[Burkni]

Just realised that Bennati and his fellow Leopards pulled off a major coup on this stage ... First Bennati gets in the break to have a cushion on the Puerto Urkiola, then the break gets mopped up by the peloton and LT does a solid 50km of work, including a solid leadout, and Mr. Wellborn delivers beautifully at the line.
He's looking good for a podium place at the Worlds ...

[VdB]

Yeah, it was a masterstroke. I only saw the last part of the stage and when I saw Bennati being escorted by his team to the finish line, I was like "seems a little strange that Bennati would survive the climb but Sagan wouldn't". Mystery was solved a little later when i heard the full story of the stage of course.

As for the Worlds...I dunno. I don't think he's nearly fast enough to beat other sprinters on a not-so-selective parcours as that of Kopenhagen. He's always been a nearly man. Depending on the race circumstances, I wouldn't even rule out Cav. I think he can handle races like the Worlds just fine with a proper preparation - e.g. Milan-San Remo and some tough Tour stages. Of course, my money is on Sagan most of all.

And Gilbert for a top 3. The way he just rides away from small groups at the end of just about any type of race is simply irresistible. Can't risk betting that he won't be doing that in Denmark.