Just before the Dwars Vlaanderen's door, some cycling managers had to puzzle over the misery of Arnaud de Lee and Christophe Laporte, but a fall in the final race before the Tour of Flanders has already heightened the transfer fever. Read some non-binding tips here so you can get something out of it.
1) Same team with different names
In Visma-Lease a Bike, Wout van Aert and Christophe Laporte were killed, in Lidl-Trek, Jasper Stuyven was in the pits with Mads Pedersen licking his wounds and Lotto-Dstny removed Arnaud De Lie from all start lists.
Many of the expensive birds will no longer yield (few to) any points, but the bad luck provides prospects within those teams for teammates who are now moving up the pecking order.
Matteo Jorgenson has already clarified the cycling law on Wednesday in Dwars Door Vlaanderen. There are also doubts about Dylan van Baerle and Thijsge Pinot, but they will certainly have more internal freedom.
At Lidl-Trek you can also take a look in the shop window. Toms Skujins are very cheap change, and Jonathan Millan can even set the cash register ringing in upcoming races.
2) Belief in the outside world
It is expected that an open race will be held on Sunday, in which all the weight will fall on the shoulders of the front-runner and his colleagues.
You can assume that the chances of strangers are increasing. If you previously had any doubts about the value of guys like Stefan Kung, Alberto Bitiol, Matej Mohoric, or Tim Wellens, now is the time to change course.
3) Study the programs again
Spring doesn't stop after the cobblestone races. Not only for cycling managers, but also for the Peloton. Many Marathon men fill the gap between Flemish action and the agreements concluded in the Ardennes.
So, review the overview of rider programs again and round up the XL riders who can help you maximize returns.
4) Unleash the spy in you
Are you starting spring like a comet and is your team in danger of collapsing like candy? Be sure to look over your shoulder to assess your competitive advantage and dare to change your tactics.
Sportsmanship and fair play can be debated, but feel free to look at pictures of the neighbors in your mini-league. Want to copy and paste to avoid bumping into the counter?
5) Don't forget the Basque Country
The Tour of Flanders has been decapitated and all the unlucky ones also influence the result of Paris-Roubaix, but don't forget that soon we will open a new can of hill classics.
The Basque Country tour starts on Monday, and it doesn't hurt to have something backed up for this spring's dessert buffet. Who knows, maybe you can still make a big impact if you can get the right Basque buffalo into your team.
6) Panic is a bad advisor
Rushing and haste are rarely a good thing. In these hectic days of cycling, don't be too guided by impulse purchases, convenience shopping or desperate attempts. List everything calmly and secure in your racing knowledge and instincts.
Your team is also at the start?
Stage 12 / 18 – Tour of Flanders
Register now with your VRT profile, view your results and compare your friends' performance!
to sign up
“Subtly charming internet specialist. Avid writer. Friendly alcohol guru. Music ninja. Devoted social media fanatic.”
More Stories
End of Vuelta ordeal: Belgian hope Lennert van Eetvelt out of Tour
This was a powerful opening ceremony for the Paralympics, steeped in symbolism and French charm.
Mathias Delorg helps KAA Gent reach sixth straight European group stage