Fidea Cyclocross Classic: Leuven.... LIVE!!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 7:48 AM EST
in Live Races
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PrintFriday 30th December 2011, 15:00 CET; 14:00 GMT; 09:00 US Eastern
It's the final standalone race in the Fidea Classics series - and since we've already had two big races this week, and a GVA race (GP Sven Nys!) on New Year's Day, this one is probably the best chance for some of the second-rank riders to get a win - especially with Niels Albert sick, and Zdenek Stybar and Kevin Pauwels not racing. So it'll be Sven Nys against Lars Boom - and look at the parcours with all those long, straight sections! EDIT! And it's Lars Boom's birthday today! Hartelijk gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag, Lars!
EDIT AGAIN! Well it didn't quite turn out like that! But there'll be videos here if you want to see what DID happen!
Here's the startlist, here's the website, and it's live on VT4.be, with more streams via cyclingfans, procycling and sports-livez, and as always, chat in the comments, and and videos & photos added to the bottom of the comments, once they're up, too!
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Lots of luck to Lars Boom and Nikki Harris today
Because it’s their birthdays. Race victory is a lovely way to celebrate!
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
Thanks! I've edited it into the article!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 7:57 AM EST up reply actions
Nikki took the time to thank me for birthday wishes on Twitter
I adore any rider who’ll do that for a fan. :-)
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 7:59 AM EST up reply actions
Oh, and more evidence of the inequalities in cycling?
Here’s what the men get in prize money (Euros): 1667-834-600-467-400-334-300-267-234-200-167-134-117-100-84-84-67-67-67-67-50-50-50-50-50-34-34-34-34-34
Here’s the women:
185-130-100-80-70-60-60-60-60-60-30-30-30-30-30
Aka Pigeons!
I saw that on the website yesterday
So depressing.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 7:59 AM EST up reply actions
It's the fees they get paid to ride that are the real money in CX - do you (or anyone) have an idea how much someone like Nys is paid to race?
and what the difference is between the men & women?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:05 AM EST up reply actions
The big three get € 8000
just to start, Pauwels and Boom get a little less (7000 or 7500)
Don’t know what the women get
I think Vos gets about 2000?
Maybe?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:08 AM EST up reply actions
Doesn't matter how much 1667 Euros is worth
The fact remains that it’s nine times more than the winning woman will get. That is categorically not right.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 8:06 AM EST up reply actions
Speaking of such things
Anyone know what’s been going on in the women’s race?
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 8:29 AM EST up reply actions
Yes! Vos again!
1. Vos, 2. DvdB, 3. De Boer, 4 Havlikova, 5 Cant
Results will pop up here: http://www.wielerland.nl/index.php?option=com_database&c=u&sc=1&id=32308&Itemid=242
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:31 AM EST up reply actions
Yay Vos!
…and all the rest, of course!
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 8:32 AM EST up reply actions
I wonder what DvdB can do to beat Vos this season?
I’d like to see Daphny take a big win, isn’t it her last season?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:36 AM EST up reply actions
Indeed
But I guess if Marianneke has bad luck?
eg Krawatencross GVA!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
Nice pic!
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
Marianne had rolled her tyre, and had to run the last quarter of the race
Hanka Kupfernagel was behind her in 3rd place, and did the world’s slowest sprint so as not to overtake Vos – both of them laughing, Vos running like crazy
Check out the video – it was a lovely moment!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
ha!
that’s a great clip. I especially love the way when the problem first comes up she does a sort of half-shrug and just continues to ride on.
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 30, 2011 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
They showed more of it at the time
Kupfernagel was practically pedalling backwards, and Vos was REALLY sprinting for the 2nd, but both of them laughing a lot! Fun times!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Brilliant!
That “We’re having fun doing this” attitude is why I’m starting to like women’s cycling more than men’s.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
what about Gunnewijk’s national championship in 2010?
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 30, 2011 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
Doesn't count if it's a team-mate!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
ahh, I see, a moment of weakness.
Probably eliminated by now.
She plays a great 1-2 with Annemiek van Vleuten in races too
which is less gifting and more superb tactics!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
It’s not a gift to Annemiek, it’s just that Annemiek rules, and Vos may be bionic superVos, but she also knows at least SOMETHING about cycling tactics (as opposed to “just ride away from the mere mortals” as she often chooses) so it would be bad form to chase Annemiek down.
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 30, 2011 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
women's race
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit, 0:39:45
2. Daphny van den Brand (Ned) AA Drink-Leontien.nl, + 00:29
3. Sophie de Boer (Ned) Young Telenet Fidea,
4. Pavla Havlikova (Cze) Young Telenet Fidea,
5. Sanne Cant (Bel) BOXX Veldritacademie, + 01:21
6. Gabby Day (GBr) Renner Custom Cyclocross Team,
7. Arenda Grimberg (Ned)
8. Ellen van Loy (Bel) Kriekel Cycling Team Tessenderlo
9. Anne Arnouts (Bel)
10. Hilde Quintens (Bel) Van Goethem Prorace cycling team
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
(Is it definitely there? It's still talking about 23rd Dec on the holding page)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:04 AM EST up reply actions
Huh? Or was that 10 minutes ago?
Because it says “vrijdag 30 december” for me.
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
Probably half an hour ago!
I opened it when I wrote the article, as I was convinced it was on vt4.be! Edited it in, thanks very much!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:12 AM EST up reply actions
I'm fine
done a ride, vacuumed the house, coffee is almost ready. How are you feeling, I’ve read you’re ill?
Word travels fast
Yeah, got the K-Pow / Meeusen / KVT bug. Really sucks, was so looking forward to my alma mater race. Plus meeting Albertina!
Which one did you catch it from, though?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:14 AM EST up reply actions
You have to save your strength for racing Albertina up the Koppenberg
and a proper Belgian New Year’s Eve!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:21 AM EST up reply actions
Albertina is in attendance
and I reckon she’ll have fun – there’s something about this parcours that makes me think it’ll be a superb race.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
The field is not very strong though
Nys, Boom and Mourey, and that’s about it (dunno if Wellens rides this)
Wellens is there
but it should be fun, seeing the other riders doing their best to get a win!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:13 AM EST up reply actions
I quite like that
Lots of riders who usually wouldn’t get much of a look-in battling one another for a taste of podium glory. Could lead to some impressive competition.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 8:13 AM EST up reply actions
Indeed
I love watching CX, but the downside of it is there aren’t that many riders who win, usually, just like road sprints!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:14 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, but cross usually manages to extend the ‘interesting’ part over more than the 20 or so seconds a road sprint is interesting for.
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 30, 2011 9:06 AM EST up reply actions
The "Lance Effect"
A lot of people started to find the Tour a bit boring during his reign.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
That
was obviously supposed to be a reply to the above. :-)
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 8:18 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, tv should start any minute
for clips of the women, pre-race polemica & a chance to see if it’s raining!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:32 AM EST up reply actions
I can't get it up on vt4
but it’s live here now http://sports-livez.com/sopcast/sop-3.php – showing women’s race ATM!
Aka Pigeons!
Heh, I was just going to retire to mine
It’s much more comfortable for watching races on the laptop, and big duvet means I don’t need to turn the heating on!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:37 AM EST up reply actions
Looks quite technical.
Boom probably regrets his choice to ride here.
by blackswangreen on Dec 30, 2011 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
I guess it's his best chance for a win, though!
with everyone-but-Nys being sick, & Nys looking at Sunday!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:44 AM EST up reply actions
Daphny van den Bramd always looks so pretty on the bike
I don’t know if it’s the plaits (braids) but I suspect she’s just naturally pretty!
Aka Pigeons!
Daphny van den Brand! gah!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:39 AM EST up reply actions
SdB is very pretty too
and her non-stop smiling is always nice to see!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:40 AM EST up reply actions
(I especially like this pic of her
http://www.leontien.nl/artikel/1783/team_aa_drink_-leontiennl/nieuws/waremoddergevechten.aspx)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:39 AM EST up reply actions
Remove ) from the end o the link to make it work
Direct link to photo: http://www.leontien.nl/Web/Handlers/image.ashx?id=5821&w=500
(replace 500 with 2000 or whatever for very large version!)
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
She loves it!
One of the reasons I like her as much as I do is because she seems so genuinely overjoyed with every win, as though she can’t quite believe that she’s making a living from doing something she loves.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
Me too!
She always looks super-happy, whether it’s the Worlds or some SSR!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
Quite amazed that my weather forecast for Leuven today was correct
The weather invariably does the complete opposite of what I think it’s going to do.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
Sven
Nice race, there a some tricky, real cross sections, together with some straight stretches. They made it a real race, very nice. Everyone expect me to win, but I still need to do it. I won’t give Lars a birthday present during the race, but I’ll give him the flowers I get for first place.
Ha! They're friends, right?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
Lars
I expected the race to be a bit less hard. It’s a tough race, but there’s isn’t too much mud, so that’s ok. I hope to race hard for an hour today, the tempo will be a bit less too. I don’t really need a win ahead of the Dutch champs, I feel good, so that’s ok. If Sven takes it easy a bit I can take him on.
Nice!
Thanks for the translations!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:51 AM EST up reply actions
Rob Peeters
The mud is in a bad condition, and there are some tricky uphill bits. If you lose your balance you could be in trouble.
He was quite strong in Loenhout, could challenge Nys.
by blackswangreen on Dec 30, 2011 8:51 AM EST up reply actions
Those quotes of his from Loenhout still make me grin
talking about how he felt strong in the mud, but held back because of the asphalt – D’OH!!!!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:52 AM EST up reply actions
Makes sense for a crosser though.
See, for instance, how Boom just time trialed to Albert’s wheel on the asphalt, and was promptly dropped again in the mud.
by blackswangreen on Dec 30, 2011 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
I didn't realise Rob was also a pretty guy, until a week or so ago
I knew he was a babyface, of course he is, he’s Fidea!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:51 AM EST up reply actions
Background music for the Boom interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iK5e76auJA
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
He has seemed quite bored, actually, during his cross season.
Wonder if he’ll return next year.
by blackswangreen on Dec 30, 2011 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
Wellens
The past few weeks were ok, but I’m afraid today may be tough. My legs aren’t 100%. But I’ll do my best and then we’ll see. It’s like a double parcours today, you need rhinos for one part and then normal tires for the other race. Also there are pebbles, so you need luck not to get a flat. An old-fashioned Nys-Wellens battle would be fun, if I don’t crash at least.
Is seems like it'll be a super-fun parcours, this one
I’m glad, I was worried it would be one of the dull ones
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 8:53 AM EST up reply actions
Ha!
:-)
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
Happy New Year!
After all, it’s NYE down in Australia, so it’k OK to be early!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
As I said
there’s no grip at all, so if you’re lucky, you can climb it very fast. If you have bad luck, your feet slip at every step and you can lose a lot of time. I like it when CX races are decided by skills and not by luck.
or to be right at the front!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
Trentin nearly slipped back down the steps then
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
Such a great parcours
I had a close look on Google Earth last night and could see some fun tricky bits in the woods, but this is even better than expected.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
I thought it was Patrick Gaudy
but couldn’t see clearly enough.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
Don't recognise the names on the startlist
but Kiernan Orange is a great name!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
Best cyclist name ever...
…was Ernest Payne, back in the early 20th C.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
They tried it a couple of years ago
motorbike and quads on a parallel course, for part of the loop. Was abandoned after the Wellens/Nys road barrier crash, I guess.
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
Doing a raindance right now.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
So Simunek, Peeters, Nys and SVT lead
Boom chasing – and Americans! Page is in the chasing cluster too!
Aka Pigeons!
There he goes!
Poor Rob!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
Not to be confused with Boom (like I was doing!)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, and it's a nicer kit too!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
Which is which?
We’ll be able to tell Broerie form Albertina because of Albertina’s curls!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
Will be Mourey, no? French champion’s jersey.
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 30, 2011 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
I'm really feeling for Peeters
It feels like Nys is playing with him
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
Peeters has been doing well of late...but against Nys...good luck
by JustJoshinYa on Dec 30, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
Indeed!
Mourey is sitting in 3rd – Styby/Pauwels/Albert/Meeusen not riding today
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
ahhhh
GO MOUREY! I have a weird liking for him…can’t explain it.
by JustJoshinYa on Dec 30, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
I think I am fond for any non-Belgians for cx...cause, like, they always win...
by JustJoshinYa on Dec 30, 2011 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
Heh, me too!
For about a year, I thought Aernouts was Dutch, cos of riding for Rab, so i was supporting him for that reason – until I started supporting him because he’s so smiley, his grin-of-pain and his great square face!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:32 AM EST up reply actions
Denk het ja
and been at Rabo for yeeeeeaaaaaaars. Dries Mertens (soccer) sounds über Dutch too, after playing in Holland for years.
Do we know anything about where he'll be next year?
And do the team changeovers count from 1st Jan, or end of season? I know Marianne goes Rabo on Monday
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:39 AM EST up reply actions
last year, didn’t Stybar win pretty much everything for a spell?
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 30, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, but Styby is adopted Belgian!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
there you go confusing a perfectly good discussion with facts...
by JustJoshinYa on Dec 30, 2011 9:37 AM EST up reply actions
facts always seem to ruin the best stories.
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 30, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
I won't even begin to tell you what Rock Racing kits do for me...wink
haha jk
by JustJoshinYa on Dec 30, 2011 9:32 AM EST up reply actions
In the bigger crosses, yes
but I think it’s up to the organisers. Pulled at next lap was the standard.
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
Rule 5.1.051
Lapped riders must complete the lap during which they were lapped and leave the event via an exit located before the finishing straight or in the "80%" zone as described in article 5.1.052, if that rule applies. They will be listed in the results in the order in which they are pulled out of the race plus number of laps which have not been completed.
Rule 5.1.052
The decision as to whether the 80% rule is to be applied will be made by the president of the commissaires’ panel after discussion with the organiser. Any rider whose time being 80% slower of that of the race leader’s first lap will be pulled out of the race. He shall leave the race at the end of his lap in the zone provided for the purpose (the "80% zone") except when the rider is on his final lap. At UCI world championships and UCI world cup events the 80% rule must be applied.
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
+1
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
Starting to think I'd rather have a Stevens than an Orbea Orca.
Gorgeous bikes.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
I'm wondering what Vos will do, having to swap to Giant
She’s always seemed to love her Stevens, more than the usual cyclist-promoting-sponsor
(Unless she keeps her Stevens, under a paint job!)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
I suspect she'll do alright on any bike
Including that rickshaw she rode in Bhutan.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
gs might now dislike you for a short while.
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 30, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
Me too!
Albertina should hold 1 up for us on Sunday
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT9xuXQjxMM
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
Sven looked like he was holding back
so the race looked more interesting!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
would be a career highlight to me ("I was dropped by Sven Nys")
by JustJoshinYa on Dec 30, 2011 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
I once dropped Michael Boogerd
when I met him on a ride and I was faster out of corners and after traffic lights. Of course, I was 20 km into my 50 km baby lap and he was 100 km into his 200 km LSD trip.
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
I always thought that was the day
he asked his girlfriend Nerena to marry him (he lived in The Hague, she in Zwolle, met him around Utrecht). I asked him years later but he couldn’t remember so probably not.
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
I once dropped Ludo Dierckxens
of course he was on a bike and I was in a bus.
by tgsgirl on Dec 30, 2011 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ha!
remember that dude who rocks up occasionally to slag off women’s cycling? One of his arguments was that he dropped Mara Abbott, so women’s riding is rubbish!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
Holy crap, it was almost 10 years ago
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.bicycles.racing/browse_frm/thread/decb814a06b78e3b
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
that's funny, especially:
I let him pass the high bridge on the Amsterdam-Rhine canal first, good for his morale
by JustJoshinYa on Dec 30, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
2 laps to go
Nys
Peeters +4
Mourey +39-ish
SVT & Simunek look like they’re gaining on Mourey – 1:01, but cat-and-mousing at line
Aka Pigeons!
Hope he's not hurt?
(hope he’s not hurt & it’s photogenic for Mr Cyclephotos!)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
That little pit is really nasty
Impressed that dude could hop it, earlier (makes me miss Meeusen, who seems like he can never resist hopping)
Aka Pigeons!
Page a victim of the Pit Of Doom!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
oops, not meant to be a reply!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
Peeters + 33 going into last lap
Nys looks like he’s just warming up
Mourey + 1:10, looks comfortable for 3rd?
Aka Pigeons!
Ha, good point!
One of those guys could do some serious damage!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
Nys manages a muddy tarmac corner!
Plenty of time for victory celebrations!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:00 AM EST reply actions
Put your hands up, put your hands up
there can be only one
(when niels and kevin and stybs aren’t there)
and when his bike stays in one piece!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
Heh, I hope he DOES give his flowers to Boom!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:01 AM EST reply actions
Good ride, Rob
Just a shame Nys was there!
Aw, that’s a very low-key line cross!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:02 AM EST reply actions
Mourey keeps 3rd
Simunek 4th, SVT 5th
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:02 AM EST reply actions
Luckily Albertina's not there to hear you!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
Radomir Simunek also = Sep
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
the mallard duck is the only (other) animal known to take part in necrophilic rape.
According to a Stewart Lee routine, deriding the misleading nature of nature documentaries, anyway.
by UrlaubinPolen on Dec 30, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
Page in 7th, best result this season?
Is Joeri Adams still u23?
Oh, Kevin Cant! Sanne’s brother! (Little brother?)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:03 AM EST reply actions
Boom really not looking happy there!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:04 AM EST reply actions
Does he have more races planned except for Dutch Camps?
This will definitely not help his start money value.
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
Unless it's all gameplaying
and he’s really super-strong, and hiding it, ready to destroy them all at the Worlds?
(laughing as I type that!)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
Steamy camera in the interview tent!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:08 AM EST reply actions
Walsleben looks pretty young there
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:08 AM EST reply actions
It's fun, getting to see interviews with the dudes we don't normally see
because of the lack of the big boys!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:10 AM EST reply actions
Sven VT
Sven waiting for me wasn’t really a present. I caught up but then he took the lead and I get to let go again. I’m not unhappy with 5th. I didn’t quite have the same feeling as in Loenhout, but it wasn’t bad. Before the race Sven and I… I mean, I felt like maybe I could podium and Sven could of course podium, so we gambled on that, but it just didn’t work.
Radomir
Content? I think not! The first spot next to the podium is never fun. I was great in Zolder, but in Loenhout and today I was good but not good enough. I have to rest and get better for the championships. Sunday at 1 o’clock we’ll see if I’m good enough to beat Stybar. This season I haven’t had any bad luck – that’s not normal for Radomir! I will try my best and then we’ll see if I’m number one or two.
Oh, game on Stybs!
Ha!
Hope he didn’t just jinx himself!
When are the Czech Nats? 6th like Belgian? Dutch too?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
I think UK are later
(not that it really matters – although this year it’ll be interesting, with Helen Wyman sick, and Nikki Harris having the season of her life!)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Will we get the podium after the ads?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:12 AM EST reply actions
Very adorable baby, that one!
And Rob looks such a proud dad!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
(love the baby attacking the microphone!)
(she really should be in team colours!)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
I was sure someone said Rob Jnr was a little girl, last time Rob was showing off baby
Thanks! I’m not usually a baby person, but that one is super-cute!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
Peeters
I had good legs today, and I had a good start. Then I went away with a good mate who did his part of the work. But then, two laps from the end he (Sven) knew my weakness and then I got dropped. And I got dropped hard, I think I lost half a minute in one lap. I managed to answer him a few times, but each time with less force. I felt it coming.
Little Rob is usually happy. He’s a happy little guy. The new year may go on like the last one ended for me.
Oh, I thought it was a daughter?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Peeters' weakness today
was not being Sven Nys!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Damn, that's a BAD placing for Boom!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:22 AM EST reply actions
Came in about 15th
which wouldn’t be TOO bad, but Albert, Styby and Pauwels weren’t riding, and loads of boys like Meeusen were out with stomach bugs…. the names above him were really unexpected
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
Beer-related birthday celebrations last night
perhaps?
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
I’m assuming he started drinking at midnight, like I do on my birthday.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
They really need to schedule these races an hour earlier or later. I travel from home to work between 6-7:15am.
That’s when all of these are scheduled! Bah. I turn on the video and its just finished.
thanks! I'll check it out.
Its more fun with you all. I can ask dumb cx newbie fan questions.
by ZoeRochelle on Dec 30, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Do it, do it!
Next big race, Sunday – it should be a lot of fun!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Sven
I’m happy I won this race… blabla… Rob was very strong but of course I felt at the end that I could get rid off him, and then all you have to do is not get a puncture. At first I let Sven VT come back, but then Rob attacked and then you have to join him. I looked out where I could make the difference, and then three laps before the end I attacked and that was it. I’ve been feeling well but you need some luck, and I faced a very strong Albert too. Now I need some good recuperation tomorrow and then on to Baal, where everyone will try to beat me.
For the worlds in Belgium, everyone will want to win. Of course you need to be realistic and realize you’re getting a day older, but I’m still in good shape compared to the others and I still have a chance to win there.
Ha! Getting older. Funny one Sven.
"getting older"
Was that Sven taking a poke at someone’s birthday today???
"...my reverse cyclelogy has paid off." -ant1
Thanks for the translations, gs!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 10:26 AM EST reply actions
+3
Very much so.
I saw a baby that looked like Cadel Evans the other day...
by John Cyclopunk on Dec 30, 2011 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
Videos up now!
Women’s race highlights: http://superprestige.vt4.be/video/leuven-2011-samenvatting-vrouwen
Men’s race highlights: http://superprestige.vt4.be/video/leuven-2011-samenvatting
Post-race Sven Nys interview: http://superprestige.vt4.be/video/leuven-2011-interview-sven-nys
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 12:18 PM EST reply actions
Here's Balint Hamvas' Bart Wellens special, shot at Leuven!
http://cyclephotos.co.uk/2011/12/bart-wellens-special/
Lots of photos of before the race, warm-up, Bartje’s adorable daughter, and more life-as-Bart!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Dec 30, 2011 12:49 PM EST reply actions
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