Itzulia Basque Country 2023 (April 3-8)

[Unterlenkerfahrend]

I don't know why people keep on banging about the neutral bike spot. Maybe it was unnessecary but it wasn't the reason for the hold up, that was El Patron Lopez swerving wild across the road and Higuita bumping into him because of that. After the Shimano bikes the road narrowed anyway so they didn't really stick out.

 

[Red Rick]

1 left with Vingegaard in a peloton of about 70, all is not well with Jumbo Visma.

They had 3 in a 30ish man group. This is the B-squad with Kruijswijk slowly building up and Vallter building up to Ardennes.

 

[Tim Cahill]

They had 3 in a 30ish man group. This is the B-squad with Kruijswijk slowly building up and Vallter building up to Ardennes.

Only Oomen and Valter were there I think? I didn't see Valter because of the Hungarian jersey.

 

[Red Rick]

Only Oomen and Valter were there I think? I didn't see Valter because of the Hungarian jersey.

Yeah Oomen never really panned out as a signing apart from being a depth signing for a B squad. Kruijswijk is building up and doing early work a lot

I think Jumbo are trying to be a bit more strategic about how many dudes they need for something and where they get someone in position.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Eager to find out whether Mas and Landa will be seen as a benchmark, now that Vingegaard beats them.

 

[Escarabajo]

What is going on with Dani Martinez? he was in front and came in position 22 at 26". This is crazy. This is like if someone changed the rider last year after Itzulia. I don't recognize this rider.

Chapeau to Vingegaard. But It looked like Mas was stronger than what he showed at the end.

 

[HelloDolly]

Now that I am on the Landa train I feel its a great regret that Pello got sick
But maybe it might be an idea if Mikel tries not to do any more 'attacks' or Ion Izagirre leadouts from way out

Landisimooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[Danskebjerge]

I don't know why people keep on banging about the neutral bike spot. Maybe it was unnessecary but it wasn't the reason for the hold up, that was El Patron Lopez swerving wild across the road and Higuita bumping into him because of that. After the Shimano bikes the road narrowed anyway so they didn't really stick out.

I agree, but you know - many cycling fans are always searching for external things to blame for trouble, instead of looking at the errors of the riders.

 

[staubsauger]

They had 3 in a 30ish man group. This is the B-squad with Kruijswijk slowly building up and Vallter building up to Ardennes.

Leemreize certainly has shown more potential than this year's performance so far.

 

[glassmoon]

I agree, but you know - many cycling fans are always searching for external things to blame for trouble, instead of looking at the errors of the riders.

that might be true and of course those bikes and shimano guy wasn't at fault today... but still i've never ever seen neutral bikes leaning on the berier inside the final 200m of the stage.

 

[Danskebjerge]

that might be true and of course those bikes and shimano guy wasn't at fault today... but still i've never ever seen neutral bikes leaning on the berier inside the final 200m of the stage.

Yeah, I don't know what he was doing there - but I bet we hadn't noticed him if the crash hadn't occured.

 

[Rackham]

The helicopter view from above really makes it even worse, i.e. Higuita was coming up fast (faster than anyone) on the inside of Juan Pedro Lopez but gets knocked into the barriers & causes a domino effect which wipes out everyone behind Vingegaard (second video, scroll down): Tour du Pays Basque - Jonas Vingegaard remporte la 3e étape après un final confus - Eurosport

That finale & result was a dud, basically, i.e. we have no idea who really would have won without that incident.

Direct link: La vue d'hélico pour comprendre ce qu'il s'est passé dans le final de la 3e étape du Tour du Pays basque - Vidéo Cyclisme - Eurosport

 

[theyoungest]

he even had time to have another look at that nice, orange baloon

Vingegaard tends to spend more time looking back than forward. He must have been told it's an aerodynamic position.

 

[Danskebjerge]

The helicopter view from above really makes it even worse, i.e. Higuita was coming up fast (faster than anyone) on the inside of Juan Pedro Lopez but gets knocked into the barriers & causes a domino effect which wipes out everyone behind Vingegaard (second video, scroll down): Tour du Pays Basque - Jonas Vingegaard remporte la 3e étape après un final confus - Eurosport

Yes, and it confirms that Vingegaard's "early" attack probably had to do with that small crash. He must have had a feeling that something had happened right behind him, and so he had a good opportunity to gain valuable seconds in the last 2-300 meters.

 

[Danskebjerge]

Vingegaard tends to spend more time looking back than forward. He must have been told it's an aerodynamic position.

And how big is that transmitter on his back, really? It looks like a walkman from the 80's.

 

[Samamba]

Landa's position at the bottom was really bad, came from super far.

He'll attack tomorrow.

 

[search]

having a look at that finish again, Gall (who came to a complete standstill) and Skjelmose (worst positioning of all) did a remarkable job as well to still finish this far in front. Must have passed something like 15 guys after the incident.

 

[Rackham]

Yes, and it confirms that Vingegaard's "early" attack probably had to do with that small crash. He must have had a feeling that something had happened right behind him, and so he had a good opportunity to gain valuable seconds in the last 2-300 meters.

Valter did brilliant work guiding Vingegaard into position. He won him the stage basically (considering what followed). Compare that to the other teams, i.e. for example I was a bit disappointed with how FDJ in particular were not proactive at all. It's not possible for Gaudu to be so far back. They knew positioning was everything.

I mean sure the unexpected wipe out incident screwed everyone but Jumbo did the business for Vinge to get him in front beforehand.

 

[Lequack]

Those radio transmissions mid-race are so annoying. And the commentators pausing and then it's just some generic message.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

He's certainly improved since last year, when he was the one ramming other riders into the barriers and ditches. Now he's alert enough to let the others take out each other behind him. I think it's the superior tactic of the two.

 

[staubsauger]

Those radio transmissions mid-race are so annoying. And the commentators pausing and then it's just some generic message.

Migels & Leclercq actually just talk over it!

 

[JosefK]

Just watched the replay (was at a routine doctor's visit today). With no Rog to Roglstomp the finish on stage 3, it was fairly wide open. Mas and Landa looked quite strong. Vingo about as expected, very strong but not thermonuclear. Nice setup by Valter. It's a shame about the Lopez swerve and crunch-up.

 

[Peyroteo94]

My favourite stage race looks so underwhelming. The startlist, route looks so far from what I used to see in this race. Vingegaard has a great opportunity to improve his confidence before The Tour

 

[Potomac]

Those radio transmissions mid-race are so annoying. And the commentators pausing and then it's just some generic message.

I liked them, it made the broadcast feel like it was from 1950s.

 

[JosefK]

Who was strongest, today? I think maybe Landisimo. I hope I don't jinx his chances when I start cheering for him, now.