Froome's TdF chances: better or worse without Wiggins?

[Armchair cyclist]

I'm not convinced Wiggins would have added much to mountain support beyond what others in the team can do. He would have been beneficial in the TTT and diverted some of the media attention, but might have given rise to some split loyalties in the team. I'll say it will have a slight negative effect (Froome to win by slightly less time than he would have otherwise)

Admins: if it is possible and deemed preferable to merge this with the "Wiggins could miss TDF due to chest infection, knee injury " thread, no problem by me: I just thought the poll would be of interest.

 

[cineteq]

Better, of course, less drama. What a drag...

Btw, it doesn't mean that he'll win though.

 

[Carols]

Definitely better....but I'll miss the infighting!

 

[Pricey_sky]

Slightly worse due to the little bit of time they would have gained in the TTT. Wiggo would not have made Froome lose any time in the mountains. If anything Froome may have been more determined to push the pace when Wiggo struggled, So from a perspective over time gained/lost its a slight loss.

 

[BroDeal]

Froome will do much better without Wiggums on his back.

 

[TourOfSardinia]

When was the last time you saw Wiggins pull someone up a steep incline?

 

[The Hitch]

When was the last time you saw Wiggins pull someone up a steep incline?

The inclines at the tour aren't that steep. Anyway Wiggins could have attacked if he was close on gc and they'd do the 1-2. If there was someone advising bailsford on tactics that is.

 

[Catwhoorg]

Slightly better.

Less drama, a Domestique who will actually help him, rather than be in it for himself, and maybe free up Porte to do some long range 1-2 punches.

 

[Afrank]

Much much better. Wiggins wouldn't have helped Froome I don't think, not on the flats or the mountains. The only benefit Wiggins would provide would have been help in the TTT. And for the rest of the race he would fill the role Cavendish played last year. Can win a couple stages himself but not much help for winning the overall.

And of course this way Froome can rest easier knowing he is definitely the leader and that no one is going to be trying to take that title away from him. That's another benefit of Wiggins not competing.

 

[Miburo]

I would say better for Froome. I don't think he was mentally ready for all the drama that definitely would have been there.

After Ax 3 drama would be over but i can weigh.

Still they are some advantages to having Wiggo there:

-The TTT of course, without Wiggo that's at least losing 10 sec.

-Sky could go tactical by sending him outfront orso (like uran in giro), i doubt they would do that though.

-And Wiggins can be a good domestique, i'm not sure if he would have done it but if so obviously an advantage.

 

[Tonton]

Better because it is now clear: Froome is THE leader. No chance for a repeat of 1986. Too bad

I agree with another post: Wiggins would be of limited assistance when it comes to setting the pace in the mountains.

Worse in the TTT. And in the flat stages: stages like the two in northern Brittany (10 and 11) are going to be very windy. Watch for the bordure! If Froome gets in trouble, he'll regret not having Wiggins to pull him back.

Although in that scenario, Wiggins could be in the lead pack, decide to pick up the pace and bury Froome once and for all

Too bad: it could have been twice as good as 1986 now that the riders have to climb l'Alpe D'Huez twice in a day. Hand in hand: hugs and kisses. Beatles' music in the background. Froomie to you.

 

[contessador]

Guessing Froome is relieved.

But Wiggins in the race would make it considerably more interesting.

 

[Pulpstar]

No difference for Froome, good news for my Richie Porte E/W

 

[contessador]

There is still a little time - hoping Wiggins will change his mind

 

[Dazed and Confused]

There is still a little time - hoping Wiggins will change his mind

well, some of the PR from the outfit resembles something from a hole in the wall type loan shark, but I don't think "the Wiggo is sick" line will change now.

Froome and Porte for the Tour Podium.

 

[King Of The Wolds]

Slightly better, but he would probably win either way.

 

[rhubroma]

Non of this matters, because Contador will win.

 

[BRCYC11]

Slightly worse, I guess. Even though they won a little time against Saxo-Tinkoff in the Tirreno-Adriatico TTT without Wiggins, I don't think they will be able to do the same thing in the Tour TTT

 

[King Of The Wolds]

Slightly worse, I guess. Even though they won a little time against Saxo-Tinkoff in the Tirreno-Adriatico TTT without Wiggins, I don't think they will be able to do the same thing in the Tour TTT

They didn't have their rouleurs in T-A - Thomas, EBH, Stannard, Eisel will add massively to a TTT.

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

They didn't have their rouleurs in T-A - Thomas, EBH, Stannard, Eisel will add massively to a TTT.

Yes, it's hard to see a weak link for a flat TTT.

Some others who weren't at TA... Porte, Kryienka, Siutsov

 

[hfer07]

Better indeed since 1) hieracy is undoubtly stablished 2) Brailsford wont do stupid decisions based on personal preferences.




Unless of course PORTE revels against Froome

 

[icefire]

Less entertaining. And that's all I care.

 

[ferryman]

They didn't have their rouleurs in T-A - Thomas, EBH, Stannard, Eisel will add massively to a TTT.

And yet it would have been even better if Brad was there.

 

[Berzin]

Less entertaining. And that's all I care.

Wiggins is, and has never been, an entertaining grand tour rider.

He is boring, methodical, and has one speed in the mountains. He's the type of rider that if he doesn't have a train setting the pace, he's done for.

The only thing that his presence in the Tour would have guaranteed was a war of words over team leadership. No one needs that kind of rubbish, and it has nothing to do with the actual race.

Wiggo could have handled this with more grace. I believe his heart was never into the Giro, so all he did was waste his time when he went to Italy. The Giro is a great race in it's own right, and deserved more of an effort from Sir Bradley.

Having said that, it's disappointing that the current Tour winner was not given an opportunity to defend his title. That to me also seems rubbish, but Brailsford made the decision and Wiggo should have stuck with it.

 

[Zam_Olyas]

Velasco being ****e, no drama from sky, uninspiring route, froome dominating only ivan basso will be interesting...to see how much more my beloved basso can suck.