On the Rivet

A look at who's riding hard this week.

A lot of points are up for grabs as 3 world tour events take place this week. As if that wasn’t enough we have added the Criterium International to our Wiskota race calendar in order to take this week of racing to the next level.  One commentator I read, boldly stated that this week is as good as, if not better than, any other week on the cycling calendar.  Too far?   Better than Holy Week? The Ardennes? Or any week during Le Tour?  Maybe, but the first two world tour cobbles races, the race they call the mini tour de France in beautiful Corsica, all kicked off with a week-long stage race that has rightly regained its past glory as the most important race in Spain not named the Vuelta, is hard to top.

So, who do we have riding this week? 

Catalunya

The “Volta” in Catalonia has already begun, with almost all of our GC men taking the line.  Late scratches of Horner and JRod were disappointments, but we still all have a lot to route for.  No time trials and some real nice climbs this should go to the on form climber who wants it the most.

Mike: Sammy Sanchez, Fuglsang, Gesink

Greg: Basso, LL Sanchez

Patrick: Dan Martin, Van den Broeck, Uran

Luke: Cunego, Valverde, Leipheimer

Bill: Andy, Wiggins

E3 Prijs

The 17 day assault on the cobbles of Flanders begins Friday in Harelbeke, Belgium.  The E3 Prijs was bumped up to world tour status this year and thus a change of date and improved field of riders.  No longer simply a tune up for the Ronde, this race is a big deal on its own.  Flecha may not start due to his broken hand, but we have several other riders to keep an eye on.  Look for Patrick to score some points with his strong cobble team.  Also, it will be interesting to see how Sagan’s progression as a cobbled classic rider is coming along.

Mike: Millar

Greg: Gilbert, Voekler

Patrick: Cancellara, Boonen, Boassen Hagen

Luke: Sagan, Flecha?

Bill:

Criterium International

The race referred to as the mini Tour de France runs Saturday and Sunday and will be shown on NBC sports at 10 pm Sunday.  A short flat stage and a time trial on Saturday, followed by a long mountain stage on Sunday, give this event the feel of a much longer stage race, incorporating all the disciplines of the Grand Tours in one weekend.  This race should be renamed the Jens Voigt Classic as he has won it 5 times, weirdly that only ties the record.  I hope he goes for 6.  However, last year’s champ, Frank Schleck is on his team and Jens will probably have to ride for him.  All the more reason to dislike the Schlecks I say.  Can Froome show he wasn’t a flash in the pan?  Cadel vs. Kloden?  Good watching.

Mike: Frank Schleck

Greg:

Patrick: Cadel

Luke:

Bill: Kloden, Froome,

Gent Wevelgem

The sprinters classic of the cobbles closes out this awesome week of racing.  Despite being touted as a race for sprinters this course is tough.  Weather is often a factor and a day on the cobbles is never easy.  It’s all about the Kemmelburg.  Can you get over this twice and still be in a good spot?  Teams have been pulling very fast over hills early this season but I think this will still end in a sprint.  So many returning champs it’s hard to decide who might be the favorite.  Sky alone brings two of the last three winners on one team.  Boonen has won twice, Thor once.  Do my guys have a chance?  Will it be Cavendish?  Should be fun.

Mike: Cavendish, Thor?, Millar

Greg: Voekler

Patrick: Boonen, Boassen Hagen

Luke: Greipel, Farrar

Bill:

I will defer to Gregario Forza to pick winners and spoilers this week.  But, I am sure I will have plenty of comments about it as well.