Cycling 2011

[Macy]

Excellent result for Martin, even 4th would've been good, but I'm sure he'll take the podium whatever the circumstances. Bodes well for the Giro, considering Bertie was using it as prep for that too.

[Dodge]

I think the big news taht he can perform this early in the season. I'm guessing the operation on his sinuses has worked

[Macy]

I think the big news taht he can perform this early in the season. I'm guessing the operation on his sinuses has worked

Hadn't thought of that - must be the jet lag from the clocks changing!

[Dodge]

martin earned a total of 72 World Ranking points in catalunya, placing him in 16th place individually and Ireland in 11th at this early stage

[cornflakes]

Hey lads, I have a friend who is cycling from Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina to raise money for Carers Association. He and an american friend of his will be trying to do this in 350 days and will have to travel 17,000miles across 15 countries. Its a great cause and hes trying to raise €100,000 altogether. It would be great if you could donate anything at all or maybe even just spread the word about the worthy cause. You can donate on the website or just check it out and follow the blog when they begin.

http://www.350south.org/

I posted this here cos I know some of you know how tough cycling can be and will appreciate the sacrifices and preparation for this journey

[Billsthoughts]

first time following all the classics. Really enjoying them. some great races so far. fleche wallone and liege bastonne liege this week. god bless eurosport and digital plus.

Re Martin - he seemed to struggle in the tour of the basque country. How do people think he will get on in Giro?

[Mr A]

I was surprised by that too- he seemed to be flying in Catalunya.

Hopefully he gets it together again for the Giro.

Watched the Amstel Gold on Sunday, great race but never saw the Irish guys at all, although Roche may have been among the AG2Rs at the front for a bit.

Roche, Martin and Deignan all on the start list for La Flèche Wallonne 2011.

[Macy]

I was surprised by that too- he seemed to be flying in Catalunya.

Hopefully he gets it together again for the Giro.

I think a few that'd done well in Catalunya didn't really show in that race either though. No idea whether that was planned or not - wouldn't be surprised if it was always the plan not to go full tilt. He could be in the running this week, I'd suspect more tomorrow than Sunday.

Mulling over sorting a motorised dish for some of the sport, with cycling being the main one (German Eurosport is FTA), but also Heineken Cup Rugby and some football. Just not convinced i'd get to watch it enough to justify the outlay or whether I'd be better bumping up my broadband for feeds.

[Billsthoughts]

interview with Dan Martin on velonation today. Says he is not riding Giro. Wan non commital on riding tour. says tour of basque country was just run at a very fast pace

[Real ale Madrid]

Deignan was 23rd in the Fleche Wallone today. Roche and Martin involved in some sort of crash accoriding to Roche's twitter feed.

nicholasroche

Bad Crash today! Nothing broken! Sorry Dan! For taking you down! At least had a good family gathering in huy hospital

Race won in impressive fashion by Phillipe Gilbert, 2nd big classic in the space of a few days. Will be a major challenger for anything he enters now. They are going nuts for him over here.

[Billsthoughts]

Love Gilbert

[Mr A]

He's some dude. Wonder if he can make it a hat trick at Liege Bastogne Liege...

[Dodge]

Love Gilbert

How could you not? Incredible classics rider.

[Real ale Madrid]

He's some dude. Wonder if he can make it a hat trick at Liege Bastogne Liege...

Would be hard to back against him, he was 3rd last year.

[Macy]

Would be hard to back against him, he was 3rd last year.

Could get marked out of it, if the other teams adopt similar tactics to what they did in Roubaix. If that did happen, hopefully he won't whinge about legit tactics it as much as Cancellara did!

[Real ale Madrid]

Gilbert won again, missed this, was down in west kerry at the Ras Mumhan, hope to catch some highlights at some stage.

[Dodge]

Schkecks messed up, and he swooped to win. 4 Irish started but only Deignan finished. Brammeier was told to go hard and stop at 170k. Martin and Roche probably feeling effects of last week's crash

[Billsthoughts]

do ya reckon the shclecks done a deal with him? maybe he(lotto) will help them out in tour. otherwise they are completely dumb.

[Dodge]

Gilbert's already said he's not doing the tour so I can't see how he'd agree to anything on his team's behalf. i just think they messed up (again) because they don't want to beat each other

[Billsthoughts]

Giro this weekend.......cant wait...