"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Picks for paris-roubaix

I hope it is a good race without quick-step dominating but I hope Johan M. wins. I also hope it rains.:beer:

Johan seems not to be fit 100%.
This year, Paris-Roubaix will be an interesting thing. I guess van Petegem could be strong again, Vandenbroucke, Boonen, Bettini... there are some guys who could have good chances to win.

As always.. I root for Hincapie.. The pictures of Chavanel covered with mud and absolute determination to win strikes a cord with me also..

Although I honestly I really have no idea who will win this year's edition, I think it would be really neat to see Tafi, break out and do it again..I'm not sure if him and CSC will be there, but if he is doing it, I think it would be very cool to see another breakaway, like the time he did it back in 99......Either way though, with Johan M. not feeling that great, it will be interesting..


Benjamin

Luck has much to do w/ it, but I think Van Petegem is the only one who can keep the winner from being chosen inside Lefevre's car yet again. Quick-Step has the ponies to sweep yet again. I'm hoping Museeuw is recovered enough to make it four, but Frankie, Tom, and Servais should be there too.

Quick Step will have a VERY strong team with Johan, Servais Knaven, and Boonen...not sure if Bettini is riding it...

I'd also like to se Tafi steal the day :)

Since George won't be there
I'm going with VDB (don't ask me to spell it.)
he was really strong in Vlaanderen (sp?) and
has something to prove.
I'd really like to see this comeback work out,
VDB was/is a brilliant rider.

Marty

Bettini isn't riding but wouldn't have a prayer if he did. The course doesn't begin to suit him.

Hincapie is home sick.

Too bad about Wesemann too, I'm sure he'd love to win roubaix and he's out with an injury. VDB has something to prove. I like redemption stories, like Frigo, who's done really great since his comeback. VDB also proved he is great without the dope, he has real talent. I think he could make the podium, at least.

Yes, "Wese" is injured, but in fact I didn´t think he would have had a chance against van Petegem or Ekimov.
Vandenbroucke was unvisible, or did you see him. I just thought about where he is and then suddenly he was out. Did he have a deffect ?

Originally posted by Piratello
Vandenbroucke was unvisible, or did you see him. I just thought about where he is and then suddenly he was out. Did he have a deffect ?


From CyclingNews coverage
Another Quick.Step KO was Frank Vandenbroucke, who smashed his knee in one of the big crashes today and was forced to abandon at the first feed zone in Solesmes.

Boonen also crashed and abandoned (many of us yanks are not big Boonen fans). Kudos to (37 y.o.) Ekimov, 3rd 2nd year in a row. Unsung iron man of the postal squad.

Eki wasn't third at Paris-Roubaix last year. Boonen was.