- Mar 14, 2016
- 3,092
- 7
- 0
- Aug 31, 2012
- 7,550
- 3
- 0
Quintana isn't associated with tedious and self serving exaggerations like Contador. We should give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he's being truthful until evidence to the contrary emerges
He's sick so he hasn't agressive ride, and lot of people forget Pais Vasco isn't really a race for him, wait and see. Compare all the time Contador - love this rider - and Quintana isn't very relevant. Look at Aru, he ride was conservative today and nobody has criticised that.
Re:
Because Aru couldn't follow Contador's attacks, let alone attack himself. And Aru has never exactly been a conservative rider. He won his Vuelta by attacking. Quintana is though, and today a lot of people felt was the first real indication he will stick to his new doctrine.
Isaak-Gabriel said:
Because Aru couldn't follow Contador's attacks, let alone attack himself. And Aru has never exactly been a conservative rider. He won his Vuelta by attacking. Quintana is though, and today a lot of people felt was the first real indication he will stick to his new doctrine.
- May 15, 2011
- 45,171
- 617
- 24,680
- Apr 16, 2009
- 17,600
- 6,854
- 28,180
Re: Re:
I was not able to watch any of Catalunya so this is the first I've seen this year of him. In Catalunya he attacked on a MTF no? I want to see him attacking further out, like Contador today. He has the ability.Escarabajo said:
- May 15, 2011
- 45,171
- 617
- 24,680
Re: Re:
I could understand if he came to the conclusion that he should be more passive after the 2013 Tour. Twice he attacked from relatively far out, twice he got caught and dropped like a hot potato by Froome. There is a (slight imo) possibility that he would have been able to follow Froome if he had sat on his wheel.
However, last year, he attacked only in the final weekend. He took time on both MTFs. In the end he came just short. How did he reach the conclusion that he was too aggressive, and needs to be more passive next time?
it seems to me that if anything, he should be more aggressive.
Exactly. I don't get this guy.Brullnux said:
I could understand if he came to the conclusion that he should be more passive after the 2013 Tour. Twice he attacked from relatively far out, twice he got caught and dropped like a hot potato by Froome. There is a (slight imo) possibility that he would have been able to follow Froome if he had sat on his wheel.
However, last year, he attacked only in the final weekend. He took time on both MTFs. In the end he came just short. How did he reach the conclusion that he was too aggressive, and needs to be more passive next time?
it seems to me that if anything, he should be more aggressive.
- Jul 29, 2012
- 11,703
- 4
- 0
No fleur. The fact that he only attacked in the last 2 days wasn't the big issue last year. It's where he attacked. If he really wanted to win the race he had to attack way early. Those 2 stages were more than enough to gain a lot of time.
But he didn't want to win the race. That or he thinks podium is fine and thus he gave up. Decide yourself what's worse.
But he didn't want to win the race. That or he thinks podium is fine and thus he gave up. Decide yourself what's worse.
- Feb 20, 2012
- 53,932
- 44,320
- 28,180
Quintana has a knack for racing too passively. Only makes attacks that don't loose him much time if they fail, and if he's the strongest, he waits relatively long as well. The tactic of only marking your strongest opponent, only works in week long races where you have to watch everybody and if the guy you're marking reacts to everything. For the rest, that tactic only works when tactics don't matter
Re:
I agree with this, but I'm not convinced it's because he didn't want to win or that he's okay with a podium. Unuze's a pretty conservative DS at the best of times, and I think that his team tactics were to maintain a 2-3 and the teams classification, rather straitjacketing Quintana. Moreover, Valverde was single-mindedly focussed on maintaining his precious podium, as opposed to actually helping Quintana go for the win. Quintana deserves a huge amount of blame for his tactical failure and relentless passivity, but Movistar have got to take responsibility as well for failing to back Quintana and failing to ever go on the offensive.
Miburo said:
I agree with this, but I'm not convinced it's because he didn't want to win or that he's okay with a podium. Unuze's a pretty conservative DS at the best of times, and I think that his team tactics were to maintain a 2-3 and the teams classification, rather straitjacketing Quintana. Moreover, Valverde was single-mindedly focussed on maintaining his precious podium, as opposed to actually helping Quintana go for the win. Quintana deserves a huge amount of blame for his tactical failure and relentless passivity, but Movistar have got to take responsibility as well for failing to back Quintana and failing to ever go on the offensive.
- Aug 3, 2015
- 22,743
- 10,688
- 28,180
Re:
Agree, I think there is no doubt that he had a virus, but if he said its 'lingering' then its probably an exaggeration cause he was over Contador when he attacked 200 metres from the top for some reason I don't really know. Exaggerations are normal in the peloton, especially the GC-guys, its its another thing to be a liar
SeriousSam said:
Agree, I think there is no doubt that he had a virus, but if he said its 'lingering' then its probably an exaggeration cause he was over Contador when he attacked 200 metres from the top for some reason I don't really know. Exaggerations are normal in the peloton, especially the GC-guys, its its another thing to be a liar
- Aug 3, 2015
- 22,743
- 10,688
- 28,180
Re: Re:
So many wrong things about this post. I see the general consensus for Contador-fans is that Quintana is this super passive guy who just sits in and waits. It really isn't true at all IMO. Sure, Contador is the more aggressive rider without a doubt, but you can probably say that about every rider in the peloton.
He was more or less sick the the whole Giro and really struggled. Had a coupled of goods days which was enough which is a testament to his greatness on climbs, altho the opposition was rather week in 2014.
The thing I really want to debate is 2015. After the whole field was molested on PSM, obviously you aren't gonna go out the next day to Cauterets and go all out. Froome was stronger in the Pyrenees. They tried at Plateau de Beille, but rain, wind and Gearint Thomas made it hard to make any difference that day.
He obviously tried again at Mende, but Froome marked him again and even took 1 second in that sprint which caused outrage. It was one of my favourite stages that year for other reasons...
Then in the Alps, would've liked him to attack way earlier on Pra Loup after Froome again had marked them atop the Allos and again showed that he is a decent/good descender despite what some other have believed for 3-4 years. The next day wasn't a GC day, they tried on Glandon, but it was impossible really.
The thing I have a problem with was the La Toussuire stage. There were 2 opportunities: Either you go on Croix de Fer or you go in the bottom of La Touissuire. He waited with 5 kilometres to go. That was a disappointment for sure and what he should be blamed for. The next day, he pretty much tried everything in the book to win the Tour, but it was too late due to his late attack on La Touissuire. That along with the fact that Quintana didn't win AT LEAST one stage, the two last he was clearly the strongest, is what boggles me the most.
However, don't underrated the impact of Unzue and Valverde + Sky super helpers. Maybe it have been a little more complicated than just 'attack', no? Valverde after all got his podium and everyone and their blind mom could see how much it meant.
LaFlorecita said:Exactly. I don't get this guy.Brullnux said:
I could understand if he came to the conclusion that he should be more passive after the 2013 Tour. Twice he attacked from relatively far out, twice he got caught and dropped like a hot potato by Froome. There is a (slight imo) possibility that he would have been able to follow Froome if he had sat on his wheel.
However, last year, he attacked only in the final weekend. He took time on both MTFs. In the end he came just short. How did he reach the conclusion that he was too aggressive, and needs to be more passive next time?
So many wrong things about this post. I see the general consensus for Contador-fans is that Quintana is this super passive guy who just sits in and waits. It really isn't true at all IMO. Sure, Contador is the more aggressive rider without a doubt, but you can probably say that about every rider in the peloton.
He was more or less sick the the whole Giro and really struggled. Had a coupled of goods days which was enough which is a testament to his greatness on climbs, altho the opposition was rather week in 2014.
The thing I really want to debate is 2015. After the whole field was molested on PSM, obviously you aren't gonna go out the next day to Cauterets and go all out. Froome was stronger in the Pyrenees. They tried at Plateau de Beille, but rain, wind and Gearint Thomas made it hard to make any difference that day.
He obviously tried again at Mende, but Froome marked him again and even took 1 second in that sprint which caused outrage. It was one of my favourite stages that year for other reasons...
Then in the Alps, would've liked him to attack way earlier on Pra Loup after Froome again had marked them atop the Allos and again showed that he is a decent/good descender despite what some other have believed for 3-4 years. The next day wasn't a GC day, they tried on Glandon, but it was impossible really.
The thing I have a problem with was the La Toussuire stage. There were 2 opportunities: Either you go on Croix de Fer or you go in the bottom of La Touissuire. He waited with 5 kilometres to go. That was a disappointment for sure and what he should be blamed for. The next day, he pretty much tried everything in the book to win the Tour, but it was too late due to his late attack on La Touissuire. That along with the fact that Quintana didn't win AT LEAST one stage, the two last he was clearly the strongest, is what boggles me the most.
However, don't underrated the impact of Unzue and Valverde + Sky super helpers. Maybe it have been a little more complicated than just 'attack', no? Valverde after all got his podium and everyone and their blind mom could see how much it meant.
good point. Edit to add: Maybe this year will be different with Valverde's podium dream not the factor it was last year.
- Apr 16, 2009
- 17,600
- 6,854
- 28,180
I think Quintana failed in La Toussuire, not Alpe d’Huez. The day before stage 19 Froome was too strong and the stage did not play to Quintana's strength, IMHO. It was Quintana's fault and not Movistar. I don't think Unzue's would have minded an early attack on La Toussuire.
As for the attack on Contador, people are making a big deal out of it. He was accelerating just before the top of the climb. Just about every rider on earth follows wheels over there to avoid conceding easy seconds or minutes on the descent. Contador has done it plenty of times.
Contador needs to stop doing these silly attacks and focus on the Tour. He is not superman anymore. People keep saying that he is but he is not. He should not worry about winning these stage races but putting quality miles. I now it has worked in the past for him but he is not the race horse that he once was. He needs to change his strategy. Quintana should stop following his wheels and should focus more on the quality miles as well. Once he gets his Tour (if he gets it) then worry about enriching his palmares.
My 2 cents.
As for the attack on Contador, people are making a big deal out of it. He was accelerating just before the top of the climb. Just about every rider on earth follows wheels over there to avoid conceding easy seconds or minutes on the descent. Contador has done it plenty of times.
Contador needs to stop doing these silly attacks and focus on the Tour. He is not superman anymore. People keep saying that he is but he is not. He should not worry about winning these stage races but putting quality miles. I now it has worked in the past for him but he is not the race horse that he once was. He needs to change his strategy. Quintana should stop following his wheels and should focus more on the quality miles as well. Once he gets his Tour (if he gets it) then worry about enriching his palmares.
My 2 cents.
- Aug 3, 2015
- 22,743
- 10,688
- 28,180
Re:
I agree, La Toussuire is what should be criticised. It was a little tricky due to Nibali out front, if he wasn't, I'm sure that Valv had tried to sacrifice himself in the bottom, but we won't know for sure who said what between those 3. It was the only chance of winning
On today: It was decent, only losing a few seconds to Contador who I still consider the man to beat. We don't know how much the virus has affected him, this climb isn't really his cup of tea, but I think the plan should be to try remain in the front and get fresher before the 2 last Arrate-stages where it likely will be decided.
Escarabajo said:
I agree, La Toussuire is what should be criticised. It was a little tricky due to Nibali out front, if he wasn't, I'm sure that Valv had tried to sacrifice himself in the bottom, but we won't know for sure who said what between those 3. It was the only chance of winning
On today: It was decent, only losing a few seconds to Contador who I still consider the man to beat. We don't know how much the virus has affected him, this climb isn't really his cup of tea, but I think the plan should be to try remain in the front and get fresher before the 2 last Arrate-stages where it likely will be decided.
- Aug 3, 2015
- 22,743
- 10,688
- 28,180
Another day to survive tomorrow, Aia is a bit to explosive, but he can do really well and even ride aggressively if his virus is gone, but his main target should just be to stay within striking distance IMO. Too bad about the Izaguirre-brothers, this used to be a race where Movistar really dominated in front of the peloton. And Ion could very well have done better than Quintana when he isn't feeling well
He won't win Pais Vasco, there is really no good stage for him. Even stage 5 is not hard enough.
- Mar 31, 2010
- 18,136
- 6
- 0
The TT is similar to 2015. It's a seriously tough TT and there will be time gaps. Dumoulin won the TT in 2015.
.
.
- Mar 31, 2010
- 18,136
- 6
- 0
TRENDING THREADS
-
World Championship 2025: Men’s RR, September 28- Started by Berniece
- Replies: 2K
-
Teams & Riders The Remco Evenepoel is the next Eddy Merckx thread- Started by DNP-Old
- Replies: 36K
-
Teams & Riders Tadej Pogačar discussion thread- Started by Lequack
- Replies: 41K
-
Teams & Riders The Great Big Cycling Transfers, Extensions, and Rumours Thread- Started by RedheadDane
- Replies: 13K
-
Il Lombardia 2025, monument, October 11- Started by Krzysztof_O
- Replies: 792
-
European Championship 2025: Men’s RR, October 5- Started by Berniece
- Replies: 854
-
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram