2014 Tour de France, Stage 5: Ypres – Arenberg Porte du Hainaut: 156km

[Taxus4a]

What a pity those 2 sections, but I hope with 7 is enough to see a good spectacle.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

These parts are definitely raceable.
Clear path and good cobbles.

 

[Dead Star]

There hasn't been a wet Paris-Roubaix since 2002.

This is going to be a big shock for even the regulars.

 

[LaFlorecita]

I think the riders will neutralize it

They better neutralize it!

 

[Der Effe]

They better neutralize it!

Stop being pathetic plz.

 

[Arredondo]

They better neutralize it!

Afraid that Contador will lose time?

 

[Dead Star]

They better neutralize it!

Yup. And let's neutralise climbs that are too hard for the majority(!)

 

[sultanofhyd]

They better neutralize it!

They might as well decide the Tour de France on rollers with power meters then

 

[Vino's Mum]

They better neutralize it!

Sep Vanmarcke @sepvanmarcke 39m

Tdf stage 5: The ****'s gonna hit the fan!!

 

[Dead Star]

Sep Vanmarcke ‏@sepvanmarcke 39m

Tdf stage 5: The ****'s gonna hit the fan!!

Respect for Sep has increased tenfold.

 

[VO2 Max]

what will the revised stage look like?

Presumably exactly the same, except stay on the D953 after Orchies to avoid Sector 5; and D917 before Bersee to avoid Sector 7.

 

[Fight.The.Power]

They should take the finish line to the other side of the Arenberg to make up for the removed sectors

Great idea ! +1

 

[LaFlorecita]

Afraid that Contador will lose time?

Worried about all GC contenders.

 

[murali]

I actually like the idea of riders neutralizing this.

but the way i see it, the GC riders will form a group.

the leading and chasing group will be filled with the cobble specialists.

the favorites will fly away and make a memorable race. None of the top favorites will neutralize the race. if the bunch slows down, they will simply attack alone.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Sep Vanmarcke @sepvanmarcke 39m

Tdf stage 5: The ****'s gonna hit the fan!!

Yeah, a 75kg classics specialist won't complain of course.

 

[Bavarianrider]

Just when you thought it couldn't go any worse

You frikkin kidding me? If they really don't race some sectors, i will NEVER watch a pro cycling race again. You can take this to the bank!

 

[LaFlorecita]

Stop being pathetic plz.

If you're interested in a crashfest, good for you.

 

[Arredondo]

Worried about all GC contenders.

I agree it could be a total carnage, with multiple GC guys crashing out of the race. Let's hope not, because we have to look at the whole two weeks, not only the stage of today.

But on the other hand, it's part of racing. The cobble sections which are still in the race, are good enough to be ridden. So just enjoy, and fingers crossed! But mostly enjoy!

 

[Lance Armstrong]

Yeah, a 75kg classics specialist won't complain of course.

What's wrong with that? We should have 2-3 stages like this each year. In Paris GC riders will still have 3 hours advantage on 75kg specialist.

 

[Pricey_sky]

Let the cobbled specialists race, none of them are a real threat to GC even if they take 5+ minutes. If the GC guys are that worried then form a group and come in together with a few riders from each team herding them through.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

If they decide to neutralize the stage I won't be watching any more of this year's Tour, that's for sure.

 

[Der Effe]

If you're interested in a crashfest, good for you.

The only thing you're worried about is Contador losing time

 

[Fight.The.Power]

I think maybe people on here are over-reacting.

Two sectors will be avoided because of flooding.

Not because its dangerous or there are pitfalls in the road or anything else.

Flooding.

Whether it is heavy rain and gale force winds - the rest of the race will go on as planned.

 

[Dead Star]

If you're interested in a crashfest, good for you.

Yep, that happens a lot in cycling in case you didn't notice.

 

[sultanofhyd]

Yeah, a 75kg classics specialist won't complain of course.

They also don't complain about 20 km long HC MTFs. Seriously, suck it up.