Recent content by JosefK

The funniest aspect of all this is that Pog maintains peak form all year round. After he wins the Vuelta later this year (after winning the TDF by at least 5 minutes, using the final week for training), UAE will probably analyze the media reaction ... and if it's deemed safe to proceed, then Pog...

Right now, Pogi is like Neo at the end of The Matrix, after he's become fully self-actualized and is inside the matrix making a phone call to let everyone know the jig is up for the machines. Then he flies off into the ether.

Lipo was a bright spot for Bora. He can fight for the podium.

Chapeau, Rog. Great career. My favorite rider of the past 10 years. But as of now, too many crashes and too many birthdays to find another grand tour podium.

What a great queen stage, today! Gigante was gigantic! Longo Borghini was courageous and tough, taking a risk and having it pay off. Reusser gave all she had, just coming up short in her efforts to stay in pink. On a side note, Sarah Gigante's body type reminds me of Annemiek van Vleuten's...

Just when it looked as if Sarah Gigante was going to throw a spanner into the GC works, she gets caught on the wrong side of a split in the peloton. Looks like it's going to be Reusser vs. ELB for the big prize. ... At least there's a battle, there.

I was a bit surprised that Jonas was so strong on the punchy climbs. He looks great, so far.

Horrible stage, though congrats to Merlier. Remco looked quite hurt after one of the late crashes.

After stage 1, the GC battle is winnowed down to 2 riders.

Pog having a stretch, yawning, checking his phone messages on the last km.

"Send Gianetti in for motivational debrief!"

Where is WVA?

Del Toro will expand his lead, today.

I saw a brief on-site interview with him right after the stage, and he seemed in good spirits, smiling and interacting with fans. He had a small patch missing from his uniform on the left rear buttocks area (maybe one or two square inches). It seemed like a minor spill insofar as Rog crashes go...

It does seem like Rog isn't putting too much effort into the bonus sprints, but I'm also concerned about the condition of his injured shoulder. If it's really bad, that might preclude his being able to get out of the saddle for accelerations. At this point, he's shipped almost 1:40 to Del Toro...