MN Pro-Cycling Peloton - Spring Time Classics!! Starting with Milan-San Remo Sunday 23rd March

[PansBigChainring]

Resuming domestique duties ...we've raced away from the broom wagon that is a miserable winter and the dudes are up and racing on the Continent.

Milan-San Remo is first up with Cav looking to get his first race win of the season and with Petacchi and Renshawe in his lead out train (and one climb removed for safety reasons) this is where he could do it. It's live on Eurosport with highlights on Euro and Sky.

There are six other one-day classics before the Irish Giro in May, so rather than doing all the research, I'd commissioned the Beeb to do it for me!
So here is a nifty guide to all of them in one easy go

The Irish Giro may get a bit of pure local interest traffic, so I'd started a new thread just for that celebration of all that is green, lycra and on two thin wheels, here...The Irish Giro

Yes, Sylvian (leading from the front) Chavanel IS my alter ego after all! Though I have nooo idea what he is up to with IAM cycling now at all.

and did anyone notice, on bigger inspection, the national team colours on the seat post? Which means me and my bike are current British champs?

I didn't like to bring attention to it, of course you are dear

Aww! Which is cuter, Cav's baby or Pan's bike?

If you start a thread in Site Stuff about the rosa smiley we'll all back you up.

Anyone see the Tour of Turkey today? Fab, fab stage win for young British rider Adam Yates for OGE, and the leader's jersey by one second

Also, Chris Froome only a good time trial away from winning the Tour de Romandie.

By the way, did I mention that I am a Tourmaker?

smiley thread here

Wow! What does that involve How?

As yet, we do not know. I have applied to be both a Flag Waver and a Volunteer Supervisor. I fear this was a strategic error. I want to be standing on a traffic island waving a flag in the face of the oncoming pelaton. I suspect I shall end up with a clip board in a marquee miles away from the race. In a Asda-green tracksuit. We find out on 24 May....

Good luck with that! It's that dreaded phrase that volunteer co-ordinators use..." We've a really special job for you..."

It's for that very reason I and my DH didn't apply to be volunteers at the Giro here in NI next week.

I knew I would be down some side road directing traffic or something and miss the whole thing.

Instead we are planning 3 glorious days following the 3 stages.

Would love to come over to Yorkshire for the tour as well if anyone can advise on good locations etc

I actually don't mind what I do. I doubt we will see much of the actual race anyway with two small kids in tow. When DH is volunteering, I shall take the DDs to one of the spectator hubs. He is going to take them to the depart of Day 2 at the crack of dawn. It will be rammed wherever we go, and whilst we will follow the Tour when retired and see stages whenever we can, this will be the only time to play a part - however small or behind the scenes.

giro fever has started properly now here in NI
Today the teams all started arriving, and as Belfast is sooo small it was dead easy to roll up at the hotels for photos etc.
Friendliest were team Garmin Sharp who let my DC into their truck and shows them all the various bikes etc.

angelinterceptor that's so exciting, your lucky DC!

DH & I are heading to Belfast on Friday morning & we can't wait .

It's going to be a great weekend. I am allowing both DC the day off school for it.

Shame the weather doesn't look to be too good Thai week for practice and the time trial on Friday.

Good lord! This MN lead out train is all over the road! Some taking the line here against the barrier, some on the Giro thread in the middle of the road and some on the pinky thread battling with the MNHQ team! And with a show of brilliant and crazy bike dexterity some managing all three..

Sooo..shall we consign this thread to the broom wagon (though it's been a great classics season) and line up for the sprint to Belfast on the Giro thread? That can also serve for Tour of California (one week) stuff AND the Womens 5 -day Tour of East Anglia Britain. IF that's okay with this lengthening peloton?

angel - sounds wonderful and such an experience for the dcs. And chapeau to Garmin-Sharp too.