The legendary classics start tomorrow, technically called the semi-classics; Omloop het Nieuwsblad and Sunday's, Kuurne Brussels Kuurne. Now, that the warmth of Qatar, Oman and Dubai are over the stars go to battle in northern Belgium of mud, rain & wind. There is a stack list of hopefuls to become the season's first Flandriens - the supermen of the cobbles. There is pressure for sure to perform well and to show who's in shape for the main course to come; Milan Sanremo, Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
My favorites:
Three riders that have promised much and delivered equally so are the Norsemen; Edvald Boasson Hagen, Alexander Kristoff and not to be counted out - Thor Hushovd. Belgian fans will want one of their own to win and I'll go for the consistent Greg Van Avermaet. 2014 World CX champ; Zdenek Stybar is my dark-horse and yeah add Sylvain Chavanel and Gerald Ciolek - too!
I already cleared my busy calendar and will awake early to watch both races (live streaming starts at around 5AM)... have coffee ready, anticipate some exciting cobble action and think of a trappist beer & frites.
4 Godfather's of Flanders that won their share:
Merckx, Schotte, DeVlaeminck & Van Looy.
Some winning rides this weekend...
Thor Hushovd's BMC Impec...
a hot number. Will this be the winning ride for the
God of Thunder?
via BMC Racing
Will the Giant Defy the cobbles?
In December 1980, the Badger invited the Cannibal to his house and they went for a tandem ride together...
Here's the fun Video
Friday's Cycling Nirvana...
Will the Giant Defy the cobbles?
Here's the fun Video
Friday's Cycling Nirvana...
Not a racer in sight, this pictures tells it all with the caption...
'In cycling we wait and we suffer together. Have you?
No matter how you do it...
photo Yuzuru Sunada
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