The past two weeks have featured several major races in Northern Italy. Milan San Remo is one of the biggest single day classics on the pro racer's calendar. What makes the race unique is the distance. Milan San Remo is the longest race of the season at 298 km. The Pogio and Cipressa are well known climbs that come near the finish of the race. Even though these hills are given special reverence, they rarely make a substantial difference in the outcome of the race.
This year was somewhat different. There was a crash near the base of the Cipressa that caught out the eventual winner, Arnaud Demare, the first Frenchman to win La Classicissima in 21 years. The issue at hand is the question: Did he, or Didn't he? There is a controversy surrounding how Demare was able to reconnect with the lead group after being caught behind the crash on the Cipressa. His race data suggests that Demare recorded the fastest time up the Cipressa. Sprinters aren't known for their hill climbing capabilities. They are known for occasionally getting a favorable tow up a hill by their team car. We may never know the truth. Unfortunately, this could leave a dark shadow over Demare's victory.
This week's challenge salutes the first of the Spring Classic Monuments with a matchup that features Washington Barbera taking on Piemonte.
2013 Hard Row to Hoe Barbera vs. 2013 Etorre Germano Barbera d'Alba
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Thursday, March 10, 2016
WA Mourvedre vs. Bandol
The South of France has some of the more appealing weather this time of year. That is reflected in the number of races happening in the Provence region in February. In the past few weeks the Tour de Mediterranean and Tour la Provence both took place.
For the most part these races are an opportunity for the seasoned pros to stretch their legs and test their fitness. The neo-pros seize these early season races as their chance to prove they are worthy of bigger contracts and possible team captain opportunities in the future.
The veterans ruled the day at both races with Thomas Voeckler taking the overall at the Tour la Provence, while Andriy Grivko claiming victory at the Mediterranean.
This week's challenge pits a Washington Mourvedre against Bandol.
2010 McCrea Cellars Mourvedre v. 2012 Domaine Sorin Mourvedre
For the most part these races are an opportunity for the seasoned pros to stretch their legs and test their fitness. The neo-pros seize these early season races as their chance to prove they are worthy of bigger contracts and possible team captain opportunities in the future.
The veterans ruled the day at both races with Thomas Voeckler taking the overall at the Tour la Provence, while Andriy Grivko claiming victory at the Mediterranean.
This week's challenge pits a Washington Mourvedre against Bandol.
2010 McCrea Cellars Mourvedre v. 2012 Domaine Sorin Mourvedre
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