Panache, Kitty and Tim look back on the cobbled classics while covering their backsides in the aftermath of Pinch-gate.
We go from Three Days of De Panne to Two Sundays of The Pain in reviewing a fortnight which has seen Fabian Cancellara back to his best, Peter Sagan making a right ass of himself and our Fantasy Classics team in dominant form.
A load of cobblers (8 Apr 2013)
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We’ve already had quite a lively debate about the races and riders and the issues which shaped the 2012 season. In the third and final part of our end-of-year round-table we look forward to what 2013 might bring. Continue reading
Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) won the queen stage and the final individual hilly time-trial to take the overall win (and the points jersey) in Vuelta al Pais Vasco, earning himself an even larger place in the hearts of the Basques. He became only the second Euskaltel winner of the stage race after Iban Mayo in 2003. Miguel Madriaga, the Euskaltel team manager was delighted – just the boost he needs in his search for further sponsors. I’m sure the local bank Sabadell Guipuzcoano – who stepped in at the last moment to save both this race and the Clasica San Sebastian – will have been pleased with the return on their investment.
Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha), also a double stage winner, rode the time trial of his life to finish second overall and win the prize for ‘most elegant rider’. Continue reading