Vincenzo Nibali to take on Paris-roubaix in 2022
The 2014 Tour stage was a lot shorter than Paris-roubaix, plus it was wet. That was a real leveller, as many of the favoured specialists hadn’t tackled a wet PR before. It really showed just how skilful Nibali is as a rider, coming ahead of seasoned Classics riders. But most editions these days seem to be dry and tend to favour the big strong guys over just pure bike handling. Who knows though, he is a great rider! Steve Ha
The Classics and particularly the cobbles generally suit heavier riders. He did well in his Tour-winning year, but those stages are not raced in the same manner as a one-day Classic. Richard Clayton
He was impressive on the cobbles at the TDF, but over the whole parcours and a race full of Classics riders he won’t feature IMO. But good luck to him. He may prove me wrong. David Rogers
How long before we hear “GC riders are getting in the way of Classics riders! It’s madness!” Keith Cartwright
There’s probably a big difference in riding a stage of the Tour and the real thing. Even on his terrain Nibali’s years have passed. Wouldn’t bet against him on an Italian descent, but there’s none of that in the Cobbled Classics. Michael DT
A Tour stage with a few sectors of pavé can’t be compared to a one-day Classic like Roubaix or Flanders. It’s raced in a completely different way. I don’t see him doing well. Murray Craig
One of the best bike handlers in the peloton, can hold a wheel and with his age he can eat up the distance. Top 10 if he wants it, podium if he gets the required luck. Heather Williams