What do the cycling fans predict for these two races? With the season drawing to a close there is bound to be 'thrills and spills' aplenty. I really like these races as I feel it seperates the men from the boys after a long, hard racing season. With Alessandro Petachi banned and unable to defend his title at Paris - Tours, I predict a victory for Thor Hushovd. Tour of Lombardy? I've got to go for an Italian - Franco Pellizotti.

re paris-tours,i hate to say it as i detest the horrible fucker,but Cavendish if hes taking part.Otherwise,and since youve got Hushovd,ill go for Boonen(if hes allowed to take part).
Tour of Lombardy?I think Valverde may just cap a decent season with a win.

Phillipe Gilbert won the Paris-Tours and that is probably deserved after a very consistant season.

Can't find a start list for the Tour of the falling leaves yet but I'm taking a flyer on the new world champion Allesandro Ballan, purely because it's a race Italians love to do well in. Danilo DiLuca can be my other long range pick right now but we can have a look nearer the time.

Never seen much of the race. Thought it was shaping up to be another sprinters year. I'm quite happy for Gilbert. He's my kind of cyclist, always looking for breaks and can keep a bunch away when they go. But he has never quite lived up to his potential. He was 'the next big thing' in Belgian cycling, a man they expected to compete for stage and overall victories in the Grand Tours. Maybe he can take off from here.

I've went for Pellizotti earlier for Giro di Lombardia. If he can stay in the break, I believe he can win this race, even though he is more of a recognised climber.