2014 Tour de France July 23, Stage 17: Saint-Gaudens - Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d'Adet 1

[Jagartrott]

If they keep the leading group under a minute, they (Katusha) will have seriously exhausted them, which is good for anyone (Purito) joining that break on the first climb...

 

[Netserk]

Only 8 in the break so still a few points to fight for in the peloton. Majka wont contest those I think since his plan it to strike on the last climb. Purito should be able to grasp those, but I think Katusha will want to keep the break in a leash and then Purito can easily bridge on the first climb

Only the first 6 get points on the cat 1 climbs. If all stay away there'll only be 8 and 4 points left at the finish.

 

[RedheadDane]

Btw nice to see Majka NOT going full polka-dot

I also find it rather cool that he requested that his new (Polka Dot) SRAM shouldn't show his pulse.

 

[Netserk]

Gap going out quickly. If it continues like this, they'll have ~2'30'' (at least) before the first climb.

 

[petiagos]

Rodriguez miss the break ...

 

[GuyIncognito]

Clearly Mollema is waiting for the 4th week to do something

 

[SafeBet]

Grivko not happy with the Moto being so close. It's pretty clear that Astana wanted a slower start, they know they are weak.

 

[Cimber]

Only the first 6 get points on the cat 1 climbs. If all stay away there'll only be 8 and 4 points left at the finish.

Ah ye true about the first climbs. However, I dont think the break with last to the finish like. Not strong enough. And I also suspect Purito will close the gap on the first climb if Katusha keeps a leash on the break which it looks as they are doing

 

[ILovecycling]

Grivko not happy with the Moto being so close. It's pretty clear that Astana wanted a slower start, they know they are weak.

Still it shouldnt be a factor in this race.

 

[Flamin]

Half an hour of racing. 54km/h average.

 

[Jagartrott]

The faster the pace on the flat, the smaller the time limit for the non-climbers. Could be tight for some...

 

[murali]

does anyone have a working link?

the ones in cyclingfans are not working for me

 

[Netserk]

The faster the pace on the flat, the smaller the time limit for the non-climbers. Could be tight for some...

Nope, the faster they go the bigger the time cut. It's very good for the sprinters if they go fast on the flat part of the stage. Worst case scenario would be a very slow pace on the flat, and then full throttle on the climbs.

 

[Jagartrott]

Nope, the faster they go the bigger the time cut. It's very good for the sprinters if they go fast on the flat part of the stage. Worst case scenario would be a very slow pace on the flat, and then full throttle on the climbs.

I thought it was a percentage of the total time of the stage, no?

 

[SafeBet]

Still it shouldnt be a factor in this race.

I disagree. This is the kind of stage where team help is crucial. If Movistar and Ag2r feel good they will try to isolate Nibbles very early. Maybe useless cause Nibali could prove strong enough to handle all the attacks on his own, but worth a try nonetheless.

 

[Tank Engine]

Good for Saxo and Europcar. The bridgehead for Rolland is being established.
Katusha's complete concentration on the polka dots, although logical, is playing into their hands. Purito will have to bridge on the first climb. In the hills it will be easier for Majka to mark him.

 

[Netserk]

I thought it was a percentage of the total time of the stage, no?

Which depends on the stage speed.

 

[Eshnar]

I disagree. This is the kind of stage where team help is crucial. If Movistar and Ag2r feel good they will try to isolate Nibbles very early. Maybe useless cause Nibali could prove strong enough to handle all the attacks on his own, but worth a try nonetheless.

in the current situation Nibs doesn't need to follow all the attacks. He can just stick to Valverde and let the others go away. At some point Movistar will panic and will bring everybody back.

 

[Cimber]

José Been‏@TourDeJose·18s 
ABANDON: Simon Spilak (KAT) #TDF

 

[murali]

I thought it was a percentage of the total time of the stage, no?

that percentage is determined by the avg speed of the race leader.

as netserk was saying, faster means higher percentage cutoff. the gruppetto can catch up in the descents. but this stage ends in a mountain. so they have to get to the base of the climb faster to ensure they dont fall out of cutoff. faster ride means they get that little extra to finish the final climb.

any link plz

 

[Jagartrott]

OK thanks. That's a strange mix of relative and absolute numbers. Lower percentage at lower speed, higher at higher speed.

 

[mb2612]

Which depends on the stage speed.

Yes, however because the total stage time will be shorter, the percentage increase actually ends up not being enough, so the sprinters have to club faster if the flat is faster.

 

[Netserk]

Yes, however because the total stage time will be shorter, the percentage increase actually ends up not being enough, so the sprinters have to club faster if the flat is faster.

No, just no. Read the numbers on the image again.

 

[Netserk]

All teams except FDJ, Lampre and Lotto have slept in Spain last night. Movistar to go full throttle!

 

[Flamin]

Kristoff working for Purito as well.