What can Nocentini expect?

[Danilot]

Often, unknown riders who get the yellow jersey for a few stages, find the motivation to defend it and end up with a far better GC placing in Paris than they would otherwise.

Nocentini has hung tough in the mountains (without the yellow jersey, he would probably be already half an hour back or more). What do you think is the most Nocentini can achieve in the GC? Top 5? Top 10? Less?

Discuss.

 

[Animal]

He was dropped briefly on the col d'Agnes, but they eased. I think he'll be dropped when the shiite hits the fan at Verbier and Ventoux. And at the Annecy TT.

 

[Frosty]

Think he'll struggle on the stage to Le Grand Bornand too.

 

[Danilot]

Of course he'll struggle, but will he lose so much time that by the end of the Tour he'll be buried deep in GC, or can he hang on for a honourable placing?

 

[mr. tibbs]

Of course he'll struggle, but will he lose so much time that by the end of the Tour he'll be buried deep in GC, or can he hang on for a honourable placing?

He'll definetely do his best. Actually, he'll probably ride beyond himself, even once he loses the jersey, just from the residual limelight.

His abilities will only carry him so far, though, and there's nothing dishonorable in riding to your limits--no matter how many minutes you're down.

Having said that, I don't see him finishing in the top 20.

 

[ilillillli]

the way this race is going i can see astana letting him take yellow in to paris... to avoid the pressure of the yellow jersey.

 

[cody_57]

the way this race is going i can see astana letting him take yellow in to paris... to avoid the pressure of the yellow jersey.

At this rate it pretty much looks like it doesn't it?

I think Nocentini will end up in the top 20. Even if the other 19 riders stay exactly where they are (no one loses more time, drops out, gets busted fro doping) he'll have to lose 4 minutes. I think he'll hang on!

 

[runninboy]

the way this race is going i can see astana letting him take yellow in to paris... to avoid the pressure of the yellow jersey.

I was thinking the same thing.Although i am happy a French team has had the yellow for a week, I get sick of Astana riding the front all day. It would be hilarious to me if somehow someway Nocentini could ride the week of his life and make it to Paris in yellow.
Yeah i know it can't happen, but then again who would think all the GC guys would just look at each other today and let a sprinter win?

 

[issoisso]

He can expect to enjoy yellow for one more day, then finish far down on GC and perhaps win a breakaway stage later on, if the defense of the jersey hasn't taken too much out of him.

 

[jaylew]

Top 20 is certainly doable. It really all comes down to Ventoux, imo. Tons of time could be lost there. But it's not like he's a mediocre pro. The guy is talented and has some good results to his name.