"PRO" Cycling Discussion

[jooo]

People have complained about the SS EVO weights on here - maybe you chose to ignore it because when it's in a raw state, a frame like that can be close to half of what a Dogma weighs?

[Kjetil]

Lumping Cunego with Bert and Valpiti is uninformed at best.

[jooo]

Sure, maybe I should have used another person as an example, there is a bit to suggest that he may not have as much to hide compared with many of his contemporaries eg: http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/report-details-of-the-lampre-mantova-investigation-emerge

But anyway, that 'jab' was not a reference to doping (current or past), it was directed at their lack of placings during the last couple of seasons

[ultyguy]

Looks like another wet, wild, and windy MSR. If so, I reckon it doesn't end in a bunch sprint, maybe something more like a 5-10 man group.

I think with the Sky train controlling, Contador wouldn't have been able to attack like he did at TA....but it was nice watching it at least!

As for Cunego, he has all but admitted that his 2004 Giro was a bit dodgy, but I do believe he came clean later on. I always thought that this photo said a lot of words....

photo credit cyclingnews

[HillRPete]

Interesting developments in the Keisse case, with the compensation win.

Generally, I am very much in favour of precedence verdicts on sporting rules being established by the courts. Sometimes the sports rules are not consistent with labour (or other) law, which only adds to the precarious situation that many of the non-glam pros are working under. (Think pre Bosman case, where players were basically held hostage by the club, even though their contract was expired.)

[nathanong87]

what's the keisse case ? link please?

[shoopdawoop]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/keisse- ... gainst-uci

[5 8 5]

You're singling out Pinarello as the most egregious "deceitful" frame maker.
They clearly state that their claimed frame weights are based on a "raw" frame, meaning without paint, derailleur hanger or seat clamp...
...
...
Bottom line: HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE. People tend to hate on success.

As you haven't been here that long, before taking the moral high ground you should search the site for actual Dogma frames on scales that aren't remotely close to the advertised weight. You would then understand why they've become a bit of laughing stock (weight-wise) on here.

Deda stems had a similar rep but they seemed to have mended their ways somewhat.

[tymon_tm]

[russianbear]

Why in the world is it part of public discourse? It should be 'withdrew for personal family reasons' at most.

tymon_tm, that 'do you like' is a facebook button link I believe and every article has it. Just very awkward in this situation (or for any tragic news story really).

Condolences to the Boonen family, wishing them strength during this trying time.

[Kjetil]

Depends on you culture if it's part of public discourse, russianbear.

[coloclimber]

Personally and despite the troubled past, I really like Contador as a rider. I think the guy has style, aggression, fantastic instincts, and panache like few left in the peloton these days.

Me too. Even more so after seeing what he endured in the Armstrong Lie to win that Tour.

[CBJ]

Miscarriage are also very common. My wife had two before we had our second son. Its not fun of course but I don't recommend traumatizing it.

[indigo]

Pretty surprised by the MSR odds available ! Looks good for a wager, love to hear some predictions.

MSR has absolutely become my favourite race.

Sagan 3/1
Cav 11/2

Stannard 80/1 (bad weather forecast!)
Kwiatkowski 50/1
Slagter 80/1
Valverde 50/1

[ultyguy]

Since I have picked 2 outside MSR winners (Ciolek and Goss), I'll chime in

It's gonna be wet and crap weather which will drain the energy of the race and lead to a lack of cohesion (crashes) which will make the race difficult to control. So knowing that, I think you can strike Cavendish and Greipel straight out.

So let's look at sprinters who have been climbing well lately, I think Degenkolb is probably the best of the lot. He's also won long classics with a sprint at the end (Paris Tours, even after going on the attack before the finale) and he's got the body composition to go well in the wet. Of the headline names, I think he's the best bet vs his odds. Sagan is 4.6-4.8 to 1, decimal odds, pretty fair really, but in a wet one, anything can happen in a split second. Senimentally, I'm actually rooting for him, but I wouldn't bet on him at those odds. He's been good this spring, but not as good as the last one.

Outsiders, Sprinters- Arnaud Demare is my pick. He has made a really nice progression over the past few years and he is fairly handy up the hills as well. He wouldn't be forced to work in a small group like Sagan or Cancellara. My only question is does he have a mental strength to be a real killer and refuse to work like Gerrans did. I'm tempted by Modolo as well, but I doubt he has the grinta to tough it out in the cold and wet. Mathews was actually climbing the best of all the sprinters in Paris-Nice, but then had to abandon with saddle sores which is too bad. I don't know his status for MSR.

Outsiders, Puncheurs- I'm definitely throwing a few quid at Ulissi as he's 30-1 and been fantastic so far this year. Stybar has quietly been goingn very well lately.

edit- no Kwiatkowski or Bentacur

p.s. if you want a real shot from the blue, Ponzi's been riding well too.