Eroica

A decidedly un-Italian podium for Italy's answer to Paris-Roubaix. A Swede, a German, and a Swiss dude on the podium: Lovkvist, Wegmann, and Elmiger. The top Italian was Visconti in 6th. The top Canuck was Hesjedal in 10th place, same as last year. Results, report, and photos here.

Watch the finish here:




The Top 30:

Lovkvist 350
Wegmann 300
Elmiger 275
Boasson Hagen 250
Gerdemann 225
Visconti 200
Velits 175
A. Schleck 150
Lloyd 125
Hesjedal 110
Bennati 100
Ivanov 95
Konovalovas 90
Hammond 85
Chiarini 80
Gatto 75
Righi 70
Rollin 65
Belletti 60
Breschel 55
Giordani 50
Maaskant 45
Eisel 40
Cavendish 35
Longo Borghini 30
Failli 25
Mazzanti 20
Grivko 15
Bernucci 10
Caccia 5


Rick Y was the day's big winner, with 545 points. He submitted a team a couple of days after the deadline and I decided to accept it. But he did not get credit for Hushovd's opening day win. Good thing too, as he'd probably be in the lead by now, no doubt generating all kinds of griping. Instead, he moves up from the bottom third of the standings and into third place overall. Bill took second on the day with 380 points, while RRR'ers Kevin and Mike tied for third with 340. There was no shortage of poor performances in the FGBC Classics Pool. Seven teams finished with fewer than 50 points. But none were as bad as me. My team accumulated a grand total of zero points. Paddy still holds the overall lead despite a 5 point performance. But Donna has closed the gap. She now sits just 75 points back of the lead. Beyond the podium steps, it's all very close. Seven teams separated by less than 150 points. Dallas has slipped back into the cellar, but Naomi is still lingering around down there as well. The race for the lanterne rouge is shaping up to be a fierce one.

We have to wait two weeks for the next race. But it's a big one. The first monument of the season: Milan - San Remo. Remember, extra points are at stake for this one. There should be a big shakeup in the standings. In the mean time, enjoy some interesting early season racing at Paris-Nice, where some dude named Contador is seemingly trying to make a statement.

Eroica Results:

Rick 545
Bill 380
Kevin 340
Mike 340
Adam 335
Andy 310
Ian 305
Rachel 200
Brad 155
Matt 150
Vic 150
Craig 150
Jonny M 150
Donna 150
Chris A 135
Hal 115
Jonny G 110
Naomi 95
David 40
Luke 20
Chris O 10
Dallas 5
Paddy 5
Darryl 5
Chris H 0


Overall Standings:

Paddy 1345
Donna 1270
Rick 1255
Mike 1185
Kevin 1135
Ian 1100
Vic 1080
David 1075
Andy 1065
Hal 1065
Chris A 1040
Matt 985
Adam 970
Bill 965
Rachel 935
Jonny M 930
Craig 845
Chris O 830
Darryl 755
Brad 750
Chris H 735
Luke 690
Jonny G 590
Naomi 325
Dallas 315