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Author Topic: The Classics - 2017  (Read 3275 times)

Online Jon Crofts

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The Classics - 2017
« on: February 21, 2017, 06:57:50 PM »
Double header season opener this Saturday with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and on Sunday Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.

Milan San Remo 18 March

E3 Harelbeke 24 March

Gent-Wevelgem 26 March

Tour Of Flanders 2 April - I'm riding this the day before the pros

Paris Roubaix 9 April - Did this last year and I'm still shaking

Amstel Gold 16 April - Riding this the day before the pros

La Fleche Wallone 19 April

Liege - Bastogne - Liege 23 April

Then its a short wait for the Giro d'Italia.

Sagan must be favourite to dominate, Tom Boonen in his final year before retirement, Stannard came third at Roubaix last year & Ben Swift came second at Milan - San Remo last year.

Can't wait, something else to take my mind off the shambles that is Aston Villa.

Offline TopDeck113

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2017, 08:15:48 PM »
Have you read Peter Cossins' book, The Monuments? Highly recommended, especially if all you know about professional cycling is the Tour and the intermittent drugs controversies.

Offline SteveN

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2017, 08:31:03 PM »
Looking forward to them.  I hope Tom Boonen finishes with  a win, or at least a podium, at Paris Roubaix.  It will be difficult, Sagan and GVA must be the main threats to that.

Online Jon Crofts

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2017, 09:47:23 PM »
Have you read Peter Cossins' book, The Monuments? Highly recommended, especially if all you know about professional cycling is the Tour and the intermittent drugs controversies.

I haven't TopDeck but I will now. One of my favourite sports books is The Loyal Lieutenant by George Hincapie, an amazing insight into pro cycling, doping and lying Lance. Also add The Domestique by Charles Wegelius and Chris Boardmans excellent Triumphs & Turbulence.

Offline TopDeck113

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2017, 09:20:09 AM »
I've read Hincapie's book, but not the other two.  I'll add them to the list!  The next cycling book in the pile of unread tomes by my bed is Alasdair Fotheringham's The End of the Road: The Festina Affair and the Tour that Almost Wrecked Cycling.

Offline SteveN

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #5 on: February 22, 2017, 11:15:53 AM »
Fotheringham's book is a good read, I'm looking out for Hinchcape's.  I find the road cycling books the best of the sporting reads.

Online Jon Crofts

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2017, 08:31:46 PM »
Greg van Avermaet pips Sagan to victory, both should have been disqualified for riding on the pavement.

Offline SteveN

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #7 on: March 18, 2017, 01:16:14 PM »
Milan - San Remo today.  Sagan's to lose you would think.

Online Jon Crofts

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #8 on: March 29, 2017, 08:48:35 AM »
Greg Van Avermaet adds Gent -Wevelgem to E3 & Omloop wins this Spring.

Tour of Flanders this weekend can Van Avermaet make it 4 wins.

Offline SteveN

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #9 on: March 29, 2017, 10:55:10 AM »
Greg Van Avermaet adds Gent -Wevelgem to E3 & Omloop wins this Spring.

Tour of Flanders this weekend can Van Avermaet make it 4 wins.

Van Avermaet my now be marked like Sagan which could play into Sagan's hands.  Gilbert could well be a threat given the strength of the Quick Step team.  Should be a good race..

Offline SteveN

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #10 on: April 02, 2017, 08:40:54 PM »
Tremendous Tour of Flanders, Gilbert back to his imperious best.

Online Jon Crofts

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #11 on: April 02, 2017, 09:31:25 PM »
Probably the single finest ride at the Tour of Flanders ever.

Online Jon Crofts

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #12 on: April 03, 2017, 08:37:01 AM »
Watched the highlights last night, I wonder if the Quick Step team mechanic has a job this morning?
« Last Edit: April 03, 2017, 11:34:42 AM by Jon Crofts »

Offline SteveN

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #13 on: April 08, 2017, 08:04:43 PM »
The big one tomorrow, Paris-Roubaux.  Usual suspects, Sagan and GVA but Lampart and Boom might be decent outsiders.
But heart says Tom Boonen in his last race, come on Tommeke.

Online Jon Crofts

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Re: The Classics - 2017
« Reply #14 on: April 09, 2017, 08:53:40 AM »
Start delayed 15 minutes to wait for the wind to start up. 

 


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