European Road Race Championships 2024 WE Preview

 Worlds is nigh.


Profile from procyclingstats.com

Fairly long with some lumps, bumps, and cobbles in the middle. I see two scenarios playing out, either 1) a strong break of ~10 riders gets away somewhere with 80 to 60 km to go and stays away or 2) a team with depth and strength (I'm looking at Italy and the Netherlands, especially) bosses things most of the way to set up the finale for their sprinter.

Contenders

LORENA WIEBES -- No wins in the Tour, comes here looking to change that ahead of Worlds. Has a great team for a bunch sprint finish but can also win from the break, although she won't get any help there.

ELISA BALSAMO -- Also a big favorite,  since she can also win from the break or a sprint, but does the Italian team have to many cards to play with Consonni and Guazzini especially in the fold?

LIANE LIPPERT -- The finale is likely too flat to compete with the pure sprinters, but her form is great recently, and she can win from a break.

DARIA PIKULIK -- Poland brings a strong team, and the profile is a good fit

SANDRA ALONSO -- See above

BLANKA VAS -- Has the ability to win, but lack of teammates is an issue.

EMMA NORSGAARD -- Hasn't been a great season in terms of wins, and I don't see that changing here despite the strength of the Danish roster.


Prediction

Lorena Wiebes in a reduced sprint of ~15 riders. Vas and Balsamo for the minor places on the podium

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