The end of cross season: Oostmalle CX... live
by tgsgirl on Feb 19, 2012 8:30 AM EST
in Live Races
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It is the end, my friends. The final cross race of the season. It's ok though, because next week, road season begins for real. But that is next week. Before the cobbles, we play in sand one more time.
Sven Nys in the sand at Middelkerke cross. Photo taken by Balint Hamvas, cyclephotos.co.uk, used with permission.
Oostmalle is a sand race, which is always fun. Also, it rained a lot this past week, and this morning my flat got bombarded in a hail storm.
As to who can still win the GVA series, there are two contenders: Kevin Pauwels and Zdenek Stybar. Pauwels already won the world cup this season, Stybar doesn't have a big title nor a series to his name. Zdenek also didn't kill himself in the tough-as-nails Caubergcross yesterday, so his legs should be a bit fresher.
1. Kevin Pauwels 154 punten
2. Zdenek Stybar (Tsj) 142
3. Sven Nys 124
4. Niels Albert 114
5. Tom Meeusen 98
6. Bart Wellens 85
7. Bart Aernouts 72
8. Sven Vanthourenhout 71
9. Klaas Vantornout 70
Stybar is twelve points behind Pauwels. That's a sizeable gap, but Kevin shouldn't feel too confident just yet. Points at the finish will be allocated as such: 25-22-19-17-16-15-14-13-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2 and 1 point. At the end of the second lap, there's a sprintermediate for 3-2-1 points. If there is a tie, than today's race results will decide who wins (so, Stybar will take it then, as he is the one who has to make up points).
Start time: 15h CET
Livestream links: http://sports-livez.com/
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Aw, too darn cute
All the women raced with braids today, in honour of Daphny VDB’s final race
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
She's such a nice person!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
Aw, SO nice!
Anyone seen any photos?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:17 AM EST up reply actions
Bah. My Scrabble program won't accept "frite" as a word.
That’s not OT in a ’cross thread, is it?
Meuh--Chris Fontecchio
Sven
(white helmet!)
I don’t think I’m the favourite, those who didn’t race yesterday will be in favour. You can’t underestimate yesterday’s race. Also, the typical sand-race in Oostmalle is gone. Everywhere where is sand they put in loops so you have to get off the bike. Looks like they’re trying to give the advantage to certain people… Who? Those who can’t ride in the sand.
- Do you mean Pauwels?
Well… He lost the classification here last year, they maybe don’t want that to happen again. But I can’t win here anymore, so I don’t care. But if I still had a fighting chance, I would be annoyed.
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Stybs
Everything is still possible. It’s sport, but Kevin has to have a bad day. I’ll just go for the win, and then we’ll see.
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Went out on a ride this morning in shitty conditions.
Now the sun is shining and no wind.
Niels
I’m the favourite? Ha ha! I was always good here, but the sand is gone and that’s sad. I don’t want to criticize the parcours builders too much, cause it’s not always easy, but all the sand is cancelled cause you have to run through it all, and that’s too bad.
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Are cross-riders extra reluctant so say they're favourites?
Do they use the sandbags to have extra sandpits on the course?
Badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger...
I think they're all feeling pretty blergh
cause no one is really happy about the changes in race (except for perhaps Yoah, who is hard to judge)
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Oostmalle makes him happy
And he is looking forward to the end of the season so he can go party
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Heh, UK's been the same where I am
from rain to sun & back again every 5 mins. One minute it’s mid-winter, the next it’s spring – hard to dress for!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions
TV = interlaced
every signal refresh alternates lines: first the even lines, next image the odd lines, then even again, etc. It’s a way to save bandwidth. Fine for analog but without any post-processing, it gives stripy motion on flat panels.
Pauwels on the attack
Stybs has to follow – there’s a sprintermediate after two laps
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Balint Hamvas, the photog?
You know, dude I’m making a book with? I thought I spotted him on his knees by the pits just know. He normally wears a red jacket and a black hat, and can mostly be found in odd positions – lying in the mud and stuff like that.
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
ahh, right.
how is it going with the writeup?
can't wait for the result!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
really, I have no idea.
3 or 12 months work?
(I know its tough to come up with the actual lines)
Not twelve, no
My part started around new year’s, but I’m sure Balint’s been working on it for longer. He probably also has lots more work than me.
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Dear PdC CX fans
Just want to take the opportunity to say a huge THANKYOU!!!! for all your company over the season! Massive, enormous thanks to gs, as always, not only for all her fantastic information, calendars, answering my stupid Qs and translations, but also for getting me into this wonderful crazy sport in the first place – and the same to everyone else, because races are always more fun with company, and you lot have made me laugh SO many times over this particularly crappy autumn & winter, so much so that i can’t think of a CX thread without grinning!
I really appreciate you all! Thankyou!
(I’m gushing, but a) sincere & b) completely sober!)
Aka Pigeons!
Sober?
You are probably running around half naked with a glass of Champagne in your hand.
Hahahaha! I absolutely wish I was!
No, sat on the sofa, all jumpers & laptop!
(but, cava to watch the track with sounds like a bloody good idea!)
(oooh, or all the sloe gin I haven’t finished drinking yet!)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
Heh, and I should also, since she's too polite to do so
remind everyone to check out gs & Balint’s BOOK!
Look! It will be gorgeous! If you can afford it, order one now!!
http://cyclephotos.co.uk/book/
Aka Pigeons!
Ok, just...
…Pauwels is trying to do a Cadel or something, isn’t he?
That still makes me feel incredibly guilty for laughing when you first told us!
It’s not funny, but it’s so ridiculous, poor Kevin
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
Well, gs said it was true....
…make of that what you will!!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, it's real
he got the puppy because his dog – which he had for like years and years – died.
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
well, that makes sense...but I thought someone said the puppy died after one day.
by JustJoshinYa on Feb 19, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions
He had a dog for a really long time
The dog died. This made him sad. So they gave him a new puppy to cheer him up. The puppy died after one day.
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
No wonder he always looks bewildered.
Never sure when Fate is going to kick him again.
Meuh--Chris Fontecchio
I sorta feel bad for not liking him
every time I remember the shit he’s been through. The puppy dying is nothing like having your brother pass away, during a cx race, live on tv.
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
geez, I didn't know about that too. He's a freaking movie of the week.
by JustJoshinYa on Feb 19, 2012 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
Tim Pauwels crashed in the race in Erpe-Mere in 2004
probably died of a ruptured aorta. His manager at the time was Hans van Kasteren, current manager of Telenet-Fidea, which partly explains the horrified state he was in when Wellens had to go to hospital with heart problems.
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
also, unutterably awful writing...
…like one finds in TV movies.
That's just dreadful
Since I heard that, I try to not be so mean
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
Cold hard cash
1000 euro for the fastest, 500 for second, 250 for third.
2.500 euro for the guy with the most fastest laps at the end of the series (Stybs has three so far, Sven two)
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Nice!
If they draw, do they split the prize?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
do they win prizes for that in GVA?
Or is that SuperPrestige?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
Sven has plenty vacation plans
Like, serious downtime
Four days in Dubai, three days shortski… and then preparation for the Olympics begin
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Do we have an idea how he'll shape up against the full-time MTBers?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
The Olympics parcours
is supposed to be pretty cx-like. In Beijing it wasn’t, and it was bloody hot there (Nys melts when it’s warm) and he was ninth there. Another top 10 should be possible, but he could also end up way back… less certainty for him there.
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Hmmm, and a British summer can have some nasty weather!
I’ll do a little rain dance for Nys-day!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:35 AM EST up reply actions
Everybody now getting a chance to wheelsuck.
Payback time.
Well I grew up in New England...
…pretty much the same climate as far as I can tell.
You get more rainy grey days in Belgium
And less full bore snow.
But the springtime “turn on a dime” weather changes are very similar.
Nys seems to have abandoned the chase...
…so Pauwels can pretty much start celebrating the series, no?
Well, Nys was never going to win the series
His bike broke in Essen and he DNF’ed. One DNF is enough to ruin the series (I agree with José de Cauwer here, who thinks that each rider should their worst result of the series annulled)
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
basically, for there to be any chance, Stybar needs more bodies in this group...
…which is why Pauwels was very smart to go from the gun and force a selection early.
I think Albert will win today
Looks very strong.
Stybar's road ambitions
“Which race do you dream of winning?”
(without hesitation) – Ronde van Vlaanderen!
(not this year though. won’t race on the road til May)
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
(thinking of his recent mega efforts that look SO good...
until he fades quickly!)
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
For those of you into multitasking, they are showing the last few minutes of
yesterday’s stage of the ToO before they switch coverage to the World Cup Track meet, HERE.
I never thought I'd say it
but there’s too much cycling on tv today!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
* this comment in no way reflects the views and the opinions of the management ; )
Ours is a reasonable-minded forum, so there you go. -- Chris
truly...
…my computer can’t stream four races simultaneously.
time for an upgrade.
(course, my eyes might explode)
by JustJoshinYa on Feb 19, 2012 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
Or maybe to buy another laptop?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
I have 5 computers in this house already. I need more arms.
by JustJoshinYa on Feb 19, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
Hmmm, like the Scheldecross Squid?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
That would make me truly fearsome.
Right now, I am just some(thing).
by JustJoshinYa on Feb 19, 2012 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
I'll probably need it, to catch up with the racing!
CX on my laptop, track on my tv!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
I have Leffe blonde, Leffe brown
Kriek, Chouffe, Palm and Wolf brown. Take your pick.
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Nys needs to keep Tommeke behind him
to ensure his third position in the GVA series
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Nice way to end the season!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
Ah, I'll MISS the season!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
Oh happy days!
And it’s Ronde van Drenthe on March 10th!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
Nielske for the win
Stybar second – goodbye son. You’ll be missed
Pauwels third – great season kid
Nys fourth – don’t worry, I still think you’re awesome
Meeusen fifth – my new second favourite cross guy
Coffee cures all. ~ Gav
Thanks again, CX fans, for all the fun!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:05 AM EST reply actions
Oh, if anyone fancies watching some track, it's live now,
and I’d love to answer any Qs from tracky-newbies on the thread!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:09 AM EST reply actions
Damn, that elimination yesterday was SO good!
Still AMAZED Trott’s tactics paid off!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:10 AM EST reply actions
Not as smiley as usual!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Hey, Ted (& everyone) did you see the end of the women's race?
Was it a gift or was Daphny just burning to beat Vos for one last time before she retires?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:12 AM EST reply actions
Good!
I love Daphny, that’s a very, very nice way to go!
Will she win Hasselt indoor?
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Looked pretty valid
but! she was spinning quite fast. Daphny said she asked Vos: “Did you gift me the win?” and that Vos replied, no, I didn’t have it anymore.
Meh. Well-played, I think.
Ha!
Funny/nice that Daphny said that she said that!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
Balint has photos of the women in their Daphny plaits!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 11:08 AM EST reply actions
and
the telenet fidea team!
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 19, 2012 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
no more CX ? oh well, at least Ronde/PR coming soon ...
and I better start training NOW for the coming season in October …
@Albertina/Maratsafin: how about a season summary report from you ? Would bve interested to know how you got on
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