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Not saying it can't happen but what are the odds a crash takes out the pink jersey? I assume Pog would be riding close to the front most of the stage to minimize risk.I have goosebumps with this stage. This is the type of stage that produces massive crashes.
In fact I would love to watch this. I love variety.Disappointed that it is only a 179km stage. Should have been at least 230km with full coverage from the start.
OK, so not exactly conditions for split formations today in the region.Nota Bene:
However, in fact this stretch do have a vague "risk" of not being a borefest.
I have experienced The Po Valley suddenly becoming insidious with strong winds.
But ok, maybe a rarity at this time of year, I think? (haven't exactly skimmed the forecast here, I must admit.)
Julian from the break from 126 km out with a helper.
he now leads the "TV" intermediate sprint classification, so obviously needs to defend that.Julian from the break.
Vegni masterclass, making the Italians try to get away rather quicklyTakes rare musical talent to murder the Italian national anthem like that
So many riders won't do *** the next two days and don't have a teammate that can win today. Cofidis, Arkea, FdJ, Intermarché, Israel should have put a rider in the break. There are not many opportunities left, and being in the break today doesn't kill you.
It‘s hard to even get a gap on the flat with multiple teams being told to not let a big group go, so you‘d need a plan to somehow trick the sprinters‘ squads or something.So many riders won't do *** the next two days and don't have a teammate that can win today. Cofidis, Arkea, FdJ, Intermarché, Israel should have put a rider in the break. There are not many opportunities left, and being in the break today doesn't kill you.
Anyone who wanted to have a go could have attacked when they stopped for a pee.It‘s hard to even get a gap on the flat with multiple teams being told to not let a big group go, so you‘d need a plan to somehow trick the sprinters‘ squads or something.
Stages like this would massively benefit from having no team radios, or no time gaps.
in the past, on a flat stage like this, with 3 riders in the break they'd be allowed 6-7 minutes. now with 3 minutes, the teams already patrolling, with 170km to go.
I tnink the UCI needs to step in and force teams to give more time to the breakaways.