Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

Liege Bastongne Liege closes out the 2009 Spring Classics. The lightweight climber types will look to avenge the spanking delt by veteran Davide Rebellin at Fleche Wallone. Liege does not finish with a long steep climb like Amstel and Fleche so the finish is not as critical. The key will be to whittle down the lead group on the numerous climbs leading into Liege. Sprinters such as Valverde and Cunego will have an upper hand if they make it through with a lead group. Here is last year’s finish with Valverde taking the win.

Michele Bartoli’s win in 1997 as he outlasts Jalabert.

Alll of the favorites together for the final kick up the Mur de Huy. Cadel Evans does the pace making at the bottom to string out the peloton and Davide Rebellin powers up for the win. Great win by a veteran rider who was almost written off into retirement.

Tom Boonen was the King of the Hell of the North this year again. Tornado Tom earned the victory this year by powering into the Roubaix velodrome on his own. The decisive moment came at Carrefour de l’arbre when Boonen made a move with Thor Hushovd. Hushovd crashed into a corner which gave Boonen a 10 second gap over a chasing Pozzato. Pozzato could not narrow the gap and came in at around 47 seconds.

Juan Antiono Flecha’s crash which took Hoste and Van Summeran out of contention.

Highlights and crashes:

Here is an extended video of the ride through the Arenberg Forest one of the toughest sections of cobbles.

Final Km of Paris Roubaix