Tour de France 2014 in UK
- Thread starter Cosimo
- Start date
I think he's already won the other two grand tours so I wouldn't be surprised. I'd be happy if he won.
He's won the Vuelta and Giro so will be there or thereabouts at the end.
I can see him in Yellow all the way to Paris. I'm glad Contador has lost time today as well.
Had a sneaky feeling he may do it this year even if froome finished, i'd much rather see him win than Contador.
Yep i would say Porte will be team leader now, i would like GT to be able to have a fair crack tho
He earnt it on stage 2 - that run in from 2km out was very impressive.
Soldato
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In simple terms, Sky look to control in the mountains by riding as close to the limit as possible. It means other riders are too deep in to their reserves to attack effectively and sustainably. While tactics play a part in the mountains, brute force can be pretty effective.
Riding on the cobbles and in poor weather requires a lot more skill and tactical nous that Sky do not necessarily possess. While Sky have dominated stage racing, their showing in one day races has been awful. Those races are usually won by riders that can ride instinctively and take their chances, not ride to a set plan. You get the impression Sky aren't that flexible on the road and they don't have riders capable of racing smart or taking advantage of the prevailing conditions in the way that Astana did today.
It's probably no surprise that Nibali, Sagan and Cancellara are up there. IMO they are the 3 best descenders in the race and that bike handling skill probably translates well to riding fast on slippery/uneven surfaces too.
I wonder how long Sagan can hold onto his 3rd GC spot? He can climb when he needs to. I wouldnt be surprised if he stays there until some of the big Alpine climbs
I wonder how long Sagan can hold onto his 3rd GC spot? He can climb when he needs to. I wouldnt be surprised if he stays there until some of the big Alpine climbs
Are you suggesting Wiggins wouldn't have quit in the same circumstances (lets face it Wiggins quit the Giro last year because he was patantly obvious he had let the lead slip too far)?
Soldato
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Yeah, Wiggins would have fared no better today. For someone that looks so natural on a bike, his handling skills leave a lot to be desired. Nibs beasted him on the Giro descents.
I'm not sure if i agree. Wasn't wiggins in the top 10 in paris roubaix this year on a similar course?
Alex dowsett was interviewed yesterday after froome crashed and he was suggesting that it's a frequent occurrence.