Road Bike Racing - 2005 Amstel Gold Race

This is going to be a GREAT race. Looking at the start list, there a number of riders that can reach the podium or win. Rabobank should be strong as usual in this race, and I like Posthuma working for Boogerd, Dekker, and Friere. Rebellin is getting into good form. Bettini and Pozzato should be in the mix. I like CSC getting a guy to the podium, maybe Gusev who's quietly had a good start to the '05 season. T-Mobile is getting it together, so somebody in pink should get on the podium.

Can't wait!

Should be competitive as teams are lining up experienced squads.

My guess is Danilo DiLuca

The way this year is going, a lot of younger, up-and-coming riders are faring well. Though I think Rabobank will place well, Erik Dekker being my favorite, I wouldn't be surprised to see a fresh face take this race. Vladimir Gusev or Mattias Kessler perhaps. This seems like a race Kessler could win, if the tactics are right from T-Mobile (doubtful).

The official website features a great animated route map.

http://www.amstelgoldrace.com/

Rabobank should control things here with Boogerd, Dekker and Freire all having a good chance at the win.

My pick is Leon Van Bon.

Great finish by Di Luca!

Did you see the part where the peloton went through the grass? Looked pretty funny...

My guess is Danilo DiLuca

:D

Next time why don't you put *spoiler* in the thread title if your actually going to name the winner!
Most won't see the finish for another hour on oln. Thanks

Most won't see the finish for another hour on oln. Thanks

The funny thing is that's all you'll see, so don't feel too spoiled. Weather out there's a bit@#!

I was glad they put on the Redlands, nice to see something closer to home too.

yeah, watching redlands was more fun that seeing Amstel. Especially with the weather and coverage

Next time why don't you put *spoiler* in the thread title if your actually going to name the winner!
Most won't see the finish for another hour on oln. ThanksThread created days before the start of the race. Your welcome.

yeah, watching redlands was more fun that seeing Amstel. Especially with the weather and coverage

Redlands was an awsome race, I got to see the whole thing live, even got to see inside the healthnet motorhome... awsome. Worrley had me worried for part of the race but they pulled through. I ride those hills all the time and for the guys to be climbing them as fast as they were was amazing. Oak glen in an interesting climb (expecially the 11 percent section) and so is the sunset loop.

It was interesting that they showed the guys were climbing in a 39-19, I guess they are mere mortals... I climb it is my 39-23 or 39-21...

But climbing that thing how many times they did... amazing
:eek:

^^ so if the mere mortals are stronger than you, what does that make you? Sub-mortal?!?

<---- Confused..

After fast forwarding past the Redlands, Lance and Discovery crap, this weekends show was a bit of a bust.

Nice month DiLuca is having. :)

^^ so if the mere mortals are stronger than you, what does that make you? Sub-mortal?!?

<---- Confused..

I mean that I would think that the pros would be big ringing it up the hill, not down in the bottom of the gear ratio... I guess they must be (super mortal) then... :D

After fast forwarding past the Redlands, Lance and Discovery crap, this weekends show was a bit of a bust.

Nice month DiLuca is having. :)

I concur on all fronts.

Well when the fog is so thick the static cameras can't see a thing what are they suposed to show? I sort of liked the Redlands coverage.

Well when the fog is so thick the static cameras can't see a thing what are they suposed to show?

We were told that the transmission helicopters were not allowed to take off. Then there's not much you can do in terms of covering a race.

I feel sorry for Michael Boogerd, by the way. He took 2nd place for the 4th time. This time he was leading out Oscar Freire (who had told his teammates he felt good), but it turned out he was working for Di Luca instead...

they have to get Frankie Andreu some practice time on calling races though, that Redlands call was rough, man.