Tour de France Tour de France 2021, Stage 4: Redon - Fougères, 150.4 km

[CyclistAbi]

If you ever wanted a hug from Cavendish today was that day. He was just prepared to hug anybody willing.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Dont think this finish was uphill enough to warrant ditching Merlier unless hes worse uphill tham Andrea Guardini

I think it’s just man management and not tactical..

As I understand it, at the start of the season the plan was Merlier for the Giro, Philipsen for the Tour. They both had good early seasons with three wins each, Philipsen with probably the best of them. Then Philipsen goes into the quiet part of his season and Merlier takes centre stage for his season goal, gets a couple more wins in the Giro build up and then his stage. At which point they want to take him to the Tour… but they’ve the problem that they’ve already promised the Tour sprinter role to a guy who was their biggest signing of the season and who has been in good form. You might just renege on your promises if the guy has lost form and is leaving at the end of the season (Ackermann…), but Philipsen has been good and has a longer contract than Merlier.

 

[Anderis]

but Philipsen has been good and has a longer contract than Merlier.

According to PCS they both have contracts until the end of 2022- do you think they're wrong?

 

[DanielSong39]

Merlier had the legs yesterday, Philipsen had the legs today
Not everything has to be a conspiracy

 

[Pirazziattacks]

Demare was a complete no show in that finish, perhaps sprinting against no competition at all isn't the best preparation for the Tour. Colbrelli's amazing form seems to have deserted him as well, can't even beat Greipel.

 

[yaco]

OK lets forget about me for a second.

Are you claiming ASO isn't responsible for the safety of riders participating in their events? Are you saying Eurosport was dishonest by calling out ASO?

And the ASO agreed to neutralise the stage with 5 kms to go and were over-ruled by the UCI.

 

[CyclistAbi]

And the ASO agreed to neutralise the stage with 5 kms to go and were over-ruled by the UCI.

They are the race organisers and as such responsible for the safety of the riders. Hence they should be called out regardless. Just like Eurosport did.

 

[Journey Man]

Enjoy being on my block list liar - byebye

Whether you are right or wrong in your assertions, your message is unfavourable.

 

[Eyeballs Out]

Demare was a complete no show in that finish, perhaps sprinting against no competition at all isn't the best preparation for the Tour. Colbrelli's amazing form seems to have deserted him as well, can't even beat Greipel.

Demare was involved in the Haig crash the day before and took a few minutes to get up and back on his bike so that probably had more to do with it

 

[Pirazziattacks]

Demare was involved in the Haig crash the day before and took a few minutes to get up and back on his bike so that probably had more to do with it

I thought he didn't crash too badly and just got caught up. I could be wrong of course.