2011 Critérium du Dauphiné, Stage 7: Pontcharra - La Toussuire, 117.5 km

[goggalor]

So Gesink is getting a bit carried away now, eh?

That's good, though, I wasn't liking his Schleck impersonation.

 

[lanternrouge]

The Wigans haters will still hate, and the normal people will probably, indeed, gain more respect, although it's hardly surprising that someone gains respect when he wins one of the biggest week-long races of the year.

Myself, I haven't changed on him. While I don't hate him (I don't hate any rider) I will always and forever use the 'Wigans' nickname, because the Man Utd/Wigan comment still counts as one of the dumbest things I've ever heard out of a cyclist's mouth. I still think he's a good rider overall, with a fantastic TT, and below average climbing skills for a GC man. Week-long races could be his niche, since he can own the TT and climbing is manageable.

Good post. We have all said things we regret and think that he would probably admit that was not his finest moment.

 

[Michielveedeebee]

Seriously?

yep interview from het nieuwsblad

 

[maltiv]

It will be interesting if someone does put in a big attack on the Glandon - but if Sky keep their cool then Edvard Beasten Hagen will bring him back on the final climb which is not that difficult.

Uhh if they're racing up Glandon then EBH, even in his current form, should be dropped for sure. 22 km at 8% isn't exactly the best climb for him. He could probably make up a minute or so on the descent though.

 

[gilbertador]

i much prefer paris nice as its not a warm up race for everything and you get good riders making do or die moves, here u quite clearly have people ensuring that they dont go to deep and that puts a downer on it for me, it really is just a warm up race

 

[Michielveedeebee]

Anyone thinks that if Purito attacks on Glandon he can win?
And will Jurgen take enough time back on Vino to get on the podium ?

 

[jens_attacks]

oh what a nice preview of la toussuire by richard virenque and above all,crazy funny:

Elle est entrée dans l'histoire car peu imaginait que la Montée de La Toussuire puisse être aussi sélective et créer des écarts entre les favoris du Tour de France 2006. L'Américain Floyd Landis y a laissé ses illusions et ses chances de remporter le Tour, ce jour-là, sur cette 16ème étape. Après, on sait malheureusement ce qu'il s'est passé et ce qu'il a fait le lendemain, lors de la 17ème étape du Tour à Morzine. S'il avait pris ma gamme de compléments alimentaires et de produits énergétiques V7, il n'aurait pas été contrôlé positif et il n'aurait pas eu, la veille, de défaillance dans la Montée de La Toussuire. Plus sérieusement, cette Montée de La Toussuire est magique. Tout simplement.

good old virenque

http://www.la-toussuire.com/fr/il4-...ue-la-montee-de-la-toussuire-est-magique.aspx

 

[movingtarget]

The Wigans haters will still hate, and the normal people will probably, indeed, gain more respect, although it's hardly surprising that someone gains respect when he wins one of the biggest week-long races of the year.

Myself, I haven't changed on him. While I don't hate him (I don't hate any rider) I will always and forever use the 'Wigans' nickname, because the Man Utd/Wigan comment still counts as one of the dumbest things I've ever heard out of a cyclist's mouth. I still think he's a good rider overall, with a fantastic TT, and below average climbing skills for a GC man. Week-long races could be his niche, since he can own the TT and climbing is manageable.

I think that since he finished 4th in the TDF, expectations were quite high and he did not deliver on them. I don't think his climbing skills are below average for a GC guy but they are when compared to the top 5 or so GC guys. I like a good comeback and would be happy for him to take the win.

It's easy for some people to get on the internet, line up and anonomously tear someone's reputation to pieces. Too much time on their hands or just a little bit too shallow for their own good ?

I have enjoyed this race so far apart from Roche's fall and the cows muscling in. I hope it is just as good on this stage.

 

[maltiv]

Before the start today, Basso went to EBH and said "I've never seen anything like that, you are amazing!". Looks like he is thinking of replacing Szmyd

 

[Moondance]

I think that since he finished 4th in the TDF, expectations were quite high and he did not deliver on them. I don't think his climbing skills are below average for a GC guy but they are when compared to the top 5 or so GC guys. I like a good comeback and would be happy for him to take the win.

It's easy for some people to get on the internet, line up and anonomously tear someone's reputation to pieces. Too much time on their hands or just a little bit too shallow for their own good ?

I have enjoyed this race so far apart from Roche's fall and the cows muscling in. I hope it is just as good on this stage.

If one were to assemble the elite cadre of the top-25 GC men, guys who have serious ambitions to contend for GTs and week-long stage races (think Schlecks, Berties, Nibalis, or Gesinks of the world) and Wigans was included in that list, then Wigans would be in the bottom-5 of that group if one were to list them in terms of pure climbing ability. Therefore I conclude that he has 'below average climbing ability for a GC man'.

That is not to say that on a good day he can't outclimb one of men I would consider to be above him in that list: For instance yesterday he outclimbed Evans, who I would rank above Wigans in that elite list.

 

[Havetts]

Tjallingii in the break again.

He's desperate for that Tour selection.

I hope he gets it.

 

[Michielveedeebee]

on a more serious note, wiggins crashed, but he's being dragged to the bunch by Thomas the tank engine already

 

[maltiv]

Andrey Zeits (Astana), Leonardo Duque and Tristan Valentin (Cofidis), Sébastien Minard (Ag2r-La Mondiale), Maarten Tjallingii (Rabobank), Pierre Rolland (Europcar), Alexandre Kolobnev (Katusha), Thibaut Pinot (FDJ), Imanol Erviti (Movistar), Julien Vermote (Quick Step) and Kristjian Koren (Liquigas) have 4.20 lead at km 46.

 

[icefire]

According to live ticker they're approaching the start of Glandon. Anyone knows when streams start going live?

 

[Havetts]

Woo Kolobnev :>

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

myp2p says 15:00

but most streams say 15:30

 

[hatcher]

According to live ticker they're approaching the start of Glandon. Anyone knows when streams start going live?

About another 50 minutes as far as I can tell.

 

[JRanton]

Katusha are riding on the front as the bunch approaches the foot of the climb.

 

[Anonymous]

katusha in the front, maybe purito is planning attack at Glandon

 

[theyoungest]

Luckily we have the numbers on our side in Limburg (level of primary schools + high schools is much better here than there for example)

Still, the level of your schools isn't high enough, considering your voting behaviour.

 

[LukeSchmid]

I tihnk purito is Wiggins biggest danger because he is the only one likely to attack early enough to be able to get the time required. However 3 minutes is a huge ask.

 

[jens_attacks]

lol@ryo.also was she a colombian chick?haha


also good news,purito will take off on glandon,kolobnev will help him on the descend.it will be awesome.how much till the live begins?

 

[cineteq]

katusha in the front, maybe purito is planning attack at Glandon

Purito wants podium!

 

[Anonymous]

Purito wants podium!

and that will make him attack, no?

 

[Frosty]

Taaramae on the attack, 30 seconds ahead of the peloton.