LBL

My top three pics are Valverde, Chavenel, and Andy Schlek. All three have been building good form, and also have some pretty good results this year. Valverde has been somewhat elusive of late due to some issues with the Italians. I would like to see Chavenel do well. He is a versatile rider, and does not have big time team mates to work for.

I have been riding hopes of these three winning the Amstel, and Fleche. No W's for them so far. Andy Schlek put in a great ride on Sunday with a top 10 at amstel, and a 2nd place finish yesterday at Fleche. Andy has been off the map some, but looks to have good form. He was in the winning move with Davide, which is to say, he did not blow up like cadel evens, and was able to keep his acceleration going. But still, for a 37 year old, Davide played his cards like a true master of the trade. He won the race with good legs(not the strongest). But the determining factor was the mental game he played. We did not see much from Chavenel this week. Valverde was in great position for the third and final climb up the mur de huy yesterday. He hit the climb with a lead out from a team mate, 3rd in line. He was also in a great spot when evens attacked. Still no podium finish.

In all I think Saxo Bank has a well rounded team. Right now both of the Schlek brothers are in and so is Fabian. Frank had a bad crash at Amstel, so he might be out. I would rather go with Frank on this. He has had more results this year than Andy.

Time to Put Out

Boonen is on the start list for Gent. Sunday is his chance to defend last years PR win. I cant wait for the action. I really want to see him do it. He is going to have to put out and take the initiative though.

Der Ronde

I watched Der Ronde with MJ and Christopher yesterday. Man what a great race. Devolder made some big moves that got him the win. What a man beast. Hienrich looked to have good form again, but obviously did not have what it takes to win this big dog race. He finished 1:10 back, and only 1 sec in font of Gillbert. For me the disappointment came in Boonen. He was with Stijen the whole race, was on his wheel when Stijen bridged, and was also in the pack at the finish. I would have atleast liked to see a field sprint out of him to get on the podium. This is all under the context of his interview where he stressed the importance of this race. I know there are politics involved with being a marked guy in the peleton, but if he is on form, shouldn't he be able to shut down any followers? And I can help but think "What IF" Boonen would have followed Stijen up to Chavenel(who had a great race BTW). The trio, arguable the three strongest in the race, could have waxed anyone that opposed the move. Maybe Boonen is going for 2x this weekend. Either way, he is running out of chances to etch his name into the 2009 Classics. Just one mans opinion.

Will he be able to carry his form for one more week?

The manbeast on the race winning attack. About 16km to go on the MUUR. He put 45 sec on the chase group in the next 3km, and rode solo to the line with a little encouragement from his manager in the car. He is defiantly grunting while getting his swell on.