Written by Peter McGough
13 October 2012

Arnold Europe Flash Report

Rhoden to Rein in Spain?

By Peter McGough

Arnold Classic Madrid

Contest coverage presented by Betancourt Nutrition & MUSCULARDEVELOPMENT.COM

The second rendition of the Arnold Europe, staged today in Madrid, Spain, boasted a seventeen man field with the major question being could Shawn Rhoden build on his sensational 3rds place finish at the Olympia two weeks ago?

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The answer at the half way stage of the contest is a definite yes! Blessed with a great structure and tiny waist, he brought hard muscularity and peeled conditioning (his serratus was sick) into play and seemed better than fourteen days ago in Vegas. The bottom line is that today he was absolutely dominant, and it seems clear he will maintain his upward momentum when the 2013 season begins.

shawnRhodenAlso catching the eye was Dennis Wolf. He was much improved from the Olympia, being fuller, particularly in the thighs. Still, we have seen him tighter, as in his 5th spot at the 2011 Olympia. Toney Freeman, bigger and fuller, with his vascularity popping, was a clear crowd favorite and will jostle for a top three place.

Here’s a notebook assessment of some other contenders:

Roelly Winklaar: Arms always a standout. He looked fuller at the Sheru last week, but still flat compared to his 2010 best.

Ronny Rockell: Has been drier and tighter.

Mike Kefalianos: Harder and improved from his 17th place spot at the Olympia, but has been tighter.

Johnnie Jackson: Problem thighs appear bigger, but holding a thin film of water. Still has amazing upper body.

Robert Piotrkowicz: May be the hardest we’ve ever seen him, but lack of ideal structure lets him down.

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Hidetada Yamagishi: Better than the Olympia, but may be his last contest in the Open, as he’s considering entering the 212 Division.

Lionel Beyeke: His lack of “on” contest conditioning blurs his amazing muscularity.

In the Fitness Division, it looks like a rerun of the Olympia with Adela Garcia heading Oksana Grishina.

In Figure, Olympia Champion, Erin Stern looks to be in control.

So with the Mens’ Prejudging completed, it seems Shawn Rhoden’s year continues to get better and better. To see if it ends on a winning note check back here at musculardevelopment.com. Finals begin at 10:30AM PST/1:30EST.

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Click Here for Prejudging Wrap Up with Shawn Ray and Flex Wheeler


CLICK HERE TO DISCUSS THE ARNOLD CLASSIC EUROPE!