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Brian Nystrom
Joined: 26 Jan 2004
Posts: 5101
Location: Nashua, NH7/8/18 2:17 PM |
The TDF is interesting already! (spoiler)
Nibali and Bardet are sitting pretty with a minute plus on the other main contenders, without expending any extra energy to do so. The others all had to burn some matches just to limit their losses. If this week continues to be a crash-fest - which is likely - it could be as decisive as the mountains when it comes to the GC. I really feel for Craddock and hope he can continue. It's a shame about Sanchez.
It was cool to see Gaviria get his first TDF stage win yesterday and Petey take over the green jersey today. It could be an epic battle between those two, perhaps with Colbrelli nipping at their heels. Although Degenkolb had no apparent chance of doing anything today, I can see why he was pissed at Sagan, who seemed to overestimate how quickly he was passing him.
Cavendish is nowhere to be seen. Karma.
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LeeW
Joined: 13 Jan 2004
Posts: 453
Location: near Baltimore, MD7/8/18 2:49 PM |
Interesting indeed.
I'll be curious to see how the TTT comes into play, since arguably the two biggest favorites in the discipline (BMC & Sky) both have their main GC man about a minute back of the other possibles. I'm sure both teams expected to vault their GC men ahead of the others, but now they will probably be hoping just to get close to even again.
Quintana, however, is likely in huge trouble since Movistar is typically not a top performer in the TTT.
Nothing like first week drama.
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daddy-o
Joined: 12 Apr 2004
Posts: 3307
Location: Springfield7/8/18 10:35 PM |
I wonder how much of the speed Colbrelli was closing with was due to his own speed or Sagan’s relaxing. Was Sagan’s wheel lift from a quick ‘whoops didn't see ya?’
Really want to see Nibali or Quintana take it. Nibali just rides smarter and Quintana, who knows, a fulfillment of potential after losing grasp last year maybe.
I guess Chavenel won’t find yellow but it was great he stayed in the bunch after his effort today.
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Sparky
Joined: 08 Dec 2003
Posts: 19080
Location: PDX7/8/18 11:34 PM |
I think Sagan's wheel lift may have been just how hard he pushed the front of the bike, having relaxed a nano too soon previously?? Colbrelli surprised him I think.
Notice Sagan was on a disc bike?
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Brian Nystrom
Joined: 26 Jan 2004
Posts: 5101
Location: Nashua, NH7/9/18 4:42 AM |
I don't know if Sagan relaxed, it seemed like he may have just run out of steam.
There were lots of riders on disc bikes. Chavanel for one.
I would like to see a new overall winner, as Sky's dominance is boring as hell.
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henoch
Joined: 12 Jan 2004
Posts: 1690
7/10/18 10:59 AM |
Pretty awesome ride by the Gorilla today, I think that if had a good leadout he could have won.
On the other hand Gavaria's 2nd burst was very impressive.
On the flip side what happened to Kittel, he looks like he totally lost his speed.
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Brian Nystrom
Joined: 26 Jan 2004
Posts: 5101
Location: Nashua, NH7/11/18 5:22 AM |
Greipel looked good, but he had to start his sprint from too far back and it cost him. Kittel is plenty fast, but he's been way out of position in the sprints so far. You can't expect to win if you start 20+ riders back.
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daddy-o
Joined: 12 Apr 2004
Posts: 3307
Location: Springfield7/12/18 6:44 PM |
I think it was the time bonus climb after the Polka Dot points on the finishing circuit, what a wall. Just before that, watching those guys off the front, climbing the long-straight climb toward the last climber's points and the pack just riding tempo picking them off, sublime. At the end Dan Martin defined a 'good day' with his somewhat surprised reaction that his "legs never gave out." And I couldn't quite understand, did he refer to his wife being in labor?
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daddy-o
Joined: 12 Apr 2004
Posts: 3307
Location: Springfield7/12/18 7:16 PM |
letour.fr
https://www.letour.fr/en
Good content, light footprint, the maps, the profiles, no adverts so far. I forgot, maybe someone else did too.
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walter
Joined: 11 Jan 2004
Posts: 4391
Location: metro-motown-area7/12/18 7:57 PM |
#sandbaggingfroomie
bluffin then puffin
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