2011 Paris - Roubaix pt 2 of 2

[@keeferdunn6855]

Thanks for uploading all of these races. It really is getting me through being stuck at home during covid quarantine and without spring classics to watch! A bright spot and welcome distraction in troubling times. ✊

[@Umb2132]

Great race and the commentary by Liggett/Sherwen is top-notch. The race is so memorable for its heroes, Fabian and Vansummeren, but also the antagonists, Hushovd and Ballan, whose cowardice riding made Fabian's performance appear even more special in the end. Thanks for the upload.

[@stixol]

PolitiskTeoriFan You should read one way ticket by Johnathan Vaughters it explains all about what happened with Hushovd, he wasn’t aloud ride that day, team orders. Very interesting to find out what goes on behind the scenes.

[@Umb2132]

@@stixol Sounds interesting. I am not saying that Garmin rode a stupid race, fwiw. But they must have really trusted Vansummeren to be the strongest in the breakaway, if it is true that Hushovd was not allowed to help Cancellara join the break when they were within seconds. Needless to say, the only way they could win that race was by riding against Cancellara, so even if their strategy was slightly cowardice (tbh Ballan was worse), I understand them.

[@sandrost4243]

@@stixol That book was excellent, probably my second favorite cycling book behind Tyler Hamilton’s book. The bit about this race was fascinating.

[@sandrost4243]

According to Jonathon Vaughters, Van Summeren rode into the velodrome with a flat and had to finish his laps on the flat. Pretty amazing win. Credit to JV for not allowing Hushovd to work with Cancellara, thereby keeping Fabian back enough working hard and expending energy while Van Summeren got the win. I know some feel Thor was dishonorable but the fact is Cancellara is a powerhouse and letting Thor help work with him would have helped Cancellara way too much and decreased the chances for both Thor and Van Summeren. Kasparov said it well, tactics without strategy is the sound before the fall. JV’s strategy paid off.