Itzulia Basque Country 2022 April 4-9

[Filippo_3467]

Vlasov already alone? Buchmann dropped?

It seems to be another rather disappointing performance by Bora. It's really a strange season for them this year. Without the Catalunya Win by Higuita you could call it catastrophic. But the Giro and Tour squad not looking good this season with crashes, poor form and sickness.

 

[Unterlenkerfahrend]

Buchmann is bad on steep gradients and prone to fluctuating day to day form but still pretty weird to be dropped already after he put a very strong pull yesterday at the end.

 

[Netserk]

I think they trust Martinez to finish it off after a full train performance, but I think Ineos should let Fraile and Thomas get a gap on the descent or at the end of it and see if they can start Krabelin with a headstart.

 

[Netserk]

Brambilla looks ready to go.

 

[JosefK]

The GC is looking ominous for anyone not named Martinez.

 

[Andre]

I wish there was a limit to 5 riders per team for 7 day races. Wouldn't it be better to avoid a monopoly (if that is the right word) of high market teams and bring some parity? They could always add more teams to the field if they want a certain number of riders...no?

 

[Netserk]

Next opportunity is Krabelin. Profile from there to the finish, by https://twitter.com/LasterketaBurua

 

[Netserk]

I wish there was a limit to 5 riders per team for 7 day races. Wouldn't it be better to avoid a monopoly (if that is the right word) of high market teams and bring some parity? They could always add more teams to the field if they want a certain number of riders...no?

They already went from 8 to 7 riders. I think that's reasonable for one week races.

 

[JosefK]

They already went from 8 to 7 riders. I think that's reasonable for one week races.

Even better: Limit to one rider per team. But ok, 7 is probably optimal.

 

[Phillip O'Garner]

Eurosport UK currently treating us to the national anthems from a Formula E race.

 

[CyclistAbi]

Eurosport UK currently treating us to the national anthems from a Formula E race.

Priceless.

 

[Devil's Elbow]

I wish there was a limit to 5 riders per team for 7 day races. Wouldn't it be better to avoid a monopoly (if that is the right word) of high market teams and bring some parity? They could always add more teams to the field if they want a certain number of riders...no?

Bad idea imo. Firstly it would mean breakaways winning all the time, secondly the disadvantage of having one or two riders crashing out or falling ill becomes unfairly large, thirdly it probably costs a fair few riders their job because there's a finite number of companies willing to put up the money to sponsor a team, and finally the decrease from 8 to 7 riders hasn't had a major impact.

 

[CyclistAbi]

Krabelin nearing.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

At least we don't have to guess if LS is complaining about SK or SK.

If SK was domestiquing for SK more often, SK would be a lot more interesting, because SK has no sprint to speak of and needs time to settle into a race, being best at recovery and being better later in races, thereby opening up ample opportunities for SK to get in breaks, stagehunt and do the kind of interesting thing that SK actually has done when let off the leash sometimes.

 

[CyclistAbi]

If SK was domestiquing for SK more often, SK would be a lot more interesting, because SK has no sprint to speak of and needs time to settle into a race, being best at recovery and being better later in races, thereby opening up ample opportunities for SK to get in breaks, stagehunt and do the kind of interesting thing that SK actually has done when let off the leash sometimes.

Spot on.

 

[CyclistAbi]

Was Rogla eating or Mas needed to remind him of that?

 

[Salvarani]

Krabelin soon. Hopefully some action will start happening.

 

[Red Rick]

Classic ES ad break moment

 

[Netserk]

If SK was domestiquing for SK more often, SK would be a lot more interesting, because SK has no sprint to speak of and needs time to settle into a race, being best at recovery and being better later in races, thereby opening up ample opportunities for SK to get in breaks, stagehunt and do the kind of interesting thing that SK actually has done when let off the leash sometimes.

Would SK fit in if he joined the team? He would mostly be able to help SK and SK on the flat and rolling terrain, and it's not like SK and SK need more riders on the team with a good ITT for the TTTs, even if SK would still be a frightening addition.

 

[RedheadDane]

Would SK fit in if he joined the team? He would mostly be able to help SK and SK on the flat and rolling terrain, and it's not like SK and SK need more riders on the team with a good ITT for the TTTs, even if SK would still be a frightening improvement.

Who's SK?
I know who SK and SK are.

 

[Eclipse]

Alright let's get some racing now.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Quite concerning that a guy like Knox has been long dropped. Wonder if he'll see his contract renewed.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Who's SK?
I know who SK and SK are.

SK aka Mr. A

 

[Salvarani]

Fraile and Tullett done.

Thomas couldnt pull for long.

 

[Netserk]

Who's SK?
I know who SK and SK are.

The one where they chant his name.