Champion systems for Qatar

Clinton Avery (NZL), Will Clarke (AUS), Matthias Friedemann (GER), Xu Gang (CHN),Gorik Gardeyn (BEL), Aaron Kemps (AUS), Mart Ojavee (EST), Jiao Pengda (CHN).

Greipel out due to a dodgy stomach.

Major bummer. It's only early in the season but I want as many Cav-Greipel showdowns as possible.

A showdown at M-S-R is where its at,   face offs in races like Qatar dont really count anyway but if he's genuinely sick then its a shame.

 

Darn. It will be no secret that sprints and sprinters only entertain me once upon a blue moon, but this year I was curious to see how the splintering of HTC would affect the mechanics of the last 10-20k, especially on the occasions when Cav and Greipel would both be present. Before, I expect, rapidly losing interest again, as I anticipate that 'it' will be settled one way or the other quickly enough.

Qatar is usually only on my screen as after such a long period of little or no road action, watching a line in the sand for days on end, a bit like watching paint once it has dried, will also do, apparently (man I need help). Still, almost every year there has been something that made it interesting enough, for bits. It sounds like it will need to come from another corner then. Pity.

I just hope that the stars will work a bit harder still, to get their sprint-ducks in better alignment to get me to sit up in anticipation, as the previous years have pretty much floored my already low base interest. These days I tend to enjoy only the occasions where none of the big 'uns are present. The splitering of HTC will mean one of two things for me: either the top has come closer to each other, and it will become a bit more watchable. Or there will still be a strong quality hierchy, in which case it probably doubled the amount of races that I will endure, more than enjoy.  Sounds like some stages here have just gone onto the endure list. Damn bugs.

.... [resuming sandstorm dance]. 

Renshaw faces tough test

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/road/news/34586/Renshaw_faces_tough_test

I would love for Renshaw to pinch a stage. You never know , Brownpy is a good chance at taking out the rest of the sprinters in the final 200 and I thought McEwan was retiring after TDU

I recon a few might be a bit scared of the brown - renshaw sprint dbl

Robbie retires after Cali

Kroupis will have sh*tloads of opportunities. McEwen has until May. 1-2 stages trying to get a result for Robbie? So be it.

I'd be very surprised if Robbie is designated sprinter #1 but I think the TDU showed, if there's an opportunity they're going to allow him to go for the sprint. I don't see any problem with that.

I am hoping to see him take a stage.  But I don't think he has the kick...fail prediction by me too.

Unfortunately it looked that way in TDU. With Cavendish there and looking in good form cannot see Renshaw winning.

I'd be amongst the ones raising a glass if Robbie did sign off with a win, but I can't see where that one would be coming from, to be honest.

There is a lot more to be said for using someone as experienced and successful as Robbie to mentor the new talent at the sharpest possible edge, helping them to cut their teeth in the sprints with this new team, fine-tuning the path that the team has picked as its route for this year, opportunistic success snatching, for the little time he is around in amongst them, rather than let them carry the adhesive for his worn dentures.

Robbie's chance will come when GE TTT's away to form echelons and finish 1 thru 7 in an echo of the CX WC.

In all seriousness I'd say he could win a sprint only if there was a big crash/pileup. Unfortunately

Peta has just said on Twitter that Cav is poorly...

Oh well... I guess he's doing the 'wake me when the Giro comes' routine from the last two years again. My earlier prediction ("i can't see how Cavendish doesn't win this") is worthless. I thought with the rainbow jersey he'd be a bit more motivated to perform year round.

what time does it start?

Lets start.

thread or live shout ?