Yes. On paper you are correct.Sciatic said:I agree: my point isn't that either will be stronger than Nibali, or stronger than Pinot or Porte for that matter. But if they are capable (genuine question), and they were to take turns "going up the road" (not all-out attacks) it's possible that after several tries the big guys in the group will start looking at each other and saying "you go chase them this time." And maybe either Bardet or Peraud (more likely) is finally let loose. Eventually Astana would turn the screws to bring that escapee back if they got to a virtual yellow situation. But if that forces Astana's hand, that will leave them a little more vulnerable to counter-attacks.
Or not.![]()
But ever since I have been watching the Tour people always make those suggestions, but the Tour is so big that everyone has their own agenda. Everyone is watching for their own interest to keep their high position in GC, so nobody wants to be the sacrificial lamb. So that situation has always played into the hands of the big favorite, whoever that person is. Even if we don't like it. That's the way that has always been.
That's why you always see the Vino option in every poll, because he was an anomaly. He was always attacking even if he didn't have to power. Everybody liked that.