Sky is falling?

   In an earlier posting I discussed the success of Sky Pro Cycling and how other teams might be able to combat their seemingly unbeatable strategy during stage races. Some cracks appeared in their armor during Tirreno-Adriatico, when the team struggled to cope with some extreme conditions. Similarly, the harsh European “spring” weather and the tough terrain covered by the classic races have contributed to the British team’s disappointing results.

   Sky’s training in the past has mostly focused on the major tours, and because of the team’s past failures in the classics, management implemented a training program intended to help their squad challenge for some wins. However, Sky cyclists have come up empty so far, and I see several reasons for their problems.

 

 

   With riders like Geraint Thomas (photo above), Edvald Boasson Hagen, Bernhard Eisel and Ian Stannard all capable of pulling off a big classic win, perhaps Sky has too many leaders. Their usual plan is focused on one man, such as Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France, or recently Richie Porte in Paris-Nice, and throwing all of their support behind him. I think sometimes when a team has too many options, they are a bit indecisive, whether it is making an attack or responding to another rider’s move.

   Stage racing is completely different from one-day racing in that strategy among the heavy hitters is generally conservative. There are a few elite stage racers that have the climbing ability and time trialing prowess to compete for victory. These cyclists hesitate to waste energy putting in big attacks, preferring to hang with the favorites until the late part of a stage. Sky’s method of sitting on the front and controlling the pace is made for stage racing.

   The up and down terrain of the classic races, with repeated short, steep hills, just doesn’t fit in well with Sky’s strategy of hammering at the front at a constant wattage. The route profiles of cycling’s “Monuments” require short bursts of effort and (hopefully) recovery, and it seems Sky just hasn’t perfected their training to this aspect.

   Finally, one day races are an “all or nothing” event – there is no making up time the next day. Attacks come early and often, and there are just too many talented riders to mark. Someone is eventually going to slip away, and Sky can’t possibly pull back every move. Many of the other teams are built for these races, have had results in the past, and Sky is relatively new to the game, only being in their fourth year of existence.

   I have to admit that, because I read CycleSport magazine and watch British EuroSport’s race coverage, which are both very G.B.-biased, that I sometimes find myself rooting against Sky, but I respect their talent, and I know they will eventually figure out the right method for success in the classics. They have shown a great ability to adapt, and a bit more experience dealing with these difficult races will certainly help.

 

Sky missed out on Sunday’s Amstel Gold race as well; winner Roman Kreuziger is joined on the podium by second-place finisher Alejandro Valverde (left) and Simon Gerrans, who claimed third.