The second edition of the Roma Maxima, but it is raced in the same area as Strada Appia Antica which was held yesterday. It can be seen as its little brother, with an easier route in terms of climbing, a lower category and less history. Kenneth Vanbilsen won the inaugural edition in a reduced bunch sprint, beating Lahcen Saber. Both are back today for a rematch, but there are 127 other riders looking for glory. We will definitely have an interesting race on the old Roman roads on our hands.
Profile
The important sections are in the second half of the race, but the riders have to negotiate a hill to get there. It most likely won't play an important role in the race but we might see some signs of weaknesses. After the downhill it's a constant stream of rough roads mixed with undulating sections. The final cobblestone sector falls inside the final two kilometer, with great opportunity for late attacks.
Startlist
Favorites
COB
SP
ACC
FL
Outsiders
COB
SP
ACC
FL
Vanbilsen
80
72
71
78
Kluge
76
76
73
77
Machado
79
62
61
69
Joseph
76
66
70
74
Kasperkiewicz
79
59
66
74
Lhotellerie
76
58
68
72
Bush
78
71
73
74
Tsatevich
75
75
75
74
Maes
78
61
66
79
Kolev
75
61
67
74
Richardson
78
60
61
71
Bovenhuis
74
62
68
73
Bolivar
77
64
69
73
Verhelst
74
62
68
71
Saber
76
81
79
75
Langeveld
74
61
70
74
Havik
76
79
76
73
Harrison
73
78
81
72
The startlist is quite weak due to a clash with De Panne and most PCT cobblers deciding to go there. Summerhill, Bakari, Spengler, Vanspeybrouck, Stallaert, Zepuntke, Baugnies, Nolf just to name a few. Nevertheless, the startlist contains some exciting names!
The door is open for Vanbilsen to prolongate his victory. He is the strongest cobblestone specialist in the field, and has Joseph as great support. He even rode the Strada Appia Antica on a wildcard as warm-up, but the hills proved too much for him.
Last year the race finished with a small bunch sprint, in which Saber finished second. He is out for revenge today, and has Havik by his side to help. The latter could go for his own chances as well, as both are very capable sprinters besides their cobble ability.
Machado and Kasperkiewicz might be able to match Vanbilsen on the cobbles, but they will lose to him in a sprint. For them escaping is essential. The Pole has one of the better climbing skills of the favorites, but he would have to accomplish a long solo after the hill.
Bush and Bolivar finished fifth and sixth last year. The teammates can be strong together, but who will take control towards the finish line? If the group is large enough, Harrison might want to take his chance in the sprint.
The likes of Maes and Richardson don't enter as biggest favorites but if they have a good day they can surprise. Kluge and Tsatevich are nice all-rounders, having a decent sprint towards the end. The outcome is unpredictable, let's hope for a nice and exciting race!
A repeat of last year's result looks unlikely for Saber, but if both him and Havik can get Top 10s, I'll be very happy. Bovenhuis should be happy on this course as well.
Here we go, a cobbled double header, Marc Machado's goal of the season as he's able to enter C2, win isn't expected I won't force but I expect him to be thereabouts and net some important points.
Looks like we made the right choice to come here instead of Belgium. Big opportunity for Maes to score some significant points, especially considering his disappointing performance in the CT cobbles. We aren't placing him as a favourite for the win, but we believe he can hang on as the pack splits up.
Actually a very nice result for Jayco! Ariko amongst those animating the race and even though he couldn't hang on with the best, his result and Changpad sneaking into the Top-15 make for a pleasant result eventually. I was kinda hoping for Ariko to have a good day in such a classic and so I'm happy to see even two of our riders with a high finish (for Jayco' s standards).
That's how you do it! A Stravaesque victory where we control the race, answer all attacks as a team and in the end we have the most left in the tank!
Was worried about the mountain, but I guess it was far enough away from the finish. Winning this race back to back is a great way to finish a disappointing 2019, onto a better 2020!
Roma Maxima 
