Tour de France 2020 | Stage 7 (Millau - Lavaur, 168 km)

[Jagartrott]

Crosswinds would work best on that D112 to the West, with SE wind (in the back). That enables the first echelon to go 60kmph with no hiding for those who are not fitting in that echelon. Only potential for max. gain of 30 seconds on that last stretch though.

From Castres on, there could be a chance. Some teams will try, I think. But everyone will know some teams will try, so I'm expecting nervousness and perhaps crashes as a result. Which could in turn create smaller groups.

 

[ice&fire]

From Castres on, there could be a chance. Some teams will try, I think. But everyone will know some teams will try, so I'm expecting nervousness and perhaps crashes as a result. Which could in turn create smaller groups.

If there are crashes race commissaires will ask team cars to neutralise any split.

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

Yes. In fact, lets neutralize the whole stage already. There are rumours about some teams specualating in crosswind attacks. Everyone knows that this is dangerous racing as it can lead to crashes.

 

[Volderke]

I fear that D112 is too sheltered (with trees and hedges), looking at google maps. So I expect a classic run-in to the finish.
I am not the biggest fan of Bennet, but I hope he gets the win, just to spice up the battle for green.

 

[Eddy Evenepoel]

I saw this picture. Could it happen?

 

[topcat]

Jumbo dropping time in crosswinds would be the most hilarious and exciting thing that could happen to the race

Yes, that would be like "C'mon, Jumbo show us what you're hiding in your pants."

 

[Jagartrott]

I fear that D112 is too sheltered (with trees and hedges), looking at google maps. So I expect a classic run-in to the finish.
I am not the biggest fan of Bennet, but I hope he gets the win, just to spice up the battle for green.

I've checked it out. Sheltered in places, but also stretches such as these...

 

[Lequack]

Crosswind stages only happen because Quickstep make it happen. If they don't then it doesn't happen.

 

[topcat]

It's a bit blowy out. This should be better than a mountain stage.

 

[SafeBet]

I love how people on this forum can keep their hopes up no matter the amount of sh*t the Tour de France systematically throws at them.

It's my comfort food when I get depressed after a terrible stage. And I don't even get fat in the process.

 

[Red Rick]

Now all that's left is someone find and restrain @Gigs_98

 

[Eddy Evenepoel]

Crosswind stages only happen because Quickstep make it happen. If they don't then it doesn't happen.

Such a shame QuickStep didnt bring riders suitable for crosswind stages this year.

Oh wait

 

[Gigs_98]

In fact QS has every reason in the world to actually force echelons. They probably have the 2nd best sprinter in the race and the best one is a lightweight with a rubbish team. Ewan will be extremely vulnerable in the crosswind.

 

[Eddy Evenepoel]

It's hard to imagine a better 8 man team for crosswinds than Asgreen, Jungels, Cavagna, DeClerq, Alaphilippe, Devenyns, Mørkøv and Bennett.

Sagan for Bennett and a guy like Stybar/Gilbert for Devenyns and we're talking perfection.

 

[Velolover2]

If Ala wants to eliminate some of the less attentive climbers, today is the day.

 

[Berflamand]

It's hard to imagine a better 8 man team for crosswinds than Asgreen, Jungels, Cavagna, DeClerq, Alaphilippe, Devenyns, Mørkøv and Bennett.

Sagan for Bennett and a guy like Stybar/Gilbert for Devenyns and we're talking perfection.

I think Bennett is good in crosswinds.

In fact, if it weren't for their injuries I think both Stybar and Lampaert would have been in the Tour squad. If you'd switch them for Devenyns and maybe Morkov, you would have the perfect team for crosswinds in my opinion.

 

[42x16ss]

Ewan v Bennett. Sprinters teams will work for this one.

Yep Ewan vs Bennett is the most likely.

Other likely outcomes in order:

Echelons, with the likes of Wout, GVA and Naesen sprinting it out

De Ghendt going berserk

 

[dercuforever]

It's hard to imagine a better 8 man team for crosswinds than Asgreen, Jungels, Cavagna, DeClerq, Alaphilippe, Devenyns, Mørkøv and Bennett.

Sagan for Bennett and a guy like Stybar/Gilbert for Devenyns and we're talking perfection.

they just need to drill it hard and give ala 1min30 on all climbers except dumo/roglic.

 

[42x16ss]

I think Bennett is good in crosswinds.

In fact, if it weren't for their injuries I think both Stybar and Lampaert would have been in the Tour squad. If you'd switch them for Devenyns and maybe Morkov, you would have the perfect team for crosswinds in my opinion.

That team would be a wrecking ball in crosswind

 

[42x16ss]

they just need to drill it hard and give ala 1min30 on all climbers except dumo/roglic.

Quintana has shown a surprising amount of ability in the crosswinds the last few years, he is as likely to survive a DQS ambush as anyone.

 

[Devil's Elbow]

Quintana has shown a surprising amount of ability in the crosswinds the last few years, he is as likely to survive a DQS ambush as anyone.

And Roglic has been caught out frequently. Him losing 1-2 minutes today, preferably together with Dumoulin, would be the dream scenario for today as it forces Jumbo-Visma to turn the screw in the Pyrenees.

 

[Eddy Evenepoel]

F*** all of you, now I got really hyped about today’s stage Another massive disappointment incoming

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

The TdF peloton, in a few hours time

 

[Jagartrott]

D-QS have plenty of incentive to try and split it:

• get the yellow back
• win the stage by shedding some of the lighter sprinters; OK, basically shedding Ewan
• make this stage exciting, thus motivating cycling fans all over the world to buy Deceuninck windows and Quickstep floor tiles

 

[Velolover2]

Which climbers are the most vulnerable?

I think there are a few teams without any strong rouleurs.