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Post by Bod on Jul 18, 2022 19:39:17 GMT
Into the Pyrenees tomorrow.
179km stage and all the significant climbing in the final 50km or so. Port de Lers is not super tough and Mur de Peguere is a mixed bag. The first 5km are standard but the next 3km average out at 12% before a long descent into the finish. In theory, tomorrow shouldn’t really be a big GC battle day but who knows this year? A breakaway with representation from Jumbo makes sense for them so they don’t have to chase, but something does make me wonder if Ineos may have a little dart at a sneaky move. Nothing spectacular, more of a tentative dig by Yates maybe? Yates sacrificing himself for Thomas at some point as the first point of attack seems logical to me as Ineos don’t have the luxury of trying to protect both riders in pursuit of securing the third place. Even with my most positive head on, if Pogacar and Vingegaard hammer each other to a standstill, I still don’t think that Thomas could capitalise.
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Post by salopstick on Jul 18, 2022 19:41:36 GMT
Into the Pyrenees tomorrow. 179km stage and all the significant climbing in the final 50km or so. Port de Lers is not super tough and Mur de Peguere is a mixed bag. The first 5km are standard but the next 3km average out at 12% before a long descent into the finish. In theory, tomorrow shouldn’t really be a big GC battle day but who knows this year? A breakaway with representation from Jumbo makes sense for them so they don’t have to chase, but something does make me wonder if Ineos may have a little dart at a sneaky move. Nothing spectacular, more of a tentative dig by Yates maybe? Yates sacrificing himself for Thomas at some point as the first point of attack seems logical to me as Ineos don’t have the luxury of trying to protect both riders in pursuit of securing the third place. Even with my most positive head on, if Pogacar and Vingegaard hammer each other to a standstill, I still don’t think that Thomas could capitalise. Like I said yesterday mate. I dont think he wants to
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Post by deeside2 on Jul 18, 2022 19:54:14 GMT
I don't think Thomas would be able to capitalise even if the opportunity presented itself. He looks like he's going to try to hang on to 3rd place although he's only 18 seconds ahead of Bardet right now. There is a time trial still to come though which he should take time out of Bardet. I think the final podium will be as it stands at the present time. (Cue massive attack from Pogacar !). I'm also ruling out any late moves from my mate Nairo !
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Post by Bod on Jul 18, 2022 20:00:59 GMT
Into the Pyrenees tomorrow. 179km stage and all the significant climbing in the final 50km or so. Port de Lers is not super tough and Mur de Peguere is a mixed bag. The first 5km are standard but the next 3km average out at 12% before a long descent into the finish. In theory, tomorrow shouldn’t really be a big GC battle day but who knows this year? A breakaway with representation from Jumbo makes sense for them so they don’t have to chase, but something does make me wonder if Ineos may have a little dart at a sneaky move. Nothing spectacular, more of a tentative dig by Yates maybe? Yates sacrificing himself for Thomas at some point as the first point of attack seems logical to me as Ineos don’t have the luxury of trying to protect both riders in pursuit of securing the third place. Even with my most positive head on, if Pogacar and Vingegaard hammer each other to a standstill, I still don’t think that Thomas could capitalise. Like I said yesterday mate. I dont think he wants to I think he has no intention of attacking for the win but he will ride very hard to secure third as he would be confident of not blowing up against Bardet Gaudu or Meintjes and knows that he could batter Quintana in the final TT.
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Post by Bod on Jul 18, 2022 20:05:45 GMT
Just to add, some good chat in here which makes the race a lot more interesting when we get a range of opinions. We can all agree that Mas is a wheelsucking shitbag though can’t we? If he ever put his nose in the wind I’m convinced he’d stack it due to confusion.
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Post by salopstick on Jul 18, 2022 20:28:26 GMT
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Post by salopstick on Jul 18, 2022 20:29:15 GMT
Just to add, some good chat in here which makes the race a lot more interesting when we get a range of opinions. We can all agree that Mas is a wheelsucking shitbag though can’t we? If he ever put his nose in the wind I’m convinced he’d stack it due to confusion. How much cycling do you do mate
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Post by Bod on Jul 18, 2022 21:30:27 GMT
Just to add, some good chat in here which makes the race a lot more interesting when we get a range of opinions. We can all agree that Mas is a wheelsucking shitbag though can’t we? If he ever put his nose in the wind I’m convinced he’d stack it due to confusion. How much cycling do you do mate Nowadays? Next to nothing of note. I raced for a while and was a very, very average 3rd cat rider. I swapped cycling for running, but now enjoy just going out for 2 or 3 hours just to keep my hand in and do some interval work to hopefully get a little carryover to running.
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Post by salopstick on Jul 18, 2022 21:32:31 GMT
How much cycling do you do mate Nowadays? Next to nothing of note. I raced for a while and was a very, very average 3rd cat rider. I swapped cycling for running, but now enjoy just going out for 2 or 3 hours just to keep my hand in and do some interval work to hopefully get a little carryover to running. Never been good enough to race but I enjoy a weekly 10TT around 25 mins on a road bike good enough for a work out. Apart from that I love 100 mile + endurance sportives
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Post by Bod on Jul 18, 2022 21:49:31 GMT
Nowadays? Next to nothing of note. I raced for a while and was a very, very average 3rd cat rider. I swapped cycling for running, but now enjoy just going out for 2 or 3 hours just to keep my hand in and do some interval work to hopefully get a little carryover to running. Never been good enough to race but I enjoy a weekly 10TT around 25 mins on a road bike good enough for a work out. Apart from that I love 100 mile + endurance sportives Good time for the TT and I’ve got big respect for anyone who is capable doing 100 miles. 👍
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Post by Bod on Jul 19, 2022 12:49:25 GMT
Big breakaway with a 6 minute lead. Some heavy hitters in there too, including Vlasov who has seemingly taken a shit or bust approach. He needs 1 min 40 ish to move ahead of Pidcock on GC and into 8th place. Not sure if t’s a wise move or not and if I was in the break I wouldn’t be happy about him being there as he’s 10 mins off yellow. The next nearest is Powless at 18 mins which doesn’t present the same issues.
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Post by thepremierbanksy on Jul 19, 2022 12:53:24 GMT
Nowadays? Next to nothing of note. I raced for a while and was a very, very average 3rd cat rider. I swapped cycling for running, but now enjoy just going out for 2 or 3 hours just to keep my hand in and do some interval work to hopefully get a little carryover to running. Never been good enough to race but I enjoy a weekly 10TT around 25 mins on a road bike good enough for a work out. Apart from that I love 100 mile + endurance sportives Salop is being rather modest here (I don't know him in real life, but I do follow him on Strava). This year alone he did six ascents of Ventoux in one day (well over 8000m climbing). And has done a couple of rides >300km to boot.
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Post by Bod on Jul 19, 2022 13:02:23 GMT
Never been good enough to race but I enjoy a weekly 10TT around 25 mins on a road bike good enough for a work out. Apart from that I love 100 mile + endurance sportives Salop is being rather modest here (I don't know him in real life, but I do follow him on Strava). This year alone he did six ascents of Ventoux in one day (well over 8000m climbing). And has done a couple of rides >300km to boot. He certainly is hiding his light under a bushel there. I’ve seen his exploits in other posts and he’s the bollocks. That Ventoux ride was legendary stuff.
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Post by marylandstoke on Jul 19, 2022 13:31:51 GMT
Never been good enough to race but I enjoy a weekly 10TT around 25 mins on a road bike good enough for a work out. Apart from that I love 100 mile + endurance sportives Salop is being rather modest here (I don't know him in real life, but I do follow him on Strava). This year alone he did six ascents of Ventoux in one day (well over 8000m climbing). And has done a couple of rides >300km to boot. I was thinking the other day that someone on here had said, in years gone by, that they been up Ventoux. Chapeau to both Bod and Salop.
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Post by Bod on Jul 19, 2022 14:44:51 GMT
Movistar move to the front, put the hammer down for 3km and succeed only in dropping Mas 😂 You couldn’t make this shit up. I’ll also be amazed if someone doesn’t come off on the descent.
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Post by Bod on Jul 19, 2022 14:52:48 GMT
Movistar move to the front, put the hammer down for 3km and succeed only in dropping Mas 😂 You couldn’t make this shit up. I’ll also be amazed if someone doesn’t come off on the descent. Quoting myself like a twat, but Jorgenson has crashed. The leader was just at that horrible distance where taking an extra risk as a pursuer seemed worth it.
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Post by salopstick on Jul 19, 2022 15:23:23 GMT
Never been good enough to race but I enjoy a weekly 10TT around 25 mins on a road bike good enough for a work out. Apart from that I love 100 mile + endurance sportives Salop is being rather modest here (I don't know him in real life, but I do follow him on Strava). This year alone he did six ascents of Ventoux in one day (well over 8000m climbing). And has done a couple of rides >300km to boot. Cheers Mate. I don’t find anything of it easy It wasn’t easy but I trained hard for it. I’ve lost 20kg since starting 7 years ago. I absolutely hate climbing but you’ve got to do it to get better. I’m 85kg if I could get down to under 80 it may be easier. I’m a diesel that’s all.
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Post by salopstick on Jul 19, 2022 15:24:22 GMT
Great stage. Thomas still in a position to get some bollocks and attack a stage
Rode that hill well
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Post by Bod on Jul 19, 2022 16:53:46 GMT
Great stage. Thomas still in a position to get some bollocks and attack a stage Rode that hill well Today showed very clearly where Ineos’ priorities lie and rightly so I think. Martinez dragged that front (chasing) group along in the descent and Yates was left with no possibility of getting back on. It’s debatable whether he could have managed it anyway, but it didn’t help Yates at all. However, it did increase the gap on GC from Thomas to Bardet and Meintjes so made sense to me.
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Post by salopstick on Jul 19, 2022 16:54:39 GMT
Salop is being rather modest here (I don't know him in real life, but I do follow him on Strava). This year alone he did six ascents of Ventoux in one day (well over 8000m climbing). And has done a couple of rides >300km to boot. He certainly is hiding his light under a bushel there. I’ve seen his exploits in other posts and he’s the bollocks. That Ventoux ride was legendary stuff. Honestly mate I really wish I was.
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Post by salopstick on Jul 19, 2022 16:56:00 GMT
Great stage. Thomas still in a position to get some bollocks and attack a stage Rode that hill well Today showed very clearly where Ineos’ priorities lie and rightly so I think. Martinez dragged that front (chasing) group along in the descent and Yates was left with no possibility of getting back on. It’s debatable whether he could have managed it anyway, but it didn’t help Yates at all. However, it did increase the distance to Bardet and Meintjes so made sense to me. I don’t think Quintana can catch him so they have very little to lose. If ineos could crack vinnegard Wednesday or Thursday they have a chance on the time trial
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Post by deeside2 on Jul 19, 2022 20:02:12 GMT
I've been disappointed and critical with Ineos so far but I think they're actually playing a good tactical race, certainly as far as G is concerned. They need to have a go on Wednesday or Thursday which could leave things a lot tighter coming in to the time trial. I personally can't see Thomas gaining enough time but it at least makes things more interesting in these closing stages.
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Post by Bod on Jul 19, 2022 20:13:03 GMT
I've been disappointed and critical with Ineos so far but I think they're actually playing a good tactical race, certainly as far as G is concerned. They need to have a go on Wednesday or Thursday which could leave things a lot tighter coming in to the time trial. I personally can't see Thomas gaining enough time but it at least makes things more interesting in these closing stages. I’m not really sure what Ineos could have done once Martinez was ill. Yates and Thomas don’t have the capacity to put in and sustain stinging attacks and Martinez was the perfect foil to that. Martinez for the sharp digs which rivals have to follow and Thomas works his way to them at his own pace, repeat, repeat, repeat. I’m also not convinced that they know exactly the best way to ride a GT when they don’t have the strongest riders or the strongest team. The formula used to be fairly straightforward in terms of getting the train rolling and watching people either under the pressure but the nature of racing has shifted a little and that isn’t always the solution. I just see Thomas in consolidation mode. Riding for third with an eye of third as the primary objective and anything more than that will be a bonus. I’m much more interested in seeing what Pogacar and Vingegaard do tomorrow and Thursday. I thought at the end of last week that everyone else has reconciled themselves with a third place at the very, very best and recognise the futility of battling against the top two.
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Post by deeside2 on Jul 19, 2022 20:20:22 GMT
I've been disappointed and critical with Ineos so far but I think they're actually playing a good tactical race, certainly as far as G is concerned. They need to have a go on Wednesday or Thursday which could leave things a lot tighter coming in to the time trial. I personally can't see Thomas gaining enough time but it at least makes things more interesting in these closing stages. I’m not really sure what Ineos could have done once Martinez was ill. Yates and Thomas don’t have the capacity to put in and sustain stinging attacks and Martinez was the perfect foil to that. Martinez for the sharp digs which rivals have to follow and Thomas works his way to them at his own pace, repeat, repeat, repeat. I’m also not convinced that they know exactly the best way to ride a GT when they don’t have the strongest riders or the strongest team. The formula used to be fairly straightforward in terms of getting the train rolling and watching people either under the pressure but the nature of racing has shifted a little and that isn’t always the solution. I just see Thomas in consolidation mode. Riding for third with an eye of third as the primary objective and anything more than that will be a bonus. I’m much more interested in seeing what Pogacar and Vingegaard do tomorrow and Thursday. I thought at the end of last week that everyone else has reconciled themselves with a third place at the very, very best and recognise the futility of battling against the top two. I said yesterday that I think the final podium will be as it is now. Pogacar will continue to have a go but I can't see Vingegaard cracking that badly. Having said that I didn't think Pogacar would crack like he did. Will we ever see the day when Ineos regain top spot with the strongest team, or have they had their period of dominance ?
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Post by Bod on Jul 19, 2022 20:49:22 GMT
I’m not really sure what Ineos could have done once Martinez was ill. Yates and Thomas don’t have the capacity to put in and sustain stinging attacks and Martinez was the perfect foil to that. Martinez for the sharp digs which rivals have to follow and Thomas works his way to them at his own pace, repeat, repeat, repeat. I’m also not convinced that they know exactly the best way to ride a GT when they don’t have the strongest riders or the strongest team. The formula used to be fairly straightforward in terms of getting the train rolling and watching people either under the pressure but the nature of racing has shifted a little and that isn’t always the solution. I just see Thomas in consolidation mode. Riding for third with an eye of third as the primary objective and anything more than that will be a bonus. I’m much more interested in seeing what Pogacar and Vingegaard do tomorrow and Thursday. I thought at the end of last week that everyone else has reconciled themselves with a third place at the very, very best and recognise the futility of battling against the top two. I said yesterday that I think the final podium will be as it is now. Pogacar will continue to have a go but I can't see Vingegaard cracking that badly. Having said that I didn't think Pogacar would crack like he did. Will we ever see the day when Ineos regain top spot with the strongest team, or have they had their period of dominance ? It’s a damn good question. I said in the 2021 TDF thread that I’d love to see Ineos take the Classics seriously and they now have that opportunity and I’d like to see it too. Pidcock, Turner, Sheffield, Narvaez, Ganna and Hayter maybe, is not a bad starting point! Bernal has to be the GC focal point and then start to play the long game and see how other young GC riders come though like Rodrigues. Tullett, Dunbar and see what happens with Heiduk. I do think that the aura and intimidation factor has gone though. Riders don’t hit the panic button when they see them on the front now I’m comparison to a few years ago.
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Post by salopstick on Jul 19, 2022 20:50:13 GMT
I’m not really sure what Ineos could have done once Martinez was ill. Yates and Thomas don’t have the capacity to put in and sustain stinging attacks and Martinez was the perfect foil to that. Martinez for the sharp digs which rivals have to follow and Thomas works his way to them at his own pace, repeat, repeat, repeat. I’m also not convinced that they know exactly the best way to ride a GT when they don’t have the strongest riders or the strongest team. The formula used to be fairly straightforward in terms of getting the train rolling and watching people either under the pressure but the nature of racing has shifted a little and that isn’t always the solution. I just see Thomas in consolidation mode. Riding for third with an eye of third as the primary objective and anything more than that will be a bonus. I’m much more interested in seeing what Pogacar and Vingegaard do tomorrow and Thursday. I thought at the end of last week that everyone else has reconciled themselves with a third place at the very, very best and recognise the futility of battling against the top two. I said yesterday that I think the final podium will be as it is now. Pogacar will continue to have a go but I can't see Vingegaard cracking that badly. Having said that I didn't think Pogacar would crack like he did. Will we ever see the day when Ineos regain top spot with the strongest team, or have they had their period of dominance ? Depends how Bernal comes back
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Post by salopstick on Jul 19, 2022 20:53:11 GMT
Also it’s a longer 40km TT so more opportunity to gain time than say a 16km
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Post by Bod on Jul 19, 2022 21:08:54 GMT
I said yesterday that I think the final podium will be as it is now. Pogacar will continue to have a go but I can't see Vingegaard cracking that badly. Having said that I didn't think Pogacar would crack like he did. Will we ever see the day when Ineos regain top spot with the strongest team, or have they had their period of dominance ? Depends how Bernal comes back If he doesn’t, then Ineos need to get the cash out and buy Ayuso out of his contract 😂
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Post by salopstick on Jul 20, 2022 18:06:52 GMT
I've been disappointed and critical with Ineos so far but I think they're actually playing a good tactical race, certainly as far as G is concerned. They need to have a go on Wednesday or Thursday which could leave things a lot tighter coming in to the time trial. I personally can't see Thomas gaining enough time but it at least makes things more interesting in these closing stages. I’m disappointed in G all tour. Not prepared to dig in and take the odd risk I would be surprised if he ever gets to lead a team into a grand tour again
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Post by deeside2 on Jul 20, 2022 18:22:22 GMT
I've been disappointed and critical with Ineos so far but I think they're actually playing a good tactical race, certainly as far as G is concerned. They need to have a go on Wednesday or Thursday which could leave things a lot tighter coming in to the time trial. I personally can't see Thomas gaining enough time but it at least makes things more interesting in these closing stages. I’m disappointed in G all tour. Not prepared to dig in and take the odd risk I would be surprised if he ever gets to lead a team into a grand tour again I agree, he's been playing it safe all Tour, and certainly ever since he got 3rd place in the G.C. I'm surprised he's actually been able to get 3rd but had hoped he'd at least have made one or two serious attacks.
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