Forza’s Fury

Last week’s racing wetted my appetite for the rest of the classics’ season. The early races are cool and fun but the real racing has officially begun.

At the Omloop, Ian Stannard showed that he should have been drafted in the Wiskota Fantasy League. Stannard, Wiggins, and G Thomas will be a formidable trio at Paris Roubaix. Sep Vanmarke of Team Forza was also showing good form on the cobbles but was bullied by a flat on the helligan. Team Etixx-Quickstep looked to be the strongest team but were felled by bad tactics and possible hubris as they decided to attack and breakup their stronghold on the early season classic. Chapeau to Stannard, nicknamed Yogi because of his bear-like strength , for a very exciting win.

At KBK, Cavendish showed that he is indeed fast and strong. Kristoff learned that sprinting against J.J. Lobato is cute but he hardly stands a chance against the real fast men. I guess we will see what happens at Milan-San Remo, eh Commish? Wager perhaps?

Strade Bianche

The Strade would be at the top of my list for races that I want to see. The Tuscan countryside, food, wine, art and cycling all sounds so yummy. The Strade Bianche incorporates the cobbled classics with an Ardennsien finish into Siena. The riders roll through 200km of Tuscany, up and down hills, and across white gravel roads called “sterrati”. Definitely a must watch.

Favorites

Alejandro Valverde, Simon Gerrans, Peter Sagan, Fabian Cancellara.

My money is on Fabulous Fabian for the win. He likes this race and is motivated to win. I do believe that he will need to ride away from the group in order to win. Valverde is motivated for points and if he can get across the sterrati the finish is well suited for him. Sagan is tailor made for this race.

Carlos Betancur, Moreno Moser, Zdenek Stybar, Nikki Terpstra

Betancur could win this race if he wants to. But he’s probably going to eat too many pastries. Moser has won this race but without the help of Sagan I would be surprised to see him win again. Stybar and Terpstra will be riding in front of the strongest team and can play off one another to steal a victory from the favorites.

Vincenzo Nibali, Greg Van Avaermaet, Ian Stannard, Filippo "Pippo" Pozzato

The Shark of Messina (Nibali) will put his stamp on this race. However, that means very little in terms of a win. Most likely he will get a way for a bit and will be caught. GVA and Yogi are both really strong and in great form. I also like Pippo, mostly because he’s Italian and what else can he possibly win.

Rinaldo Nocentini, The Slaw Niemec, Damiano Cunego, Sep VanMarke.

Probably not a winner here but I have to consider that Cunego is now riding for an Italian Pro-Conti team and won’t have many opportunities to show his greatness. Sep could get away on the sterrati; the Slaw and Rinaldo have both placed well in this race.

Honorable Mentions : Lars Boom, Sammy Sanchez, Uran Uran, Slagter, Oscar Gatto.

Enjoy the race fellas!

Gregario Forza