Boonen appears to have overcome whatever was affecting him at the Tour. He rode an impressive prologue yesterday and easily won today's 1st stage bunch sprint.

Tommy B., what can you say. I hope he can keep his form until the worlds... He's a hell of a rider. I love watching him in the classics.

People will give him hell for quitting le tour, but who cares? Some big wins in the classics and now on form leading up to the worlds. It'll be an exciting time in Salzburg since it's hard to beat somebody that strong.

It'll be an exciting time in Salzburg since it's hard to beat somebody that strong.

I've gathered the impression that the Austrian course might be too much for a rider as big as Boonen?

I've gathered the impression that the Austrian course might be too much for a rider as big as Boonen?

From the reports so far it seems like a race of attrition. Constant hills/turns etc. which will wear out the bigger guys. Probably suit a rider like Freire more, maybe Zabel for 2nd.:D

As for Boonen, does anyone think he has a chance at the overall? He can pick up stage wins and time bonuses, and none of the TTs are too long. Maybe not 1st, but I bet he will be top 5.

Stage 7 is the L-B-L type course, right? I guess see who's in the top after the TT and then who can hang in the right group on that final day, should make for exciting racing.

Silas

"yeah, uh, I wasn't even TRYING to win," said Boonen sheepishly at the finish. "I mean, this race is a big deal for some people, I thought I should spread the wealth a bit, but, seriously, Simone Cadamuro? Who's that? I couldn't slow down THAT much, everyone would've noticed."

Yeah, seriously. He hasn't "recovered form", he's as fit as he was at the Tour. The difference is the (lack of) competition.

Boonen appears to have overcome whatever was affecting him at the Tour. He rode an impressive prologue yesterday and easily won today's 1st stage bunch sprint.

Was Robbie there??????????????????????????????

Speaking of the Worlds, I'm rooting for Paolo Bettini. That is all.

I'll second that. El Grillo for World Champion.

Did anyone watch today's ENECO stage 2? The last 20km or so ROCKED!!! The cycling.tv commentator couldn't stop gushing about how exciting today's stage was, and I totally agree.

Did anyone watch today's ENECO stage 2? The last 20km or so ROCKED!!! The cycling.tv commentator couldn't stop gushing about how exciting today's stage was, and I totally agree.

Yes, there is nothing better than a race being split in the crosswinds.

That was odd that Boonen didn't even contest the finish, and then acted pissed when he found out he had kept the leader's jersey.

Yes, there is nothing better than a race being split in the crosswinds.


Too bad yesterday the wind was nowhere when the peloton went over the "Afsluitdijk", 20 miles long sea to the left and former sea to the right. :(

Yes, there is nothing better than a race being split in the crosswinds.

That was odd that Boonen didn't even contest the finish, and then acted pissed when he found out he had kept the leader's jersey.

I missed the crashes on eurosport TV.