The Official 102nd Tour de France, thread.

[Bold Seagull]

Comical to see Pinot lose any chance of a stage win on that descent. I thought he was supposed to have worked on his fear of descending, but even before that little off, which couldn't have done his confidence any good, it was clear he still has a lot of work to do in that department.

Watched that fall back a few times to try to see what happened, and I think what caused it is that he started peddling too early. You see him coast around the corner which looks fine until he peddles a fraction before he is out of the corner, he does one rotation of the crank and the back wheel spins out. Just that slight mistake changing the traction between tyre and road and he's gone.

 

[Pantani]

Watched that fall back a few times to try to see what happened, and I think what caused it is that he started peddling too early. You see him coast around the corner which looks fine until he peddles a fraction before he is out of the corner, he does one rotation of the crank and the back wheel spins out. Just that slight mistake changing the traction between tyre and road and he's gone.

But does he have to get the power back on so early because he carries so little speed in to the corners? I think that is his problem here, admittedly this was only a small mistake, but he does not seem to see the line, apex etc on every corner. I think he is fine if he has someone to follow but left to his own devices he is stuffed.

 

[wakeytom]

In a word NO!

Even if he doesn't win this tour Froome's a bona fide grand tour winner, irrespective of the course.
The same couldn't have been said of Wiggins.

With only 1 year age wise, between G & CF, their could be some Tour ego 'issues' in the future.
I guess that would depend on all the stuff that happens behind closed doors.



Apparently G nearly left Sky last year. (the rumour might have been BMC, I can't quite remember)

So could there be a deal between the 2 of them for G to help Froome this year and the other way round next, just thought of that after watching slaying the badger the other day

 

[Stat Brother]

So could there be a deal between the 2 of them for G to help Froome this year and the other way round next, just thought of that after watching slaying the badger the other day

Very very doubtful.
That's all the 'behind closed doors' stuff.

Froome as (hopefully) defending champion won't be working for anyone next year.
G as others have said is likely to be Sky's man main for the Giro.

As it stands CF is so much better than G, and with a minimal age difference they aren't going to have a, handing over the baton, Slaying the Badger, type Tour.

If G wants to lead the Tour it'll either be through injury to Froome or riding elsewhere, neither seem likely.

 

[Bold Seagull]

So could there be a deal between the 2 of them for G to help Froome this year and the other way round next, just thought of that after watching slaying the badger the other day

G is a long way off the performance of Froome in a grand tour. LeMond had already showed he could beat Hinault, as Froome had already shown he could beat Wiggins in both the Vuelta 2011, and Le Tour in 2012. The most likely scenario is that G leads Sky in the Vuelta this year, and Giro next to see how he goes. G is very good, but Froome is exceptional, who will no doubt will want to try to rack up as many Tour victories as he can.

 

[Stat Brother]

But does he have to get the power back on so early because he carries so little speed in to the corners? I think that is his problem here, admittedly this was only a small mistake, but he does not seem to see the line, apex etc on every corner. I think he is fine if he has someone to follow but left to his own devices he is stuffed.

It was an odd one.
I haven't repeat watched, but if anything he looked like he somehow managed to jack-knife a bike.
Which in itself takes some doing.

Personally I can't think of anything worse than a new descent without a wheel to follow.
I'm so wary of the road condition, over here, I'd be a mess if I also had to add a cliff face or sheer drop into the equation.

That said there's nothing finer than bombing down Coldean Lane at 45 mph.

 

[Stat Brother]

Tour de France 2015 Stage 18: Gap - Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, 186.5 km





Stats & Facts

In terms of major climbs, first category and above, the Tour passes halfway today. Before the start, the riders have climbed seven, with seven to go.
There are seven categorised climbs in today’s stage, which is the highest number in the 2015 Tour. Stage 11 is in second place with six.
Two kilometres from the finish line, as the riders enter St Jean de Maurienne, the Tour clocks up 3,000 kilometres.

Prognostication
Luckily this is great racing because it'll be the same as yesterday, and the same again tomorrow.

If Contador has anything left in the tank, we might see it today.
But other than anything untoward happening, as you were.

Maybe NSC's finest Ryder will have an eye on todays stage.

 

[Bold Seagull]

It was an odd one.
I haven't repeat watched, but if anything he looked like he somehow managed to jack-knife a bike.
Which in itself takes some doing.

You don't trust my theory!?

 

[Fignon's Ponytail]

Really looking forward to todays stage - unfortunately at work so I cant put my feet up with a beer or snacks, but lucky that I can watch the itv4 coverage on my pc in the office.

Excited to see the Glandon (what a beast!) followed by the winding Les Lacets de Montvernier....possibly the most gorgeous climb on the tour this year IMO, even if its not that long or that hard. Would love to go and ride it one day...

Who do people have down for the win today? (I've not done well at all with predictions so far!)

I've been very disappointed by Europcar - they normally show themselves well at the front each year, but there hasn't been anything to shout about so far really....which is why I reckon its a perfect day for a Tommy V attack - if his legs are still up for it.

He's been quieter this year than most other TDF (age catching up at last?) but it wouldn't surprise me to see him spring a break on this stage...

 

[Bombadier Botty]

In related news, this little bargain beauty is now in stock:

http://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-...261076393&mc_cid=9054438054&mc_eid=1be4c0aa34

 

[Fignon's Ponytail]

In related news, this little bargain beauty is now in stock:

http://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-...261076393&mc_cid=9054438054&mc_eid=1be4c0aa34

That's a great price for a really good looking machine....very tempted.

 

[Stat Brother]

You don't trust my theory!?

Ok Princess, calm down

I just hadn't studied it to comment.
As said my first and only impression defies science.

He locked both wheels, sent them towards the edge, while somehow managing to propel the frame in the opposite direction.
Fook knows how you do that!!!

 

[Bombadier Botty]

That's a great price for a really good looking machine....very tempted.

The 2015 one sold out quickly and I missed out, but I ordered one of these yesterday. Bargain for the spec.

 

[Triggaaar]

ITV vs Eurosport coverage - which is best, and why?

 

[Bold Seagull]

ITV vs Eurosport coverage - which is best, and why?

ITV. Because I don't have Eurosport!

 

[Bold Seagull]

Ok Princess, calm down

I just hadn't studied it to comment.
As said my first and only impression defies science.

He locked both wheels, sent them towards the edge, while somehow managing to propel the frame in the opposite direction.
Fook knows how you do that!!!

I can tell you, he puts the power down, changes the coefficient of friction between his rear tyre and the road, which as soon as that slips sends the rest of the bike all over the road. Simples.

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

Right, can't find the exact posts to quote but -

Vino slagged of Nibs to try and motivate him. He's contracted for next year so there's no way Vino will let him off his contract, he want Nibali to buy himself out.

Everyone is on the G love-in but he's actually a less accomplished GT performer than Porte, who everyone is calling sh*t now! Froome is streets ahead of him and, as people haven't mentioned, the same age! Only injury or scandal will dislodge Froome from Sky and put G at the top - a stab at the Giro is his best hope but I don't think he's explosive enough.

He's much older than Quintana...and Aru...and the Yates brothers will kick on from here. Don't mean to piss on anyone's bonfire but I don't think G will win a GT.

 

[Bold Seagull]

Right, can't find the exact posts to quote but -

Vino slagged of Nibs to try and motivate him. He's contracted for next year so there's no way Vino will let him off his contract, he want Nibali to buy himself out.

Everyone is on the G love-in but he's actually a less accomplished GT performer than Porte, who everyone is calling sh*t now! Froome is streets ahead of him and, as people haven't mentioned, the same age! Only injury or scandal will dislodge Froome from Sky and put G at the top - a stab at the Giro is his best hope but I don't think he's explosive enough.

He's much older than Quintana...and Aru...and the Yates brothers will kick on from here. Don't mean to piss on anyone's bonfire but I don't think G will win a GT.

I completely agree, and I do genuinely also have a bit man-love for the G-man, but I don't think he can touch the top GC riders. He had a great chance at the Tour de Suisse and just came up short. He needs to win one of these big stage races if he's going to prove he can win a GT. I don't think you can look at his age as much though, he's only 100% committed to the road in the last 4 years or so, and has transformed himself into a formidable climber. Could very much be a late bloomer, but perhaps not quite a GT winner. He's still great though.

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

I love the Eurosport commentary talking about DeGendt as a long range break specialist! He won one stage of the Giro, 3 years ago with a long range break !

 

[Fignon's Ponytail]

...and then promptly went out the back when the Glandon started!
Tough day in the saddle today, but "chapeau" Romain...."chapeau"!