The Giro vs The Tour

[gregrowlerson]

Has AC said that he is going to focus on the Giro this year?

Now in regards to improving The Tour; maybe this can be done without having to make it as mountainous as The Giro. Maybe there aren't too many sprinters stages, but the problem is more that these are loaded into the early phases of the race. Think about the Champs-eyleesey (you know what I mean) - there is often a surprise winner on this sprinters stage. I would like to see more of the flat stages put in on the third week, rewarding the sprinters after they have gotten over the big cols. Also, sometimes the best sprinters aren't the best by the 3rd week (like I said) so you would get more deserving winners. Like most fans, I don't want to see Cav pick up an easy 4 wins in week 1. In recent years The Tour has become obsessed with leaving it as late as possible to finish in the mountains (I suspect for television, money). Maybe in 2012 they could start earlier in the high mountains, concluding them by about stage 14. Of course, I would like to see a lot more time trailling too.

 

[Ferminal]

I'm excited by the prospect of it.

Even if AC might make the competition a little less balanced (a debatable point - as there will be climbers here wanting to attack him). The chance to see this once in a generation cyclist on Etna, Crostis, Zoncolan etc is too good.

The only stage similar to 2008 is 15 (15 in 2008 too) with the passes of Giau (Cima Coppi) and Fedaia. This time they descend from Fedaia (where they finished in 2008) and finish on another climb at Gardeccia (6.2km @ 10%). They are tackling Giau from a slightly easier side this time? Whilst it was certainly a hard stage in 2008, on the whole it should be even harder this time around as it's much longer (230km v 153km) and has more vertical metres (~5600 v ~4700).

Bertie struggled a little bit on that day, didn't he?

 

[taiwan]

Even if AC might make the competition a little less balanced (a debatable point - as there will be climbers here wanting to attack him). The chance to see this once in a generation cyclist on Etna, Crostis, Zoncolan etc is too good.

It's a very good point you make.

 

[guncha]

If Contador is there Giro will look like a joke because he will get ban from CAS anyway. It is the worst thing when de facto banned rider continues racing and the crap is made from those races.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

the Italian federation should do a valverde on him.

 

[The Hitch]

i think it might be a little more difficult to take away COntadors results if he wins the Giro than it was to take away Valverdes.

Valverde was just happy to keep his Vuelta, his Ardennes classics. Losing 2nd Paris Nice, 2nd Pais Vasco, 3rd Liege and 1st Romandie, was worth taking on the chin. Those arent races that get looked back on much anyway. Half the fun there is being on the podium on the day. With pitis wins he probably wouldnt even remember them on top of his several wins in Burgos Murcia Dauphine etc etc etc.

Losing a Grand Tour is another thing altogether. Especially if he doesnt test positive during it. A grand tour is longer harder, more pain, more is at stake and changing winners is a big thing and can be damaging. It can be controversial and bad business.

I think if Contador has la maglia rosa in milano he will likely keep it.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

i meant not allow him to ride in italy

 

[The Hitch]

i meant not allow him to ride in italy

I know you did. I was reffering to posts like this and others which suggest he could win the giro then lose it.

If Contador is there Giro will look like a joke because he will get ban from CAS anyway. It is the worst thing when de facto banned rider continues racing and the crap is made from those races.