The C1 Celtic Chrono returns for its second season, although its predecessor, the Isle of Man TT, goes back to 2009. This year’s race includes two identical time trials along a 48 km course with a single climb. The distances are a little shorter than last year and only one leg featured a hill last year but overall a similar challenge – a TT race which may require some climbing ability
Last year’s winner Coppel is back to defend his crown along with 4 others from last year’s top 10, including second place Durbridge and two-time Isle of Man winner Cornu, who was 4th last year.
This year’s race includes 13 teams and 39 riders. The big question for this year is how will much will the climbing on the course impact the results. It seem likely to have some effects so we will look first at the top pure TT guys and then add in those who are weaker on the TT but bring some climbing skills.
The top ten based on TT are
MT
HI
TT
RS
Coppel
65
75
82
77
Durbridge
58
67
81
74
Kittel
55
64
81
70
Viennet
54
67
80
75
Tenorio
84
76
80
76
Ford
51
54
80
62
Schädlich
54
64
80
71
Dillier
51
64
80
77
Cornu
65
70
79
73
Dempster
54
64
79
74
Other than the returning champion the rider who jumps out is obviously GC star Justo Tenorio, the only rider in the top ten with strong MT and HI. Other than those 2, only Cornu has a HI or MT of even 70. So if climbing skills play a big role other contenders might come from further down the list.
Among the 78 and 77 TT riders there are two strong climbers:
MT
HI
TT
RS
Goncalves
73
71
78
72
Nepomnyachsniy
77
74
77
75
Finally some managers have gambled the undulations will be important and sent strong climbers with more limited TT skills, including:
MT
HI
TT
RS
Ratiy
80
70
74
73
Geniez
75
71
74
73
Andriafenomananiaina
76
72
74
74
Fernandes
71
67
73
74
van Zyl
71
74
73
74
Vilela
73
72
71
71
Malacarne
75
73
70
71
As was seen at the recent Monterrey TTT even small climbs can have a big influence on a time trial so overall it seems likely that defending champion Coppel and Tenorio will be fighting for the overall win.
Kind of wishing I sent Fraile here as well, given his incredible run of form recently. But, fingers crossed that the hill plays a big part and Tenorio rides out of here with a win.
Pretty dissapointed with Coppel not pulling out either of the two stages but 2nd place will do I guess. Also loved this style of reporting Ulrich, thank you!
Nascimento had a funny couple of days. A stellar ride on the first and poor on the 2nd.
Cornu was a letdown. Being one of the most solid and all-rounded he should have taken at least a top10 here. Fortunately for us, Dempster had a very good 2nd day.
Very entertaining read, thanks for the reports Ulrich! Congratulations on the victory ryant! cylceYorkshire seems unstoppable atm!
Well the victory is well received up in HQ but it's totally unexpected that Viennet takes the win here! After what has been a tough season from his viewpoint, a win here may well keep his place in the team for next season!
Thanks for the report, I do enjoy reading these time trial reports for some reason...
John St Ledger in Team Bunzl-Centrica and Team U25
Thanks for thanks - struggle with how to do TT reports so appreciate this worked.
I only took the race because everyone seemed to be dodging it in the reporters forum. Given the number of comments not sure it is anyone's favorite race.
I do think there the cycleYorkshire DS at the race deserves some credit, most teams put there best riders last in the first leg but Tennant, the weakest, went last for Ryant and I think going earlier helped Durbridge and Viennnet a lot. Durbridge just blew it on day two.
Third from Tenorio at least keeps points coming in. Hard to ask for more but we are getting to the point of the season where we need to keep winning to close down the gap for promotion.
Celtic Chrono 
