2024 Pro thread

[MiSzA (PL)]

I really wish we could get a prologue as opening, a ITT (30-40k) without any stupid gradients, a TTT of 60k that would be semi-technical and stages of max 150k (flat and hilly) and 120k (high mountains) - that would make the format perfect for showing from start to finish, racing dynamic and riders eager to attack. And I really beleive that would make great racing and good value for sponsors and the fans - given the speeds we are hitting on regular basis nowadays - 3, 4 hours format seems really great - at least for me If some new fans of our sport would see what it takes to form a break, how many attacks it takes, what goes inside the peleton and how breakaways are formed - it could bring more people to appriatiate the sport and effort.

[Karvalo]

Anybody know what the potential for crosswinds looks like in that first week?

If the list is true it looks like it's almost all in Normandy and Brittany with half of it right on the coast.... so 200% chance?

[BenSiskri]

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/the-uci-a ... -2025.html

Changes to the MTB World Cup........

[BenSiskri]

https://www.wielerflits.nl/nieuws/dan-t ... -met-kamp/

A 3 race ban, and an additional CHF2,500 fine for Eli Iserbyt.

[BdaGhisallo]

https://www.wielerflits.nl/nieuws/dan-t ... -met-kamp/

A 3 race ban, and an additional CHF2,500 fine for Eli Iserbyt.

Good. I would have given him a longer ban, but it's a lot better than the single DSQ.

[maquisard]

Sir Chris Hoy has just released news that he has Stage 4 terminal prostate cancer. What a horrible thing to happen to such a great athlete. Awfully sad.

[EdWiser]

Sir Chris Hoy has just released news that he has Stage 4 terminal prostate cancer. What a horrible thing to happen to such a great athlete. Awfully sad.

Reminder to always have an annual check. I was lucky an found out mine early. When it was easily treated.

[Karvalo]

The positive attitude he and his wife are tackling both of their illnesses with, while having a young family to care for, is an example to us all in how to tackle life. I can't begin to imagine how they're doing it.

[spud]

My observation about people who have been extraordinarily successful is that they are usually extremely good at compartmentalizing things. Yet another admirable quality about Hoy, the guy is a legend.

[Ritsuke]

https://www.wielerflits.nl/nieuws/dan-t ... -met-kamp/

A 3 race ban, and an additional CHF2,500 fine for Eli Iserbyt.

Good. I would have given him a longer ban, but it's a lot better than the single DSQ.

And than they decided to reduce the ban to 2 races ...

[spokenwords]

Thoughts on TdF route? All in France, something for the sprinters, TT's, Mtns. Good overall?

[Karvalo]

A lot better in the detail than the initial leak made it look. The extended first week of flat and hilly stages will still prob end up feeling like a lot of messing around before any real action begins (though I'm sure Pog will try and win a couple of stages anyway), but after the first rest day its brutal. Going to be tired legs in Paris.

[maquisard]

Agree completely with this assessment - the first week is better that I had thought. I also think the Bastille Day stage will be explosive and very interesting.

I am very much looking forward to the race. My greatest wish is that next year the top three, Tadej, Remco and Jonas arrive at the start line with no mishaps in the spring.

[spud]

^ maybe they'll stay away from Itzulia Basque Country in 2025.

[mrlobber]

Haven't really explored the statistics, but my feeling is that in case of 3 or more top contenders, at least one each and every (or almost every) year has some form of bad stuff happening pre TdF.