Fotoreporter Sirotti
As we get set to begin the Spring Classics with Saturday’s running of the 102nd Milan-San Remo, it’s the perfect time examine some of the important questions facing the major riders and teams during this year’s spring campaign. As each question is posted, feel free to share your opinions, insights, and predictions as comments—your commentary and spirited dialogue is always appreciated.
2. Are there too many cooks to stir the pot at Garmin-Cervelo?
Thor Hushovd, Heinrich Haussler, and Tyler Farrar give Garmin-Cervélo the most talented core of riders any team has to offer from Milan-San Remo to Paris-Roubaix. But while Garmin’s riches should reap tremendous rewards for the team and its sponsors, one must pity the poor DS tasked with assigning these men roles in races all three have a realistic shot at winning.
Of the trio, Farrar might end up being the odd-man out—especially if Haussler’s crash in Paris-Nice proves to be nothing more than a hiccup. Anyone who saw Hushovd leading-out the American during Stages 2 and 3 of Tirreno knows the World Champion’s at the top of his game. And Haussler—if he’s truly regained his form from 2009—has the power and explosivity to contend on the steeper bergs of Flanders.
Were I calling the shots, Thor would bookend the campaign as captain for Milan-San Remo and Roubaix, with Farrar the man for Ghent-Wevelgem, and Haussler (who I still think is a week or two away from peak fitness) the kopman for Flanders. With a strong and experienced team including Andreas Klier, Roger Hammond, David Millar, and Johan Van Summeren, this is easily the deepest roster of the spring. If the team’s big three can ride with cohesion and chemistry, anything is possible.
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