Official Thread: Stage 17 Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand-Bornand

[Amsterhammer]

What a stunning stage....so much to digest.....meanwhile, BIG props to the Brothers!

 

[TRDean]

No, he was close to blowing anyway. Maybe that is what he and Contador talked about: That Kloden was nearing his limit.

Exactly!! WTF is it with you guys...they are going for the win not to sweep the poduium!! Hell, Lance chased Klodi down!! He was blown!!

 

[scribe]

No, he was close to blowing anyway. Maybe that is what he and Contador talked about: That Kloden was nearing his limit.

Kloden looked very comfortable. He was put at the limit by his team leader when he couldn't follow the Shrek tandem.

 

[53x11 in DC]

Sarkozy and his little 5 o'clock moustache just stated on France 2 that Lance has had an "EXCEPTIONAL TOUR". I guess that ends the argument.

 

[klodifan]

I'm starting to think that Andreas told Alberto that he was going to blow and Contador figured he might as well go for glory

Maybe you're right. They wer having constant exchanges w/Klodi constantly shaking his head no. Well ther goes his podium spot

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

He was 3.09 back.

cheers.

50 seconds lost to LA, Klodi and Nibali

He will be leapfrogged by klodi, and about the same time overall with Nibali. (maybe 15-20 secs in front?)
Nibali could still podium you know...

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I hate to say it, but Lance looks like he will be as fresh as anyone tomorrow.

I'd say AC looks most fresh, having done virtually no work in the lead group.

 

[luckyboy]

8. MOREAU Christophe 171 AGRITUBEL + 04' 09"

Pretty good

 

[Parrot23]

Think Wiggo is legit now: refills pay big dividends on consecutive stages, and he didn't have it, but can on one stage (nonconsecutive).

 

[sometriguy]

Kloden looked very comfortable. He was put at the limit by his team leader when he couldn't follow the Shrek tandem.

Yeah, a 20 second acceleration is the only thing that made him blow up... he was completely fresh before that... HA

 

[Chef_Vodnik]

The Shreks are going to pay for this tomorrow.

Because? Did the "good TT riders" not lose power today as well?
Of course they'll lose time. That is because a) They're unflexible and unable to get into a good aero position, and b) they're skinny as hell, so they can't put down the Power on the flats.
They won't however lose more then they would have if they had stayed with Wiggins et. al. today, IMO.

 

[RdBiker]

I hate to say it, but Lance looks like he will be as fresh as anyone tomorrow.

Well considering that he got to ride second wheel to Wiggins at a tempo lower than the front group I think it's certain that he will be fresher tomorrow.

 

[53x11 in DC]

who are you? you in the car? JB could care less...it would be terrible form for Contador to win the stage after sitting on...give me a break...

Are you a little slow? In most cases, he would not even have faked a bike throw!! He would simply have sat on the back and let the Schlecks go 1-2 in whatever order they chose.

Something happened over the team radio - be very interested to know what went down.

 

[BroDeal]

Kloden looked very comfortable. He was put at the limit by his team leader when he couldn't follow the Shrek tandem.

The amount of time he lost after popping off the back says that he was going to crack. He could not close the gap even after the pace slowed.

Some guys just look cool no matter what pressure they are under.

 

[sometriguy]

I'd say AC looks most fresh, having done virtually no work in the lead group.

Not that it matters, Contador has this locked up... he put time on everybody who can time trial... and nobody is going to take minutes on him on ventoux....

 

[mambo#5]

Awesome, just wonderful team work by Contador. Let's knock the teammates off the podium, so they can concentrate on just helping him.

 

[rhubroma]

Big loosers today: Wiggins, Armstrong, Nibali...in that order.

I expected as much for all three, though am surprised by the time gaps, especially Wiggins' (but not Armstrong's), and didn't think Frank Shleck would have been so strong.

 

[The Barb]

I'd say AC looks most fresh, having done virtually no work in the lead group.

Yeah, fair call ... I really didn't have him in mind as much as the guys battling for other podium spots.

Boy did Frank get all the looks in that family.

 

[TRDean]

Are you a little slow? In most cases, he would not even have faked a bike throw!! He would simply have sat on the back and let the Schlecks go 1-2 in whatever order they chose.

Something happened over the team radio - be very interested to know what went down.

Slow no, but not stupid enough to think JB will be ****ed about it. Wanted to make sure no gaps!!!

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

brads in at 3.09

so by my reconning

contador
andy +2.25 (-2.20)
frank +3.25 (-1 min 30)
lance +3.55 (-1 minute)
kloden +4.45 (-10seconds)
brad +4.55

brackets versus brad.. i think he can do lance, frank and kloden and take 3rd back tommoro

My podium prediction at this point...

1.Conta
2.Schleck(andy)
3.LA/Klodi/Nibali/Wiggo - I have a feeling La or klodi will... I'm hoping for one of the other two Especially Nibali!

(F.shleck will lose too much tomorrow...)

 

[Publicus]

I'd say AC looks most fresh, having done virtually no work in the lead group.

I agree. The Schlecks are going to get buried tomorrow, with the hopes of getting it back on Ventoux. Lance looked good. He pushed it hard on the descent though, which may cost him.

 

[mambo#5]

I am sure they (Astana) will lift their glasses to cheer Conti at the team dinner tonight.

 

[BroDeal]

Tomorrow:

1) Cancellara
2) Contador
3) Armstrong

 

[TRDean]

Awesome, just wonderful team work by Contador. Let's knock the teammates off the podium, so they can concentrate on just helping him.

By your thought...Amrstrong should not have chased Klodi...why should Contador care about the rest of the team...they have been so good to him since LAs return.

 

[luckyboy]

Awesome, just wonderful team work by Contador. Let's knock the teammates off the podium, so they can concentrate on just helping him.

I am sure they (Astana) will lift their glasses to cheer Conti at the team dinner tonight.

Stop moaning