Re: Re:
This! Jumbo should be able to control the break until Finestre. Once they hit the gravel section, the main-field should be thinned enough for Kruijswijk to make his move. With todays shape neither Amador or Trofimov should be able to challenge!
Bushman said:Sasquatch said:staubsauger said:With this climbing shape he should "easily" win the mountains jersey on Finestre! Even if he's losing it on the way to Cervina.ILovecycling said:True, what a ride! I hope he has enough power to finish it.Dekker_Tifosi said:So sad Kruijswijk did not win. Man of the stage.
The upcoming mountains stages normally favor a climber who could stay with the big guns over an escapee like Intxausti.
Kruijswijk might as well go in the offense on Finestre, tough. Contador won't chase him and Astana may be happy with the current standings as well.
The difference between these stages is that Finestre doesn't have climbs before it so the break will get a handy margin because Astana won't drill it and Saxo won't be riding a high tempo so Contador can keep his troops fresh for the climb. Therefore the break could have 10 minutes at the base of the climb. I don't think Kruijswijk cares about the jersey. He cares more about finishing high up. So unless his team drills it on that stage and keeps the break within a couple of minutes, he's going to find it hard to reel in Intxausti or Betancur whom will both be in the break and everyone will want a rider up the road on that stage so the break could feature 20 odd riders.
Since the stage is dead flat, his team should actually be able to keep the break in check fairly well. Maybe they could set up a deal with Tinkoff-Saxo: Lotto-Jumbo to lead the peloton on the flat and keep the break in check and Tinkoff-Saxo to take over once they reach Finestre.
This! Jumbo should be able to control the break until Finestre. Once they hit the gravel section, the main-field should be thinned enough for Kruijswijk to make his move. With todays shape neither Amador or Trofimov should be able to challenge!