Tour Down Under 2025 - Men's (Jan. 21-26)

[Wyndbrook]

Well maybe, but he appears to have serious competion in the shape of the Australian champion.

 

[hayneplane]

he never talked of having GC hopes this time

He is taking the old school approach that January races are pre season events purely there to get some kilometres into the legs and shed a bit of winter weight.

It is quite impressive how someone barely pack fodder at their late career base level can still peak well enough to podium a grand tour.

 

[Rockestar_33]

Tactics today will be interesting. I reckon Vine should be favourite up Willunga.

 

[proffate]

He is taking the old school approach that January races are pre season events purely there to get some kilometres into the legs and shed a bit of winter weight.

It is quite impressive how someone barely pack fodder at their late career base level can still peak well enough to podium a grand tour.

his inability to be bothered is at least as great an anchor as his lack of fitness

 

[Tricycle Rider]

He is taking the old school approach that January races are pre season events purely there to get some kilometres into the legs and shed a bit of winter weight.

It is quite impressive how someone barely pack fodder at their late career base level can still peak well enough to podium a grand tour.

Are you expecting for G to podium in the GTs later this year?

I think he can be a great helper when needed, but a podium I just don't foresee for him anymore. (Though I would like to simply because he's old-ish.)

 

[Tim Cahill]

Are you expecting for G to podium in the GTs later this year?

I think he can be a great helper when needed, but a podium I just don't foresee for him anymore. (Though I would like to simply because he's old-ish.)

He won't because his top level is a bit lower nowadays and the tour level higher. He could try and aim for a top 5 but honestly would be funnier to see him go for KoM and stages as Rodriguez will be going for GC probably, he will still turn up in great shape even though he's carrying about 5 kilos at the moment.

Top 4 level is outrageously high but outside of that it's anyone's game really, I think the rest of the riders have realised which is why the Giro is looking quite stacked this year.

 

[Squire]

Tactics today will be interesting. I reckon Vine should be favourite up Willunga.

Don't see how team tactics allow for a Vine victory (and he hasn't looked great either). Think the sprinty types, like Narvaez, should be the favourites with the headwind. Narvaez wins the race if he wins the stage, even if Romo is not gapped. I expect FFB and Onley to be good as well.

 

[YavorD]

Don't see how team tactics allow for a Vine victory (and he hasn't looked great either). Think the sprinty types, like Narvaez, should be the favourites with the headwind. Narvaez wins the race if he wins the stage, even if Romo is not gapped. I expect FFB and Onley to be good as well.

What's the tie-breaker if they finish s.t?
Lowest total number of stage finishes?

 

[hayneplane]

Are you expecting for G to podium in the GTs later this year?

I think he can be a great helper when needed, but a podium I just don't foresee for him anymore. (Though I would like to simply because he's old-ish.)

I don’t expect it but equally nothing about his form before the Giro in each of the last two years suggested a podium contender yet he managed it both times.

 

[will-10]

Geraint Thomas seems to think that because it's the Tour Down Under, the winner is the one who finishes at the bottom of the GC.

G doesn't get out of breath for anything outside of a Giro or a Tour

 

[yaco]

This is a stage for Plapp who flies up Willunga Hill.

 

[will-10]

Swift says he can't ride with Torres there at 35s

 

[Squire]

The coverage of this race leaves a bit to be desired. Currently no gaps and no shots of the peloton. Yesterday we had the entire final climb and a few kilometres after it without a single overview shot so we could tell how many riders were left in the peloton.

 

[nightowl]

Juanpe Lopez having a miserable day

 

[stefank]

Juanpe Lopez having a miserable day

And will he get in trouble for that very sticky bottle?

 

[nightowl]

And will he get in trouble for that very sticky bottle?

He’s had quite a few sticky bottles now to no avail

 

[Tricycle Rider]

If the current break of four is willing to commit I think they can make it.

67km to go

 

[Potomac]

If the current break of four is willing to commit I think they can make it.

67km to go

Are you always so optimistic about the breaks?

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Are you always so optimistic about the breaks?

Yes; and it's because I'm a masochist.

 

[Potomac]

McEwan talking about the wine, the tempranillo , has me searching the house for a bottle. I'm sure I don't have have australian, but there must be some chianti about.

 

[stefank]

McEwan talking about the wine, the tempranillo , has me searching the house for a bottle. I'm sure I don't have have australian, but there must be some chianti about.

Stop giving me ideas.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Beautiful blue seaside shots now

 

[stefank]

If the current break of four is willing to commit I think they can make it.

67km to go

With 38 km to go I say that they're doomed.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

A roadside band now!

 

[Tricycle Rider]

With 38 km to go I say that they're doomed.

You're probably right, but it was worth the fun.