2012 Worlds

In a word... 'Probably not'.

I expect the Aussies, French and Spanish in particular to push the pace and break as many sprinters as they can (including Boonen) before the summit of the final climb.

Nobody really expects a sprint finish and very few 'proper sprinters' are likely to make it to one anyway so I don't think that'll be Plan A for many countries.

What I'd like to know is, is the 4/5 split going to be in place because I'd quite like to pick about 6 stars for this race.

Checked the route profile and your probably right. Looks like a good old Gilbert / Boonen / Gerrans type of route but any sprinters still there at the last 2km will fancy their chances.

If you look at the official site it has the profile and climbs 5 + 6, although not steep are long enough to shell a few out of the back if the hammer goes down, personally i think thats where it will be lost by the sprinters.

No not this year

Already decided that i more than likely won't be picking out and out sprinters, just all the punchy all rounders.

As for the 4/5 split, i hope so too, especially when it comes to the TT

For the TT my orginal draft involves taking a risk

Ive left out Martin basically in favour of having what could/should be much stronger set of DS's, especially with an apparant lack of form and the hilly nature of the course

Anyone else thinking this?

As for the road race im thinking of either of these combos Gilbert/valverde or Boonen/Rodriguez

I was thinking Rodriguez but not sure it's a long enough last climb for him to not be out muscled at the finish by a Gilbert type ride.

I'd like to pick a combo maybe 5 or 6 'cheap' (15-30 credits) stars then fill in the blanks with in-form DSs. If it's 4/5 then I'll probably end up picking a Gilbert or Rodriguez cost rider just to use up my credits.

Isn't the last climb cobbles?

Dont think so...

No, definitely not. Not that much cobbles left in Holland...

Anyway, not sure if this works, but here is where they finish (it's about 1,200 mtr further up the road from the Amstel Gold Race's finish line):

http://maps.google.nl/?ll=50.856893,5.815115&spn=0.012733,0.077162&t=m&z...

so there are no team trial points awarded?

The TTT would be a separate event and it's not listed under the 'stages' page so I assume the fantasy game won't be running for that. Of course, it could still be added...

yeah, it could if people want it.

I'm not overly fussed to be honest, can't see how it'd be that interesting, especially under the usual TTT rules. Lots of teams with two lots of 10 points, two lots of 9 points etc etc plus with it not being part of a larger race there'd be no GC points or anything else. Pretty dull fantasy wise.

Yeah the TTT is for trade teams and its not going to be interesting or worthwhile putting into the game

How about we run it here on the forum? Just choose 9 teams, not riders, you get 10 points for 1st, 9 for 2nd, etc...?

Are there more than 9 teams competing? Not really looked into it, still think its a cop out on behalf of the UCI to let trade teams in so they can get their sponsors on show. Why not just run the road race in trade teams too? Total cop out by a weak governing body scared of the trade teams and their threats to break away.

I don't think its a cope out by the UCI. How many national teams would put in a team for the time trial?

Th UK might at a push be able. But then it would be detrimental to the RR. The smaller nation's would be at a massive disadvantage. If they could even muster a team.

Look at someone like Peter Sagan. He might be a world champion one day. He's not really a TT guy....YET. That might come. But there is only him and his brother really. Thats not to say there are not others who could make up a team. But not to that standard.

Where are running it as trade teams. They are going to put in strong teams just for the fact its something to win and secondly to please sponsors. Finally, it might be some of their riders only chance.

Hell, I'd be ok with them doing 2 man teams!

Under UCI TTT rules, for the world champs they would need 5 or 6 riders.

I think this is why most TTT's if any are at the start of any stage race, To make sure there are enough riders for the "normal" 5th man over the line time set up.

Money - thats what the TTT is all about. My tip for the road race is Nordhaug. Going to put £20.00 on him at the bookies.

Hmm better check he is racing first though.

You know, if it was up to me there'd be no 5th man 'over-the-line' rule. It would be every man gets the time over the line. If Cancellara wants to power his away alone at the end of a TTT, let him!

It's not really a Team TT then though, its more of a pace your best rider and then drop off to let him get the best time. Start as a team, end as a team in my opinion.

Yeah you might aswell just have the individual TT and then add their times together.....

Some countries would only be able to have one person in their team, it's a good job Raleigh's not on at the mo, could you imagine having 5 or 6 Mehdi Sohrabi's, he would explode with joy

I was just hit by some sort of psychic fit in which he spoke to me......

Ha, class mate

I'd be ok with that... If your aim is the GC, do that!.... If your aim is the Team Standings, then you can all arive together!... I just wish the teams would ahev the discretion, so that Cancellara or Evans wouldn't be at the mercy of the 5th man over the line rule if they wanted to get the yeloow jersey in a Tour sooner, rather than later....

I disagree, Its a team time trial for the a reason, so your best rider shouldnt be allowed to go off, its tough if the rest of the team is not up to scratch. In fact i think it should be all 9 men to cross the line not just 5 (unless they retire from the race on that stage)

Just did a trial of my prospected stars to see how many credits i would have left for DS's, thought I had it sorted....however I completely forgot about Sagan

Froome out of the ITT

Just seen it on twitter.......time for a re-think

Froome never even entered the equation for me!

I cant even afford to get Martin in my team, not without completely compromising my DS's

Just saw it here

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/534807/froome-withdraws-from-...

There is a plan on hand I think to keep the rainbow jersey in British hands. For once British cycling is keeping its cards close to its chest, unlike the Olympic's mess.

I may put JTL in based on price alone!

Good call, he'll certainly have the confidence to go for it. Might be to soon after ToB though.