2020 Milano-Torino - August 5th / Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenge - August 6th

[Sciatic]

Looked like Sagan thought he could surprise them by going a little early—or misjudged where the finish line was located. Still, show some sprinting form for San Remo.

monster Van Aert

 

[yaco]

Sagan has not been the same rider since his crash in the 2018 TDF.

 

[tobydawq]

Sagan has not been the same rider since his crash in the 2018 TDF.

I still don't understand how he managed to crash back then.

And he's still got it. He was swerved quite violently by his leadout-rider and had an amazing Houdini-like save today, which unfortunately resulted in Lampaert crashing.

But I actually think his sprint was decent today, just not well-timed.

 

[KZD]

Van Aert with a great result and looking really sharp before Milan San Remo unlike Van der Poel which was far from brilliant again.

Sagan looked well but I have some doubts about his ability in the climbs.

 

[Bonimenier]

Van Aert with a great result and looking really sharp before Milan San Remo unlike Van der Poel which was far from brilliant again.

Sagan looked well but I have some doubts about his ability in the climbs.

Van Aert indeed looking strong again. Van der Poel did say before the race he was going to work for Modolo. Not sure if this race says a lot about his form.

 

[yaco]

I still don't understand how he managed to crash back then.

And he's still got it. He was swerved quite violently by his leadout-rider and had an amazing Houdini-like save today, which unfortunately resulted in Lampaert crashing.

But I actually think his sprint was decent today, just not well-timed.

Apparently Sagan was showboating for spectators on a downhill ramp - he's not reached the same level since this day.

 

[tobydawq]

Apparently Sagan was showboating for spectators on a downhill ramp - he's not reached the same level since this day.

I thought he - quite unnecessarily - was trying to bridge back up to the favourites' group because it would be cool for a guy like him to sit in a 25 man group with all the GC contenders after two tough climbs and in the bottom of the final one on a day where everybody was scared of the time limit.

But I agree that his level has been lacking since. Then again, better decision making and he would have a fourth world title in Yorkshire so it's not all bad.

 

[SKSemtex]

Apparently Sagan was showboating for spectators on a downhill ramp - he's not reached the same level since this day.

I think it is about motivation. He does not look hungry for victory anymore. Too much money guaranteed for too many years even without the major palmares. Ralph Denk and Bora owners are not Oleg Tinkoff. He still delivers a lot of publicity so they are satisfied. Their investment brought back the profit I think.

He is still doing much much better than Gilbert in BMC.

Last but not least he is older and we are already used on the fact that he needs some racing to build up the top form. He is definitely not the main favorite for MSR but I doubt he cares. MSR is more-less the lottery and his chances are still very high.

 

[Laplaz]

Here my picks for today:

5* - Quintana N.
4* - Vlasov, M.A. Lopez
3* - Porte, Aru, Ciccone, G. Martin, Latour
2* - J. Herrada, O. Rodriguez, Dombrowski
1* - Madouas, Gallopin, Rosa, Taaramae, Carboni, Petilli, Rochas

 

[Red Rick]

If Quintana is once again in the same shape as earlier this year we might be in for some brutality this Tour.

Then he'll probably miss 3 crosswind stages and or find some other way to bottle it.

 

[repre]

Here my picks for today:

5* - Quintana N.
4* - Vlasov, M.A. Lopez
3* - Porte, Aru, Ciccone, G. Martin, Latour
2* - J. Herrada, O. Rodriguez, Dombrowski
1* - Madouas, Gallopin, Rosa, Taaramae, Carboni, Petilli, Rochas

3 stars for Pierre '5 mins back' Latour is very generous...

 

[Keram]

Sagan has not been the same rider since his crash in the 2018 TDF.

Unfortunetely. I doubt he will ever reach his former self. He is still decent though. But he is not top notch anymore.

 

[Red Rick]

Unfortunetely. I doubt he will ever reach his former self. He is still decent though. But he is not top notch anymore.

These are not the circumstances in which I'd make such definitive assertions.

 

[tobydawq]

If Quintana is once again in the same shape as earlier this year we might be in for some brutality this Tour.

Then he'll probably miss 3 crosswind stages and or find some other way to bottle it.

He's pretty good in cross-winds, though.

 

[Red Rick]

He's pretty good in cross-winds, though.

I'm operating under the assumptions the bad things will happen cause it's the Tour.

 

[Alexandre B.]

López is on workhorse mode again.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Wondering where Ardila will finish (in the ranking).

 

[ice&fire]

He's pretty good in cross-winds, though.

I guess it's more like a coin toss. 2015 Tour vs 2019 Vuelta.

 

[RedheadDane]

So... Bravo is solo, but the field is hot on his heels.

 

[bob.a.feet]

Guillaume Martin for the win.

 

[Rollthedice]

Next level poker face Nairo is ready.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Guillaume Martin for the win.

Hope you didn't put too much money on that.

 

[RedheadDane]

Something tells me Ludvigsson thinks this is hard...

 

[perico]

Lopez is just sad post-COVID break

 

[Earns1985]

Trek still strong. Quintana already alone..