Spring Classics racing boring: Dope or UCI the cause?

[petatodd]

The Spring Classics are over and, having watched them all, they were a bit boring. Very little animation, no attacks far out (or even close out) from any of the big names. Except Tom in the Paris Roubaix, all the the winners waited around till the end before having a dig.

 

Is this the lack of dope in the peleton or the UCI points system with teams going for points to ensure their UCI Pro Tour licence for next season?

 

I miss the days where riders attacked all day, flew like jet planes, then came back the next day and did it all again.

 

 

Are we in the era of wheel sucking and marking your opponent rather than having a go?

[ANDY21]

Not sure about the answer, but I think that Iglinsky and Nibali rode good hard races yesterday at LBL, Nibali attacked the race on a decsent with about 20k to go and thru hard riding iglinsky bridged to him and dropped him immediately. so I think its a bit harsh to say they havent pushing hard.

 

I think the harsh euro winter may have something to do with it as well.

[TNT1]

Nibali would be hurt to say the least. It's like you were watching a different set of races.

 

PS. What's this "wheelsucking" thing you guys often mention?

 

PPS. Ask Darryl Impey if the racing was soft cock style yesterday.

['Dale]

 

It was exciting.

No clear contender, other than Boonen's purple patch, which makes racing good to watch.

 

It was good to see a few new names take the top step of the podium.

 

Nibali's attack during LBL was just scintillating.

[FlashJordan]

For me, Nibali attacking 20km from the end and Boonen going 50km from the end is much more exciting than a bunch sprint finish!

[Thomo]

I thought yesterday's racing was fantastic.! (commentary aside)

Nibali seemed to have that one done and dusted ... hats off to the Astana rider for firstly reeling him in, and then for immediately putting in the winning jump.

 

I didn't watch much of Boonen's 50km solo ... granted, that probably isn't the most exciting tv viewing, but you've got to admire the effort.

[splat]

Cancellara wasn't there to spice things up. He is usually an interesting factor

[DaLoCo]

Cancellara wasn't there to spice things up. He is usually an interesting factor

 

Agreed....and some others as well

 

Gilbert off form?

 

At least there are a few lesser known guys that are flexing their "springs"