Maillot à Pois Rouges: Who will take it?

[Afrank]

Is there any place where Quintana can take points on Froome? He essentially would have to outclimb him as I don't see Quintana chasing breakaways like Rolland would (not would Sky allow him to break).

Nieve would seem more likely as he can chase breakaways and Rolland. But it still might not be enough to beat Froome.

He could probably go for the remaining points not taken by the break at the top of climbs. Froome doesn't care about KOM, so he won't contest those points. Although Rolland and Nieve might also want those points. And I think he would rather save his energy and go for a stage win and podium at the end of the stage then go for mountain points earlier in the stage.

Other then that, he would pretty much have out climb Froome on mtf's.

 

[nobilis]

The only places where they could points from Froome are in stage 18 before reaching second Alpe d'Huez and Stage 19 to Grand Bornand, Nieve or Rolland could be on the attack in this stage. As for the TT, there are few points on offer there, only two cat.2.
The problem is that the HC climbs when they're a MTF are giving a huge advantage (50 points). So the only chance for Nieve or Rolland is to be in the break and hope to stay in front in the 2 stages with MTF. Hence, winning one of these 2 stages is mandatory to stay in contention for the polka dot.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Froome should take this.
He is clearly the best climber in the race.

 

[Escarabajo]

He could probably go for the remaining points not taken by the break at the top of climbs. Froome doesn't care about KOM, so he won't contest those points. Although Rolland and Nieve might also want those points. And I think he would rather save his energy and go for a stage win and podium at the end of the stage then go for mountain points earlier in the stage.

Other then that, he would pretty much have out climb Froome on mtf's.

I believe that he can outclimb Froome in a MTF if he doesn't put an early attack like he has done in other stages. Is possible.

 

[cineteq]

Mikel Nieve

 

[jordan5000]

I said Contador because I think he'll get a lot of points when he goes on a solo attack.

 

[Rajna31]

Should Rolland get in the break tomorrow? There aren't many points on offer early in the stage, even if he collects every possible point before the final clim he will only end up 20 points ahead of Froome. Than he can win if Froome finishes 7th or worse.

Or he can try and finish ahead of Froomw on the stage but that seems like a longshot. Quintana will atacck surely and Froome is not the kind of rider who won't chase even with a comfortable lead. Moreover, Rolland is tired after today's attack while the GC guys are well-rested in comparison.

Either way, it's an uphill battle (pun intended). IMO Rolland should get in the breakaway and hope that some of his companions will make it all the way like yesterday and today or that Froome will crack in some way. However, it's hard to picture 6 GC guys beating him in an MTF even if he has some difficulties like on Alpe. Quintana and Purito are certainly capable of it, we can assume that he will be escorted by Porte who might cross the line in front of him, maybe Valverde can attack as well but everbody else just lacks power ATM.