Teams & Riders Chris Froome Discussion Thread.

[Ludwig's Olaf]

Re: Re:

Given Froome was raised and lived in South Africa for so long, shouldn't he be good on bad road like cobbles? I guess he must have spent a LOT of time on bad roads there, with small stones etc.

Just a thought, actually really weird that he isn't a good bike handler.

He probably did a lot of that stuff on a mountain bike which makes things a little more bearable. Also he wasn't racing on the roads of Africa. Can't really compare his growing up experience with racing conditions. Also I think the cobbles are much more fierce than african roads.

That's Africa for God's sake, where people get their hands crushed trying to climb out of the potholes. There are no paved roads in Kenya outside the largest cities, nearly impossible to ride a racing bike with cutting wheels for tyres. Think riding on a beach or in knee-deep mud.

 

[LaFlorecita]

The roads in South Africa are quite okay though.

 

[Djamolidine]

Re: Re:

Given Froome was raised and lived in South Africa for so long, shouldn't he be good on bad road like cobbles? I guess he must have spent a LOT of time on bad roads there, with small stones etc.

Just a thought, actually really weird that he isn't a good bike handler.

Well, his physique isn't suited the cobbles, I think. We haven't actually see him ride them, though. And he may not be a particularly good bike handler, but neither can I remember proof that he is a bad one. At last year's Tour, he was swept off his bike and then couldn't properly hold his bike, because he had injured his wrist. Please point out any evidence to me that he is abad bike handler.

But this time he has the not at all over engineered Pinarello cobbles bike.....

 

[SeriousSam]

Judging by Brailsford's confident words, Froome may have reached another 2013 esque super peak. If so, he should be able to TT like he did back then, so we'll know soon.

 

[HelloDolly]

With Stananrd, Rowe & Thomas I have no fears fro Froome on cobbles or in crosswinds, etc
Only issue may have with SKY is in fianl week when alot of guys who are not very experienced in GTs may fade

 

[Electress]

Re:

Judging by Brailsford's confident words, Froome may have reached another 2013 esque super peak. If so, he should be able to TT like he did back then, so we'll know soon.

I don't know, the mood music from Sky is never especially muted. I think he's on form; we'll see how consistent it is, and they jury is still out for me whether he'll ever get that 'mutant level' back again. I think 2013 has started to be fictionalised into something more than it was, tbh. (which is not to say it wasn't impressive, mind).

That said, so have other things - like the fact he hasn't any bike handling skills, etc. I don't think he's great, but you'd think the guy is lucky to stay upright. I also think those articles talking about his mental strength don't do him much justice. He showed a lot of fight at the Vuelta, and I've not seen a lot of mental cracking going on. Physically, however, I do think he seems more vulnerable to illness and poor recovery than his rivals.

 

[Vasilis]

Re: Re:

Given Froome was raised and lived in South Africa for so long, shouldn't he be good on bad road like cobbles? I guess he must have spent a LOT of time on bad roads there, with small stones etc.

Just a thought, actually really weird that he isn't a good bike handler.

Well, his physique isn't suited the cobbles, I think. We haven't actually see him ride them, though. And he may not be a particularly good bike handler, but neither can I remember proof that he is a bad one. At last year's Tour, he was swept off his bike and then couldn't properly hold his bike, because he had injured his wrist. Please point out any evidence to me that he is abad bike handler.

But this time he has the not at all over engineered Pinarello cobbles bike.....

So what are you saying?

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Re:

Given Froome was raised and lived in South Africa for so long, shouldn't he be good on bad road like cobbles? I guess he must have spent a LOT of time on bad roads there, with small stones etc.

Just a thought, actually really weird that he isn't a good bike handler.

there are cobblestones in south africa?

 

[46&twoWheels]

lack of bike handling abilities and I think,also spacial awareness

too much indoor spinning
He just needs some cyclocross sessions

 

[Mongolian Torque]

lack of bike handling abilities and I think,also spacial awareness

too much indoor spinning
He just needs some cyclocross sessions

Completely agree... He will likely kiss the pave (along with others) and keep going, but the psychological damage will be done and he will dump in his chamois while dreading the next ones.

I want to say he's a 2 dimensional rider, but more like 2.5D.

It's like having dinner with an ex...you not it's not going to end well.

 

[gunara]

Re: Re:

I think 2013 has started to be fictionalised into something more than it was, tbh. (which is not to say it wasn't impressive, mind).

That said, so have other things - like the fact he hasn't any bike handling skills, etc. I don't think he's great, but you'd think the guy is lucky to stay upright. I also think those articles talking about his mental strength don't do him much justice. He showed a lot of fight at the Vuelta, and I've not seen a lot of mental cracking going on. Physically, however, I do think he seems more vulnerable to illness and poor recovery than his rivals.

Well said, Mr. Froome's strength and weakness have been exaggerated to caricature level. So many myths for a single grand tour winner.

 

[racing_like_scalded_cats]

If Froome can avoid crashing out of the Tour the first week I think he has a good chance. I hope he makes it to the mountains with the other contenders.

 

[Non Grimpeur]

Froome in 2013 form would be a very strong favourite for this race. I am not sure he is though. He doesn't seem to have the same zip. However, if he has had a similar build up as he did to the 2012 race when he was very quiet until placing 4th at the Dauphine and his form continues to rise as it did then it could be looking good for him.

I think he must be very frightened of the first week. Stage 2 could see strong crosswinds and the stage 3 to Huy is not straightforward. Stage 4 across the cobbles could be bad for him as it will not be as easy as sitting in the wheels of Stannard, Rowe and Thomas. This is the kind of stage when the obsession with looking down at his stem all the time could cause him a lot of trouble. Then there is the stage 8 TTT where Sky's recent performances are a cause for concern.

His team looks good. In the mountains, he has Porte, Poels, Konig, Thomas, Kennaugh and possibly Roche.This is very good support.

For what it's worth, my real fear for Froome is whether he has another winning tour performance in him. Tim Kerrison seems to be a very aggressive trainer and I'm not sure how long riders following his regime can keep going before they are mentally and physically exhausted, especially when they look unnaturally thin.

Nibali and Quintana will go into the tour in good condition. Nibali will have a strong team to back him and could come up with a surprise repeat win. I was impressed with Van Garderen in the Dauphine and Pinot in Suisse. If they are within touching distance after the Pyrenees then we could have a great final few days in the Alps.

Here's to some great racing over the next few weeks.

 

[Poursuivant]

Re:

Judging by Brailsford's confident words, Froome may have reached another 2013 esque super peak. If so, he should be able to TT like he did back then, so we'll know soon.

I'm not convinced about his TT form to be honest, when was his last brilliant one, Dauphine 2014?

I am not convinced he will beat Contador on Saturday.

 

[Ataraxus]

Re: Re:

Judging by Brailsford's confident words, Froome may have reached another 2013 esque super peak. If so, he should be able to TT like he did back then, so we'll know soon.

I'm not convinced about his TT form to be honest, when was his last brilliant one, Dauphine 2014?

I am not convinced he will beat Contador on Saturday.

I haven't checked the road width but that TT seems to have only 13 90 degree corners and the profile is completely flat. If everything goes well for froome (no incidents), he will take time on the likes of AC NQ and VN. Based on the results of 2014 Dauphine TT(the most ideal comparison medium for this TT IMO) I predict 1.2 sec per km on Contador.

 

[Taxus4a]

Re: Re:

Judging by Brailsford's confident words, Froome may have reached another 2013 esque super peak. If so, he should be able to TT like he did back then, so we'll know soon.

I'm not convinced about his TT form to be honest, when was his last brilliant one, Dauphine 2014?

I am not convinced he will beat Contador on Saturday.

I haven't checked the road width but that TT seems to have only 13 90 degree corners and the profile is completely flat. If everything goes well for froome (no incidents), he will take time on the likes of AC NQ and VN. Based on the results of 2014 Dauphine TT(the most ideal comparison medium for this TT IMO) I predict 1.2 sec per km on Contador.

The brakes iare not goint to be very used, so that is good for Froome. He need to put time on his rivals, but Contador is good in this kind of short ITT. Anyway I think 1 second per Km is possible.

 

[bala v]

I think 1 sec per km too, but Contador on Froome

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re:

I think 1 sec per km too, but Contador on Froome

Agree
I think Froome could take a maximum of 10s on Contador, but I actually except Contador to beat Froome.

 

[blackmamba]

Re: Re:

I think 1 sec per km too, but Contador on Froome

Agree
I think Froome could take a maximum of 10s on Contador, but I actually except Contador to beat Froome.

I honestly dont know what to expect at stage 1 frome Contador vs Froome on the TT. (do believe both of em will do the best out of the GT contenders) but as to who will gain time on who from Contador or Froome Im a bit confused. Contador as we all know rides good TT when hes in form but this TT I think suits Froomes strenght a bit more (flat and straight) so maby Froome to gain 5-15 sec? But like i said I honestly dont know what to expect tbh could go either way, we dont know yet which form they will arrive in either but yeah but it will sure be fun.

And also its the giro thing which we dont know how much Contador suffered from

 

[Taxus4a]

This ITT doesnt suit Froome, for that reason Froome wanted to ride the Giro instead le Tour...but Froome need to put time on his rivals here and in the TTT.

TTT, crashes and Coblestone stage will be more important than this 13,8 ITT, but anyway there will be important differences as well in this first stage with some riders. For people as Quintana or Purito is an important stage, as they could lose 1 minute, but I think 30 seconds for Quintana, 40 for Purito.

 

[Taxus4a]

That ITT in Dauohiné was a good reference, but it had more corners and it wanst so flat.

http://cyclingperspective.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Crit%C3%A9rium-du-Dauphin%C3%A9-2014-Stage-1-route-map.jpg

That reason Contador beat some specialist:

http://www.cqranking.com/men/asp/gen/race.asp?raceid=26242

 

[blackmamba]

Re:

This ITT doesnt suit Froome, for that reason Froome wanted to ride the Giro instead le Tour...but Froome need to put time on his rivals here and in the TTT.

TTT, crashes and Coblestone stage will be more important than this 13,8 ITT, but anyway there will be important differences as well in this first stage with some riders. For people as Quintana or Purito is an important stage, as they could lose 1 minute, but I think 30 seconds for Quintana, 40 for Purito.

Your saying a flat-straight TT doesnt suit Froome more than his rivals? If your meaning it doesnt suit him with this low KM total of TT your absolutely right ofcourse, but this prologue profile suits Froome more than his rivals! (flat + straight)

 

[Taxus4a]

Re: Re:

This ITT doesnt suit Froome, for that reason Froome wanted to ride the Giro instead le Tour...but Froome need to put time on his rivals here and in the TTT.

TTT, crashes and Coblestone stage will be more important than this 13,8 ITT, but anyway there will be important differences as well in this first stage with some riders. For people as Quintana or Purito is an important stage, as they could lose 1 minute, but I think 30 seconds for Quintana, 40 for Purito.

Your saying a flat-straight TT doesnt suit Froome more than his rivals? If your meaning it doesnt suit him with this low KM total of TT your absolutely right ofcourse, but this prologue profile suits Froome more than his rivals! (flat + straight)

The perfect ITT for Froome is long and hilly, he can beat in an ITT like that to everybody: Tony Martin, Cancellara, Wiggo,etc...

But it is true, he penalize less that Contador, Nibali and Quintana in a flat one. In a hilly even contador could win him, and in a climb ITT maybe quintana could beat him.

When i said that this ITT doesnt suit Froome, is becouse he is a rider for a complete route, he is good in ITT, and he is good in the mountains, but he prefer more ITT, so just this one doesnt suit him, it is short. doesnt suit him looking all the race, but suits him more than his rivals, becouse people as Cancellara, Tony Martin or Domoulin are not his rivals...

For Contador is not a bad ITT, mainly if we look at those wonderfull years.

(very similar to this one, maybe this had more corners and not so flat, becouse were narrow roads, but similar)

http://www.cqranking.com/men/asp/gen/race.asp?raceid=10565

And similar these ones:

http://www.cqranking.com/men/asp/gen/race.asp?raceid=17599
http://www.cqranking.com/men/asp/gen/race.asp?raceid=11927

 

[blackmamba]

Re: Re:

This ITT doesnt suit Froome, for that reason Froome wanted to ride the Giro instead le Tour...but Froome need to put time on his rivals here and in the TTT.

TTT, crashes and Coblestone stage will be more important than this 13,8 ITT, but anyway there will be important differences as well in this first stage with some riders. For people as Quintana or Purito is an important stage, as they could lose 1 minute, but I think 30 seconds for Quintana, 40 for Purito.

Your saying a flat-straight TT doesnt suit Froome more than his rivals? If your meaning it doesnt suit him with this low KM total of TT your absolutely right ofcourse, but this prologue profile suits Froome more than his rivals! (flat + straight)

The perfect ITT for Froome is long and hilly, he can beat in an ITT like that to everybody: Tony Martin, Cancellara, Wiggo,etc...

But it is true, he penalize less that Contador, Nibali and Quintana in a flat one. In a hilly even contador could win him, and in a climb ITT maybe quintana could beat him.

When i said that this ITT doesnt suit Froome, is becouse he is a rider for a complete route, he is good in ITT, and he is good in the mountains, but he prefer more ITT, so just this one doesnt suit him, it is short. doesnt suit him looking all the race, but suits him more than his rivals, becouse people as Cancellara, Tony Martin or Domoulin are not his rivals...

For Contador is not a bad ITT, mainly if we look at those wonderfull years.

(very similar to this one, maybe this had more corners and not so flat, becouse were narrow roads, but similar)

http://www.cqranking.com/men/asp/gen/race.asp?raceid=10565

And similar these ones:

http://www.cqranking.com/men/asp/gen/race.asp?raceid=17599
http://www.cqranking.com/men/asp/gen/race.asp?raceid=11927

Exactly! I was just thinking about his rivals (contador, nibale, quintana) not for the stage win.

 

[concorde]

This is not a track for the 110+ RPM guys at all. Froome will loose time on Contador and NIbali for sure. I bet 10-15 seconds. This flat course is for time trial specialists where u dont divide the watts on weight; rather aerodynamics and position