2014 Tour de France, Stage 8: Tomblaine – Gerardmer/La Mauselaine: 161km

[indianfanboy]

Nibali didn't look troubled at all and followed Contador easily. The last 100 meters he just eased up a bit because he knew Contador wasn't taking any serious time on him.

I don't know what people are drawing the inclusion he was cooked or went all out from.

If he was not troubled he wouldnt give even a second to Contador...anyways Nibali withstood Alberto's mind games except till the last few meters

 

[TANK91]

Why would he lose time on purpose against Contador. That doesn't make any sense, every second counts. One of the only things that wasn't a lie from Armstrong.

uhm did you watch Nibali staring down at his gears at the end. Contador was not stronger than Nibali today.

 

[Publicus]

i guess we'll have to wait and see what nibali says, but he wasn't comfortable imo in the finale (seeing replay once again)

 

[Miburo]

No guys it's obvious Nibali lost 3 seconds ON PURPOSE against the best climber of the last 10 years

 

[Afrank]

They dont live in reality. Being hopeful after this day (Nibali losing ground easily, Astanas all over the place). Wow, you really must believe in unicorns also

And Hautacam in two weeks.

Don't live in reality? No, we just don't see how Nibali was in trouble there. Of course all the Contador fans are saying he cracked and acting like he lost big time.

 

[trevim]

Nibali never bothers with sprints, people. You should have known already.
i don't think you can draw any conclusions today, besides the fact that he is at least the second best climber of the field.

Contador on the other hand is a known sprinter though. I agree that today didn't tells anything about podium but it sure as hell removed a lot of pretenders.

 

[phanatic]

More like he was in the red for 1.8km and gave up in the end knowing he wouldn't lose much, he won't be able to do that on PDBF.

I'll have to rewatch it.

 

[Arnout]

Because dropping on purpose makes no sense at all. Especially not when you realize the kind of boost that will give Contador.

That said, I'd say a short steep wall is not Nibali's specialty.

 

[GroupDK]

Nibali poops at the end... all in all beatiful day by the Saxo team..tough they would have the stage today if they have keep it more together earlyer.

Shame that Jakob Fuglsang coulndt keep it to the end.. and loossed 1.42

seems he where Down with stomach aich and diarra most of the morning in referel to astan doctor.

 

[infeXio]

uhm did you watch Nibali staring down at his gears at the end. Contador was not stronger than Nibali today.

What point are you trying to make exactly?

 

[arvc40]

Nibali didn't follow any of Contadors acceleration s coz Contador didn't make any and still shafted everyone.

 

[mr. tibbs]

It's good that a guy like Talansky looses time. He's crazy so he'll fight back like a mad dog!

He'll be found out on Monday, I think. In two years, though--watch out!

 

[Afrank]

Why would he lose time on purpose against Contador. That doesn't make any sense, every second counts. One of the only things that wasn't a lie from Armstrong.

I didn't say he lost time on purpose, just that he decided to take it easier in the final meters. He just didn't look that troubled to me at any time.

 

[Eshnar]

Contador on the other hand is a known sprinter though.

no, but he does sprint. Nibali never did, to my memory. (ok, Italian champs excluded)
He lost a few seconds in many MTF sprints.

 

[webbie146]

This climb did not even suit nibali and he only lost 3 seconds. Did better then I expected tbh on this climb

 

[TANK91]

look at Nibali looking down at his gears on replay.

 

[maxmartin]

If I'm on the Tinkoff team bus, not sure I'm all that excited about that much work for 3 seconds. It had to be done I guess, they had to test everyone, but they also could have saved it for Monday.

Loooong climb on Monday. Nibali looks strong, but not sure if he can hang for that amount of time. Contador to go at 10k?

haha and expect Saxo train to do this again and again?, they will be done by monday

 

[Roude Leiw]

Question is why did Berti not attack in the 2nd to last climb? Was easy between the 2? Tomorrow is a nice stage, but not for the GC hopefuls, so he could "rest" so to speak.
Nice performance by the frenchies (Bardet, JC, Pinot,...)

 

[kingjr]

Don't live in reality? No, we just don't see how Nibali was in trouble there. Of course all the Contador fans are saying he cracked and acting like he lost big time.

You seem upset. Again, there is no reason for him to lose 3 seconds on purpose, and he did shake his head after the line so he didn't seem happy with how the finish turned out.

 

[wattage]

Contador out for a nice relaxing coffee ride and still killing it. Love it!

 

[Rollthedice]

i guess we'll have to wait and see what nibali says, but he wasn't comfortable imo in the finale (seeing replay once again)

Last 20 meters? By the effort Oleg's boys put I am sure Contador tried to drop Nibali. He didn't succeed.

 

[arvc40]

As previously stated , Contador to win Tour by 5 min. He's flying, how else do you think he intended matching Froome

 

[maxmartin]

look at Nibali looking down at his gears on replay.

trouble with gear? let's wait for more information

 

[Roude Leiw]

On the other hand I am less then impressed with the Astana boys, they went out of the window pretty fast.

 

[red_flanders]

Wait what?

Sorry, mixing up Monday with the Chamrousse climb.