104th Paris-Roubaix Predictions
04-07-06, 01:53 PM
#2
I'm fine.
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Tom Boonen
Peter Van Petegem
Erik Zabel
I'm kidding about the last two. Tom Boonen will actually win 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. He's that unstoppable.
Peter Van Petegem
Erik Zabel
I'm kidding about the last two. Tom Boonen will actually win 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. He's that unstoppable.
04-07-06, 01:55 PM
#3
El Diablo
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Well aside from the fact that this may be the hardest race to handicap due to the brutality of the course on riders and equipment here are my predictions:
1 Boonen
2 Hincapie
3 Zabel
1 Boonen
2 Hincapie
3 Zabel
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04-07-06, 02:19 PM
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Leif Hoste there, I said it.
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04-07-06, 02:44 PM
#6
Ink-Stained Wretch
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Guys I expect near the top (calling the real finish with P-R is just too much, the luckiest man has a better chance of winning than the strong man).
Boonen
Ballan
Kroon
Hoste
Hincapie
All those making it, Boonen wins, Georgie a bike length or two behind (if that...), and because I'm a CSC guy...Kroon
Boonen
Ballan
Kroon
Hoste
Hincapie
All those making it, Boonen wins, Georgie a bike length or two behind (if that...), and because I'm a CSC guy...Kroon
04-07-06, 03:16 PM
#7
OTB is imminent
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I would love to see Hincapie finally be the top dog, but my gut says Boonen. Either way I am a happy camper.
04-07-06, 03:31 PM
#9
Up on the Down Side
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Assuming a nefarious double agent from some shady rival flooring sponsor booby-traps Boonen's tires to blow out conveniently on a section of pave at about the 210km mark, the race is up for grabs.
Here's a vote for George to make it through the fray and nip a few rivals at the line on the track.
If the double agent from shady rival flooring sponsor screws up in his assignment and Boonen's tires stay intact... it's difficult to pick against the World Champ...
Here's a vote for George to make it through the fray and nip a few rivals at the line on the track.
If the double agent from shady rival flooring sponsor screws up in his assignment and Boonen's tires stay intact... it's difficult to pick against the World Champ...
04-07-06, 04:06 PM
#10
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My hopes are for Thor Hushovd.
If it comes down to the line, Boonen is a hard man to follow.
If it comes down to the line, Boonen is a hard man to follow.
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04-07-06, 05:29 PM
#12
or tarckeemoon, depending
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Hincapie - He's on good form, knows this race really well, wants very badly to win it, and made a strong if disappointing showing last week. It's going to take a bold and well-timed move to do it though.
04-07-06, 05:58 PM
#14
Sprockette
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backstedt isn't racing, he's injured.
I'm thinking Boonen, Hoste, Ballan.
I'm thinking Boonen, Hoste, Ballan.
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04-07-06, 07:00 PM
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Upgrading my engine
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I finally coughed up the $35 for the cycling.tv premium membership so I can watch on Sunday. I have to see if Boonen can do the double double.
It sure seems like something crazy is going to have to happen in order for him not to win. I don't think even an extra-motivated Hincapie can beat him straight up (remember last year). I doubt Hoste has as much magic left, and even if he does it wasn't enough last time. Maybe if Hoste and Hincapie work together something strange could happen.
So I think I'll see either history in the making or something crazy, which will hopefully justify the $35 (actually, the highlight archive makes for great trainer entertainment, so it should be worth it next winter if nothing else).
It sure seems like something crazy is going to have to happen in order for him not to win. I don't think even an extra-motivated Hincapie can beat him straight up (remember last year). I doubt Hoste has as much magic left, and even if he does it wasn't enough last time. Maybe if Hoste and Hincapie work together something strange could happen.
So I think I'll see either history in the making or something crazy, which will hopefully justify the $35 (actually, the highlight archive makes for great trainer entertainment, so it should be worth it next winter if nothing else).
04-07-06, 07:59 PM
#18
starting pistol means war
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I'll tell you who's not going to win. Euskatel-Euskadi!
This ProTour thing sucks. There are about 5 teams that shouldn't even be there and at least 5 basic Kermesse teams that could do better. Guess it'll make it easier for all the real classics guys when the fighting begins and 90% of the guys who were forced into starting abandon to catch the early flight home.
This ProTour thing sucks. There are about 5 teams that shouldn't even be there and at least 5 basic Kermesse teams that could do better. Guess it'll make it easier for all the real classics guys when the fighting begins and 90% of the guys who were forced into starting abandon to catch the early flight home.
04-07-06, 09:01 PM
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Andrea Tafi.
It is sad when a great cyclist retires. I would have to say Boonen this year. He is going into this race with some big wins already this year and that always helps.
It is sad when a great cyclist retires. I would have to say Boonen this year. He is going into this race with some big wins already this year and that always helps.
04-07-06, 09:09 PM
#20
Used to be a climber..
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Lance Armstrong.
Juuuuust kidding.
I think Hincapie can pull this one out of his ass....
Juuuuust kidding.
I think Hincapie can pull this one out of his ass....
04-08-06, 09:18 AM
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Boonen will win unless something unexpected happens. What are the chances that something unexpected will happen in THIS race, though? 
04-08-06, 11:43 AM
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[QUOTE=YMCA]There are about 5 teams that shouldn't even be there and at least 5 basic Kermesse teams that could do better.[QUOTE]
+1
+1
04-08-06, 12:12 PM
#24
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Boonen has to be the favorite, but as has been said, this is a very unpredictable race. The forecast for Paris tomorrow is for a chance of showers in the morning, clearing in the afternoon, and a high in the mid 50's. I'd say that Hincapie, Cancellara, Hoste, Flecha, Wesseman, Van Petegem, and Zabel are all podium candidates too.
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Last edited by HigherGround; 04-08-06 at 12:13 PM. Reason: spelling correction
04-08-06, 12:20 PM
#25
Maglia Ciclamino
Whoops, didn't know about Backstedt. Bump Hincapie up and add Flecha. Yeah, last year's finish. 