Cycling Betting & Discussion.

[Tonji]

Well, I think blonde needs a cycling thread, even if it's only me that is interested 

Cycling should have more mainstream media coverage than ever this year. Wiggins & Cavendish are two of the highest profile riders in the platoon, both British & outspoken!

Looking forward to Wiggins tormenting the European media! On & off the bike.



Get involved, tips, betting, questions, feedback.

I’ll post thoughts & tips on betting, it should help to keep it all on one thread.

[Longy]

I am interested, more of a part time grand tour fan than anything.

That interview is hilarious.

[Tonji]

I am interested, more of a part time grand tour fan than anything.

That interview is hilarious.

good man Longy.

The Grand Tours will be incredible this year. Looking forward to see how Sky go about winning the Giro & the TDF.

[Tonji]

Milan-Sanremo. March 17th.

The first of the five monuments (oldest). Generally known as the sprinters classic. Who can push the biggest gear the hardest & fastest?

Click to see full-size image.

Click to see full-size image.

The race is generally decided on the final sections of the Cipressa & the Poggio.



Cavendish (OPQS) winner in 2009, starts as favourite (11/4). This will be his first big race with his new team, so will be motivated. Although recent years he has not had the early season form to compete in the final, suspect this year will be similar.


Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack). Winner in 2008, & 2nd in 2011 & 2012. One of the top classics riders of his generation, a consistent & strong performer. In a recent interview has stated that this season will be all about the classics, & not his normal training for the Time Trials in the big stage races. Currently available at 11/1. I would have expected him to be in the region of 6/1.

http://www.oddschecker.com/cycling/one-day-classics/milan-san-remo/winner

Incidentally the form guide for this race is generally to be found at Tirreno-Adriatico, held the week before.

[TheChipPrince]

Fan too, but so much more to learn, looking forward to your posts Tonji.

[Tonji]

Fan too, but so much more to learn, looking forward to your posts Tonji.

Hope this season will be as good as I expect. As a fan for over 20 years, each seasons seems to throw up drama of some sort or another!

[Tonji]

Before the 2013 season kicks off with the Tour de San Luis in Argentina on Jan 21st & the Santos Tour Down Under on the 22nd.

How about some profiles of some of the riders, some famous, others less so.

Jens Voigt (RadioShack). Now the oldest rider in the peloton at 41. A rouleur (all-rounder), his career has been pretty much as a domestique, but his attacking style & commitment make him a fans favourite. A family man with loads of kids, worth a follow on twitter @thejensie for his eccentric tweets.

Some clips from you tube



As tough as they come

[Nakor]

Opinion on Cavs new teams depth? Has he got a ride out man that can put him in position?

[Tonji]

Opinion on Cavs new teams depth? Has he got a ride out man that can put him in position?

Been pondering that Nakor, as some talented sprinters in Greipel & Degenkolb are expected to give him a tough year.

The move to Omega Pharma-Quick Step is in many ways a perfect fit for Cavendish. He's teaming up with some of the riders & coaches from his days at HTC Highroad. He'll also be riding his preferred “Specialised” bikes.

First race of the season for him will be the Tour de San Luis in Argentina. Come the Tour I'm sure the lead out train will be firing on all cylinders as the first stage in Corsica is expected to be a sprint finish & Cavendish has never worn the yellow jersey.

[edgascoigne]

Looking forward to this thread immensely.

Tonji - have you ever read "Golden Stages of the Tour de France" or any of the work of the late Antoine Blondin?

[Tonji]

Looking forward to this thread immensely.

Tonji - have you ever read "Golden Stages of the Tour de France" or any of the work of the late Antoine Blondin?

Hi Ed,

Never read it, do you recommend it?

[edgascoigne]

Looking forward to this thread immensely.

Tonji - have you ever read "Golden Stages of the Tour de France" or any of the work of the late Antoine Blondin?

Hi Ed,

Never read it, do you recommend it?

For someone as keen on cycling as yourself? Yes.

Antoine Blondin used to write in L'Equipe - incredibly evocative pieces about the Tour. Not sure how your French is but there's a collection of his articles/work that goes under the name "Sur le Tour de France" that is an amazing read for a Tour fan.

http://www.amazon.fr/Sur-Tour-France-Antoine-Blondin/dp/2710307375/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1357649331&sr=8-4

[tikay]

Opinion on Cavs new teams depth? Has he got a ride out man that can put him in position?

Been pondering that Nakor, as some talented sprinters in Greipel & Degenkolb are expected to give him a tough year.

The move to Omega Pharma-Quick Step is in many ways a perfect fit for Cavendish. He's teaming up with some of the riders & coaches from his days at HTC Highroad. He'll also be riding his preferred “Specialised” bikes.First race of the season for him will be the Tour de San Luis in Argentina. Come the Tour I'm sure the lead out train will be firing on all cylinders as the first stage in Corsica is expected to be a sprint finish & Cavendish has never worn the yellow jersey.

Remind me what his "Specialised Bikes" are, please?

This thread should be a good read as the season develops, thanks.

[Tonji]

Looking forward to this thread immensely.

Tonji - have you ever read "Golden Stages of the Tour de France" or any of the work of the late Antoine Blondin?

Hi Ed,

Never read it, do you recommend it?

For someone as keen on cycling as yourself? Yes.

Antoine Blondin used to write in L'Equipe - incredibly evocative pieces about the Tour. Not sure how your French is but there's a collection of his articles/work that goes under the name "Sur le Tour de France" that is an amazing read for a Tour fan.

http://www.amazon.fr/Sur-Tour-France-Antoine-Blondin/dp/2710307375/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1357649331&sr=8-4

Thanks Ed, will look out for that, although my french is rusty.

[Tonji]

Opinion on Cavs new teams depth? Has he got a ride out man that can put him in position?

Been pondering that Nakor, as some talented sprinters in Greipel & Degenkolb are expected to give him a tough year.

The move to Omega Pharma-Quick Step is in many ways a perfect fit for Cavendish. He's teaming up with some of the riders & coaches from his days at HTC Highroad. He'll also be riding his preferred “Specialised” bikes.First race of the season for him will be the Tour de San Luis in Argentina. Come the Tour I'm sure the lead out train will be firing on all cylinders as the first stage in Corsica is expected to be a sprint finish & Cavendish has never worn the yellow jersey.

Remind me what his "Specialised Bikes" are, please?

This thread should be a good read as the season develops, thanks.

Hi tikay,

"Specialised" is just the brand name. Each team have a bike sponsor & riders will ride the team bikes. Cavendish has always had a preference for Specialised.