We’re days away from the start in Dusseldorf and the teams are announced.
European national champions have been awarded their colors.
The “warm up” races are over and presumably the riders are suitably warm.
What do you want to see, what don’t you want to see, who’s going to surprise you?
Who’s your pick this year?
GC:
KOM:
Green Jersey:
Best Young Rider:
Team Classification:
How will HeavyMetalCyclist entertain us this year? Who shall be worthy? Past “winners” are Fabio Aru, Simon Gerrans, Alberto Contador and Chris Froome - who shall be immortalized this year?
yeah but predicting is difficult, especially about the future.
but everyones’s saying Froome and Porte so I’ll say Froome and Porte
But what I’m really interested in is Gerro vs Bling. I want to see them bump heads even if it is only for 10th place behind Cav, Sagan, Kittel and the rest.
Looking forward to another boring three weeks of controlled racing, Porte to choke when it matters. Sensations to be the fleeting winner. So good that grub gerro got rubbed.
Some of the teams last night needed to have been reading the “Winter / Rain bikes, Fenders” thread.
A real shame to see some key riders crash out on stage 1, fear it plays right into Sky’s hands and will result in a less animated race.
[i]The GC picture put Thomas, Froome and Team Sky in the driving seat. The British WorldTour team posted four riders in the top eight on the stage, in a move that sent a clear message to their rivals. Even Team Sky’s Dave Brailsford couldn’t resist gloating at the line.
“We look vulnerable don’t you think? That’s what everybody’s been saying,” he said.[/i]
Great finish by Bling but from too far back. Sagan often gets accused of going too early but it hasn’t stopped him from winning 5 green jerseys. Maybe mathews should try going too early.
Cav stuck his nose where it didnt fit. Took a soccer dive. He was already on a trajectory to the barriers.
TDF officials look pretty stupid, taking points and bonuses then re-evaluating and then DQ’ing Peto. Seems all a bit flustered really. Demare’s line during the crash was pretty questionable, bit of a chop there also.