The big winner in todays TT stage...

[jaylew]

I actually that time is decent for Schlekette. I'd put Sastre on that list before him. Also Gesink, LL Sanchez, Hushovd, and Periero as a bit disappointed.

I'd add Kirchen and Devolder to that list. Rogers as well, if he hadn't dropped his chain twice and had to get off his bike to put it back on.

I agree, Contador was a big winner today. With everything going on, he just needed to have the best time for Astana, by how much wasn't as important, though it's an added plus that the biggest gap is between he and LA. Looking at all the time gaps, you can't have really expected him to take any more time than he did.

Team-wise, I expected a bit more from Columbia. Rabo obviously disappointed. Everyone is always talking about Cadel's lack of support but does anyone else think Cervelo might really hold Sastre back? His team doesn't look particularly strong for the mountains and he is sure to lose more time in the TTT. Sastre had his teams best time today with Haussler coming next in 48th.

 

[usedtobefast]

remember indurain?

he is a big dude. so is fabian.

 

[auscyclefan94]

I believe the average age on here 9-17.

You would lower that average age as you are a 2 year old. Well at least you act like one.

 

[auscyclefan94]

Did anyone notice at the start of the time trial that cadel evans slowed down as he was trying to adjust his gears? Conti in box seat. Big surprise... Andreas Kloden. I think Carlos Sastre was struggling a bit on the climb. He is going to lose big time in the first week as his team, cervelo will struggle in the ttt. I can't wait for the ttt. Their great to watch.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

Never liked the TTT personally, feel they bring an unfair advantage to some riders, not because of thier personal ability, but because of thier team strength.

It's one thing to have no support in the mountains, but to lose lots of time in a TTT when you yourself (Evans for example) are a good ITT'r, seems unjust.

 

[auscyclefan94]

Never liked the TTT personally, feel they bring an unfair advantage to some riders, not because of thier personal ability, but because of thier team strength.

It's one thing to have no support in the mountains, but to lose lots of time in a TTT when you yourself (Evans for example) are a good ITT'r, seems unjust.

I do agree with your point, Evans' team can hopefully put in a great ride as his team had a ttt training camp. Menchov on the over hand should be ambitious to get back into the race.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

Meh hard to say who will have a good TTT.
Astana should win. CSC will do good too.
Cervelo will struggle, while S-L and Rabobank have the riders to post a potential good time, but we'll see...

 

[jaylew]

Never liked the TTT personally, feel they bring an unfair advantage to some riders, not because of thier personal ability, but because of thier team strength.

It's one thing to have no support in the mountains, but to lose lots of time in a TTT when you yourself (Evans for example) are a good ITT'r, seems unjust.

I agree. I've always been a bit torn regarding TTTs. I love to watch them but I don't like them from a competition standpoint; just doesn't seem fair to me. I would really hate to see someone lose the Tour b/c of the difference the TTT made. I'm sure it's happened before, but I can't think of any time off the top of my head and I don't feel like researching it.

 

[patswana]

I think the only major winner was Cancellara. For Contador, it was alright, good to beat Armstrong if there really is a question still about who will lead, but this is only 15km into a 3500km race.

I think the more important issue is the 'big losers' rather than the 'big winners'. Obviously Menchov fits in there and it wasn't ideal for A. Schleck, Sastre & Armstrong. But for Contador, Kloden, Evans, Leipheimer and Kreuzinger, I'd say it was more of a relief than a 'big win'.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

I wouldn't call Armstrong a loser. He only lost 22 seconds to contador, not too bad. Agree with the rest though.

 

[msjett]

The only relief for Evans was he didn't win....He would have spent the next how many ever days being mashed into the road by the other teams. For Contador, Evans, Kloden etc they are were they need to be....not in yellow at this point in time, its a 3 week race. They all need to keep upright over the next few stages.

 

[joeags]

IMHO:

Biggest winner - Astana. Not only did they place 4 in the top 10, but they take control of team category, meaning two sprint stages and they start last in the TTT. They also seemed to hold back the times on a few of their riders to keep them fresh.

On that vein, 3:14 back for Cavendish!!! Saving himself for stages 2 & 3!!

Seriously, Kreusiger and Nibali were the revelations to me.

Contador putting 5 seconds into Evans is interesting. I felt Evans needed to be ahead at least by 5 seconds on this ITT, but he definitely was a bit uncomfortable early on.

Menchov big loser.

Sastre a loser too, even though he limited his losses, he doesn't have the Schlecks this year.

Lance probably has to wonder if he could have performed better going later, knowing other time checks. But if he's the strongest on the team as he hopes, that time means nothing.

 

[mickkk]

Evans was 21 seconds down on the 4th stage TT last year. 23 seconds down for this TT was a great result.

 

[richwagmn]

without a doubt, IMO: AC.

Lance is who I'm pulling for but I do like Alberto and he took command in the TdF today. He showed HE is the MAN to beat, overall. It should be interesting to see how this whole magical event unfolds. I'm excited and really enjoying the various stories so far...could see something historic in this race.

If Lance has what it takes, I expect he will show it in the first Mt stage...he'll have to, otherwise, Alberto is gone and the race will be for second place.

Can't wait for the TTT, then the first Mt Stage. Should be interesting how each Astana GC contender takes a pull at the front in the TTT. That should indicate a lot about the team and individual dynamics.

Gee ya think AC is better than LA? AC will drop LA so badly in the mountains it'll be embarrasing.

The LA story is done.

 

[joeags]

Actually 27 seconds over a pretty flat ~30km. He was 21 seconds down on the GC at that point. I know, technicality.

Evans was 21 seconds down on the 4th stage TT last year. 23 seconds down for this TT was a great result.

 

[Bagster]

Biggest loser today was Menchov. It may only be 15Km into the TdF but his tour is already over. There is no way he will pull back that time over the likes of Contador and Evans. He has shown in the past that he can hang with the real climbers but no way will he be given any opportunity to sneak away and when the hammer really goes down he will be out the back. Sad cause I really like the guy.

Other than that it was pretty much as expected though the big winners were the two Liquigas boys who both set up good platforms for high GC finishes.

LA vs Contador..Not much surprising there, I tend to think that if Lance had gone off later and had the benefit of decent split times to chase he would have narrowed the gap some. I don't think that particular battle will be joined for a couple of weeks yet, if at all. If you think it will happen in the early mountain stages at the end of this week you will be disappointed. There will be a fair bit of shadow boxing to come yet.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Well, it's my take that Contador will try to put a stamp of power on Stage 7, just to show others he won't be dropped by anyone in the mountains. And that could have a big psychological impact. But we'll see.

Meh hard to say who will have a good TTT.
Astana should win. CSC will do good too.

You mean Saxo, right?

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

indeed captain obvious.

 

[RightWingNutJob]

Sponsorship changes more than girlfriends. Who the hell can keep track.