Early season boredom

Most races leading up to the Milan - San Remo and the rest of the classics seem to be sprinters races. Podium places are full of Cavendish, Boonen and most recently Pettachi.

There should be a few more races that can present opportunities for the breakaway specialists and climbers. Even Allan Davis who took the Tour Down Under is actually a sprinter.

The race organisers should throw in a 5 – 8 km climb near the end of a few of these races – if possible. Qatar could build a monstrous ramp that could emulate an Alpine climb.

So while the likes of Cav and Tomeke add to their list of wins, it is up to the superior stage riders to hone their form. Patiently, they wait in the bunch knowing their turn will come.

What the classics and stage riders bring with them is emotion and stories. At the moment it is just a one liner – “So and so sprinter won.” But cycling is all about patience. And the foreplay to a great season has just begun.

Vive le cycling!