Official thread: le Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré

[Jasper]

Well he's just about to catch up with Basso, Szmyd and Zubeldia, so for now he seems to be going stong.

 

[Jamsque]

Gesink just shredded the group down to 4.

 

[Parrot23]

They must test their optimal cadences, I guess, a lot. Must be lots of differences in optimums.

 

[Jamsque]

Gesink flicks the elbow... and Contador does not pull through. Are we allowed to call him a wheelsucker now?

 

[Jasper]

Basso can't keep up with Valverde and Szmyd. I'd say the Giro is paying its toll, but what about Szmyd then, he's worked an afwul for Basso and Pellizotti in Italy?

 

[53x11 in DC]

Gesink flicks the elbow... and Contador does not pull through. Are we allowed to call him a wheelsucker now?

Nope - I don't think he's in top form yet. Seems a little ragged today.

 

[Parrot23]

Cadel's ability to close gaps looks more explosive than in previous year.

Gee looks like Alpe d'Huez last year: Evans gotta do everything, with Valverde a la Sastre up the road.

 

[Jasper]

Nope - I don't think he's in top form yet. Seems a little ragged today.

He has the same look over him as in last years Giro.

 

[Jamsque]

Evans looks strong, and comfortable. This may not be the last time we see him ride up the Ventoux in a yellow jersey this summer.

[edit]He must be feeling good, last year in the mountains he usually didn't start to chase till 3-4km to go, but today he has started at 5.5km.

 

[53x11 in DC]

Uh-oh - It's Alpe d'Huez Part 2!!

 

[Jasper]

And no sign at all of Devolder...

 

[Parrot23]

Evans is closing gaps well: turns over pedals fast. Gonna need it versus AC in the Tour.

 

[powderpuff]

Very strong headwind no wonder Bertie wheelsucker is hiding

 

[53x11 in DC]

Good thing for ValvPiti that the group behind is jerking around, cause he looks to be suffering. Szymdmdyzydyzyd looks strongest of the day.

 

[Jamsque]

Evans is living dangerously here, Valverde is only about 25 seconds from having the virtual race lead.

 

[Parrot23]

What an almighty mess of a chase. Just like last year's Tour. Dog's breakfast strategy.

Nothing learned?

 

[jaylew]

What on earth is Evans doing? He doesn't keep a steady pace going to keep Valverde in check but he chases down Fuglsang??

 

[53x11 in DC]

Substitute ValvPiti for Sastre, and this looks like a certain day from last July.

 

[jaylew]

Listening to Magnus Backstedt's commentary: " I have no idea what these guys are doing."

 

[Snake8]

Listening to Magnus Backstedt's commentary: " I have no idea what these guys are doing."

Where are you finding that?

 

[Jamsque]

Evan's DS should be SCREAMING in his earpiece right about now.

 

[Snake8]

Wow zyzyzyzyzzmmmdd just blew apart

 

[Snake8]

spoke too soon i guess...

 

[53x11 in DC]

Pop! Wow, I hope that was a mechanical

 

[Zoncolan]

That was one of the weirdst finishes ever?