QuickStep seems to have the Classics pretty much dialed. Once again they put on a clininc of how to race as a team. Then again tactics don’t really mean much unless you have the horsepower to pull it off. Tactics aside I was staring slack jawed when Stijn bridged up to the break and again when he attacked the break and went away for good on the Grammont. You could almost hear the pop when Quinziato (Liquigas) cracked and the gap really exploded. I feel for you brother, that looked painful.

Boonen looked good and as predicted was marked like Asian card counter in Vegas. I don’t think Pozatto saw anything but Tom’s wheel the entire race. I gotta think Boonen will be tough to beat, marked or otherwise next weekend. I don’t think the other teams will give Chavanel much rope next weekend either. I always thought he got a lot of hype for no real reason other than he is French and doesn’t suck, but his ride yesterday has made a believer out of me.

What did I tell you about Maaskant? He is turning from a dark horse to a legit favorite very quickly. Too bad Friedman was not there to give him some support in the final. Julien Dean was riding well but had some sort of bike problems on the Koppenberg and lost the front group. The burrito boys will be ready for Roubaix for sure.

Here in the 801 we had our own version of a northern Classic. The Wolfe was there in the follow vehicle to get some pics and write his toughts on the Masters race. Check it HERE:

Blaze also made a rare stateside appearance. Even more rare, he managed to stay sober long enough to write a race report.

Today, in preparations for Roubaix, I ride Heck of the North in Salt Lake City next to airport and farms. I request not to be on Flanders team so I could further prepare for next weekend’s race in France. I leave my passport, id and pro license behind so a gentleman by the name of Dirk make me ride in citizens class. Does he not know of Blaze? I can not cross street in Belgium or Holland without fans swarm me or women undress for me. I ride with some boys that will some day be strong man like myself – Blaze. I make decision to wear gloves and long sleeves and even some silly leg warmers in the rain and snow. This is first for Blaze but I not want to catch fever before my date with the pave. I fill bottle with hot chocolate for me hour of soft pedal. No stones to pedal over but some maneur free dirt makes for a pleasant experience. Very nice. I let up after lap 4 to let local boys win race. Blaze need not flex today. So long 801. I take red eye tomorrow for Paris. I see you soon. Thank you Reverend for let me sleep in your back yard. Rijd sterk!
 
-BLAZE

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