Cycling: It's already the third day in Rio and the German Olympians are still waiting for their first medal. It should be on Wednesday at the latest, because that's when the road cyclists will fight against the clock. With Tony Martin, the BDR has a very hot iron in the Olympic fire and the Swiss Fabian Cancellara hopes for another gold to say goodbye.
Sharp criticism of the route of the road race
The exciting Saturday street race must first be digested in the cycling world before the time trial can be eagerly awaited. Greg Van Avermaet (Belgium) won the gold medal ahead of Jakob Fuglsang (Denmark) and Rafal Majka (Poland) in a gripping fight. But at times this great success took a back seat, as it was both the men's race and the competition of women serious falls occurred. Fortunately, Annemiek Van Vleuten (Netherlands) only suffered a concussion and fractures in the lumbar spine in the women's race. It turned out to be a lot worse than it actually was. In the men's race, three well-known pilots also had to retire: Vincenzo Nibali (Italy) broke his collarbone twice, Sergio Henao (Colombia) suffered a fracture of the iliac crest and a bruised chest and Richie Porte (Australia) broke his right Shoulder blade. Quite a few blamed the promoters and organizers for the many falls. The route was not technically demanding, just dangerous.
Not the best profile for Tony Martin & Fabian Cancellara – how fit is Dumoulin?
The route of the individual time trial on Wednesday in Rio over 54,56 km should be less dangerous. Much less demanding but not what Tony Martin (Germany) and Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) shouldn't be happy. Although the two time trial specialists belong to the extended circle of favorites - which would otherwise be incomprehensible given three world championship titles for Tony Martin and even four for Fabian Cancellara - but hardly any experts have them at the top of the list. The course is too difficult for classic scooters. In contrast to our German-speaking gentlemen, this is convenient for our female medal hope Lisa Brennauer (Germany). The 2014 time trial world champion will be one of the favorites in the women's time trial, which will also take place on Wednesday. From the Saturday street race In any case, you can hardly take any insights with you. Tony Martin got out after about 120 km. On the other hand, I only wanted to hold out for about ten kilometers Tom Dumoulin (Netherlands). This year's winner of two Tour de France stages broke his wrist on the 19th stage. Only he himself knows how fit he will be at the start on Wednesday. One thing is clear: if he is in full possession of his strength, then he will be one of the very hot gold candidates. It gets uphill well and can just as easily let it roll.
Does Froome imitate Wiggins?
Next to Tony Martin will Simon Geschke start for the BDR. He has already presented himself in good form in the road race, but he is hardly capable of a medal. Fabian Cancellara is a solo starter for Switzerland as well Georg preidler for the Austrians. In any case, one can hope for good placements among the German-speaking participants. After the fall of Richie Porte is now also Rohan Dennis (Australia) the only starter for his country. But he is given excellent chances of winning. The reigning Australian Time Trial Champion has steadily improved on the mountain in recent years and will be able to turn that into a good time on Wednesday. Just as likely as the reigning time trial world champion Vasil Kiriyenka (Belarus). Team Sky's Chris Froome's precious helper is known as the locomotive of the field. This is due to his excellent time trial skills, with which he always seems able to push a tremendously high pace for miles. However, his team captain, who will be his opponent for a few kilometers, is still considered a big favourite: Chris Froome (Great Britain)! Although the Tour winner revealed his weaknesses for the first time in the road race on Saturday, it can be assumed that he will be right on target again. Four years ago in London he already won bronze. Bradley Wiggins triumphed. Incidentally, Wiggins is also British, rode for Team Sky and also won the Tour de France the same year before. A good omen for Froome?
