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

[Dead Star]

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

This.

 

[SKSemtex]

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.

So tell me what Kwiatko should do?

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

this.

flooded cobbles wont make the race interesting, we would just have to sit and watch riders carrying their bikes for a couplle of kms.

That would be cool. Boom as favorite then with his CX background

 

[hammerddh]

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!

Saxo Bank perhaps ?

 

[Eclipse]

 

[webvan]

Today's stage will separate the men from the boys, bring it on!

 

[Carstenbf]

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.

I could see the GC favs taking it easy, except for the fact that Froome crashed hard yesterday. Knives will come out at the first sign of trouble. And they will test him for sure.

 

[ChewbaccaD]

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.

Bullsh!t!

They removed Orchies, fu*k that! Maybe ASO can tuck all the GC guys in tonight, and read them a bedtime story too?

 

[LaFlorecita]

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

Good to know you can read minds! Seriously, **** you.

 

[ILovecycling]

Last weather update will be online in a minute (not sure we need it,but ...)

 

[LaFlorecita]

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.

This is what I'm hoping for, but Belkin/Mollema and OPQS/Kwiatkowski will race.

 

[sultanofhyd]

I could see the GC favs taking it easy, except for the fact that Froome crashed hard yesterday. Knives will come out at the first sign of trouble. And they will test him for sure.

It simply won't happen. There will always be a rebel, someone like Rolland or another young hothead who'll race no matter what, and you can't give someone like Rolland 5 minutes to play with

 

[LaFlorecita]

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

I am sucking it up. It's not like I can change anything

 

[Maaaaaaaarten]

Methinks Belkin will destroy the race today.

Vanmarcke is living in a parallel universe where riding over wet cobbles is fun
Boom is a former cyclocross world champion
Belkin are good in echelons
Mollema, the GC rider they have to protect, likes bad weather too.

 

[Der Effe]

Good to know you can read minds! Seriously, **** you.

It's not that hard to read one-track minds.

 

[Fight.The.Power]

Bullsh!t!

They removed Orchies, fu*k that! Maybe ASO can tuck all the GC guys in tonight, and read them a bedtime story too?

I think we are on the same page mate. Clearly you're getting quite emotional !

 

[ChewbaccaD]

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

This...........

 

[Dazed and Confused]

It simply won't happen. There will always be a rebel, someone like Rolland or another young hothead who'll race no matter what, and you can't give someone like Rolland 5 minutes to play with

Rolland is one of the few GC men I respect, still I think he will suffer today. We shall see.

 

[ChewbaccaD]

They better neutralize it!

I see your panty drawer is one pair lighter today.

 

[rainman]

Can't see a CN ticker today, hope ES start on time. Has to be a massive battle before cobbles even begin. Crosswinds also? Good luck all the riders.

 

[LaFlorecita]

It's not that hard to read one-track minds.

Ah yes, you think Contador is all I ever think about. Well, you couldn't be more wrong.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

Astana will race, cause Nibali is Nibali, and Vino is Vino. If the start to neutralize I will loose all hope in my man for yellow. He must take time somewhere, and why not here

 

[ChewbaccaD]

Sep Vanmarcke @sepvanmarcke 39m

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

I'm rooting for Sep Vanmarcke for the rest of the tour. I hope he picks up 15 minutes on the GC wussies today.

 

[ChewbaccaD]

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

It's fu*king bike racing, not a pillow fight between you and your buddies. Grow a set.

 

[Fight.The.Power]

Astana will race, cause Nibali is Nibali, and Vino is Vino. If the start to neutralize I will loose all hope in my man for yellow. He must take time somewhere, and why not here

Yeh the idea that the GC will ride together for safety like some frightened group of antelope is nonsense.

There are two serious GC contenders this year which means it is in the interest of everyone else to attack today.