Cav' Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 Sean Kelly on MSR (via his Blog) Milan San Remo was a race that I always liked to perform well in. My first victory was in 1986 when I escaped on the Poggio with LeMond and Mario Beccia. I had been going well winning Paris Nice for the fifth time the week before and felt good all day.Coming off the descent of the Poggio it was just 1k to the finish and Beccia was happy to keep it rolling to get third which was probably one of the best results of his career up to that point. LeMond was the danger so I wasn't taking any chances with him. When I launched my sprint at 200m to go I knew he would have to be really strong to come around me, which after almost 300k would be a big ask. In 1992 I was feeling real good in Tirreno but didn't want to show my cards too early as San Remo was a big goal for me that year. If I could win there the pressure would be off for a while. In the race Argentin was super strong. When he attacked on the Poggio it looked as though he was gone for the day. I stayed in 8th to 10th position so that I would be close enough to go with any counter attack but not right up in the first five where the accelerations were faster and weakened the legs more.On the descent I went to the front and noticed Argentins teammate Rolf Sorenson on my wheel. I knew that if I really pushed it on he would be a bit cagey.Once I had a gap I gave it everything to catch Argentin. People say I took a lot of risks but it didn't really feel like that at the time. I went as fast as I could but was always under control. I caught him with only 1k to go and pulled a few faces when he turned around shouting at me to come through. I told him that I was 'fupped' and wasn't able. Every time he turned to me I moved slightly off the wheel so that he would see the chasers coming fast behind and get a bit nervous. It worked and he kept rolling along. He led out the sprint so I was able to come off his wheel although he didn't make it too easy. I was again very happy to take the victory.Both of my wins finished just 1k from the Poggio. This year the race finishes 2k further in on the Via Roma. A big long straight road with 4 storey buildings either side. It will be very difficult for a break to stay away along here if someone gets a gap on the poggio and with the good weather forecast you could see a big group of forty or fifty riders coming to the sprint. Who would I pick for victory this year? John Degenkolb !Sean
tombeej Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 Sean Kelly on MSR (via his Blog)My first victory was in 1986 when I escaped on the Poggio with LeMond and Mario Beccia. Greg LeMond looks back to a charging Sean Kelly as the Irishman makes contact with the two leaders on the Poggio....
tombeej Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 I've got a real soft spot for cycling in the 80's. Loving this pic, also from 1986 (but the TDF) of Greg LeMond and others - those glamour rock shades are something else!
tombeej Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 Besides Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck “Monsieur Paris–Roubaix” is the other big name from the 70's. Winner of 11 monuments (incl. 4 Paris-Roubaix titles) and three-time winner of MSR (1973, 1978, 1979). Between him and Eddy during the 70's, everyone else was just there to make up the numbers in the classics. Besides his 3 wins at MSR he also came second three times and third once. For many, Kelly is seen as the classic 'hardman' of the 80's. But De Vlaeminck is on another level entirely. The two Belgian legends together. The calm before the storm...
tombeej Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 The two biggest names in Classics history, in their element. Out front, covered in mud, wheel to wheel, ripping the road to shreds and neither giving an inch. I'd kill to have been able to watch these two in HD...
tombeej Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 'Monsieur Paris-Roubaix’ His Paris-Roubaix record from 1969 to 1982: 5, 2, 7, 1, 7, 1, 1, 3, 1, 2, 2, 0, 2, 6
tombeej Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 OK, last one from me. The two together again. There are only 3 cyclists in history to have won all 5 monuments - all three of them Belgians. Eddy and Roger, plus Rick van Looy who was a few years before them. Will we ever see a rivalry like this again in our lifetime? I certainly hope so.
'Dale Posted March 20, 2015 Posted March 20, 2015 OK I've just spent a little time on Google Maps to check my facts. I see that this years finish is actually just 2 km from the bottom of the Poggio, which means 1 km shorter than in 2014. So actually a slightly better chance for a late break to stick this year.Indeed, tombeej.It's gonna be interesting. A good chance for the punchy type like Sagaaan or Gilbert
Jaco-fiets Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 These guys were kings of their times and will always be true legends but I still maintain that they will would have been creamed if racing today
TALUS Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 These guys were kings of their times and will always be true legends but I still maintain that they will would have been creamed if racing todayI really enjoy this thread. I have respect both for the riders and also the knowledge of the Hubbers. I eagerly await this debate...
tombeej Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 These guys were kings of their times and will always be true legends but I still maintain that they will would have been creamed if racing todayI look forward to your reasoning for this statement.
T-Bob Posted March 21, 2015 Author Posted March 21, 2015 These guys were kings of their times and will always be true legends but I still maintain that they will would have been creamed if racing today poppppppppcorn!
Jaco-fiets Posted March 21, 2015 Posted March 21, 2015 I look forward to your reasoning for this statement.No reasoning just my opinion. Can't really base it on anything but that the majority of the field still had day jobs and the handful of celebs did not. Much more competition these days and focused training. I really have nothing else to base it on. This is purely my feeling. Still respect the guys for the amazing athletes they were!
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