Hot racing coming up in Australia

[djconnel]

Re: Re:

The comparison between Bevin and Ewen is meaningless.

Suppose we decide, that's it, we're going to clamp down on pacing in the caravan. How is that supposed to work? It them becomes impossible to get back to the bunch, since the caravan often takes up the entire safe width of the road. So pragmatically, a certain amount of drafting in the caravan is accepted. And once some is accepted, riders and teams are going to use that to full advantage.

On Caleb -- there's a certain arrogance by fans that Caleb is a star and has a RIGHT to Sagan's wheel. That was an aggressive move to take the wheel away. Sure, there's going to be bumping in sprints, but this was overt. It wasn't "holding line" or avoiding barriers. Caleb wanted the wheel, which was his by right, and he wasn't going to let another rider have it. We can debate nuance but in the end he threw himself at the mercy of the judges and the result was just.

 

[sienna]

I think there was some pity involved with Bevan as he is the race leader and appeared to be badly injured.
As for Ewan, I've seen better and worse decisions and I've seen better and worse transgressions when it comes to employing rough-house methods in the Sprint. There wouldn't be a top sprinter over the years that hasn't been busted for this type of thing.
It seems Ewan isn't the most popular rider in the peloton judging by fan reaction generally.

 

[movingtarget]

How often do you see riders using their heads, shoulders and elbows in the run in to sprints especially from the overhead shots ? There is a lot of jockeying for position before the final 200 metres. If Ewan had finished 10th on the stage nothing would have been done..........if Bevin had made it back to the front and won the sprint he probably would have been DQed for drafting.........such is the application of the rules in pro cycling.

 

[Robert5091]

https://twitter.com/CCCProTeam/status/1086748005565267968

Race leader @PaddyBevin has been given the go ahead to race #TourDownUnder stage six by @CCCProTeam's medical team. It's not going to be an easy day in the saddle but Paddy is as tough as they come. Get ready to cheer him on for one last day!

I expect it will not come as a surprise if he does not make it to the finish then. Bravo for trying though!

 

[Robert5091]

Some details of Old Willunga Hill climb done twice today - 2.9 km at 7.4% average.
https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/blog/tour-down-under-old-willunga-hill-climb

When you think of the Tour Down Under, you think of Old Willunga Hill.
...
The climb is a steady one and aside from the solid gradient, there are no surprises or steep sections that will catch you out. Old Willunga Hill is certainly a climb tailor made for guys like Simon Gerrans and Rohan Dennis: not pure climbers, but strong powerful riders. The climb is split into three distinct sections that soften in gradient as you ascend.

The first kilometre of the climb is approximately 9% gradient and if you don't pace yourself through this early section, you'll pay for it later. The second kilometre eases slightly to approximately 7% but is a steady drag and gives you no respite. The final kilometre is by far the fastest section of the climb with a gradient of 6% and plenty of painted slogans on the road to let you know the end is close. The climb is over once you pass the enormous yellow painted crown on the road.

Richie Porte holds the record for the climb at 6:39, but no one else comes close to that time.

 

[yaco]

So it appears the peloton gently eased the pace for a period in the last 10kms. Still an outstanding effort to make up a minute in less than 10kms.

 

[More Strides than Rides]

I haven't been watching live, but am now on TizCyling. i know there's quite a bit left in the stage, but when have live images been beginning the last few days?

 

[wirral]

Re:

I haven't been watching live, but am now on TizCyling. i know there's quite a bit left in the stage, but when have live images been beginning the last few days?

Only today, Stage 6, on Eurosport. Dunno about Australian channels.

 

[wirral]

Jens describes a bizarre situation where Michael Woods is taken to the win by Katusha??

 

[jaylew]

Bevin is done

 

[Pirazziattacks]

Bevin gone already.

 

[wirral]

Choo choo.

 

[Ferminal]

Most active first climb since it became MTF, but all sitting up now it looks like.

 

[wirral]

If the bonuses are all taken, it looks good for Impey.

 

[Ferminal]

Identical to last year.

 

[42x16ss]

The Porteberg remains the Porteberg...

Why doesn't he race Liege???

 

[RedheadDane]

Re:

Identical to last year.

Well, stage victory and GC 1-2.

 

[Ferminal]

Yes sorry for my liberal use of a strict term.

 

[wirral]

How much time did Porte waste looking round umpteen times?

 

[Son of Amsterhammer]

Re:

How much time did Porte waste looking round umpteen times?

I was thinking that. Probably showed he was hurting and wanted to be sure he had a gap.

Impey was very impressive again. Came back strong.

 

[stefank]

Re:

How much time did Porte waste looking round umpteen times?

Nowhere near enough to have any bearing on the result.

 

[movingtarget]

Predictable once Bevin was dropped. Congrats to Matt Hayman in his last race. Young Chris Hamilton rode well. Impey could win again next year on this course.

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

How much time did Porte waste looking round umpteen times?

He knew he wasn't going to make up that time on Impey, I think it was more about checking to see he had the stage won.

 

[yaco]

Herald Sun Tour in two weeks. Four WT teams in Mitchelton Scott, Trek Segafreddo, EF Education First and Team Sky. Will be a battle between Porte, Woods and Poels.

 

[42x16ss]

A lot of riders must be regretting not working with Elissonde and Poels when they tried to split the lead group. Most of the best climbers still had teammates