Teams & Riders Vincenzo Nibali discussion thread

[Afrank]

I like your determination . I remembered last year, we were saying the same thing about Contador. Wait until this, wait till that, wait ..he'll be strong by the tour. etc, etc. It was really excruciating experience to finally see that contador's form was no where near Froome after all the hope of 'wait until'... *fill in the blank yourself*

Nibali is showing the same thing. He is clearly chasing his form now. His lack of winter training is catching up with him. For sure, he will be ready for the TDF (no one doubts about it), but BIG question will be: is his form enough to challenge Froome and Contador? *cue in jeopardy music now *

Don't get me wrong, I do agree that Nibali's form is not where it should be, and that he is suffering the effects of a bad winters training. I do think we need to see him in a stage race and that seeing him in a stage race would show more what his form is like then his performance in LBL today did.

It's very worrying though that he does not appear to be taking part in Romandie. He still has time to get into some form that will allow him to make a top 5 at the Tour. Hopefully he can do better and manage to make the podium.

 

[maxmartin]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nibali-ready-for-tour-of-romandie

Nibali ready for Tour of Romandie, it is interesting to see how he stacked up with TJVG. I think time is about right for Nibali to have a good result after coming down from altitude training

 

[Jelantik]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/nibali-ready-for-tour-of-romandie

Nibali ready for Tour of Romandie, it is interesting to see how he stacked up with TJVG. I think time is about right for Nibali to have a good result after coming down from altitude training

+1. Crunch time for Nibs. I'm looking forward to see him compete at romandie. Besides this is the first time (after Oman), he'll face Froome again. They're both just fresh coming off altitude. So should be interesting, who get the most box ticked

 

[Fzotrlool]

Looking forward to see what Astana's plan will be. Hopefully not the same as the last couple of stage races.

Using Fuglsang as a rabbit doesn't work. Since Kangert has been unstable, Nibali has been completely isolated when his second-in-command has been in an unsuccessfully break. They need to change their tactics.

 

[Jspear]

Looking forward to see what Astana's plan will be. Hopefully not the same as the last couple of stage races.

Using Fuglsang as a rabbit doesn't work. Since Kangert has been unstable, Nibali has been completely isolated when his second-in-command has been an unsuccessfully break. They need to change their tactics.

Hope for rain, and go crazy on the descents.

 

[pigoonse]

Looking forward to see what Astana's plan will be. Hopefully not the same as the last couple of stage races.

Using Fuglsang as a rabbit doesn't work. Since Kangert has been unstable, Nibali has been completely isolated when his second-in-command has been an unsuccessfully break. They need to change their tactics.

Ah yeah, I agree with all that.

Is it just me being weird or does Nibbles look a bit chubbier than usual at LBL - looked like he was sporting a double chin

Glad he is riding Romandie.

 

[pigoonse]

Good enough result in the flat ITT today.

Good luck in Romandie, Lo Squalo!

 

[SafeBet]

Good enough result in the flat ITT today.

Good luck in Romandie, Lo Squalo!

Yep, good performance indeed.
Here's hoping he'll leave a mark on this race. Parcours is ideal.

 

[Netserk]

Without having studied the last circuit tomorrow, is there a chance that he'll attack there?

edit: just mapped it. The descent is technical enough, but the ~9km of flat will probably stop him from giving it a shot

 

[trevim]

I hope Nibali is really back. His TT today was a good sign after a bad Liège (for me personally, I was expecting mayhem); I just hope it's not one of those cases were the TT is OK but climbing seems to be disappointing. If he finds himself too heavy he can also pull the Ulrich strategy and ride the Giro as he keeps his mouth closed

 

[Rollthedice]

I hope Nibali is really back. His TT today was a good sign after a bad Liège (for me personally, I was expecting mayhem); I just hope it's not one of those cases were the TT is OK but climbing seems to be disappointing. If he finds himself too heavy he can also pull the Ulrich strategy and ride the Giro as he keeps his mouth closed

Indeed. It seems tomorow is not a day to do something, snow on Simplon and it's been taken out of the stage. He looked a bit heavier all this season, family man.

 

[pigoonse]

Indeed. It seems tomorow is not a day to do something, snow on Simplon and it's been taken out of the stage. He looked a bit heavier all this season, family man.

Was thinking he was a little heavy this season.

Suspect his bride is a good cook/foodie

 

[Jspear]

Indeed. It seems tomorow is not a day to do something, snow on Simplon and it's been taken out of the stage. He looked a bit heavier all this season, family man.

It is funny what we consider heavy.....

 

[maxmartin]

It is funny what we consider heavy.....

well Froom set the new standard for the other GC contenders and fans!

 

[Dazed and Confused]

well Froom set the new standard for the other GC contenders and fans!

Froome is ridiculously thin, but let me point to the Giro '13 pre race conference:

All skeletons.

 

[movingtarget]

Cadel don't look like a skeleton next to those guys. Wiggo needs to go on a diet !

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Cadel don't look like a skeleton next to those guys. Wiggo needs to go on a diet !

Good point, probably the only one you wouldn't be worried about if meeting on the streets.

 

[maxmartin]

lol hopefully today's stage give those doubters a little comfort

 

[Afrank]

Good signs today.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

Good signs today.

yea. Should have gone over the top though. the 10 km of flat made it impossible to stay away alone

 

[BeagRigh]

Good signs today.

Aye, shame the Tour doesn't have more downhill finishes.

 

[whittashau]

Are there any suitable downhill finishes in the Tour where Nibbles can pick up time?

 

[Pricey_sky]

Are there any suitable downhill finishes in the Tour where Nibbles can pick up time?

Stage 16 into Bagneres de Luchon. However there are still 5 MTF's and a long iTT.

 

[maxmartin]

Are there any suitable downhill finishes in the Tour where Nibbles can pick up time?

he will pick up time downhill or uphill, that is all-arounder all about?

 

[webbie146]

Stage 16 into Bagneres de Luchon. However there are still 5 MTF's and a long iTT.

So? When on top form Nibali is one of the best climbers in the world