2014 Tour de France, Stage 10: Mulhouse > La Planche des Belles Filles 161.5 Km

[arvc40]

So when LA was dumping on everyone you watched then and thought it was fun

Enjoy rest of Tour mate. Just saying what I feel

 

[ILovecycling]

Gratz to ASO,tv ratings will drop at least 20% down.

 

[dwyatt]

29 years I've watched and never missed a second. Can't see point in watching race now.

So you happily watched all the endless certain wins for Armstrong but now its suddenly too dull?? Don't get it. In most of the armstrong / indurain tours it was clearly all over very early on.

 

[AICA ribonucleotide]

Tony Martin only 6 minutes back on Nibali on Virtual GC now

 

[Rollthedice]

All the Talanskys, Teejays, Richies, Valverdes and others smell blood. It ain't over till the fat lady sings.

 

[Publicus]

Tony Martin is freaking beast. How is he doing this 2 days in a row?

 

[Dutchsmurf]

Now they will. There was a reason they didn't before. They don't have an excuse and some of them will think they have a chance.

But honestly, that's not the point. Because Nibali looks stronger than the oposition. He looked even strong enough to take Contador. Now He is a clear cut favorite.

Why will they? They all suddenly have a perfect chance to finish 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th. I don't remember anyone willing to give up their precious 6th place for a chance to finish 2nd, let alone win, in the last 5 years.

 

[Jelantik]

Trying hard to movitate myself to watch the rest of the tour

same to me. Now i can just ride my bike in the morning and not worrying to miss the live stream.

 

[therhodeo]

Omfg, Stupid people shut up or leave !

Everyone thats not Astana Supporter could see they attacked shortly after they found out that Contador was down !

Even former rider Brian Vandborg commented on Danish TV2 that Astana indeed attack shortly after the crash, and that it was not very sporting.

Personaly i really dont care who wins the race, but now the race is done Nibali will win if he dont crash, i cant see anyone challenge him now.

You either need to quit drinking or start drinking.

 

[Escarabajo]

any Colombians watching they race or do they only watch Colombians?

Yes.

I see others posting as well.

Now that you nmentioned I am pi$$ed that they decided not to take Uran to this race.

 

[classicomano]

Tony Taus. Not normal.

 

[phanatic]

someone always improves and emerges

Nibali isnt a pure climber for massive mountains in the class of Contador at his best, Rodriguez or Froome. He needs a course and a field that suits him, and everything to go right as Giro last year. As an all round rider he's one of the best but he's not miles ahead of this field that the result here is a fait accompli

one bad day is 2 minutes and the next group of riders can catch up.

Nibali sure gets lucky a lot.

 

[arvc40]

So you happily watched all the endless certain wins for Armstrong but now its suddenly too dull?? Don't get it. In most of the armstrong / indurain tours it was clearly all over very early on.

You tell me. The TV is off. Roll on Tour of Spain.

 

[TourOfSardinia]

You either need to quit drinking or start drinking.

or take a nature break

 

[dduff442]

Omfg, Stupid people shut up or leave !

Everyone thats not Astana Supporter could see they attacked shortly after they found out that Contador was down !

Even former rider Brian Vandborg commented on Danish TV2 that Astana indeed attack shortly after the crash, and that it was not very sporting.

Personaly i really dont care who wins the race, but now the race is done Nibali will win if he dont crash, i cant see anyone challenge him now.

Total crapola. Astana even allowed Kwia become leader on the road while they waited and the pace remains subdued.

 

[Flamin]

If anything it should make riders like Talansky more daring and Saxo won't be chasing.

This. I'm gutted for Contador, but less teams controlling the race = more open racing = higher chances of good entertainment.

 

[Pulpstar]

Why will they? They all suddenly have a perfect chance to finish 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th. I don't remember anyone willing to give up their precious 6th place for a chance to finish 2nd, let alone win, in the last 5 years.

Some riders would - Contador...

How bad was his crash ?

Vuelta could be THE GT of this season :O ?

 

[Escarabajo]

Why will they? They all suddenly have a perfect chance to finish 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th. I don't remember anyone willing to give up their precious 6th place for a chance to finish 2nd, let alone win, in the last 5 years.

Not sure. Especially Garmin. They are known for their crazy attacks. Let's wait for more racing to make a different judgment.

 

[yespatterns]

I wonder if there is any chance for pinot to get awesome now...

 

[maxmartin]

so AV can finally step on the podium after so many years, I will be happy for that.

 

[movingtarget]

All the Talanskys, Teejays, Richies, Valverdes and others smell blood. It ain't over till the fat lady sings.

The race is never over before the first rest day. Too many riders have a sniff now as you said. The podium is looking possible for many and Nibali's job is still difficult.

 

[Ramira]

Now the final will be easier to predict
1) Nibali
2) Valverde
3) Horner
4) Costa
5) Porte

So VDB, the number 3 (after Menchov was removed) from 2010 and number 4 from 2012 (only 4 minutes behind Nibali), who only missed out on a top 5 in 2011 and 2013 due to a crash, is going to be beaten by a bunch of guys who's best result is 5th (Valverde all the way back in 2007) who have only 4 top 10 finishes (3x Valverde 1x Horner) and including 2 guys who never finished in the top 15 in the tour (or any GT since 2010).

I know he's not exactly the most exciting rider, but he's the main challenger for the podium with Valverde, and his pedigree is way above everyone else.

Horner likes the heat and long winding stages with loads of climbs, and the competition in the Vuelta was nowhere near VDB's level.

Rui Costa has never shown himself to be able to compete in a 3 week tour, sure he could surprise, but he's very unlikely to beat VDB.

Now Porte could challenge sure, but he's always had an off-day, I doubt he'll be good enough to make up whatever he loses that day on VDB, if he can take any time at all.

I just hope that VDB decided not to be conservative and ride for a podium (especially after he's gotten one in 2010 now) and actually challenge, he's unlikely to topple Nibali, but at least it will be worth watching.

 

[Alcanelo]

And to think Tony Martin probably was on a bender last night after Germany winning the WC....deserves the rest day more than anyone else for sure...what a tank

 

[glassmoon]

Nibali sure gets lucky a lot.

Or he just can handle the bike/race/conditions better than others

 

[meat puppet]

You either need to quit drinking or start drinking.

perfect answer, thanks.