echappist wrote:
I don't know about you guys, but I'm a bit disappointed by the way the racing shook out. Maybe the lack of wind factored into it, but I'd have expected bigger separation on the Muur. Instead, the pack just largely stayed together.
On the older OHN course (the one last used in 2017, holy shit that's a while ago), the finishing 60 kms was nowhere near as hard: last hill topped out with 40 km to go, and last cobbled section ended with 25 km to go; however, it made for a more engaging watch.
On this course, we are treated to a bunch of supposed obstacles, yet they are nothing more than a series of devil-takes-the-hindmost events rather than springboards that encourages attacking. Sorta like the old arrangement of the Amstel hills. Maybe this course really needs to be over 250 km long before the hills have its intended effect. And certainly, the 2018 edition almost ended in a group gallop as well. I hate to say this, but I'm actually somewhat glad I didn't catch this live.
At least at Kuurne, one has no expectation that the break would stick, but yet quite a few of the last few editions ended being won from a break (Stuyven in 2016, Sagan in 2017, Jungels in 2019, and Asgreen last year).
In any case, tomorrow will probably end up in a bunch gallop again (low winds).
M vdP, Demare, Degenkolb
Hodeg and M Pedersen
Concur. I thought for sure there would be some attacks around 10k or so but its early season and guys are racing back to back, etc.
I miss Jungle Bob. His long ranger in 2019 was a thing of beauty.
It'll probably be a bunch but if a 5,6 guy not dominated by wolves power break with Mads, Pollitt, MvdP and the like get away, that would be cool.
MvdP, Kristoff, Demare,
Diggin cobbles, Sep