I know everyone’s talking about this, but I just can’t get over the two attacks that MVP put in yesterday in probably the most exciting Strade Bianche I’ve seen. He had a Cancellara-in-Paris-Roubaix acceleration that had most people speechless, including the commentators on Eurosport – no small feat. Here’s a breakdown of the final van der nail in the coffin, on the Via Santa Caterina. It is really something to behold – along with the rest of the race – if you get a chance.
Right before the attack
4 seconds later…
12 seconds after the attack and right before the top of the climb.
What do you think that is? 10 meters? 15? Keep in mind, all this happened at somewhere between 12% and 16%.
A few people have made this interesting point, too (including one of you); although these two guys are definitely classics riders (although Julian can really climb, too), 3rd place was taken by Egan Bernal, a former Tour de France winner. Pogacar was also in the front group till it was blown apart on the penultimate climb (by you know who), who can do it all, but is certainly a grand tour rider. This could very well be the key that makes Strade Bianche a Monument once and for all at some point in the future, i.e. there aren’t many races where you really don’t know which kind of rider might win (Milan-sanremo could be another one).
Anyway, find a way to watch the last 50 km or so of this one if you can. You won’t be disappointed.
The Vicious Cycle 
A great race and MVP was unbelievable! Amazing breakaway group of the best and best to come (Pidcock).
Yeah, I saw Pidcock for the first time during the ‘cross season and he’s super impressive. Lots of new blood coming up!
Good Race, really enjoyed watching it in real time. Haven’t seen a Euro Race in real time since 2010. A nice treat!
You’re an early riser, Pierre. You can watch them all live if you want!
It was a fabulous race
It really was
Hopefully I’ll be able to go and watch it again next year
You were there one of the times I did it, right?
I believe so, I watched 2016, 2017 and 2018 versions.
Both times! Where do you stay when you go down there? In Siena itself?
We’ve stayed in a number of places but always in Siena itself. Last time was at the Grand Hotel Continental. We’ve also stayed at NH and in a small hotel close to the cathedral.
I found it on you tube last nite already. It was in Italian but still great to watch!
Italian is probably the correct language to watch in 😉
On the one Hand strange, especially with guys like Alaphillipe in the group. A point for him, he just came aut of a short ccyclocross season. I am not 100% sure what to think about. Cancellara had this move once. MvP quite often.
In addition he has 99% a relaxed ore even bored to annoyed look in his face. I have picture of him where you can compare to fellow cross cyclist.. the only other with this relaxed look was Indurain…
Agreed. MVP is Cancellara all the time!
As for his ‘look’, a friend commented that he was an android the other day. He must strike fear into those around him with that face.
This was one of the best races I’ve ever seen. Reminded me of how I felt about Amstel Gold last year (also MVP). He, Alaphilippe and VanAert are making cycling fun to watch – even if I still want Thibault to win the Tour one day… And let’s not forget the return of Remco soon I hope… Tadej, Egan and Tao also make me so excited for the future of cycling. It’s a great time to be a fan despite the pandemic!
Wouldn’t it be great if Sagan could get back to his best and be in the mix with MVP and Van Aert in the classics before the generation handoff occurs…
2021 is looking like a great season to watch the pros, even if amateur races may or may not happen…
I’m with you on that. This new generation is throwing something different into the sport. Definitely fun to watch!
Who’s your pick for MSR?