2015 Tour Down Under, Jan 18-25 (2.uwt)

[movingtarget]

Porte went a bit too late, cost him the overall but great performance all the same.

 

[Lupi33]

when you look at this stage and Paracombe, nothing between them really, just tactical decisions as to when to jump in the final km of those stages made the difference

 

[Jspear]

 

[dlwssonic]

Now.. Its back to cricket for the Aussies!

 

[jaylew]

Is that a Moser sighting?

 

[movingtarget]

Evans still did quite well...shame he couldn't win but 3rd overall is a darn good achievement for someone who is nearly 38

The work he did at the bottom of the climb cost him but probably not too much. Still he did well for a guy just about to retire.

 

[Beacon Hill]

interesting interview with Dennis
said Richie went too late

In hindsight, Dennis is right. In reality perhaps the right moment to press the go button was clouded by the fact his lungs were trying to jump out of his throat

Gutsy performance by Dennis though.

 

[dlwssonic]

he said that, he said he didnt have the legs today

That crosswinds effort probably hurt evans and dennis quite a bit, but this climb does suit porte way more than dennis.

 

[The Hegelian]

Great ride by Dennis. Strongly suspected he had the legs...

 

[movingtarget]

That crosswinds effort probably hurt evans and dennis quite a bit, but this climb does suit porte way more than dennis.

It's the only stage in the race where Porte can make time really.

 

[auscyclefan94]

Astana looks pretty stupid now

 

[Lupi33]

i wonder if Bobridge will ever get signed by a big team again

was probably his best ride in a stage race ever this week

 

[movingtarget]

Astana looks pretty stupid now

So would BMC if Dennis lost the jersey.

 

[Yingge]

Astana looks pretty stupid now

nah..Vino told them that they had to help BMC defend the jersey - which they did.

 

[jaylew]

Astana looks pretty stupid now

Nah. You're never sure who's truly going to have the legs in the end and they didn't have anything to lose, really. It's not like they were leading the race.

First race of the year, they stayed visible, and they played their cards. Better that than staying invisible for a 10th place.

 

[Trev_S]

Astana looks pretty stupid now

Nah not at all I'd say
They got the split in their favour but there was just a bit to much fire power in the second group with an aim to chase Evans & Dennis.
If Orica, Saxo or Sky were also ahead of the split, it may well have worked.

They gave it a crack to get away trying to win the stage and it didn't work.
That's what we the fans want isn't it? for riders/teams to throw a bit of caution to the wind and have a crack.

If anything it's BMC that you could say looks a bit stupid because they got involved and nearly lost the race and I'm saying that as someone who was hoping for an Evans win and if not then Dennis to win.

 

[Yingge]

So, assuming that Porte doesnt grab some time bonuses tomorrow (and I very much doubt that he can), Dennis has it. Evans probably has more concern for his spot if Dumoulin can sprint, but given that tomorrow is his last appearance in a WT event, he might just contest the finish.

I wonder what the Organisers will do for publicity next year - Evans presence in 2010 when in the Rainbow jersey no doubt helped them financially as well as his presence last year and this one. Gerrans , or some Aussie who climbs to fame and gets lots of airtime during 2015?

 

[Tournesol]

Hopefully Liggett, Sherwin, and Evans will retire after this race.

Well said. The former two can go and work behind the counter in Mellow Johnnys.

 

[movingtarget]

A criterium on the final stage is always an anti climax unless two sprinters are first and second on GC. The race is better than it was but a few more changes could improve it even more. I think a TT stage sometimes would be good.

 

[Lupi33]

I dont think Gerrans ever really was a draw-card.

This year it was Kittel getting most of the international cred publicity, we'll see if he delivers on that tomorrow. Barring incident, he should without serious challenge.

As long as there's a few Aussies winning GT stages or the odd classic in Europe there's always someone to replace the departed.

 

[Lupi33]

A criterium on the final stage is always an anti climax unless two sprinters are first and second on GC. The race is better than it was but a few more changes could improve it even more. I think a TT stage sometimes would be good.

problem with a TT stage is it could decide the whole race every year if its individual, and if its team then Orica will blow everyone away and its a no contest for the rest of the race.

the weakest part of this race now is the final stage which I always find a borefest until the final kilometre.

perhaps if it started out of town and finished as a few laps in the city it might make it more interesting.

perhaps start in Willunga and head back in...

at least give a chance of a breakaway lasting

 

[Jancouver]

3 Aussies on the podium ... Hooray!?

 

[Lupi33]

yeah what are these WT teams doing signing all these Aussies for 1 race

 

[orangerider]

Astana looks pretty stupid now

Vino is already smashing his fist over this.

 

[Geraint Too Fast]

Richie Purito.