| |
|
|
| |
Rabobank 7-Dorpenomloop Aalburg
(Marianne Vos Classic)
Preview |
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Rabobank 7-Dorpenomloop
Aalburg or as the race is now calling itself the Marianne Vos
Classic has only had three different winners in seven
editions. As name suggests the race has been dominated by Vos
who has won the race five times including last year.
2013 Review
Vos took her fifth win from a select group of 6 riders ahead
of Lisebet De Vocht and Emma Johansson. Amy Pieters, Lauren
Kitchen and Loes Gunnewijk were the other three members of the
group.
The Route
The race is completely flat. While on paper the flat roads are
perfect for the sprinters, the wide open roads and strong
winds usually see the peloton split to pieces.
Riders will complete three laps of a 28.5km circuit before
three laps of a shorter 11.3km finishing circuit.
The Contenders
Start List available
here
Marianne Vos
It is her race not just in name, having won here five times.
While not a rider you would describe as a pure sprinter often
outsprints them. Comes in with good form having won the final
three stages of The Women's Tour. Her strong Rabo Liv squad is
likely to make use of the strong winds to split the race.
Anna van der Breggen
At her best when the roads start to climb but is always close
to the mark regardless. Three wins this year - Dwars door de
Westhoek and a solo stage and the overall at Festival
Luxembourgeois Elsy Jacobs. Part of a strong Rabo Liv squad
and is one of many options for the team.
Lucy Garner
Still just 19 but is continuing her rise to become one of the
sports top sprinters. Two time junior World Champion. Four
podiums this year including 2nd at Molecaten Drentse 8 and 3rd
on the 4th stage of The Women's Tour. If Garner survives the
race and is there at the finish will be a real danger.
Emma Johansson
If Johansson is in a race there is a very strong chance she
will be on the podium. Finished third last year and is more
than capable of improving on that. Has a very strong finish,
and took the first stage of The Women's Tour where she beat
Vos in the sprint. Backer by her very strong Orica-AIS team.
If Edmondson is feeling good may support her. Put in a strong
display yesterday at the Boels Rental Hills Classic riding
away from van Dijk and Pieters on the final climb. This course
is not as suited but still expect her to be up there.
Loes Gunnewijk
Orica-AIS's road captain and one of the most experienced
riders in the peloton. Always performs well in the Netherlands
and expect her to again here. Made the front group last year
and helped Johansson to third. Expect her to play a team role
again but don't be surprised to see her up the road several
times.
Nettie Edmondson
Announced herself last year on the road taking a stage and the
overall at the Tour of Chongming Island beating names that
included Bronzini and Garner. Packs a very quick finish in a
sprint. Had an extended break after the track season and may
not yet be at her best. Comes in from a team training camp and
if is there at the finish a very strong podium chance.
Nina Kessler
Best result of the year was 3rd (2nd in the bunch sprint
behind Wild) at Ronde van Overijssel in mid May. 4th on a
stage and 11th overall at the Tour of Chongming Island. With
Lizzie Armitstead not racing presents an opportunity.
Janneke Ensing
Only six race days in her legs this year but in a select group
Ensing might surprise. 2nd at Novilo Eurocup and 6th
Gent-Wevelgem earlier this year. With Boels-Dolmans without a
sprinter in this race an opportunity for herself might arise.
Vera Koedooder
Koedooder is a breakaway specialist and it normally earns her
a few wins a year. Took a strong solo stage and 2nd overall at
the Energiewacht Tour in early April. Without a sprinter
expect her to race in her usual aggressive style. If she gets
away solo or in a small group will be hard to get back.
Other names to watch: Sara Mustonen, Iris Slappendel, Kim de
Baat, Mascha Pijnenborg, Jo Hogan, Gracie Elvin and Susanna
Zorzi. |
|
|
|