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nickyboy
Norven Mankey
I've enjoyed watching the full race coverage. Often the fight to get into the break is one of the most exciting bits of action
But...I really don't like this idea of teams blocking the road to let a break get away. I think the race commissares should outlaw it. You wouldn't get away with it on a narrow climb if say an Ineos rider went on the attack and his team blocked the road to prevent others countering the attack so why is it ok on the flat?
But...I really don't like this idea of teams blocking the road to let a break get away. I think the race commissares should outlaw it. You wouldn't get away with it on a narrow climb if say an Ineos rider went on the attack and his team blocked the road to prevent others countering the attack so why is it ok on the flat?
Grant Fondo
Guru
Catching up this morning, terrific mountain stage by Dan Martin yesterday 
, bit flatter today, anyone fancy a punt as it should suit the sprinters?
I'm going another stage win for Vendrame.
Favourites 18th stage 2021 Giro d’Italia
*** Patrick Bevin, Diego Ulissi, Rémi Cavagna, Taco van der Hoorn
** Mikkel Honoré, Jan Tratnik, Andrea Pasqualon, Edoardo Affini
* Peter Sagan, Andrea Vendrame, Enrico Battaglin, Nikias Arndt
, bit flatter today, anyone fancy a punt as it should suit the sprinters?I'm going another stage win for Vendrame.
Favourites 18th stage 2021 Giro d’Italia
*** Patrick Bevin, Diego Ulissi, Rémi Cavagna, Taco van der Hoorn
** Mikkel Honoré, Jan Tratnik, Andrea Pasqualon, Edoardo Affini
* Peter Sagan, Andrea Vendrame, Enrico Battaglin, Nikias Arndt
OP
OP
Adam4868
Guru
I take your point but unfortunately it's part of the sport and it's tactics...they can outlaw it if they choose,they can fine riders if they want for obstructing or some similar wording.
Sagan got fined and docked UCI points today for something similar...intimidation,bullying.
Milzy
Guru
Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) was docked 50 UCI points and fined 1000 CHF for "Intimidation, improper conduct against other riders" according to the Giro d'Italia stage 18 race jury communiqué.
I thinking blocking is fine but don’t bully riders. This guy is like a squeaky clean hero to the world but now looks like a right nobber.
OP
OP
Adam4868
Guru
He's not really arsed which is a shame.Might as well just sit in the bunch and claim the points jersey.Would of been nice for him to try for a win ?
Chislenko
Veteran
Only watched last 30km.
Anybody who sat through 225 Kms of what was basically a "club run" has my admiration.
matticus
Guru
Well ... squeaky clean since the Podium Girl Incident.
I like the guy, but he does make mistakes, and isn't the smartest rider in the peloton.
(And I think blocking is obviously cheating; it's probably already in breach of some ambiguously worded rule, but ignored for years 🤦♀️
Milzy
Guru
Racing car drivers have to block for defending tactics but if it’s done in a dangerous manner may be penalised.
matticus
Guru
Yeah, in motorsport there are actually rules about how you can "block" (although a lot of fans seem unaware of this, perhaps preferring a chariot-racing style from the movies) e.g. you can't just weave around on a straight making it impossible for anyone to pass!
In bike racing it just shouldn't be part of the contest; it's about your lungs and legs, plus a bit of tactics around drafting.
(track-racing is more closely defined e.g. you cannot come out beyond the "sprinter's line" when you are ahead, and many people are DQed for this. But I think the "unwritten" rules are the same; if you are ahead you can choose the shortest/fastest line, but you can't impede another rider for advantage.)
OP
OP
Adam4868
Guru
Racing is tactical,especially on a GT....there's a reason why it was called chess on wheels 😁
