+2
24-03-2026 21:43
+8
24-03-2026 21:41
+17
23-03-2026 21:57
+0
23-03-2026 12:18
+3
23-03-2026 11:48
22-03-2026 00:30
21-03-2026 09:21
19-03-2026 07:04
+1
17-03-2026 21:49
15-03-2026 17:48
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+2
FredMan
The "there is no tomorrow" attitude happens only in monuments or one-day classic races.24-03-2026 21:43
+8
FredMan
Top GC guys normally avoid the chaos of a bunch sprint, since only a few bonus seconds are at stake that could be easily overhauled in a single mountaintop finish. Very sensible mindset for Vinny, who notably survivod a near career-threatening crash in the past.24-03-2026 21:41
+17
FredMan
Erwann Mentheour? Who is he? Shame on CUTD to provide space for a disgruntled doper from a dark era to air his grievances at a time when the sport is just starting to recover it's glorious past. And he even had the nerve to say “This sport has lied, cheated, concealed, and destroyed reputations, bodies, and entire generations of riders.” when he is partly responsible for such an ignominious episode in the history of the sport. C'mon CUTD.. a bit of responsible journalism is called for here>>23-03-2026 21:57
+0
FredMan
if you're talking of favorites, remember that Tadej dropped MVDP in the Kwaremont the last 2 editions of Flanders.. I wonder if that counts?23-03-2026 12:18
+3
FredMan
As they always say, it's the riders who make the race. If we take out the 2 TPs (Tadej and Tom) from the roster of riders, it would have been a lottery among sprinters. But Tadej is the strongest climber in the peloton, and Tom is, likewise just as strong (remember he won Alpe d'Huez stage on his debut TDF). Still, they only put 4 seconds on the peloton, after 6 and half hours (300 kms.) of riding. IMO, there's no need to alter the course to suit any preferred result. It is good enough as it is.23-03-2026 11:48
+2
FredMan
I'm a Tadej fan.. but I'm almost sad he finally won MSR. And that's because I can already feel the heartache those Tadej haters will suffer because of this stupendous victory. Lighten up people.. it's only a race.22-03-2026 00:30
+0
FredMan
The UAE tandem Pogi/Torito should build a slight gap on the climbs, and then collaborate to maintain that gap to the finish. The gap should be enough to make MVDP burn his matches bridging it. Easier said than done.21-03-2026 09:21
+2
FredMan
IMO, in MSR 2025, MVDP won not because he was the best sprinter, which he indeed was on paper, but because his opponents at the finishing straight, Ganna and Pogacar, were both low on energy from the effort of getting there. Tadej had pulled MVDP up Cipressa and Poggio, and built the gap over the peloton that Ganna spent much energy bridging, while MVDP benefited from Tadej's slipstream and enjoyed to ride. MVDP in fact, stayed a comfortable distance in front of the 2, and started a prolonged sprint to the finish, knowing that both his opponents were at their last straws.19-03-2026 07:04
+1
FredMan
It's a longshot, but I like underdogs.. I will bet my money on Tadej. If the finish were moved closer to the Poggio hilltop, Tadej will win hands down. That technical descent is a killer.17-03-2026 21:49
+0
FredMan
Did you know that P-R is perfectly flat from start to finish? It is a sprinter's classic, just like MSR. Advantage MVDP. Did you also know that MVDP weighs 10 kg heavier than TP, and that the cobbles favor heftier riders, because it gives them extra kick to get over the paves, whereas lighter riders tend to get thrown here and there by the cobbles and thereby lose control and momentum? Can you imagine Jonas doing P-R? This is why Tadej deserves your salute.. because he confronts the odds squarely, even when they are stacked heavily against him. He just loves to race, even against the odds. No wonder Tadej crashed the first time, which seldom happens.. there are so many haters just wishing him to crash, or get a flat or something..15-03-2026 17:48