Tour de France Tour de France 2023, stage 8: Libourne - Limoges, 200.7k

[Boehmand]

So how will TJV approach this? All in to protect Vingegaard and let van Aert to his thing, or give van Aert some support by drilling hard over the last climbs to tire out Philipsen? These are not necessarily mutually excluded of course.

Will Pog just follow Vingegaard and try to save the legs for sunday? Or will he try to latch on if for example VDP attacks? A chaotic finale should be to Pog's benefit.

Let's not forget Laporte, he would be a perfect candidate for this one too.

I think they will both get the freedom to hit the break, especially as only light winds are forecast, so the chance of something important happening in GC are very slim.

 

[Tim Cahill]

It's Fred Wright time

 

[Izzyeviel]

It's Fred Wright time

but who will the win stage though?

 

[QueenStagiaire]

It's Fred Wright time

Slovenian in 2nd on GC to attack late while the GC leader has a puncture, only to then bump into Fred Wright and crash out?

 

[Jagartrott]

Here the road kicks up in earnest, but only at a little over 4% on average, and it isn't irregular. At about 60-70 metres from the line, the gradient somewhat tapers off.

I think it should be applauded that they finish right at the bus stop. The Tour wants to be greener, and this is clearly the way to go.

Regarding the stage, I have the feeling that we overestimate the difficulties a bit in this thread so far. I do not expect much action from puncheurs, and I guess several of them will actually hope for a tough finale so that they can sprint themselves (which would take away their initiative to actually attack). Thus, bar some token attacks, it will be a bunch sprint with some of the pure sprinters absent (Jakobsen, Groenewegen, Cavendish too I guess).

 

[Netserk]

Philipsen again. Maybe I'll time it as well tomorrow and only catch the last 4 km.

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

Philipsen again. Maybe I'll time it as well tomorrow and only catch the last 4 km.

It could be more interesting tomorrow with the hills in the 2nd half. I will watch the final 2 hours, so you don't have to. Should I message you here at 6k to go, to give you time to get the stream up and going?

 

[Peter von]

it’ll be fun to see how the break forms. I reckon better riders will want to make a move tomorrow. But still they won’t be thrilled about going early.

breakaways only chance is that with the more difficult finish, the sprint teams perhaps can’t agree on who brings in the break away.

 

[Boehmand]

it’ll be fun to see how the break forms. I reckon better riders will want to make a move tomorrow. But still they won’t be thrilled about going early.

breakaways only chance is that with the more difficult finish, the sprint teams perhaps can’t agree on who brings in the break away.

I think a lot of the teams with sprinters that climb well enough able to win this stage (which includes an uphill sprint finish), will put their sprinters in the break with 1-2 other guys to help them out.

All they would achieve by working all day to control the break, would be MvdP or WvA capitalising on their hard work in the end.

Also many of the teams have split agendas with some riders resting for Sunday, and others going for the stage Saturday, so they don't want to spend all day controlling.

Alpecin are the only ones I could see investing in controlling the break, but it would be so much easier for them, to just put MvdP, Kragh and Philipsen in the break, who can all 3 win from a break, depending on how the finale is ridden.

 

[Escarabajo]

MVDP to lead out Philipsen only to find out that He is alone and crosses the line as the winner!

 

[tobydawq]

Philipsen again. Maybe I'll time it as well tomorrow and only catch the last 4 km.

That sounds quite dumb.

 

[Cookster15]

With those hills in the finale it might suit MvdP more than Phillipson. So I will pick MvdP FTW. And yes, if there is carnage that would benefit Pog more than Vingegaard.

 

[Elos Anjos]

It's Fred Wright time

But who will he knock though?

 

[Netserk]

It could be more interesting tomorrow with the hills in the 2nd half. I will watch the final 2 hours, so you don't have to. Should I message you here at 6k to go, to give you time to get the stream up and going?

Page me Cav is dropped.

 

[Netserk]

That sounds quite dumb.

Sounds like you expect way too much from this stage. Those are fake hills, Ewan and Groenewegen will be there with Philipsen.

 

[Peyroteo94]

I expect a lot from Quickstep. Seriously, they did nothing at the moment and Bala junior must justify his investment.

 

[tobydawq]

Sounds like you expect way too much from this stage. Those are fake hills, Ewan and Groenewegen will be there with Philipsen.

Groenewegen will not.

And there's no such thing as a fake hill, gravity also exists in the vicinity of Limoges.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Page me Cav is dropped.

I got you.

 

[Rob5091]

Coquard should be up there at the finish - usually good at uphill sprints.

 

[Izzyeviel]

whatever your feelings are about Jasper, I think we can all agree that 'Green' jersey is the real disaster here. The whole point of having a special jersey is that it's supposed to stand out.... i've only just noticed he's been wearing it.

 

[Salvarani]

It's Fred Wright time

Everyone is afraid.

 

[Netserk]

I got you.

If he's not dropped, it's not worth watching.

 

[Salvarani]

Looks perfect for Girmay, Pedersen, Van Aert or MVDP.

 

[dobrien]

Looks perfect for Girmay, Pedersen, Van Aert or MVDP.

Bini is looking good; I think he's going to take this one!

 

[Panda Claws]

Such a great stage for WVA to finish 2nd on sadly.