My first post on this thread today! I must say I enjoyed watching the TT on YouTube streaming (Eurosport coverage). As people have said, Sean Kelly agreed that it's definitely a good comparison between Dumoulin and Indurain. Dumoulin looks like he is in great form. The way he paced the climb to the Blockhaus and the way he crushed everyone bar Thomas (ok so 49 seconds is still a decent margin) today was impressive. If he continues riding like this, Quintana will find it very hard to beat him, especially with that final flat TT. 2:23 is a healthy margin at this point of the Giro, but Dumoulin could lose all of this on the next MTF if Quintana is flying and Dumoulin isn't firing. And it's not just the Dutchmen who can lose this time, it can be anyone of the GC men so Dumoulin will need to race efficiently and hope that there aren't too many changes of rhythm and that the other GC men and their teams aren't aiding Quintana and Movistar. The fact that Kelderman abandoned is huge. An excellent climber with GC credentials like that by his side, Dumoulin would have felt more confident, but now he may need to rely only on his legs and his head with no significant team help in the high mountain passes. That will open him up for attacks and counter attacks. Movistar will surround Quintana with 3 or 4 guys and will play their cards. Nibali's team isn't as strong, but he's got bags of experience and he can peak for the final week of racing. I am not sold on Mollema. Too often in the past he would be in contention for a podium or a top 5 at the TDF only to drop off and lose places. This could very well happen again. Pinot didn't ride that well today. I think he'll attack in the mountains, but how often and how much can he gain, realistically? The other guys may be too far back for the win and even the podium: Pozzovivo, Zakarin, Jungels (a good climber, but not good enough), etc...Interesting to see what Thomas does.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram