World Championships
 

So, who's it gonna be?

I'm hearing that the course will suit a climber better than last year, but from the course profile, it looks like there is a better chance of a hilly classics rider to steal the glory.

Thoughts?

cunego ... eot

I think Cunego is becoming a favorite for the majority of folks.

I think Cadel and Kirchen are contenders, with their climbing prowess, and ability to finish off a sprint.

even though he will be most hyped going into this.. I'm saying cunego as well.. although I really hope Boonen can pull one off.

Boonen? You do realize that the worlds course this year feature over 15K feet of climbing, right?

+1
Unless Boonen learns to climb like Zabel and stays with the front field, this won't happen.

I like
S. Sanchez,
Cunego
one of the young danes?

well without a final starting list, not sure if all these guys are riding but what the hey?

a couple of the "punchy" riders i like to contend:

boasson hagen

pellizotti

lovkvist

philippe gilbert

haussler (racing for germany or is it australia??)

if pellizotti is racing and the "protected" rider, i like his chances best. it looks,
however, like cunego (and deservedly so as of late) may be the #1 guy for italia.

gotta think that even if valverde ends up winning the vuelta, he'll be the spanish
# 1. would not be surprised at all to see him pull off a vuelta/worlds double as
he is likely still p..... at not doing the tour.

one thing that helps the race to be more open, is that there are no more 12-man squads

used to be that Italy or a country like them could help control from sheer numbers

Are either of the Schlecks in?

go fabian! lol, i'm picking cunego.

Boonen will be a good pick for the next two years since they are more sprinter friendly.

Cunego is on the top of my list for this year, but it can be very well someone flying under the radar

tom danielson!










sike

only Andy

I really dont know enough to make a real prediction but I agree Cunego is really being hyped up as a favorite and I wouldnt mind seeing him take it.

What about Boom? Is he competing in it? Hes only ever lost 1 world championship race hes entered.

Heinrich Haussler is who I'm putting my money on.
~Nick

Kristin Armstrong


the men's champ is tougher to call

Haussler won't ride

My money is on Gilbert. He is flying at the moment.

Contador?

Contador isn't racing the Worlds

My preference is Cancellara, but if it's too hilly -- Basso? Could he have any form after the Vuelta?

What the hell is Contador doing these days anyway?

I hope to see the hometown girl get her last W.. at least in the tt..
I don't know if everyone knows this, but she is the most down to earth.. hard working.. awesome person.

I have never heard anyone say anything bad about her as a racer or person, its sad that she is retiring.

negotiating to get out of Astana, preferably onto a Spanish team that will back him 100%

I'm sure his season is kaput

EBH is IMO a bit too heavy to go with some of the lighter guys on this year's circuit... but I expect him to win within the next four years or so.

HH - racing for germany, the TT as well as the RR - he's been quiet for a while, good thought - he obviously gets up and down climbs pretty well.

Gilbert - yeah, I left him off my list (my stupid), he is really doing well right now. I'm not sure he can get away though, everyone will be watching him the last 20k.

Good call on lovkvist - he would be a wonderful spoiler playing off everyone else's teams.

This is a great course for Valverde, but I think he may be a bit tired by then.