Tour de France 2019: Second rest day: Who will win le TDF?

[Simurgh]

Only 5 racing days left (discounting the parade in Paris) of a close and open Tour, which bodes well, especially for excitement - something not seen since 2011! Now, who is going to take it in the end and why do you think that it will be him in particular? Just in case, I have listed the whole top 10 in the poll.

 

[jsem94]

Not sure if the poll worked, always something weird when I try to vote. Pinot is my choice though. Alaphilippe won't last in the Alps and Thibaut has been the best climber of the race so far.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Pinot to win because he is the best climber and he is pissed about losing time.

 

[cellardoor]

I wonder whether Alaphilippe might actually attack on the stage to Gap, which seems to suit him. He could possibly pull back 30 seconds with an attack on the final hill and bonus seconds. By rights, he should still lose the jersey on the Galibier, but the stage finishes with a descent and he could pull a Savoldelli. Still, Pinot has to be favourite at this point.

 

[Publicus]

Based on today, I think Pinot is in the best position to win.

 

[Summoned]

No possibility for Kruijswijk?

 

[Simurgh]

Poll should be working now - including Kruijswijk, I keep overlooking him this year...I wonder if it is a sign of him ninjaing to the Tour win?

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Pessimism of the intellect: Ineos guy
Optimism of the will: Pinot

 

[Singer01]

I have no clue. But I hope its either SK or Pinot. But I have a sneaky suspicion the lack of hard racing this season, and him being the one riding into form may suit GT the most.
Bookies can hardly separate GT at 4.5/1, and Bernal and Pinot at 5/1. I'd also say SK should be at similar odds but hes a bit longer.

 

[Red Rick]

I really don't want to stare at the profiles of the Alpine stages any more than I need to

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Re:

No possibility for Kruijswijk?

There always is, as Pinot has not always been the most consistent and Alaph will probably crack. And the third week features his favorite 2000m+ mountains.

However, its very hard for Steven to win. He lacks the extra kick others have.
Pinot is my most likely candidate together with Thomas (yes) and Bernal. Kruijswijk hopefully podium.. it would be nice for his career. 4th or 5th again would be shitty, but a likely result

 

[Red Rick]

Alaphilippe might be saved by the reluctance of others to risk it early.

 

[MatParker117]

Re:

I wonder whether Alaphilippe might actually attack on the stage to Gap, which seems to suit him. He could possibly pull back 30 seconds with an attack on the final hill and bonus seconds. By rights, he should still lose the jersey on the Galibier, but the stage finishes with a descent and he could pull a Savoldelli. Still, Pinot has to be favourite at this point.

Sagan/Colbrelli will be eying that one

 

[Midnightfright]

Re:

Alaphilippe might be saved by the reluctance of others to risk it early.

I think Pinot will have a longish go at least once if Alaphillipe is hanging on

 

[Pantani Attacks]

Thomas....sigh

 

[Alexandre B.]

Re:

Alaphilippe might be saved by the reluctance of others to risk it early.

La Toussuire is too much of a monster anyway for his kind.

 

[Midnightfright]

Re:

Thomas....sigh

I actually like Thomas but I am worried he is coming into form. At the moment Pinot has his number on the climbs so he needs a decent sized improvement in form

 

[tobydawq]

Re:

I really don't want to stare at the profiles of the Alpine stages any more than I need to

Sometimes I really admire how you manage to maintain your pessimism and negativity.

 

[bambino]

Re: Re:

No possibility for Kruijswijk?

There always is, as Pinot has not always been the most consistent and Alaph will probably crack. And the third week features his favorite 2000m+ mountains.

However, its very hard for Steven to win. He lacks the extra kick others have.
Pinot is my most likely candidate together with Thomas (yes) and Bernal. Kruijswijk hopefully podium.. it would be nice for his career. 4th or 5th again would be ******, but a likely result

I agree on SK. He is hard nut to crack, but I do not see himself dropping all the 3 other favorites. And he will lose any sprints for bonus seconds against those should it come to that.

 

[Tonton]

Re: Tour de France 2019: Second rest day: Who will win le TD

I ain't jinxing him, so I shall not divulge who I voted for (but I think you can guess who that is ). My liver will never recover if he-who-I-shall-not-name wins this bike race. What a Tour!

 

[Cance > TheRest]

Heart says Manny Bookman

But I still think Thomas is the favourite

 

[Red Rick]

Isn't there a heatwave incoming for the stages in the Alps?

 

[fantomas]

Heart says Pinot, brain says Thomas or Bernal. Voted Bernal. I'm afraid the heat could be Pinot's downfall.

 

[macbindle]

Re:

Heart says Pinot, brain says Thomas or Bernal. Voted Bernal. I'm afraid the heat could be Pinot's downfall.

Yeah, I'm thinking this.

Anyway, given that all of the contenders have shown weakness at various points I'm thinking it is open.

Post race Thomas implied that he had held himself back so as not to chase down Bernal with opponents on his wheel. Question is, if he had the legs to chase Bernal why did he not get himself up there in the first place?

 

[Rollthedice]

If Alaphilippe will crack, high probability, then it's up to Pinot to deliver because right now he looks like the strongest rider. If Ineos plays it smart, Bernal might upset Pino. Steven K. should complete the podium.