Astute analysis of how this race has developed into a unpredictable final. How strange that a tedious and extremely unselective 260 kilometers (that still manages to eliminate contenders, like Laporte this year) sets the stage for a finale that plays out with such sudden immediacy.
Spencer, did van der Poel make any gains on Pogacar for being an excellent lead-out/teammate (as he was in the Tour de France last year) in assessing your "best rider all-around (road) cyclist in the world?"
Van der Poel's leadout work is perhaps the most confounding thing I've ever faced in attempting to rank riders. By and large, he is the world's best leadout rider. After all, he single-handily held that race together for the final 2kms!
On the flip side, its difficult to put into context. For example, if Pogacar was working as a mountain domestique, he would be shockingly good. But, is that really moving the needle on his career accomplishments?
Leaving all that aside, I would still have Pogacar ahead of MvDP simply because up to this point, Pogacar has proven he can win one of MvdP's biggest goals (Flanders), while also being able to do things MvdP will never be capable of. Now, if MvdP continues to rack up Monuments, World Championships and an Olympic title this year, I may have to reconsider.
Yeah UAE did send McNulty but he got sick and Del Torro was switched in to replace him last minute.
I think Del Torro's lack of experience and confindence in a fast bunch saw him washed out of position in the run in to the Cipressa so he had to burn a few matches with Wellens to get back to the front from about 25th wheel on the climb.
Made for a more exciting finale though if you ask me. If UAE had executed the plan perfectly, the Pog win would have been all but inevitable and a lot more boring.
Ha, this is a great take. UAE being bad at racing is great for the sport since it keeps Pog from winning every race.
I did see the McNulty sickness news after you guys pointed it out. Its slightly concerning since he was sick after the UAE Tour, then sick again two weeks later after Paris-Nice. Multiple illnesses at this time of year can make it really difficult to get on track for later in the season.
Astute analysis of how this race has developed into a unpredictable final. How strange that a tedious and extremely unselective 260 kilometers (that still manages to eliminate contenders, like Laporte this year) sets the stage for a finale that plays out with such sudden immediacy.
Agreed. Nice breakdown.
I heard that McNulty was pulled because he was sick!
Nice write up. I agree UAE needed more rouleurs.
Nice to see Julian Alaphilippe in the top 10
Spencer, did van der Poel make any gains on Pogacar for being an excellent lead-out/teammate (as he was in the Tour de France last year) in assessing your "best rider all-around (road) cyclist in the world?"
Van der Poel's leadout work is perhaps the most confounding thing I've ever faced in attempting to rank riders. By and large, he is the world's best leadout rider. After all, he single-handily held that race together for the final 2kms!
On the flip side, its difficult to put into context. For example, if Pogacar was working as a mountain domestique, he would be shockingly good. But, is that really moving the needle on his career accomplishments?
Leaving all that aside, I would still have Pogacar ahead of MvDP simply because up to this point, Pogacar has proven he can win one of MvdP's biggest goals (Flanders), while also being able to do things MvdP will never be capable of. Now, if MvdP continues to rack up Monuments, World Championships and an Olympic title this year, I may have to reconsider.
Thanks, and agree.
Yeah UAE did send McNulty but he got sick and Del Torro was switched in to replace him last minute.
I think Del Torro's lack of experience and confindence in a fast bunch saw him washed out of position in the run in to the Cipressa so he had to burn a few matches with Wellens to get back to the front from about 25th wheel on the climb.
Made for a more exciting finale though if you ask me. If UAE had executed the plan perfectly, the Pog win would have been all but inevitable and a lot more boring.
Ha, this is a great take. UAE being bad at racing is great for the sport since it keeps Pog from winning every race.
I did see the McNulty sickness news after you guys pointed it out. Its slightly concerning since he was sick after the UAE Tour, then sick again two weeks later after Paris-Nice. Multiple illnesses at this time of year can make it really difficult to get on track for later in the season.