What about TDF Stage 16 and 17

[Captain Awesome]

Why does no one talk about these two stages(or am i missing a thread?). Am i the only one who feels that they can be deciding? We all know Sanchez is an awesome descender, but the other favorites can also take time on each other(especially on the Schlecks). We all know that Frank isnt the best descender, but Andy is okay. Descending is all about bike handling and how much the rider is willing to lose. I'm not sure if Evans is willing to risk it all, but maybe some other riders like Voeckler, Contador and Sanchez have the guts to try...

I have a feeling that Contador might risk it all... I know that Sanchez will try and maybe also Voeckler.

The Schlecks should be very concerned about the two stages...

 

[El Pistolero]

I've been hyping these stages up massively. Especially because Phil is a crazy sob and will descend like Il Falco if the break is caught in time.

 

[dlwssonic]

nope contador is an okay descender. his descending skills are like andy's. not sure about cadel's one. It can be very good at times and mediocore.

 

[taiwan]

I don't reckon 16 will be very selective although it looks good for an attacking stage win. the climb's only a cat 2, so it could be hard to gap theGCmen there before the descent. Particularly as the bunch will hit the only climb of the day intact. The general gradient of the stage looks to be < 1%.

The long descent in stage 17: is it difficult? That stage maybe could be good for Sanchez/Evans/Cunego/Voeckler if they attack at the right time on Sestrieres. Leopard could control that climb and they'd be ok, though.

 

[Cimber]

Are the decents tecnically challinging from the final climb to the finish on both stages? If so I reckon Voeckler and Sanchez could take time on the Schlecks if they manage to drop Fabian and O'Grady on the ascent.

 

[Anonymous]

Why does no one talk about these two stages(or am i missing a thread?).

because we havnt even finished stage 15 yet, and weve got a rest day between now and then.

so impatient

 

[Ferminal]

16 will be snorefest. 17 has the makings of a very good stage (maybe a bit easy in the first 3/4), as something should definitely happen over the final climb/descent into Pinerolo - although in true Tour fashion it may be neutralised from a GC perspective.

 

[The Hitch]

If everything is still together at the top Col de Manse, then Voeckler and Samu to attack on the descent and take 20 more seconds.


Well if today doesnt ruin things that is.

One can only dream.

 

[Bavarianrider]

Schlecks to loose the Tour on those descends!

 

[Kvinto]

After yesterday's stage I wont be surprised if nothing will happen, and both of those stages will be won by the early breakaways.

 

[Ratatosk]

I've been hyping these stages up massively. Especially because Phil is a crazy sob and will descend like Il Falco if the break is caught in time.

Phil lost more than 9 minutes going up Plateau. That puts him well out of any GC-contention. If he wants the green, those two stages are opportunities to grab some points back on Cav. So yeah, I expect Phil to go crazy on one or both of the stages.

 

[movingtarget]

I am sure that Sanchez will try something on the Gap stage. He is only 95 or so seconds behind Evans. I can't believe they let him go on yesterday's stage. The other GC contenders have to chase him from now on considering the reduced gap and his time trialling ability.

 

[AussieGoddess]

I've been hyping these stages up massively. Especially because Phil is a crazy sob and will descend like Il Falco if the break is caught in time.

Phil to win back to back stages and take green

 

[Lupetto]

Pramartino looks a bit like a stairway with some steeper steps. The descent is twisted and on narrow roads. In case of rain it will be hell, in case of sun it is still difficult with the shadows of the trees.

In the Giro 2009 they had a little bump of 10% before the finish. The Tour this year will head right into Pinerolo.

Sanchez going to attack for sure.

 

[El Pistolero]

I think after the Tour we need to make another poll about who the best descenders are

I know my top 3 already though. Cancellara not included because he's a slave in the Tour.

 

[Ratatosk]

I think after the Tour we need to make another poll about who the best descenders are

I know my top 3 already though. Cancellara not included because he's a slave in the Tour.

In this Tour so far? Sammy, Thor and Phil.

 

[jens_attacks]

phil stages

 

[The Hitch]

I think after the Tour we need to make another poll about who the best descenders are

I know my top 3 already though. Cancellara not included because he's a slave in the Tour.

The best descender isnt taking part

 

[The Sheep]

The best descender isnt taking part

who's that?

 

[dlwssonic]

who's that?

the shark of the strait.

 

[Publicus]

nope contador is an okay descender. his descending skills are like andy's. not sure about cadel's one. It can be very good at times and mediocore.

Where do you get this stuff? AC is a better descender and a better overall bike handler than Andy.

 

[Waterloo Sunrise]

Where do you get this stuff? AC is a better descender and a better overall bike handler than Andy.

And he can change gear.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Where do you get this stuff? AC is a better descender and a better overall bike handler than Andy.

Exactly. He could follow Nibali downhill during the Giro.

 

[LaFlorecita]

and he can change gear.

_________

 

[PCutter]

Drove the stage finish to Pinarolo today (raining and 7 degrees so racked the bikes for the day) - departing from Briancon - normal descent as you'd expect, lots of switchbacks, fast roads, some more rain forecast for the later in the week, so definitely chances of 20 seconds here or there. Real chance if it's raining for someone to drop it. Probably Frank.