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well this happened already during TT recon
oops.
A man with something else on his mind?
Are we doing predictions in here or the other threads?
Hard to know when it's a big event and 4 threads pop up..
I'll hang on a bit until other post in here...
As for the pic, he shouldn't be in the Race whilst the investigations ongoing IMO (I think that about all WADA/UCI investigations, not just him)
well this happened already during TT recon
He couldn’t corner at the same time as taking 37 puffs on his inhaler...
it's not that unusual for a rider to bin it on an unknown TT prologue course, better than in the actual race
I'm no fan per se of froome - but he's my pick for the Maglia Rosa
I really don't think that the jibes at Froome are entirely fair. I mean, he may well have pushed the limits in terms of his medication, but I have a hard time putting that on the same level of cheating as the old Lance-the-Chemical-Cyborg industrial levels of cheating.
Even if the investigation finds against him, I don't think it should nullify his other efforts - including this current attempt at the Giro.
I really don’t think that the jibes at Froome are entirely fair.
Perfectly fair, he's racing for a team that made a big deal about how they were clean, all marginal gains due to rider positioning and training techniques - then it turns out they're as dirty as the rest of them. (Not that I care: I've said it before and I'll say it again, I want to see action, couldn't care less about the drug use).
I'm looking forward to the racing starting so people will have something to talk about other than Froome, trotting out the same old inhaler jokes and pretending to be experts on doping regulations and process...
First Grand Tour of the year baby!
I’m looking forward to the racing starting so people will have something to talk about other than...
Keep up, it started about 45 minutes ago. 😁
Looking down the start list there are quite a few gaps in quite a lot of the teams .. some big names missing, which could mean more opportunities for the smaller squads to take some chances (he says hopefully)
Predictions a bit later..
I'm looking forward to some good racing too. I think Froome/Dumoulin could be a very close battle and make for a very interesting Giro.
The inhaler jokes are a bit tiresome now. They've not changed in 3 months.
I really don’t think that the jibes at Froome are entirely fair.
#mentioningnonames
I didn't mention froome
The inhaler jokes are a bit tiresome now. They’ve not changed in 3 months.
yep, new prescription needed, maybe Brad's couriering a package over?
The inhaler jokes are a bit tiresome now. They’ve not changed in 3 months.
You need to take a deep breath, count to 10 and let it out.
then it turns out they’re as dirty as the rest of them
That's not what's happened at all.
then it turns out they’re as dirty as the rest of them
That’s not what’s happened at all.
Yes, most teams haven’t admitted prescribing illegal drugs for non-existent medical complaints.
Anyway, early days yet but I’m finding the coverage rather uninspiring. (I’d normally prefer to watch any sort of TT as highlights because they tend to be a little boring. IMO!) There don’t seem to be many spectators away from the start-finish. Anybody know what the locals are making of this race?
Hands up all of the asthmatics on here whose performance is improved by taking loads of Ventolin? I for one know it allows me to perform normally but in no way better than I'm capable of. TBH they should have different rules for in and off season as we all know the abuse is linked to taking massive doses in tablet form off season for weight control.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the race but not the ensuing bullshit surrounding any lead by an Asthmatic.
How much Tramadol do you need to take before you fall off riding by yourself in a warm-up on clear roads?
riding by yourself in a warm-up on clear roads?
Did one of the commentators just suggest that these are narrow roads? 😂
'How much Tramadol do you need to take before you fall off riding by yourself in a warm-up on clear roads?'
You clearly have no clue about Tramadol or how cyclists abuse it. Or it would seem, competitive cycling.
You clearly have no clue about Tramadol or how cyclists abuse it. Or it would seem, competitive cycling.
I think you may be wrong about that, unless I’m confusing leggyblonde with someone else.
@slowpuncheur I have seen first hand what it does to racers in races I have been in.
Genuine question: Why would someone use it before the start of a major competition they'd been training for for months (and have very few racing days behind them)? Particularly, a technical short time trial. I understand it's use in TT's for pain relief but that's normally more than a 12 minute effort and on the back of several days racing (see Westra's recent confession of using it at De Panne). Froome's such a strong TTer anyway that he will probably only lose a few seconds to Dennis or whoever wins and likely put a dint into people like Aru, Pinot and Yates anyway. In fact it would suit Sky for him not to take pink today. I think it's more likely he's just f*cked up on a corner and to be fair, he's probably got a lot on his mind! Suitou crashing in recon as well and is going home with a broken bone in his back.
I too think he probably just overcooked it with the stress of his situation in all likelihood. However I have heard user evidence of it working very well in crits and other very intense races (like short TTs), it's not banned, SKY aren't members of MPCC and they certainly "push boundaries" when it comes to preparation so it wouldn't completely surprise me.
If so that's a bit of an eye opener. I can understand the temptation in the one day classics or the back end of stage race but it's a hell of a gamble on a TT rig at 45kmph if you get the dosage a bit wrong. I thought it was a dig at Froome nonetheless and whilst I'm not a Sky apologist, I think there'll be a few more 'local' riders doing a lot worse than an inhaler on this Giro.
Why would someone use it before the start of a major competition they’d been training for for months (and have very few racing days behind them)? Particularly, a technical short time trial
Isn't a technical TT essentially intervals of sprint followed by threshold+ and then very brief 0W recovery. I'm guessing that'd hurt plenty (not suggesting you'd want it for the morning's recce though)
Oh, and Pozzovivo !!??
Is a white kit the wisest choice for Dumoulin, bearing in mind his history? Will he be able to build up the weight of his race bike to the UCI minimum by hiding toilet paper, wet wipes and sanitary gel in the tubes?
Good result - I like Dumoulin.
Is a white kit the wisest choice for Dumoulin, bearing in mind his history?
Is a white kit the wisest choice for Dumoulin, bearing in mind his history?
🙂
That poor guy! Can you imagine going down in history as the cyclist who stopped under those conditions? No one would ever want to shake your hand again!
"Is a white kit the wisest choice for Dumoulin" he doesn't get to choose, he's the world champ so the rules say he has to; but he would choose because the suit will fit him perfectly (and the psychological boost of wearing the bands), there's a train of thought that says if you're the Maglia Rosa you are disadvantaged because the supplied suit won't be as fast because it doesn't fit as well as your team one
also Sunweb have been doing tests to figure out what gives him a dodgy stomach and he's cut out lactose and fructose from his diet which apparently has worked
If you want to hear a great story about bike racers and upset stomachs get a copy of Slaying the Badger
he doesn’t get to choose, he’s the world champ so the rules say blah, blah, blah
Yeah, I know. It was a joke. But please patronise me a little more. Tell me about the other cycling books you’ve read.
Predictions then:
Winner - Fabio Aru
However I want some real highlights from the following:
Simon Yates - has to win one stage that lad.
Alexandre Giniez & Michel Cherel & Matteo Montagutti - these guys I want in the top 20
Astana look like they've brought along a strong middle squad without a leader.
Seb Reichenbach & Thibault Pinot - these guys to feature in a long stage break please
Ellia Viviani - win at least on sprint, possibly two
Robert Gesink & Danny Van Poppel - out in a break and all out for a surprise stage win
Gianluca Brambilla & Jarlinson Pantano - to win a bumpy stage
Kenny Ellisonde - KOM
Can't see the Mov boys putting up much of a fight
Laurens Ten Dam to dribble like a child and Tom Domoulin to be in the top 3.
My predictions over the last few years have been way off, but I love giving it some thought.
Predictions then:
Winner – Fabio Aru
If this happens, I may give my bikes away in disgust. Aru, to me, is the villain of the peloton.
My predictions over the last few years have been way off,
But you’ve named half the peloton above! 😄
You’re putting more thought into it than I am. I’ve looked at the route but not investigated the teams in any real depth, so no predictions from me.
Aru, to me, is the villain of the peloton
He makes my pedaling look like the work of an angel, so he can stay. Won't win anyway so it's fine by me.
This far through and no spoilers. In fact no talking about the TT at all...
This far through and no spoilers. In fact no talking about the TT at all…
Well, I suppose I didn’t shout about it but I did give the result away when I said “Good result - I like Dumoulin”. And a few posts above that when I mentioned the crowds, or lack of. But really, there’s not a huge amount to say about a 13 minute TT.
Good grief, today’s stage is boring. Wide roads, dead straight through a dusty landscape - I haven’t seen a good reason to start in Israel when they have so many options in Italy. I wonder how much the Israeli tourist board paid them? 😁
Blimey, I predicted Viv 👏👏🤠
Yes a boring stage but all grand tours have flat long days - got to give stages for the sprinters to show their stuff. I am rooting for George Bennett for a good GC result - a great rider that seems to be improving all the time. 5th a few weeks ago in the tour of the Alps just one position behind Froome and ahead of Aru. A dark horse but here’s hoping. Not a great prologue result unfortunately but neither Froome or Aru did much better. Go George!!
but all grand tours have flat long days
The Giro in the last few years has managed to get away from that and be interesting from the start - even the Vuelta is moving away from long dusty miles through the desert, with no bends and no spectators. Yesterday felt like a return to the TdF in the 90s. Hopefully today will be better.
Checking the Eurosport listings it looks like they’re airing them from the start each day 😳
What's the weather like in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem?
I think I'll cope with those ads marginally longer than Watchfinder though.
Yes, the ads don’t show much of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, do they? 😁 Obviously aiming at a specific demographic.
Simon Yates in Pink.
👏👏👏👏👏👏💥💥💥💥💥💥💥🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️☄️💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
How bloody awesome is that.
Massive Orica fanboi overload here today!
Just watched Simon Yates drop some of the worlds best including Froome! What a ride, Yates looks fresh and right on form, Froome anything but....
Great finish yesterday.
Well that's been a bit better. 
Awesome riding from Yates to take the lead, also very nice (and foolish?) of him to give Chaves the win on the stage. Team spirit in full effect there.
Froome, well he wasn't quite there... but he was certainly at the pointy end. It still makes me laugh with the commentators "Oh Froome is in trouble...." the second he loses the wheel.. No, he's really not. .He's riding to plan/power, give it a minute before deciding he's finished off. However, WTF is up with team Sky this race. When you consider how strong they've been at times pre-Giro, you'd have thought they'd be a bit better in this one. Weak team for a big event, i'm not seeing the logic in it really. I personally think Froome needs a bit more firepower at the sharp end to win this Giro.
Astana looking strong though as a team that's for sure, but everyone else is just a solo, with Pinot, Dumoulin, etc all single entities with no team-mates at all in the last 10km.
Yates is beasting it. And for small guys the Yates brothers can ride strong TTs. I reckon he's got people worried... Serious contender for the GC.
...also very nice (and foolish?) of him to give Chaves the win on the stage.
Not just the bonus seconds, but it looked like he had to slow up to wait for Chaves. But... he'll have a friend for life. Providing Chaves doesn't get his own ambitions being so close to the GC I think he'll return the favour. Swings and roundabouts.
However, WTF is up with team Sky this race.
This is odd. They were like the North Korean army a few weeks ago, trotting along in formation everywhere they went. Now they're all over the place.
I really enjoyed that stage. Good to see Yates at the pointy end, love to see him go into the longer TT with some good time in the bank as well.
I think it was good to allow Chaves the win, he may concede 4 bonus seconds, but in doing so, he is making a bond stronger in a team which seems to have a good atmosphere, and i think it keeps moral up and means Chavez will probably break himself to help Yates and also keep himself high in GC as insurance too.
Great bit of riding, Jack Haig looks strong for them too.
This is odd. They were like the North Korean army a few weeks ago, trotting along in formation everywhere they went. Now they’re all over the place.
I think something drastic is happening in the Sky Camp ATM.
Froomies current investigation has rattled the Board at Sky, and with thier sell/merger plans in negotiations bad news isn’t helping both moral nor budget considerations and the team have been told something.. possible pull of funding and it’s got the Team who control everything into a uncomfortable lack of motivation. But I’ve said this before, wrong time for Froomie to be pulled into the media spotlight so soon after Wiggo.
BMC are seeking funding or a merger, most riders in there know the structure over at Sky... what’s the option on a SkyBMC merger?
Back to the racing: Toms doing well IMO, in fact all the favourites are keeping a tight lid on effort, the Giro is a tough old race and it’s won by least effort expended until an opportune moment of bravery.
I am quite surprised with my predictions so far though 😜😜🤡
Yates was pure class yesterday. Not just his ride, which was amazing, but ensuring Chaves got the stage win. Yes he may ultimately regret those bonus seconds buy very classy. Is there a person in cycling with a bigger smile than Chaves?
Like that video a lot!
Is there a person in cycling with a bigger smile than Chaves?
While the stage was underway I was thinking he didn't really look like Chaves but there was no mistaking him afterwards. Brilliant team effort, superb final charge by Yates. Maybe they could be the Quickstep of the Grand Tours?
I'm really please for Yates. I quite like the Yates Bros. anyway, but to see Simon doing this well and with such a sportsmanlike demeanour is fantastic. May he maintain his performance level and his class for a long time.
Enjoyed yesterdays highlights, the enthusiasm of the post racer interviewer is great too. Love watching a proper summit finish. Class riding from Yates.
not only great sportsmanship from Yates but also the right thing to do, with Chaves being up the road enabled Yates to sit in and bide his time and hit them hard (but there might have been a bit of not wanting to have to defend the pink jersey this early in the race going on behind much like last year up etna). I'm sure teams will test Mitchelton Scotts resolve/mettle in the coming days it's new territory for them after all.
I think something drastic is happening in the Sky Camp ATM.
Or Froome's gone in undercooked like with the Tour last year. And the main priority is still the Tour so the likes of Kwiato, Thomas, Moscon are being saved for that. And Landa, who's a brilliant rider in his own right, but was a superb climbing domestique has left.
What's kind of interesting and goes a little against your insider speculation, is the way Sky's recruited some of the best young riders out there, notably Bernal, Sivakov and Halvorsen. The first two look like the real deal and Bernal in particular has been really impressive so far this season. Maybe a little young for a crack at a grand tour, but it'd be interesting to see if he gets thrown in for experience if Froome does end up suspended for the Tour or the Vuelta. He looks like the future. Oddly Froome being suspended might make for a more interesting season.
It's interesting, Froome's status as undisputed leader has effectively blocked anyone else coming through at Sky. Landa was unlucky with the Giro in the last two years - illness then a crash - but with Froome targeting the Tour and the Vuelta and now the Giro, there's no GT leader opportunity for anyone else in the team.
Anyway, Yates looked amazing yesterday, but it's early days yet and in the past I seem to remember a couple of sterling performances being followed by a slump - though that might have been his brother, it must help there being two of him...
Here's hoping he holds it together though.
I'm not sure the first week is really an indication of who is going to win unless someone is in super-dominant form. Froome lost time because he crashed and because of the pinch-point delays in Stage 4 (?).
It's very early days.
As for Team Sky... who knows.. maybe they're saving themselves for the big mountains.
As for Team Sky… who knows.. maybe they’re saving themselves for the big mountains.
Could be. Dumoulin is likely to lose time on the biggest climbs, but Yates won’t, and don’t forget Chaves was talked of as being a grand tour winner a little while ago. They are both proper climbers and there’s only one more TT in the race where Froome (and Dumoulin) can gain masses of time vs them. I wouldn’t expect Froome to be happy about losing time to them.
It’s interesting, Froome’s status as undisputed leader has effectively blocked anyone else coming through at Sky. Landa was unlucky with the Giro in the last two years – illness then a crash – but with Froome targeting the Tour and the Vuelta and now the Giro, there’s no GT leader opportunity for anyone else in the team
But realistically they know this before coming into the team anyway. They'll be told, you have a chance of leading for XYZ but not ABC, so they'll be more than aware of their position in the pecking order.
Great video...and a class ride by Yates
But realistically they know this before coming into the team anyway. They’ll be told, you have a chance of leading for XYZ but not ABC, so they’ll be more than aware of their position in the pecking order.
That's true, but it doesn't actually make any difference to the situation. The reality with Sky is that riders who'd be GC leaders in most teams are riding as domestiques because hey, it's a job, they're a good team to work for and money talks up to a point. Finite career, good pay, ambition versus financial gain.
Landa's kind of the exception because he was brought in specifically to lead at the Giro, he was a bit unlucky with how that panned out. It'll be interesting to watch how Bernal develops there, I think he's team leader at the Tour of California starting this weekend, which suggests he's being taken seriously as a not too far in the future GC prospect.
The reality with Sky is that riders who’d be GC leaders in most teams are riding as domestiques because hey, it’s a job,
This gets trotted out a lot and I’m yet to be convinced of the truth of it. Few of them shine once they leave Sky. Yes, they can win the tour of Albania, or wherever, but they’re always outclassed when the big guns turn up. How many ex-Sky riders have won a grand tour?
How many ex-Sky riders have won a grand tour?
well, yeah but how many non-sky riders of any variety have won a grand tour recently
Froome is an ex Sky domestique.
well, yeah but how many non-sky riders of any variety have won a grand tour recently
Dumoulin, Quintana, Aru, Nibali, Contador. Even Horner and Hesjedal managed it. All since 2012 - quite a variety considering the TdF is Sky dominated.
@ IdleJon - yeah, more than I'd thought. Guess which two I forgot ? 😉
You can’t have forgotten about Horner’s win surely? At the age of 76 and not drug assisted? 😂
If Froome can hang on to the leaders by his fingertips then we could still see an eventful last week. It's now more than just Froome vs TomDum too, with Yates a genuine contender, and a few others who could get in the mix, so it could get messy, which'll help Froome (if he can find some form).
You can’t have forgotten about Horner’s win surely? At the age of 76 and not drug assisted
I can't bring myself to believe he was clean but it was a fantastic spectacle.
The reality with Sky is that riders who’d be GC leaders in most teams are riding as domestiques
Cycling history is littered with riders who were good GT domestiques, moved to another (often smaller) team to be a leader and bombed or at least didn't win. It's a common career path.
This gets trotted out a lot and I’m yet to be convinced of the truth of it. Few of them shine once they leave Sky. Yes, they can win the tour of Albania, or wherever, but they’re always outclassed when the big guns turn up. How many ex-Sky riders have won a grand tour?
Being a team leader isn't the same as winning a GT - there are only three GT winners a year obviously, so by that yardstick, most team leaders are failures. The two obvious high calibre ex-Sky riders would be Landa and Porte, I don't think you can argue that they're not class riders? Sure, there are questions over Porte's head when the going gets tough, but he's definitely there or there abouts no? If Thomas had moved on, he'd be in contention as a leader at quite a few teams.
Maybe what I should have said is that Sky can afford to pay for very high quality domestiques. Fair?
blimey, either froome's poorly or he's left the turbo tyre on his back wheel !