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Maybe my memory is shoddy but when? I don't remember him putting any attacks, even half-hearted ones, or Camperona, Covadonga or Peña Cabarga.TMP402 said:
Was 1987 that easy? I thought there were a lot of hard Alpine days, two long flat ITTs and an ITT up Ventoux.
Not the hardest route of the 80s, but surely not easier than 2012, etc.
Not the hardest route of the 80s, but surely not easier than 2012, etc.
It's a joke. Jens thinks that this year's Tour route was very hard, so I poked fun at him by suggesting that it was because the route was easy this year, which I do think to some extend that it was.
OK, just so this is clear, there are two guys currently racing for first. That may change, but that's just the situation as it stands. Everyone else is racing for placings. So when you're about to ask yourself why is Tinkoff doing this and why is Astana/Cannondale/Orica/BMC/Caja Rural doing that: that's why.
How much time will Froome take from Quintana in the TT. Predictions range from 1-3 minutes. Let's say he takes somewhere in between, well then he needs to take around 1.30+ in the other remaining stages to win the Vuelta. Impossible it is not, but Quintana is now strong favourite and he can ride defensively now all the way to Madrid. I think he effectively won the Vuelta today.
Re:
My guess was between 60-90 seconds, but probably closer to 60 seconds than the 90.
Realistically its race over for the win, but if Froome and Contador TT well and are around 2 minutes back on the final mountain stage and something crazy happens then you never know in this sport. It also depends if guys like Contador/Chavez/Yates want to take the risks too. I'm sure Contador would try for at least a stage win on Saturday.
ontheroad said:
My guess was between 60-90 seconds, but probably closer to 60 seconds than the 90.
Realistically its race over for the win, but if Froome and Contador TT well and are around 2 minutes back on the final mountain stage and something crazy happens then you never know in this sport. It also depends if guys like Contador/Chavez/Yates want to take the risks too. I'm sure Contador would try for at least a stage win on Saturday.
Well for a start, Froome should be able to drop Quintana on Tuesday. The final summit is short and steep, and very similar to Pena Cabarga. Problem is, he's looking at a maximum of around 15 seconds. I think we can expect him to take 90-120s on Quintana in the TT. Therefore, absolute best case scenario, he goes into Saturday 82s down, and at that point we're talking Froome PSM level if he wants to win, or a Contador Siestre version of Nairo.
But as Mr Contador would say, querer es poder. Anything is possible
But as Mr Contador would say, querer es poder. Anything is possible
Re:
Are you sure Froome has the leg? Stage 15 he did not blow himself up literally before the final climb and he did not put anytime to Quintana the last km.
PremierAndrew said:
Are you sure Froome has the leg? Stage 15 he did not blow himself up literally before the final climb and he did not put anytime to Quintana the last km.
Re:
depends on the wind. if there is a lot of wind maybe 3 minutes. if no wind 1 minuteontheroad said:
Re: Re:
I'd be suprised if Quintana lost more than a minute; it's a fairly lumpy and technical course - not purely a head down, consistent effort.
Don't think wind will be too much of a factor. Most of the route is reasonably well sheltered; it's not on open coastal roads. And la gota fría isn't forecast anytime soon.Ryo Hazuki said:
I'd be suprised if Quintana lost more than a minute; it's a fairly lumpy and technical course - not purely a head down, consistent effort.
Re: Re:
No I'm not. Quintana is undoubtably stronger right now. The only way Froome wins is if Quintana fades, and Froome fades less. I don't think he has to worry about looking over his shoulder too much though, as Chaves can't TT and Contador still looks weak. But Froome already has 2 2nd places, and although a Tour win + Vuelta runner up in the same season would be a fantastic achievement, he surely has to put it all on the line for the win. Froome is a champion, and I think he's stronger mentally than any of the other GC guys
tretiak said:
No I'm not. Quintana is undoubtably stronger right now. The only way Froome wins is if Quintana fades, and Froome fades less. I don't think he has to worry about looking over his shoulder too much though, as Chaves can't TT and Contador still looks weak. But Froome already has 2 2nd places, and although a Tour win + Vuelta runner up in the same season would be a fantastic achievement, he surely has to put it all on the line for the win. Froome is a champion, and I think he's stronger mentally than any of the other GC guys
Re: Re:
Froome did not ride the Vuelta for 2nd place. Vuelta will be a failure for him if he doesn't manage to turn the cards (It ain't over till the fat lady sings).
Froome is like Contador 2nd place is not good.
He had smash opportunities and only had to follow Quintana wheels before the TT, but hit the net.
Froome did not ride the Vuelta for 2nd place. Vuelta will be a failure for him if he doesn't manage to turn the cards (It ain't over till the fat lady sings).
Froome is like Contador 2nd place is not good.
He had smash opportunities and only had to follow Quintana wheels before the TT, but hit the net.
Re:
I certainly don't think anybody is gonna drop anybody on Tuesday. Except maybe on the teams' rest-day coffee-ride.
PremierAndrew said:
I certainly don't think anybody is gonna drop anybody on Tuesday. Except maybe on the teams' rest-day coffee-ride.
Maybe the TT will be shortened because of those wildfires in the region.
Anyway, I don't think it will matter too much, Quintana's lead is massive.
Anyway, I don't think it will matter too much, Quintana's lead is massive.
A big forest fire is currently raging around Javea and Benitatxell. Lots of people evacuated from homes and no sign yet of it being under control. I think there's a decent chance it could force a change in the TT route - as it goes very close the zone where the fire currently is. If not, it could be a very hot day in the saddle.
I don't know why for instance Chaves wants to be top in the 3rd week.
There are only 2 Mountain stages and the ITT....
The hardest part seems to be done, no?
There are only 2 Mountain stages and the ITT....
The hardest part seems to be done, no?
Re:
Chaves will want to avoid what happened last year, where he was red hot early, found himself high on GC and had to dig deep in an attempt to hold it. So far it seems to be working, because he's mostly matching the two best climbers in the world.
Only? Third week is the money week. With two good days of climbing and a solid TT Chaves may even overhaul a flagging Froome, and he still has to hold off Contador, who everyone knows won't give up until the end of the 21st stage.Lexman said:
Chaves will want to avoid what happened last year, where he was red hot early, found himself high on GC and had to dig deep in an attempt to hold it. So far it seems to be working, because he's mostly matching the two best climbers in the world.
Re: Re:
I'm worried he's going to lose significant time in the ITT. Lets hope not.
42x16ss said:
I'm worried he's going to lose significant time in the ITT. Lets hope not.
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