Cycling thread

Armel said:
He has been been substandard for the entire season- bad preparation, Sky investigation troubles I don't know. They can take him but they should stop racing like idiots. If he makes mistakes in the descent, make it as difficult as possible for him to come back. Mechanical problems same ... Not how they were doing. Somebody should have a word with Landa; he is going to leave Sky in the end of December is the rumour. So he won't be the ideal helper. Bardet and AG2R are correct, everybody should stop racing for him, and start racing against him. They can take him and his team. I don't expect big differences in the final Marseille TT, so not a lot is needed.

If they do this we are in for a good race.
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Just nice to have a relatively competitive race again after the borefest it was sadly turning into. If they get their act together it could really open up. Pity the TT is so near the end.
 

Blue toffee said:
Oh well, that competitive race didn't last long. Maybe next year:(.
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Don't lose hope mate. I think the Alps will still provide some spectacle, plus I don't think there will be huge gaps in the Marseille TT. I am also hoping on Landa to be a bit of bad teammate.
 

Armel said:
Off course then Astana does something stupid. What an idiotic mistake to make. Unprofessional.
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You could see that coming from about 15km from the end, when Sky started pressing at the front and they were all a ways back doing whatever it was they were doing. As you say, idiotic from them.
 
Bruce Wayne said:
A pretty weak stage to lose the jersey on. With Fuglsang and Cataldo out the team is showing its weakness here.
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Yes ridiculous. From all the favourites he has by far the weakest team, a shame. AG2R holds the key for me (Bardet should have gotten a 20 sec time penalty btw). Still think Aru will show some magic.
 
Tim Wellens rides for Lotto Soudal.

A team that is part of the MPCC (http://www.mpcc.fr/index.php/en/mpcc-uk). Basically stricter anti-doping rules for members. Most WT teams aren't part of this; AG2R-Bardet- and Sunweb - Dumoulin- are other notable members.... Teams like Sky (and Trek etc) aren't, would have prevented some Tour wins since corticosteroids= racing break.

Wellens is riding a dreadful tour. He has issues and allergies relating to heat that cover him with blisters and result in difficult breathing. This could be remedied with a TUE. He doesn't want it because he considers this to be unfair. He says he'll build his career around the spring and autumn classics when it's less warm.
 
Armel said:
Yes ridiculous. From all the favourites he has by far the weakest team, a shame. AG2R holds the key for me (Bardet should have gotten a 20 sec time penalty btw). Still think Aru will show some magic.
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A lot of damage done in such a short space of time there. Weakened team, poor concentration, difficult finish, but ultimately poor racing.
Not over yet, but Aru needs a good stage today & hope for slip ups from Sky. Might get one, not sure about both happening. Still got the Alps, but 2 stages look like they have modest finishes which will help make up time / recover unless they really blow up. Onwards and upwards literally:(.
 
Armel said:
Tim Wellens rides for Lotto Soudal.

A team that is part of the MPCC (http://www.mpcc.fr/index.php/en/mpcc-uk). Basically stricter anti-doping rules for members. Most WT teams aren't part of this; AG2R-Bardet- and Sunweb - Dumoulin- are other notable members.... Teams like Sky (and Trek etc) aren't, would have prevented some Tour wins since corticosteroids= racing break.

Wellens is riding a dreadful tour. He has issues and allergies relating to heat that cover him with blisters and result in difficult breathing. This could be remedied with a TUE. He doesn't want it because he considers this to be unfair. He says he'll build his career around the spring and autumn classics when it's less warm.
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Very interesting. Knew about MPCC, but didn't know that about Wellens. Good rider too, puts all this 'marginal gains' nonsense into perspective.
 

Blue toffee said:
A lot of damage done in such a short space of time there. Weakened team, poor concentration, difficult finish, but ultimately poor racing.
Not over yet, but Aru needs a good stage today & hope for slip ups from Sky. Might get one, not sure about both happening. Still got the Alps, but 2 stages look like they have modest finishes which will help make up time / recover unless they really blow up. Onwards and upwards literally:(.
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Valgren Anderson about the malaise yesterday and his badly worded interview:

http://sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/Tour/1.3025846 (It's in English)

Wellens left the race. Can't go on any more.
 
Still think btw Landa will try to overtake Froome. He said on Radio Cope (Spanish radio station) that he is trying to win the Tour.
 

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