Rafal Majka discussion thread

[Krzysztof_O]

I don't think Rafał has any chance of a good Tour result. Not after that gruelling Giro. And unfortunately his Vuelta chances now are also over. But he can still be a very important helper on some of mountain stages. I just hope his work for Contador will pay off.

 

[Michele]

Rai journalists reported during the presentation that Majka is a bit annoyed to be called to TdF after a hard Giro.

 

[Angliru]

Kreuziger did back-to-back GTs year after year at the same point in his career. Majka will be fine as long as he can save himself until the Alpes.

Prior to that he was on the same career trajectory as Nibali. It could be argued that it may have been a factor in stunting his growth. Not till last year did he show progress in his Tour performance compared to his 2009 Tour effort. After his disappointing Giro it was the first year after the past 3 that he only rode one grand tour in a year. Strangely when he and Nibali were the young guns with Cannondale in 2009 he was thought by some to be the bigger prospect.

 

[Cimber]

Rai journalists reported during the presentation that Majka is a bit annoyed to be called to TdF after a hard Giro.

Old news. Read back a few pages. He complaiend about the selction on his facebook site. A few days later he apologized for his outburst though

 

[Red Rick]

Yeah, Majka

Now he totally deserves a better nickname than "the bee". He rode the whole climb about as fast as the Bardet group?

 

[TANK91]

Great ride Majka great of you toodedicate it to Contador aswell. Man i miss Froome and Contador Nibali would have been toast today. Cue the Nibali was not going for it nonsence

 

[MatParker117]

Polka dots in paris?

 

[Jspear]

Polka dots in paris?

He did say today that he will try to go for another stage. That could naturally lead to him trying to fight for this jersey.

 

[jens_attacks]

great ride, i hope he can take another one in pyrenees

 

[JRanton]

Unbelievable performance.

 

[Kwibus]

Yeah, Majka

Now he totally deserves a better nickname than "the bee". He rode the whole climb about as fast as the Bardet group?

Good performance indeed. Ofcourse the bardet group had Gastauer pulling for too long which was nice for Majka. Besides that awesome performance.

 

[cineteq]

Polka dots in paris?

I think he can if he wants. He didn't contest 2 of today's KOM tops...

 

[sucotash]

I think he can if he wants. He didn't contest 2 of today's KOM tops...

He was second on both climbs.

It was a smart move. He knew that his chances to outsprint Purito were close to zero, so he decided to conserve energy and quietly score second place points

 

[yespatterns]

Good job today, but he's still a complaing child. Hopefully he can do more moves like today than emulate Piti.

 

[Afrank]

Very nice win for Majka today. Glad to see Saxo get some success.

I was critical of Saxo's decision to call up Majka at the last minute after doing the Giro. But happy to see the decision has brought him some success. Looks like it could indeed be good for him in the long run.

But he really needs to learn to zip up the jersey!

 

[Netserk]

Next time he should zip up his jersey.

 

[maxmartin]

Next time he should zip up his jersey.

he was spent, did you see how he was suffering after the line.

 

[Afrank]

Then you put a foot down after crossing the line, zip it up, and then ride a circle around and do a proper victory salute.

 

[Netserk]

Btw if you're going to cross the line without your jersey properly zipped, at least do it like a champ

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Clearly not used to winning big races just yet.

Half dead, but after showing he was the best in break its to be expected.

 

[thehook]

Dude probably should have zipped up. However he knew that Nibali was chasing. Probably rode out of his skin the last K.

Owner Oleg was in tears at finish interview. So Oleg probably could care less. TS wins stages in Giro & Tour. Oleg has gotta be thrilled! And for Majka. It looks like he will come out of this tour not only physically stronger. But mentally stronger and more prepared for his future. In the TDF!

Looks like Bjarne was right to select him as the alternate for Roman.

 

[Anderis]

Looks like Bjarne was right to select him as the alternate for Roman.

Majka said recently that he would've ridden the Tour even if Kreuziger would be there as well. Forbid me, but I can't recall source.

 

[KubaWinter]

Here you've got nice article about Majka's way to the pro peloton and TdF victory. It's in polish, but online translators should do the work.

http://eurosport.onet.pl/kolarstwo/rafal-majka-skromny-chlopak-z-zegartowic/rqdch

 

[Kazistuta]

Majka said recently that he would've ridden the Tour even if Kreuziger would be there as well. Forbid me, but I can't recall source.

This is where he apparently said it:

http://www.feltet.dk/nyheder/majka_jeg_havde_brug_for_en_stor_sejr/

But to me it's all just a big excuse, all part of the classic "try to cover up own mistake" strategy.

He probably WAS ****ed, came to terms with his participation and now suddenly Contadors mishap has given him the opportunity of a lifetime - free reigns to go for the mountains jersey AND stage victories in the biggest bike race in the World.

 

[damian13ster]

Do you guys think he will target Stage 16,/17/both?
Personally I think stage 17 is tailort-made for him, except that its really short.
If the teams decide to put pressure on some top 10 riders then there is not enough time for breakaway to get some breathing room, however if they decide to rest before Hautacam then the breakaway takes it and Majka is my bet