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| Classics! |
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| We'll talk about these another day |
As the classics season begins to heat up, I am confronted with the question, what is the best one day race? Sure, the Monuments stand out as the best one day races on the calendar. Shit, Liege has been around for 125 years. But, those don't begin for almost another month. So, let's leave them for another discussion.
What is the best one day race?
(besides the monuments)
The Candidates:
The Omloop: First of the cobbled classics. Maybe not always targeted by the top riders, but this early season race always delivers the goods.
Kuurne: If you miss the break at the Omloop you always have a chance to win the sprint the next day on the more forgiving cobbles of Kuurne.
Strade: The new comer to the list has soared in popularity as the white gravel roads of Tuscany bring out the romantic in all of us.
E3: More prestigious than some, less than others, this Belgian classic offers up the short steep cobbled climbs we love so much.
Gent-Wevelgem: Many a sprinter has won here but with the cobbles, climbs and crosswinds the winner usually comes from a reduced group.
Scheldprijs: Coming between the Ronde and Roubaix this race has a high visibility. One for the sprinters but it will be a hard day in the saddle.
Amstel: Kicks off Ardennes week with all of its punchy splendor. Can you stay away after the final climb or will there be a reduced sprint?
Fleche: Its all about the Mur de Huy (The Wall). At just over 1K this hyper steep finish becomes the slowest mad dash to the line you will ever see.
Chillcoot: Not really a one day race as its part of the North Star Grand Prix, also, its not even a UCI event, but hey Greg and I will have front row seats. Horner?
San Sebastian: A week after the Tour the climbers get their revenge in one of the most scenic and historic parts of the Basque country.
Paris-Tours: Supposedly this was awesome back in the day, now it just kind of wraps up the season. One more for the road.
I love 'em all but I have my favorites. But first I would like to hear from you. Add some comments and take the poll.
I love the Omloop because it kicks off the classics and is usually a very exciting race. It also gives us a look at who is ready to contend in Roubaix and Flanders.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that- The Strade is awesome! I like that this race fits all types of riders. Recent winners: Kwiatkowski, Moser, Gilbert, Cancellara and Stybar. Valverde always places well and big name GC guys like Nibali and Uran have also been animators in this race. Not to mention how beautiful Tuscany looks from Minnesota in February. Grandissimo!
Strade really does have it all. Maybe we can get some rain one year. I love the steep finish. Speaking of steep finishes I probably have to vote Fleche Wallone. I know its really only a few minutes of real action but they are the best and it usually has big names. I think San Sebastian would be awesome if the coverage was better but I never get to enjoy the race like I often can for the others. Omloop was definitly my first love and cobbles are awesome. So, to sum it up I guess I have to choose Chillcoot hill. Rory Sutherland for life!
ReplyDeleteOh man, how cool would it be to cheer on Chris Horner? Go Team Lupus!!!
ReplyDeleteAnything with cobbles will get my vote. I do love some Italian scenery, so the Strade was up there...but I think I am going to have to go with the short steep cobbled climbs of the E3. side note...Donde esta la carne del tazon de fuente?
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