Matt is a big unit. Speaking of big performances, Tom D continues his impressive run performances.
And GT is also planning to stretch his legs.
Heâs been doing some runs. It sounds like London marathon is first and he is still threatening to do an Ironman, though he said it wonât be Wurf-esque and he just wants to get out there and do one. Iâm still waiting for the Richie Porte triathlon. Great TT rider for his size, 14:xx 5k times as a teenager and a terrific swimmer who never stopped that discipline.
Same thing for Campanaerts when he retires. He came to cycling through triathlon and is a pretty good runner and swimmer.
Iâve also heard Rusty Woods is planning to get into triathlon. Obviously elite level running pedigree, have no idea what his swimming is like.
Iâd love to see him torch some runs. He has some crazy speed
Tom is crazy
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Wait?!!! WHAT???!!!
Wow, thatâs a surprise move. She was such a good fit with EF. I get that at this point sheâs an older rider and maybe less likely to get a big result, but the value she brings goes way beyond the results sheet in terms of her reach on social media and consistently fostering a fun, engaging image for womenâs cycling. EF also has that fun vibe and has a good social media game, so it was a good synergy.
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Wow, I definitely did not see that comingâŠ.
Have I ever lost traction on the back wheel on a corner? Sure, and it almost makes me piss my bibshorts. Tom does it on purpose and looks very controlled doing it. Some guys are just built different.
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Tom will need a personal tire sponsor if he keeps doing that.
Rally car technique on a road bike? Or Coleman slide, perhaps?
Action Jackson leaving EF??! Wow. I have to think just her vibe had to be worth A LOT (more than enough) for EF. Add in her past wins and potential for a few big wins here and there (she was all in for Maryland race even if she couldnât get her teammate to throw effective counterattacks). Then add the mentoring - she seemed like world champ Vallieres best ally - How did EF lose that battle? Is EF culture not as good as their social media game?
TDF routes released. Can @Carl_Spackler put together another bucket list Tour Alps climb trip (very jealous)? The big Pyrenees stage is very nearly 2023 (Cambasque finish) but they go South to Gedre (too bad they donât do the formidable Tentes). A much more gradual finish.
Something to do with their break-up Rapha maybe? They had to shed some $? I dunno; makes no sense to let her go
Yes, yes I can put together another Alps tripâ who is in??? Two stages on Alpe dâHuez? Approved.
Iâll also reiterate my dislike for the TTT, which is on opening day. Not that I donât like them, but that I think it favors only a few teams and puts a hurt on smaller/non-super team guys aiming for a good GC. Like Seixas and Pidcock (if Q36.5 gets WorldTour nod).
The rumour mill is that EF is investing in their youth squad and she was not going to be guaranteed as a leader for some of the races she wanted to target. Instead she was supposedly offered a year contract and more of a mentorship role. I donât know if that is true. Regardless, Ali is a wonderful ambassador for the sport and will be missed on that team.
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Losing Action J bums me out for sure. I feel like EF has a very good vibe for a team punching above their weight and having riders give their all for those big rides. The way it seemed to me that EF rallied around giving the Paz a shot at Giro (they forced Del Toroâs hand with the grenade they threw at Finestre + Kick-Asgreenâs stage)/ going all in for Healy (Sweeney looked incredible) / challenging the best in the Womenâs peloton with Ruegg/Kerbaol/Vallieres (and a full strength Faulkner). I hope they can maintain that vibe - the ultra rich getting richer is less fun.
For sure a bike racing spoilers thread real life riding adventure appeals. Weâll need a solid game for mid-atlantic worldâs lead up races and of course the Montreal worlds itself. Richmond 2015 stands as an unforgettable memory. It opened my eyes to where the pros ride before the races (super cool to see them here on Bmore roads). Looking forward to the learning from the knowledges here to help craft a great Montreal experience (I sure hope Good Dude Club officer level candidate Derek Gee is ready to challenge).
This Tour route is interesting. A double ascent of the Alpe dâHuez for the men and Ventoux for the women is exciting.
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This doesnât affect AJâs good dudette status. But kind of bummed for EF.
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The change in format is going to be interesting. Theyâve essentially turned it into a 19k leadout for the GC rider. Will be very curious to see how the more advanced teams game this out.