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Velogames Superclassico: The Wollongong Episode

The Velogames superclassico series goes on and the world championship race is category one race. It would be cruel not to have Velogames guide!

You can watch the race with us on Cycling.today or cyclingstream.com

WOUT VAN AERT	Belgium	32	The most versatile, all-rounder, accomplished rider we have ever seen is supported by the best team. What can really go wrong ? With his cyclo-cross background, he is the least likely to crash. Last year Remco ruined his chances by going solo, thus preventing him from contributing to any chase he was part of. Also, eyesbrows were raised when he was beaten in sprint by Pogacar. This shows that the sprint will not be the same after 270 km of racing. There is also the high likelihood that Pogacar will attack again and again on the steepest sections. WVA has nevertheless proven he can manage short climbs relatively easy and a nothing less than a podium is expected from him.
TADEJ POGACAR	Slovenia	32	His victory in a sprint against Wout tVan Aert in Montréal has raised his chance of victory by at least 10 fold. Indeed the 2 times Tour de France winner can attack on the steepest climbs, he can also go solo from anywhere and now he can also win sprints !
JULIAN ALAPHILIPPE	France	30	Lulu has had a nightmare of a second stint in Rainbow. His form on his return at the Vuelta was not one that will win him a third rainbow. While the profile perfectly suits his ability, his current form is unknown, the best he can do might actually be to force others to respond to his attacks, weakening the opponents and their teams. In doing so, the platform might be easier for his plethora of super talented teammates to try their chances and keep the jersey in the team
MATHIEU VAN DER POEL	Netherlands ??	30	His Rollercoaster season seems to be on the high again. After a brililant Giro where he attacked everyday, he was unrecognisable at the Tour before abandoning. His win last week shows that he has had plenty of rest and is a candidate for the title of world champion. While he is extremely well supported, his style of aggressive racing might not be the best way to tackle 266.9km of undulating terrain.
REMCO EVENEPOEL	Belgium ??	28	What will the little star do this time? Having just won the Vuelta, does he feel that he has proven himself enough this season to be at the service of Wout Van Aert. Remco is unpredictable and an early attempt for a long solo effort will happen at some point. With few teams that are well organised, he might just make it to the end but surely there will be someone like Pogacar or MVDP who will follow the wheels.
PETER SAGAN	Slovakia ??	24	Form is temporary, Class is permanent. This definitely does Not apply for the guy. Having abandoned both of last classics races in Canada, there is absolutely no chance for the three times world champion to even feature in the finale !
YVES LAMPAERT	Belgium ??	24	Belgium has enough character in their co-leaders to even allow Yves Lampaert to consider trying his luck.
JASPER STUYVEN	Belgium ??	24	The 2021 Milan San Remo winner’s performance and form in the Canadian classics has shown something. He is only here to lead out Wout Van Aert and Remco to the final section of the race. Nothing more.
MICHAEL MATTHEWS	Australia ??	22	The profile fits everything that smells like a blingo victory. It would be just too true to be real for him to be crowned world champion on home soil. The 266km is a tad too long for him. Should he survive them, it will depend on how many team-mates left he will have to respond to attack. Ben O’connor, Luke Platt and Jai Hindley might nust be enough. But then again, he will have to be the fastest in that sprint against Wout Van Aert and Biniam Girmay Top 15 : yes. Podium : possible. Win : Unlikely
FLORIAN SENECHAL	France ??	22	As much of a great season they both, they do not represent the best chances of an Alternative to Alaphilippe win. The pace at which VG the last 12 loops with the climbs will be taken will prove too hard in the end
CHRISTOPHE LAPORTE	France ??	20
ROMAIN BARDET	France ??	20	He looked very eager and sharp in Canada. Except for having to leave the Giro due to illness, he has looked the best of himself as we have ever seen him for years. He can also sprint making him France’s best options on paper
DAVIDE BALLERINI	Italy ??	20	It will take something very special from the Sprinter to be able to hold on to play his chances in a sprint
BAUKE MOLLEMA	Netherlands ??	20	The veteran knows exactly how to handle these type of races. Always in the mix, never out of the top 10. At 20 coins, he would he is an obvious choice for a rider that will certainly be in the top 10. All he needs to do is too watch out for these birds.
BENOIT COSNEFROY	France ??	20	There is a lot of hype around him, following his win in Quebec. His late addition to the French team increased the light on him. But no. Benoit Cosnefroy excels in punchy uphill finish not races that have 8km of descending terrain to a finish.
ZDENEK ŠTYBAR	Czech Republic ??	20	Not his type of terrain, he will be helping Jan Hirt as much as he can.
ETHAN HAYTER	Great Britain ??	20	It will quite an achievement if he manages to turn that horrible form we have seem at the Vuelta into something close to contention here.
MATTEO TRENTIN	Italy ??	20	He might have a good team around him and also won a stage with similar profile in Luxembourg last week. But that stage was 100km shorter and the field nothing like the one he will be facing. But he is one the many bullets that Team Italy possesses.
ALEXANDER KRISTOFF	Norway ??	20	Unless it rains, it makes absolutely no chance as to why the rejuvenated Norwegian should be considered. He will suffer badly. He is most probably only here to support Tobias Foss in achieving another memorable performance
JAKOB FUGLSANG	Denmark ??	20	His experience and ability to go under the radar before suddenly resurfacing make him one to consider here. But this is not Team Israel Premier tech, where he can count on the full support of his team. Even without Tour de France winner, Jonas Vingegaard and super hot 2019 world champion, Mads Pedersen, Team Denmark have some serious other options.
IVAN GARCIA CORTINA	Spain ??	18	In what looks like one the poorest Spanish team we have seen in years at World championship, The fact that Ivan Garcia Cortina has been allowed to race here by his relegation threatened Movistar team is a miracle in itself.
JOÃO ALMEIDA	Portugal ??	18	Bota Lume is in ascending form from the last week in Spain. As talented and exciting it is to watch him, putting 18 coins on a rider who has never proven himself in one day races might not be the wisest decision.
DYLAN VAN BAARLE	Netherlands ??	18	The Dutch are certainly not going to put all their money on Van der Poel. Having a Paris Roubaix winner is certainly another head to count on.
MAGNUS CORT	Denmark ??	18	While he is not a bad sprinter and definitely not a horrible climber,, the best moustache of the peloton has developed an affection for racing at the front of the race. He will try to be in the early breakaway or a second one from where he will resist as unlikely as his chances will be.
NAIRO QUINTANA	Colombia ??	18	We have not seen him since his controversial Tour de France good performance. It is difficult to assess the form of the man. It is better not having the man even if he performs rather than using 18coins on him and him flopping.
ANDREA BAGIOLI	Italy ??	16	He could be the surprise of the day. He has proven many times that he can still exists at the end of long hard days. Even if not in the fore more group. his sprint will guarantee him to have the better of whichever group he is in.
STEFAN KÜNG	Switzerland ??	16	The Swiss has taken his game to another level this season in one day classics. While he may never win a sprint, he certainly knows how to ride solo and even pace himself up climbs to keep contact
VALENTIN MADOUAS	France ??	16	He is having a fabulous season. After shining brightly in the spring classics, he was even more impressive in the support of Gaudu at the tour. The 2 stage wins he took in Luxembourg makes him a very serious contender for a podium. But he certainly will have to share the leadership duty with almost all members of his team and wait for his turn to try his thing.
MIKKEL FRØLICH HONORE	Denmark ??	16	With no Mads Pedersen to look after, he will have the freedom to ride his own race. But with some many riders capable of winning in his team, he will have to wait for his chance. His results in Canada (6th &11th) are nothing short of encouraging.
ALEXEY LUTSENKO	Kazakhstan ??	16	Do not be mistaken by his 8th overall place at the Tour. This was achieved by a ‘yo-yo Guillaume Martin’ method. But the kazakh has the talent to spike but it is not worth the risk.
ALBERTO BETTIOL	Italy ??	16	Always at the front of the action, he either delivers brilliantly with a top 10 finish or is completely out of the game. For 16 coins, there are less risky riders to look at.
HEINRICH HAUSSLER	Australia ??	14	Is only here as support.
WOUT POELS	Netherlands ??	14	Vuelta form and abandon suggest he is only here as a teammate
SERGIO HIGUITA	Colombia ??	14	He would usually enjoy this type of race, but his rather anonymous Vuelta suggest the form is not here.
JAKE STEWART	Great Britain ??	14	It will be very hard for him to stay with the very best and his team will prefer to bank on the likes of young Alfred or out of form Hayter.
BOB JUNGELS	Luxembourg ??	14	The Luxembourg man has been given a second career in cycling. He will be well protected by his team in the early part of the race so as ti save as much energy for him to be able to hold on as much as possible when things will get serious. An interesting top 10 contender
MARC SOLER	Spain ??	14	He is encompassing the definition of all-in in cycling. He will either win the day or be nowhere near it.
PAVEL SIVAKOV	France ??	14	He was in great shape prior to abandoning the Vuelta. This is his first race in the French team and he should be among the number on the dice France team will throw
LORENZO ROTA	Italy ??	14	Can this new look Italian prove they have definitely turn the page and give a rider from a not WT tour yet team chance ? His results in all one day races this season (nearly all top 15) makes him a perfect joker.
SIMON CLARKE	Australia ??	14	The 36 year old took a very impressive stage win at the Tour de France this season. But no one actually believes he can pull out something here.
LUKE DURBRIDGE	Australia ??	12	A dedicated team rider who will pull the peloton when called upon.
NIKIAS ARNDT	Germany ??	12	Not the best German chance
MICHAEL MØRKØV	Denmark ??	12	Not sure as to what his role is in this hilly profile or that trying getting into the break-away
STAN DEWULF	Belgium ??	12	As talented as he is, his chances of riding his own race is zero.
SVEN ERIK BYSTRØM	Norway ??	12	He will be riding and showing the shirt. But will be nowhere in the finale
RASMUS TILLER	Norway ??	12	He is more a cobblestone rider than a hilly rider
DARYL IMPEY	South Africa ??	12	Even he is having a resurgent career lately, this is way beyond his capabilities
NEILSON POWLESS	USA ??	12	His poor performance in Canada after a 3rd place in Maryland has not won him a lot of believers. As he alternates good and there is a 20 years old in his team that represents better value for money
CONNOR SWIFT	Great Britain ??	12	It will be surprising to see him allowed to ride his own race.
DUSAN RAJOVIC	Serbia	10	A breakaway potential
NICK SCHULTZ	Australia ??	10	After a promising Tour de France, he followed that with an 11th place in Maryland. His poor performance in Canada as he was working for Matthews should not be considered but he could again be at the service if Blingo.
FRED WRIGHT	Great Britain ??	10	What a debut season he is having. By the standard he set at the Tour and the Vuelta with a 5th place at the commonwealth. He represents Britian’s best chance.
JAI HINDLEY	Australia ??	10	Both are good climbers coming out of not so excellent/ not so bad Vuelta. Top 10 candidates. Really good options considering their price tag
BEN O’CONNOR	Australia ??	10
LUKE ROWE	Great Britain ??	10	He will be pulling the peloton when called upon
BEN SWIFT	Great Britain ??	10	Will try to go in his own or form a reduced group at some point.
TOBIAS FOSS	Norway ??	10	The new ITT champiom will be his country’s main man. With the form and confidence he has, 10 coins can prove to be an excellent investment as differential
NATHAN VAN HOOYDONCK	Belgium ??	8	On team duties
MATTEO SOBRERO	Italy	8	Only here as teammate
NELSON OLIVEIRA	Portugal ??	8	All for the Bota Lune
SCOTT MCGILL	USA ??	8	A good sprinter that has yet to be tested at this level
KEVIN GENIETS	Luxembourg ??	8	Will be helping Jungels
SIMON PELLAUD	Switzerland ??	8	On duty for kung and Schmidt
PIETER SERRY	Belgium ??	8	Will be pulling when asked to
JANNIK STEIMLE	Germany ??	8	Not Germany’s best chance by far
JUAN SEBASTIAN MOLANO	Colombia ??	8	Not sure as to why he made the trip
JAN POLANC	Slovenia ??	8	Will be Pogacar closest lieutenant
JHONATAN NARVAEZ	Ecuador ??	8	In the absence of Carapaz , he shoulders big responsibilities that he can take on.
BEN TULETT	Great Britain	8	There is a cheaper British Ben at 4 points.
SAMUELE BATTISTELLA	Italy ??	8	Another one of those Italian bingo numbers.
BINIAM GIRMAY	Eritrea ??	8	It can be an absolute tragedy not to have him on the team. At 8, he really does not cost much. But how will the 22 year old handle 267 km at an insane pace. He might handle it well but it all depends on the last climbs if attacked he will not be able to respond on his own and there will not be a lot of riders willing to help to bring him to a sprint. He however has quite a decent team to support him.
ANDERS SKAARSETH	Norway ??	8	Will be shielding Foss
QUINTEN HERMANS	Belgium ??	8	Could have had his chance if making his own name. Can Belgium be bold enough to gamble ? Not so sure after last year’s catastrophe and back lashing.
JAN HIRT	Czech Republic ??	8	The man who should not be under estimated. He has a nag of always being at the right place and at the right moment. His recent abandon at the Vuelta does not play into his favour as we dont know his form
EDUARDO SEPULVEDA	Argentina ??	8	The man is looking for a new team for next year and this is the best platform for him to show off. Expect nothing more than a lot of fruitless racing towards the front.
EDOARDO AFFINI	Italy ??	8	Another late fire crackers that the Italians will be hoping to set off.
YUKIYA ARASHIRO	Japan ??	6	There is not much that can be expected from the isolated rider
JAN MAAS	Netherlands ??	6	Will be working hard for his team to keep things under control for the leaders
VELJKO STOJNIC	Serbia ??	6	Will try to get into a breakaway
ROGER ADRIA	Spain ??	6	Breakaway candidate
JAN TRATNIK	Slovenia ??	6	There has been talk of him being allowed to ride his own race. In any case, he will be still present towards the finale and will be a good option in term of assist points
NICO DENZ	Germany ??	6	Not the best German to choose
ANDREAS LEKNESSUND	Norway ??	6	He is a decent climber with a good punch. His might alternate being helping Foss and trying his luck
MATTEO DAL-CIN	Canada ??	6	Nowhere near his early career form. Has abandoned all 3 of the north American classics races
GOTZON MARTIN	Spain ??	6	Not the best way to spend 6 points
STANISLAW ANIOLKOWSKI	Poland ??	6	He will need to be in super great shape to be in the main group from where he can sprint to a top 15
MICHAEL KUKRLE	Czech Republic ??	6	Better 6 coins options available
MACIEJ BODNAR	Poland ??	6
LUC WIRTGEN	Luxembourg ??	6
OIER LAZKANO	Spain ??	6
JURAJ SAGAN	Slovakia ??	6
JONAS KOCH	Germany ??	6
BRUNO ARMIRAIL	France ??	6	He is the least likely to be allowed to try his luck in the France team. He will be riding and pulling for his leaders for a long time.
LUKAS PÖSTLBERGER	Austria ??	6	We have seen what he can do from a breakaway. He will do his best to sneak in the break of the day and resist. Breakaway points !
AMANUEL GHEBREIGZABHIER	Eritrea ??	6	He will be the most experienced and best guide for Biniam Girmay.
FABIAN LIENHARD	Switzerland ??	6	Domestique duties
TOBIAS LUDVIGSSON	Sweden ??	6	Domestique duties
DAAN HOOLE	Netherlands ??	6	A very impressive and powerful rider who will be used to bring down the gap for his Dutch leaders
ALEXANDER KAMP	Denmark ??	6	A decent sprinter who can pass climbs. He has had some interesting results this season. Last being the Bretagne classics where he finished third behind WVA. He might not best Denmark’s best option though and will most probably be used as domestique
JESUS EZQUERRA	Spain ??	6	Breakaway hopeful
QUENTIN PACHER	France ??	6	The cheapest French option. An aggressive rider who will have his chance.
EMILS LIEPINS	Latvia ??	6	Probably not the best and most in-form rider his country could have sent. But he is the reigning champion.
MAURO SCHMID	Switzerland ??	6	He will definitely be in the mix for the win. A bargain deal at 6
ATTILA VALTER	Hungary ??	6	While he will enjoy the profile, he will be suffering from the lack of support
FELIX GALL	Austria ??	6	Young rider who had a breakthrough season. While he can ride and hold on to the very best. He has developed a habit if getting to the attack group early
MATTIAS SKJELMOSE JENSEN	Denmark ??	6	21 year old rider who has been showing his potential for some times. In great form after winning his first race in Luxembourg. While it is unsure of how much freedom and protection he will be given with respect to Cort, Fuglsang and Honore, it is the last time he will be available at such an affordable price.
MIKKEL BJERG	Denmark ??	6	He will be one the riders to be used early by his team
KYLE MURPHY	USA ??	6	Not the best USA option
JAMES FOUCHE	New Zealand ??	6	Will be struggling in this field
EDUARD PRADES	Spain ??	6	He is unbelievably one of the best options for Spain. Even though he does not ride for a WT tour team. At 35, he will have a hard time though
SILVAN DILLIER	Switzerland ??	6	He will try to sneak in the early break
IVO OLIVEIRA	Portugal ??	6	All for the bota lume( Almeida)
RUI OLIVEIRA	Portugal ??	6	All for the bota lume( Almeida)
ANTHON CHARMIG	Denmark ??	6	On team duties
VADIM PRONSKIY	Kazakhstan ??	6	A definite breakaway
TACO VAN DER HOORN	Netherlands ??	6	Look who is here. It makes no sense for his team to have brought him and not allow him to do what he does best : giving peloton a run for the money by keeping break away hope alive !
NATNAEL TESFATSION	Eritrea ??	6	He will be the last man and lead-out for Girmay.
HAROLD TEJADA	Colombia ??	6	Will be protecting Quintana and Higuita
GEORG ZIMMERMANN	Germany ??	6	At 6, he will be the designated leader and best option for Germany. He has had some interesting results and very showcasing performances this season.
STEFAN BISSEGGER	Switzerland ??	6	If he does not get into the morning break, we can still count in him to animate the closing part by some late surge attempts
MERHAWI KUDUS	Eritrea ??	6	Another impressive rider that Girmay has at his side
ŁUKASZ OWSIAN	Poland ??	6	Overpriced
PASCAL EENKHOORN	Netherlands ??	6	While he enjoys breakaway as seen at the Giro, he will of better use as dedicated team mate to Van Der Poel and Mollema
SEBASTIAN SCHÖNBERGER	Austria ??	4	Unlikely to get points
DOMEN NOVAK	Slovenia ??	4	Assist points for Pogacar
URKO BERRADE	Spain ??	4	Only hope to earn is for him to get into break
PIER-ANDRE COTE	Canada ??	4	All are breakaway potentials
NICKOLAS ZUKOWSKY	Canada ??	4
TOBIAS BAYER	Austria ??	4
LUKE PLAPP	Australia ??	4	The home champion who can alternate impressive performances and anonymous ones. Difficult to give assurance on which day he will be.
MAGNUS SHEFFIELD	USA ??	4	USA’s best option. Good puncheur and climber who can sprint very well. He is expected to be at the forefront of the action unless he is suffering from any injury sustained in that horrible crash during the ITT
BEN TURNER	Great Britain ??	4	A very imposing and prominent figure. He can certainly be riding his own race. He will however probably be asked to ride to bring down any attacks in the final Km to give the best chance to Fred Wright or Ethan Hayter.
YURIY NATAROV	Kazakhstan ??	4	Breakaway potential
MOISE MUGISHA	Rwanda ??	4	Breakaway potential
NICOLAS SESSLER	Brazil ??	4	They will either be trying to get into the breakaway to show what they can do to attract WT teams’ attention or they could be simple bottle boys.
GUSTAV BASSON	South Africa ??	4
MIGUEL HEIDEMANN	Germany ??	4