2016 TdF, Stage 9: Vielha → Andorra Arcalis (185km)

[mr. tibbs]

Lol wtf is Sagan doing? Targeting the sprint? Sorry if this has been covered--I only tuned in right before Contador abandoned.

 

[CheckMyPecs]

Re: Re:

Not sure a scorched earth policy is advisable if he wants to win the Vuelta

For what reason? He won the vuelta of 2014 completely on his own unless you think tinkoff won't let him ride the vuelta

2016 Contador isn't 2014 Contador.

 

[Gloin22]

Re:

Lol wtf is Sagan doing? Targeting the sprint? Sorry if this has been covered--I only tuned in right before Contador abandoned.

Well of course, that's the only way he can win green.

 

[StryderHells]

Re: Re:

BMC happy to do nothing as usual...

Why would BMC want to try anything? Both LRP and TJVG are nervous about not having an off day so early in the Tour. Both them and BMC will be saving their bikkies for the Tourmalet and Alpes. Might as well sit on Sky or Movistar's wheels.

Bit late saving their bikkies for the Tourmalet

 

[saganftw]

Re: Re:

Contador repaying Kreuziger with gratitude all the years of loyality when he has finally chance?

You're a moron.

he might be a moron,but he isnt wrong...if a leader doesnt have the legs,he could still be usefull - valverde can do it,nibali can do it

especially in case of kreuziger who has been his domestique for years

 

[CheckMyPecs]

Re:

Lol wtf is Sagan doing? Targeting the sprint? Sorry if this has been covered--I only tuned in right before Contador abandoned.

And the stage win.

 

[StryderHells]

Re: Re:

Lol wtf is Sagan doing? Targeting the sprint? Sorry if this has been covered--I only tuned in right before Contador abandoned.

And the stage win.

He won't win this stage

 

[Andy262]

So a few abandonments today per ITV. Renshaw?

 

[Gloin22]

Re: Re:

Contador repaying Kreuziger with gratitude all the years of loyality when he has finally chance?

You're a moron.

he might be a moron,but he isnt wrong...if a leader doesnt have the legs,he could still be usefull - valverde can do it,nibali can do it

especially in case of kreuziger who has been his domestique for years

I think for Tinkoff Contador winning Vuelta is bigger importance than domestiquing Kreuziger to 10th place in Tour.

 

[Cookster15]

Re: Re:

BMC happy to do nothing as usual...

Why would BMC want to try anything? Both LRP and TJVG are nervous about not having an off day so early in the Tour. Both them and BMC will be saving their bikkies for the Tourmalet and Alpes. Might as well sit on Sky or Movistar's wheels.

Bit late saving their bikkies for the Tourmalet

Oops .... I meant Ventoux.

 

[CheckMyPecs]

Re:

So a few abandonments today per ITV. Renshaw?

And Ladagnous.

 

[TommyGun]

Re:

So a few abandonments today per ITV. Renshaw?

Renshaw
Ladagnous
Contador
Cedric Pinot

 

[vedrafjord]

We can't focus only on Chris Froome. Others like Aru or Rodriguez as well. Purito will be willing to do well today. He's at home. It's the first summit finish and the last stage before a rest day. It's important to test the rivals. On paper, it's better for Nairo today than it was yesterday. If there's an opportunity, we'll do something.

- Movistar DS earlier

I know you can't trust anything a DS says publicly before an important stage, but I'm worried that he's telling the truth and Movistar are content to play it safe for the next two weeks. People give Sky abuse but I honestly think Movistar are worse. Their attitude should be "we have the best high mountain climber in the world and we will cause chaos on these big multi-climb stages". They shouldn't be worrying about Aru.

 

[Kokoso]

Re: Re:

Contador repaying Kreuziger with gratitude all the years of loyality when he has finally chance?

You're a moron.

he might be a moron,but he isnt wrong...if a leader doesnt have the legs,he could still be usefull - valverde can do it,nibali can do it

especially in case of kreuziger who has been his domestique for years

Of course I'm a moron. People say that

 

[JibberJim]

Looks to me like Contador's attack this morning was purely an attempt to be friends with Valverde and set up the Movistar attack - it didn't work out with Stannard and Rowe staying close enough to jinx the break in the valley, but it was worth a try...

 

[Kokoso]

Re: Re:

Contador repaying Kreuziger with gratitude all the years of loyality when he has finally chance?

You're a moron.

he might be a moron,but he isnt wrong...if a leader doesnt have the legs,he could still be usefull - valverde can do it,nibali can do it

especially in case of kreuziger who has been his domestique for years

I think for Tinkoff Contador winning Vuelta is bigger importance than domestiquing Kreuziger to 10th place in Tour.

Well that's seems pretty obvous, otherwise he would still be there.

 

[DFA123]

Looks to me like Contador's attack this morning was purely an attempt to be friends with Valverde and set up the Movistar attack - it didn't work out with Stannard and Rowe staying close enough to jinx the break in the valley, but it was worth a try...

I think that horse well and truly bolted about 15 years ago.

 

[HelloDolly]

Where is Landa on the climbs ?? Is there something wrong with him

 

[vedrafjord]

Looks to me like Contador's attack this morning was purely an attempt to be friends with Valverde and set up the Movistar attack - it didn't work out with Stannard and Rowe staying close enough to jinx the break in the valley, but it was worth a try...

Imagine going back in time 4 or 5 years and telling people that Ian Stannard would be towing the TdF peloton halfway through a major mountain stage after two cat 1 climbs

 

[Kokoso]

Anyway I don't think is necessary to call others here moron or so. If you disagree, say why, that's fair.

 

[CheckMyPecs]

Re: Re:

Lol wtf is Sagan doing? Targeting the sprint? Sorry if this has been covered--I only tuned in right before Contador abandoned.

And the stage win.

He won't win this stage

He's definitely not the favourite, but it's not unconceivable.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Re: Re:

Contador second-guessing aside for now, Quintana's got to go on Beixalis. With Anacona and Herrada up the road, it's time to show that Movistar has some imagination and that not the whole peloton is terrified of Sky.

Quintana attacking on Beixalis? Don't think that's ever gonna happen.

Are the low grades at the top an issue? If he can get a gap on the lower slopes and bridge to his boys by the top, then surely that's a good setup going in to Arcalis.

Or are you just referring to the general Movistar wait-and-see tactics?

Yeah, I don't see Quintana doing a long range attack like that at this point in the Tour. I'm sure he'll try on Arcalis but not on the penultimate climb. Hopefully I'm wrong though

 

[Frosty]

Re:

Are Groenewegen & Cavendish behind the peloton?

Tour 'race centre' shows Cav is behind the peloton (got dropped early on the last climb) with at least 5 others. No mention of Groenewegen though.

http://racecenter.letour.fr/#/stageprofile

 

[DFA123]

Re: Re:

Contador repaying Kreuziger with gratitude all the years of loyality when he has finally chance?

You're a moron.

he might be a moron,but he isnt wrong...if a leader doesnt have the legs,he could still be usefull - valverde can do it,nibali can do it

especially in case of kreuziger who has been his domestique for years

I think for Tinkoff Contador winning Vuelta is bigger importance than domestiquing Kreuziger to 10th place in Tour.

Well that's seems pretty obvous, otherwise he would still be there.

Well, his DS did want him to still be there. Perhaps they did want him to work for Kreuziger and Majka and generally be a presence in the race. Actually doing his job, rather than riding solo himself around Lugano for the next two weeks.

 

[Pantani Attacks]

Re:

Where is Landa on the climbs ?? Is there something wrong with him

I think he wishes he was Contador right now