Pro Cycling Discussion Thread 2015

touch · 8 Jul 2015 at 10:40

GSVBagpuss said:
Anyone got a tip for todays (likely) sprint? I reckon Cav will win with Bouhanni second, Sagan third. Greipel blows too hot and cold for me and Bouhanni and Sagan rode brilliantly yesterday.

I'm on Degenkolb at 12:1.
Hoping that etixx have to do a lot of work chasing the break (defending yellow jersey) and dont have it at the end for a sprint train. although, Cav is the best by far at hijacking other team's trains.
Degenkolb was raging after the finish yesterday and will really want the win today.

George Hincapie · 8 Jul 2015 at 11:04

GSVBagpuss said:
Anyone got a tip for todays (likely) sprint? I reckon Cav will win with Bouhanni second, Sagan third. Greipel blows too hot and cold for me and Bouhanni and Sagan rode brilliantly yesterday.

It isn't straight forward anymore. Years ago I'd have said Cav, but Sagan has a wicked turn of speed, Griepel is just as fast and Big John isn't far behind.

George Hincapie · 8 Jul 2015 at 11:07

The parcours for today.

There's a headwind approaching Amiens but crosswinds before that. http://www.meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/amiens/80000

George Hincapie · 8 Jul 2015 at 12:40

Bouhanni has abandoned after a crash. Ended up in a ditch apparently.

GSVBagpuss · 8 Jul 2015 at 13:12

Poor him, he looked strong and the crash sounds pretty epic

George Hincapie · 8 Jul 2015 at 13:16

Another crash. Apparently Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and some as yet unnamed Cannondale riders have been badly injured.

GSVBagpuss · 8 Jul 2015 at 14:52

This week is manic - not sure Prudhomme and his team really wanted carnage with this Classics week at the start

hendrix · 8 Jul 2015 at 14:55

Jack Bauer abandoned after crash. Haven't been following this that much today as will wait for the final 25 or so, but seems tough conditions.

George Hincapie · 8 Jul 2015 at 15:16

It's a brilliant way to start the Tour. Yes, the risk is higher, but it completely shakes up the race. I love it

a1ex2001 · 8 Jul 2015 at 15:50

George Hincapie said:
It's a brilliant way to start the Tour. Yes, the risk is higher, but it completely shakes up the race. I love it

and it hasn't, so far taken out any of the main contenders just made them really work will be interesting to see how they are all feeling when the up and downs start!

hendrix · 8 Jul 2015 at 16:12

There's been another big (volume of riders) crash with 24 km to go, Pinot down again!

One More Solo · 8 Jul 2015 at 16:19

Apparently caused by one of the Bretagne riders? I remember The Secret Pro moaning about Pro Conti teams turning up and causing havoc. It must be a big step up for them, I'd be a bit twitchy!

SDK^ · 8 Jul 2015 at 16:41

Cav was no where, even out gunned by Sagan

hendrix · 8 Jul 2015 at 16:53

Yeah he lost his leadout in the last 700m. Sagan's turn of pace right at the end was crazy!

George Hincapie · 8 Jul 2015 at 16:55

I have just got off the Tube and saw the result. I give up. Useless ****.

Thomas. PLease. · 8 Jul 2015 at 17:46

hendrix said:
Yeah he lost his leadout in the last 700m. Sagan's turn of pace right at the end was crazy!

He was on the best wheel going.

Renshaw did a crap job yet again, and Cav went way too early in another headwind finish.

platypus · 8 Jul 2015 at 17:58

Dunno whats happening with OPQ's leadout. They're really messing things up.

George Hincapie · 8 Jul 2015 at 18:05

platypus said:
Dunno whats happening with OPQ's leadout. They're really messing things up.

Don't blame the lead out; he doesn't need a train and he is being beaten by riders without one. At some point Cav has to take responsibility for his crap sprinting and poor placement and fans have to stop making excuses. I am rapidly becoming frustrated with his failure to deliver.

PermaBanned · 8 Jul 2015 at 18:26

What are you, his manager? You don't get to be disappointed in him for not being head and shoulders above the rest on what, two days of a three week stage race. People really do not have an appreciation for what it actually means to perform at the top end in any sport. Anything can make the difference at this level - ten minutes of sleep, missing a final gel, not being used to the temperature. Sometimes you're just not going to have the legs. And that's fine. Bike racing would be boring as hell if the same people won all the time, and especially if the person you supported won all the time.

George Hincapie · 8 Jul 2015 at 18:39

I think you need to have a little think to yourself and get half a clue. I'm not some spotty little oik that doesn't know what he's talking about; I've probably forgotten more about this sport than you'll ever know. Do not start lecturing me.

I have every right to be disappointed (in the same way that any serious fan of any sport has a right to be disappointed in the performance of those athletes they support) - his performances have been utterly crap. It isn't the case that he's there or there abouts and it's just bad luck, he has been comprehensively beaten at both sprint opportunities and I just don't see him producing a bag of magical speed from his back pocket.

His performance at the Nationals indicates why - he's clearly done much to improve his climbing ability and that has cost him top end speed and his second kick.