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

[Gloin22]

Short TT's yes but I really doubt he'd do anything respectable in a long TT even if he was trying.

Well lately it seems to have changed. 12km is not a prologue anymore and he could hold this I believe up to 15-16km mark, which is average standard for short stage races, which seems he will likely to target more as his speed slowly diminishes.

http://www.cqranking.com/men/asp/gen/race.asp?raceid=24944

 

[willbick]

I dont think cav is ever gonna be anything but a pure sprinter

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Having a Sky rider as a GC contender in yellow isnt gonna do much for the race, entertainment wise.

That wouldn't have been a problem when the race wasn't broadcasted live. The local fans can't figure out what goes on anyway except perhaps who wins the stage and who carries the leader jersey etc.

But now the race can greatly benefit for dynamic racing. I hope some teams will step up. Stage designs and roads looks ripe for action.

 

[Anderis]

What a shame Bauer lost some valuable seconds on a flat stage 1. He could have an opportunity for even better result in GC.

 

[willbick]

That wouldn't have been a problem when the race wasn't broadcasted live. The local fans can't figure out what goes on anyway except perhaps who wins the stage and who carries the leader jersey etc.

But now the race can greatly benefit for dynamic racing. I hope some teams will step up. Stage designs and roads looks ripe for action.

But the point is Sky are so strong compared to the overall standard of the race that they will have total control

Any thoughts on stage 4? Can cav make it to the finish sprint?

 

[Pricey_sky]

Short TT's yes but I really doubt he'd do anything respectable in a long TT even if he was trying.

Yes obviously nothing too long but everything upto Team TT length and he is very useful. I remember in the HTC years when they had a strong TT team he regularly did long turns on the front.

Dan Martin said yesterday that Quintana and himself were determined to not let Sky have it all to themselves even if they weren't quite in top form, I hope others follow them and create some great racing.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Dan Martin said yesterday that Quintana and himself were determined to not let Sky have it all to themselves even if they weren't quite in top form, I hope others follow them and create some great racing.

Well, if they do go for it, they are at least two riders who are well capable of causing mayhem.

 

[willbick]

Well, if they do go for it, they are at least two riders who are well capable of causing mayhem.

its a nice thought but u are getting rather carried away

 

[Pricey_sky]

its a nice thought but u are getting rather carried away

They will at least try and even if their legs aren't great they will force Sky to chase them. If someone is strong at the end then they may get away if Sky are all spent.

 

[willbick]

i dont think Sky will have any problems in making this race rather boring

 

[Euskaltel!]

The next few stage do offer quite a lot... if people are willing to take a chance

 

[VO2 Max]

Any thoughts on stage 4? Can cav make it to the finish sprint?

It's possible, especially if Sky are intent on controlling things for their purposes on the tougher kicks through Denbighshire. The final climb goes up in two sections: the first from Bettws-y-Coed to Capel Curig is a main road power climb, but then it flattens right off for a few km's on the highland section past the lake before the final rise to Pen-y-pas. So small gaps, then a good chance to regroup, then quite a small climb. The descent to Llanberis will be fun, it's winding but fast with dry stone walls both sides. Nothing doing for Cavendish on Thursday or Friday so he might try to hang on in there today.

Hope the weather is ok, the scenery is stunning for the last 30km.

 

[Ferminal]

Cav wins I guess. Unless Viviani/Modolo luck it.

 

[willbick]

Weather looks ok. i think Cav will make it to the finish but no doubt there will be attacks on the final climb. Maybe someone will do a lofkvist and stay away for a while but will prob be brought back before the finish. i think its about 8k from top of final climb to finish

 

[JRanton]

What a shame Bauer lost some valuable seconds on a flat stage 1. He could have an opportunity for even better result in GC.

He, like Quintana, was also penalized 20 seconds for drafting behind a car. And the same will happen to any other rider who dares to challenge the knight of the realm in his quest for glory.

 

[willbick]

I dont think quintana was ever gonna beat wiggo on this parcours

 

[TourOfSardinia]

stream been live for sometime now:

http://www.sportlemon.tv/20130914/vv52344441ca4629.20836041-640362.html

 

[therhodeo]

Seems like the break are giving Sky a good workout.

 

[JRanton]

Yeah, they might just be starting to crack...

 

[willbick]

Gap growing! Sky tiring?

Ignore my previous comments on this thread lol!

Wiggo to do a pull?

 

[JRanton]

Gap growing! Sky tiring?

Ignore my previous comments on this thread lol!

Wiggo to do a pull?

I don't think Stannard has done any pulls yet so they have him to use as a last resort.

 

[Cyivel]

Not been watching, which brer in the front group is closest to Sir Brad?

Edit: Quigley just said, nvm.

 

[therhodeo]

I'm picking Iljo for the attack then calm tire change/mechanical spot check, then remount for the win.

 

[Ferminal]

50-50 I guess, Madrazo's best chance in a while...

 

[JRanton]

Now Stannard starts taking pulls.