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k sCoolbanana said:
johnxjsc1985 said:
I was wondering if SKY want Froome hidden away in the pack without the target on his back however I cant see Thomas letting this go easily now.
Thomas will do as he is instructed. Just like LeMond did with Hinault and Froome did with Wiggins; examples of when the No.1 domestique could have gone for glory themselves but remembered they work for a Team with a Plan. Froome is still Team Leader and unless it is agreed by Management that Thomas is best suited to win overall, then he will eventually have to concede to work for Froome.
Today was great for Thomas, I'm sure he is very happy and will still see Froome as Leader until told otherwise.
It's an interesting situation all right. Though I can't help thinking that Froome should have taken Wiggins in 2012, and on that rationale I'd wouldn't be disappointed if Thomas usurped Froome. It was beautiful when Stephen Roche did over Roberto Visentini in the 1987 Giro, but, with 10 days still to go, it is too risky for Thomas - it's a long time to be a mutineer, and too much chance of Froome talking it back anyway. I'm sure natural order will prevail in the next two days and Froome will move into yellow.
Ultimately, whatever happens, I'd like to see Dan Martin and Tom Dumoulin on the podium in Paris
Ultimately, whatever happens, I'd like to see Dan Martin and Tom Dumoulin on the podium in Paris
Edited by JuniorD on Thursday 19th July 10:17
Kermit power said:
I'm sure that's true in theory, but in practice, Froome still has to take back 1m44 off him. I know it's probably mission impossible, but if G managed to do everything asked of him and Froome still can't take that time back, what are they going to do? Order G to get off his bike and wait?
1m25 to Froome, 1m44 to Dumoulin.Thomas is 32 and performed at the highest of levels for many years and rode many GT's so Froome will not just ride him off his wheel when he feels like. Equally Froome has the Giro in his legs which might well show in the final week and one bad stage and its over for him so SKY will be delighted Thomas is in Yellow and let the race develop, they will only be allowed to attack each other under certain circumstances.
Lets no forget Tom D is looking really strong and can TT as good as anyone so plenty to look forward to over the next 11 days.
Lets no forget Tom D is looking really strong and can TT as good as anyone so plenty to look forward to over the next 11 days.
JuniorD said:
It's an interesting situation all right. Though I can't help thinking that Froome should have taken Wiggins in 2012, and on that rationale I'd wouldn't be disappointed if Thomas usurped Froome. It was beautiful when Stephen Roche did over Roberto Visentini in the 1987 Giro, but, with 10 days still to go, it is too risky for Thomas - it's a long time to be a mutineer, and too much chance of Froome talking it back anyway. I'm sure natural order will prevail in the next two days and Froome will move into yellow.
Ultimately, whatever happens, I'd like to see Dan Martin and Tom Dumoulin on the podium in Paris
I'll be surprised if I see Froome pulling for G. I'd think it more likely G becomes a super-domestique again. Froome would have to be absolutely incapable of winning for him to be sacrificed or even compromised IMO.Ultimately, whatever happens, I'd like to see Dan Martin and Tom Dumoulin on the podium in Paris
Edited by JuniorD on Thursday 19th July 10:17
ferrisbueller said:
I'll be surprised if I see Froome pulling for G. I'd think it more likely G becomes a super-domestique again. Froome would have to be absolutely incapable of winning for him to be sacrificed or even compromised IMO.
They'll want to keep the focus off Froome as much as possible, even letting Thomas pull out a little more time yesterday. The plan has to be to get both Sky riders on the podium with Froome on the top-step as he's clearly still the team leader. The problem Sky have is how they engineer Froome to get that 1.25 time back without killing off 'G's podium potential.
The Surveyor said:
ferrisbueller said:
I'll be surprised if I see Froome pulling for G. I'd think it more likely G becomes a super-domestique again. Froome would have to be absolutely incapable of winning for him to be sacrificed or even compromised IMO.
They'll want to keep the focus off Froome as much as possible, even letting Thomas pull out a little more time yesterday. The plan has to be to get both Sky riders on the podium with Froome on the top-step as he's clearly still the team leader. The problem Sky have is how they engineer Froome to get that 1.25 time back without killing off 'G's podium potential.
lufbramatt said:
Gaviria just dropped out. What with Groenewegen, Greipel, Kittel, Cav etc. too, I think all the sprinters have abandoned?
Yup.Meanwhile, Quintana, Bardet and Tom dM watching Thomas and Froome very closely and looking strong. Sky are down to their last domestique......assuming Thomas isn't one.
Kruiswijk's gap coming down very fast now.
ETA. The gap has just been corrected.
Kruiswijk could make this.....
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