FixdGearHead

Not all too familiar with the Road race - what sort of team tactics could possibly come into play?

I ask because looking at the national teams, Spain certainly comes in with the strongest "team"...but does that really provide much of an advantage?

Wouldn't they all be gunning for the Gold individually regardless?

Granted, while out on the road, some may decide they don't have the legs to contest and decide to help out their compatriots...but going into the race it seems to me that there wouldn't be much of a plan besides them looking out for each other vs the other nations.

Duke of Kent

There are several other countries that would take exception to that. Australia, for one. And the US team, while they might not possess the pure climbing talent of Spain, will be able to roll back many a break on the flats with Hincapie/Zabriskie/McCartney.

And, just like any other race, it all depends on how the race pans out. They'll have a protected rider, but if they get into a good move, they aren't going to sit up and wait for their captain to roll up to it.

marin1

There are? On paper Spain is the strongest, hands down. Will they win the gold, who knows.

FixdGearHead

yeah yeah, with all due respect to the other nations ;-) forgot to put "IMHO".

Yeah, but that's the thing - would most teams have a specific 'protected rider'? Certainly several riders on the Spanish squad (using them as my focus for debate) who feel they have a chance to win gold

same time

The Spanish team sure is impressive, but you're right, individual aspirations will play into it. I can't imagine Valverde agreeing to ride for Contador before the race, or vice-versa. Also trade team loyalties, even guys job-hunting for a new team next year, willing to make deals. Add some unknown riders in the mix, and it can get pretty confusing.

Also, I believe they don't use race radios in the Olympic road race, so the pressure is on the strong teams (Spain, Italy) to go to the front, up the pace, and control things. They won't rely on a radio to tell them what's going on from the team car.

In theory, it should be a wonderfully aggressive, unpredictable race, with everyone attacking everywhere. But then, it seems every four years the pack just rides defensively until one of the big favorites goes off the front and that's that.

Creakyknees

The Italian team has demonstrated the ability to execute true teamwork. Some of the other countries, not so much.

justinb

Contador has already agreed to work for Valverde, and claimed his real goals are in the TT. Honestly, I don't think he could stand up to a Bettini/Valverde/Schumacher/Rebellin in the final K anyway. Those guys excel at hilly one-days.

jcbenten

Hasn't Contador won sprints before? Granted not as good as an on-form Valverde but I think Alberto is a pretty good all-rounder. I think Bettini is old, Rebellin is old and is showing he cannot outsprint the others. Schumacher needs to win a la Cancellara at Milan. I think this is Valverde's race to lose.

MDcatV

so old that he's the reigning world champ, which is the race most similar to the olympic RR in course designe, team strategy and team structure. he's also defending olympic champ and has announced that he's retiring after 2008. Never rule out il grillo in a race like this. Go cricket go.

bac

+1

... Brad

FixdGearHead

Seems pretty relaxed too

same time

Speaking of old guys who may or may not be old, look who's starting for Colombia: Santiago Botero.

skinnyone

Even though I would put my money on Valverde, between him, Kirchen, grillo, Frank and Schumi we got several great finishers. Should be mucho interesting.

carpediemracing 

Similar thread started earlier in the plain Road Cycling section:
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/449542-olympic-road-race-strategy.html

cdr

ElJamoquio

Huh?

curiouskid55

That's why so many disorganized teams do so well in all other forms of bike racing.