LOL - you jest, surely?
Criterium du Dauphiné, 8-15 June 2014 ***spoilers***
- Thread starter smutchin
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Pedrosanchezo
Veteran
- Location
- Perthshire, scotland
Anyone know where to start?
Pedrosanchezo
Veteran
- Location
- Perthshire, scotland
Flying_Monkey
Recyclist
- Location
- Odawa
Froome was clearly affected far more by that crash that has was admitting - it seems that Sky knew what was likely to happen today, hence their getting two of their strongest riders in the break and ultimately going for the stage. Contrary to some here (and practically all of Alberto's personal fan club on Cyclingnews), I think Contador and Saxo really messed that up. Sure, it was exciting seeing him try to catch up on his own, but he and his team shouldn't have let him get in that position in the first place. Yesterday he had the race in the bag. It speaks of a certain arrogance and/or tactical failure in underestimating Talansky in particular. Talansky rode a spectacular race today, as did the young rider trio of Yates, Bardet and Kelderman.
No one said they didn't though. Just it was an epic but ultimately foolhardy chase. In fact surprise that the situation had developed was expressed.
It was certainly a mistake to lose the GC today but Tinkoff will be pleased with Contador's extremely strong form, especially seeing as they sent a very weak team to the race to support him, one where there was no Kreuziger, Majka, Roche or Rogers. If Contador can show the form he did this weekend in Tdf and Rogers and Majka maintain their Giro form then the Tour has just been blown wide open.
Pedrosanchezo
Veteran
- Location
- Perthshire, scotland
Contador said before the stage that winning the Dauphine was NOT important to him. The TDF is! With that in mind you could at very best consider Berti's 2nd place disappointing. More interesting though is just how different a rider he is to last year. As Yoda might say - "A breeze for Chris Froome this will be not". He has a MAJOR challenger in Alberto who is not only as strong as him, at least, in the mountains but also has a superior tactical instinct.
Last but not least, Contador had a pretty weak team at this race. The TDF will see his A team in full support. That will make a substantial difference.
DooDah
Veteran
- Location
- France, now Northamptonshire
Pedrosanchezo
Veteran
- Location
- Perthshire, scotland
Dono, i'm vegetarian.Agreed.........and how is the steak in Yorkshire??
RobNewcastle
Senior Member
Whatever you think about him, Contador's willingness to attack is impressive, the way he just goes for it is proper ballsy. He's clearly in impressive form and that makes for an exciting tour ahead.
However the difference between Froome before that crash and after is like night and day. He looked a completely different rider. He's mentioned it affected him but not offered it as an excuse and rightly so. I'm pretty convinced the Froome pre crash would've closed the gap yesterday or atleast got very close. He was obviously struggling a lot.
I guess all the questions will be answered soon anyway but Sky know now they have a full on battle on their hands. I think Contador probably also knows he's more than likely to face the Ventoux/Axe 3 Domains Froome come the mountains in the tour. Fascinating stuff.
However the difference between Froome before that crash and after is like night and day. He looked a completely different rider. He's mentioned it affected him but not offered it as an excuse and rightly so. I'm pretty convinced the Froome pre crash would've closed the gap yesterday or atleast got very close. He was obviously struggling a lot.
I guess all the questions will be answered soon anyway but Sky know now they have a full on battle on their hands. I think Contador probably also knows he's more than likely to face the Ventoux/Axe 3 Domains Froome come the mountains in the tour. Fascinating stuff.
Great stage, great entertainment.
I don't quite believe Bertie didn't 'want to win' that's politician-speak if y'ask me.
Why was he chasing the stage leaders once he'd shown Froome a clean pair of heels if he wasn't bothered?
That said, he gave Talansky a very sporting pat on the back on the podium.
I don't quite believe Bertie didn't 'want to win' that's politician-speak if y'ask me.
Why was he chasing the stage leaders once he'd shown Froome a clean pair of heels if he wasn't bothered?
That said, he gave Talansky a very sporting pat on the back on the podium.
:
