Re:
Red Rick said:
Pretty optimistic Poels would get dropped on the Izoard
Poels is a beast, and I think he's as sharp as he's ever been. And can probably make short work of the Izoard on most days. But he can have an off day, particularly if he's going to be the only one who's doing any work at the end. There's usually been both a Sergio Henao and a Mikel Nieve that can rotate in fresh and be the last guy on the train, so Bernal/Landa/Thomas/Porte or whoever doesn't have to do any work on most stages. So Sky has always had a bit more firepower than requisite in the mountains, and it has allowed them to rotate riders in an out of the mountain train depending on their feelings on the day. Maybe Moscon, Kwiato or even Van Baarle are up for that role alongside Poels, but I might have gone for de la Cruz, Elissonde or Sivakov instead (to be honest their options are thinner in that sense).
So methinks they might miss that additional climber, particularly if Bernal turns out to be the on-form rider. Unless Thomas loses big chunks of time early and would actually be willing to really ride for him. Which, as much as "G" has been a consummate team player so far in his career, is a big ask.
And -my bad- I actually meant Col d'Iseran. Although Izoard works just as well. Or it could also be Notre Dame du Pre or wherever.