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What's Wrong with Van Garderen?

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R

Red Wolf

Jan 25, 2013
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TeeJay is obviously not having the tour he had last year...not been able to find much about him. He and Evans both are clearly not at the top of their game.

Talansky on the other hand is having a decent showing being a newbie.

So what's wrong with van Garderen? Anyone know?
 
Afrank

Afrank

Aug 16, 2011
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I think it could be likely he mistimed his peak slightly. Timed it more around Cali then the Tour.

But a large part of it, sadly, I think could be that he isn't quite as strong yet as his result last year seemed to indicate. The absence of mountains, excess TT km's, and Sky's steady tempo climbing did play to his advantage last year.

(But I am holding out hope that he'll be back, this isn't the last we will see of him in GT's.)
 
Miburo

Miburo

Jul 29, 2012
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Afrank said:
I think it could be likely he mistimed his peak slightly. Timed it more around Cali then the Tour.

But a large part of it, sadly, I think could be that he isn't quite as strong yet as his result last year seemed to indicate. The absence of mountains, excess TT km's, and Sky's steady tempo climbing did play to his advantage last year.

(But I am holding out hope that he'll be back, this isn't the last we will see of him in GT's.)
Click to expand...

Slightly? lol

Peaking 1.5 months too early is slightly? :rolleyes:
 
A

Alpechraxler

Jun 12, 2010
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It will be the reunion of all the riders that failed in some way.

i tend to write a bit short. Cut into my right hand...
 
Christian

Christian

Mar 13, 2009
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Don't know the reason of course but I am sure we will see him back at last year's level and better.

Remember Wigans after he came in 4th with Garmin the next year he sucked big time
 
gustienordic

gustienordic

Feb 15, 2011
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Christian said:
Don't know the reason of course but I am sure we will see him back at last year's level and better.

Remember Wigans after he came in 4th with Garmin the next year he sucked big time
Click to expand...

That's a different story though. Wiggans changed teams, became a leader, had all the pressure, etc. TJ is still playing second fiddle, and I think his team realizes he isn't as good as the hype makes him seem. Otherwise they whould give him leadership...
 
Christian

Christian

Mar 13, 2009
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gustienordic said:
That's a different story though. Wiggans changed teams, became a leader, had all the pressure, etc. TJ is still playing second fiddle, and I think his team realizes he isn't as good as the hype makes him seem. Otherwise they whould give him leadership...
Click to expand...

I'm not sure - I interprete it more in the way that last year he didn't have any pressure but this year felt the pressure to confirm his result, to prove what he is really worth. Whether the team put that pressure on him or the media, the fans or even himself I don't know. But it could be that it blocked him somehow
 
V

Viking

Jun 18, 2012
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Afrank said:
I think it could be likely he mistimed his peak slightly. Timed it more around Cali then the Tour.

But a large part of it, sadly, I think could be that he isn't quite as strong yet as his result last year seemed to indicate. The absence of mountains, excess TT km's, and Sky's steady tempo climbing did play to his advantage last year.

(But I am holding out hope that he'll be back, this isn't the last we will see of him in GT's.)
Click to expand...

I agree, especially with the bolded bit...

Last year had a parcourse and field that was very favorable to Van Garderen (and, even more so for Wiggins). The long chronos, dearth of truly decisive MTFs, and nearly all attacking climbers either DNS, crashed out in the first week, or lost too much time in the first week meant it was mainly just a steady pace that fit Van Garderen perfectly.

Plus, there were no real expectations for him. I think there was even talk of him pulling out at the second rest day, which is common for young, promising riders. So depending on how he develops over the next couple of years, and how routes shake out, he could certainly be a contender.
 
gustienordic

gustienordic

Feb 15, 2011
1,306
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Christian said:
I'm not sure - I interprete it more in the way that last year he didn't have any pressure but this year felt the pressure to confirm his result, to prove what he is really worth. Whether the team put that pressure on him or the media, the fans or even himself I don't know. But it could be that it blocked him somehow
Click to expand...

I'm curious if he expected himself to be up there like he was last year. He may have just realized that he could not compete with Froome, Contador, Schleck (even though he is doing horribly) on Ventoux, L'Alpe, Semmoz, etc

I don't know what his goals are though.
 
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