2014 68th Tour de Romandie, April 29 to May 4 - WT

[Dazed and Confused]

For me Kwia is foremost a big TT talent who can sprint.

but he has added skills quite quickly.

I think the "climbers" can drop him and stay away on the descents. Paging Nibali.

 

[BigMac]

Obviously, everything still open. Getting really tired of Kiwaitkowsi to be honest.

Spilak and Costa to fight for the overall.

 

[Netserk]

For me Kwia is foremost a big TT talent who can sprint.

but he has added skills quite quickly.

I think the "climbers" can drop him and stay away on the descents. Paging Nibali.

On the long <5% section or the last 3.5km @ ~6.5%?

Besides Kwia is an excellent descender.

 

[roundabout]

They said on Swiss TV that the road could be cleared but that there avalanche risks so it was likely the riders would catch up with the planned route it in buses/cars...

TVG's jersey was pretty ripped but he seemed ok when he passed the line, so hopefully no major damage.

Simplon in late April, what could have possibly gone wrong?

 

[Dazed and Confused]

On the long <5% section or the last 3.5km @ ~6.5%?

Besides Kwia is an excellent descender.

Not sure anybody can get away from the steppers' train on the first part, but somebody should have a serious go on the last part. Must be a top descender obviously. And no it will not be easy on stage 1 (edit: from 2 to 1). Alternative is to do nothing and let Kwia take the sprint, lol.

 

[Netserk]

Not sure anybody can get away from the steppers' train on the first part, but somebody should have a serious go on the last part. Must be a top descender obviously. And no it will not be easy on stage 2. Alternative is to do nothing and save energy for when they can actually make a difference, like stage 3

Fixed

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Fixed

Ah right, the waiting game.

 

[roundabout]

It will be a 90km stage. No harm in trying to set a hard pace up the last climb.

 

[Netserk]

Ah right, the waiting game.

But really, what is the point with almost 10km on a big road after the descent?

 

[Dazed and Confused]

But really, what is the point with almost 10km on a big road after the descent?

Gotta develop a plan, or let the opportunity go........

Nobody will die from going all in on an stage like this in 1 week race.

The waiting game is pathetic.

 

[Jspear]

Gotta develop a plan, or let the opportunity go........

Nobody will die from going all in on an stage like this in 1 week race.

The waiting game is pathetic.

Yes for the most part I agree with you about the waiting game. I'm really hoping Astana and Nibali can make things as tough as possible. These parcours can suit an in form Nibali....I'm also thinking maybe Tjay will try something. He's got nothing to lose trying since he is so far back in the GC. Maybe he could get in a successful breakaway...

 

[Poursuivant]

Mezgec I think.

 

[Fzotrlool]

Nibali will be saved for stage 3. The GC Guys and the Steppers will not let him go on a stage like this.

But Fuglsang will be there for sure. He is always in an untenable breakaway.

 

[pigoonse]

I doubt anyone even slightly marked can shake the Stepper patrol. But I sure would like to see someone try. Steppers will rule.

At least one Stepper on the podium - maybe 2 of them Kwiato and ?

 

[manafana]

with the new stage profile surely then its for kittel.

 

[karlboss]

But really, what is the point with almost 10km on a big road after the descent?

The point is a stage win and the overall lead. This is an almost ideal finish for many riders/teams to take time. In fact many won't have better. No there aren't minutes here, but seconds and that may be all some need.
Terpstra won Paris Roubaix as he wasn't marked when he attacked, and was strong enough to hold off Bert de Backer. There isn't any reason that a team couldn't sacrifice all but 2 guys on the 5% section of the climb all 10km of it, to set up a similar situation. Then the steeper section, descent, and the flat to the line for tactical attacks.
Garmin, Movistar, and Astana all have teams strong enough to do it. Take Astana, running a train of Grivko, to Iglinsky, to kessiakoff(lol) to Westra to Brajkovic to Kangert at which stage all 6 are dead, i don't think many riders would be left with Nibali and Fuglsang going over the top. Of course stage 4 offers more time, but surprise is why stage 1 may work better.
Of course I expect a team to set a tempo on the climb and conserve 4 to 5 of their own guys over the top of the shallow section, a few small attacks to go on the steep section, and be reeled in around the bottom of the descent. Pity. Happy to be surprised

 

[pigoonse]

The point is a stage win and the overall lead. This is an almost ideal finish for many riders/teams to take time. In fact many won't have better. No there aren't minutes here, but seconds and that may be all some need.
Take Astana, running a train of Grivko, to Iglinsky, to kessiakoff(lol) to Westra to Brajkovic to Kangert at which stage all 6 are dead, i don't think many riders would be left with Nibali and Fuglsang going over the top. Of course stage 4 offers more time, but surprise is why stage 1 may work better.
Of course I expect a team to set a tempo on the climb and conserve 4 to 5 of their own guys over the top of the shallow section, a few small attacks to go on the steep section, and be reeled in around the bottom of the descent. Pity. Happy to be surprised

Like you, I will watch and be, "Happy to be surprised." Really do like how you think and agree the surprise attack, a la Contador style is what the doctor ordered for us hungry cycling fans

 

[Jelantik]

Nibali will be saved for stage 3. The GC Guys and the Steppers will not let him go on a stage like this.

But Fuglsang will be there for sure. He is always in an untenable breakaway.

Fuglsang needs to have some balls, and for once go for broke if he's in breakaway. He rode for Nibali, so might as well try test his form.

 

[greenedge]

I hope that Sky do their Oman tactics for Froome and send Porte up the road

 

[stijndefieuw]

Should be an easy win for Kittel today

 

[McLovin]

Do we have a profile for the last climb?

 

[Bavarianrider]

http://www.cyclingcols.com/profiles/AnzereS.gif

This one until Lens.
Don't see how people think this is a bunch sprint.

 

[fraserhughes]

http://www.cyclingcols.com/profiles/AnzereS.gif

This one until Lens.
Don't see how people think this is a bunch sprint.

10km of flat at the end will help some get back on - reduced group sprint IMO. Mezgec for the win!

 

[Bavarianrider]

10km of flat at the end will help some get back on - reduced group sprint IMO. Mezgec for the win!

Group sprint yes, but sprinters like Kittel?

Don't think they'll survive 5 km with 7%.

 

[del1962]

Navardauskas ftw