Ben Healy's Subdued Start to the Season: A Strategic Approach or Cause for Concern?
Irish cyclist Ben Healy, riding for EF Education-EasyPost, has begun his fifth World Tour season with a low-key strategy, focusing on a steady start rather than an explosive beginning. In his first two races in France, Healy played a supporting role, finishing 20th at Faun-Ardèche Classic (1.Pro) and 44th at Faun Drome Classic (1.Pro). But here's where it gets intriguing: Healy claims he's 'kinda happy' with his performance, despite not being in the limelight during the finals.
Healy, known for his climbing prowess, acknowledged his typical slow start to the season, stating he usually 'struggles with the first race.' However, he believes his performance was on par with expectations, especially considering the challenging course with 3,400m of elevation gain at Faun-Ardèche Classic. The race was dominated by French sensation Paul Seixas, who claimed victory by a significant margin.
Is Healy's approach a calculated strategy or a sign of underlying issues? While some riders burst onto the scene with early-season wins, Healy's methodical approach may be designed to peak at specific moments. But is this the right strategy for a rider of his caliber?
In last year's edition of these races, Healy finished 103rd and 30th, respectively, before placing an impressive 4th at Strade Bianche (1.UWT) the following weekend. This year, he's set to ride Strade Bianche again, where fans and critics alike will be watching to see if his subdued start pays off.
As Healy and his teammate Darren Rafferty, who finished 119th at Faun Drome Classic, continue their season, the question remains: Is Healy's low-key start a masterstroke or a missed opportunity? Share your thoughts below!
