Official thread TdF Stage 18 Annency-Annency 40.5 km ITT

[TRDean]

Wiggins looks very comfortable, whereas Armstrong doesn't IMO.

I can't see...what do you mean? Thanks!!

 

[Mellow Velo]

What a skunk of a Trek, Rip Van Winkle is riding.

Harmon Eurosport commentator, on Radioshack: "So, an American sponsor, an American bike and an American star rider, in an all American team...."

For a minute there, I thought he was talking about CVdV and Garmin.

Wiggins looks very comfortable, whereas Armstrong doesn't IMO.

Not surpised, with that frame job.

 

[RdBiker]

Looks like the last riders off might have to ride in a thunderstorm

I can see Lac d'Annecy from my place (20 Km away it's thundering like crazy here and it's starting to look pretty murky down the valley.

It would be a pity if the real contenders times were spoiled by slick roads.

Is it raining? Is the thunderstorm going towards the lake?

If it starts raining in the end it really disadvantages Contador and A.Schleck.

 

[luckyboy]

I think Andy might surprise the hell out of us today.
But that's just a feeling.

I thought that, don't know why either

 

[clydesdale]

I think Andy might surprise the hell out of us today.
But that's just a feeling.

He has a podium to ride for so hopefully that, and Jens, adds a little motivation for the ride. My hope is for him to be within 2 minutes (or so) of Canc. He should be in decent shape for a podium if he manages that.

 

[issoisso]

So the question now is.....is Contador going to fade badly at the end, like he's done in every time trial over 30kms he's ever ridden?

 

[Anonymous]

So the question now is.....is Contador going to fade badly at the end, like he's done in every time trial over 30kms he's ever ridden?

I am guessing that he will be just fine through the end.

 

[sometriguy]

Bradley brought it this morning

 

[Anonymous]

Wiggins is SMOKING!!!!!!!

 

[luckyboy]

Wiggins fastest at check 1

"he's gone out like a fire"

 

[issoisso]

I am guessing that he will be just fine through the end.

Any specific reason, or just gut feeling?

 

[Anonymous]

Any specific reason, or just gut feeling?

Just a gut feeling.

 

[luckyboy]

Any specific reason, or just gut feeling?

As long as he doesn't lose 2 and a half minutes, he'll be fine

 

[sometriguy]

Any specific reason, or just gut feeling?

some people are fast starters look at Ignatyev and some fast finishers... see cancellara... even if contador fades, his overall ride will be very respectable

 

[Publicus]

So the question now is.....is Contador going to fade badly at the end, like he's done in every time trial over 30kms he's ever ridden?

He didn't fade in the Dauphine TT which was 40KM or the Spanish National Time Trial championship which was close to 50KM.

 

[TrudyTas]

I think Andy might surprise the hell out of us today.
But that's just a feeling.

He has, after all, got some good TT advisors on his team (Fabian, Bobby J) and he has been working on improving in this area ...

Yeah, within 2 mins of Fabian would be good

 

[RdBiker]

I thought that, don't know why either

Sastre did a great final TT last year so CSC should know how to prepare A.Schleck for this stage...

 

[Wergeland]

Lance isn't gaining that much on Frank. Lance riding poor or Frank riding very good.

Wiggins looks great on the bike. Perfect form!

 

[sometriguy]

Kloden!!!!

 

[Mellow Velo]

Kloden @19" to Wiggins.
Blame Contador.

 

[sometriguy]

Who wants to predict lance and contador at the last second:

I am saying he comes in 5th at first time check and contador comes in 3rd

 

[issoisso]

He didn't fade in the Dauphine TT which was 40KM or the Spanish National Time Trial championship which was close to 50KM.

In the Dauphiné he was ahead of a few people at the first check that had passed him by the end. Wouldn't know about the spanish nationals, don't know the intermediate checks.

 

[Mellow Velo]

Lance @ 9" to Wiggins...
level with Frank.

 

[Anonymous]

Lance @ 9" to Wiggins...
level with Frank.

I gotta say this, if Frank and Andy TT with Armstrong, there is something REALLY, REALLY wrong...

 

[MonteCristo]

To me Lance looks like he is sitting a little low and that he's uncomfortable, if you notice he keeps doing small hops in the saddle to adjust his position, which is robbing him power. Theoretically speaking he should be gaining more time on Frank than he is.