The pro racing calendar has been roaring like a lion these last weeks of March. Spring has sprung, and kaleidoscopic pelotons have started flashing across Europe's panoramas and battlefields. Here are some headlines, and a few thoughts...Armstrong, Contador Struggle at Criterium International
Contador and Armstrong fire blanks in Criterium International
Guess what? Someone (Pierrick Fedrigo, a Frenchman no less!) actually won the event!
Why, oh, why do editors perpetuate this childish focus on Lance and the Alien? It has gone from interesting, to silly, to annoying, to downright insulting.
WE GET IT ALREADY! Give me something real to chew on; you're losing my interest.
Basque madness? Or inscrutable strategy? →
You could have discussed the crazy-work put on by the mad Basques of Euskaltel-Euskadi. Were they insane to lead the peloton to the final climb, possibly setting up Contador? Why not make Astana work more? Did they really believe that Sammy Sanchez had it? Or, does Criterium International matter at all? Were they really stretching themselves in preparation for the Giro and the Tour?
What about Team RadioShack? They placed three in the top ten overall! Or HTC-Columbia? They had two in the top ten?
How about Chris Horner's performance, or Cadel Evans's form?
It's lazy editing, and I'm disappointed.
Hey editors, how about some analysis of this...
G'day! Guten tag! My name is Heinrich →
Haussler had a great 2009 (heartbreaking second-place in Milan-San Remo and his stage win in the tour, among other Palmares) and was poised to make further gains in 2010. I was looking forward to watching this Germanic Aussie.
Whatever the specifics of the knee injury, it has taken a real toll on his 2010. Some might say that it benefits the God of Thunder (Thor Hushovd). Others may see it weakening the Norwegian classicist and sprinter.
Regardless, could someone please have the discussion? Sheesh....
Eisel sprints to Ghent-Wevelgem win
Let's all just face it...Columbia wins.
Hooray! I won! And I'm NOT Cavendish! →
In 2010 they're doing it without Boy Racer (Mark Cavendish). Greipel wins Tour Down Under and a few Euro stages. Eisel wins this major classic, and heaven-only-knows who will be the next winner from their men's roster. Oh, and their women's team? Yeah, they're terrifyingly good.
As cycling fan, I am delighted to watch them.
I just hope that they don't take anything away from my BMC boys...
BMC happy to be in the Tour de France
BMC Racing Team Earns Tour de France Berth
Oh rapture, oh joy!
From a hotel in California to the Tour in six months. Not bad. Now, for our next trick...the podium? →
Evans: “While I was never sure we would be in the Tour, I did not have much doubt that we would be left out, as I felt our team deserved to be in the Tour de France...”
I love that Aussie confidence!
Hincapie: “I’m sure there will be days during the Tour when I’ll be suffering and wondering what the heck I’m doing back again. But obviously I still feel good and I want to continue doing the Tour de France as long as my body feels good.”
Too right!
ContraLancelot will dominate the headlines, but I expect BMC to show. John Lelangue has something to prove, and he has collected an enviable stable of riders.
Beware the Blue Train... →
Expect the old boys to be shaken up by the new school. Radio Shack, Astana, QuickStep, Saxo, and all the rest need be mindful. In 2009 Cervélo showed the newbies how to get it done.
It's not even April, and this year's Tour is already looking like one for the ages. It's what cycling needs.
I'm just glad I have a few months to make space on the DVR!
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