Paris-Nice 2012: Stage 2 Mantes-la-Jolie - Orléans (185 km)

[El Pistolero]

Are you saying Valverde isn't a stage racer?

Yes, clearly that's what I'm saying

I'm saying he didn't ride last year. I quote "f.e from last year".

 

[FF'Wilco]

Yes, Valverde was not riding last year, ive made a mistake saying "last year". And yes, i was talking about stage races, i remember what Gilbert did

 

[lukinox]

News just in: in an interview Rojas said he developed a phobia of the top step of the podium so in today's sprint he touched the brakes to let Boonen through.

I have to say that Valverde's come back from a doping ban has been the most impressive I've seen so far, compared to other come backs.
I guess this year is going to be another Boonen vs Cancellara duel in the classics, I can't wait!

 

[hrotha]

Yes, clearly that's what I'm saying

I'm saying he didn't ride last year. I quote "f.e from last year".

Oh God, someone forgot to mention Gilbert... clearly he's talking about stage racers, Pisti.

Then why did he mention Valverde lol?

What you said and what you meant don't need to be synonymous. The "then" in the above post implies you have a problem with the inclusion of Valverde, not solely on the grounds of the "last year" bit, but also on the grounds that he's not a stage racer.

If that's not what you meant, then, well, word things more carefully.

 

[El Pistolero]

I didn't see Valverde in any stage race last year, did you?

 

[El Pistolero]

Yes, Valverde was not riding last year, ive made a mistake saying "last year". And yes, i was talking about stage races, i remember what Gilbert did

No biggie, I was just asking an innocent question that apparently upset theyoungest

 

[hrotha]

I didn't see Valverde in any stage race last year, did you?

The way you worded it, that's irrelevant. Next time use "even so" or something.

 

[cineteq]

The SPLIT

 

[Angliru]

He clearly didn't receive the team directions on how to properly support one's leader. Someone will have to beat him with a man scarf after they get back to the hotel.

At least he's consistent. This is similar to how he supported Frank in the Vuelta.

 

[Angliru]

That would be great. Funny and great. Don't think it'll happen though. I see at least a top-10 out of him there.

Not I. With the form he's shown I wouldn't be surprised if he pulled out early completely.

 

[Froome19]

Spartacus was rather mediocre in the Tour and Vuelta. Due to illness or so I've heard.

In the tour he may have been but in the vuelta he was fine and he was instrumental in trying to lead out Bennatti and was quite awesome at it, his TT perfomance though was admittedly for some reason quite disappointing.

 

[Fetisoff]

Not I. With the form he's shown I wouldn't be surprised if he pulled out early completely.

Well, if he does that, then I will say he's got no chance in hell to even top-3 in TDF this year.
But something tells me the hog won't let him

 

[Angliru]

Valverde raced last year? And you forgot about one particular rider unless you're only talking about stage races of course.

EP he did say "fight for the overall" in every race they enter.

 

[Angliru]

Well, if he does that, then I will say he's got no chance in hell to even top-3 in TDF this year.
But something tells me the hog won't let him

Not that he's HWINTBN, but a certain rider on a Bruyneel team once started Paris-Nice, had a bad prologue, a disappointing 2nd stage and was soon on a jet to warmer climates.

 

[Andy99]

Zero Greenedge in front group; 3 GE's @ 2.29. Rest in laughing group. Hmmmm

Andy's rubbish. As usual. It isn't July. I'll do a nudey run if he's even close to the front on the stage to Mende.

Wiggins is too strong too early. My feeling is, and I realise it's worth not a drachma, that if he wants to win in July, he needs to build up more slowly. His powder is visibly damp. I can't see him losing this race, but so what?

Hope Nuyens can recover in time for Flanders. Saxo really needs this guy.

Good on you Tommeke.

Too windy. Too wet.

 

[Popchu]

Nikolas Maes very strong this year.

 

[hrotha]

Nikolas Maes very strong this year.

Is there a single OPQS rider who isn't?

 

[Richeypen]

Is there a single OPQS rider who isn't?

edit: Tony Martin I guess!

Beat me to it

 

[hrotha]

Beat me to it

But I edited that out because Tony Martin was still 2nd at Algarve, so it kind of got in the way of the funny.

 

[greenedge]

Great win by Boonen. He delivered the perfect riposte to Cancellara.

Wiggins and all the other favourites who made the gap did well. I hope TJVG will finish in the top 3.

Monfort was not mentioned in the CN article of the race results but he did well and will also challenge.

 

[jens_attacks]

how cool is this?

 

[Andy99]

how cool is this?

Yeah, great pic. Good day.

 

[Poursuivant]

Brilliant picture, echelons are crazy how they can turn a race upside down.

 

[ferryman]

Just saw the highlights. Epic stuff. Some cracking rides in challenging conditions. Race to the Sun eh You could almost hear Sean Kelly purring during commentary

Have to say Wiggins is looking ever more comfortable pulling on those yellow/gold jerseys.

 

[Catwhoorg]

how cool is this?

Thats a great picture. Thanks for sharing.