big gaz
Well-Known Member
Well thats day one done with, no one saw that that bird naked around 2.20pm and 2.30pm on that boat in the canal ? Highlight of the day a part of a great ride from Mr Jones.
Interesting analysis Pokes. Can't say I agree on all of it personally though. I certainly wouldn't call Sky the best team tactically. They've great strength in depth with their selections, and the quality of their riders has allowed them their success, but their approach is fairly one dimensional in my eyes and they often haven't adapted particularly well when something or someone causes a deviation from that script. I think there are other teams in the race who are more inventive and astute, and potentially have more balanced squad's with the first week in mind.
I think it's a bit premature to declare Quintana the best climber in the world too. Contador for example beat Quintana in every mountain stage they contended last year (T-A and Vuelta) and beat him recently at the Routa De Sud, all be it they crested the climb together. Froome's record against Nairo is much more even, it's hard to split them, but on any given single stage in top form I'd back Froome. There's no doubt Nairo is a great talent, but I wouldn't say he's clearly better than others just yet, I think they fact that he never appears to be suffering, even though he is, makes people believe he finds it more effortless than he does. The next three weeks will reveal more of course.
As for Pinot, you're right it'll be very hard for him to podium, but I think he's climbing better this year than last, and if he get through the first week (and avoids his now customary minute or two lost in the echelons) then I think he could often be one of the very last one's left standing when it kicks off with the big four, and may even mix it up with them a bit.
Exciting stuff ahead anyway :)
The annual thread is back!
No easing into your viewing this year folks. The old ploy of 'I'll tune in when the mountain's start' could see you miss the key action! Big opportunities for GC shaping over the first four stages, with cobbles, crosswinds and classics bergs in the mix. They better hope they all make it through that unscathed, because otherwise the team time trial on stage 9 could really produce big gaps...and then the mountain fun arrives. It's got a huge amount to live up to following the Giro, but I think this route could deliver similar entertainment.
All the key contenders looking in excellent condition at the presentation tonight, now bring on the fun and games.
To all you bike fanatics I would beat you up Alp d'huez with a puncture in 3rd gear on my Raleigh Grifter.
I'm in excellent condition - until I start to turn the pedals and then, 'kinell, this canal tow path should be flat!
Fingers crossed for Echelons today :)
And my word have we got them :)
Fabulous race so far