A bit of a setback at stage 16. That is losing a couple of seconds to Almeida and Thomas. This was for sure not plan A. Losing time. Still this was the first stage of a week of racing that will determine the overall winner.
JV as a team decided to take this stage under control. This was likely a tactical error made on their side. As at 15km to go they already burned all the matches minus Kuss. That in my opinion is way too soon. Especially as Ineos and UAE still well represented. UAE capitalizing on it the most. Kuss proving he is invaluable and together with Roglič limiting the loses.
But not all is bad. Everything is now out in the open. Rogla was still strong at the finale and there is no way now that UAE or Ineos would settle for anything less then the overall win. JV can utilize this to their advantage.
So on stage 18 in my opinion JV as a team can do more damage, compared to stage 19. On stage 19 Rogla can likely do a bit more damage compared to stage 18. It will be interesting to see the option or a combination they will choose. Stage 19 finale makes a bit more sense to me. Especially is you don't start the stage wearing leaders jersey. Stage 18 likely to waste as little energy as possible. UAE likely to attack at the finale. Being fresh enough to respond and not to lose time is likely the optimal strategy. We'll see.
JV as a team decided to take this stage under control. This was likely a tactical error made on their side. As at 15km to go they already burned all the matches minus Kuss. That in my opinion is way too soon. Especially as Ineos and UAE still well represented. UAE capitalizing on it the most. Kuss proving he is invaluable and together with Roglič limiting the loses.
But not all is bad. Everything is now out in the open. Rogla was still strong at the finale and there is no way now that UAE or Ineos would settle for anything less then the overall win. JV can utilize this to their advantage.
So on stage 18 in my opinion JV as a team can do more damage, compared to stage 19. On stage 19 Rogla can likely do a bit more damage compared to stage 18. It will be interesting to see the option or a combination they will choose. Stage 19 finale makes a bit more sense to me. Especially is you don't start the stage wearing leaders jersey. Stage 18 likely to waste as little energy as possible. UAE likely to attack at the finale. Being fresh enough to respond and not to lose time is likely the optimal strategy. We'll see.
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