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

[red_flanders]

Horner also had some interesting comments on Contador's vs. Nibali's climbing strengths yesterday. He thought Nibali could go with accelerations but wasn't great at maintaining a really high pace, he'd slow down a LOT if he goes into the red. He thought Contador was better at accelerating and keeping a high pace for a long time.

EDIT: Here's that video: http://www.bicycling.com/video/chris-horners-gc-predictions#/video/all/created/d/1

 

[pigoonse]

Horner also had some interesting comments on Contador's vs. Nibali's climbing strengths yesterday. He thought Nibali could go with accelerations but wasn't great at maintaining a really high pace, he'd slow down a LOT if he goes into the red. He thought Contador was better at accelerating and keeping a high pace for a long time.

I believe him (Papy) he starts talking and there is no edit button. Nice to get his perspective.

 

[red_flanders]

I believe him (Papy) he starts talking and there is no edit button. Nice to get his perspective.

Yeah, he's a good interview. Always looks like he's having fun and pretty straight shooter.

 

[whittashau]

Horner also had some interesting comments on Contador's vs. Nibali's climbing strengths yesterday. He thought Nibali could go with accelerations but wasn't great at maintaining a really high pace, he'd slow down a LOT if he goes into the red. He thought Contador was better at accelerating and keeping a high pace for a long time.

EDIT: Here's that video: http://www.bicycling.com/video/chris-horners-gc-predictions#/video/all/created/d/1

Yeah, but his perspective was based on the Vueta where Nibbles admitted he was 10-20 watts of his Giro numbers

 

[Climbing]

Yeah, but his perspective was based on the Vueta where Nibbles admitted he was 10-20 watts of his Giro numbers

and Horner hilself says that Nibbles is stronger here, if you did really listen to the interview...

 

[pigoonse]

In Red_Flanders link, Horner also admits that he needs to see a couple mountain stages before picking a winner between them (Nibs and Berto)

There a lot of time left. Horner himself looks very energetic!

 

[red_flanders]

Yeah, but his perspective was based on the Vueta where Nibbles admitted he was 10-20 watts of his Giro numbers

Yep. I just found it an interesting perspective. He said himself "that was the Vuelta". He recognizes that it could be different now.

 

[RobbieCanuck]

I am surprised AC did not attack earlier on the Col de Grosse Pierre on the 16% grade and try to wear down Nibali and then hit him hard on the Le Mauselaine. It may have had something to do with the rain. But that is why I am an armchair prognosticator and AC a champion cyclist. Regardless it was a good day for AC jumping 10 spots in GC.

I thought AC looked really strong at the end and Nibali super tired. He let out a huge breath and was shaking his head at the end. I think he had a hard day. This portends well for AC moving on.

 

[Jspear]

Chris Horner talking - post race interview

http://www.nbcsports.com/cycling/tour-de-france/rain-makes-things-tougher-tour

I was just going to post this...glad I looked to see if some already had. A very interesting interview...actually learned something. His are always pretty good.

 

[Marco Pantani]

Today, I saw the strongest Contador in this Tour so far.
I believe he was unsure of Nibalis capabilities and therefore played it save and went for the sprint.

Still, the little gap sets it up perfectly. A lot of pretenders have blown, but that might create some mighty breaks for the tough stages.

 

[pigoonse]

I am surprised AC did not attack earlier on the Col de Grosse Pierre on the 16% grade and try to wear down Nibali and then hit him hard on the Le Mauselaine. It may have had something to do with the rain. But that is why I am an armchair prognosticator and AC a champion cyclist. Regardless it was a good day for AC jumping 10 spots in GC.

I thought AC looked really strong at the end and Nibali super tired. He let out a huge breath and was shaking his head at the end. I think he had a hard day. This portends well for AC moving on.

I was surprised by what you were. Contador appeared like he could have easily put more time. He must be very confident after today that he can drop Nibs tomorrow or Monday. Would not surprise me.

Unless, Nibali was acting more tired than he was. But yeah, he was blowing hard at the end of that stage.

 

[kingjr]

I'm delusional because I don't agree with you? Learn to accept there are other points of views in this world.

I'm fairly sure it's not about agreement but more about the sheer idea of Nibali deciding 100m before the finish that he can't be bothered to stay on that wheel for those 100m anymore, despite being able to do so.

 

[armchairclimber]

What was Contador doing? Either he was at his limit or he's trying to tire Nibali out a bit early.

But I don't get why he pulled on the front the whole last k without attacking while Nibs sat in his slipstream. Should have at least had 1 dig.

It looked to me as though he was testing the water. He appeared to be in a higher gear than would be optimum for his usual dancing attacks. I thought Nibali handled it with some aplomb though.

 

[fantomas]

It looked to me as though he was testing the water. He appeared to be in a higher gear than would be optimum for his usual dancing attacks. I thought Nibali handled it with some aplomb though.

Also, he said he thought he was contesting for the stage win, but realized he wasn't and then just put a few seconds into Nibali.

 

[pigoonse]

It looked to me as though he was testing the water. He appeared to be in a higher gear than would be optimum for his usual dancing attacks. I thought Nibali handled it with some aplomb though.

That is what I am guessing. He's being efficient, too. Contador does not want the jersey too early maybe. His team looked strong today but Horner was saying yesterday that he thinks Astana is stronger. Astana looked pretty burned out today. But this has been a really hard first week. Chapeau to them for keeping the leader's jersey this long.

Maybe Nibali will be able to keep up tomorrow, or maybe not. Definitely Contador is ready to go. Hopefully Porte has got something - looks like he might. And Old Papy Horner said he felt good after the stage - he might be getting better. And let's not count out Frank Schleck yet

 

[trevim]

And let's not count out Frank Schleck yet

Now that's the spirit, I like how you think
Anyway, regarding Rui Costa, his chain slipped on the start of the climb, according to his Facebook.

 

[LaFlorecita]

That is what I am guessing. He's being efficient, too. Contador does not want the jersey too early maybe. His team looked strong today but Horner was saying yesterday that he thinks Astana is stronger. Astana looked pretty burned out today. But this has been a really hard first week. Chapeau to them for keeping the leader's jersey this long.

Maybe Nibali will be able to keep up tomorrow, or maybe not. Definitely Contador is ready to go. Hopefully Porte has got something - looks like he might. And Old Papy Horner said he felt good after the stage - he might be getting better. And let's not count out Frank Schleck yet

I wouldn't worry about tomorrow, Nibali might lose time on Monday though

 

[Dedelou]

Strange... I saw most of the AC fanboys saying at least 20 sec for Berto over Nibali today before the race. I think the reality was 3? You should actually be disappointed, right and not make huge statement over sprint win? Why would Berto hold back when there was a chance to drop the rest even way more? I thought I saw him asking Nibs to make a stab 500 m to go and help to get more, but Nibali would not even bother. The race is on - 3 seconds in sprint (which Nibali doesn't master anyway) means nothing.

you are funny.

 

[Broth3r]

Anyway, regarding Rui Costa, his chain slipped on the start of the climb, according to his Facebook.

Saw that as well. With that considered, it was a pretty impressive ride by him. Could have finished with Porte.

 

[Justico]

So Talansky blowed up completely which shows that even the smallest tumb takes out 5% min from your power , and at this level this means bye bye.

Lucky for this TdF competition that Froome is out, would have been another borefest with him at 100%

Now there is a fierce battle with Nibali not looking very good despite that big gap in GC.

 

[Dedelou]

I'm fairly sure it's not about agreement but more about the sheer idea of Nibali deciding 100m before the finish that he can't be bothered to stay on that wheel for those 100m anymore, despite being able to do so.

it must be good to have such knowledge of how Nibali felts in the last few meters. Did you get a chance to speak to him about it after the race?

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

So Talansky blowed up completely which shows that even the smallest tumb takes out 5% min from your power , and at this level this means bye bye.

Lucky for this TdF competition that Froome is out, would have been another borefest with him at 100%

Now there is a fierce battle with Nibali not looking very good despite that big gap in GC.

You clearly didn't watch the stage then. Talansky looked comfortable on all the climbs. The reason he dropped so much time is because he fell in downhill and then spent a lot of time getting his bike to work before he was off again.

 

[mr. tibbs]

I am surprised AC did not attack earlier on the Col de Grosse Pierre on the 16% grade and try to wear down Nibali and then hit him hard on the Le Mauselaine. It may have had something to do with the rain. But that is why [we are] armchair prognosticator and [they are] champion cyclist. Regardless it was a good day for AC jumping 10 spots in GC.

I thought AC looked really strong at the end and Nibali super tired. He let out a huge breath and was shaking his head at the end. I think he had a hard day. This portends well for AC moving on.

Great post, I agree with most of it. Especially the part that I've bolded and doctored a bit. This forum would be much more agreeable if we all kept that part in mind as it applies to us as spectators.

 

[jaylew]

Kwia is highly overrated as a climber

A bit overrated as a GT rider perhaps

A damn good rider but overrated period, if you ask me.

Nibali very good, looked completely tranquilo the entire way.

Don't think Nibs was quite cracking but he definitely wasn't 'tranquilo' the whole way. You don't give up even 3 seconds if you don't have to. And yeah, the look on his face and that head shake was fairly telling - he was on the limit. That said, his form is on the up, he didn't crack, and he was able to hang in there when others weren't so he can absolutely win this thing.

What did he say? Weather too hard for him to be in the mix?

Everyone can climb well for one day. He doesn't think a bunch of the riders who outclimbed him will be able to continually do that, particularly if the weather gets warmer. He's really looking forward to warmer weather as he doesn't think the bigger GC guys will be able to climb well once it gets hotter (ironically, his teammate and "leader" is one of those)

This interview is very good. He's STILL yammering away....have to read a transcript of it or watch it again. I like Papy's commentary.

Yeah, he's a good interview. Always looks like he's having fun and pretty straight shooter.

This is one of the reasons I've always liked him. He would literally talk about cycling for hours if you let him. Riders, form, tactics...I've never seen a rider who loved to talk cycling more than Horner. It will be great when he's a commentator once he retires.

 

[fantomas]

Question to those of you who think Nibali could have followed Contador but just decided not to bother: Why on Earth would Nibali not go full speed in the final 100 metres?