meandmygitane said:
And I said he was horrible, did I? Please, don't put words in my mouth.
They were my words, definitely. Part of my response was based on some of the earlier vitriol flying around this thread, and I was being overdramatic simply to balance the scales a bit.
I had some more time, and wanted to return to this topic to offer a more rational tone, but I see you've already have done that. Respect.
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My own general thoughts, to various points that were previously made:
I've always understood that Thor is well liked and respected within the peloton and that his winning the Rainbow Jersey was looked favorable upon. Of course I have no idea what
really goes on amongst the riders, but he certainly seemed like a worthy recipient.
If we look at Thor over the years, I don't really think much has changed.
He's often in the mix during a sprint; he poses enough of a threat to gain attention from anyone by his side; he is known to excel on certain types of finishes (like Geelong); and he's likely to win a few GT stages.
That, to me, is Thor.
I think he's been un-harshly criticized by some, as if the Rainbow Jersey is going to suddenly make him a rider he never was. Especially considering that the GT season hasn't even begun yet; the fall season still awaits; and he's adjusting to a new, unexpected, team environment.
There's still plenty of racing to be had. Not to mention the 2011 World Championships. I just don't think its's fair, or even slightly logical, to pass too much judgement...in APRIL!
amatoer said:
If the tacticts for Germin is to go for Farrar and the green Jersey in the tour they have to leave Hushovd home.
Thor has already stated that the he doesn't have Green Jersey ambitions this year, so I would think his experience would be invaluable, and he can still offer some serious lead-outs for Tyler, or go for a win himself depending on the stage profile.
And if the above link to T-A stage 2 is any indicator of what's
possible when Thor & Tyler combine forces, then there could be some very exciting endings in store. That overhead shot of the replay is, as I have stated in other threads, textbook sprinting and teamwork at its best. Ballet on bikes.
meandmygitane said:
Maybe we can agree to disagree on Thor's motives and agree to agree that any agenda in a team should not be pursued by media.
I agree that nothing good ever comes from public comments of dissent. Add to that his agent's back-pedaling and trying to re-write the spin—I could do without that even more.