2022 Flanders

[AUbicycles]

What a race… I like the format that the women’s finale follows and good fir the Euro timezone at least (no so much Australia).

For the men’s s cracking finale and no spoilers… but well played by the winner.

[AUbicycles]

Guess I can say who won…. But the women’s race also saw a stunning finish as well and it was won by….

[MichaelB]

Just finished watching it last night !

Great race and Pogacar had vdP on the ropes on the last climb

[fat and old]

Somewhere on twitter there’s a caricature version of the sprint. The little Pogacar waving his little ball fists when boxed in is hilarious.

[vosadrian]

Gotta feel sorry for the Pog. He deserved more for his efforts, but really got schooled in sprint tactics. Not sure if MVDP intended him to lose a podium spot with his tactic... he certainly considerably risked his own place if it went wrong. I don't see Pog outsprinting MVDP in that scenario, but who knew after last year!!

[warthog1]

Bit of a highlights clip.
Yep Pogacar is looking scary good still. Don't see anyone challenging him at the tour.

[MichaelB]

I was sorta hoping that Madous somehow did a Bradbury, but he still did really well and is another one of the young guns emerging !!

[find_bruce]

Nice analysis by Cancellara. I particularly liked "Tadej Pogačar impressed me for 270 kilometres at the Tour of Flanders. Mathieu van der Poel impressed me for 300 metres."

[vosadrian]

Pog impressed, but MVDP did what he needed to be present in the sprint. I think that was impressive enough as Pog as clearly very strong before that in terrain suited to him. Pog was a deserving 1st or 2nd. 4th was not really doing justice to his ride.

[find_bruce]

Pog impressed, but MVDP did what he needed to be present in the sprint. I think that was impressive enough as Pog as clearly very strong before that in terrain suited to him. Pog was a deserving 1st or 2nd. 4th was not really doing justice to his ride.

Yup spartacus was applauding Pog's legs and VDP's tactics - kept his powder dry & only impressed when it was needed - was in the right gear & judged his sprint based on experience. Pog looked super impressive, but make errors consistent with limited classics experience. From what I could see his plan was to blunt everyone's legs then drop them on the last climb. When that didn't work he never looked like he had a plan b

[vosadrian]

After last year, I was surprised MVDP had the confidence in his sprint to let 2 riders with momentum come so close. That tactic displayed a lot of confidence in his kick to get up to their speed in a short time. He must have a bit of kick and was concerned if he got up to speed with Pog on his wheel he was at risk, so wanted to maximise the acceleration phase of the sprint by going slow to as close to the line as possible.

Pog deserved more and lost on experience. But I reckon he will take it sooner rather than later.

[MichaelB]

And Amstel on tonight !

Will watch the 1st bit on SBS but prob watch the rest tomorrow.

Can’t wait for Roubaix !! That’ll be the whole hog !