Dang, Powpow got *rolled* by a French kid in France. Kid did a great job of letting Powless be "the strongest guy in the break." Until it mattered.

Inexplicable racing decisions.

Oh dear.

Didn’t see that one coming. Seems like it’s time for Martinez to get a leadership role.

Yep, yesterday EF did all the work despite not having the leader's jersey, and got jumped at the finish.

Today, they did all the work despite not having the leader's jersey, let a dangerous rider get away solo for the win, and then got jumped in the bunch sprint.

Net result for two days: Powless dropped from 2nd to 3rd overall. My armchair DS opinion is that they should've sat back a little more and let Arkea, Trek, and AG2R do more of the work. Those teams were more than happy to let EF sit on the front until the last few km.

They really need to keep Cort on as DS. I get that his success is at least partially down to his own physiology, but to snatch that win from the chasing pack takes brains, too; not to mention the decision to roll with the break in the first place.

Not sure what the strategy was, but generally EF rides well as a team.

Anyway, IT'S LOOP WEEK.

generally EF rides well as a team

I so love the harmony of a TTT.

Nailed it today. Just got pipped by team Remco. I so love the harmony of a TTT.

I figured Ineos and Soudal would do well, but EF was a big surprise. The other team that surprised me was Bebop-Alula.

We need more TTTs. I really wish they'd bring back the Olympic 4-man 100km, and the WC team TTT.

Flobikes has the Loop but they're supposed to be dead to me. I'd like to go VPN + Europlayer but they won't take my payment I think bc it is from the states? If anyone has a work around, please share? Thanks.

Why did Bebop surprise you ? Their director Marco Pinotti knows his aero and TTT$hit.

And yes. It is Omloop week!

Alright peeps. Here is your official season kickoff!

MEDIA DAY will be Thursday 2/23. Spackler has a reveal, and then as defending champ will be vague and formulaic discussing his preparation for this season. McNulty will mix sage advice and metaphors to amuse and confuse. e-chappy will have detailed course breakdowns. trail will tell us how his Winter Wonderland altitude camp has prepared him. Clay Davis will be Tadej-esque awe shucks, and then throw down. And artist formerly known as turdburgler will be setting up his post race Strava file spreadsheets. eb, HeyMartin, Sullisbrew and trener1 will be in tent 2 signing autographs.

Race Calendar this year:

Omloop 2/25
KBK 2/26
Strade 3/4
MSR (or wherever it starts this year) 3/18
Brugge De Panne 3/22
E3H 3/24
Gent 3/26
Dwars 3/29
De Ronde 4/2
Roubaix 4/9
DB Pijl 4/12
Amstel 4/16
La Fleche Walone 4/19
LBL 4/23

You should know the rules. But for extra incentive this year, Commisioner is offering up a purse. Giftcard arranged via PM.

https://mybeersoftheworld.com/ (or somehwere similar near your home course)

I’m in So Cal with a bunch of cycling writers and Ma Nature is fixing to serve up some classics-style weather.