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Well, not really.
Was happy that neither Pog nor MVDP dominated. Not a criticism, just that it's boring.
Pog talked about the UAE "plan" and how they are "perfecting" it. I didn't see much of a plan beyond the usual "get a bunch of blokes on the front, ride very fast, burn everyone off, and Pog takes a flyer". None of it worked.
Too bad that Pidcock didn't cling on. I'd have been happy to see Mads Pedersen win, but you have to give credit to Philipsen - he is a very good sprinter!!
I thought it was brilliant. It’s clearly just right for making it really open as to who will win. I do like VDP for being happy to bury himself for a team mate, if that’s what’s needed.
So many people did the best they could in the situation. MVdP's pull, Pidcock's atack, Matthews and Pedersen's sprints - all brilliant moves in their own right.
Worth stopping to think about Pog sprinting in that company there. He's got the thing that Sagan and Alaphillipe had of consistently making the race winning move (even if it doesn't win it for them) but he's also managed to keep up with Vignegaard in the mountains. When he's got good oponents you're pretty much guaranteed a good race.
It's a race I've grown to like, ignoring the first 200 odd km. This edition, pog had a plan on the Cipressa (remember they dropped Philipsen) but ran out of matches over the top enabling JP and others to get back on. MVP burying himself for his team mate. Ganna again made the front but had a mechanical. MMatthews with 2nd again ( he really does deserve the top step one day). Pidcock - could he have attacked the descent if he was closer to Pog and MVP? His flyer was close and 'might' have made if Philipsen and the other Trek/lidl rider hadn't made it into the reduced group.
It’s a race I’ve grown to like, ignoring the first 200 odd km.
I fell asleep for an hour, woke with over 100km to go and nothing at all had changed. However, the scenery is gorgeous, and on a standard Welsh spring day I can sit and watch springtime in Liguria all day.
Reckon Pedersen will be the most disappointed - form of his life, makes the final sprint of a very long race, would expect to be on the podium at least. May not ever get a better chance than that.
I guess vdP has to go when Pog goes but I wonder what would have happened if he hadn't gone so deep to close that gap over the top of the Poggio. Pog is a good descender but TP and Mohoric are insane descenders. They were right there and might have closed things back up. Too many unknowns to bet your race on I suppose.
Pog's not the sort to complain, but UAE didn't really get it together over the cipressa, looked like a couple of riders out of legs (although the young Mexican rider and Wellens put in huge work). Philipsen is strong AF but no way he gets taken to the finish with a coordinated base-summit x2 attack from UAE. A lot easier said than done!
Its a long race, fairly early on in the season. I can understand why UAE where not quite on the mark. Also understandable why Pederson didn't have the legs. Its such a tough last 30km's, might not be the biggest hills, but its flat out. The final descent is still a hard descent, in terms of sprinting out of corners and then the final few kms on the flat.
I've been lucky enough to ride the final 100km's, amazing part of the world. The hills aren't steep when its a fairly short ride, but didn't they average something like 46kmph for the entire course? Even in the bunch thats going to be noticable and have the potential to sap the energy out of your legs. 28mph for 180 miles...
One of my favourite races of the season. Along with Lombardia.
My profound thoughts are it's the dullest monument.
Also understandable why Pederson didn’t have the legs. Its such a tough last 30km’s, might not be the biggest hills, but its flat out.
I'm sure he'd love to know that he didn't have the legs when he came 4th with no time gap. He was there, just others were quicker. 😀
I guess vdP has to go when Pog goes but I wonder what would have happened if he hadn’t gone so deep to close that gap over the top of the Poggio
I think when he saw Phillipsen was with the group at the finish his job was done. Jesper had been in the press earlier in the week saying he wasn't sure if his future was as Alpecin, I think the end would have been hastened if VdP had sprinted against him, especially as he (Phillipsen) had the best chance of the two of them.
It was impressive the way VdP closed the gap to Pog though, Flanders will be interesting.
The incredible thing is... Pog was doing it again the next day in Catalunya !!!!! WTF
Loved it. Rode the last three hours on the rollers over two days whilst watching. A fine finish. My own efforts were less impressive, but 2.6W/kg pacing on Swift is comfortable. Just not 4.6!
I think if you tune in for the final capo onwards then it's about as exciting as road racing gets - the dynamics of the race and tactics play out at warp speed compared to most other races. Just ignore the 250km previous, which whilst a complete nothing in themselves, are vital to soften everyone up for the thrilling finale - which you get basically every year.