U23 Road Race World Championship 2013 – Mohoric Takes the Title

The much debated percorso has me in two minds – there’s a part of me which says that it’s not as tough as I’d thought it would be – but the other part says; ‘but what about after ten times!’

I walked down the Salviati today and it’s a stinker, no question, but not that long.

I also walked down around 60% of the Fiesole, all of which is just a drag; albeit I think it kicks up steeper beyond where I descended from.

The descent off the Fiesole leads straight into the Salviati but it’s fast all the way off there to the line with just one ‘bump.’

But maybe it’s too fast for an organised chase?

The weather will play a big part, the tarmac is silky smooth, the sort of surface that Edinburgh cyclists and drivers dream about – but if it rains it could well be lethal.

This is the final drop to flat, non-technical and fast run in to the finish line.

Whilst this is further up – these bends were taken at warp speed today, to do so in the rain would be tempting providence.

There are zebra crossings, white lines, drain covers and some tricky turns.

The finish is really fast and dead straight, if they take a sprinter to the last 1,500 then he’ll win – unless someone does an Oscar Freire and disappears up the road as the ‘Bigs’ look at each other.

The circuit isn’t scenic, there’s the odd nice old building but in general it’s bland, running past apartment blocks and high walls.

But there are nice views of the famous Duomo off the Salviati descent.

The early break – which went on the 57 K run in to Florence – had a big lead when they entered the circuit but when the gas went on in the last few laps they were swallowed and spat out in a trice.

The laddies from far flung place like Morocco, Mexico and Algeria are no longer a joke though – holding their places in the peloton ‘til late in the day.

But good to see that ‘auld boys with whistles’ still hold sway at the Worlds, just like in West Flanders and Freuchie.

The Belgian fans are here in force for Gilbert – the red, yellow and black team plan is to attack the race hard, early to shed the fast men and set it up for ‘Phil’ to bolt on the Salviati, last time up.

But that sounds just like the Italian plan . . .

There were some big names shelled today, U23 TT winner Damien Howson, Australia finished 50th @ 2:42 on Mohoric.

It’s only a percorso for ‘power’ riders if you’re a skinny devil – gravity will eventually take a toll on ‘big boned’ riders.

The big Belgian favourite Jasper Stuyven lost out too – 25th @ 1:14 on the lanky Slovenian.

Stuyven has enjoyed a good season and recently signed for Trek – the new incarnation of ‘Lay-o-pahrd.’

But it has to said that the Salviati is a beast of a thing – very steep, looking steeper than the 16% they quote in the race guide.

There are no pavements; the road runs straight in to high stone walls on both sides with some riders almost riding in to the walls as the wrestled with their machines.

The USA’s Gavin Mannion managed to look comfy; as did GB’s Adam Yates who ended the day in 19th spot with bruv Simon two placings to the good.

But there were some horrible sights to behold as riders zigzagged and tried to pull their handlebars out by the roots.

As a track and chrono man respectively, Owain Doull and Joe Perret just weren’t the boys for this kind of savage percorso.

Young Mohoric was a worthy winner, showing descending skills which many hardened pros would be proud of and displaying great grinta.

Louis Meintjes silver underlines that cycling in Africa isn’t a joke anymore – almost getting across to the Slovenian and giving MTN-Qhubeka another great result.

With Milano-Sanremo courtesy of Ciolek and a whole raft of top performances to their name the African team has been one of the pleasant surprises of this season.

And another sterling result for the Dark Continent with Kudus Ghebremedhin of Eritrea in 15th spot – and no prizes for guessing the happiest pits at the end of today.

Juniors and ladies, tomorrow – maybe I won’t walk so far this time though…

Result - U23 Road Race World Championship 2013