Paris-Nice 2012: Stage 3; Vierzon - Le Lac de Vassivière (194km)

[Swede1]

I think last year's stage 1 was about twice as steep for the last two kilometers

Oh wow if thats true then it will be the powerful sprinters going for it. Like Hushovd, Rojas and maybe even Boonen.

 

[greenedge]

I will go with one of Gerrans or Clarke. One of them will probably attack near the end and get away.

If not Valverde ( i would have said Rojas but he will have to work for Valverde who need seconds ), Cunego, Hushovd or Boonen. I am also curious to see whether Chavanel or TJVG could feature somehow.

I am bemoaning the fact Matthews is not here, this could have suited him.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

I edited it a bit as i missed out a bit, but i dont know whats so hard to understand, unless you think Valverde is Columbian how else could you consider him not to be currently in good form after his 2 out of 2 wins in uphill finishes this year?

because I saw the finishes and they were far from impressive

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Because there is a group of decent riders 11minutes down who Sky would more than happily allow to sweep the bonus seconds

but not movistar

 

[greenedge]

Personally I think Wiggins will come in third on GC. However I also thought lose tons of time on the angliru last year so I am usually wrong on these things

He lost enough time to be displaced from the lead.

 

[greenedge]

Gerrans, he needs revenge

He already won the TDU, he does not need peak form here so he will probably not challenge Valverde.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

today will also eb again lots of wind and rain so even more chances for boonen and degenkolb imo who is topfavorite.

 

[Aguirre]

I don't see why Wiggo and Levi they have such advantage with Valverde at Col d'Eze TT.

In my opinion things are quite balanced: best TT skills by the anglo speakers vs. best mountain going by Valv. (who does well in those kind of TT)

If Valverde starts in yellow with a bunch of seconds... or even same time...

 

[maltiv]

Oh wow if thats true then it will be the powerful sprinters going for it. Like Hushovd, Rojas and maybe even Boonen.

Hushovd apparently had stomach issues yesterday so he probably doesn't have the energy to fight for the victory today.

 

[Woody22]

GreenEdge to open their European account tonight.

Gerrans to take it over Valverde in a reverse of the Willunga Hill finish. Big Thor to round out the podium.

Wiggins to win the overall, but as I said months ago, Levi will beat him and all others in July.

Ahhh... didn't know Thor was sick so I will throw in Phinney for 3rd.

 

[Kwibus]

Time to sticky this thread and unsticky stage 2!

 

[vladimir]

If the right group of riders who lost 10+ minutes yesterday are able to form a break, I think they will be given enough room to stay away to the finish. Could be guys like Barredo, Vorganov, Izagirre, Fedrigo etc. Will probably have a small bet on one of those if I can find some long odds

 

[Frosty]

but not movistar

Maybe Valverde will stand a better chance on the next two stages and it might be better to save their efforts for then?

 

[Bavarianrider]

John Long **** Degenkolb for the win.

 

[theyoungest]

John Long **** Degenkolb for the win.

Degenkolb has a long ****?

Too bad Thor is sick, this stage has his name written all over it.

 

[euanli]

Schleckette has pulled out.

 

[Freddo]

Gerrans vs Valverde again just like Willunga Hill, both in form riders and cant see Cunego or Chavanel matching them. Fingers crossed Gerrans gets up for Greenedge's first international win though deep down Valverde just looks to strong

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

how can you guys compare this to willunga hill? it
s nothing like that hill and that hill was done in january with a lot less riders in shape and many topriders not even there

 

[Oltean_RO]

From the official ticker:
"Michael Morkov (SAX), Jimmy Engoulvent (SAU) and Roy Curvers (PRO) attacked on the gun."

L.E. They have now 45 sec. advantage.

 

[Kvinto]

Gerrans vs Valverde again just like Willunga Hill, both in form riders and cant see Cunego or Chavanel matching them. Fingers crossed Gerrans gets up for Greenedge's first international win though deep down Valverde just looks to strong

if you want to compare it to the TDU, i would say it looks like Stirling, maybe a bit longer

 

[WillyWoet]

Facts

Thor will win. He is very consistent on these type of finishes. He has targeted this stage and gave himself a bit of a rest day today. The prologue showed that his form is starting to come. Degenkolb, Boonen, Rojas and maybe G if he hasn't been in front all day will fill out the top 5.

1. Hushovd is sick.
2. Was not a prologue. ITT/Stage1

 

[kanari]

1. Hushovd is sick.
2. Was not a prologue. ITT/Stage1

1) Yes we know that now, but I didn't when I wrote it
2) So what... Call it what you want, he showed signs of good form there.

 

[dlwssonic]

Thor? He must stand a chance even with the bad form he has.

 

[dlwssonic]

1. Hushovd is sick.
2. Was not a prologue. ITT/Stage1

He is sick? He was brilliant at the TT.

 

[EddytheBoss]

no way this is a sprinters stage