Froome is Sky's best chance to win Le Tour

[hrotha]

The 2010 TdF ITT was also done in extremely windy conditions. Yes, conditions were roughly the same for both Wiggins and Samu, but it stands to reason that a true specialist would be less affected by them, and such extreme conditions are not likely to happen again.

 

[airstream]

In addition, Samu fought intensively in the Pyrenees whereas Wiggins' GC fate was predetermined and he prepared for TT relatively quietly

 

[richtea]

I agree with all of that, but it is difficult to compare their results as they have faced off against each other rarely in GTs. Looking at it another way supports what you are saying: if you compare relative final ITT results of Wiggins v Schleck in 2009, and Sanchez v Schleck in 2011 - Schleck lost about 1 minute in both, and they were of similar lengths although the profiles were slightly different... I can't think of another example like that though.

 

[blackcat]

Froome was not well for a while, and he was at teh end of the clusterf*&! that was Corti's reign at Barlo.

He can win the Tour. Wanna bet? Ten thousands dollars.

#dogs_against_romney

 

[cineteq]

He can win the Tour. Wanna bet? Ten thousands dollars.

 

[webvan]

So it looks like he's DNF at the Criterium International (he was on the start list)...

 

[Gloin22]

He was pushing the pace early on the climb and then rode with Rogers until 5km, then he dissapeared from the view.

 

[Frosty]

Finished the stage 76th at 10.18. Sometimes the letour site gives the results before everyone has finished and then updates it as they do.

 

[webvan]

Thanks, when I looked they only had the first 70, I missed the live coverage (was early wasn't it !) but apparently Eurosport will be showing a rerun later.

 

[webvan]

Finally caught a replay of the finish on YouTube of the FR3 broadcast and these clowns (Thierry Adam and Laurent Jalabert) were convinced that it was Froome in the lead group at the end...glad I didn't watch it live ! In fact it was Lars-Petter Nordhaug - must admit I'd never heard of him...

 

[maltiv]

Finally caught a replay of the finish on YouTube of the FR3 broadcast and these clowns (Thierry Adam and Laurent Jalabert) were convinced that it was Froome in the lead group at the end...glad I didn't watch it live ! In fact it was Lars-Petter Nordhaug - must admit I'd never heard of him...

That's actually impressive, their styles are very different and Froome is 10 cm taller...

If you've never heard of him you've probably not been reading enough on this forum, I've been hyping him since 2009 Also, if you read some early posts from this thread you can see that I predicted him to podium the GC, whilst many others considered him the overall favorite, so it was hardly a surprise. Clearly those commentators haven't been paying as much attention as this forum!

 

[webvan]

Well it seems like Froome is back in the saddle at last (decent performance in Romandie prologue yesterday) but it seems he can't get rid of these parasites...
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/froome-still-battling-parasitic-infection

 

[webvan]

Definitely back in the saddle with a good with a 6th place at today's 53km ITT at the Dauphine at 00:01:33 from his leader Wiggo and 10 seconds better than Cuddles...

 

[Euskaltel!]

Yep, definitely back in the game. But how's his climbing?

 

[webvan]

Looks like we're about to find out...I'm guessing it won't be too shabby based on what he was able to do today. Now to see the strategy for the coming days. It would make sense for him to be the last man to lead Wiggo unless he's used to jumps in any attacks. Rodgers has a better placing but he's not as explosive in the mountains.

 

[Ruby United]

I am certain that Froome will never have a chance as big as wiggo does this year to win the tour

 

[BillytheKid]

Wiggins has been on top form all year. He's always had a bad day even in his best GT. That may be the logic behind the Roche pronouncement. 12 mins to the delayed broadcast here.

I would say the two longer ITT's favour Wiggins in this years TdF. The two or multi-leader "threat" never seems to work. I think sheltering a sole team leader is the better way to go.

 

[Frosty]

The two or multi-leader "threat" never seems to work. I think sheltering a sole team leader is the better way to go.

Tour 2008 and tour 2009 would suggest otherwise.

 

[Eyeballs Out]

You'd have thought Sky would have learned keep their options open after last year's Vuelta. Geox did and that's what won them the race

 

[El Pistolero]

Tour 2008 and tour 2009 would suggest otherwise.

Armstrong was more of a pain in the *** than anything else. So no, 2009 doesn't suggest otherwise.

 

[karlboss]

2 leaders can work, but I'd say 2 punchy climbers, or 1 climber, 1 TTer would work better. With 2 TTers work out who is stronger and work solely for them.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

I am certain that Froome will never have a chance as big as wiggo does this year to win the tour

I do agree that wiggo will probably never have a better chance to win the TDU.
Berto will back soon enough to whoop his candy a$s.

 

[dlwssonic]

I do agree that wiggo will probably never have a better chance to win the TDU.
Berto will back soon enough to whoop his candy a$s.

10 characters.

 

[Fight.The.Power]

yupppppppp !!!

 

[sartoris]

I do agree that wiggo will probably never have a better chance to win the TDU.
Berto will back soon enough to whoop his candy a$s.

Absolutely right, mate. It's now or never for Wiggs. But I reckon he's going to get quite roasted to the TDF at this pace.