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It's really very good to see Cavendish back into form - not quite the force of 5 years ago, but he is 31.
Beating Kittel in a straight one on one battle for the second time shows he is right in there.
There are 5 stages where a bunch sprint looks likely left, maybe 2 of them with a bit of a sting in the tail that would favour Sagan.
I can't see him abandoning now - it's his best shot at Green for 5 years.
Beating Kittel in a straight one on one battle for the second time shows he is right in there.
There are 5 stages where a bunch sprint looks likely left, maybe 2 of them with a bit of a sting in the tail that would favour Sagan.
I can't see him abandoning now - it's his best shot at Green for 5 years.
FlyingMeeces said:
Boooored!
I'm kinda bracing for them to announce Cav is withdrawing, though - he was pretty miserable in the Pyrenees, now he's lost Renshaw which must have done bad things to his odds of further stage wins, and he's got the 'lympics to prep for. It's not that I think he should - I very much hope he'll stay - but I think he's likely to bail.
He is still right in with a shot at green.I'm kinda bracing for them to announce Cav is withdrawing, though - he was pretty miserable in the Pyrenees, now he's lost Renshaw which must have done bad things to his odds of further stage wins, and he's got the 'lympics to prep for. It's not that I think he should - I very much hope he'll stay - but I think he's likely to bail.
He is ALWAYS miserable in the mountains. They are something to be endured not appreciated for him, and always has been. So long as he gets home within the cut off wheilst preserving as much energy as possible that's what he cares about.
Renshaw gone isn't ideal, but Eisel and B'Hagan are wiley enough to keep him near the front with 600 or so to go, and he can wheel hop until he finds Greipel or Kittel to shelter behind. He's not had a proper 'train' at all this year, seems to be working for him.
His work over the next two weeks will be as good as any late training for the omnium as its an all round test
I think him and Boulting are really listenable. I like having the live show on in the background at work. It's like a podcast - interesting and informative, along with race details as they happen.
ETA: I know the wider doctrine is that dopers are all scum and should be shot on sight - and I always expect to be shot down for what I am about to say, David Millar's 'Racing Through the Dark' is an enormously engaging and insightful read. It gives an insight into why people cheat. I don't think it is right - but I think its understandable.
I obviously want to see a clean sport - and I do not think doping is right. But if there is genuine contrition I am happy to give a second chance. The unrepentant multiple offenders however, show a more Machiavellian and sinister side.
ETA: I know the wider doctrine is that dopers are all scum and should be shot on sight - and I always expect to be shot down for what I am about to say, David Millar's 'Racing Through the Dark' is an enormously engaging and insightful read. It gives an insight into why people cheat. I don't think it is right - but I think its understandable.
I obviously want to see a clean sport - and I do not think doping is right. But if there is genuine contrition I am happy to give a second chance. The unrepentant multiple offenders however, show a more Machiavellian and sinister side.
- flamesuit on*
Edited by Vocal Minority on Tuesday 12th July 10:00
I have only done it once on the ride london, but its a very enjoyable climb - I imagine its even nicer when not rammed. But you can really get you head down and surge on on it - satisfying.
Anyway - back on topic.
Sagan has leapt ahead in the GC by 40 odd points - though in terms of favourable stage left it's maybe 3-1 (ish) in Cavendish's favour. He really needs to mark Sagan in the intermediates and he needs a couple more wins with Kittel/McLean/Greipel between him and Sagan.
He isn't out of it, but can't really afford another stage like Stage 4 where he got crowded out totally. He needs to be on his metal, as if that gap has another jump like yesterday before its closed again it makes life harder.
But it's sport and anything can happen
ETA:
Anyway - back on topic.
Sagan has leapt ahead in the GC by 40 odd points - though in terms of favourable stage left it's maybe 3-1 (ish) in Cavendish's favour. He really needs to mark Sagan in the intermediates and he needs a couple more wins with Kittel/McLean/Greipel between him and Sagan.
He isn't out of it, but can't really afford another stage like Stage 4 where he got crowded out totally. He needs to be on his metal, as if that gap has another jump like yesterday before its closed again it makes life harder.
But it's sport and anything can happen
ETA:
Cav on Twitter said:
When you're here & woken by the wind banging the window shutters, it's not likely to be a calm day on the bike!
Could be very interesting for the GC as well as the Green if people aren't switched onEdited by Vocal Minority on Wednesday 13th July 09:17
FlyingMeeces said:
johnxjsc1985 said:
FlyingMeeces said:
Tomorrow was overwhelmingly Quintana's hope of clawing some time back - I think the change is actually significantly to Froome's advantage. Which is sort of a shame - I like Froome, but I like seeing the battles royale on summit finishes too, and we're not going to get as much of one as we expected tomorrow. I'm thinking it might also be good news for Yates, actually. And I bet Cav's thrilled to bits, 6 km less climbing! 
I think Froome won the last stage up the Ventoux. Pity because it is such an Iconic stageAs other have said Froome is one of the best Time Triallists in the world, which sometimes can be forgotten. He will almost certainly but time into the rest of the GC on the time trials, so Quintana may have been banking on the big summit finish to get something.
pablo said:
Quintana hardly buried him on AdH, he started the day about 2;30 behind and finished it at least a minute behind, as I remember Froome was dropped with about 2km to go when it was impossible for Quintana to make back the time and Froome could ease off, who knows if Froome was broken at that point or just let Quintana go and continued to stare at his power meter knowing the numbers were in his favour?
Froome claimed he had no response to Quintana - there is a chance he was just saying it I suppose, but he insisted he was maxing out
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