Velochimp

Some in my local once thought that Ghent Wevelgem was some sort of Viking holiday. The response to the name was “ok let’s wear our viking helmets…”. Surpirsingly no Norwegian has ever won this race that takes the heartiness of a Viking to win. With only two climbs versus the 17 of Flanders, Ghent Wevelgem promised to be a sprinters duel. Team Milram looked all set to setup Petacchi for the win, but it was Pippo Pozzato that overturned the Milram cart. Pozzato launched an all out flying attack reminicent of his Milan San Remo flyer. Although the attack was launched from a farther distance, it staill had the same affect of denying Petacchi a victory. This time the winner was a very deserving THOR Husovd. Hushovd is gaining a reputation as a Petachhi killer as this is his second victory in a mano-a-mano sprint. THOR has more victories versus Petacchi that Boonen does this year.

As for Boonen, he was still feeling the effects of Sunday’s effort and decided to call today a training day. Better to save the strength for this Sunday when the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix call.

George Hincapie was in the mix for the final sprint finishing 5th just behind the gasping Pozzato. Can Hincapie convert his great form this year and finally win the coveted race?