Olympic Road Race

Only five days to go!

Start lists are up on Cycling Fever but beware, Cadel Evans has already put his participation in doubt so things may change.

I assume that points will be scored in line with one day classics, something like this from Milan San Remo?

[quote]Information on scoring

This stage will be scored on the following criteria:

Finish line – one day race: Points awarded for the first 20 riders over the line in a one-day race.

The following points will be awarded (1st-20th): 50, 40, 30, 25, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Last man home: 10 points awarded for the last man home on a tour stage or one-day race

Breakaway bonus: 10 points to any rider in a lead breakaway group of 10 riders or less that’s more than a minute ahead of the peloton at half distance

Team bonus: 5 points to every participating rider in the winning rider’s team
[/quote]

Dave, will it work like the Worlds last year with two per nationality and team bonus points awarded for same country rather than trade team?

The Favourites seems to be Cavendish, Sagan (although he’s racing on his own, no teammates), Goss (who can’t win a thing) and Griepel which suggests everyone expects a sprint finish. Can anyone see a lone or small group breakaway winning? Possibly Boonen/Gilbert? Italy always seem to go well too so I expect them to be there or there abouts with Modolo/Paolini.

I think I’ll be loading my team with sprinters but might take a punt on Boonen if he’s fit (didn’t he break some ribs in the Tour of Poland?).