2012 Tour Down Under Stage 3: Unley → Victor Harbor, 135km, 2.WT

[auscyclefan94]

Why wouldn't he? Matthews has a legitimate GC shout and has a substantially improved chance of picking up bonus seconds on flat stages if he's coming off Renshaw's wheel.

I'm sure that Renshaw expects to start out as Rabo's main sprinter, but I'm equally sure that he isn't under any illusion that the team's other ambitions will be subordinated to his, in the Cavendish style. Sprinters who haven't yet proven themselves to be reliable winners don't get that treatment anywhere.

I understand that but it is still amusing that Renshaw came to Rabobank to get more chances for himself and to not be a leadout man and and only a few days into the season he is already back to leadouts. Graeme Brown's quote was also funny.

Andre has won here before, so dont think he will have any problems technically.


Hugh

Much more sprinters here now.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

Much more sprinters here now.

the sprintes he's prioving he can already beat?

I understand that but it is still amusing that Renshaw came to Rabobank to get more chances for himself and to not be a leadout man and and only a few days into the season he is already back to leadouts. Graeme Brown's quote was also funny.

nothing amusing about it. This is normal.
He didn't have the ability to stay with the main pack and thus loses his chance. This is a cycling trait, regardless of circumstances.

He'll have more chances to prove himself. He'll probably ultimately fail, but that's another story.

 

[auscyclefan94]

the sprintes he's prioving he can already beat?



nothing amusing about it. This is normal.
He didn't have the ability to stay with the main pack and thus loses his chance. This is a cycling trait, regardless of circumstances.

He'll have more chances to prove himself. He'll probably ultimately fail, but that's another story.

I think it is amusing but each to their own.

EDIT: Gaps between 4 mins 40 seconds.

 

[El Pistolero]

For being the best leadout man he's surprisingly on a bad streak of luck right now.

 

[Ferminal]

Cow racing...

 

[Ryaguas]

Eduard Vorganov (Katusha), Jan Bakelants (RadioShack-Nissan) and Thomas de Gendt (Vacansoleil) Matt Brammeier (Omega Pharma-QuickStep)

All of these guys are quite high up on GC but none are a direct danger to Kohler's lead. Personally, unless Greipel places Kohler's lead is safe.

Because Greipel struggles with positioning, this technical finish coming off the bend may not suit him.

He only has to follow Hendo's wheel... He will be ok

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

The peloton has put the foot down and the gap is now down to 2:25. Unless some teams are trying to catch them before the sprint points, that seems a bit early.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

De Gendt takes the first sprint, Bakelandts in 2nd.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Gap now down to 1:50. Looks like some team is determined to put the second intermediate sprint in play.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Apparently, Rabo, Lotto and GreenEdge on the front. Not sure why GreenEdge would want to give Greipel or Matthews a shot at the intermediate bonus though.

 

[buster1]

There not giving the leaders any rope today - definately burnt after yesterdays stage - 2.30 gap but peleton just went through feed zone.

 

[Ferminal]

They should make it to the sprint, but the wind will be hurting.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

According to the CN live updates, Radioshack have gone to the front and brought the gap down to 1:05. No idea why.

 

[Ferminal]

According to the CN live updates, Radioshack have gone to the front and brought the gap down to 1:05. No idea why.

For Bennati I guess, Bakelants must be sitting on.

De Gendt will go solo soon.

 

[buster1]

There talking about a bit of wind in Victor today - hopefully a nice cross wind would make things a bit interesting.

 

[Ferminal]

1. De Gendt
2. Bakelants
3. Vorganov

Compacto.

 

[buster1]

De-Gendt took the sprint points with the bonus seconds woulkd almost be top 5 on GC. Break aways been shut down everyone back together a bit too keen to shut the breakaway today.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Brammeier attacks the break.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Brammeier attacks the break.

But not for very long.

Still 50km to go. Lets see some attacks,

 

[Ferminal]

Virtual GC:

Kohler
Greipel +2
Matthews +4
De Gendt +6
Gerrans +8

 

[wirral]

Virtual GC:

Kohler
Greipel +2
Matthews +4
De Gendt +6
Gerrans +8

Vorganov also at +8, isn't he?

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Apparently BMC and Sky are hammering it at the front, and riders are starting to drop off the back.

 

[Ferminal]

Vorganov also at +8, isn't he?

And Bakelants I think.

 

[Fetisoff]

Vorganov also at +8, isn't he?

Should be at +8, you're right.
+10 at the start of the day, 2 bonus seconds today

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Crosswinds.