The goal for the bunch of fixed gear riders in a Red Hook Crit is to make it to the final. For a smaller part the goal is to finish that final in the lead lap, and for a very selective group the (realistic) goal is to win that final. We selected 7 riders, which all have the capabilities to make Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8 their first Red Hook Crit win.
Text: Brian Megens
Photography: Tornanti.cc
7. Kevin Girkins – Intelligentsia Racing
Why he can win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
Showed in Red Hook Criterium Barcelona No.5 how strong he is. Despite RHC BCN 5 being his first fixed gear crit ever he managed to stay in the front, cover attacks, and attack himself on the most technical course of the RHC series.
Why he cannot win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
His lack in fixed gear crit racing might be a disadvantage. On top of that, there is a chance that he needs put his own aspirations away for his teammate Colin Strickland.
6. David Santos – Aventon Factory Team
Why he can win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
For years David Santos has been a top contender in RHC. Despite having a bad start in the first 2 RHC’s this season, in Barcelona David showed that despite crashing in the heat, a bad starting position (60th) coming from that, he was strong enough to fight his way up resulting in a 4th place. No one in the RHC field overtook more people in the race. Moreover, originally David is a time trial specialist meaning that the RHC Milano circuit will suit him better.
Why he cannot win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
Everyone in the peloton knows how strong David is and this will make it harder for him to separate himself from the pack which is needed for him to win the race as he won’t have a chance at the win in a bunch sprint.
5. Giovani Longo – Bahumer Racing
Why he can win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
Giovanni Longo is a former member of the Italian national track team and from the whole RHC field he can set one of the fastest lap times. He entered the Red Hook Criterium circus in Brooklyn No.10 and immediately impressed by getting 2nd in his heat and winning the Super Pole. In London Giovani won his heat and got 5th in the final, but more importantly, he had a big share in the victory of his teammate Filippo Fortin.
Why he cannot win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
With Filippo Fortin sitting in 2nd position in the RHC GC the Bahumer Racing team has a clear captain for RHC Milano No.8. Giovanni’s only chance seems to be part of a break-away that isn’t a threat to Filippo’s GC. If the race turns into a bunch sprint, Giovanni probably has to sacrifice his own chances as he will be the main lead-out man for Filippo.
4. Eamon Lucas – Specialized/ Rocket – Espresso
Why he can win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
Eamon is one of the most powerful riders in the fixed gear peloton and it looks like Eamon is improving each RHC how to control and use his power on a fixed gear crit bike.
Why he cannot win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
Lack of experience in a Red Hook Crit final. It is Eamon’s first season on a fixed gear bike and so far he has only been present at the front in the final of a Red Hook Crit once, RHC Barcelona No.5.
3. Tim Ceresa – 8bar
Why he can win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
He is one of the most experienced top RHC rider in today’s peloton. On top of that, Tim can probably set one of the fastest 1 lap times and he is one of the most explosive and technical riders of the bunch.
Why he cannot win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
Tim’s teammate Davíd van Eerd is currently 3rd in the RHC GC and Tim might have to protect Davíd’s position.
2. Martino Poccianti – Cykeln
Why he can win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
Martino is in a great shape this year. Among many impressive results this season he became the first official Italian male fixed gear crit champion. Moreover, Martino holds the track record on the RHC Milano circuit and he might take advantage of the GC riders looking at each other.
Why he cannot win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
So far Martino hasn’t been close to the podium in a RHC yet.
1. Davide Vigano – Team Cinelli-Chrome
Why he can win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
He is probably the strongest rider in the field with the most experience in professional cycling. Besides this, Davide was in the front in every RHC, also the wet and technical ones wherein he had to make up quite a bit after the corners. With the least technical course coming up, Davide has a perfect shot in showing how strong he as a former World-Tour rider is.
Why he cannot win Red Hook Criterium Milano No.8:
He might be more interested in defending his overall lead in the RHC GC and this might mean that he has to put his first Red Hook Crit win on a hold.
