Teams & Riders Geraint Thomas

[Don't be late Pedro]

I would have thought track riding actually leads to better skills. They will all have grown up riding at high speed, occasionally behind durneys, in large packs before moving to specialised events like TP. Add to that the fact there is little room for error on the track, the fixed gear limits what evasive maneuvers are available and I think track riders probably end up being very good bike handlers, obviously with exceptions. Cav has always be lauded for his ability to find gaps and wheels and he has said it is because of his track days.

I certainly agree with that but on the (indoor) track you do not (typically) get rain , wind, people on the track, dogs on the track, people dressed as pandas... well hopefully you get my point. It is just a completely different environment. There is a bit more predicability on the track in the sense that you only need to be aware of the riders and not so much as to what is around you. Throw in the weather and it is different set of skills.

Sagan is a mountain biker. We're obviously much better than you road guys

But then you also have Michael Rasmussen who for a mountain biker could be shocking some days.

 

[Don't be late Pedro]

I suppose it depends on the disciplines track riders follow, I think you'd need extreme bike handling skills for events such as the madison and derny pace. Also track riders will probably do lots of miles on the road. Wiggins certainly used to do huge miles on the road, even when he was focused on the track, and these were in one of the wettest parts of the UK, so you'd think he'd be able to handle wet roads.

Though it is quite different when you throw in the peloton all fighting for position. Of course there are some guys that will naturally be good bike handlers but I do wonder if that side of things is affected

 

[MBotero]

Thomas the Tank Engine.

Impressive ride indeed,G and Stannard look like they really enjoy cycling,they are not so much anchored in that harsh Sky routine.

 

[Jan the Man]

His problem is his versatility which is also of course his strength.

He is very useful over any terrain and weather. He is strong on the cobbles, has good speed from track and lead-out work, good TT (very good at prologues) and is decent in the mountains.

He is the perfect super-domestique in many ways.

 

[King Boonen]

I certainly agree with that but on the (indoor) track you do not (typically) get rain , wind, people on the track, dogs on the track, people dressed as pandas... well hopefully you get my point. It is just a completely different environment. There is a bit more predicability on the track in the sense that you only need to be aware of the riders and not so much as to what is around you. Throw in the weather and it is different set of skills.

I suppose, but it will certainly build quick handling at high speed which will stand them in good stead for avoiding things on the road.

But then you also have Michael Rasmussen who for a mountain biker could be shocking some days.

Yeah, there's always an exception or two that prove the rule We don't want Froome back by the way!!

 

[Vino's Mum]

Yeah, there's always an exception or two that prove the rule

Haters gonna hate.

 

[King Boonen]

I told you, we don't want him!!

 

[JRanton]

His problem is his versatility which is also of course his strength.

He is very useful over any terrain and weather. He is strong on the cobbles, has good speed from track and lead-out work, good TT (very good at prologues) and is decent in the mountains.

He is the perfect super-domestique in many ways.

Yup, problem for him is that he doesn't excel at a particular discipline and doesn't have a killer move to win a cobbled classic. Good domestique but not much more really.

 

[Hawkwood]

Though it is quite different when you throw in the peloton all fighting for position. Of course there are some guys that will naturally be good bike handlers but I do wonder if that side of things is affected

Take a look at them fighting it out in madisons, there's a few videos about.

 

[Don't be late Pedro]

Take a look at them fighting in out in madisons, there's a few videos about.

I have been to a fair few track events and so I appreciate the skill that is required. I am purely speculating and have no definitive opinion.

 

[Don't be late Pedro]

Yup, problem for him is that he doesn't excel at a particular discipline and doesn't have a killer move to win a cobbled classic. Good domestique but not much more really.

I think that is a bit harsh. I can certainly see him doing well in some of the one 1 week races and would not be surprised if he podiumed in a few of the monuments. You are right that he does not have a move like someone like Cancellara but few do. In a selective sprint I could see him being faster than many riders.

 

[Don't be late Pedro]

From the other day

@GeraintThomas86
Thanks for all the messages guys. All good with me, just the usual. @andrewtalansky you owe me a new pair of shoes

He should get a T-Shirt with

Andrew Talansky crashed into me and all I got were these lousy shoes.

on it.

 

[Bushman]

Always thought he seemed like a nice guy. One of the few riders on Sky that I really like.

 

[maxmartin]

the interview he did with Sir B is hilarious

 

[Bushman]

the interview he did with Sir B is hilarious

I haven't watched it, what is it?

 

[maxmartin]

I haven't watched it, what is it?

here u go

http://www.steephill.tv/players/you...shboard=tour-de-france&id=cFc_Yj1NtSo&yr=2014

 

[Bushman]

here u go

http://www.steephill.tv/players/you...shboard=tour-de-france&id=cFc_Yj1NtSo&yr=2014

Nice

10cha

 

[movingtarget]

I think that is a bit harsh. I can certainly see him doing well in some of the one 1 week races and would not be surprised if he podiumed in a few of the monuments. You are right that he does not have a move like someone like Cancellara but few do. In a selective sprint I could see him being faster than many riders.

I agree. Sometimes you don't know what rider can do until he is given the chance just like Porte. Thomas can still improve and he is doing great in this race for the team.

 

[Bernie's eyesore]

Great ride today but third crash in three days. If he had been allowed to go for it on the cobbles he could easily be in the top 5 now.

 

[Ruudz0r]

He was looking really strong on the Col Des Chevreres, a shame he crashed again.

 

[MBotero]

He finished very high for a guy who is at the 3rd crash,i really like him he's a tough guy but this was expected after last year TDF finished with a fractured pelvis.

 

[JRanton]

He's crashed in each of the last 3 stages. I expect at least half a dozen more before Paris.

 

[alspacka]

Great ride today but third crash in three days. If he had been allowed to go for it on the cobbles he could easily be in the top 5 now.

I dunno that seems like a pretty good ratio for G. Crash/days ratio I mean.

 

[JRanton]

I think that is a bit harsh. I can certainly see him doing well in some of the one 1 week races and would not be surprised if he podiumed in a few of the monuments. You are right that he does not have a move like someone like Cancellara but few do. In a selective sprint I could see him being faster than many riders.

His sprint is poor compared to the best classics riders.

Dropped very early on the final climb today. There's nothing to suggest he's ever going to be a contender in major stage races.

Just a good domestique. That's all.

 

[Frosty]

I think Geraint has been riding in the wind for Porte a bit but yes, i don't see much evidence that he can be a proper contender for the podium. Fantastic rider though.

Wondering if he might go on the attack tomorrow - or he might be more suited to the day before the rest day, whether sprinting from a small group or tt'ing it to the end from the break (flat stage suggests that it will be a bunch sprint though). Quite interested to see how he does now he is released from 'borg' duties.