Nibali

No wait, that didn't sound right. I retract!

vs Wellens

Makes sense yes. That is until we see our boy, the Maincheese, doing his thing

What a race!! Bleak that Tommeke didn't pull it off, but after the spring GvA has had, he is probably the deserved winner. Now on to the Ardennes!! ​Although I can't say this with as much enthusiasm as saying PR!!!

Just for you Gen: http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/peter-sagan-tom-boonen-role-model-324119

Cool fact, thanks 'Dale! I was wondering about the grass when I was looking at the recon photos, couldn't remember it looking like that on race day.

Problem is, you don't just sommer go in a break in PR. It's more like a break the group apart and survive to the end type race. BUT predictions show a tail wind, so it might just be possible for a big engine to go clear and stay away!

I saw he had a bit of an off...but these oaks heal fast, and he is still young, so should be ok. They have managed him exceptionally well. And he always looks so happy on the bike, probably the reason I like him so much. At least he still has a good few years to take the Ardennes sweep. Dan the Man would be a worthy winner as well hey. Haha, I think Levevre (despite a lot of criticism the past few seasons) really knows how to work with a squad like this. And if he gets it right on the day, QS are unstoppable. But now, let's see the awesome PR recon photos. Changed my background to Arenberg in anticipation

They do hey! Imagine having to follow attacks from 3 guys who can each give a race winning move....oh boy! I'll be honest, it will be cool if PG takes, but I'll be rooting for Alaphilipe to finally get to the top step

Yeah, I don't know the plan hey. This was also a year and a half ago, so don't know if they have changed their minds. He has shown that he is willing to work for the guys though, so it might be his role.

When anyone says Ardennes I imagine the 3-pronged attack from QS using PhilGil, Martin and Alaphilippppeeeee. Can't wait to see them in action Will it be enough to stop the evergreen Valverde though? You are correct, he has only ridden it once. IIRC Cav said in the transfer to DD that he looks forward to taking on PR and the DS saying that it would be good for him to just race on instinct again, no plan to follow kind of thing.

TOMMEKE!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah absolutely, was just confirming what you were saying Mntboy.

He still concentrates on the Ardennes Classics, there was an interview just after MSR with him. So yeah, Pais Vasco is the start of the build up to Ardennes and the big one for him this year => LBL Edit: Not that I'm saying his victory at MSR wasn't major or anything.

Wouldn't surprise me in the least yeah. He has a very good way of going about sneakingly and the engine to finish it off. Cav'

Someone is going to slip away while all the big guns shed a tear watching Tommeke ride processional-like up the Boonenberg, so solo win for Jasper Stuyven All jokes aside, such a difficult pick this week, but I have a sneaky suspicion our defending champ has got a point to prove this weekend. Tommeke is my PR pick as well. He has been since he announced his retirement plan.

True. Hope the feedback is good. I always type like this when I reply to your replies. Weird

Racing in South Africa aren't going to help them make the step up. Racing in Europe is the only way. But making them race on their own (not hanging on to the faster groups) and more importantly, safer, I think is a big win! Edit: Spelling

It has started

True dat 'Dale. Suppose if the training has been limited, you need every bit of encouragement.

I literally don't understand why people look at weather reports. Pitch up, race as hard as you can and enjoy the beer afterwards

For some reason I always channel my inner Tommy Voeckler there...probably not the best choice

Fitted the Turbo Pro 26c on my bike last night. Looking forward to rolling on them tomorrow morning!

Remember the weather was good last year. Go check 2014 for a better idea of what times people ride in normal Argus conditions (and then 2009 to see what happens when the wind really blows).

Very interesting read. Thanks for that.