2014 Tour de France, Stage 18: Pau–Hautacam (145.5 Km)

[bucko007]

Astana and Nibali going through the motions. They will be very happy to see this break ride off into the sunset. Nieve ftw !

 

[damian13ster]

Damn, what were Tinkoff-Saxo boys thinking? Nobody in the break......
They basically gave up control over Polka-dot jersey. Gambling a lot on breakaway making it........ I think thats a poor tactics, unless Majka is confident he can hang on with the big boys but its extremely risky.

Anyway, on my way to work, will be back in an hour hoping the breakaway has at least 20 minutes advantage by then

 

[Netserk]

I hope Nibali isn't to greedy with the KOM jersey as I would like to see Majka take it.

Don't worry, Majka will be among the three strongest on Hautacam.

 

[trevim]

Don't worry, Majka will be among the three strongest on Hautacam.

I have some doubts about that

 

[The Barb]

Don't worry, Majka will be among the three strongest on Hautacam.

I hope you're right, but these are still horrible tactics by Tinkoff.

 

[Zam_Olyas]

Tommy V. to get into the break, nailed on. Don't think Europcar will get the win they crave though.

he was the first over tourmalet in 2012

 

[vcampbell]

Who is leading the peloton? Last time I checked there was more than 4 minutes between the groups, now only 3:37.

 

[difdauf]

Damn, what were Tinkoff-Saxo boys thinking? Nobody in the break......
They basically gave up control over Polka-dot jersey. Gambling a lot on breakaway making it........ I think thats a poor tactics, unless Majka is confident he can hang on with the big boys but its extremely risky.

Anyway, on my way to work, will be back in an hour hoping the breakaway has at least 20 minutes advantage by then

Not sure break away will be so far at top of tourmalet. Maybe saxo didn't want Majka to lost strength for nothing.

 

[cineteq]

I hope Nibali isn't to greedy with the KOM jersey as I would like to see Majka take it.

Two times he could've finished behind Peraud, and he chose not to do it. He would've had -8 points for 110 points against Majka's 149 points. So I wonder if he wants the polka dot.

 

[Netserk]

I hope you're right, but these are still horrible tactics by Tinkoff.

Let's wait for Tourmalet to be done before we conclude that.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Who is leading the peloton? Last time I checked there was more than 4 minutes between the groups, now only 3:37.

Looks like Astana. Still coming down slowly.

 

[vcampbell]

I hope you're right, but these are still horrible tactics by Tinkoff.

And what if Rogers is in the break? They will still be weak.

 

[zombo10]

I feel that VN will want to win this final stage today so Astana will roll... The break is already dead for me.

=> Today is the last day Astana has to work hard in the race!

No. The gap will not grow. You will see...

3'32... It's official now for me Nibali ftw!

 

[brian1225]

Maybe they will race lol.

 

[the_cutter]

he was the first over tourmalet in 2012

'tis ain't no Tommy V. from 2012 though, or if he is then he's been hiding it very well!

Who is leading the peloton? Last time I checked there was more than 4 minutes between the groups, now only 3:37.

My commentator said it was Grivko upfront for Astana.

 

[the_cutter]

Let's wait for Tourmalet to be done before we conclude that.

Indeed, Riis may have talked with Vino (unlikely so far given that we haven't seen Saxo taking even a single pull) or took an educated guess that Nibbles wants to win today and so they will keep the break close. If Astana keeps it under 4mins then Saxo can pull it back on Tourmalet and both teams will be happy.

 

[Carols]

Sure looks like Nibali wants this win! I'm just praying Valverde is good enough to stay up there for a podium. And I'd like Majka to take the polka dots!

 

[gregrowlerson]

Don't worry, Majka will be among the three strongest on Hautacam.

He must be planning on breaking some more rules then

Don't mean to beat a dead horse, but Nibali FTW.

 

[Eclipse]

Clearly TS are just biding their time before launching a spectacular roche rogers majka triple threat attack over the Tourmalet...

 

[Dr. Juice]

Looks like Nibali wants to win this stage. I'm glad if they do not let another breakaway go into the distance. It's the last day for the teams to work. More than 5 minutes advantage. Nothing to lose in letting the team work.
Final showdown

I don't like breakaways taking it on big mountain stages. 1-2 times maximum if it's a quality break. Well it has been with Majka and Rogers. But that was enough. 3 out 3 in the Pyrenees would be too much.

 

[Koba80]

I'm just praying Valverde is good enough to stay up there for a podium.

Normally I take enjoyment in all the rabid fanboyism. But from this, I can only take puzzlement.

What is there to like about him? (Question also to earlier-in-the-thread poster Piti4Podiums)

 

[difdauf]

Clearly TS are just biding their time before launching a spectacular roche rogers majka triple threat attack over the Tourmalet...

I would be fan of this !

 

[Carols]

Normally I take enjoyment in all the rabid fanboyism. But from this, I can only take puzzlement.

What is there to like about him? (Question also to earlier-in-the-thread poster Piti4Podiums)

I'm certainly not rabid about Valverde but I've liked the guy for 10+ years. He's had some dreadful luck in the Tour multiple times when he was riding strong. I'd just like to see the man get his podium here and move on to more suitable races for him at this point in his career.

 

[Dr. Juice]

I just hope Astana is strong enough against the breakaway. If no one helps until half Tourmalet, could be that the breakaway gets 5+ minutes again because almost everyone is working ahead.

 

[ILovecycling]

I'm certainly not rabid about Valverde but I've liked the guy for 10+ years. He's had some dreadful luck in the Tour multiple times when he was riding strong. I'd just like to see the man get his podium here and move on to more suitable races for him at this point in his career.

This.


otoh I need him 3rd cuz of GGTG, so allez Peraud!