2013 Giro D'Italia 04/05 - 26/05

[Dazed and Confused]

Perhaps Wiggins didn't quite get what he wanted on stage 8, but I'm happy with the response. This was needed for the race.

Also the two Colombians gave everything to come back into GC top 10. It wasn't all pretty (looking at you Henao), but highly effective. Chapeau.

And then we have Nibali and Evans. The Shark riding like a champ and the super grinder is back in business it seems.

Can't wait for the 2nd week to get started.

 

[nesocip]

To even what out? Real climbers already lost 2-4 minutes on it. Sanchez, Pozzo, Kiserlovski etc... Even some guys that are better at TT like Hesjedal have pretty big losses already.

 

[manafana]

Nibali looks to have a real killer instinct this year. Top favourite now IMO.

yeah looks bang on, alot like evans when he won tour he seems to be doing everything right so far, and hos domestics look to be in good order too.

 

[taiwan]

Have to say that I loved yesterday's course, something for everyone. However given how hard it was I believe that it would have been better with a flat TT rather than a MTT to even it out.

The better TTists in the GC will like the MTT. Wiggins will be pulling back time there.

 

[Zam_Olyas]

After the frustration of last year this year has been much better with the rain and everything...of course if basso was riding it will not be enjoyable at all.

 

[Maaaaaaaarten]

Exceeding anything I could hope for him. Amazing talent. As a neo pro, being 23rd in such a tough ITT is an outstanding result.

And yet in the GC he's a minute behind TAWK, who is a year younger and who crashed two times in this race al ready losing significant time in both cases.

 

[Pentacycle]

And yet in the GC he's a minute behind TAWK, who is a year younger and who crashed two times in this race al ready losing significant time in both cases.

Aru's crashed as well on Friday, but I think he'll destroy WK in the mountains anyway.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Aru's crashed as well on Friday, but I think he'll destroy WK in the mountains anyway.

I doubt it, both Aru and WK have to work for their leaders and judging by Romandie WK is stronger than ever before in the mountains (also lost 2kg)

 

[Pentacycle]

I doubt it, both Aru and WK have to work for their leaders and judging by Romandie WK is stronger than ever before in the mountains (also lost 2kg)

Aru was stronger than ever in Trentino. We'll see how it really turns out, but IMO WK will lose time.

Don't forget Majka for the white jersey either.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Aru was stronger than ever in Trentino. We'll see how it really turns out, but IMO WK will lose time.

Don't forget Majka for the white jersey either.

Imo Majka is the biggest candidate because he doesn't have to work for anyone.
Betancur is now far behind but could come back with a decent breakaway

It's very simple Aru and WK both have the disadavantage of having a leader to work for. If Aru has to ride 10km in front on a climb for Nibali until he is empty he is going to lose loads of time. if WK has to stay with Gesink as long as possible instead of riding his own pace, he's going to blow and lose loads of time...

Majka/Betancur dont have these problems

 

[jens_attacks]

when the mountains come, betancur's gap will be nothing
kelderman facing majka,aru and betancur has the 4th chance

 

[classicomano]

when the mountains come, betancur's gap will be nothing
kelderman facing majka,aru and betancur has the 4th chance

Nope.

146 ARU Fabio ITA AST 4:49:16 17:45

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Nope.

146 ARU Fabio ITA AST 4:49:16 17:45

that would always be Aru's downfall, working for the leader.

 

[taiwan]

Shame that.

 

[jens_attacks]

unexpected for me. hopefully he will be there in the mountains for nibali at least

 

[Jelantik]

Have to say that I loved yesterday's course, something for everyone. However given how hard it was I believe that it would have been better with a flat TT rather than a MTT to even it out.

even out what? with flat TT wiggin would take 3-4 minutes against everyone. Then we'll see black and blue train all week long until the end of the Giro. Wiggins might not be contador, but he and his team certainly can handle nibali/scarponi/hesjedal and evans. Yesterday's TT was perfect. Because it's for everyone. It makes the Giro exciting now because the TT underdog are closely to the TT specialist. I would have to say that whoever design the course for Giro .. is brilliant. Yep, they did lure wiggins to come to the Giro because of TT's possibility. But who da' thought the rain will throw a curve ball to "sky project's giro"

 

[MartinGT]

Not suprised at all seeing Astana putting some hurt into Sky on the descents today. Was hoping to see some more fight, but it was always going to be a day for the breakaway.

Nibbles is looking good as does Evans really, bring on the mountains! Tuesday is a day where we should so who isnt going to win the Giro.

 

[SKSemtex]

Out of Giro topics. Other Sir is leaving right now in Manchaster. Great man.

 

[MartinGT]

Out of Giro topics. Other Sir is leaving right now in Manchaster. Great man.

Great Man, i.e someone who berates officials and acts like a 5 year old if he doesnt get his own way? Aye, Great indeed.

 

[Eshnar]

there's a football thread for that.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Some data points comparing Giro '12 and '13.

GC gaps after stage 9:

'12....................'13

10th: 0:52..........3:02

20th: 1:23..........5:09

50th: 4:54..........24:26

100th:34:05........56:22

Looks like a more open race this year. Hoping it will continue.

(disclaimer: I need a pair of glasses when the text is small)

 

[jens_attacks]

looks like galibier will be out most likely

snow predicted from wednesday onwards and around 2 degrees celsius
finish at valloire?

does anyone know if the other mountain stages are at risk? well there is always risk in may at above 2000 m to be honest but still i would be so disappointed.

 

[Pentacycle]

Some data points comparing Giro '12 and '13.

GC gaps after stage 9:

'12....................'13

10th: 0:52..........3:02

20th: 1:23..........5:09

50th: 4:54..........24:26

100th:34:05........56:22

Looks like a more open race this year. Hoping it will continue.

(disclaimer: I need a pair of glasses when the text is small)

This explains why Ryder lost a minute today, his recovery isn't really helping him just yet. He's usually still not at his best until the second week, and he looks very tired.

This race could end up like Giro '10.

 

[Ferminal]

looks like galibier will be out most likely

snow predicted from wednesday onwards and around 2 degrees celsius
finish at valloire?

does anyone know if the other mountain stages are at risk? well there is always risk in may at above 2000 m to be honest but still i would be so disappointed.

Snow expected Saturday night. Good luck with that.

Sadly the alternate will be Valloire as they have paid for it. I'd actually prefer a Cenis MTF.

 

[Afrank]

I think the big difference is his mental state. 2012 he was fully supported by Sky, and everything went his way including the TdF parcours, whilst his rivals seem to be short on luck.

This year, the parcours doesn't suit him, his rivals are stronger than he would have expected and he hasn't had the success or Sky support heading in.

Agreed, Wiggins mental state is one of his biggest adversaries right now I'd say. From the beginning of the year I've had the thought that mentally Wiggins this year wouldn't be where he was in 2012. His mental state definitely isn't looking too good right now.