2012 World Championships, Men’s Road Race: Live updates, blog
Roar Guru The World Championship Mens Road Race is finally here, and riders will tackle a demanding, 265km course featuring a 100km ride through the surrounding areas of Dutch city Limburg. Join us for live coverage and updates.
The final part of the race is ten testing laps around a 16.5km course in the heart of Limburg in search of the coveted, rainbow jersey.
The lapped circuit is set to suit the climbers, with two climbs of total length 2.4km inside the circuit, with the final climb; Cauberg Hill including a steep maximum gradient which is 12%.
However, if you are thinking that the climb isn’t steep enough to rule out a bunch sprint then you should consider that the finish line is only 1.7km from the top of Cauberg Hill; a distance that should be too small for the sprinters to recover from their losses on the final climb.
The favourite is Phillipe Gilbert. The classics specialist is suited perfectly to the course and knows it inside and out, as the Belgian lives very close nearby.
After winning two stages in the Vuelta, the Belgian is back to his powerful best and gunning for his 1st world road title to add to his already impressive, resume.
In his way though will be many other top class contenders.
The style of the race does also suit Victorian Simon Gerrans; clearly Australia’s best chance at this year’s World Championships road race.
Gerrans, 32 who has been tipped by many to claim what would be only Australia’s second ever Gold at the Men’s World Championship road race, could launch a stinging attack a few kilometres out from the finish line to tear the race apart, or could be successful in a strong breakaway group.
Either way, the current holder of Milan-San Remo is Australia’s best hope of a victory, and will be doing all he can to do so.
Plan B for Australia would have to be Simon Clarke. The 26 year old Orica GreenEDGE rider who impressively won the King of the Mountains classification at the Vuelta only weeks ago, could be a threat to securing the Rainbow jersey if he pursues an opportunity in what will be a highly sought after breakaway.
Clarke is in the form of his life, and if he can continue some of the outstanding form he produced at the Vuelta we could be seeing him atop the podium in Limburg, later tonight.
2005 victor Tom Boonen, five time Grand Tour winner, Alberto Contador and the likes of Alejandro Valverde and even Thomas Voeckler are potential threats in tonight’s race. Peter Sagan may also enjoy this course. It is a very open field.
As we saw in the Olympic road race with 38 year old, Alexandre Vinikourov’s surprise victory, upsets do occur. It set to be an intriguing, action packed race, with the entire field leaving nothing in the tank in pursuit of victory.
So, to make sure you don’t miss a beat of what is set to be an incredible race, please join me from 7:45PM AEST for live updates, blog.
All comments, thoughts, and opinions are welcomed as the race unfolds.
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The Crowd Says (55) | Page 1 of Comments
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3:49pm
MooseMum said | 3:49pm | Report comment
great coverage mate!
1:29am
zacbrygel said | 1:29am | Report comment
Thank you for joining me in what was in my opinion, the greatest single day of cycling racing in 2012. It was a pleasure to watch, and I hope you enjoyed my coverage.
1:24am
zacbrygel said | 1:24am | Report comment
As you could imagine, Gilbert is ecstatic after winning his first Rainbow jersey. Speaking to the world media, here are some of his interesting comments: “It’s incredible. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I’ve been dreaming of this for years,” said Gilbert.
“To win in Valkenburg is amazing – it’s so close to home and my wife is from the Netherlands.
“The team worked so hard and everyone did a really good job today. We definitely deserved to win the gold medal. I’ve won the Amstel Gold Race here twice so I knew I could do it today.”
1:20am
zacbrygel said | 1:20am | Report comment
So let’s recap. A stunning acceleration up the final Cauberg climb proved too much for Nibali and Boonen with Gilbert taking the win. Gilbert was simply too strong and his victory proved that in the classics, he is head and shoulders above the rest. Simon Gerrans of Australia was favoured to take his first Rainbow jersey, however that didn’t work out and Gerrans was simply swamped up the all important Cauberg climb to the finish. However it wasn’t all bad for the Aussies with sprinter, Allan Davis taking 6th place. It was certainly an incredible race, with riders attacking all day long to make the race so entertaining to watch. Covering today’s race was simply a pleasure, and without a doubt the best day of race cycling has seen in 2012.
1:14am
zacbrygel said | 1:14am | Report comment
As for the Aussies, things simply didn’t work out. Whilst the Aussies worked hard, our main hope Simon Gerrans simply couldn’t keep up with the likes of Boonen and Nibali before Gilbert’s outstanding move that caught the duo off guard and enabled him to take the win. However, it didn’t turn completely pear shaped for the Aussies with Alan Davis, 32 taking 6th place.
1:10am
zacbrygel said | 1:10am | Report comment
The attack from Philippe Gilbert was masterful, catching out Nibali and Boonen’s previous acceleration with his booming speed up the final Cauberg. It was a fantastic move, and one that netted the Belgian his first World Road Race title. It puts the icing on the cake for what has been an impressive season from Gilbert, previously highlighted by his two stage wins at the Vuelta. However, this is the best victory of them all, and today Gilbert has reasserted himself as the best classics rider in world cycling. Great job Philippe Gilbert! What a deserved victory!
1:05am
zacbrygel said | 1:05am | Report comment
GILBERT IS THE 2012 WORLD ROAD CYCLING CHAMPION!!! What a smart move up Cauberg, leaving the peloton caught out and only able to admire the Belgian’s brilliance. Edward Boasson Hagen of Norway has taken the silver, with Valverde taking Bronze. A good result for Australia with Allan Davis claiming a very good, with 6th place.
1:01am
zacbrygel said | 1:01am | Report comment
Gilbert is gasping for air in pursuit of the line. Now Valverde has attacked! But I think it’s too late! Gilbert has opened up a huge gap and the crowd is roaring! 500m to go!!!
1:00am
zacbrygel said | 1:00am | Report comment
Gilbert has gone! What an attack! He has opened up a decent gap over the chasers, with Boson Hagen leading the chase! Gilbert holds a 10 second lead, only 1.5km to go!!!!
12:59am
zacbrygel said | 12:59am | Report comment
The riders are at the bottom of Cauberg, with Nibali’s team mate’s leading him up the climb. No Nibali is accelarating.
12:57am
zacbrygel said | 12:57am | Report comment
4km to go and the riders are sprinting! Nibali is coming to the front, will he launch an attack in pursuit of being 1st across the line? This is action!
12:56am
zacbrygel said | 12:56am | Report comment
5km to go and the pace is hotting up. The riders are less than 1km from the bottom of Cauberg, and it is set to be a massive fight for pole position at the bottom of the climb so the riders can stand a chance at launching an attack.
12:54am
zacbrygel said | 12:54am | Report comment
Peter Sagan along with Degenkolb is still in the main field, and if he can stick with the field up Cauberg is a great chance to claim his first Rainbow jersey. There are so many potential winners, and only 6km to go!
12:53am
zacbrygel said | 12:53am | Report comment
Alberto Contador is at the front of the peloton working for Alejandro Valverde. The riders are nearing Cauberg, which is set to decide the race.
12:52am
zacbrygel said | 12:52am | Report comment
7.5km to go and the riders have been pedalling for 6 incredible hours! Incredible action is about to be bestowed upon us! Get ready!
12:49am
zacbrygel said | 12:49am | Report comment
Still no attacks. The peloton is still stuck together, with only 8km to go. Calm before the storm?
12:48am
zacbrygel said | 12:48am | Report comment
Strap yourselves in, because there is only 10km to go! We are set for a great finish, so don’ miss it!
12:47am
zacbrygel said | 12:47am | Report comment
Today’s race has simply been outstanding to watch, with attacks coming all the time! It has simply been great, pure cycling action and the best parts are still to come!
12:46am
zacbrygel said | 12:46am | Report comment
This seems to be the calm before the storm. Less than 12km to go and the riders aren’t going too fast. Attacks to come very shortly I am sure of it……………
12:44am
zacbrygel said | 12:44am | Report comment
Moreno’s 4 man group has been gobbled up, however as a result of the attack, the peloton has shrunk even more! The only sprinter in the group is John Degenkolb, and if the race comes down to a sprint finish (which is unlikely), the five time stage winner at this year’s Vuelta is surely favoured to claim the famous rainbow jersey!
12:42am
zacbrygel said | 12:42am | Report comment
Dani Moreno has attacked! 3 riders have quickly caught on including Thomas Voeckler. Only 1 lap to go! Gerrans, Davis and Clarke of Australia are still in the peloton, and legitimate chances for the victory.
12:41am
zacbrygel said | 12:41am | Report comment
Just as I say that Stannard and Talansky are gobbled up by a steaming main field! The riders are literally sprinting with some main contenders Vincenzo Nibali, Phillipe Gilbert, Tom Boonen finally coming to the fore at what is a shrinking peloton. 18km to go!
12:39am
zacbrygel said | 12:39am | Report comment
STANNARD HAS ATTACKED!! Up Cauberg climb for the 2nd last time he has left Talansky in his wake, and opened up a gap over the main field.
12:37am
zacbrygel said | 12:37am | Report comment
Cauberg Hill is set to define today’s race. The steep 1.5km climb a part of the 10 lap course, features a maximum gradient of 12%, and finishes only 1.7km from the line. Unless the sprinters can stick with the climbers on Cauberg hill on the final lap, then they won’t stand a chance. Cauberg Hill is set to be the race winning, and losing climb in today’s race.
12:33am
zacbrygel said | 12:33am | Report comment
Talansky and Stannard have opened up a gap and now hold a 15 second lead over the main field. 20km to go! Here we go!
12:31am
zacbrygel said | 12:31am | Report comment
Andrew Talansky of America has made a move off the front, with the peloton now in pursuit. He has been joined by Ian Stannard of Great Britain. Talansky is capable of a race winning move and he is in solid form, after his 7th place finish at this year’s Vuelta. Let’s hope the pair can shake up this race!
12:23am
zacbrygel said | 12:23am | Report comment
ATTACK: SAMUEL SANCHEZ HAS ATTACKED. The 2008 Olympic Road Race champion has made a move off the front of the peloton, with Allan Davis of Australia straight onto his wheel. The depth of Spain is simply unbelievable, and their quality is amazing.
12:21am
zacbrygel said | 12:21am | Report comment
With 2 laps to go the race is all back together! The breakaway have been caught, and now the only trailers of the peloton are the large group of riders caught out from that recent crash up Cauberg Hill, which includes the likes of Irishman Dan Martin and this year’s Giro champion Dan Martin. 30km to go and we are all back together.
12:15am
zacbrygel said | 12:15am | Report comment
With less than 35km to go, the breakaway is fast being pulled back and now only holds a 20 second lead over the peloton. Can they hold on?
12:13am
zacbrygel said | 12:13am | Report comment
If you have discounted the French team for today’s race, then get your act together! The French are supporting Sylvain Chavanel, a classics specialist who is in great form after helping his team Omega Pharma Quickstep to the victory in Mens Team Time trial event only 6 days ago. Chavanel is currently sitting in the peloton, and will need his counterparts to bring back the breakaway group if he is any chance for the win.
12:08am
zacbrygel said | 12:08am | Report comment
With 40km to go, the breakaway now holds a 50 second lead over the main field, with the second group a further 40 seconds back. If the breakaway stays away from the main field, watch out for a Contador or even Voeckler dart at victory.
12:05am
zacbrygel said | 12:05am | Report comment
A reminder of the now changed leading group: Coppel, Voeckler, Flecha, Tiernan-Locke, Meersman, Fuglsang, Marcato, Gesink, Albasini, Ulissi, Contador, Nocentini, Cummings, Leukemans, Anacona, De Kort and Howes.
12:03am
zacbrygel said | 12:03am | Report comment
In what was a leading group of 29 only 15 minutes ago, it is now just 17 with many riders falling off the pace including Michael Mathews of Australia; the former U23 Road Race World Champion. They have a 50 second advantage over the main field with 45km to go.
11:59pm
zacbrygel said | 11:59pm | Report comment
Richie Porte was caught behind the crash, and is now in the second group that was slowed down after the pile up whilst the riders were climbing Cauberg Hill.
11:58pm
zacbrygel said | 11:58pm | Report comment
CRASH: Halfway up the Cauberg climb there has been a massive pile up in the middle of the peloton forcing about 10 riders onto the deck, and slowing up the riders caught behind. Riders who crashed include Arthur Vichot of France.
11:56pm
zacbrygel said | 11:56pm | Report comment
50km out from the line, Belgium, Australia and Germany are combining at the front of the peloton to reel in the breakaway and give their leaders a chance for the race victory. Faces are beginning to grimace, and I have a strong feeling that a storm is about to erupt.
11:54pm
zacbrygel said | 11:54pm | Report comment
The race organisers have just confirmed Phinney’s abandon, citing injuries sustained in a small crash at the back of the peloton about 20 minutes ago. What a shame for the American who has had a breakthrough season, finishing 4th in both the time trial and Road Race at the London Olympics.
11:52pm
zacbrygel said | 11:52pm | Report comment
Amongst the twittersphere, there are growing reports that 22 year old American young gun Taylor Phinney has withdrew from the race. More to follow…………
11:48pm
zacbrygel said | 11:48pm | Report comment
A few riders are finding the pace of the breakaway too hot, with 5 riders dropping back to the main field. Duggan, Ferrari, Buts and Firsanov are those riders.
11:46pm
zacbrygel said | 11:46pm | Report comment
An intriuging proposition is the Spanish team. With such a versatile team, the Spaniards have many options for today’s race including the 3 dominant riders at the Vuelta Joaquim Rodriguez, Alejandro Valverde and Alberto Contador. Contador is currently in the 29 man leading group, with 3 team mates supporting him in the group to guard future attacks, and also to support Contador if the 29 year old decides to go for it. Contador is in a powerful position, and could very well take advantage of it.
11:40pm
zacbrygel said | 11:40pm | Report comment
The chasing group that attacked only a few kilometres ago have been brought back to the peloton. The leading group still holds a 1 minute lead over the main field, with 62km to go in the stage.
11:35pm
zacbrygel said | 11:35pm | Report comment
ATTACK: A group of about 10 riders have broken clear of the peloton, including Peter Sagan; the dominant sprinter of this year’s Tour de France and Columbian, Rigoberto Uran. Unfortunately, Simon Gerrans missed the jump and is now in trouble.
11:32pm
zacbrygel said | 11:32pm | Report comment
The two dominant figures at this year’s Tour de France, Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome have retired from this year’s race after being off the pace all day. The star duo are exhausted after a long season, and will now reload for what is set to be a crucial 2013.
11:30pm
zacbrygel said | 11:30pm | Report comment
With just under 70km to go, the leading group have fought back and have extended their lead to a 1:02 lead over the main field. Contador has the support of 3 team mates in the huge, 29 man breakaway and if the breakaway is sucessful, the 2012 Vuelta champion could come through with the race victory.
11:17pm
zacbrygel said | 11:17pm | Report comment
The five man group also includes former 5th placer at the Tour de France, Thomas Voeckler. As I speak they have caught onto the leading group and currently have a 30 second advantage over the main field. If they can get themselves organised the group that now features 29 riders could be tough to pull back, featuring the strength of Alberto Contador, Thomas Voeckler and even Robert Gesink. The race is starting to heat up!
11:13pm
zacbrygel said | 11:13pm | Report comment
ATTACK: A leading group of 6 have attacked the main field, including 5 time Grand Tour winner Alberto Contador and General Classification star, Robert Gesink of Netherlands. Now we are seeing some action!
11:08pm
zacbrygel said | 11:08pm | Report comment
The peloton is slowly closing in, and with the former chasing group well swallowed up the peloton almost has the breakaway in their sights. Because of the Dutch team’s great work at the front of the peloton, the leading group’s lead is fast decreasing and is now only a meagre, 53 seconds. The breakaway is certainly in trouble.
11:04pm
zacbrygel said | 11:04pm | Report comment
The gap from the breakaway to the main field is slowly closing, with the breakaway now only holding a 1:14 advantage over the main field. 88km to go.
10:54pm
zacbrygel said | 10:54pm | Report comment
Wth just under 90km to go, the breakaway groups holds a 1:40 lead over the main field, with the chasing group holding a 20 second lead over the large peloton.
10:50pm
zacbrygel said | 10:50pm | Report comment
News has just filtered through, that 2011 champion Mark Cavendish has withdrawn from the race. Cavendish has endured a tough day at the back of the peloton, and after supporting the likes of Froome and Wiggins at the Giro and Le Tour de France respectively, is cooked. The British speedster will now enjoy a well earned rest after a hard season.
10:48pm
zacbrygel said | 10:48pm | Report comment
A full list of the chasing group is here for you: Steve Cummings (Britain), Juan Antonio Flecha (Spain), Rinaldo Nocentini (Italy), Gianni Meersman (Belgium), Michael Matthews (Australia), Maxime Bouet (France), Michael Schar (SwitzerlandI), Femi Beppu (Japan) and Jakob Fuglsang (Denmark).
10:46pm
zacbrygel said | 10:46pm | Report comment
Only minutes ago, a 9 man chasing group has emerged from the peloton. The group includes Stage 13 winner of this year’s Vuelta, Brit Steve Cummings as well as Australia’s very own Michael Mathews. Mathews is only 22 years old, and has a strong future in front of him, as evidenced by his 2010 victory in the U23 World Championships Road Race, and the sprinters classification at this year’s Tour of Utah. Could this move of Mathews be to support Gerrans when Gerrans makes an attack later in the race?
10:40pm
zacbrygel said | 10:40pm | Report comment
A full list of the breakaway can be viewed here: Pablo Lastras (Spain), Dario Cataldo (Italy), Timothy Duggan and Alex Howes (both USA), Jerome Coppel (France), Winner Anacona (Colombia), Luka Mezgec (Slovenia), Vladimir Isaichev (Russia), Vitaliy Buts and Fabricio Ferrari (both Ukraine), and Gatis Smukulis (Latvia).
10:38pm
zacbrygel said | 10:38pm | Report comment
After many unsuccesful breakaway attempts the current leading group was finally established 45km into the stage, with 11 riders currently leading the race. Strong riders in the group include Italian National Time trial champion and Stage 16 winner of this year’s Vuelta Dario Cataldo, as well as 5th placer in the 2010 Criterium du Dauphine, Frenchman Jerome Coppel.
10:27pm
zacbrygel said | 10:27pm | Report comment
Hello everyone and welcome to live coverage of the 2012 Men’s Road Race World Championships! It is set to be an unbelievable race, with Simon Gerrans of Australia looking to take the victory for Australia. All comment’s questions and opinions are greatly welcomed. Please ask whatever you may wish!