Milan-San Remo

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Hushovd did well on the penultimate stage of Paris-Nice. I dont think the stage profile is that different so maybe he will stand more of a chance than the other sprinters, at least of winning what bunch sprint there is?

How is Boonen going? Early in the season (Quatar and ToC) he looked good, but as late?

Anyone think, given the possibility that the peloton is less enhanced this year, that the Paggio may pose a bigger obstacle for the sprinters than in years past?

Boonen looked less than convincing at Adriatico : he stayed in the bunch mostly throughout.

Boonen looked less than convincing at Adriatico : he stayed in the bunch mostly throughout.Maybe he'd just had a blood withdrawal because he wasn't focussing on that race and was slightly anaemic?

I'll say Freire because he has "the form" and we all know what he does in this condition. Petacchi needs the train to be faultless. He can still punch out the watts.

Cancellara doesn't consider himself a favourite but he'll know exactly what his legs can do on Saturday. His form is terrifying actually if you consider Montelupone.

Cancellara I'll say but I'd love for Ballan to get it over the Poggio.

Hushovd did well on the penultimate stage of Paris-Nice. I dont think the stage profile is that different so maybe he will stand more of a chance than the other sprinters, at least of winning what bunch sprint there is?Hushvold, based on Tour results, seems the better climber out of the sprinters. That, combined with his prologue at PR, sets him on the top wrung, but for some reason he just can't get it done against the best sprinters in bunch sprints. Maybe it's his turn. Freire, on form... it's tough to bet against him.

I wish I had satellite tv so I could actually see these guys race instead of depending on race reports and forum comments, although some of the comments seem prophetic.

Is there any TV coverage in the states?

http://www.channelsurfing.net/watch-eurosport.html

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/ver/251.6/popup/index.php?cl=5685850

either one should show live video...

www.cyclingfans.com (http://www.cyclingfans.com) have also listed where you can watch the race live.

nope, cav wont get over cipressa much less poggio.
Apparently the directors at High Road agree with you because he isn't starting, instead off at the world track championships with Wiggins. But since Hammond is starting (and he can get over the climbs) I'll go with him. A Brit for the win!

Freire looks even better than last year.
Cancellara is in great shape... I'd say: he's in life-form.
These two are my favorites in case of bunch sprint and in case of escape.
They should have strong opposition in: Petacchi, McEwen, Boonen, Ballan, Hushovd, Gilbert, Rebellin, Pozzato, Di Luca, Bettini.
Throw in some dark horses from "smaller" teams like: Hondo, Ignatiev, Brutt... And it's obvious we'll have great classics opener.
I think this year the race could be decided in break. Not because of "cleaner" field (they're still doping), but because of composition of many teams. They're sending teams with strong breakaway riders in very good shape.

Freire looks even better than last year.
Cancellara is in great shape... I'd say: he's in life-form.
These two are my favorites in case of bunch sprint and in case of escape.
They should have strong opposition in: Petacchi, McEwen, Boonen, Ballan, Hushovd, Gilbert, Rebellin, Pozzato, Di Luca, Bettini.
Throw in some dark horses from "smaller" teams like: Hondo, Ignatiev, Brutt... And it's obvious we'll have great classics opener.
I think this year the race could be decided in break. Not because of "cleaner" field (they're still doping), but because of composition of many teams. They're sending teams with strong breakaway riders in very good shape.
what odds is Chicchi.

See stage 5 or so of Benelux. And Paris Tours. Both second. But fastest guy in the field I reckon,

Also Napolitano is a good bet.

what odds is Chicchi.

See stage 5 or so of Benelux. And Paris Tours. Both second. But fastest guy in the field I reckon,

Also Napolitano is a good bet.I didn't see Chicchi in start list.
Napolitano could also be dark horse.
But I think this race will be decided between big guns with, already, strong palmares.

I didn't see Chicchi in start list.
Napolitano could also be dark horse.
But I think this race will be decided between big guns with, already, strong palmares.
disagree. Look at Chicchi's finish in the overhead at Paris Tours. He can go the distance. If he has someone from Liquigas help him position himself, he can win if in good position.

disagree. Look at Chicchi's finish in the overhead at Paris Tours. He can go the distance. If he has someone from Liquigas help him position himself, he can win if in good position.Chicchi is too fat to get over the Poggio and Leakygas will all be for Pozzato. You are dreaming.

Hhhhhhmmmm. Just cannot make up my mind this year. Fine, I will go with Petacchi. No reason in particular, just think he is in good form and could get away with it again.

That and I do not like Freire... who I think is the top choice otherwise... :)

Hhhhhhmmmm. Just cannot make up my mind this year. Fine, I will go with Petacchi. No reason in particular, just think he is in good form and could get away with it again.

That and I do not like Freire... who I think is the top choice otherwise... :)Just curious, but why don't you like Freire?

Just curious, but why don't you like Freire?No real reason. As a fan I would rather an Italian win the Classicissima. I respect the guy, but would still rather that a Petacchi or a Pozzato (just to name two) win instead of him.

For me, it's Petacchi that I don't really appreciate. Petacchi always sounds like he's whinning during interviews and it bugs the heck out of me.

Article on MSR, including pics of Sophia Loren and Moncia Belluci.

http://pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=5760&status=True

Freire has MSR as an objective this season :

Cancellara looks to be going really well too : looked at Tirenno he's pedalling really well.

Hard one to call : someone like Rebellin might be a possibility (if he's racing it) ;Correct: MSR is one of Freire's main objectives. McEwen as well but he got sick. Cancellara is in great form but... Gilbert as well and because I like him... Gilbert is my pick ;-)

im going Gilbert

not sure there will be a peloton big enough, with teams to hold back the likes of Cancellara and Gilbert.

if its a sprint then Freire, natuurlijk.

im going Gilbert

not sure there will be a peloton big enough, with teams to hold back the likes of Cancellara and Gilbert.

if its a sprint then Freire, natuurlijk.
if MCewen is there, something is up. :D