Bike Racing

[PeteS]

I had never heard of him either.
Every day is a school day so they say.

[Witton Park]

I don't know what impresses me more, that Marco knew, or that Graeme didn't

[Witton Park]

Haven't got in to the grove of watching the live racing yet.

Life still settling down after house move and hope to get better organised during the course of this week.

Enjoyed catching up on the GCN+ extended highlights though this week.

The old Sky wouldn't have let themselves get caught in that crash on Stage 3 so close to the finish.

It'll be interesting to see how Evanpoel copes as the Tour goes on. He looks very strong at the moment, but so did Pogacar at the TdF last year.
Despite time lost, I've got a sneaky for Tao GH.

[Marco]

Haven't got in to the grove of watching the live racing yet.

I haven't either, as despite being around 42 miles from the Welsh border we can't get S4C here

It'll be interesting to see how Evanpoel copes as the Tour goes on. He looks very strong at the moment, but so did Pogacar at the TdF last year.
Despite time lost, I've got a sneaky for Tao GH.

I think it's Evenepoel's to lose. The fact he's lost the lead today is not of concern; it just means his team haven't got to chase.

Looking down the standings, it's not that strong a field for a race of this stature. Whilst I think Tao could improve on his current position, I think the win is beyond him. Ineos are no longer a really top team, and they seem to have two leaders rather than one undisputed leader. The route doesn't look that difficult either and, sorry to say it Graham, there is a distinct possibility of it becoming a parade for Evenepoel.

[PeteS]

I haven't either, as despite being around 42 miles from the Welsh border we can't get S4C here



I think it's Evenepoel's to lose. The fact he's lost the lead today is not of concern; it just means his team haven't got to chase.

Looking down the standings, it's not that strong a field for a race of this stature. Whilst I think Tao could improve on his current position, I think the win is beyond him. Ineos are no longer a really top team, and they seem to have two leaders rather than one undisputed leader. The route doesn't look that difficult either and, sorry to say it Graham, there is a distinct possibility of it becoming a parade for Evenepoel.

2 crashes for Evenepoel can't have done much good but he still looks like the one to beat. Roglic is having some bad luck and I don't see any other contenders for top spot. I also don't get the 2 leader approach from some teams. If you want to win a GT, then you have to go all in. Though you would have to agree that tactic paid off for G at the TdeF.

[Graham Breeze]

2 crashes for Evenepoel can't have done much good but he still looks like the one to beat. .

You may be right...but he made an awful fuss about the crashes. Nearly as big a cry baby as Cavendish. Oh no. It is he who knocks other riders off isn't it. Sorry.

Eve is not averse to a hissy fit and a sulk and he may just say "if I can't win without bruises then I just will not ride and see if I care!"

[Marco]

Eve is not averse to a hissy fit and a sulk and he may just say "if I can't win without bruises then I just will not ride and see if I care!"

I would have agreed with you before last years Vuelta a España, but he visibly grew up before our eyes during that race to win it.

I don't think he's the finished article, and I don't think he's as good as Tadej Pogačar was before his crash, but based on the today's result, where he finished top of the contenders, I think he's pretty determined to win the Giro and it's up to the others to try and beat him.

[PeteS]

I don't think today's stage showed us much in terms of GC aspirations but I think Evenepoel can mark all the contenders and sit on them. He has no need to attack but obviously has the ability if required.

[Llani Boy]

Isn't it strange how the mind works?

Hugh Carthy, shitting himself about the cable car descent off the mountain today but is quite happy to ride at breakneck speed down a sliver of tarmac with massive drops to the side on two narrow bits of rubber!

[PeteS]

Well I was going post about what a great ITT it was yesterday and especially in such appalling conditions. However, the news this morning is all about Remco's abandonment of the Giro having tested positive for covid. That leaves G in pink with Roglic only 2 seconds down and TGH on 5. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the mountains with Jumbo having arguably the stronger team but with Ineos having the tactical upper hand with 2 riders in contention.