Cycling thread 2015

[Get_Jo_On]

Stannard managed to work in the front group the other day with the crosswinds so he's not exactly miles away, Rowe came in 4+ mins back. The pave sections aren't that hard and it's looking like it's going to be dry with a slight headwind. Could well be a bit of an anticlimax if everyone stays relatively sensible.
Although there could be serious racing and that could create a few gaps, I'd think Griepel has a good chance and Kristoff hasn't looked his classics self.

Right, Westa in the break just like last year so could be looking for Nibali to attack again although apparently Contador last year had dirt in his rear cassette and couldn't change gear, he was spinning a lot if I recall, then again that's why a lot of cyclo-cross lads use old DA 9sp to increase the gap.
Anyway, Contador looks fit but I've my reservations about his punch after the Giro and yesterday's bonk.

 

[Get_Jo_On]

aaaaand Stannard gets dropped as soon as they wind it up! haha (could have been going to the car though)

Sagan looking and waiting for Alberto. He could save him big time today.

Gotta be looking to BMC to do something with TJVG as they have a very good classics outfit with about 5 riders surrounding him including the GVA engine!

 

[Wat Tyler]

Stannard managed to work in the front group the other day with the crosswinds so he's not exactly miles away, Rowe came in 4+ mins back. The pave sections aren't that hard and it's looking like it's going to be dry with a slight headwind. Could well be a bit of an anticlimax if everyone stays relatively sensible.
Although there could be serious racing and that could create a few gaps, I'd think Griepel has a good chance and Kristoff hasn't looked his classics self.

Right, Westa in the break just like last year so could be looking for Nibali to attack again although apparently Contador last year had dirt in his rear cassette and couldn't change gear, he was spinning a lot if I recall, then again that's why a lot of cyclo-cross lads use old DA 9sp to increase the gap.
Anyway, Contador looks fit but I've my reservations about his punch after the Giro and yesterday's bonk.

I'd never rule Contador out but I think he could ship big time in the mountains, the Giro has to have taken a lot out of him, especially this years when he was isolated a lot

 

[Get_Jo_On]

I'd never rule Contador out but I think he could ship big time in the mountains, the Giro has to have taken a lot out of him, especially this years when he was isolated a lot

Something was very fishy about that, the racing was utterly ridiculous. Although I agree, can't see Contador getting near the "pumped" Froome or Quintana.

Anyway, Stannard got a puncture! About 5 lads have changed onto bikes with hidden motors and now the wind is really picking up at the finish although the peloton is somewhat tranquilo as is the wind.

 

[Wat Tyler]

Haha that hidden motor thing has to be a joke, shameful getting caught out with one of them!

Real cobbles start in the next half hour or so, with possible wind and rain: people will lose big time.

 

[Get_Jo_On]

Classic guys really trying to hurt the peloton which is in a couple of parts notably Pinot is behind, Dan Martin crashed as had Dowsett although no sign of Quintana.
Lars Boom pushing with Nibali on his wheel but Astana and Sky are working together. Froome looks horrendous on the cobbles and Sagan still supporting Berto. Although shout out to Tony Martin, never really ridden a classic but his engine is impressive keeping the classic boys in check.
Quintana in the group, Kwia and Pinot hurting and Griepel and Kristoff both just got punctures. All the GC hitters at the front

 

[Whistlin' Dixie]

Just got in now.......bloody buggerin' people wantin' favours that turn into odysseys.....

Looks like it's the highlights later on for me. Was looking forward to today's stage as well.

 

[Get_Jo_On]

SPOILER










Tony Martin, what a man!! In yellow tonight, suits Froome that does, too early for yellow.

No big losers apart from Pinot really, like I said, I know the pave/area and smooth roads shouldn't have given too much in terms of time unless major wind/rain.

 

[Frank Gallagher]

tony martin took the stage and the grabs the yellow jersey. made up for him, cos over the years he's done said HARD MILES for LOTS of others

 

[Bruce Wayne]

The GC guys didn't look in too much trouble today. I know neither Cancellara or Boonen were there but there were a few classics specialists that flattered to deceive a bit. Thought Thomas looked very good and probably would have had a dig were he not looking after Froome.

With the major danger stages out of the way though Froome must be over the moon with how it's gone. If Sky put in a decent team time trial then he could enter the mountains with a handy advantage, and given how evenly matched they are, that'll be tough to claw back. It's hard to see where Quintana will find 2 minutes from for instance. We saw in the last Vuelta how it was only ever really seconds here and there when the big guys came out to play.

Could make it exciting if they need to take risks.

 

[Wat Tyler]

Chuffed for Tony Martin, really deserved that.

 

[bluelife]

Made up for Tony Martin and made up that no big favourites were in a crash....great stage that

 

[Bruce Wayne]

That's two stages that Cavendish has kinda ballsed up now. Are we seeing the end of him as a serious contender in the sprints?

 

[Whistlin' Dixie]

That's two stages that Cavendish has kinda ballsed up now. Are we seeing the end of him as a serious contender in the sprints?

Poor show that, from Cavendish.

 

[Eggs]

Made up for Tony Martin and made up that no big favourites were in a crash....great stage that

.....looks injured in a fall near the end of today's stage.