Re:
RedheadDane said:
Their racing was good...it's what they didn't do once Froome had his puncture that was the only issue.
What they didn't do was stop, I fail to see how that's an issue.
Failing to stop is the issue you have?
Politely tell Sky to get lost.
Nobody should be helping Chris Froome and Sky.
When will people understand that this is a race and you need to win it?
You misunderstood a very clear point.
I clearly stated, that once Froome punctured, what did they do? They continued on and I made it very clear they should have matched his pace up the ascent and broken him. That is what they did not do. They did not go for the knockout punch.
They clearly need it! Froome is not going to be easy to beat. Sky hand you a clear advantage, you use it.
We'll see today how it goes...
My point was simple, Bardet and AG2R have shown last year and this year that they have the capacity as racers to make moves stick that split and push their rivals, including Sky (who are exceptionally strong as a team). When that happens, if the domestiques cannot push a pace on the mountain that ensures their gap, then the GC captain has to make the move work himself.
The worst that occurs is he doesn't make it work and drops back to his domestiques. Froome had none except Landa. Landa would just mark Bardet and if Froome did lose lots of time, would arguably attack the attacker. But until that happens, he will likely sit back and just follow wheels. The best thing he could do (Landa) in that scenario for rivals would be to fully stop and hold Froome's hand.
Movistar orchestrated a move like that in 2015 and Quintana hit Froome hard. Except it was way too late in the race. The earlier it is in the race and more catchup Sky and Froome have to do is a win win scenario for the rival who makes it work.
Why?
Sky and Froome are use to holding onto yellow. They know, few want and will challenge them. That allows them to
control racing. I believe Froome was scared then. But he held on.
I am going to be really frank and honest here. If none of the 3 major rivals make a move on Froome and each other, then they simply don't want to win the Tour.
And they honestly, don't deserve to. Yes be patient, but when the opportunity presents itself, use it.
Or make your own move and plan it out. Winning the Tour de France is worth it.
Right TonTon? Surely the French can mount something...AG2R look like they've got plans for specific sections of the race...light it up and burn then mountain down fellas! Let her rip!!