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My proposal to head the UCI included a proposal to give negative racing infractions to DSes, and too many of them would see the DSes suspended and replaced by the official UCI neutral DS panel, which consisted of Jacky Durand, Johnny Hoogerland, Aleksandr Vinokourov and the ghost of Frank Vandenbroucke.Looking at this break there's almost like 20 teams who need to fire their DS
Mauri said it’s tailwind today so a very fast climb and harder to stay in the wheels.
He will lose massive times in the TT. But cannot afford to lose so much time in the initial mountains if he wants to target top 10, as him and the team have stated.I'm a bit surprised to see Rubio being so close. These early hilly stages aren't his cup of tea normally are they @Escarabajo ? Einer is going to lose a huge amount of time in the TT of course. That could be precisely the gap he needs to be allowed to go on longe-range attacks in the final week. Where normally as a lightweight climber he should improve.
Quintana was surprisingly good as well. For Bardet the time loss was horrible, for Quintana who everyone expects to be fully of shape it's even calming given he likely improves as the race goes on. At least a stage win and / or the mountains jersey suddenly looks a realistic possibility again.
Arensman can lose some time in the first week. Keep the gap in check with the TT. Then he's allowed to go on long-range attacks once race win for Pogacar is decided, but the race for 2nd & 3rd is completely open and uncontrolled. Since UAE lets escapes go. It's a big gamble by the Netherlander, but it could actually still pay off. As long as Thomas isn't still in the fight for the podium. But then Arensman never was anything else than a workhorse to control the race eventually.
Today I expect Teddy to make a big move with 3k to go. Little personal mtt once he's gapped everyone. Then he kicks again for the final 1.5k. He could get 0.45 up to a minute including bonus seconds already.
If this record falls and the 25 years anniversary remains for additional years I'm fully consent! 🏴☠️Pantani's record will surely fall then.
In the meantime, Rui Oliveira starts working behind and the gap falls a bit to 4:15.
Yeah, he's nowhere as strong in the TT as Rujano used to be!He will lose massive times in the TT. But cannot afford to lose so much time in the initial mountains if he wants to target top 10, as him and the team have stated.
last year Rubio was 17 minutes behind after stage 11 and still almost made the Top 10 in the end. So I wouldn't write him off even if he loses time somewhere, but it's of course not a given that there'll be that many breakaway options again in the final week.He will lose massive times in the TT. But cannot afford to lose so much time in the initial mountains if he wants to target top 10, as him and the team have stated.
Crashes in the first two stages with great weather. Imagine how it will be once the rains come. ... Gesink out, today. Another crash victim.Dunbar looks ok and on his way back.
Kooij looks worse.
Looked like Dunbar's knee was bleeding and Kooij was hobbling around too. Visma not having a good couple of days.Dunbar and Kooij down, getting up a bit gingerly too
Yeah, poor Visma. All their A/B riders are getting hurt. WVA, Laporte, Vingegaard, Kooij, Van Baarle.Looked like Dunbar's knee was bleeding and Kooij was hobbling around too. Visma not having a good couple of days.