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09:21
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19-03-2026 07:04
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17-03-2026 21:49
15-03-2026 17:48
15-03-2026 17:38
15-03-2026 14:55
15-03-2026 14:29
15-03-2026 12:14
15-03-2026 04:04
15-03-2026 03:49
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FredMan
The UAE tandem Pogi/Torito should build a slight gap on the climbs, and then collaborate to maintain that gap to the finish. The gap should be enough to make MVDP burn his matches bridging it. Easier said than done.09:21
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FredMan
IMO, in MSR 2025, MVDP won not because he was the best sprinter, which he indeed was on paper, but because his opponents at the finishing straight, Ganna and Pogacar, were both low on energy from the effort of getting there. Tadej had pulled MVDP up Cipressa and Poggio, and built the gap over the peloton that Ganna spent much energy bridging, while MVDP benefited from Tadej's slipstream and enjoyed to ride. MVDP in fact, stayed a comfortable distance in front of the 2, and started a prolonged sprint to the finish, knowing that both his opponents were at their last straws.19-03-2026 07:04
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FredMan
It's a longshot, but I like underdogs.. I will bet my money on Tadej. If the finish were moved closer to the Poggio hilltop, Tadej will win hands down. That technical descent is a killer.17-03-2026 21:49
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FredMan
Did you know that P-R is perfectly flat from start to finish? It is a sprinter's classic, just like MSR. Advantage MVDP. Did you also know that MVDP weighs 10 kg heavier than TP, and that the cobbles favor heftier riders, because it gives them extra kick to get over the paves, whereas lighter riders tend to get thrown here and there by the cobbles and thereby lose control and momentum? Can you imagine Jonas doing P-R? This is why Tadej deserves your salute.. because he confronts the odds squarely, even when they are stacked heavily against him. He just loves to race, even against the odds. No wonder Tadej crashed the first time, which seldom happens.. there are so many haters just wishing him to crash, or get a flat or something..15-03-2026 17:48
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FredMan
There goes these Tadej haters again, finding sinister designs where mere sporting excellence is exhibited. Leave him alone, you armchair pundits.. he's just trying to win a race. Envy is a deadly sin.15-03-2026 17:38
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FredMan
First of all, I am entitled to an opinion.. Ok? There's no winter where I'm from, but I don't know how that's relevant. I've played all sorts of sports in my younger days, basketball, soccer, tennis, what have you.. so athleticism and strength are not novel ideas, as far as I'm concerned. I enjoy cycling, road cycling in particular, because of the mental discipline and peace of mind I experience on a long, easy ride. And I appreciate the greatness of these cycling heroes, MVDP included, because I'm a cyclist myself. Still I might watch cyclocross, when I'm in the mood for nostalgia, but I sure wish they'd switch to fat tires.15-03-2026 14:55
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FredMan
Sorry, but I've watched a lot of BMX races when I was young, took part in some of them.. I can't see the difference really.. except the fat tires. And the big bodies of grown men trying to relive their childhood fantasies..15-03-2026 14:29
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FredMan
I don't know.. Frankly, cyclocross to me is kidstuff, a BMX race for the big boys who never outgrew their fat tire fantasies. A bicycle is meant to be ridden on long gravel and road courses, not carried on your shoulders on a muddy terrain while navigating a makeshift 5 km track. of rocks, cobbles and mud pools. I might just as well use a pogo stick for such endeavors.15-03-2026 12:14
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FredMan
He was actually hoping MVDP would take his turn at the front, and not suck his wheel 80% of the time. This is simple racing protocol.. if you join a breakaway, take your turn at the front.. don't be a passenger. MVDP always employs such tactics, pretending he's at the limit, but actually conserving energy for the sprint. MSR or P-R, or Flanders.. same sneaky tactic.15-03-2026 04:04
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FredMan
But Mathieu's best Tour de France result was 50th place, with 3 DNFs in 6 appearances. Oh yes, to be fair, MVDP has won a total of 30 (?) BMX races.. or rather cyclocross races I mean.. sorry..15-03-2026 03:49