Nibali vs. Rodriguez

[cineteq]

It being earlier in the race tells him exactly what time he needs to make up. Having it later would mean having to attack and attack earlier never knowing if he's done enough until after the ITT is over.

Exactly, pure common sense. I don't understand why this could be a disadvantage to a climber? If anything, it would be for a top ITTer like Wiggins.

 

[Parrulo]

Do counter-attacks count? I just saw a re-telecast of the highlights from last years 2nd week of the Vuelta where Nibali countered a Mosquera attack, eventually catching and dropping Mosquera. He's not totally adverse to attacking apparently.

that was an actual attack mosquera was a bit up the road. he also attacked on xorret de cati and on the other MTF's he had the red jersey and was on the defensive because of his itt advantage cept ofc andorra where he was struggling to follow mosquera.

 

[daveinzambia]

Exactly, pure common sense. I don't understand why this could be a disadvantage to a climber? If anything, it would be for a top ITTer like Wiggins.

I think it can be an advantage for someone like Wiggins on a mental level. Like the Dauphine i think it would help him to do well in the TT and then either get or get close to the leaders jersey. That will give him the extra incentive to hold on in the mountains. Rather than consistently losing time and becoming demoralised before the TT arrives.

leaders jersey can make a real difference to a rider

 

[zapata]

I haven't read the thread, but I say Nibali. No doubt. Rodriguez will surely drop Nibali on occasion, and get ten seconds here and maybe half a minute there, but in the end Nibali will be ahead. Don't think he'll win, though.