The past few weeks have been filled with races known as the Spring Classics in cycling. They are generally very long one day races that take a lot of skill, a lot of courage and a little bit of insanity. They tend to be in gross spring weather ranging from pouring rain to sleet and snow, although this year was warm and sunny. Still, the dirt is unavoidable as you can see above with this post Paris-Roubaix example.
One reason that these races are great, besides the dirt and warzone-shell shocked feel that all of the riders seem to finish with (if they finish), is that you never really know what's going to happen. It's only one day and everyone wants to win. Teams still have their team leaders and all but there is no strategizing for position in the general classification like stage races, because it all comes down to the one day, the one finish line, the one result! It's pretty exciting to see them all put it on the line. I'm fairly new to following the Classics of cycling as they are called, but I'm all in and loving every minute of it.
We've just finished the cobbled classics (truly brutal) and next week begin the Ardennes classics which tend to be made for the lighter weight riders and hill climbers who can't take the pounding on the pavé. We'll see who decides to show his hand this week as we shift gears. The brothers Schleck perhaps? I can't wait!
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