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

[DominicDecoco]

Wiggins in the form of his life

Degen wins btw.

 

[Kwibus]

Really? Thanks for the update.

Well to put it simple. Leipheimer attacks or works at the front when he thinks he can or when he thinks he is the strongest.
Usually he isn't the strongest on climbs like most TT specialists that go up a climb decent. That's why he leeches a lot during the GT's when most of the time he is facing stronger climbers.
Imo that's him simply using his brains. Certainly not making him populair, but it makes sense.

In smaller stage races when he is the strongest on climbs he usually attacks. He has shown that last and this year.

 

[TeoSheva]

Let's hope for some big attacks at the front. There are quite a few guys in there who aren't in with a chance if it comes to a sprint.

Phinney?
....

 

[skidmark]

The last 10k should be pretty fun, now that the break know they have the time...

 

[insideout leadout]

Boonen will cover every move in the last 3km and end up 3rd.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

The lead groups looks a little smaller. Has anyone been dropped?

 

[Beech Mtn]

Wigans is stringing out his group a bit- looks strong

 

[Kwibus]

Any news on the gaps?

You guys are my source @work.

 

[More Strides than Rides]

The km to go indicator looks a little off; they rolled by the 10k sign with the GPS saying 11.3

2:15 between the front group and the yellow jersey group

 

[skidmark]

The lead groups looks a little smaller. Has anyone been dropped?

just stretched, I think...

 

[El Pistolero]

Gap of 2.15 minutes with the yellow jersey. The Wiggins group will sprint for the victory @Kwibus.

Fast sprinters: Boonen, Degenkolb, Vanmarcke, Rojas, Valverde

 

[superconfex]

Wiggo still pushing, pushing pushing

 

[Fetisoff]

Any news on the gaps?

You guys are my source @work.

2:15 with 9 k to go

 

[Havetts]

If wiggo isnt on 1000000% form we need to start talking about wiggo-juice and forget the hog-juice. LOL

 

[insideout leadout]

Expect attacks from Vanmarcke, Westra and Phinney.

 

[balkou]

The km to go indicator looks a little off; they rolled by the 10k sign with the GPS saying 11.3

2:15 between the front group and the yellow jersey group

indeed! Never saw such a difference, especially in an ASO event...

 

[More Strides than Rides]

This is going to be an interesting finish. Everyone has put in effort for the group, and no far and ahead favorites. Looking forward to the last 8k

 

[skidmark]

I've ragged on Wiggins in the past and still shake my head when I think of the whole transfer mess and the "Man U vs. Wigan" comment, but my respect for him as a racer has really come around. He's shown some smarts today, and in the last 10k he's pulled so hard that he's almost gone off the front.

 

[skidmark]

Argh, feeds keep dying. I have a low-quality french one, anyone got something good?

 

[Beech Mtn]

5.5K to go. 2.10 to yellow jersey

 

[insideout leadout]

"Hill" begins with 1.5km to go, lets say 3-4% then 500m flat to the finish.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Everyone waiting for the sprint. Booooo!

 

[Beech Mtn]

Westra goes

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Westra goes

Just as I said they were waiting for the sprint. Although Chavanel closed him down instantly.

 

[Beech Mtn]

Westra goes

and is caught. Damn. At least somebody tried