2011 Tour de France Stage 16 (18/7/2011): Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux - Gap, 162.5km

[The Barb]

Don't know how anyone can not like Thor. He's tough, smart and incredibly versatile.

 

[theyoungest]

The Schlecks are gonna like the Pinerolo stage as well. Technical descent to the finish in the rain/snow: bring it on.

 

[Sophistic]

i wouldnt predict anything based on today, we have 3 tough days in a row now, recovery ability will start to become an issue, can even see Basso making a comeback to the podium.

 

[Trofinios]

Cavendish polka-dot jersey 2012.

 

[dlwssonic]

didnt watch the stage but looking at the results evans rocks!!!
How did he react to contadors attacks on the climb.

 

[Tuarts]

THE TOUR IS ALIVE!!!

Damn, now I need to change time gaps in the Stage 18 post and possibiy trim some of the Magnificent 7.

Now, to go back and read 200+ posts

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Most important thing was that nor Andy nor Frank where with the best 3 climbers today, probably not even best 5.

That's worrying for the Alps.

 

[Anonymous]

Gilbert and Rojas both failed to take any major points out of Cav today, they are running out of chances now.

Props to Cav for racing like he did today. Nice way to make a point.

 

[Sem Travões]

For Garmin now the only thing missing is to farrar win in Paris

 

[sportzchick]

didnt watch the stage but looking at the results evans rocks!!!
How did he react to contadors attacks on the climb.

pretty good - couldnt ask for a better postion

LOL at everyone wanting Cadel to crack to AC - this year it may just not happen...

 

[kjetilraknerud]

Thor is extremly emotional on norwegian TV, what a champ.

 

[Escarabajo]

I disagree.

Everyone from Cunego up is close enough to possibly factor in the overall I think.

The stages are all different, and weather conditions also play a role. Andy and Frank being vulnerable here doesn't mean they can't excel later in a more traditional mountain stage. I still can imagine a scenario where going into stage 20 you have Frank in the lead, andy a minute back, then Evans/Contador/Sanchez/Basso/Cunego all about 30-60 seconds behind.

If you take into account the TT it would be almost dead for riders like Cunego and Basso. That's the problem.

 

[Trofinios]

Incredible stage.

Massive attacks from Contador today. When it gets steeper Evans will have a harder time following. Contador shows why he has won 6 GT.

 

[funnytanlines]

can't wait to hear/read schleck interviews and tweets...

 

[sublimit]

evans took 20 seconds on frank schleck of which 5 were in the downhil, nothing impressive but definetely a good downhil. andy really bad ppearantly he really sucks in wet downhils, look ast least years tour to see andy downhilling on contadors level.

still I couldn't be more happy. the schlecks exposed for the whiny p**** that they are and are now done for. can't wait for their interviews and uran in top ten

Uran hung in there well, he looked comfortable and not stressed so he should go top 10 easily on that form.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

pretty good - couldnt ask for a better postion

LOL at everyone wanting Cadel to crack to AC - this year it may just not happen...

depends on ac.
on top shape evans wouldn't stand a chance.

 

[kurtinsc]

Evans didn't keep up with Alberto's accelerations... but he didn't try either.

This is a GOOD thing for Evans I think. Instead, he rode his pace... and his pace was enough that he caught up with Contador after the accelerations. Now this doesn't mean he'll be able to do that on the steeper inclines to come, but it suggests that he's finally learned not to try to hang with someone going faster then his level and instead ride his own race (something he hasn't done in past years where he's hung on as long as possible then bonked horribly and lost tons of time).

Even if he loses time to Contador on the bigger climbs to come... if he can ride smart and make that time a relatively small amount he can still win overall. He's got a 2 minute cushion. If he loses 1:30 over the next 3 stages and goes into the ITT with a 30 second edge... he's still got an excellent shot at winning.

 

[theyoungest]

Most important thing was that nor Andy nor Frank where with the best 3 climbers today, probably not even best 5.

That's worrying for the Alps.

For Fränk this is more or less the usual level, but Andy has really made a step back compared to last year. First he can't drop an injured Contador, now he's getting dropped by him.

 

[hrotha]

It's unlikely, but both Schlecks could end out of the podium. Now that'd be something to behold.

 

[just some guy]

evans took 20 seconds on frank schleck of which 5 were in the downhil, nothing impressive but definetely a good downhil. andy really bad ppearantly he really sucks in wet downhils, look ast least years tour to see andy downhilling on contadors level.

still I couldn't be more happy. the schlecks exposed for the whiny p**** that they are and are now done for. can't wait for their interviews and uran in top ten

One of the great side steps seen this tour - way to try and dodge a bullet

I think we have the Podium now

Contador, Evans, Sammy

what order ?

Evans will need to get used to Contador *** to win The next few days are going to be great.

The tour is alive

 

[sportzchick]

depends on ac.
on top shape evans wouldn't stand a chance.

he wasnt suppose to stand a chance REGARDLESS.....

keep kidding yourself....this is gonna be a fun few days

 

[b.broadhurst]

If Evans doesn't win the Tour from this position then I can't see where he goes from here.

 

[spalco]

didnt watch the stage but looking at the results evans rocks!!!
How did he react to contadors attacks on the climb.

He looked like he was getting dropped at first, but quickly came back with a vengence and led the front group even.

 

[DenisMenchov]

Schluck hit them today.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking Thor is in for a big $$ raise next year.