Tour of Britain 15/09 - 22/09/13 (2.1)

[Netserk]

What happened to Martin? I wasnt able to see it today

Attacked twice early on the climb and blew up.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Attacked twice early on the climb and blew up.

Yes, he'd have been better off following Sky wheels and then attacking towards the end or waiting for a small group sprint. But at least when he errs tactically, it is almost always on the side of being too attacking for his own good, rather than by missing opportunities to do something other than sit in the bunch.

Him and Quintana provided much of the entertainment in this race. It's a pity neither of them will get a result. I thought initially that Sky were being complete killjoys by chasing down all attacks when none of them were realistically any threat to Wiggins on GC given the course, but at least they were going for a stage win for Lopez so my resentment is slightly reduced.

Nice to see Bennett and Yates get big wins in successive days. Hopefully Bennett can feature again in the probably inevitable sprint tomorrow.

 

[postmanhat]

Bit of trumpet blowing, but the TOB has really got it's act together this year. Great camerawork at last, showing off some stunning scenery. The crowds have been fantastic given that they're going through villages and the middle of nowhere.

Brilliant for Yates today, but with Worlds in mind, disappointing to see Edmondson and Stannard drop off so early. Worth giving Yates a go at the expense of JTL or Edmondson?

 

[Pricey_sky]

Yes but i think the uphill sprint competition is better this year with ciolek and viviani

The small guilford high street hill is no problem for Cav when on form. He will be expecting 2 wins from the next 2 stages.

 

[Pricey_sky]

Yes, he'd have been better off following Sky wheels and then attacking towards the end or waiting for a small group sprint. But at least when he errs tactically, it is almost always on the side of being too attacking for his own good, rather than by missing opportunities to do something other than sit in the bunch.

Him and Quintana provided much of the entertainment in this race. It's a pity neither of them will get a result. I thought initially that Sky were being complete killjoys by chasing down all attacks when none of them were realistically any threat to Wiggins on GC given the course, but at least they were going for a stage win for Lopez so my resentment is slightly reduced.

Nice to see Bennett and Yates get big wins in successive days. Hopefully Bennett can feature again in the probably inevitable sprint tomorrow.

I agree with you, the race goes from strength to strength every year. Even Sky tried to provide some entertainment and go for the stage win today instead of jut pacing Wiggins up the climb.

On the subject of Worlds it seems as though GB will be all out for Froome. I'd give Yates a free role as the team is strong enough to support Froome.

 

[webvan]

Just saw the replay, nice stage, yes that TOB is finally of interest, what with an ITT and some decent climbing. Wiggo showing his form, seems back to Dauphine 2011 leve for sure, maybe better, that World's ITT Gold looks possible!

 

[postmanhat]

I thought initially that Sky were being complete killjoys by chasing down all attacks when none of them were realistically any threat to Wiggins on GC given the course, but at least they were going for a stage win for Lopez so my resentment is slightly reduced.
.

I'll disagree to the extent that Bardiani did all the chasing till the final climb. Sky sort of took over then dropped like flies. Canny bit of tactics between Wiggo and Lopez which almost worked.

 

[will10]

Bit of trumpet blowing, but the TOB has really got it's act together this year. Great camerawork at last, showing off some stunning scenery. The crowds have been fantastic given that they're going through villages and the middle of nowhere.

Brilliant for Yates today, but with Worlds in mind, disappointing to see Edmondson and Stannard drop off so early. Worth giving Yates a go at the expense of JTL or Edmondson?

Yates will be riding the U23.

 

[postmanhat]

Yates will be riding the U23.

Cheers. Didn't know the teams had been declared yet.

And thanks for another entirely justifiable reason to put my feet up and watch cycling for an afternoon

 

[JRanton]

Quite a cool video showing behind the scenes reaction to Sam Bennett's win: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBSeQz2RUG8

 

[willbick]

The small guilford high street hill is no problem for Cav when on form. He will be expecting 2 wins from the next 2 stages.

what are u basing that on apart from the fact that he beat inferior opposition there last year?

 

[MatParker117]

what are u basing that on apart from the fact that he beat inferior opposition there last year?

If he can get up a 10% climb and win a sprint at the tour he can do it in Guilford.

 

[gooner]

Very nice win by Yates. Now someone sign him and his brother up to a world tour team for next year.

Looks like Greenedge for the both of them.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ot...n-Yates-join-greats-says-Bradley-Wiggins.html

 

[willbick]

If he can get up a 10% climb and win a sprint at the tour he can do it in Guilford.

has he ever won a sprint up a 10% ramp in le tour?

 

[MatParker117]

has he ever won a sprint up a 10% ramp in le tour?

To elaborate the run in during stage 5 in 2011 was a steady climb that reached 10% in places and had an uphill finish.

 

[Pricey_sky]

what are u basing that on apart from the fact that he beat inferior opposition there last year?

Not just me, several on twitter think the same, it will be much tougher this year with Viviani and Ciolek however Cav on good form would be strong enough to win.

 

[Ferminal]

It's easier than Copenhagen, width may be a problem though.

 

[sublimit]

its narrow with cobbles, his knowledge of the finish last year should help him a lot I'd imagine.

 

[willbick]

It's easier than Copenhagen, width may be a problem though.

this is true. Cav could easily get boxed in or baulked like in stage 1. Need a bit of luck to get a clear run even if he has the legs to win.

Does no-one think the break might stay away today?

 

[Pricey_sky]

this is true. Cav could easily get boxed in or baulked like in stage 1. Need a bit of luck to get a clear run even if he has the legs to win.

Does no-one think the break might stay away today?

Extremely unlikely, cannondale and OPQS will put the chase on inside the final 20k's. With MTN and possibly Sky also able to help.

 

[Jeriko]

Didn't any of the riders acknowledge the happy waving newly married couple at the side of the road? Miserable ******s

 

[Cyivel]

Didn't any of the riders acknowledge the happy waving newly married couple at the side of the road? Miserable ******s

Wiggo gave them some abuse I'm sure

 

[TourOfSardinia]

break over

Death in the afternoon - Guilford style.

 

[TourOfSardinia]

OPQS too early?

Ale Jet!

 

[Afrank]

Petacchi just killed it, Cav takes it. Viviani got pretty close there.