2017 'PRO' cycling discussion.
Moderators: robbosmans, Moderator Team
So the Vuelta is more explosive, steeper climbs, etc. yet it's more doable to do the Tour-Vuelta double than the Giro-Tour?
Wierd isn't it? But it seems like that... since Froome almost managed Tour-Vuelta last year (perhaps only lost through tactical *f##k* ups) yet between Quintana's implosion this year and Contador's relatively weak Tour performances when he's tried it the modern Giro-Tour looks absolutely impossible.
Maybe because the Tour is still the most full on from start to finish (the Giro this year had a few mega off days for the bunch on the transitional stages) it's more difficult to do second. Maybe because there's longer between them it's more difficult to wind down then rebuild form instead of just resting a bit and getting straight back into it for the Vuelta.
Maybe because the Tour is still the most full on from start to finish (the Giro this year had a few mega off days for the bunch on the transitional stages) it's more difficult to do second. Maybe because there's longer between them it's more difficult to wind down then rebuild form instead of just resting a bit and getting straight back into it for the Vuelta.
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30 seconds time gap, still close enough for a flat to change GC if Uran has perfect TT. It's only a 'short' TT.
nathanong87 wrote:Jamiemcp wrote:nathanong87 wrote:when u bin your oakleys to the roadside for maximum visibility whilst driving the pain train
Have you got one of him unclipping after his turn was finished?
yup his strava said 19rpm and 1.8mph or something silly haha
Pretty sure Oakley radioed in and told him to turn back and pick up his shades.
I'm only mostly kidding, sponsors are probably not too happy to see their products treated as being disposable.
Pretty sure airtime over the last couple of weeks would negate that.
desiredhoax wrote:Tinea Pedis wrote:desiredhoax wrote:gravity wrote:Asking someone to grow a pair when he may be holding on to dear life while on podium contention -- thats pretty thick IMHO. Uran and Cannondale have never been on the Tour podium so getting top-3 is a win already. Plus Vaughters may not want to risk podium when he's in the middle of negotiating for sponsors.
Are we here to win or please sponsors? Nothing should stop you trying to win. I thought this was a race? Contador did not win the vuelta last year but his bravery and no fear riding style blew the race apart. It was not quintana who defeated froome it was Contador. F)£k the sponsors race your bike. Do we have a generation of riders just happy to podium . Contador is who we talk about not Quintana when it comes to last years vuelta . Don't forget TD the year before. Fu££ the sponsors if they are going to pressure riders into playing it safe.
Liggero is back it seems.
Not the way even Matthews himself said he wanted the green jersey, but stoked for him. Sunweb have put in one of the best team performances that I have seen for years. What a year for them. Sensational.
You need to learn not to cry when you fall off your bike booo hooo. All you do is attack posters . You will never be a world class cyclist so take your anger somewhere else. Post positive or go away .
It's funny how you give advice on positivity after you've sprayed that garbage
I think you're wrong TP, it looks more like xena/artray who couldn't stay away, again!
Yes, GTs have become a corporate moneymaker rather than a proper race of mano-a-mano.
What I don't like (from an entertainment standpoint) is the Sky Train vs. all the individual riders without such support.
Tilts the odds too much for a streak by the richest team (like the Yankees). Reducing the team numbers is a very good move.
What I don't like (from an entertainment standpoint) is the Sky Train vs. all the individual riders without such support.
Tilts the odds too much for a streak by the richest team (like the Yankees). Reducing the team numbers is a very good move.
kkibbler wrote:Budget plays a part but Movistar is on par with Sky and UAE and Astana are backed by entities rich enough to buy entire other countries.
Given the performances they've put in over previous years Movistar and Astana have been disappointingly weak this Tour. Because UAE was a last minute cobbled together bailout deal they didn't have that much money this year - but apparently the sponsorships have been solidified, the budget will be up there with the biggest teams in the near future, and they're going transfer shopping in a big, big way.
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I don't think dropping to 8 riders a team is going to have a massive effect on a team like Sky, they've been down to 8 since Thomas crashed out on stage 9 after all, and they've still been forming half the final selection without him!
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Agreed. It will impact teams like Sunweb and QS that try to target both sprints and GC a lot more as they'll have to put all thier eggs in one basket
Last edited by bikewithnoname on Fri Jul 21, 2017 10:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
"We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities." Oscar Wilde
Looking at the course of the TT on Saturday, it is quite technical in parts. Lots of corners, it will reward those who can still accelerate hard and have the bike handling skills. The sections up around Notre-Dame de la Garde in particular are quite nasty as is the descent off it.
mike wrote:what are the chances Tom D. does the Vuelta along with Froome.
The chances he rides the Vuelta are high, I believe it's already confirmed. The chances he will ride for a serious GC are slim. He probably take a go at it, but since his Giro win his entire second part of the season is working up for the World Championship TT in Bergen. So he'd probably start the Vuelta with that in mind. He will take a go if it goes well, but I doubt he forgot how he crashed out the TDF last year which ruined his Olympic dream, so it might be a "safe" ride.
Edit: corection. Tom D won't ride the Vuelta, Sunweb goed with Kelderman as leader and talented rider Oomen is about to make his GT debut.
Last edited by Rondje on Fri Jul 21, 2017 11:11 am, edited 1 time in total.
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