I'm supporting Sergio in his Monument quest.
I'm satisfied after watching Fleche Wallonne.
Whilst I picked the surging Philippe Gilbert to finally make his Belgium mark in the Ardennes - his attack on the Mur was nullified along with Sagan and Rodriguez. Liege-Bastogne-Liege is this Sunday and he has another chance to claim the win. I was pleasantly reminded after reading Cyclinginquistion of Colombian's Sergio Henao and Carlos Betancur and their more than fine podium placings in F-W.
Henao, Moreno & Betancur on the
Fleche Wallonne podium. Fine win for Daniel Moreno a worker
winning!
Truth be said, Klaus is rightly proud to showcase the resurgence of Colombian riders. Nairo Quintana is flashing his climbing excellence with victory in the Tour of the Basque Country, a first for a Colombian rider.
Carlos Betancur just missing a golden moment on top of the Muur and although this is his first time at Fleche - his inexperience may be his only shortcoming, his time will come. Sergio Henao snaps up second and is surely knocking on the Monument door this Sunday. His season thus far has been amazing; Volta a Algarve (lst stage 3), Trofeo Serra de Tamuntana (2nd), Tour of Basque Country (3rd overall) and Amstel Gold (6th).
What is interesting is this Velonews article. In today's greatly reduced EPO era, Colombian riders may have the advantage. Betancur adds,
With so many anti-doping controls and the biological passport, it's helping us because we live and train at altitude. So when we come down, it's a bit of an advantage for us.
It's hard to say, with an even playing field and the natural high altitude talent of the Colombian riders... I'll add maybe it's just that the Colombian riders are starting to see the fruits of their hard work.
Honorable mention goes to Dan Martin for his gutsy fourth place finish. 20km from the finish he puncture but calmly made it back just missing the podium by inches. Look out for his heroics in Liege-Bastogne-Liege. In fact, Ryder Hesjedal is the other Garmin option that will be...knocking on La Doyenne's door!
And, one more...
My Merril needed a buckle mended,
thanks to Carolle for sewing in ... Colombian support!
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