"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Tell me about Bettini - AKA Cricket

The world champ seems to be in the mix for stage wins in just about every type of race. He doesn't fit the sprinter mold, but almost won a Giro sprint stage. As a hard man, he also is in the mix on one day races even though he's darn small.

His thighs are like tree trunks, and he's tiny, so why isn't he a grand tour GC contender? No TT ability?

No TT ability?

correct, or more specifically: no TT mindset.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/121/snpb2ny2.jpg

haha...breaking out the ol Pascal Richard Northwave ad!

Bettini...cries (literally) after every race...win or lose.

?
this Richard look?

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/1998/oct/pascalrichard.jpg

He is a fantastic bike handler and tactician. His road skills are incredible and he is driven by the fight. Some guys have the ability to race in big pelotons and then others are more like Zabriskie and have tons of horsepower, but don't have the winning instinct, except in time trials.

correct, or more specifically: no TT mindset.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/121/snpb2ny2.jpg


Awesome. Seems if he could develop some TT ability, he could easily win a Vuelta or Giro.

Awesome. Seems if he could develop some TT ability, he could easily win a Vuelta or Giro.

incorrect.

his engine isn't big enough.

He should scan e-bay for a bigger powerdial.

I love this guy after watching last years classics. He is like a tiny Vino. Always very animated also.

He probably has one of the highest sprint power to weight ratios of anyone in cycling.

He can read a race better than just about anyone.

He can read a race better than just about anyone.
Alrighty then, but... How does he do in the longer stage races and back-to-back climbing days?

not that well.. climbs arent his forte

Hmmm, his engine isn't big enough?:roflmao:

Bettini probably races more races during the year than 90% of the pros. During his prime, he was one of the top five road sprinters in the world. He can climb quite well thank you, but doesn't do well in high mountains. That could be said of many top riders though. He's certainly as good in the mountains as Zabel or Freire, two of the better climbing sprinters. With respect to his time trialing, riders who aren't in contention in the Grand Tours will often ride the time trials at "85%" to conserve energy for later stages. So it is not surprising that he doesn't show well in time trials or concentrate on them. I don't think anyone on this forum knows anything about Bettini's mindset. If his results tell us anything, they say anything he put his mind to, he could probably do quite well at. I think he concentrates on his obvious strengths, instead of compromising his natural strengths in an attempt to be a Grand Tour rider.

He's won the Points Competition in the Giro, twice. The World Cup, the Olympic Road Race, the World Championships, and more classics than I care to recount. 62 victories as a pro. Yea, I'd say his engine is pretty big.

He is also a hard core doper. He is one of the major opponents for the use of DNA in cycling and for more testing. He is a hard core a-hole, as it is attitudes like this bringing this sport down.

Hmmm, his engine isn't big enough?:roflmao:

Bettini probably races more races during the year than 90% of the pros. During his prime, he was one of the top five road sprinters in the world. He can climb quite well thank you, but doesn't do well in high mountains. That could be said of many top riders though. He's certainly as good in the mountains as Zabel or Freire, two of the better climbing sprinters. Riders who aren't in contention in the Grand Tours will often ride the time trials at "85%" to conserve energy for later stages. So it is not surprising that he doesn't show well in time trials or concentrate on them.

He's won the Points Competition in the Giro, twice. The World Cup, the Olympic Road Race, and more classics than I care to recount. 62 victories as a pro. I'd say his engine is pretty big.
Certainly enough to make Pettachi his bi*ch.

open my pie hole, say something stupid
Your zipper is down and the whole world can see how small you are.

Bettini said so himself in an issue of Procycling: "I found out early on that I would never win the Tour de France." He then goes on to say that if he couldn't win the biggest race then he would win the biggest one day classics. He basically says that his body cannot recover quick enough between stages giving him a poor chance to contest Grand Tours. His engine may be big but he wouldn't be able to arrive at the final TT of a GT with good legs.

Jonathan Vaughters said that he felt he reached his peak because he knew how bad his body felt compared to others over the same days of consecutive racing.

Hmmm, his engine isn't big enough?:roflmao:

Bettini probably races more races during the year than 90% of the pros. During his prime, he was one of the top five road sprinters in the world. He can climb quite well thank you, but doesn't do well in high mountains. That could be said of many top riders though. He's certainly as good in the mountains as Zabel or Freire, two of the better climbing sprinters. With respect to his time trialing, riders who aren't in contention in the Grand Tours will often ride the time trials at "85%" to conserve energy for later stages. So it is not surprising that he doesn't show well in time trials or concentrate on them. I don't think anyone on this forum knows anything about Bettini's mindset. If his results tell us anything, they say anything he put his mind to, he could probably do quite well at. I think he concentrates on his obvious strengths, instead of compromising his natural strengths in an attempt to be a Grand Tour rider.

He's won the Points Competition in the Giro, twice. The World Cup, the Olympic Road Race, the World Championships, and more classics than I care to recount. 62 victories as a pro. Yea, I'd say his engine is pretty big.

correct, it's not big enough to win a GT.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/merckx56/jules2.jpg

Bettini=Jules

There is a big gap between winning the points contest/being a great sprinter and a GC contender. The cricket can put out massive power for a short period but not prolonged effort, at least to the degree of the main GC guys, his right toe puts out more watts than me. He dosen't have the engine to drop everyone on a long climb or big solo break.

I am in love with Pro Riders. I cannot poosiblt imagine that they would ever cheat or possibly break my heart. They are all the best human beings and truly great indivuduals. I mean, I love the fact that people like Basso, Hamilton, Landis, and Ullrich are clean riders who never once lied to the public. Why is this? Because Pro cyclists cannot lie. I hope one day to meet them and get their signature. I have posters of Ullrich's Guads in my room, just to help me go to sleep. I love them all. Bettini does not want DNA testing because he is clean you see. Just like innocent people do not want DNA testing in trials or to take lie detectors, because they are innocent.

Real quick question to the posters of the board. I need the definition for the word NAIVE, anyone?





You sure are smart Skinny!!!

You sure are smart Skinny!!!It's not obvious to me whether the quote you attribute to skinny is supposed to be about him or in fact describes you. In any event, do you have any actual evidence specific to Bettini to support your belief that he is doping? I suspect everyone myself, but I think accusations should rest on evidence rather than suspicion.

Bettini has a fantastic racing mind.. I think he has the mind of Eddie Merckx. His tactics and his intuition are incredible.. he doesnt posses the TT mind set nor does he seem to care that much.. It almost like its the race going on right in front of him is all he cares about,... and nothing else.. no though of his placment, gc.. or his team... or anything..
I think he is what makes bike racing such a great sport.. for enthusiasts.. you have to sort of know whats going on to appreciate it.. but when you realize how hard it is to race the way he does.. like he doesnt need teammates. .. like he is possesed... I think he is one of the most exciting racers today.. He races the way Sean Kkelly did..

Having seen him TT away to win Zuri-Metzege, I think he has the necessary abilities in a road race situation, but a TT in a stage race just doesn't suit him all that well.

There is obviously a massive difference between breaking off solo with 30km to go in a 200km race, and starting off alone against the clock on a 30km TT. Accumulated fatigue combined with goals for the overall points standings might affect that in a GT situation.

There is a big gap between winning the points contest/being a great sprinter and a GC contender. The cricket can put out massive power for a short period but not prolonged effort, at least to the degree of the main GC guys, his right toe puts out more watts than me. He dosen't have the engine to drop everyone on a long climb or big solo break.

IIRC he soloed to victory at Lombardia just last year ...

He is also a hard core doper. He is one of the major opponents for the use of DNA in cycling and for more testing. He is a hard core a-hole, as it is attitudes like this bringing this sport down.

He is a hard core doper? Care to back up that claim with facts?

The story in VN about how he pushed the National Team rider up a climb in the TOC was precious. He seemed like a great Patron in the Peleton.

He is a hard core doper? Care to back up that claim with facts?


(A) You were saying the same thing for Basso, Ullrich and others. So you defended them right to the bitter end, made to look like fools.

(B) Bettini is one of the foremost critics of further and more stringent testing. Why do you think that is.

(C) Lets just say, history is on the side of those who no longer beleive these guys. So please stop being naive. I have no problem with rooting for the guy, but at least have the intellectual wherewithal to admit to the fact he has to cheat to compete.

(A) You were saying the same thing for Basso, Ullrich and others. So you defended them right to the bitter end, made to look like fools.

(B) Bettini is one of the foremost critics of further and more stringent testing. Why do you think that is.

(C) Lets just say, history is on the side of those who no longer beleive these guys. So please stop being naive. I have no problem with rooting for the guy, but at least have the intellectual wherewithal to admit to the fact he has to cheat to compete.

so do you pretty much believe everyone thats wins more than a race or two is a hardcore doper?

(A) You were saying the same thing for Basso, Ullrich and others. So you defended them right to the bitter end, made to look like fools.

(B) Bettini is one of the foremost critics of further and more stringent testing. Why do you think that is.

(C) Lets just say, history is on the side of those who no longer beleive these guys. So please stop being naive. I have no problem with rooting for the guy, but at least have the intellectual wherewithal to admit to the fact he has to cheat to compete.
Probably just simpler and better personal policy for you to slightly amend your line to say "I strongly suspect he's a doper" than to state it as if it is a known fact. You may very well be correct in your belief, but until it is confirmed, it is only that - your belief.

Whether he is, or he isn't, he sure keeps the peloton on its toes.

(A) You were saying the same thing for Basso, Ullrich and others. So you defended them right to the bitter end, made to look like fools.

I was? Please point out one time where I defended any of those you named.


(B) Bettini is one of the foremost critics of further and more stringent testing. Why do you think that is.

I have no idea about his views on further testing. I know he has spoken out against DNA testing, I would do the same. I am far too paranoid to give my DNA to anyone who asks.


(C) Lets just say, history is on the side of those who no longer believe these guys. So please stop being naive. I have no problem with rooting for the guy, but at least have the intellectual wherewithal to admit to the fact he has to cheat to compete.

I'm not being naive. I tend to think they are all doping, or at least the majority, but I won't go so far as to call someone a "hard core doper" based on nothing more than my own beliefs and suspicions.

You sure are smart Skinny!!!Well thank you.:p

Saying Bettini doesn't have a big enough engine to win a grand tour is bike racing cliches 101 at it's best. What is a big engine? No one would ever say Cippollini didn't have a big engine, but he never won a Grand Tour. What about Lucien Van Impe? He won the Tour de France, but he couldn't win a time trial to save his life. And if he won anything besides mountainous stages, no one knew about it. Did he have a big engine just because he won a grand tour? Look at Moser. He held the hour record. Don't you need a "big engine" to do that? NO ONE would ever say he didn't have a "big engine", but he couldn't win a grand tour until they custom made the giro for him without any significant high mountain stages so he could win. He couldn't do well in the high mountains just as Bettini can't.

Individual riders have unique characteristics that often force them to specialize in order to exploit or make the most of their opportunities. Bettini can't climb high mountains well, and so doesn't expend energy in an area where he could only end up mediocre at best. Bettini has won two points competitions in the Giro. That requires a high capacity to recover and race fast for 3 weeks straight. Just because he doesn't do well in the high mountains doesn't mean he doesn't have a "big engine", what ever that is.

If you're going to resort to cliches to pigeon hole riders, at least apply them correctly. I mean, saying that Vaughters doesn't have a big engine makes sense. But saying that about Bettini is just silly.

The world champ seems to be in the mix for stage wins in just about every type of race. He doesn't fit the sprinter mold, but almost won a Giro sprint stage. As a hard man, he also is in the mix on one day races even though he's darn small.

His thighs are like tree trunks, and he's tiny, so why isn't he a grand tour GC contender? No TT ability?


bettini doesn't even wear a TT helmet.

http://www.fototime.com/39EFBF480A7732A/orig.jpg

but he does love attention (he just kissed a female fan) and he wears a stainless steel rolex daytona.

http://www.fototime.com/484ABC13B85C490/orig.jpg

and gold-tipped sidis.

http://www.fototime.com/80EA90CF771EFC0/orig.jpg

and bettini rides an itty bitty specialized s-works TT bike :eek: .

http://www.fototime.com/CA81AD298184446/orig.jpg

ed rader

Hell of a rider and fearless. I use to cant stand the little guy, but he has grown a little on me...

Probably just simpler and better personal policy for you to slightly amend your line to say "I strongly suspect he's a doper" than to state it as if it is a known fact. You may very well be correct in your belief, but until it is confirmed, it is only that - your belief.

Whether he is, or he isn't, he sure keeps the peloton on its toes.

Point taken. But I unless the rider is 100% on board for increased testing, I am beyond couching my language for these bands of idiots. They are ruining this sport people. It is starting to die, and yet, Bettini (who is fighting increased testing) you guys are falling in love with.

Wake up.

Saying Bettini doesn't have a big enough engine to win a grand tour is bike racing cliches 101 at it's best. What is a big engine? No one would ever say Cippollini didn't have a big engine, but he never won a Grand Tour. What about Lucien Van Impe? He won the Tour de France, but he couldn't win a time trial to save his life. And if he won anything besides mountainous stages, no one knew about it. Did he have a big engine just because he won a grand tour? Look at Moser. He held the hour record. Don't you need a "big engine" to do that? NO ONE would ever say he didn't have a "big engine", but he couldn't win a grand tour until they custom made the giro for him without any significant high mountain stages so he could win. He couldn't do well in the high mountains just as Bettini can't.

Individual riders have unique characteristics that often force them to specialize in order to exploit or make the most of their opportunities. Bettini can't climb high mountains well, and so doesn't expend energy in an area where he could only end up mediocre at best. Bettini has won two points competitions in the Giro. That requires a high capacity to recover and race fast for 3 weeks straight. Just because he doesn't do well in the high mountains doesn't mean he doesn't have a "big engine", what ever that is.

If you're going to resort to cliches to pigeon hole riders, at least apply them correctly. I mean, saying that Vaughters doesn't have a big engine makes sense. But saying that about Bettini is just silly.

At what point does a mountain become a "high mountain"? Are you saying that he doesnt do well at altitude or are you simply saying he doesnt climb well enough to be a GT contender?

I would just assert that Bettini simply doesnt climb or TT well enough to be a GT contender, only a few can. That doesnt detract from his accomplishments, it's just the way it is.

Point taken. But I unless the rider is 100% on board for increased testing, I am beyond couching my language for these bands of idiots. They are ruining this sport people. It is starting to die, and yet, Bettini (who is fighting increased testing) you guys are falling in love with.

Wake up.Maybe the riders are ruining the sport, but they are getting an enormous amount of help from the cycling authorities that be. I can't see anything Pat McQuaid does on this front that is not injurious to the sport, whereas Bettini at least rides with panache, skill, and courage.

I don't, however, love Bettini. That emotion I reserve for Jens.