• The Cycling News forum is still looking to add volunteer moderators with. If you're interested in helping keep our discussions on track, send a direct message to @SHaines here on the forum, or use the Contact Us form to message the Community Team.

    In the meanwhile, please use the Report option if you see a post that doesn't fit within the forum rules.

    Thanks!

Pre Giro d' Italia-thread!

Page 4 - Get up to date with the latest news, scores & standings from the Cycling News Community.
Tonton said:
I can't believe that I beat AlexandreB to this...

AG2R: Alexandre Geniez (FRA), François Bidard (FRA), Mikaël Chérel (FRA), Nico Denz (ALL), Hubert Dupont (FRA), Quentin Jaurégui (FRA), Matteo Montaguti (ITA), Clément Venturini (FRA).

GROUPAMA-FDJ: Thibaut Pinot (FRA), William Bonnet (FRA), Matthieu Ladagnous (FRA), Steve Morabito (SUI), Georg Preidler (AUT), Sébastien Reichenbach (SUI), Anthony Roux (FRA), Jérémy Roy (FRA)
Solid team for Pinot, Preidler and Reichenbach will be crucial in the mountains.
 
Re: Re:

Escarabajo said:
Valv.Piti said:
Might as well give that spot for another team than Ag2R without Pozzo!
Hubert Dupont and Geniez could be good animators!
...and let's not forget the French Vino, François Bidard :D . I'll be hanging on the edge of my seat :D . I like Geniez and wish him well. A stage win for Mikaël Chérel would be a well-deserved thing...
 
Aug 22, 2017
215
0
2,030
Re: Re:

Tonton said:
Valv.Piti said:
Might as well give that spot for another team than Ag2R without Pozzo!
Yeah, it's AG2R-Light.

Fr FDJ, I was expecting Molard to be in the lineup. He climbs reasonably well and his bike set up is identical to Pinot's.


Set for the TDF with Ludvigsson.
 
Quite a few predictions are music to my fanboy ears :) . I sooooo want Thibaut Pinot to do well. To elaborate on my post in the 2018 Predictions thread that I put out there the day before this one was created, my "before the season" picks on the record state: 1. Dumoulin 2. Pinot 3. Aru. I didn't include Froome in any prediction.

Now with the Dawg in the picture, even though I believe that he's on the decline, we have the winner (for now at least) of the last two GTs and a juggernaut of a team seating at the table.

So as it stands, we have two riders who can build a 2'-2'30" cushion if you combine the two ITT. Dumourain gaining time on Froome in the said ITT is, to me, a given. How much? 40" or so, methinks. If Froome jumps on time-bonus opportunities, maybe he makes up 6"-10", then with so many MTF, gaining another 30"-35" seconds is very possible. But I argue that the '17 Dumoulin has more than held his own on most MTF. Quintana not in shape is an excuse, please don't bring that up. And Nibali wanted that 100th Giro more than anyone: he can prepare, and it wasn't even close. Underestimating Tom Dumoulin, again, would be foolish. And Tom will love being paced by the Sky train. Finally, if Froome is the Alps Froome, he's not the Dawg...he's the prey. The chicken (maybe he was all along :D ).

Who's the best of the rest? For me, it's a no-brainer, the best ITT rider (not by much), and able to Valverde the time bonuses is Il Grandissimo Tibopino. Actually, in his '16 form (i.e. Romandie) Pinot would have been a threat in ITT too. But he was less of a climber in general, he was 100% diesel, and his win over Bardet at the Dauphine showed it: Thibaut was less explosive...on Zoncolan, the '17 and '18 lighter Pinot version is a good idea.

Big factor if we talk about race tactics: is Trentino, where Pinot dominated Froome. No free pass from Sky.

Esteban? Miguel Angel? Froome and Dumoulin may dismiss them as "over-hyped Spanish speaking riders" . Chaves the ninja in '16, once on the radar in '17...meh...but the thing is: if one of these guys is overlooked, watch out.

Almost last and not least: Fabio Aru. And for me personally, and some fans here as stated in the Pinot thread, we'll see who prevails. Aru doesn't stand a chance in ITT versus the two favorites, is about equal to the rest of the contenders, climbing will be the difference maker. And consistency. As I stated in the post on the 2018 Predictions thread, my feeling is that, although he's a great rider, he's no NIbali. With Aru's ITT, Nibali wuld have been 4th at last year's Giro. Nibali is the shark, Aru a salmon, he climbs and here comes the bear. He dies.

Last: Pozzo. Crazy rider, if he goes berserk, he can be on the podium or die trying.

1. Dumoulin
2. Froome at 23"
3. Pinot at 1'34"
4. Chaves at 2'08"
5. Aru at 2'28"
6. Lopez at 3'04"
7. Pzzovivo at 3'13"
8. Vino :D

I hope for something better, but that's how I see it, unless Froome is not as strong as we think he'll be and Dumoulin doesn't align the stars. It would take riders to go for broke, and recently the designs are made to keep it close to the end.

Like me or not the old grumpy guy cheering for my homie, but this race can make or break my year. I want a feisty Tibopino, at 100%, let the chips fall, no regrets.

BTW, if TP wins Il Giro, I will ride with a pink dancer outfit in downtown Williamsburg. And post the vid.
 
Tonton said:
Quite a few predictions are music to my fanboy ears :) . I sooooo want Thibaut Pinot to do well. To elaborate on my post in the 2018 Predictions thread that I put out there the day before this one was created, my "before the season" picks on the record state: 1. Dumoulin 2. Pinot 3. Aru. I didn't include Froome in any prediction.

Now with the Dawg in the picture, even though I believe that he's on the decline, we have the winner (for now at least) of the last two GTs and a juggernaut of a team seating at the table.

So as it stands, we have two riders who can build a 2'-2'30" cushion if you combine the two ITT. Dumourain gaining time on Froome in the said ITT is, to me, a given. How much? 40" or so, methinks. If Froome jumps on time-bonus opportunities, maybe he makes up 6"-10", then with so many MTF, gaining another 30"-35" seconds is very possible. But I argue that the '17 Dumoulin has more than held his own on most MTF. Quintana not in shape is an excuse, please don't bring that up. And Nibali wanted that 100th Giro more than anyone: he can prepare, and it wasn't even close. Underestimating Tom Dumoulin, again, would be foolish. And Tom will love being paced by the Sky train. Finally, if Froome is the Alps Froome, he's not the Dawg...he's the prey. The chicken (maybe he was all along :D ).

Who's the best of the rest? For me, it's a no-brainer, the best ITT rider (not by much), and able to Valverde the time bonuses is Il Grandissimo Tibopino. Actually, in his '16 form (i.e. Romandie) Pinot would have been a threat in ITT too. But he was less of a climber in general, he was 100% diesel, and his win over Bardet at the Dauphine showed it: Thibaut was less explosive...on Zoncolan, the '17 and '18 lighter Pinot version is a good idea.

Big factor if we talk about race tactics: is Trentino, where Pinot dominated Froome. No free pass from Sky.

Esteban? Miguel Angel? Froome and Dumoulin may dismiss them as "over-hyped Spanish speaking riders" . Chaves the ninja in '16, once on the radar in '17...meh...but the thing is: if one of these guys is overlooked, watch out.

Almost last and not least: Fabio Aru. And for me personally, and some fans here as stated in the Pinot thread, we'll see who prevails. Aru doesn't stand a chance in ITT versus the two favorites, is about equal to the rest of the contenders, climbing will be the difference maker. And consistency. As I stated in the post on the 2018 Predictions thread, my feeling is that, although he's a great rider, he's no NIbali. With Aru's ITT, Nibali wuld have been 4th at last year's Giro. Nibali is the shark, Aru a salmon, he climbs and here comes the bear. He dies.

Last: Pozzo. Crazy rider, if he goes berserk, he can be on the podium or die trying.

1. Dumoulin
2. Froome at 23"
3. Pinot at 1'34"
4. Chaves at 2'08"
5. Aru at 2'28"
6. Lopez at 3'04"
7. Pzzovivo at 3'13"
8. Vino :D

I hope for something better, but that's how I see it, unless Froome is not as strong as we think he'll be and Dumoulin doesn't align the stars. It would take riders to go for broke, and recently the designs are made to keep it close to the end.

Like me or not the old grumpy guy cheering for my homie, but this race can make or break my year. I want a feisty Tibopino, at 100%, let the chips fall, no regrets.

BTW, if TP wins Il Giro, I will ride with a pink dancer outfit in downtown Williamsburg. And post the vid.

Very good write up.

I think that the Giro is less predictable than the Tour, not just because of the parcours and at times more attacking attitudes, but because the form guide leading into it doesn't really have a template. Dumoulin has done what? Produced a 7/10 effort in a single one day race. What GC rider would do that as preparation for the Tour? For whatever reason, pre-race form seems to mean less for the Giro than it does for the Tour. Froome looks to be trying to find some middle ground here with his decent performance in the Tour of the Alps, but a performance that falls short on some of his efforts in the Dauphne in the past.

There are question marks on both Dumoulin and Froome, and the course is very lite on for ITT. Like others have said, I see Pinot as a likely podium finisher, but an unlikely winner. I think the race needs an in form MAL or Chaves (or both) for entertainment value. Either of those guys could win the Giro. Look at how quickly Chaves found form at last years Vuelta.

In short I think that this Giro has better top end GC talent than the Tour (which has more guys who could finish top 10). I also don't really rate the chances of Froome or Dumoulin in doubling up, which really just leaves you with a rather headless Tour. An aging Nibali, an often injured or ill Porte, plus probably three proven Moviestar riders arguing amongst themselves, and probably three unproven Sky riders doing the same. Other than that you pretty much only have Bardet and Uran, who are not on Froome and Dumoulin's level. As well as that, Aru is pretty under rated I think, and can't be discounted either in this Giro.
 
Re:

Koronin said:
This is the rumor some friends are hearing for Movistar's Giro team:
Carlos Betancur
Richard Carapaz
Víctor de la Parte
Antonio Pedrero
Dayer Quintana
Jaime Rosón
Eduardo Sepúlveda
Marc Soler
What might be Movistar's target with this squad?
 
Re:

Koronin said:
This is the rumor some friends are hearing for Movistar's Giro team:
Carlos Betancur
Richard Carapaz
Víctor de la Parte
Antonio Pedrero
Dayer Quintana
Jaime Rosón
Eduardo Sepúlveda
Marc Soler
This is a nice team, but I don't know why Dayer Quintana needs another chance. Would have liked a pure rouleur on the team, but Sepulveda, Parte and Pedrero can probably do that.

I also just realised Amador isn't there. Hmm...
 
Re: Re:

Valv.Piti said:
Koronin said:
This is the rumor some friends are hearing for Movistar's Giro team:
Carlos Betancur
Richard Carapaz
Víctor de la Parte
Antonio Pedrero
Dayer Quintana
Jaime Rosón
Eduardo Sepúlveda
Marc Soler
This is a nice team, but I don't know why Dayer Quintana needs another chance. Would have liked a pure rouleur on the team, but Sepulveda, Parte and Pedrero can probably do that.

I also just realised Amador isn't there. Hmm...
Dayer is there just so Dumoulin worries about Quintana on the podium.

In my head cannon it's the reason Dumoulin is targetting the Giro again. He didn't get what he wanted last time :D
 
Sep 6, 2016
584
0
0
I’m really disappointed that Movistar chose to go with the big 3 at the tour rather than two in each GT. I think all 3 could’ve won the Giro (except for maybe Valverde who struggles with altitude but the altitude isn’t that high and he’s been on great form). I think Movistar will regret this very strongly.
 
My heart says Lopez or Pozzovivo, but head - Froome or Dumoulin. I very much hope Astana will use their potential to the full and put the hammer down in many stages just like they did in 2015. They have the strength and route to do that. Lopez will need his team to isolate and wear down his opponents, especially Froome and Dumoulin, to gain significant time in the mountains.
 
Re: Re:

Escarabajo said:
Koronin said:
This is the rumor some friends are hearing for Movistar's Giro team:
Carlos Betancur
Richard Carapaz
Víctor de la Parte
Antonio Pedrero
Dayer Quintana
Jaime Rosón
Eduardo Sepúlveda
Marc Soler
No Amador!
So maybe listed for the Tour. Maybe thinking about the TTT.
Amador for Tour makes sense. Not only TTT but the cobbled stage. Versatile domestiques will be very valuable on this route at any team. Especially with numbers reduced to 8 per team.

Sky would be scary if they sent Kwiatkowski, Moscon and Thomas all in good form.
 
RedheadDane said:
Tonton said:
Esteban? Miguel Angel? Froome and Dumoulin may dismiss them as "over-hyped Spanish speaking riders" . Chaves the ninja in '16, once on the radar in '17...meh...but the thing is: if one of these guys is overlooked, watch out.

Do you have any indication that they actually do?
Dumoulin certainly doesn't. He clearly doesn't see himself as a top climber yet so how could he underrate any spanish speaking fly weight climbers
 
Re:

staubsauger said:
The official PDF from the Giro website lists Valls instead of Soler on Movistar's rooster! No Amador indeed with Soler being listed as reserve rider.

What is listed there are the "place holders". Movistar has said that they send in a list of riders just as place holders and that those lists do not mean anything as to who is or isn't actually going. They've been known to put riders names on those lists who are definitely not going. So I wouldn't put a lot into that list.