January 28, 2008

The Winner Is?

Watching the race yesterday I couldn't tell it was a cat 5 criterium or a Belgian team time trial in 3rd through 8th. I can't say it wasn't exciting, but it sure seemed like it was all Boom and nothing from anyone else. Briefly Nys showed his face, but other than that it was mostly Dutch, Italian, and Czechs at the front making the race. Boom was by far the best, and everyone else could do nothing but chase and recover, fast enough to chase you down, but then do nothing when it's all together. Frustrating for Boom I'm sure, but he won in the end and I think he owes a big thanks to countryman Groenendaal for putting in the one big final effort that required the Belgies to chase on the last lap and setting Boom up for the shattering attack he needed.

I was surprised that the Belgies sat back for most of the race and followed wheels, but I think the course was really not selective and other than Boom, the others were just not going to stick their noses out there. You could tell Boom wanted it more, and had way more confidence that he was going to win than anyone else so it was good he saved a little for the last half lap dig.

I think Jonathan Page suffered a mediocre day on a bad course for him while TJ finished exactly where I predicted and Powers must of had a great race on a course that suited him to finish 27th which I'm sure he's pretty happy with. I should win my own beanie for putting Johnson in 26th and him finishing there.
As far as the contest for the Planet Bike beanies, nobody got the top 3 correct but I'm a nice guy and would like to give some hats away so following my own made up rules, Bloggers RickySilk, and HankHill will recieive some sweet Planet Bike beanies to keep there tops warm. Officialy, HankHill wins for having 4 of the top 5 on the list with Boom closest to 1st, RickySilk in 2nd for having 4 of the 5, just in different order. Get me your addresses and I'll get you the beanies before it's too warm to wear em!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

what happened to Mourey. Was he up there then DNF'ed

... said...

I want a recount...I was robbed. I also had 4 of the top 5 as well...

Tristan Schouten said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tristan Schouten said...

Robbed? No way man. Yeah, you had 4 of the top 5, just in worse positions than the other two guys that had your same picks in. And on top of that, you picked a rider that took himself out on a downhill and didn't finish as your man to win. Sorry, you can't win when your #1 pick is a DNF.

Lucky for you I still have a beanie for you so if you get me your address I'll send you one too.