Stage 20: Santa Estebo de Ribas do Sil-Puerto de Ancares (185.7 km)

[roundabout]

Proper gaps for once, but a bit underwhelming as a race

 

[DirtyWorks]

Truth is, Contador had no need to do what he did. He backstabbed Chris. He ignored one of the most basic rules: if you don't pull on a climb, and you don't need the stage win, you sure as hell don't attack the one who dragged you the entire climb. Congrats to him, though.

I'm not sure where you got that rule. Contador's ride is stage racing tactics 101.

 

[Hayabusa]

It's actually Six.

 

[Jelantik]

Froome is actually making the tactic is simple for Contador. All he needs to do follow and hope his good leg will prevail. He didn't need to be jerked around with valverde and purito. And Contador successfully just did that. GREAT RIDE! HE DESERVES TO WIN!!!

 

[trevim]

So, Froome talks crap in the off-season about Alberto and coffee stops, his Cound-dawg yaps about Alberto being a cheat, and now Sky fans complain that Alberto stuck in the dagger?

Really?

I wasn't super happy to watch Alberto wheelsuck, but no way should he have gifted the stage. He has a job to do.

Cound is idiot. 2013 Froome stomped his feet on contador's head. He denied every chance for contador to win. It's a good day today. No one ask Froome to attack in such long km. Contador wears red, he could do anything to do whatever. He has worked his way to red.

Completely agree with both of you.

Truth is, Contador had no need to do what he did. He backstabbed Chris. He ignored one of the most basic rules: if you don't pull on a climb, and you don't need the stage win, you sure as hell don't attack the one who dragged you the entire climb. Congrats to him, though.

That's all very nice and pretty between two regular riders. But Froome/Contador relationship has an history that doesn't really allow that. Just my opinion though.

 

[Cimber]

Expecting class from cheats and fans of said cheat? Come on.

Sour grapes? The leaders jersey doesnt have to pull when no.2 attacks.

 

[DFA123]

There's a TT still, so no. Mechanical? Crash? You take as many seconds as you can. Contador had the right to make Froome work and capitalize. Otherwise Froome would have been wearing the Red Jersey at the start of today's stage.

Also, it's not as though Contador just sprinted for the line. He attacked with a km to go and gained loads of time. Should he have just rode well within himself for the last km, what kind of racing is that?

 

[ILovecycling]

Froome really hurting at the end. Chapeau to him for going for it. Strong ride.

No gifts. Not for Froome.

Contador just too good,he just toyed with Froome and i'm also glad he didn't gift the stage,i hate those gifted stages.Froome was very brave,but it was mission impossible.Le Tour 2015 will be epic if both are coming in top form.

This!


ten chars

 

[kingjr]

Gifting a stage win is generally a positive thing

It is not. Being gifted a stagewin as an overall contender is the biggest shame you could feel imo. It's another story if there was an agreement, or if the rider was in a long breakaway maybe. But in this situation, I would just slam the brakes if the guy behind me was trying to give me the stage.

 

[MatParker117]

Totally agree. Bunch of b!tches crying about Contador not riding a certain way or helping out. STFU, he's leading the race, a position that he earned. He does not need to do anything but protect his lead. Idiots.

Playing devils advocate here whats 4 secs with a min lead?

 

[No_Balls]

well deserved glory by bertie. sad to read that his fans have disastrous lack of respect to other riders. thanks to contador, froome, valverde, aru, purito and other riders for the beautiful vuelta. contador and froome are to giants. makes sense to look forward next season

Its not necassary the riders. I have a lot of disrespect for some of their fans though.

 

[Arnout]

This thread went downhill quickly.

If only the race would feature that.

 

[Afrank]

This thread went downhill quickly.

It sure did.


Everyone, please calm down and cease with the baiting and trolling each other.

 

[ILovecycling]

He is reaaaally happy

 

[trevim]

Cookson handing over the trophy? Priceless.

 

[kenk09]

Some of you really are far more interested in the childish he-said she-said he-was-mean-to-my-guy ******** than you are in the actual racing.

Maybe watch wrestling instead.

 

[DNP-Old]

You need to find another sport because if this did not do it for you, then cycling never will.

I would've said the same if I were a Contador fan.

 

[roundabout]

If only the race would feature that.

lol, good one

 

[yespatterns]

Why is Betancour giving out the podium gifts?

 

[Richeypen]

Proper gaps for once, but a bit underwhelming as a race

This. All the GTs this year have been a massive anti climax

 

[DFA123]

Froome is actually making the tactic is simple for Contador. All he needs to do follow and hope his good leg will prevail. He didn't need to be jerked around with valverde and purito. And Contador successfully just did that. GREAT RIDE! HE DESERVES TO WIN!!!

Exactly this. Froome should have slowed the tempo right down and let Rodriguez and Valverde gain a minute on the lower slopes - see how twitchy Contador would get and then counter him with everything.

To be honest, either way though he wouldn't have won.

 

[RedFury]

Wouldn't be surprised if this stage turns out to be a reprise of La Farrapona. I see Sky pulling like mad to launch Froome @ Ancares...and Beto going right with him when he does. The rest is deja-vu all over again with perhaps Alberto putting in a bigger charge. Just because he feels he can. Champion's egos at stake.

Not sure why I bother watching.

 

[Jelantik]

Truth is, Contador had no need to do what he did. He backstabbed Chris. He ignored one of the most basic rules: if you don't pull on a climb, and you don't need the stage win, you sure as hell don't attack the one who dragged you the entire climb. Congrats to him, though.

LOL...seriously? How nice that would be. You should pull and pull and expect everyone to give you the stage win.. LOL. Are we living in the same planet? I thought this is a bike race and not american youth soccer where everyone gets ribbon.

besides, it's not like contador sprint just 200m on the finish line. He was counter attacked Froome and as soon as he sit, he launched his attack.

 

[Hayabusa]

Its not necassary the riders. I have a lot of disrespect for some of their fans though.

You shouldn't be trying to incite arguments.

Your favourite won so celebrate it, but don't try and cause problems... It's just going to end up in a massive load of nonsense and drivel from both sides.

 

[ILovecycling]

Great ride by Barguil!
Bravo murito for trying