World Championship 2019 - S-P-O-I-L-E-R-S__A-L-E-R-T

[weisan]

Let's kick this off with...

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A54-zY8j35M/UffKZLEVLxI/AAAAAAAACZI/lR9iO75AN-U/s1600/Cycling_World_Champion_Rainbow_Stripes.png

https://i.eurosport.com/2017/09/24/2173950-45436410-2560-1440.jpg?w=700


http://www.grassyknolltv.com/2012/road-cycling-world-championships/320-RTR38BAL-640.jpg

https://news.images.itv.com/image/file/1118282/stream_img.jpg

https://www.eventhlon.com/assets/upload/t.php?src=assets/upload/lizzie-armitstead-peter-sagan-tour-of-flanders_3803035_6737-328.jpg&w=360&h=270


https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/4/590x/Julian-Alaphilippe-1157947.jpg?r=1564303291603

https://www.en24.news/ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/julian-alaphilippe-deceuninck-quick-step-classiques-canadiennes-2019.jpg

[weisan]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9e/18/a9/9e18a966dd1c2afc2ca99a4ed32b583b.jpg

https://images.giant-bicycles.com/fdl1hrfnvfqo0vmf7ccw/preview.jpg

[kramnnim]

Missing about 10 photos of MVDP

[weisan]

Missing about 10 photos of MVDP

Oh yeah....thanks for the reminder.


https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4XQDgxg-7JvTNp5cH02qtGQHZ4g=/0x0:4928x3280/1200x800/filters:focal(2070x1246:2858x2034)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63613435/GettyImages_1143306547.0.jpg

https://cyclingmagazine.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Mathieu_van_der_Poel_1.jpg

[Elefantino]

Place your bets!

[GregL]

As much as I like Sagan, he's having (for him) an off year. Alaphilippe has burned his matches for this year. My bet is youth and enthusiasm (vdP, Evenpoel) vs. experienced riders peaking for the end of the season (Gilbert, Van Avermaet). If vdP rides a smart race and has some team support, he's my pick, with one of the Belgian dream team in second place.

Greg

[weisan]

As much as I like Sagan, he's having (for him) an off year. Alaphilippe has burned his matches for this year. My bet is youth and enthusiasm (vdP, Evenpoel) vs. experienced riders peaking for the end of the season (Gilbert, Van Avermaet). If vdP rides a smart race and has some team support, he's my pick, with one of the Belgian dream team in second place.

Greg

I agree.

[teleguy57]

weisan-pal, hope the UCI doesn't come after you for the unauthorized use of the WC stripes to lead off your post....:rolleyes:

Great thread -- thanks for starting it and the outstanding photos to get the energy going!

[Jaybee]

My heart says MVDP, but the Belgians will be marking him everywhere.

I'll go w Gilbert.

[FlashUNC]

Belgian in-fighting leads to a surprise winner. But MvdP is strong enough he could just win the whole thing by himself.

I'll go relative dark horse and say Kwiatkowski on a cheeky escape for his second rainbow.

As always, ABS.

[GregL]

Belgian in-fighting leads to a surprise winner. But MvdP is strong enough he could just win the whole thing by himself.

I'll go relative dark horse and say Kwiatkowski on a cheeky escape for his second rainbow.

As always, ABS.
Kwiatkowski is always a good bet, but sadly he's giving worlds a pass (https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/poland-looking-for-options-as-kwiatkowski-decides-to-miss-world-championships/) this year.

Greg

[FlashUNC]

Kwiatkowski is always a good bet, but sadly he's giving worlds a pass (https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/poland-looking-for-options-as-kwiatkowski-decides-to-miss-world-championships/) this year.

Greg

Weird, had just seen an Instagram from him last week talking about getting ready for the race. Wonder what changed...

Then its Michael Matthews I say.

[azrider]

Gilbert is on fire right now, plus he's still butthurt (rightfully so) for being left off TdF team, and this he's riding for new team next year so lots of things in his favor atmo

[Jaybee]

For the women's race:

Netherlands or the field?

[FlashUNC]

For the women's race:

Netherlands or the field?

Which Dutch rider is the only real choice.

[kramnnim]

MVDP just needs to be near the front at the last turn and he'll run away with it.

[herb5998]

If the Belgian team can be cohesive, I could see Gilbert or GVA pull it off, same goes for the Spanish team though, lots of options, but when crunch time hits, can they make it work?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kramnnim]

There's Italy and Trentin, too. But MVDP can outpower them all...and won't wait around to see who goes first.

[Jaybee]

So just for the sake of discussion...

... is this course actually hilly enough to eliminate the 1-day specialists that we'd call "real sprinters"? Sagan, Kristoff, Matthews, Bennett those guys? If not, can we expect MVDP to win an actual drag race?

[chiasticon]

There's Italy and Trentin, too. But MVDP can outpower them all...and won't wait around to see who goes first.that's his secret weapon on the road. a super strong sprint for a long time.

So just for the sake of discussion...

... is this course actually hilly enough to eliminate the 1-day specialists that we'd call "real sprinters"? Sagan, Kristoff, Matthews, Bennett those guys? If not, can we expect MVDP to win an actual drag race?there's some pretty legit climbs: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/key-climbs-mens-road-race-yorkshire-2019-world-championships-437933

the final circuit has some kickers and is technical. not sure if mvdp has beaten a pure sprinter yet. I'd imagine his approach would be not to let it come down to that though!

[nooneline]

So just for the sake of discussion...

... is this course actually hilly enough to eliminate the 1-day specialists that we'd call "real sprinters"? Sagan, Kristoff, Matthews, Bennett those guys? If not, can we expect MVDP to win an actual drag race?

I don't think it's hilly enough, but it's long enough. The final circuits are a little bit lumpy; from my read, I don't think any are coherent launch pads, but since the race is gonna be ~280km, well, anything happening in that last hour is going to expose fatigue HARD. the race will be an elimination - tired riders slowly trickling off the back until a small group is left to race the last lap.

[Jaybee]

Finally found the profile. The distance is brutal. Though the major climbs are early, the grades are brutal. Never having a moment of flat is brutal. Attrition it is.

https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/Men-Elite-Road-Race-1-630x165.jpg

[FlashUNC]

He who Hennie Kuiper's best wins.

[Malinois]

Y’all, Chloe Dygert just absolutely destroyed the Women’s ITT. Passed like 8 riders on the course, closest time was over a minute and a half behind (van der Breggen). Well done!

[FlashUNC]

The water in the road is just brutal. Atrocious conditions for a TT.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2y0AgWlKIQ/?igshid=9iemh7yj78cu

[Alan]

If you have the NBC tour app you need to watch the women's time trial. I have been watching racing for a long time and don't recall anything similar to Chloe Dygart's ride. At least watch the highlights. She would have been 11th in the U23 mens race. Quite a big deal!!

[fa63]

Recalling her performance in the Colorado Classic last month, that performance in the World's TT makes sense. Will be interesting to see how she fares in the road race.

[denapista]

The water in the road is just brutal. Atrocious conditions for a TT.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2y0AgWlKIQ/?igshid=9iemh7yj78cu

I watched that live and I'm still puzzled why he felt that was the best line.. I would have went wide to the left..

[nooneline]

Dygert! Amazing. Recall that a couple of years ago she smashed the 3km IP world record twice in one day - at sea level (the previous record was set at altitude).

[Elefantino]

Best American time trial in 30 years, since LeMond/Paris. Maybe the best time trial, period, since then.

[echappist]

Best American time trial in 30 years, since LeMond/Paris. Maybe the best time trial, period, since then.

well, Kristin Armstrong did win a few Olympic golds, so perhaps not the best, but certainly impressive

Dygert! Amazing. Recall that a couple of years ago she smashed the 3km IP world record twice in one day - at sea level (the previous record was set at altitude).

And guess whom she lapped in the final

Finally found the profile. The distance is brutal. Though the major climbs are early, the grades are brutal. Never having a moment of flat is brutal. Attrition it is.

https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/09/Men-Elite-Road-Race-1-630x165.jpg

The constant up + down and sinuous nature of the finishing circuit makes it really hard to organize a chase. Could easily blow apart earlier than anyone would expect

[Elefantino]

well, Kristin Armstrong did win a few Olympic golds, so perhaps not the best, but certainly impressive

No argument on Armstrong, and Neben's worlds gold at age 41 was amazing as well. But for doing a TT in a manner few thought possible, this is LeMondian.

Or ... Dygert-Owenian?

[Elefantino]

Rohan Dennis did a Dygert today.

Wow.

[FlashUNC]

Best American time trial in 30 years, since LeMond/Paris. Maybe the best time trial, period, since then.

And somewhere on a farm in Spain, this man sheds a lone tear.

https://estaticos.elperiodico.com/resources/jpg/6/2/indurain-1-1522150056326.jpg

[Buzz]

Rohan Dennis did a Dygert today.

Wow.

I think the ride of the day actually was Remco Evenepoel. 19 years old for second place. He isn’t a fluke.

He is doing what the true super champions have always done: consistently win/podium at every level they race.

[trener1]

Great ride by both Dennis and Evenpol.
I wonder what the results would have been with a healthy Froome and Doumalin.

Also a nice ride by Lawson Craddock.

[nooneline]

And guess whom she lapped in the final
point of clarification - overtook, not lapped.

[echappist]

point of clarification - overtook, not lapped.

point taken

-----------------------------------------

It seems that only the U.S. juniors know about this bike racing tactic called "blocking"

Have the rest not seen people set false tempo on the front in a bid to let their teammate up the road get a bigger gap?

[Veloo]

Wonder why the podium rainbow jerseys aren't full zip. Would be less awkward donning it.

[FlashUNC]

Kudos to Simmons. Great to see an American in the rainbow stripes for a year.

[harlond]

Awesome rides by both Simmons and Sheffield. All the work Sheffield did and still strong enough to win the spring for the bronze--very impressive.

Looking forward to seeing what Chloe Dygert does on Saturday.

[homagesilkhope]

It seems that only the U.S. juniors know about this bike racing tactic called "blocking"

Have the rest not seen people set false tempo on the front in a bid to let their teammate up the road get a bigger gap?

Juniors don't have radios so may not have been clear that Simmons was up the road (especially since he jumped away before the catch). Lots of guys were tired from bringing back the break (especially the Italians). Hard to say who was stronger, Simmons or Sheffield, but seems Sheffield's pace after the catch was pretty convincing and later he marked nearly every move/busted everyone's chops.

[Alan]

Great rides by the Americans. Inspires hope for the future. Between the Vuelta and the Worlds there has been some great racing to keep us entertained and motivated to ride.

Alan

[weisan]

.

[ultraman6970]

I do not know if anybody asked this ok? Just curious...

Why Remco Evenepoel raced in elite instead of U23??? Because he has a gold medal already as junior or there's another reason for that????

Anybody?

[saab2000]

I do not know if anybody asked this ok? Just curious...

Why Remco Evenepoel raced in elite instead of U23??? Because he has a gold medal already as junior or there's another reason for that????

Anybody?

Because he chooses to and rides World Tour events.

[FlashUNC]

Shame the American junior world champ might not ever race in the Jersey if he's going stagiare with Trek next year.

[e-RICHIE]

Shame the American junior world champ might not ever race in the Jersey if he's going stagiare with Trek next year.

He couldn't anyway since he's no longer a junior. We (RSCX) had a young Jamey Driscoll win cx natz ?? years ago as a last year junior and he never wore the jersey because immediately he was a U23. It's all part of the whole.

[echappist]

.

glad that someone else caught that...

Sigh, Vino Jr...

[weisan]

https://s27394.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Quinn1.jpg.optimal.jpg

[FlashUNC]

He couldn't anyway since he's no longer a junior. We (RSCX) had a young Jamey Driscoll win cx natz ?? years ago as a last year junior and he never wore the jersey because immediately he was a U23. It's all part of the whole.

At least he'll have something to hang in the trophy den.

[Jaybee]

https://s27394.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Quinn1.jpg.optimal.jpg

Road shoes and speedplays. Damn.

[GregL]

And now a gold medal for the US in the junior women's race!

https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/uci-road-world-championships-2019/women-junior-road-race/results/

Can't wait to watch the replay tonight. Watching the junior men's race last night, I was very impressed not only by the strength of Simmons and Sheffield, but by their tactics. Sheffield's work at the front of the chasing pack was something only a cycling aficionado could appreciate. Keeping the pace at just the right level to discourage attacks, yet not pull back time on Simmons was tactically brilliant. Whoever has been mentoring/coaching these riders should feel very happy!

Greg

[oldpotatoe]

U23 men going on right now..rainy...

[Jaybee]

And now a gold medal for the US in the junior women's race!

https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/uci-road-world-championships-2019/women-junior-road-race/results/

Can't wait to watch the replay tonight. Watching the junior men's race last night, I was very impressed not only by the strength of Simmons and Sheffield, but by their tactics. Sheffield's work at the front of the chasing pack was something only a cycling aficionado could appreciate. Keeping the pace at just the right level to discourage attacks, yet not pull back time on Simmons was tactically brilliant. Whoever has been mentoring/coaching these riders should feel very happy!

Greg

And all that without radios!

A couple (https://www.velonews.com/2019/09/commentary/commentary-the-importance-of-quinn-simmonss-american-win-in-yorkshire_501081) nice pieces (https://www.velonews.com/2019/09/from-the-mag/champion-school-inside-usa-cyclings-junior-development-program_501039) in VN today about how the US juniors have developed. They essentially got thrown into the deep end in Belgium.

[oldpotatoe]

And all that without radios!

A couple (https://www.velonews.com/2019/09/commentary/commentary-the-importance-of-quinn-simmonss-american-win-in-yorkshire_501081) nice pieces (https://www.velonews.com/2019/09/from-the-mag/champion-school-inside-usa-cyclings-junior-development-program_501039) in VN today about how the US juniors have developed. They essentially got thrown into the deep end in Belgium.

Another example of how well USA cycling is being run(as in crappily)...

[echappist]

Echelon time!

[Doug Fattic]

Tomorrow the women's pro race will start in Bradford and wind through the Yorkshire countryside before ending up in Harrogate. This is familiar area to me because I learned how to build frames at Ellis Briggs in Shipley in 1975. Just a few miles into the race the peloton will go by the old store building as it climbs up to long hill towards Guiseley. Where I stayed was right off that road a couple of miles north. That road continues to Otley where the lead British rider Lizzie Deigan was born and raised. My connection to the race route will increase my interest in how race plays out.

[FlashUNC]

And all that without radios!

A couple (https://www.velonews.com/2019/09/commentary/commentary-the-importance-of-quinn-simmonss-american-win-in-yorkshire_501081) nice pieces (https://www.velonews.com/2019/09/from-the-mag/champion-school-inside-usa-cyclings-junior-development-program_501039) in VN today about how the US juniors have developed. They essentially got thrown into the deep end in Belgium.

Another example of how well USA cycling is being run(as in crappily)...

Seems like the right approach. Iron sharpens iron after all.

[DrSpoke]

Road shoes and speedplays. Damn.

And soon to be riding for Trek-Segafredo.

[oldpotatoe]

Yeegads, the Dutch rider/winner gets DQed...for getting towed by car after a crash...

Forza Italia....

[batman1425]

Preliminary report that GPS data suggested the draft with the rider reaching speeds that would be unrealistic if unassisted - prompting a more thorough review.

I sure hope there is clear video evidence and they aren't just going on GPS data to take a rainbow jersey away.

[GregL]

The commissaires are keeping a sharp eye for infractions this week. A member of the US junior women's team was also DQ'd for holding on to a bottle too long while taking it from a team car.

Greg

[FlashUNC]

The commissaires are keeping a sharp eye for infractions this week. A member of the US junior women's team was also DQ'd for holding on to a bottle too long while taking it from a team car.

Greg

Juxtpose that with the total failure of support for the Colombian rider who had a nervous breakdown roadside because he couldn't get a wheel.

Oh UCI, never change.

[GregL]

Juxtpose that with the total failure of support for the Colombian rider who had a nervous breakdown roadside because he couldn't get a wheel.

Oh UCI, never change.
I could be wrong on this, but I don't believe that a wheel support failure is directly the fault of the UCI. The national teams usually have support vehicles and there is typically neutral support (e.g., Shimano or Mavic). I'm no fan of the UCI, but this example doesn't appear to indict them.

Greg

[FlashUNC]

I could be wrong on this, but I don't believe that a wheel support failure is directly the fault of the UCI. The national teams usually have support vehicles and there is typically neutral support (e.g., Shimano or Mavic). I'm no fan of the UCI, but this example doesn't appear to indict them.

Greg

You've got Ilio Kjeisse and other World Tour guys dragging the organizers for lack of neutral support right behind the lead group. Yeah, I get you can't have every team car right there, but the fact the guy waited, what, 7 minutes for a wheel when he's coming out of the sharp end of the race is inexcusable for a World Championship. This ain't some parking lot crit. Support should be there.

Either they needed more neutral support, or it wasn't where it needed to be.

[GregL]

You've got Ilio Kjeisse and other World Tour guys dragging the organizers for lack of neutral support right behind the lead group. Yeah, I get you can't have every team car right there, but the fact the guy waited, what, 7 minutes for a wheel when he's coming out of the sharp end of the race is inexcusable for a World Championship. This ain't some parking lot crit. Support should be there.

Either they needed more neutral support, or it wasn't where it needed to be.
I think that most of the problem was the very narrow roads, making it hard for the support vehicles to be in good positions. Per the UCI Technical Guide (https://www.uci.org/docs/default-source/official-documents/2018-uci-road-world-championships/2019-uci-road-world-championships-technical-guide-eng.pdf?sfvrsn=21a0175a_20)for the race, "Neutral service will be provided by SHIMANO with 7 cars and 2 motorbikes." I feel for the young man stuck by the side of the road, but the UCI did respond to complaints (http://www.cyclingpub.com/article/6641/UCI+explains+lack+of+assistance+for+Colombian+ride r+at+junior+road+race+of+Yorkshire%27s+World+Champ ionships)from the Columbian Federation. According to the article, the Columbian Federation qualified to enter four riders, but only entered two. As a result, they did not have their own support vehicle in the race, instead sharing a car farther back in the convoy. The linked article includes quotes from a Columbian journalist, explaining the situation clearly.

Greg

[Jaybee]

So, any chance for CDO to ride away tomorrow? I still think the Dutch have too many cards to play, and that we will be looking at Vos's 900th rainbow jersey.

[jpritchet74]

So, any chance for CDO to ride away tomorrow? I still think the Dutch have too many cards to play, and that we will be looking at Vos's 900th rainbow jersey.

I would LOVE to see Vos win!

[82Picchio]

You've got Ilio Kjeisse and other World Tour guys dragging the organizers for lack of neutral support right behind the lead group. Yeah, I get you can't have every team car right there, but the fact the guy waited, what, 7 minutes for a wheel when he's coming out of the sharp end of the race is inexcusable for a World Championship. This ain't some parking lot crit. Support should be there.

Either they needed more neutral support, or it wasn't where it needed to be.

You can get a wheel a whole lot sooner than 7 minutes in a parking lot crit :-)

[KarlC]

Yeegads, the Dutch rider/winner gets DQed...for getting towed by car after a crash...

Forza Italia....


http://www.stickybottle.com/latest-news/video-dutch-rider-wins-u23-worlds-then-disqualified-over-incident-with-car/



.

[tv_vt]

I really feel for the Dutch guy. He won the race. I watched the last 15km and it was fantastic. If he was going to be DQ'd, they should have done it way way earlier in the race. As it is, a DQ'd rider won the race, and helped pull a few more guys up to the front. Could've been a 4 man sprint if he had been pulled at a more appropriate time.

In other sports, you enforce the penalty at time of infraction, not after the game...

[GregL]

You can watch the video of Eekhoff chasing (https://twitter.com/alexfalkeman/status/1177662328399155200)back through the convoy after his crash and decide for yourself if the DQ was justified. Per Cyclingnews (https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/eekhoffs-agent-threatens-legal-action-after-rider-is-stripped-of-world-u23-title/), the UCI commisaires didn't have access to the video until after the race.

Greg

[unterhausen]

I see the sticky bottle in that video and it really doesn't seem that egregious. Not like the 49mph pull that Nibali got

[echappist]

This is bike racing at its best

I really chafed when some pisspot wanted to play up women's cycling by saying how Vos et al. went faster than Alaphilippe, never mind that the men were doing a TT, while the women were in a mass start race.

I said that pseudo comparisons is just complete BS, and women's cycling can stand on its own.

Well, here we go, much more interesting than most men's races. People starts throwing punches early, and that drama. This ain't over

[choke]

What an impressive ride so far.

[choke]

Wow....amazing. 104 km solo. :eek:

I love this...

https://twitter.com/MitcheltonSCOTT/status/1177963569842982912

[herb5998]

Amazing race, was hoping Dygert could bring it home, but AVV was the strongest by far today


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jaybee]

AVV was amazing.

I also appreciate the romanticism of Dygert Owens 4th, which she got because she was fighting for 1st.

[jpritchet74]

AVV was amazing.

I also appreciate the romanticism of Dygert Owens 4th, which she got because she was fighting for 1st.

Exactly this. When you consider it was her 1st race in Europe and also the longest race that she has ever done and that she's only 22 and that she ended solo in 4th? I say it's the ride of the day.

[corky]

Exactly this. When you consider it was her 1st race in Europe and also the longest race that she has ever done and that she's only 22 and that she ended solo in 4th? I say it's the ride of the day.

Myopia much?......the winners ride was obviously the ride of the day....

[weisan]

.

[jlwdm]

I see the sticky bottle in that video and it really doesn't seem that egregious. Not like the 49mph pull that Nibali got

It was not a sticky bottle. It was a two minute high speed ride behind the team car.

Jeff

[weisan]

.

[Wolfman]

You can watch the video of Eekhoff chasing (https://twitter.com/alexfalkeman/status/1177662328399155200)back through the convoy after his crash and decide for yourself if the DQ was justified. Per Cyclingnews (https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/eekhoffs-agent-threatens-legal-action-after-rider-is-stripped-of-world-u23-title/), the UCI commisaires didn't have access to the video until after the race.

Greg

This is it... watch the full 2 minute video. I _might_ have let it slide for the first bit (until they came up to a dropped rider), but once the team car pulled ahead at the roundabout and then Eekhoff latched back on, it was pretty clear what was going on.

[tv_vt]

I really feel for the Dutch guy. He won the race. I watched the last 15km and it was fantastic. If he was going to be DQ'd, they should have done it way way earlier in the race. As it is, a DQ'd rider won the race, and helped pull a few more guys up to the front. Could've been a 4 man sprint if he had been pulled at a more appropriate time.

In other sports, you enforce the penalty at time of infraction, not after the game...

Update: after seeing the UCI video today, I have no qualms about that call. Clearly a tow, and a long one.

I think, too, it is fitting that in the end, the top 3 were in the 'original' break. Would the chasers have caught them if the DQ'd rider wasn't in that group? My hunch is no.

[jlwdm]

It looks like he was behind the team car for 2 minutes and 20 seconds before catching the team car caravan.

Jeff

[zmalwo]

Daddy Sagan is coming for dat 4th title tomr.

[Ruimteaapje]

Exactly this. When you consider it was her 1st race in Europe and also the longest race that she has ever done and that she's only 22 and that she ended solo in 4th? I say it's the ride of the day.
How can a 104 km solo ride to victory not be the ride of the day?

[kramnnim]

Due to flooded roads, the UCI change the route to omit two climbs...and added 2 laps to the circuit.

[oldpotatoe]

Due to flooded roads, the UCI change the route to omit two climbs...and added 2 laps to the circuit.

Elite Men's going on now..really crappy weather..coverage somewhat abbreviated. Yikes, varsity day..

[ultraman6970]

are you watching in tiz cycling???

Olympic network was boradcasting the thing but I do not have the channel :/

[azrider]

What a joke. The weather this week has made this years championships (for all categories) an absolute sh*t show.

Craddock on a suicide mission

[jpritchet74]

aaaaand Craddock is dropped from the the break

[Veloo]

OMG that Ned Flanders Belgian flag!
:banana:

[azrider]

Craddock on a suicide mission

aaaaand Craddock is dropped from the the break

.........aaaaaand Craddock is out of the race

[GregL]

Whatever happens, I just want to see Moscon pulled back and spit out from the pack. He's the last pro cyclist I want to see win worlds.

Greg

[azrider]

Whatever happens, I just want to see Moscon pulled back and spit out from the pack. He's the last pro cyclist I want to see win worlds.

Greg

Looks like you might get your wish..........MVDP coming up like a freight train......

[Matthew]

Has the sun been out once this week? Maybe next year Siberia is available. Some good racing anyway.

[ultraman6970]

Sorry for the question, just missed a few minutes, when I looked van der poel was at the front.. what happened?? we went solo or something? Remember another dutch was at the front...

[azrider]

well damn..........

[fa63]

He just ran out of gas, perhaps a food bonk?

Sorry for the question, just missed a few minutes, when I looked van der poel was at the front.. what happened?? we went solo or something? Remember another dutch was at the front...

[Big Dan]

When it rains you get results like that.
Look back at when Lance won his.

[fignon's barber]

He just ran out of gas, perhaps a food bonk?


That was a looong race for a guy that young, even MVP. Add in the bad weather, and it's a super endurance event.

[Hellgate]

When it rains you get results like that.

Look back at when Lance won his.And LeMond. Miserable.

[Clean39T]

OMG that Ned Flanders Belgian flag!

:banana:Made my day.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[azrider]

When it rains you get results like that.
Look back at when Lance won his.

Interesting.....by results like that do you mean by someone who wasn’t pre-race favorite? No snark.....serious question

[quickfeet]

I for one enjoyed the terrible weather. Added an element of skill that not everyone has. Today’s race was sheer attrition. There needs to be some variation from you to year to give different types of riders a chance.

MVDP’s bonk was epic

[azrider]

I for one enjoyed the terrible weather. Added an element of skill that not everyone has. Today’s race was sheer attrition. There needs to be some variation from you to year to give different types of riders a chance.

MVDP’s bonk was epic

You know it's weird.....in one day Classics I enjoy and invite the bad weather but in a Worlds competition I'd prefer more of a drag race over a winner coming from nutrition or an elements mistake......totally agreed on the attrition though ....looked miserable

[nooneline]

When it rains you get results like that.
Look back at when Lance won his.

rain, the distance, and a course that's hard but not specifically selective. it sort of reminds me of how sometimes, the winner of milan san-remo is a dark horse - the last sprinter who can survive nearly 300km with an end that bites. with this race, it was, who can still ride threshold after 6 hours, and for how long? those endurance contests can lead to surprise winners, and sometimes, it's somebody who can just keep pedaling hard forever on that one day. most other races have some way or another that that kind of rider is neutralized - others let them come to the fore.

[azrider]

rain, the distance, and a course that's hard but not specifically selective. it sort of reminds me of how sometimes, the winner of milan san-remo is a dark horse - the last sprinter who can survive nearly 300km with an end that bites. with this race, it was, who can still ride threshold after 6 hours, and for how long? those endurance contests can lead to surprise winners, and sometimes, it's somebody who can just keep pedaling hard forever on that one day. most other races have some way or another that that kind of rider is neutralized - others let them come to the fore.

He was quoted after race saying he was “sent” as his teams attempt to setup Fuglsang

[ultraman6970]

The french screwed up big time iMO, but who knows how they felt. I think the order of the day was to avoid sagan in the chase and that's why nobody commited with the chase.

The other thing that havent seen in a very long time, probably since back in the mids 90s, ITT attacks to get to the front group. Clearly Sagan had the legs to do it if they had been 30 or 40 seconds down the road....

Oh well... great win anyways :)

[weisan]

.

[weisan]

..

[weisan]

,,.,

[weisan]

,,,,

[jlwdm]

The World's have so much prestige but so few riders in top form this time of year.

I thought it was a great race though. That was a long time to hold off the peloton (although an unorganized peloton) with less than a minute advantage.

Jeff

[oldpotatoe]

The World's have so much prestige but so few riders in top form this time of year.

I thought it was a great race though. That was a long time to hold off the peloton (although an unorganized peloton) with less than a minute advantage.

Jeff

Mee too but yeegads, the DNF list was what, 130 or so riders? Who has the numbers(can't find it..google-foo broken).

Number started and number that finished.

Ah, found it..151 DNF..:eek:
Just 46 riders from the 197 starters managed to finish the elite men's road race

Not uncommon, particularly this late in the year plus really, really crappy weather.

[nooneline]

The World's have so much prestige but so few riders in top form this time of year.

I wonder if it's less about there being fewer riders in top form, and more a case of there being fewer reliable indicators of Worlds form in the build-up to it. I think there's less of a clear arc of prep races, especially since the Worlds parcours (and therefor what makes a good prep race) changes each year.

By comparison, we tend to know who's in form for the Classics or the Tour because there's a pretty specific set of prep races that offer pretty good indicators of who's coming into good form when.

In the past you could look at the Vuelta for some signs of who might come into Worlds going well, but that seems to be less of a format now; and the extent to which the Arctic Race of Norway and the Tour of Britain (for example) are good for Worlds prep might depend entirely on the Worlds parcours, and so vary from year to year.

[GregL]

I think more than anything, the weather was the wild car for this year's WC races. Nearly every race except the women's elite road race was wet. Yesterday's race was brutal, one for the hardest of hard men. While Pedersen was not on anyone's list of favorites, he didn't come out of nowhere. Second at junior worlds (to MvdP) in 2013, winner of Paris Roubaix Juniors in 2013, and second at Flanders in 2017. It will be interesting to see how his career progresses now that he (and his competitors) know what he's capable of.

Greg

[MattTuck]

I think more than anything, the weather was the wild car for this year's WC races. Nearly every race except the women's elite road race was wet. Yesterday's race was brutal, one for the hardest of hard men. While Pedersen was not on anyone's list of favorites, he didn't come out of nowhere. Second at junior worlds (to MvdP) in 2013, winner of Paris Roubaix Juniors in 2013, and second at Flanders in 2017. It will be interesting to see how his career progresses now that he (and his competitors) know what he's capable of.

Greg

Agree with regards to Pedersen. That ride at Flanders was, IMO, the ride of the day. After being out front for some time, he was holding time to Terpstra ahead, and holding off the peloton behind. For sure, a very strong rider. Perhaps it was a bit of good luck with regards to team tactics in both Flanders and Worlds, but that only gets you into the winning move. You still need to turn the pedals to get on the podium.

Big expectations now for next spring. :)

[Spaghetti Legs]

Agree with regards to Pedersen. That ride at Flanders was, IMO, the ride of the day. After being out front for some time, he was holding time to Terpstra ahead, and holding off the peloton behind. For sure, a very strong rider. Perhaps it was a bit of good luck with regards to team tactics in both Flanders and Worlds, but that only gets you into the winning move. You still need to turn the pedals to get on the podium.

Big expectations now for next spring. :)

Indeed, great ride. I thought Trentin was a lock yesterday. I'm sure he's kicking himself today for starting the sprint first.

[nooneline]

Indeed, great ride. I thought Trentin was a lock yesterday. I'm sure he's kicking himself today for starting the sprint first.

yeah, with a few KMs to go it looked like he had a smile on his face. He certainly did everything right up until 200m to go - but when he started his sprint he only had about 10 pedal strokes in his legs before he sat down. Mads has 20. I don't think waiting any longer would have helped!

[GregL]

Indeed, great ride. I thought Trentin was a lock yesterday. I'm sure he's kicking himself today for starting the sprint first.I think Trentin was fried. Looking at the overhead camera view of the finish, Pedersen gapped Trentin so well that he had time to post up and celebrate. Kudos for all three in the break, they earned their medals!

Greg

[Veloo]

Junior men ITT.

https://cdn-cyclingtips.pressidium.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2019-road-world-champs-junior-men-ITT-24.jpg

[denapista]

Riding in the rain is pure brutal and add in the cold weather and distance of the race. That peloton could have easily bridged the leaders but it looked like guys were simply trying to make it to the finish line. So many people were stopping and exiting the race from the Pace, Weather and Mechanicals. That race sucked TBH. I wish the weather was good enough for a solid show down with the Elite Men.

I know from my own experiences of getting caught out in gnarly rain, and extreme cold weather in the mountains, riding in those conditions make you super tense and you just blow through energy. I once got caught out in a flash flood in the back of the Angeles Forest and it was beyond cold on the mountain. I just recall riding super tight and just thinking about a hot shower the rest of the way home. I'm imagining those guys were in the same frame of mind, but magnified by 1000x, considering they were in a race!

MVDP bonk'd like crazy! He kept going to the front doing long pulls. He should have just chilled in the back of that group and let them do all of the work.

Let's hope we get good weather next year for an exciting race.

[MattTuck]

Junior men ITT.

https://cdn-cyclingtips.pressidium.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2019-road-world-champs-junior-men-ITT-24.jpg

paging r/accidentalrenaissance :)

[MattTuck]

I wonder if it's less about there being fewer riders in top form, and more a case of there being fewer reliable indicators of Worlds form in the build-up to it. I think there's less of a clear arc of prep races, especially since the Worlds parcours (and therefor what makes a good prep race) changes each year.


Or, is Grand Prix d'Isbergues - Pas de Calais the new king maker? :)

[BdaGhisallo]

Let's hope we get good weather next year for an exciting race.

Having been watching WC road races since the mid-80s, I'd say that they don't come too much more exciting and thrilling right to the end than yesterday's edition.

[pdmtong]

This Look 585 appeared to be the oldest bike on display: a 2006 model with 10-speed Shimano Dura-Ace

https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/world-championships-tech-gallery-nothing-but-the-best-for-top-nations-older-equipment-for-smaller-nations/
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3hKZZwE4m6QjQa9hVmWuJi-650-80.jpg

I am not a fan of weather affecting a race outcome. Then again since cycling is the only sport where the open road is the competitive arena, this is no different than dogs, furniture etc except everyone has to deal with the weather

[echappist]

Riding in the rain is pure brutal and add in the cold weather and distance of the race. That peloton could have easily bridged the leaders but it looked like guys were simply trying to make it to the finish line. So many people were stopping and exiting the race from the Pace, Weather and Mechanicals. That race sucked TBH. I wish the weather was good enough for a solid show down with the Elite Men.

I know from my own experiences of getting caught out in gnarly rain, and extreme cold weather in the mountains, riding in those conditions make you super tense and you just blow through energy. I once got caught out in a flash flood in the back of the Angeles Forest and it was beyond cold on the mountain. I just recall riding super tight and just thinking about a hot shower the rest of the way home. I'm imagining those guys were in the same frame of mind, but magnified by 1000x, considering they were in a race!

MVDP bonk'd like crazy! He kept going to the front doing long pulls. He should have just chilled in the back of that group and let them do all of the work.

Let's hope we get good weather next year for an exciting race.
Probably didn't have time to eat properly


Rainy conditions, even at 15 C or 60 F, could be extremely cold (and require more energy intake compared to a dry but cloudy day). Human skin is ~37 C, and water has quite a bit of heat capacity, drawing out body heat. Truly miserable...

[cal_len1]

Probably didn't have time to eat properly


Rainy conditions, even at 15 C or 60 F, could be extremely cold (and require more energy intake compared to a dry but cloudy day). Human skin is ~37 C, and water has quite a bit of heat capacity, drawing out body heat. Truly miserable...

He mentioned in an interview that he ate and drank enough, but that he just cracked suddenly and wasn't sure why. The cold may have had something to do with it.

[denapista]

Do those guys ever race an entire course in the pouring rain? I know on Grand Tours, they usually have a little bit of rain and then they shed their rain gear. It just feels like this entire day was just a super tough ride.

I've seen Roubaix in the rain, but it breaks open at a certain point and then the guys are just racing in the mud.

[72gmc]

What I learned is that no one is immune to overlooking the extra energy cost of riding in the rain.

I would like to say, "now I won't feel so bad the next time I bonk in the rain" but I know that I will feel so, so bad.

[Veloo]

:hello:


paging r/accidentalrenaissance :)

[jlwdm]

Riding in the rain is pure brutal and add in the cold weather and distance of the race. That peloton could have easily bridged the leaders but it looked like guys were simply trying to make it to the finish line. So many people were stopping and exiting the race from the Pace, Weather and Mechanicals.


...

The Worlds often have a lot of riders who abandon. Often the race is a large circuit or has circuits at the end of the race so it is easy to abandon when you are going by the finish line multiple times. If you are falling behind you might as well quit and save some energy.

I don't think the peloton could have easily bridged up to the leaders. There were not enough support riders to make the move and the top riders would not work together. And the leaders had a few riders doing a good job of staying in the way.

This is the Worlds. Riders that could bridge up are going to bridge up. It is a big deal to wear the rainbow jersey all next year.

Jeff

[pdmtong]

The longest ride I ever did in the rain and cold the entire time was 75miles.
Absolute misery even at my measly wattage. I just watched the broadcast replay...absolute misery.

[54ny77]

crazy videos!

perhaps the first time where disc brakes actually helped with safer braking?

[weisan]

.

[teleguy57]

Anyone have info on whether Pedersen was running single or double up front? I can't find any pics with a side view and haven't seen any commentary on his Trek.... He had run 1x early on but switched to 2x for at least a race or two.

[fa63]

Looks like he was on 2x:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/cycling/2019/09/29/TELEMMGLPICT000211362904_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberW d9EgFPZtcLiMQfyf2A9a6I9YchsjMeADBa08.jpeg?imwidth= 1240

[jlwdm]

The longest ride I ever did in the rain and cold the entire time was 75miles.
Absolute misery even at my measly wattage. I just watched the broadcast replay...absolute misery.

I spent 40+ years in western Washington State. Probably rode more in rain than dry.

Jeff

[72gmc]

Good looking Danish kit, not obscured by a jacket
Tan wall tires*
Well done




*When I ride tan wall tires in the rain they look filthy. He must be a pro!

[woodworker]

Looks like he was on 2x:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/cycling/2019/09/29/TELEMMGLPICT000211362904_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberW d9EgFPZtcLiMQfyf2A9a6I9YchsjMeADBa08.jpeg?imwidth= 1240

Does Trek / Bontrager do enough to advertise its products? That downtube is a billboard.

[teleguy57]

Thanks! And it is nice to see a jersey vs black rain kit - and no knee/leg warmers either. Danish hard man indeed! :beer:

Looks like he was on 2x:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/cycling/2019/09/29/TELEMMGLPICT000211362904_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberW d9EgFPZtcLiMQfyf2A9a6I9YchsjMeADBa08.jpeg?imwidth= 1240

[chiasticon]

*When I ride tan wall tires in the rain they look filthy. He must be a pro!do you run 'em with rim brakes? I'd guess that's why: all that inky black crap coming off the rim sidewalls gets onto the tires. with discs, it should stay a lot cleaner.

I'm typically an anti-road disc guy but I did think during that race that I'd be absolutely terrified braking on carbon rims with rim brakes in those conditions. I haven't checked out any bike galleries from it, but I wonder how many riders were on rim vs disc.

[FlashUNC]

Looks like he was on 2x:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/cycling/2019/09/29/TELEMMGLPICT000211362904_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberW d9EgFPZtcLiMQfyf2A9a6I9YchsjMeADBa08.jpeg?imwidth= 1240

And SRAM Force eTap no less.

[chiasticon]

In other sports, you enforce the penalty at time of infraction, not after the game...anyone know if the UCI has people viewing all available feeds during the race or do they just watch the televised feed, and then only look for evidence in all feeds if there's a complaint? because if they don't do the former, makes it more difficult to pull the rider while they're out on the road (which is the ideal thing to do).

but yeah, it should be like other sports where there's a "war room" somewhere, with people viewing everything.

[fa63]

And SRAM Force eTap no less.

Now that you mentioned it, I would love to know how SRAM feels about having him become the WC in their second-tier groupset :-D

I guess it could be a good marketing opportunity (or a really bad one, depending on one's perspective).

[nooneline]

Now that you mentioned it, I would love to know how SRAM feels about having him become the WC in their second-tier groupset :-D

I guess it could be a good marketing opportunity (or a really bad one, depending on one's perspective).

Seems like a great one: "Strong enough for a Champion - made for a privateer's budget."

[everbeek]

The longest ride I ever did in the rain and cold the entire time was 75miles.
Absolute misery even at my measly wattage. I just watched the broadcast replay...absolute misery.

When did temperatures in the mid-50s (all day) become considered "cold"? I watched 5 hours on the NBC Gold subscription; great coverage and great race. Rob Hayles even corrected his partner when he said wet and cold by saying that he actually thought it was "muggy" and he wasn't being tongue in cheek. The stopped riders were obviously freezing but isn't that the choice you make when stripping off your warm gear prematurely in order to save a few aero watts? I'd love to see an interview with a rider who is asked this question and whether warmth would have trumped aero but it hasn't been on any of the standard sites (cyclingnews/velonews/cyclingtips/thecyclingpodcast, etc.).
-Mike

[Peter P.]

When did temperatures in the mid-50s (all day) become considered "cold"? ... The stopped riders were obviously freezing but isn't that the choice you make when stripping off your warm gear prematurely in order to save a few aero watts? I'd love to see an interview with a rider who is asked this question and whether warmth would have trumped aero but it hasn't been on any of the standard sites (cyclingnews/velonews/cyclingtips/thecyclingpodcast, etc.).
-Mike

50's in the rain is punishing when you have low body fat and can't generate enough heat. Part of that equation is having eaten enough to fuel the furnace. VeloNews' article on Van der Poel's bonk (https://www.velonews.com/2019/09/news/van-der-poel-on-worlds-bonk-i-dont-have-an-explanation_501177) is a case in point.

Staying warm over rules aero; downhills in 50 degree can make you suffer for sure..

[Hellgate]

When did temperatures in the mid-50s (all day) become considered "cold"? I watched 5 hours on the NBC Gold subscription; great coverage and great race. Rob Hayles even corrected his partner when he said wet and cold by saying that he actually thought it was "muggy" and he wasn't being tongue in cheek. The stopped riders were obviously freezing but isn't that the choice you make when stripping off your warm gear prematurely in order to save a few aero watts? I'd love to see an interview with a rider who is asked this question and whether warmth would have trumped aero but it hasn't been on any of the standard sites (cyclingnews/velonews/cyclingtips/thecyclingpodcast, etc.).

-MikeWhen you're soaked to the bone and moving into headwinds for five plus hours.

[nooneline]

When did temperatures in the mid-50s (all day) become considered "cold"?

when you're soaking wet, that's when. it's fully possible to go hypothermic in temps above 50F if you're wet and it's windy. your body just can't produce heat faster you're losing it.

and when you're not physically prepared for it and acclimated to similar temperatures. first 50 degree day of the fall, i'm shivering and adding layers. first 50 day of the spring? i'm bareskinned and loving it.

[everbeek]

When you're soaked to the bone and moving into headwinds for five plus hours.

Low 40's and six plus hours in the wet. My post asks about the choices you make (clothing/less clothing) and if you regret your choice at the end of the race.
-Mike

[nooneline]

you're probably tougher than the pros though

[KonaSS]

Appears several of those folks have a...more "natural insulation" than pros.....

Low 40's and six plus hours in the wet. My post asks about the choices you make (clothing/less clothing) and if you regret your choice at the end of the race.
-Mike

[everbeek]

Appears several of those folks have a...more "natural insulation" than pros.....

Is natural insulation a real thing? Does my extra layer, or three, of fat actually keep me warmer or is it just a source of calories when needed? Because cycling is only 20-25% efficient, a pro might be generating 1200 watts of heat (let's call it 300 w average at 20% efficiency) that's approximately 50% more heat being generated than an average rider. The pros race 4 plus hours in temps 10-15 degrees F colder in northern races in March where they also get wet sometimes, so they clearly have the kit and experience to stay warm, if not actually comfortable. My main point, and it is mostly with regard to the reporting, is that being cold and it actually being cold out are not the same things.
-Mike

[everbeek]

you're probably tougher than the pros though

Clever retort. Perhaps you're correct. Admittedly, how I/we perform on the bike isn't imperative to putting food on our family's table, but my experience over 35 years of long, long ago amateur racing but plenty of big days on the bike is that for any hill/mountain/long cobbled stretch/exposed to the wind/just hanging on at the back section I am at my limit longer than the pros because they are so much faster. I'm reminded of the world class marathoner (the name escapes me at the moment) interviewed at the end of a race who said that he/she could never imagine running for 3.5 hours in a race like the runners at the back.
-Mike

[KonaSS]

Dude, you win, you are much harder than the pros.

But.....yes, my experience is that I do get and feel much, much colder when I get very slim, versus having an extra 5 lbs of insulation. I also see this general trend with all of my riding friends who range from carrying an extra 2 pounds to an extra 30 pounds. When we line up for a ride or a race, their clothing choice/# of layers has a direct correlation to the number of extra pounds they are carrying.

So you can do all the math you want, I am just sharing my experience.


Clever retort. Perhaps you're correct. Admittedly, how I/we perform on the bike isn't imperative to putting food on our family's table, but my experience over 35 years of long, long ago amateur racing but plenty of big days on the bike is that for any hill/mountain/long cobbled stretch/exposed to the wind/just hanging on at the back section I am at my limit longer than the pros because they are so much faster. I'm reminded of the world class marathoner (the name escapes me at the moment) interviewed at the end of a race who said that he/she could never imagine running for 3.5 hours in a race like the runners at the back.
-Mike

[oldpotatoe]

Some snipped

I'm reminded of the world class marathoner (the name escapes me at the moment) interviewed at the end of a race who said that he/she could never imagine running for 3.5 hours in a race like the runners at the back.
-Mike

Bill Rogers after Boston Marathon...

[nooneline]

subcutaneous fat definitely provides insulation, allowing people to retain the heat that their body generates.

also, smaller and leaner people lose heat more rapidly than larger people, because they have a larger ratio of surface area to total mass.

[batman1425]

And SRAM Force eTap no less.

Was he on Force? Shifters look like Red AXS.

Edit: Sram confirms - was on Red AXS 2x

https://www.sram.com/en/life/stories/a-worlds-gone-mads

[Red Tornado]

when you're soaking wet, that's when. it's fully possible to go hypothermic in temps above 50F if you're wet and it's windy. your body just can't produce heat faster you're losing it.

and when you're not physically prepared for it and acclimated to similar temperatures. first 50 degree day of the fall, i'm shivering and adding layers. first 50 day of the spring? i'm bareskinned and loving it.

This, for me.
When I used to commute to work a 2-3 days per week, those first few rides in the low 50's/high 40's at 5:30 a.m. were not fun; and those were dry rides. These riders have all been conditioned to summer temps, so combine 50'ish temps with pouring rain and low body fat, yeah I can see the "cold" coming into play.

[FlashUNC]

Was he on Force? Shifters look like Red AXS.

Edit: Sram confirms - was on Red AXS 2x

https://www.sram.com/en/life/stories/a-worlds-gone-mads

Crank looks like Force. It's definitely not a production Red AXS crankset.

[batman1425]

Crank looks like Force. It's definitely not a production Red AXS crankset.

Crank might be a one off or mod for him. He was going back and forth between 1x and 2x all season. This looks like a force or red 1x spider and arm set with a double ring attached. Agreed not the consumer red spider on there.

[teleguy57]

Not going to wade into the polemics (wish I had the issue with getting cold due to BF being too low!). But the photo -- if you are #464, @everbeek, you get major style points in my book on the cobbles with your steel Richard Sachs, and green Paves on Nemesis! One of my bucket list rides for sure.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697986080&stc=1&d=1569979185

[FlashUNC]

Crank might be a one off or mod for him. He was going back and forth between 1x and 2x all season. This looks like a force or red 1x spider and arm set with a double ring attached. Agreed not the consumer red spider on there.

I wonder if he had a some custom chainring sizing upfront outside what they normally produce commercially. Would make sense to have that as a Force-level one-off then as that's the more traditional spider and chainring setup than the all-milled Red bit.

Very interesting all around.

[KonaSS]

I think you are on to something. Isn't the power meter built into the Sram Red chainrings? Seems like a PITA for a pro rider who wants to change up his chainrings depending on the race. May be why a pro team would use a Force level or special modded Red crank.


I wonder if he had a some custom chainring sizing upfront outside what they normally produce commercially. Would make sense to have that as a Force-level one-off then as that's the more traditional spider and chainring setup than the all-milled Red bit.

Very interesting all around.

[FlashUNC]

I think you are on to something. Isn't the power meter built into the Sram Red chainrings? Seems like a PITA for a pro rider who wants to change up his chainrings depending on the race. May be why a pro team would use a Force level or special modded Red crank.

Yup. All integrated on the Red rings.

[weisan]

.

[kramnnim]

So nice to have a new rainbow wearer.