LaFlorecita said:
perico said:
I would be pleased today. Contador can beat Porte in July, and has a pretty sterling record in GTs matched up against Valverde, who like Porte, is accustomed to at least one disaster over a 3 week period during the TdF. Froome is the standard now, and it looks as though he is in sh-t shape at the moment.
I agree this was a good performance but I wouldn't be so quick to write off Porte and Valverde. However, today wasn't a disaster like in 2013, so we can have some confidence at least
Porte will crack big time, either in crosswinds (even with GVA as a teammate), or have a TJ in 2015 type of day on in the mtns. There is a history of guys like Porte who suddenly come into the Tour as a hot favorite against the norm only to crash and burn spectacularly.
Valverde is all class on the bike, and I love watching him, but he's never been able to put it all together in July, even in years when he was considered an outright favorite like 2008. Plus until otherwise noted, he's still Nairo's water boy.