Devolder the Soldier!

Alternate title: "The Pain in Stijn Falls Mainly on his Competitors".

All puns aside, today's performance was a true masterstroke for team Quick Step. Lefevre must love it when a plan works beautifully:

1. Send dangerous rider #1 up the road in the first dangerous break of the day.

2. Tell rest of team to follow wheels.

3. Once back together, continue sending dangerous Rider #1 until he has no more to offer.

4. As rider Dangerous Rider #1 begins to fade (while Favorite Rider sits comfortably on wheels), send Dangerous Rider #2 (and returning champion) up the road. Either wait for Dangerous Rider #2 to be caught (by the group containing Favorite Rider), or sit back and wait for the finale.

5. Exalt in the glory of well-deserved win.

Look, I'm not discounting Devolder's show of force. His win was not simply a case of being on the team with the overwhelming favorite. He dominated when his number was called. He rides with such force--it's really a site to be seen.

Check this out:

I'll try to post more of a recap tomorrow, but I'm off to State College to do some more recon for the Ramble. If nothing goes up tomorrow, come back Tuesday.