Tour de France Tour de France 2024, Stage 18, Gap - Barcelonnette, 179.5k

[Zoetemelk-fan]

Oh nice with at least some 15% (between work) watching finally some good old slow-flow TV.
But hits me I got the route wrong. Thought they after Col du Manse (I think from the side Rolf Sørensen in 1996 made it almost to Gap, right?) they would head down riding along side the lake. But just discovered they are about to climb "Col Appolinaris".
Personally familiar to the downhill slopes entering the bridge to Savines-le-Lac is quite hairy, so maybe some Pogi instincts shoe yet again?

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Lazkanooo again.

I'd rather see him win the stage. However he seems to no longer be in his absolute peak shape, so betting on Aranburu and Mühlberger is probably closer to tactical perfection.

 

[Slavique Nuke]

That seems unlikely...

I think they are still trying to win and they have no choice but to go hard all day tomorrow.

 

[RedheadDane]

I think they are still trying to win and they have no choice but to go hard all day tomorrow.

I don't think they'll be doing it to bail out Pog...

 

[Potomac]

Finishing 3rd in the KOM is worth 110 UCI points. Carapaz could have been better closer to the jersey, if Healy and him hadn't stolen points from each other throughout the race.

whaaaaaaaaaaaat ??

well, that does explain a lot.
Movistar and EF were in danger of relegation the last time.

Get those UCI points and remain safe.

 

[Zoetemelk-fan]

Finishing 3rd in the KOM is worth 110 UCI points. Carapaz could have been better closer to the jersey, if Healy and him hadn't stolen points from each other throughout the race.

A normal day at Vaughters' office....

 

[Slavique Nuke]

I don't think they'll be doing it to bail out Pog...

Unintentionally. UAE may not be strong enough to control tomorrow, but Visma's tactics will only help Pog win.

 

[RobertCrawley]

Unintentionally. UAE may not be strong enough to control tomorrow, but Visma's tactics will only help Pog win.

If he can handle the heat. Two more tests.

 

[Potomac]

Unintentionally. UAE may not be strong enough to control tomorrow, but Visma's tactics will only help Pog win

I'm missing the logic

 

[Tim Cahill]

Don't think Evenepoel really needs to pull any tactical moves to get 2nd based on the remaining profiles like they are suggesting. Visma will go all-in on the next two stages anyway so it seems simple, if can follow and then take time then do it, if not then conserve, no real sense attacking a Visma train that will be pulling Bonette anyway unless he notices them trying to fakepace.

Not sure yesterday was an example of Vingegaard fading based on a 1k effort at the end of the climb, he was caught in two minds watching two riders later on so also difficult to know what to make of it. The next stages will suit him so Remco should exercise a little caution, though the gap to 4th is in his favour so hopefully he will try something towards the end on Isola tomorrow.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

A normal day at Vaughters' office....

He has to do something in between scouting real and fake talents/nephews of former cycling greats.

 

[Zoetemelk-fan]

Entering Chorges, Fuglsang's 2nd place in the TT with finish line here in a Tour edition with Froome 1st certainly feels ages ago, seeing a glimse of him now (maybe mentioned by Danish commentators(?), watching w/o sound due to work).

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Healy doing Healy things

 

[dgodave]

Healy. Will he try to take 4 or 5 with him?

 

[Potomac]

Healy go again

 

[Mayomaniac]

The Welsh Dragon is alive!

 

[Tim Cahill]

They need to do this, last 50k is only a bit hilly and suits the Lazkano/WVA's of the world more

 

[RobertCrawley]

The Miner!

 

[Escarabajo]

Come on Moviestar!

 

[Slavique Nuke]

How long can Lemmen last?

 

[Tim Cahill]

Incredible how mid Geraint Thomas looks outside of podiuming Grand Tours every season

The comparison to 2010s Portuguese pro-conti riders rocking up to the Volta doing TDF winner watts after spending most of the season failing to crack the top 100 in 2.1s is becoming more clear.

 

[Didinho]

Hard pace now.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

A lot of tired legs in the break.

 

[Potomac]

I always thought a candy company should sponsor a team

 

[Didinho]

Stuyven handing out M&M’s to the whole bus.