2015 Paris Nice Stage 2 Saint-Agnan to Saint-Amand-Montrond 172km

[barmaher]

Unless there is a bit of wind, today's stage is unlikely to be too exciting. Profile below.

And here is a look at the last few kilometres.

The winner over the Category 2 will take the mountains jersey. Very unlikely to be any GC action.

Forecast is for sunshine, 14C and a light north-east breeze (15km/h).

Main contenders are Kristoff, Degenkolb, Haussler, Coquard, Bouhanni, Demare, Hofland, Matthews and maybe Greipel.

In then spirit of Cheltenham, I have had a moderate bet on Nacer Bouhanni, more in hope than expectation.

 

[SafeBet]

Gerard solo breakaway. He's got 3'20" after 20km.

 

[rune1107]

Another one for Kristoff today

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

I have a free day.. on the most boring day ever

 

[barmaher]

I have a half day to watch the horse racing. Assumed I would be able to flick from cycling to racing and back. Looking at the profile / forecast, I doubt I will be watching much cycling.

 

[barmaher]

After 58km, the lone leader is 7m15s ahead of the bunch

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

oh god can paris nice start of any more boring than this year?

 

[barmaher]

oh god can paris nice start of any more boring than this year?

Last year was pretty bad, too. I think Degenkolb was in second place just a couple of seconds back until Stage 5 or 6.

 

[wirral]

Last year was pretty bad, too. I think Degenkolb was in second place just a couple of seconds back until Stage 5 or 6.

Last year was pretty good. They changed the parcours so it was not a GC for the grimpeurs. This year they have reverted to the more traditional GC format and for some reason the teams are content to roll along at very slow speeds.

I think we can expect another intervention from the race organisers again today.

 

[roosters76]

Last year was pretty good. They changed the parcours so it was not a GC for the grimpeurs. This year they have reverted to the more traditional GC format and for some reason the teams are content to roll along at very slow speeds.

I think we can expect another intervention from the race organisers again today.

What a pathetic race this is and the organizers' pump up is just a direct proof how poorly were those stages "designed".
The stark contrast to TA which is the most entertaining race year in year out.

 

[Netserk]

Something almost happening, but not quite.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

What is Garmin doing? Either they hold a grudge against Sebastian Chavanel or they're late for the bus. Can't see other explanations.

 

[shalgo]

At least we get to see the most blatant auto drafting ever.

 

[Netserk]

What is Garmin doing?

Training for the Tour TTT?

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Training for the Tour TTT?

OK, that's the third option

 

[shalgo]

Training for the Tour TTT?

Well, they have managed to avoid crashing so far, so that is some progress.

 

[Guybrush]

Either way, it's pointless

 

[shalgo]

Perhaps somebody told them that there would be crosswinds.

 

[TMP401]

Poor Coquard.

 

[Parrulo]

oh god can paris nice start of any more boring than this year?

doen't it start this way every damn year?

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Finally some action! Super strong trio of Tony, Boom and Thomas with a small gap.
Edit: Breschel bridges.

 

[Dr. Juice]

Super strong break, G. Thomas , Tony Martin, Matti Breschel and L.Boom.

 

[CyclingEnthusiast]

And now Garmin Cannondale are left with?

 

[Rollthedice]

tony boomed the peloton.

 

[Dr. Juice]

Did Breschel break his chain?