2014 TDF Stage 19: Maubourguet Pays du Val d'Adour - Bergerac 208.5km

[Netserk]

In what scenario he is supposed to take this in your opinion?

His team to put pressure on the last climb to drop Kittel, and then Sagan to win the sprint (he has the speed to beat Degenkolb and Kristoff, if in good position).

 

[Jspear]

Anyone got a close up profile of that last "bump" in the road they climb over? When it says 1.3 K @ 7.6%, does that mean that is the average gradient or the max gradient? If that is just the max gradient for a hundred meters or so I'm thinking the "strong men" will have a hard time dropping Greipel.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

7,6% is avg.

 

[Jerkovin]

Really want Sagan to do this. Pretty much now or never.

 

[spanky wanderlust]

kittel or kristoff.

is it too early to start talking about saturday?

 

[Orbit501]

Quite surprised to see no mention of G perhaps being Sky's last chance of a crumb of comfort from this Tour.

Anyway, should be an exciting stage as it really could go any of three ways - break, reduced sprint or bunch sprint.

 

[The Barb]

Nice stage this. Could be won by early break, late attack or bunch sprint.

I know his form might not be great, but Geraint Thomas at 200-1 seems worth a few dollars.

Edit: Actually, his form mightn't be so bad. 23rd on the GC is not so bad for him. Yeah, 200-1 is definitely worth a look.

 

[maxmartin]

Quite surprised to see no mention of G perhaps being Sky's last chance of a crumb of comfort from this Tour.

Anyway, should be an exciting stage as it really could go any of three ways - break, reduced sprint or bunch sprint.

Sky totally bunked this year. It shows they only have plan C nothing else.

 

[Publicus]

I'm taking Nibali to win, because why the f*ck not?

 

[Arnout]

I'd like to see a nice battle between ~10 riders in a breakaway group. The only real chance for non-sprinter and non-climbers to win a stage.

sprint from the breakaway

1.kevin reza
2.michael albasini

I see what you did there.

 

[Eyeballs Out]

Everyone who wants to win should go in the break, Sagan and Kristoff included

 

[yespatterns]

I'd like to see a nice battle between ~10 riders in a breakaway group. The only real chance for non-sprinter and non-climbers to win a stage.

After all the mountain stages, I can't imagine the dedicated sprinter teams not controlling things. Obviously, disorganization could occur, but too many fast men want to make the most of the last two days of non-itt, so i'm pretty sure any break will be on a leash. Just my 0.02

 

[manafana]

think trentin can spring something here but I do believe some sort of attack or break could do something on this one if the chase isn't fully committed.

 

[rokopt]

The intermediate sprint on the outskirts of Tonneins, and, for the puerile-minded, a pass through the town of Condom, should be the only mid race diversions...

But hang on… It's also the last chance for the breakaway to stick, so it's reasonable to expect that all of the early adventurers who shoot up the road will be a classy group of wily, efficient riders hunting a last gasp victory before tomorrow's time trial and the glorified crit in Paris.

Verdict: a tense struggle between the race craft of the world's finest opportunists and the might of the sprinters' teams looking to score.

I predict a break will form in Condom, but I don't know who will end up scoring.

 

[Netserk]

I predict a break will form in Condom, but I don't know who will end up scoring.

Hmmm I don't think that one will get to the end.

 

[rokopt]

Hmmm I don't think that one will get to the end.

I'd be happy to see any action during the stage. I just hope no one has to pull out in the middle.

 

[Matt92]

Nibali takes this from the break.

 

[The Barb]

Assuming there's no break in Condom the protected riders will ensure it's a safe ride, especially if there's moisture around. Once they get out of Condom, however, the action will be much more free.

 

[Tournesol]

Assuming there's no break in Condom the protected riders will ensure it's a safe ride, especially if there's moisture around. Once they get out of Condom, however, the action will be much more free.

That's made my night.

 

[The Barb]

This has rapidly developed into my favourite thread since 2010's famous (and sadly later deleted) "Who has the most impressive visible schlong in the peloton" thread.

 

[Matt92]

Assuming there's no break in Condom the protected riders will ensure it's a safe ride, especially if there's moisture around. Once they get out of Condom, however, the action will be much more free.

LMAO, I'm going to bed happily after reading this

 

[Arnout]

After all the mountain stages, I can't imagine the dedicated sprinter teams not controlling things. Obviously, disorganization could occur, but too many fast men want to make the most of the last two days of non-itt, so i'm pretty sure any break will be on a leash. Just my 0.02

Yeah I'm afraid Giant will ride for Degenkolb. And Lotto will ride for whoever. Team borings to kill the chances I'm afraid.

 

[rokopt]

Assuming there's no break in Condom the protected riders will ensure it's a safe ride, especially if there's moisture around. Once they get out of Condom, however, the action will be much more free.

I think the inevitable result will be a large group all finishing together.

 

[willbick]

I think the inevitable result will be a large group all finishing together.

known in the trade as a 'Bukkake' finish

 

[Warhawk]

And there goes all pretense of subtlety....