in revelation set off a seat and made the job off." Oh Google translator...
by Vlaanderen90 on Mar 31, 2010 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Thinking ahead to Sunday...
What do people commonly eat for breakfast in Belgium? Not sure I can handle frites first thing in the morning. But I could be wrong.
The advantage of becoming pigeon takes enormous proportions.--Sporza live ticker, Stage 2 Driedaagse de Panne, courtesy of Google Translate.
bread and chocolate
it’s a most civilized place.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Mar 31, 2010 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice.
I can do that.
The advantage of becoming pigeon takes enormous proportions.--Sporza live ticker, Stage 2 Driedaagse de Panne, courtesy of Google Translate.
I'm having all three.
Just to cover my bases. Why they need covering, I have no idea. I wonder where Jens is right now…
more specifically,
hagelslag; milk or dark chocolate sprinkles pressed into lots of butter. Or shaved chocolate flakes (vlokken), also on butter.
The non-chocolate pink or blue anise-sugar sprinkles called muisjes (“little mice”) are special for when a daughter or son is born, BTW. Some other Dutch / Belgian breakfast sweets here.
Straight from wiki
Belgium. A typical Belgian breakfast is like that of its northern neighbor, the Netherlands. Belgians do not eat their most famous food, Belgian waffles, which are traditionally sold in tourist areas of large cities, and are eaten as a snack. The breakfast in Belgium consists of breads, toasted or untoasted, with several marmalades, jams, and nut spreads, such as Nutella or just with a bar of chocolate. Other common toppings include sliced meats and cheeses. Pastries and croissants may be served on Sundays, but are mostly not eaten on weekdays. Belgians often enjoy coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, or fresh juice with breakfast.
"Cofidis Keukeleire in revelation set off a seat and made the job off." Oh Google translator...
by Vlaanderen90 on Mar 31, 2010 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Ja very much so.
"Cofidis Keukeleire in revelation set off a seat and made the job off." Oh Google translator...
by Vlaanderen90 on Mar 31, 2010 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Typical
stealing from the great German culture, well I guess spreading the love isn’t a bad thing(unless you have the history of Germany).
Proud member of Thuggetz nation.
Pffffttftftfff...
Weisswurst, Senf und Weissbier. THAT’S a proper German breakfast.
Ok… proper Bavarian breakfast… but still…
Translated from Danish into English: "Bush league, psyche out shit, man! Laughable!"
Bavaria isn't part of Germany
or so everybody outside of Bavaria would like to believe…and people in Bavaria of course believe Bavaria IS Germany.
Proud member of Thuggetz nation.
Luckily, it will be a Sunday, so I can head straight for the pastries and croissants.
Now that I think of it, I’ve HAD the breakfast you quote in Belgium, at a youth hostel in Brussels some years back. I was on my way to Germany at the time, but don’t remember the breakfasts there at all.
The advantage of becoming pigeon takes enormous proportions.--Sporza live ticker, Stage 2 Driedaagse de Panne, courtesy of Google Translate.
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