Teams & Riders Chris Froome Discussion Thread.

[Walkman]

Yeah, because Contador is a mediocre flat TTist when in good shape.

Judging from last year, Froome would have stomped him. The Vuelta organizers couldn't know he would step up his program another couple of levels until after they set the course, so of course they don't want to take a chance.

 

[sultanofhyd]

Judging from last year, Froome would have stomped him. The Vuelta organizers couldn't know he would step up his program another couple of levels until after they set the course, so of course they don't want to take a chance.

You know that does not belong here...

 

[Dr. Juice]

Judging from last year, Froome would have stomped him. The Vuelta organizers couldn't know he would step up his program another couple of levels until after they set the course, so of course they don't want to take a chance.

That's why I say in good shape. Which he was almost always except 2013. I won't measure Froome's TT ability on the basis of this years Vuelta or Vuelta 2012 either. They were not pan flat, but in great form he should win or at least come close.

Just as Contador in top form might come close to win a slightly ondulated TT like last week ( good but not great form in this Vuelta) and be in the top 5-6 in a flat TT ( Froome top 3 when top shape).

50 km flat TT and both at their best and you'll see Froome 2nd or 3rd some 30-40 seconds behind Martin with Contador 5th or 6th another 30-45 sec back.
When both are out of shape no one shines in a TT.

Without arguing about little differences here and there, but Contador =! Valverde, who loses a LOT of time as soon as the TT is flat and has a decent lenght.

Edit: If you really want to say they have influenced the parcours - to the advantage of Valverde and Purito. Now if you say, well at the end of 2013 nobody knew... if Contador is in form like 2013 then nothing can help him win. No route.

 

[sir fly]

Looks like Froome feels good keeping high pace on the climbs. The changes of rhythm are what's he struggling with.
The Saturday's profile bodes well for him.

 

[Pricey_sky]

Another good performance from Froome today, it's a pity he didn't have the form in last weeks TT or we would have had an epic showdown for red on Saturday. Either way it should still be a good stage, Froome seems like he was actually telling the truth when he said he wanted to ride into form by week 3.

 

[henriklarsen]

Pretty sure it's for his effort's over the last week rather than just sympathy.

Froome may have been getting better over the course of the Vuelta - especially the last week, but he was actually closer to Contadore after stage 14, than he is today after stage 18. Check it out: http://www.cyclograph.cc/Race/Get/1...&r=Contador_Alberto,Froome_Christopher,&z=100

 

[Oldman]

Looks like Froome feels good keeping high pace on the climbs. The changes of rhythm are what's he struggling with.
The Saturday's profile bodes well for him.

good observation on the change of pace. When Contador and buddies got frisky they chopped that lead down instantly. As for any profile favoring him...I think Contador was playing everyone today. He's got plenty left.

 

[sir fly]

good observation on the change of pace. When Contador and buddies got frisky they chopped that lead down instantly. As for any profile favoring him...I think Contador was playing everyone today. He's got plenty left.

I don't mean it'll favor him, jut it won't bother him.
Anyway, what's good for Froome- it's good for Contador, it appears. I agree.

 

[LittleJo]

I thought that was pretty good from Froome yesterday. More than anything, I'm pleased he's still trying to gain time - he's making a good race of it. I think it's going to be closer than I thought it would a week ago.

 

[Boeing]

Watching this Vuelta I have new respect for Chris Froome. Dude is nails pure and simple. I cant remember a rider with such confidence and discipline and commitment to his own tempo in a grand tour. Amazing ride.

 

[contador977]

Random thought but I dont think Froome is looking at data when he is looking down so often especially during an attack. I believe its to become more aerodynamic, although maybe thats minimal difference in drag? Its probably become a habit now. I just watched his attack on Stage 2 at the Dauphine and this is what I saw

 

[Angliru]

Random thought but I dont think Froome is looking at data when he is looking down so often especially during an attack. I believe its to become more aerodynamic, although maybe thats minimal difference in drag? Its probably become a habit now. I just watched his attack on Stage 2 at the Dauphine and this is what I saw

The infamous Dr. Ferrari seems to think that it is a breathing technique and I'm inclined to agree. The frequency of the his head bobbing up and down seems to correspond more with that as being the reason than his being that obsessed with his SRM.

 

[hiero2]

Watching this Vuelta I have new respect for Chris Froome. Dude is nails pure and simple. I cant remember a rider with such confidence and discipline and commitment to his own tempo in a grand tour. Amazing ride.

Yes, true - now if I JUST had not grown to dislike him so much - - -

 

[yespatterns]

The infamous Dr. Ferrari seems to think that it is a breathing technique and I'm inclined to agree. The frequency of the his head bobbing up and down seems to correspond more with that as being the reason than his being that obsessed with his SRM.

Are we getting confused with the belly breathing technique here? I'm petty sure Froome is just racing on data honestly, and wants to maintain sustainable numbers. While it makes for dull racing, it's obviously effective with a train riding on Their threshold. Plus some jackasses put their had down a lot when riding

 

[richwagmn]

All the respect to Chris Froome. Tough, fierce rider. Can't wait for 2015 TDF.

 

[Piz Buin]

Chapeau to Froomey...What a fighter

Didn't like his powermeter rides last week but today he gave it everything trying to drop Contador

 

[Dazed and Confused]

We are back to borderline dumb tactics.
Leading out Contador for the win.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

valiant effort, but oh well.

 

[MBotero]

Nice try again today,but not enough,Contador unbeatable in this moment.Anyway props for Froome,i like his aggressive style,always attacking regardless of consequences.Froome needs to find his 2013 form if he wants to win next TDF,because Contador is back to his best.

 

[Forunculo]

He has been excellent last week of the race. Hoping he is back stronger for 2015

 

[jens_attacks]

i really hope he can get the stage tomorrow. he deserves one

 

[ILovecycling]

i really hope he can get the stage tomorrow. he deserves one

I think he is the favourite



btw his never give up attitude is great, will remember him one day...the rest in my signature.

 

[sir fly]

Gave everything he's had... respect.
Looks like that very peak of the form was out of his reach this August. I'm not surprised. His season was built around the July, with the top form already present in the June.

 

[Richeypen]

i really hope he can get the stage tomorrow. he deserves one

Am I right in thinking that Sky haven't won a GT stage this year? Big bosses cant be happy with that.

 

[Afrank]

Am I right in thinking that Sky haven't won a GT stage this year? Big bosses cant be happy with that.

You are correct.