What about TDF Stage 16 and 17

[spalco]

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

Contador is not a better descender than Andy imo. On the chaingate stage he didn't take any time off Andy as far as I remember (or only a handful of seconds anyway), although he had some people with him there while Andy was alone.

 

[sultanofhyd]

Contador is not a better descender than Andy imo. On the chaingate stage he didn't take any time off Andy as far as I remember (or only a handful of seconds anyway), although he had some people with him there while Andy was alone.

Contador wheelsucked Sammy all the way on the descent IIRC. If anything its Sammy's fault not taking any time on Schlecks.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Contador is not a better descender than Andy imo. On the chaingate stage he didn't take any time off Andy as far as I remember (or only a handful of seconds anyway), although he had some people with him there while Andy was alone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE6XajVh7Qg (around 3.00)
Andy wasn't alone, he was with VDB all the time, and at the top of the climb, Contador was 4.11 behind the break, Andy 4.28 , a difference of 17 seconds. At the finish Andy was 39 seconds behind, and thus lost 22 seconds on the descent.

If Contador could gain some time on the ascent, say 5 to 10 seconds, he could build out that lead on the descent. I don't think it's likely, but he is capable of doing it.

 

[ggusta]

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

I'd say he is better than mediocre. And probably better than Andy.

If it's raining/wet or if there are any crashes on the descents does anybody want to say what the odds are that Reotard Trek will neutralize? I would venture more likely than the opposing teams.

 

[Cimber]

I'd say he is better than mediocre. And probably better than Andy.

If it's raining/wet or if there are any crashes on the descents does anybody want to say what the odds are that Reotard Trek will neutralize? I would venture more likely than the opposing teams.

Contador is an average decender, but somewhat better than Andy and definately better than Frank.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

stage 17 will be I awesome I think.

 

[gerrans for the win]

stage 16 a break away will win, can't see a HTC chaseing unless goss has the legs which i'm guessing he won't,that leaves lotto an they won't bother,

stage 17 the same thing can't see the big boys going hell for leather so might see two break away wins in a row

 

[karlboss]

Same finish as 2003 where Vino gained about 30 seconds? chance to open a gap for sure. Though many may have been spooked watching beloki go down.

 

[greenedge]

I think 16 will be contested by a large breakaway Expect the French teams to gun for it. Gilbert could try get in it. If some teams want a sprint it will be Movistar and Garmin.

Stage 17 will be more exciting if the candinates race FTW. I think Gerrans/ Casar will win