2016 Critérium du Dauphiné, 2.UWT, June 5-12

[StryderHells]

Re: Re:

I only see this now... purito lost more than a minute to contador... i think he won't even make top10 in le tour... so sad

Read many of your posts, seems you just got into cycling 1-2 years ago.

So let me explain how this goes down. Rodriguez sucks at the Dauphine. One year, he didn't which was the year he came straight outta the Giro with good legs and bagged 2 stage wins. In 2013, where he was the 3rd best rider in the race (the Tour, that is) he was bad (2012 and 2013 can be considered his prime) and finished around 15th if I remember correctly. In 2015, he was respectable in Dauphine - then he beasted Huy on the 3rd day and won on Beille from a break consisting of Bardet and Fuglsang, no slouches, in Le Tour.

Basically, Dauphine is not under any circumstances a good measuring stick for how good Rodriguez will be in July. It is to a much greater extent to fx. Contador, post-ban.

This is true but in reality all Rodriguez can hope for at the Tour is something like last year with picking up a stage win or 2, he's not a GC contender

 

[portugal11]

Re: Re:

I only see this now... purito lost more than a minute to contador... i think he won't even make top10 in le tour... so sad

Read many of your posts, seems you just got into cycling 1-2 years ago.

So let me explain how this goes down. Rodriguez sucks at the Dauphine. One year, he didn't which was the year he came straight outta the Giro with good legs and bagged 2 stage wins. In 2013, where he was the 3rd best rider in the race (the Tour, that is) he was bad (2012 and 2013 can be considered his prime) and finished around 15th if I remember correctly. In 2015, he was respectable in Dauphine - then he beasted Huy on the 3rd day and won on Beille from a break consisting of Bardet and Fuglsang, no slouches, in Le Tour.

Basically, Dauphine is not under any circumstances a good measuring stick for how good Rodriguez will be in July. It is to a much greater extent to fx. Contador, post-ban.

Dude, i watch cycling since 2000 so shut up man. I know he is weak almost the time at dauphine but he was bad in pais vasco, in ardennes, so he should improve his form in this dauphine but i think that his glory days has gone

 

[Valv.Piti]

Re: Re:

I only see this now... purito lost more than a minute to contador... i think he won't even make top10 in le tour... so sad

Read many of your posts, seems you just got into cycling 1-2 years ago.

So let me explain how this goes down. Rodriguez sucks at the Dauphine. One year, he didn't which was the year he came straight outta the Giro with good legs and bagged 2 stage wins. In 2013, where he was the 3rd best rider in the race (the Tour, that is) he was bad (2012 and 2013 can be considered his prime) and finished around 15th if I remember correctly. In 2015, he was respectable in Dauphine - then he beasted Huy on the 3rd day and won on Beille from a break consisting of Bardet and Fuglsang, no slouches, in Le Tour.

Basically, Dauphine is not under any circumstances a good measuring stick for how good Rodriguez will be in July. It is to a much greater extent to fx. Contador, post-ban.

This is true but in reality all Rodriguez can hope for at the Tour is something like last year with picking up a stage win or 2, he's not a GC contender

Why not? He is in the league of Bardet, Barguil, Rolland etc. in the Tour at this point and will assess after a week if they were to chase stages or ride for a top-10 in the GC. Lets not forget he was 2nd in La Vuelta last year.
But yes, the most likely is he will hunt stages and won't be 100% at Le Tour or at least take some rest days considering La Vuelta is the absolute last shot for a GT-win due to the route of that race.

 

[Valv.Piti]

Portugal: He was very good at Pais Vasco, but he is clearly on the decline, yes. No question about that. All I was saying that Dauphine can't be used at all when we are assessing how ready or good Rodriguez will be for the Tour. He is always mediocre here.

 

[portugal11]

Re: Re:

I only see this now... purito lost more than a minute to contador... i think he won't even make top10 in le tour... so sad

Read many of your posts, seems you just got into cycling 1-2 years ago.

So let me explain how this goes down. Rodriguez sucks at the Dauphine. One year, he didn't which was the year he came straight outta the Giro with good legs and bagged 2 stage wins. In 2013, where he was the 3rd best rider in the race (the Tour, that is) he was bad (2012 and 2013 can be considered his prime) and finished around 15th if I remember correctly. In 2015, he was respectable in Dauphine - then he beasted Huy on the 3rd day and won on Beille from a break consisting of Bardet and Fuglsang, no slouches, in Le Tour.

Basically, Dauphine is not under any circumstances a good measuring stick for how good Rodriguez will be in July. It is to a much greater extent to fx. Contador, post-ban.

This is true but in reality all Rodriguez can hope for at the Tour is something like last year with picking up a stage win or 2, he's not a GC contender

Why not? He is in the league of Bardet, Barguil, Rolland etc. in the Tour at this point and will assess after a week if they were to chase stages or ride for a top-10 in the GC. Lets not forget he was 2nd in La Vuelta last year.
But yes, the most likely is he will hunt stages and won't be 100% at Le Tour or at least take some rest days considering La Vuelta is the absolute last shot for a GT-win due to the route of that race.

Purito isn't valverde, he doesn't care about top10, he already has podiums in all gt's. It's obvious that he will go for stage wins.

 

[StryderHells]

Re: Re:

I only see this now... purito lost more than a minute to contador... i think he won't even make top10 in le tour... so sad

Read many of your posts, seems you just got into cycling 1-2 years ago.

So let me explain how this goes down. Rodriguez sucks at the Dauphine. One year, he didn't which was the year he came straight outta the Giro with good legs and bagged 2 stage wins. In 2013, where he was the 3rd best rider in the race (the Tour, that is) he was bad (2012 and 2013 can be considered his prime) and finished around 15th if I remember correctly. In 2015, he was respectable in Dauphine - then he beasted Huy on the 3rd day and won on Beille from a break consisting of Bardet and Fuglsang, no slouches, in Le Tour.

Basically, Dauphine is not under any circumstances a good measuring stick for how good Rodriguez will be in July. It is to a much greater extent to fx. Contador, post-ban.

This is true but in reality all Rodriguez can hope for at the Tour is something like last year with picking up a stage win or 2, he's not a GC contender

Why not? He is in the league of Bardet, Barguil, Rolland etc. in the Tour at this point and will assess after a week if they were to chase stages or ride for a top-10 in the GC. Lets not forget he was 2nd in La Vuelta last year.
But yes, the most likely is he will hunt stages and won't be 100% at Le Tour or at least take some rest days considering La Vuelta is the absolute last shot for a GT-win due to the route of that race.

I'm not forgetting his Vuelta podium last year but the Tour is raced harder and I can't see him finishing any higher than the bottom couple of places in the top 10. I hope he drops time early and does go stage hunting rather than hanging onto wheels and struggling into the top 10, at this stage of his career you'd think he'd value those stage wins higher and then come back later in the year and go for another Vuelta podium

 

[Escarabajo]

Re:

I love how a uphill prologue a month before the TDF can stir up so much discussion

relax dudes, says nothing for the Tour

Especially the talk about Porte!

He's got great potential I'll give you that. But the chances of translating that into 3 weeks are lower than any of the other GT contenders.

 

[Escarabajo]

Re:

The reality is that this Froome v Contador thing is so stupid, fact is in reality Froome v Contador going head to head equal terms Contador has always gotten the better of him and once again did today (and this is despite Contador not beeing at this best career wice so that alone should just tell you everything you need) all Froome can show for is beating a Contador who just won the Giro so in all fairness guys regardless of this will hurt someone or not thats just the facts based by the results! I mean its not exactly hard to figure out... Untill it actually happens then chapeau Froome I myself think that will be Quintana if its gonne be anyone before he retires.

What are you talking about?

Froome is the guy to beat.

In equal conditions? It is not Froome's fault if Contador cannot find that fitness at Le Tour. He could find it this year, but so far it has been Froome, Froome, Froome.

 

[Eclipse]

I didn't think Froome would show this much form tbh, was expecting a performance closer to last years but this was pretty strong. Will be interesting to see how the rest of the week pans out now

 

[jens_attacks]

Re:

Froome by Fiestina : 11'34"
Froome by Festina : 11'49"

Well done sir

Loved this prologue!

 

[jaylew]

Re: Re:

This is the sort of performance from Lil'Richie here that riders like Aru and Pinot just haven't shown they're capable of, and is why he is in a tier with them for the Tour despite his lacking consistency

Exactly if Porte can be consistent his besides t is so much higher then those two

Difference is that Aru has actually won a GT and podiums in 2 or 3 others. Porte had a Top 10 like 6 years ago.

It is just a question of luck and bad luck in these cases.

Yeah, Porte was lucky to be in the right breakaway in the 2010 Giro, or he wouldn't even had that top 10.

To be fair, Porte does a top 10 that year even without that breakaway.

Fairly predictable podium result. Nice results for Bardet, Martin, and Poels. I'm a tad surprised at all 3.

 

[Arredondo]

Valv Piti is right about Purito. He always needs to ride himself into shape at this point of the year. Last year he was actually too good in this Dauphiné. Purito is just not the rider he was. We can be sure about that. He needs more time to get into good shape.

He was good in Pais Vasco, and more then decent in Liege. He had some problems with sickness in Algarve, and a crash at the Amstel. But for sure, he's like 5% less then he was in 2015. I think it's still enough to win Tour stages, maybe win Clasica and get top-5 at Vuelta. But not challening Contador and Froome anymore. That time has gone.

I agree about the fact he should not focus on GC in the Tour. Contador, Froome, Quintana, Pinot, Porte, Aru, Tejay: all riders who will finish ahead of him in GC. Maybe 9th place is possible. But who cares? Nobody. Winning a stage is way more important.

Boring cyclists like Mollema and VDB can fight for a top-10 place. But not Purito. Not someone like him.

 

[Red Rick]

Is he going for GC in the Tour or will he go stagehunt + ORR + Vuelta GC?

 

[Arredondo]

Re:

Is he going for GC in the Tour or will he go stagehunt + ORR + Vuelta GC?

I think he will fight for the GC at the beginning, changing goals in the middle of the race (like last year), go to Río to be a domestique for Valverde and going full *** in Vuelta + Lombardia.

And then retire at the end of the year

 

[Red Rick]

Re: Re:

Is he going for GC in the Tour or will he go stagehunt + ORR + Vuelta GC?

I think he will fight for the GC at the beginning, changing goals in the middle of the race (like last year), go to Río to be a domestique for Valverde and going full *** in Vuelta + Lombardia.

And then retire at the end of the year

His contract ends this year? Also, he really shouldn't slave for Valverde unless the situation is really dire. Tactical advantage like in 2013 is way better, but then its Valverde we're talking about. Wouldn't fault Purito for not doing one pedal stroke for Valverde really

 

[PremierAndrew]

Re: Re:

Is he going for GC in the Tour or will he go stagehunt + ORR + Vuelta GC?

I think he will fight for the GC at the beginning, changing goals in the middle of the race (like last year), go to Río to be a domestique for Valverde and going full *** in Vuelta + Lombardia.

And then retire at the end of the year

If I was Purito, I wouldn't do anything for Piti after 2013 WC RR

 

[SevenTimeTdfChamp]

why does valverde gets blamed for the 2013 wc rr. There is no scenairo were J rod could have won. Either valverde would have followed Costa and won the sprint or like it happend valverde couldnt follow Costa and costa wins the sprint. Just because valverde would have followed costa doesnt mean that costa would have just stopped rideing. When you are in the final in wc rr you just dont stop rideing because valverde is on your wheel, you do anything to win. Valverde have been on the wc podium 9 times, why would he give up victory for a rider who was changeing team ? J rod is a class rider and i agree with Arredondo that he should focus on stages instead of chaseing a top 10 spot. To much class to be happy with that

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Valverde gets blamed for it cos he completely dropped the ball, that's why. If he anchors the move and Purito wins, then great, the guy who made the race won it. If Costa drags him all the way to the line because it's his only chance to win, Valverde's absolutely in his right to say he won't chase his teammate, beat Rui in the sprint and then not only is Bala the World Champion but the team has flawlessly executed a plan giving itself an almost guaranteed win. With two in the group of four including the best sprinter in the bunch, if you don't win you've made a complete and utter mess of things. And since Purito held up his end of the bargain perfectly, then of course it's Ally Vally that gets the blame.

 

[SevenTimeTdfChamp]

vlaverde made a mistake or as i think didnt have the legs. But that doesnt change the fact that there is no way J rod could have won that race

 

[Escarabajo]

Re:

vlaverde made a mistake or as i think didnt have the legs. But that doesnt change the fact that there is no way J rod could have won that race

He was playing his part as Libertine said.

 

[Tonton]

And none of this has anything to do with the CdD .

Disappointing. BTW, action took place today, and there's a lot to talk about:

1. Bertie is (at this time) more explosive than Froome, got a small mental edge.
2. If it goes down to a kick, Alberto has it.
3. Tough stages ahead: can Contador instill an inferiority complex, or at least doubts in Froome's mind? So when the goin' gets tough, Froome becomes Ullrich...
4. So far, round 1 goes to Berto. The mental aspect will be crucial.

In the meantime, we (you guys) talk about Valverde .

It's one thing to be a fan: instead of looking at dynamics taking place, we see members trying to be right, vs discussing the thread. and turning the thread into another Froome vs. Contador.

What happened today btw? Contador won. Boost. I'm no fan of his. But he did it. That's the plot: not Valverde, Aru, or Pinot. Only Quintana can spoil the party...it's the rehearsal and Bertie looks extremely strong. That should be the discussion, IMO.

 

[Jspear]

And none of this has anything to do with the CdD .

Disappointing. BTW, action took place today, and there's a lot to talk about:

1. Bertie is (at this time) more explosive than Froome, got a small mental edge.
2. If it goes down to a kick, Alberto has it.
3. Tough stages ahead: can Contador instill an inferiority complex, or at least doubts in Froome's mind? So when the goin' gets tough, Froome becomes Ullrich...
4. So far, round 1 goes to Berto. The mental aspect will be crucial.

In the meantime, we (you guys) talk about Valverde .

It's one thing to be a fan: instead of looking at dynamics taking place, we see members trying to be right, vs discussing the thread. and turning the thread into another Froome vs. Contador.

What happened today btw? Contador won. Boost. I'm no fan of his. But he did it. That's the plot: not Valverde, Aru, or Pinot. Only Quintana can spoil the party...it's the rehearsal and Bertie looks extremely strong. That should be the discussion, IMO.

Aye aye!

For tomorrow's stage I'm really hoping Degenkolb wins. I know it's probably to much to ask...I've missed him this year.

 

[Pricey_sky]

3. Tough stages ahead: can Contador instill an inferiority complex, or at least doubts in Froome's mind? So when the goin' gets tough, Froome becomes Ullrich...

I think you mistake Froome for Wiggins, Froome is mentally very tough, it would take a lot to crack him.

It was interesting that Sky had both Poels and Landa ride hard yesterday to go high up on GC, they could have just soft-pedalled if they were working for Froome. However Sky have a few weapons to use in these tough mountain stages if Froome isn't quite there yet, even Contador admitted in his post race interview it could be difficult for him to control.

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

Froome didn't seem bothered (with Contador's performance) after the stage, at all. I think he expected as much. It's all going according to plan, IMO. No idea why he would need to be on par with him in ANY Dauphiné stage to feel confident about the Tour.

 

[damian13ster]

Yeah, there is absolutely zero chance it will get into Froome's head. If anything, this result was fairly positive. He was always fairly bad in the beginning of Dauphine, and this time he didn't lose much at all.