heywoodu

Wow, that's early. Such a massive talent early on..

Apologies if this was already known, but in case it wasn't: there won't be 1 'opening ceremony' There will be 4 (or 5) separate ones on the venues, which on TV will be made to look like one. So not really a Parade of Nations and such, just 4-5 shows which are merged into one. Not really a big deal for the average viewer, but very sad for many athletes who this way won't really get to experience the real Olympic opening ceremony vibes

That time of Kok is definitely the highlight of the pre-season so far, that is just insane. Over 5 seconds faster than her previous PB.

And his temper, honestly. Keeping his head cool could have saved him so much energy, but he's a ball of rage (which is both a strength and a weakness).

I'm sure it very much depends on the country, but in and you do not at all need to worry, all 266km on public TV (although I'm watching on HBO/Eurosport, because I prefer the Dutch/Belgian commentary duo there) Same for the big monuments btw, especially the ones in spring, which are often considered a higher priority than the world championships.

Artem Nych, the next sudden 'phenom' from the Portuguese circuit (where we often see riders sprinting up the climbs like madmen, and then end up being caught one day or another), is still there

Del Toro did his work for Pogacar, who is now going for a 77km solo to gold. Surprise surprise Edit: ah, he waits, might need Del Toro on the flat later.

Vine isn't going to chase after teammate Pogacar, unsurprisingly.

Does this come with any more, or just "it became known" and that's that?

That's it for the Mont de Kigali and the Mur de Kigali, as awesome as hoped, goosebumps. That lap in the lame area with embassy's, rich people's houses and a golf courses is gonna feel rather anticlimactic now.

100% UAE lead group of three Pogacar, Ayuso, Del Toro.

Ayuso and Pogacar together, of all duo's one could imagine

104k to go, Pogacar with a first try. Uijtdebroeks, Evenepoel, J Christen and a Spanish rider joining. Edit: Evenepoel not able to join.

Meanwhile they've left the usual lap and have gone to the part of Kigali where living is a lot less nice, but the atmosphere around cycling is truly amazing. Rows and rows and rows of people already towards Mont de Kigali, it's going to be mayhem on Mur de Kigali.

Wasn't really injured, until that Rwandese 'doctor' pulled him up by the shoulders rather forcibly.

Ah, nothing better than watching cycling with 5 beers in the stomach at 10.30am

Yep, one of many riders who isn't really feeling well. Hence the early attack, so at least he did something.

Dude, he got out after 45 minutes or so. What on earth are you eating for breakfast, an entire buffet? I nearly ate my breakfast while typing this post.

And that's a DNF for Alaphilippe. Got his moment of attention though, so he'll probably consider it a success

Ouch, flat for Madouas, right in the middle of the decisive part of the race with only 239km to go. Pidcock already in massive trouble as well.

Did the French team snort cocaine en masse at breakfast or what the fuck are they doing? Alaphilippe attacks with 250k to go, within 7km both Paret-Peintre and Seixas attack as well and drop Alaphilippe who seems to be done already with over 240k to go The fuck. This way we'll reach the finish with like 5 riders who don't record a DNF. Very typical Alaphillipe thing though: he clearly isn't well, so he does some crazy attack just to ensure he makes the broadcast, entirely in Voeckler style.

Red Walters going for a 264km solo!

Aaaand we're on the way, only 265km to go One of the nicest days of the year in cycling, also one of the days that go the fastest. Feels like it is so long to go and before you know it, we have a world champion.

And there it is, world champion and now equal with Valentino Rossi Only Giacomo Agostini has one more main world title, for now. Incredibly impressive comeback after years of injuries and a hundred crashes.

Meanwhile Marquez is on his way to get the world title today. He's got 6 GP's and 5 sprints (including today) and if Alex wins every single one of them, Marc needs a grand total of 19 points. Highly likely he'll get it today already, but if not, there is not a single doubt - nor has there been this entire year - about whether or not he will win the title.