- Aug 31, 2012
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I have a hunch he's going to lose some time to Aru and Porte tomorrow. Just a hunch though. I'm not certain that's going to happen.
I have the same hunch. I hope I'm wrongSeriousSam said:I have a hunch he's going to lose some time to Aru and Porte tomorrow. Just a hunch though. I'm not certain that's going to happen.
Well yes I agree that he seems very positive and upbeat (as I posted earlier) he seems very happy and that makes me happyPublicus said:I didn't see any of tells that indicate his form is bad (head position, grimaces). I think he looks in terrific shape and has a really positive/confident outlook. If he loses time tomorrow, it won't be because he gets out climbed, but out sprinted. Also, I think the black shoes make him look slower on the bike. Frankly I hate them
You have a point thereBlurryVII said:The crucial part from what he said which makes me believe he is in good form is not "I have good sensations" but "this is important".
He would never say "this is important" if he wasn't good. Last year, I remember at the dauphiné he was always saying "winning could be bonus but having good sensations is what matters for me"
Seems to me there's a lot being read into a pretty minimal amount of info. He followed Aru's attack without any problem at all. You could look at today's stage and ask why Porte or Aru couldn't do more of an attack, given Alberto was isolated. Especially Aru, after all that effort from Astana. Interesting skirmish. More of a worry for me is the weird team tactics…I would definitely feel easier if Riis were around, frankly.LaFlorecita said:Well yes I agree that he seems very positive and upbeat (as I posted earlier) he seems very happy and that makes me happyPublicus said:I didn't see any of tells that indicate his form is bad (head position, grimaces). I think he looks in terrific shape and has a really positive/confident outlook. If he loses time tomorrow, it won't be because he gets out climbed, but out sprinted. Also, I think the black shoes make him look slower on the bike. Frankly I hate them![]()
you should posted something on TS facebook. They read it. I just noticed the black shoes..BlurryVII said:Horrible is the word. The white shoes just give that flying - light look.hfer07 said:I'm so annoyed by Contador's BLACK SHOES- they look HORRIBLE![]()
I'm not super impressed by the Sky train from the showing thus far. They haven't been called upon to do much in the race thus far and yet Porte wasn't surrounded by too many of his team during the Astana tow and a couple of thm have been off the back for a couple of days.Jelantik said:well well.. what a thrilling stage so far!! can't ask for more. Who da' thought huh? you don't need monstrous mountain and long stage to make the race exciting. Astana is superb today. Demolition derby in the process. Like everyone here, I'm a little worry about contador's form. For some reason, he doesn't strike me as having the vibe of 'top shape'. But today's I don't see him having issue following Aru's attack, either. He seems very cautious than usual. So don't' know what to read of that. Is he not confidence with his shape or is he just hiding card closed to his chest? Tomorrow will be a telling. The last climb isn't hard but gradually long. Seems to tailored made to Sky hard tempo train.
I'm not sure what happen with Astana team tomorrow, they spend tons of energy to reel in Kreuziger. All in all, putting Kreuziger upfront, really worked out. Astana had no choice but to come out and play. Interestingly enough Sky didn't bite. I have a feeling tomorrow, will be sky turn to ride hard. Porte predicted there's going a massive shuffle on GC standing (is he signaling he is going to attack?). Hmm, the marginal gain moto-home seems to start working its magic on Porte. He looks very comfy
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This scenario could happen again. But he needs to save strength for the sprint. Letting Little Richie close the gap to an attacking Aru would be ideal. Otherwise, I unfortunately think that both Aru and Porte are faster in a sprint.indianfanboy said:I think today's stage will be very similar to the 2014 Tirreno stage 4 where Contador sprinted to victory in the last 100 metres
I agree with that. But Porte has only followed wheels so far. He should force him work and close gaps. Tiring Porte out is the best (and perhaps only) way to beat him.LaFlorecita said:Hmmm I doubt Porte is faster in a slightly uphill sprint..
Yep. Yesterday I thought that sending Kreuziger out was a dumb move, but it turned out to be a great move. Kreuziger has a fast finish. So even if they caught him in the last K, he could still win the sprint.indianfanboy said:Kreuziger should attack early in the climb to make Aru and Porte to chase him and tow Contador to the line.....i doubt Aru will be isolated Kangert,Tiralongo and Cataldo look very strong and i am sure Astana will send someone in the breakaway to help Aru later
That wasn't a great move, contador got extremely lucky astana went full genius.Velolover2 said:Yep. Yesterday I thought that sending Kreuziger out was a dumb move, but it turned out to be a great move. Kreuziger has a fast finish. So even if they caught him in the last K, he could still win the sprint.indianfanboy said:Kreuziger should attack early in the climb to make Aru and Porte to chase him and tow Contador to the line.....i doubt Aru will be isolated Kangert,Tiralongo and Cataldo look very strong and i am sure Astana will send someone in the breakaway to help Aru later
Lucky? It would be hilarious stupid if they let a dangerous bloke like Kreutziger running away with it. They took it tranquilo at first but when the moment Tinkoff started to race their own it provoced a reaction looking as if a riot had occured and Roman raced his own captain. At that point Astana couldnt take it easy any longer.Miburo said:That wasn't a great move, contador got extremely lucky astana went full genius.Velolover2 said:Yep. Yesterday I thought that sending Kreuziger out was a dumb move, but it turned out to be a great move. Kreuziger has a fast finish. So even if they caught him in the last K, he could still win the sprint.indianfanboy said:Kreuziger should attack early in the climb to make Aru and Porte to chase him and tow Contador to the line.....i doubt Aru will be isolated Kangert,Tiralongo and Cataldo look very strong and i am sure Astana will send someone in the breakaway to help Aru later