Time is with Fabian Cancellara. With 50 kms to go he showed how classy a classic rider he's become. Like a Swiss watch he efficiently timed his move motoring away from favorite Tom Boonen. His point was made, time trialing to Roubaix's Velodrome leading more than two minutes in the last 20 kilometres. The rest could only follow. He showed a tenacity like his consummate Flanders victory. And now only two shy in achieving five Monument wins, the Swiss Bear could join a prestigious group. The three King's are Belgium; Rik Van Looy, Roger De Vlaeminck, & Eddy Merkcx.
It's Swiss time...
Sean kelly had a go at it and almost made this group but lacked a victory in the Ronde van Vlaanderen. He came very close finishing second in the Ronde (1984, '86, '87). But Kelly was nonetheless a King of the Classics. Most would agree with Kelly when he says that Cancellara will win Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Lombardia soon enough.
For the 29 year old Cancellara... it's only a matter of time!
1986 Hell of the North...
Kelly going to win his second Roubaix!
Comments
LBL will probably be the hardest for him given his size, but I see him with another year or 2 to be able to do it if he focuses on it more than the cobbled Classics. Obviously Lombardy also requires a good amount of climbing ability, but not to the extent of LBL.
I am rooting Cancellara on to get all 5! Worlds and Flanders were the only 2 events that Kelly did not win that he should have.