Strade Bianchi was yesterday ( 5 march ) and the women’s race (Donne) was quite exciting. Many of the favorites were together in the lead pack close to the end of the race several strong attacks coming from as far out as 28 km. It was a classic race because it came down to the final hill and a great battle between two very strong riders.
The men’s race was possibly less exciting and a little more distressing due to big crash early on in the race. Julian Halifalib had a truly horrifying tumble and what she did a full flip in the air off of his bicycle, he managed to get back on and finish the race but I was quite surprised. Please move from today for Gacha for 55 minutes ago was brave and bold it made me think of Matthew Vander pol but then again Todd is the best cyclist in the world so if anyone can do it it would be him. I was very pleased to see Alejandro Valverde come in second he is a cyclist I think almost all fans convert four. I did find The men’s race less interesting because it wasn’t really in doubt who would win with 20+ kilometers ago. One notable finish in the top 10 would be a young American Quinn Simmons. I really struggle with Simmons while he is a strong writer and I like his aggressive style and I came to root for Americans in a sport where Americans are not generally present at the top levels, I really struggle with his political views. It was interesting to see Ukrainian flags and signs against the war in Ukraine during the race (which is set in Italy) and to see on the finish line a large signed it said #NOWAR.
In other observations today, I love the patterns, symbols and decorations that were added to older American cars , in this case an older American truck. I walked by this truck often and wonder about these embellishments, the first is harder to explain, the second is describing one bench seat behind another.
