It's obvious that nibali is at least giro 2013 level. I'm surprised he was better than porte and valverde at this finish.
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He looked calm, focused, and collected all day to me. Good riding by him.
When Contador was pushing the pace at the front I noticed he had is eye on him the entire time, not looking away at all. He's focused this Tour, that's for sure.
When Contador was pushing the pace at the front I noticed he had is eye on him the entire time, not looking away at all. He's focused this Tour, that's for sure.
Nice show of strength by Saxo. I was hoping Majka would be useless after the Giro, but he got rid of Birdsong. Does he have some sort of problem? Because this was very weak. Kangert and Scarponi were good though, it's probably the fact that Astana has been riding at the front protecting the MJ taking its toll. I think they can make a decent uphill train if they really need to. If Fuglsang drops out of the top5 on monday, I hope Vino makes him a super-domestique.
Contador looking super strong, going to be really really tough for Nibbles. Richie to win it, of course.
Contador looking super strong, going to be really really tough for Nibbles. Richie to win it, of course.
The race has a very solid leader
But still the Vosgues stages suits him. If Alberto can dent the gap on these stages the race is open
But still the Vosgues stages suits him. If Alberto can dent the gap on these stages the race is open
My only worry today was the Astana team. But was it planned? On the other hand, Tinkoff-Saxo team might have burned themselves for nothing. Monday will tell if it was worthy for them to do all that work...
the_cutter said:
The only real concern I have after today's stage is Nibali's team. They didn't really seem to be there at times they should have. Hopefully they will bounce back.
But I'm also kinda hoping that Fugs cracks and loses 10 minutes so he has to work entirely for Nibali and forgets about his own GC.
cineteq said:
I don't think it is planned. In the interview, Vino said Birdsong was supposed to be up there. But he is not. But you also have to wonder how many times can Saxo train repeat this?
Fuglsang, not tyst Great (told you so). Scarponi dere until the last hill, and Kangert got dropped down to Birdsong. Not worried at all for the mountain team
Vino attacks everyone said:
they may also think about Monday. Lemond questioned Saxo tactics, said Saxo should let Astana rider and reserve the energy for the monday. Maybe that is also Astana's tactics. Let's wait and see.
Afrank said:The only real concern I have after today's stage is Nibali's team. They didn't really seem to be there at times they should have. Hopefully they will bounce back.
But I'm also kinda hoping that Fugs cracks and loses 10 minutes so he has to work entirely for Nibali and forgets about his own GC.
This stage puts to rest all the Dauphine nonsense. He was very strong and I start to think that if he keeps this advantage after Monday there is a good chance he might take the yellow to Paris. Birdsong should shut up and do some work. Today the team wasn't so important, Oleg's boys made the selection and Vincenzo didn't really need any teammates at the end stages but there are some hard days to come.
I don't think Tinkoff is stronger than Astana. Just Micheal Rogers was hurting the group. With Roman out and Majka barely at his level there's no difference at all.
Contador looks to have Nibali's number, I expect a bigger gap on Monday and the floodgates to open in the Pyrenees, also note Bertie is now the bookies favourite for the Tour.
Scarponi was there, he took it easy on the last climb, 'cause there was no reason the waste energy there with Saxo attacking and Nibbles in control. Kangert had to drop and pace Birdsong. And if Fugs really was ill today then he should be better on Monday. They can match Saxo. However, Saxo is indeed stronger than I thought.Afrank said:The only real concern I have after today's stage is Nibali's team. They didn't really seem to be there at times they should have. Hopefully they will bounce back.
But I'm also kinda hoping that Fugs cracks and loses 10 minutes so he has to work entirely for Nibali and forgets about his own GC.
But overall yes, there are doubts creeping in my mind. Before today I thought Astana was super strong and if Contador tried a long-ranger they would bring him back. Not so sure now!
Thoughts......
Nibali defended marvelously. His team looked weak and he was basically glued on Alberto's wheel for the final 12km all by himself. There was a yellow helmet peeking through every once in a while back there but Nibali will need more team support than this very soon.
I've bred and raced thoroughbreds. There are a couple of saying that apply. Nibili was 'blowing hard' at the finish, he was used up. Alberto 'wouldn't blow out a match'; not taking a deep breath. Also in the slow mo replay it showed Nibs shake his head after the stage as if to say 'damn that man made my life hell I'm glad that is over'.
On the bigger climbs Nibs will be dropped it appears. He will hang on and fight desperately. The question is: is his cushion big enough? He needs to be in total defense mode, 2:30 is a Big spread!
BTW it is agony watching your 2 favs go mano a mano!!
Nibali defended marvelously. His team looked weak and he was basically glued on Alberto's wheel for the final 12km all by himself. There was a yellow helmet peeking through every once in a while back there but Nibali will need more team support than this very soon.
I've bred and raced thoroughbreds. There are a couple of saying that apply. Nibili was 'blowing hard' at the finish, he was used up. Alberto 'wouldn't blow out a match'; not taking a deep breath. Also in the slow mo replay it showed Nibs shake his head after the stage as if to say 'damn that man made my life hell I'm glad that is over'.
On the bigger climbs Nibs will be dropped it appears. He will hang on and fight desperately. The question is: is his cushion big enough? He needs to be in total defense mode, 2:30 is a Big spread!
BTW it is agony watching your 2 favs go mano a mano!!
the_cutter said:
Astana also has to pick up there battles, they can't be ride in front in all MTF stages, just as I don't expect Saxo to do so. Vino said Nibble is in total control the whole stage, but I am a little bit perplexed by the final three seconds, someone said there was something wrong with the gear. I think the team will be ready for Monday, if not, then it will very tough battle for Nibali to keep the yellow.
I agree that birdsong needs to drop his own aspirations this year. His post-race interview yesterday was questionable to say the least. On a different note Kangert's near crash was hilarious and made up for birdsongs illness/slackage.
Carols said:
I don't think Nibbles was blowing that hard, I just don't think he had an acceleration in him at that time.
yespatterns said:
Kangert is clearly in decent form as caught up to Birdsong despite of that crash. I was pleasantly surprised with Scarponi too who despite hiding most of the time looks to be in good form
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