Steven Kruijswijk

[Kwibus]

Re:

I disagree, for a one climb stage that was good for Kruijswijk. Don't forget even in super form last year he is by no means good on 1MT stages. He likes the multi climb stages much more. So today will tell us a lot more if we can expect anything or not.

Let's see. I hope you are right.

 

[SafeBet]

Normally I'd say he could gain 2-3 spots in GC in this stage alone. Great to see him in the break.

 

[DFA123]

Kruijswijk only just hanging onto the top 10 now. It's always kind of disappointing when a likeable rider tanks so badly in their and their team's major goal of the season. Especially if crashes have been a factor; although it looks more like he just doesn't have it this year - certainly no monstrous third week from him so far.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Well, he started the race with cracked ribs. So he was really never 100% unfortunately. Looked nothing like 2016 Kruijswijk. Hell, even 2015 Kruijswijk would have destroyed this version

 

[Forever The Best]

Re:

Well, he started the race with cracked ribs. So he was really never 100% unfortunately. Looked nothing like 2016 Kruijswijk. Hell, even 2015 Kruijswijk would have destroyed this version

2015 Kruiswijk could have been the strongest yesterday and today.

 

[DFA123]

Re:

Well, he started the race with cracked ribs. So he was really never 100% unfortunately. Looked nothing like 2016 Kruijswijk. Hell, even 2015 Kruijswijk would have destroyed this version

Yeah, it's a shame though. You'd think he would get stronger as the ribs improved, but he's looking even weaker than the other GC guys (who are also looking weak!). I guess he's going to have a hard time now convincing Lotto bosses to go all out and back him fully again next season.

 

[Geraint Too Fast]

He went a bit deeper than normal in his preparation races this year. Maybe that has also affected his form?

 

[Ikbengodniet]

I think it is a combination of factors. The ribs, better competition this year, better form last year and the moral issues coming with it. Looked like he was improving last days but today was utterly disappointing.

 

[silvergrenade]

SK abandons. So close...

 

[Escarabajo]

Retired today due to stomach problems.

Feel bad for him. Hope he recovers and come back soon.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Well that explains why he was suddenly bad yesterday after looking better the day before.

Just a GT to forget. Hope he has more luck in the Vuelta

 

[Red Rick]

Look who entered the top 10 today.

Right on schedule for hitting peak in the 9th week of the Vuelta

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

He also said today it finally felt like he is hitting good/top form. It's too late but mainly because he got a cold just when the Vuelta started.

It shows how hard it is to get top form at the right moment for him. Giro 2016 will haunt him forever. The race he lost because of a dumb fall. He could've let Nibali gain 30 seconds at it would not have mattered... but he had to follow.. dumb

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

He also said today it finally felt like he is hitting good/top form. It's too late but mainly because he got a cold just when the Vuelta started.

It shows how hard it is to get top form at the right moment for him. Giro 2016 will haunt him forever. The race he lost because of a dumb fall. He could've let Nibali gain 30 seconds at it would not have mattered... but he had to follow.. dumb

I bet he wishes he had that moment back again. What a lost opportunity.

 

[SafeBet]

I feel like he will have another opportunity, most likely in the Giro. Sport can be cruel, but also romantic at times.

 

[staubsauger]

Guess he might win the Tour de Suisse after a solid top 5 at the Giro d'Italia one time. That's pretty realistic given how he performed there in 2011 already and even this year with interrupted preparation!

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Classic 3rd week Kruijswijk in the end. You might be right, he could still do a good giro if the stars align and he doesn't get ill, he gets a doable course in the 1st week, and hits no snow walls in week 3.

 

[SafeBet]

Classic 3rd week Kruijswijk in the end. You might be right, he could still do a good giro if the stars align and he doesn't get ill, he gets a doable course in the 1st week, and hits no snow walls in week 3.

I want to believe

 

[GenericBoonenFan]

Classic 3rd week Kruijswijk in the end. You might be right, he could still do a good giro if the stars align and he doesn't get ill, he gets a doable course in the 1st week, and hits no snow walls in week 3.

I want to believe

Stevie with a K - do you believe
New number 1 in the netherlands.

 

[movingtarget]

If he can stay upright and avoid illness and injuries there is still some hope for at least a podium. If Zakarin can podium so can SK.

 

[Alexandre B.]

https://twitter.com/LottoJumbo_road...com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=6496&start=180
He'll ride Tour and Vuelta next year.

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

https://twitter.com/LottoJumbo_road...com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=6496&start=180
He'll ride Tour and Vuelta next year.

I thought he would have been another one who probably would have opted for the Giro. Not sure how he will handle the first week of the Tour. Bike handling isn't his strong point. I suppose if you leave out the Giro riders and possibly Froome, probably top seven chance unless he rediscovers 2016 Giro form.

 

[WheelofGear]

Re: Re:

https://twitter.com/LottoJumbo_road...com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=6496&start=180
He'll ride Tour and Vuelta next year.

I thought he would have been another one who probably would have opted for the Giro. Not sure how he will handle the first week of the Tour. Bike handling isn't his strong point. I suppose if you leave out the Giro riders and possibly Froome, probably top seven chance unless he rediscovers 2016 Giro form.

I think a top 10 in the Tour is going to be hard, even without Froome. The Movistar trio, Bardet, Porte and Nibali are clearly better. Also Adam Yates, Martin, Zakarin and Uran if in shape.

Potentially Fuglsang, Mollema, Thomas and Majka although they are more at his level.

He should choose the Giro.

 

[staubsauger]

Kruijswijk should peak for the Tour of Switzerland IMHO!

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

@WheelofGear: If Kruijswijk is anywhere near his 2016 form or end of 2015 Giro form, he is WAY stronger than Martin, Yates and even Uran. Hell, he sorely outclassed Nibali even in 2016. Ofcourse it depends on form. But to say Yates and Zakarin are clearly better is really taking it too far.
Yeah 2017 Kruijswijk didn't have it, but he never appeared to be in optimum shape due to a fall in yorkshire (giro) and illness (early vuelta).