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***Official 2023 Pro Cycling Thread*** - The Vuelta will be a Primoz, Vigo, G, Remco mosh pit (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Sand
- Start date
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Yeah I'm not sure if we're going to get peak Tadej / peak Remco at the Tour. It's kind of uncertain either will get in sufficient high altitude training. Maybe it's just typical we have to consider every possibility clickbait but there's speculation if its even likely Evenepoel starts?
IDK even after 25 years of following the sport I don't feel like I have the same depth of understanding as the team sports I grew up with. I don't think it has anything to do with being a casual cyclist. I haven't played DB in 45 years, but doesn't prevent me from being supremely confident about the Top 30 Cornerbacks in the NFL Draft after barely 3 months of research lol.
IDK even after 25 years of following the sport I don't feel like I have the same depth of understanding as the team sports I grew up with. I don't think it has anything to do with being a casual cyclist. I haven't played DB in 45 years, but doesn't prevent me from being supremely confident about the Top 30 Cornerbacks in the NFL Draft after barely 3 months of research lol.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I like the Startlist *with dropouts* list that PCS does for grand tours. I saw Uran on there yesterday so I was not surprised at that this morning... the rest of the COVID carnage was unexpected though.
Intermarché-Circus-Wanty
@IntermarcheCW
·3h
Sven Erik Bystrøm will not start stage 10 of the Giro. As a reminder, Bystrøm received the green lights from the medical teams of the UCI & RCS to continue the race after testing positive for COVID, in absence of symptoms and in accordance to the UCI protocol. (1/2)
However, Sven Erik Bystrøm started to develop symptoms on the night of Monday to Tuesday. As a precautionary measure and in order to preserve his health, he will return home to rest. (2/2)
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
9 DNS and 2 abandonments already in Stage 10
Nick Vermeil
Footballguy
If I had to work in these conditions I would abandon too.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
yes!!!
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Stage winner + 4th place
7 guys still riding, 6 ended up in the Top 50
(Barta, my #9 guy, crashed)
7 guys still riding, 6 ended up in the Top 50
(Barta, my #9 guy, crashed)
Jaysus
Good times!
I love that guy!
Nick Vermeil
Footballguy
Usher in the age of the uncatchable breakaway.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
In related news, SQS is pleased to announce the previously unscheduled high altitude training camp in June for Remco & friends is coming together.
***************
DNS Stage 11 (all positive for Covid):
Turns out Vlasov (DNF Stage 10) had Covid. One of four DNFs, along with nine DNS from yesterday's stage.
***************
8 Lotto-Domo riders had abandoned 2003 Giro d'Italia before Stage 19. Koos Moerenhout continued adventure alone. At end of Giro, team had 4 staff members & the rider himself. Moerenhout received biggest applause when he came up on stage for sign-in. Here with Landbouwkrediet guys.
****************
At 219 km, Stage 11 is the longest stage of the 2023 Giro, and the 5th over 200km. Only two category 3 climbs (+ a short cat 4), long descending finish, good day for the sprint teams.
Stage 13 is the next big day of suffering, with three Cat 1s and a finish above 2000m (it was to finish at +2400m but the course was altered a few days ago due to avalanche concerns.) Stages 13-16 and 18-19 are all in the mountains, and the Stage 20 TT is uphill.
***************
DNS Stage 11 (all positive for Covid):
- Natnael Tesfatsion - Trek-Segafredo*
- Jonathan Klever Caicedo - EF Education-Easy Post
- Stefano Gandin - Team Corratec-Selle Italia
- Andrea Vendrame - AG2R
- Mattia Cattaneo - Soudal-QuickStep
- Josef Cerny - Soudal-QuickStep
- Jan Hirt - Soudal-QuickStep
- Louis Vervaeke - Soudal-QuickStep
Turns out Vlasov (DNF Stage 10) had Covid. One of four DNFs, along with nine DNS from yesterday's stage.
***************
8 Lotto-Domo riders had abandoned 2003 Giro d'Italia before Stage 19. Koos Moerenhout continued adventure alone. At end of Giro, team had 4 staff members & the rider himself. Moerenhout received biggest applause when he came up on stage for sign-in. Here with Landbouwkrediet guys.
****************
At 219 km, Stage 11 is the longest stage of the 2023 Giro, and the 5th over 200km. Only two category 3 climbs (+ a short cat 4), long descending finish, good day for the sprint teams.
Stage 13 is the next big day of suffering, with three Cat 1s and a finish above 2000m (it was to finish at +2400m but the course was altered a few days ago due to avalanche concerns.) Stages 13-16 and 18-19 are all in the mountains, and the Stage 20 TT is uphill.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Understatement of the year. The climb is a category 1 of 7.8km at 11.2%, with a first split of 4.5km at 15%.
There are no typos in that sentence. That's the craziest TT profile I've ever seen. Crowds are going to be insane!
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
hype man of the year
fan getting Derek Gee amped up on the breakaway climb on Stage 10
what a legend
fan getting Derek Gee amped up on the breakaway climb on Stage 10what a legend
Jaysus
Good times!
Is it going to happen though? I recall some sort of issue with team cars potentially canceling the stage.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
yeah I saw the complaints but didn't hear of any resolution one way or another?
from 2 weeks ago:
Stage 20 mountain TT in doubt over support logistics
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
day (mostly some 
), easy ride, uneventful 
crash involving G Thomas, Roglic, Hart & others
Tao loaded into ambulance he’s out
Tao loaded into ambulance he’s out
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Jaysus
Good times!
Of course that is right when my stream crapped out and I had to scramble for another.
crash involving G Thomas, Roglic, Hart & others
Tao loaded into ambulance he’s out
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Patrick Lefevere: "No, Remco Evenepoel is not going to the Tour de France"
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
bunch sprints are the best
full minute later and still not 100% sure who got that
full minute later and still not 100% sure who got that
Well that sucks.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Tao Geoghegan Hart sustained a fractured left hip in today's crash and will undergo surgery
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
Now I’m worried about my chances. What a blood bath
Nick Vermeil
Footballguy
I typically like watching the suffering in bike racing. This has been a **** show.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
- small dog takes out pink jersey
- more crashes than I have fingers & toes
- Covid running through multiple teams
- spectator's hand sticking through a fence for a picture gets obliterated in a bunch sprint
- guy falls, slides into ditch; following rider hits him, goes over the handlebars, someone sticks his cartwheel landing between a fence and a large tree
- race official runs from front of a lineup of support cars without even turning his head, takes out a rider going full speed
- guy runs into a stone house, retires....whilst crashing into another rider, breaking that guy's bike frame in half (he continues with spare)
- guy tries to avoid a stone wall, clips a road sign with his head instead, retires
- pink jersey takes out all the other GC contenders, one suffers broken hip
- 36 DNS/DNFs through 11 stages
fully expecting half the peloton to be swallowed by sinkhole tomorrow
or be attacked by a massive herd of wolves
Sammy3469
Footballguy
Just an absolute ****show in the worst possible way. I’m half expecting Thomas and Roglic to get COVID tomorrow.
These guys won’t have anything left to give that last week. And supposedly they figured out Stage 20…supposedly. They did have to cut one of the passes on Stage 13 though
These guys won’t have anything left to give that last week. And supposedly they figured out Stage 20…supposedly. They did have to cut one of the passes on Stage 13 though
Sand
Footballguy
Sharknado V: Mountain Stage
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Great news, only one abandonment today
(Covi, crashed yesterday)
no Covid drops, it's not raining (yet), easy stage with no major climbs, should see a breakaway and bunch sprint finish
let's see Brandon McNulty get a stage win today
(Covi, crashed yesterday)
no Covid drops, it's not raining (yet), easy stage with no major climbs, should see a breakaway and bunch sprint finish
let's see Brandon McNulty get a stage win today
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Stage 12 is not easy to predict. It's not the kind of profile that makes you scream "breakaway!": there aren't a lot of KOM points on offer, and if the hilly beginning looks perfect for an attack to estabilish, the long, flat section in the middle of the stage usually works against the break. However, it comes right before a big GC day and most of the peloton might want to take it easy: not just because of what's ahead, but also because the past couple of days have been very demanding, with all the crashes and the terrible weather. Furthermore, the finale doesn't look ideal for a big GC showdown, so we believe that ultimately it will come down to the attackers. We have precedent in 2019's stage 12, which had a similar profile and it took place right before a major day in the Alps- on that day, the GC guys took it easy and let the break contest the stage. Oddly enough, two men on the podium that day are currently high up in GC in this Giro- Damiano Caruso and Eddie Dunbar.
The Colle Braida is tough and it's probably where the race will be decided- the winner might not attack there, but he will need to be a good climber. Some names that came to mind were Lorenzo Fortunato, Ben Healy, Bob Jungels, Bauke Mollema, Einer Rubio and Filippo Zana.
Out of the GC guys, the short punchy climb seems to be a good fit with Primož Roglič and Hugh Carthy's profile. João Almeida could fare well too, and he's also one of the fastest men in the GC group if it comes down to a reduced bunch sprint. We believe it's not the kind of climb where Geraint Thomas usually does well, while it would've been a good fit with Jay Vine, but his form is a big question mark after the past couple of days.
The Colle Braida is tough and it's probably where the race will be decided- the winner might not attack there, but he will need to be a good climber. Some names that came to mind were Lorenzo Fortunato, Ben Healy, Bob Jungels, Bauke Mollema, Einer Rubio and Filippo Zana.
Out of the GC guys, the short punchy climb seems to be a good fit with Primož Roglič and Hugh Carthy's profile. João Almeida could fare well too, and he's also one of the fastest men in the GC group if it comes down to a reduced bunch sprint. We believe it's not the kind of climb where Geraint Thomas usually does well, while it would've been a good fit with Jay Vine, but his form is a big question mark after the past couple of days.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Kaden Groves packed it in today after 35 km
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Lantern Rouge podcast Stage 13 preview
Great discussion from Patrick Broe and Benji Naesen. Patrick is a strategy consultant for JV and has great insight. Pro riders drop into the chat, Sepp Kuss was saying "there are whispers they're going to circumvent part of Stage 13." Hope not but they have consider if it's rightfully dangerous. they already re-routed part of it through a tunnel. I think the deal is not so much the 45 minute climbs but the technical descents.
60 km flat before the first climb, will be interesting to see if one of the GC teams sends out a satellite with a tug buddy. Kuss should pace Roglič and then Primož can drop Almeida with a 500-700m burst. I think Thomas gets dropped early. But João can come back after getting dropped early - he can ride at threshold. Where he's at a disadvantage he cannot accelerate while at threshold anywhere near as good as Roglič (we've seen this before.)
Misery ahead, no guts no glory. LFG
Great discussion from Patrick Broe and Benji Naesen. Patrick is a strategy consultant for JV and has great insight. Pro riders drop into the chat, Sepp Kuss was saying "there are whispers they're going to circumvent part of Stage 13." Hope not but they have consider if it's rightfully dangerous. they already re-routed part of it through a tunnel. I think the deal is not so much the 45 minute climbs but the technical descents.
60 km flat before the first climb, will be interesting to see if one of the GC teams sends out a satellite with a tug buddy. Kuss should pace Roglič and then Primož can drop Almeida with a 500-700m burst. I think Thomas gets dropped early. But João can come back after getting dropped early - he can ride at threshold. Where he's at a disadvantage he cannot accelerate while at threshold anywhere near as good as Roglič (we've seen this before.)
Misery ahead, no guts no glory. LFG
Jaysus
Good times!
I have only 4 riders left
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I have only 4 riders left
you've in good company - same # as Alpecin-Deceuninck, one more than SQS
I should be fine provided GC Kuss becomes a thing (lopped 6 minutes off today, my rider of the day lol)
Nick Vermeil
Footballguy
Chesseypoof is positioned pretty well with Roglic leading the team. I'm done unles Almeida can get in the lead.I have only 4 riders left
you've in good company - same # as Alpecin-Deceuninck, one more than SQS
I should be fine provided GC Kuss becomes a thing (lopped 6 minutes off today, my rider of the day lol)
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Chesseypoof is positioned pretty well with Roglic leading the team. I'm done unles Almeida can get in the lead.I have only 4 riders left
you've in good company - same # as Alpecin-Deceuninck, one more than SQS
I should be fine provided GC Kuss becomes a thing (lopped 6 minutes off today, my rider of the day lol)
Maybe, though there’s going to be some crazy swings in GC 5-20 tomorrow
For GC the chalk pick would be Roglič - he’s picked up 12-15 seconds in a few hundred meters on Almeida before
João’s gotta find something & he needs a strong day from his team
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Tomorrow and a week from tomorrow (final mountain stage) would be excellent WFH days.
******************
The Giro d'Italia will head into Switzerland in the 13th stage for a high-mountain final at Crans-Montana. This is perhaps the most challenging day of the race. It may be contested with stages 16 and 19, however, this being the first of the three gruesome mountainous days it will be key for the overall classification, and surely expose weaknesses within some of the GC riders.
Estimated start and finish times for Giro d'Italia stage 13: 11:00-17:15CET (NOTE - 5am - 1115am EDT)
Stage 13: Borgofranco d'Ivrea - Crans-Montana, 200Km
(elevation profile)
The first 60 kilometers of the stage are mostly flat, but what follows is an absolute monstrosity. There are about 5000 meters of climbing in 140 kilometers, beginning with the Col del Gran San Bernardo. Initially this was the Cima Coppi and a climb with an added 6 kilometers of tough gradients and extreme altitude. Now it is no longer because of the buildup of snow, but it remains a difficult challenge nevertheless. 29.5 kilometers in distance, 5% average gradient.
Col du Grand Saint Bernard: 25.9Km; 5%; 112 km to go
This is an insanely hard climb. Most will know it as the ascent to Verbier where Alberto Contador has in the past put in a much-discussed performance, however here the riders reach the village and keep climbing. Many switchbacks until that point, but then it rises into the Alpine. The final 6 kilometers average almost 10% and it's summit lies at almost 2200 meters of altitude.
Croix de Couer: 15.5Km; 8.6%; 60 km to go
The descent is equally technical, just as steep but even longer. The riders lose a whole 1700 meters in altitude, a mental difference. Through the Rhône valley then the run-up to the final ascent is pan-flat. There won't be much fight for positioning as the race should be split to bits at this point, and the climb is long and very constant.
The 13.1 kilometers into Crans-Montana don't see many gradient variations, with a steady 7% present most of the climb. However in total the climb has 15 switchbacks and most of them are in the first half. This could be called an explosive climb but at this point of the stage it's a test for survival. Gaps will easily be made and I would say early in the climb.
Crans-Montana: 13.1Km; 7.1%
The Weather
Low temperatures up the mountains. It won't be an easy day to deal with, possibly some southern wind high up but this time around that won't prevent attacks, the most important factor will be to put on the jackets at the top of both passes otherwise the next few days may be very complicated.
The Favourites
Geraint Thomas - INEOS have set their foot. Today they had the opportunity to put other teams under pressure with De Plus and Arensman but chose not to. An all-in for Geraint Thomas, the Welshman is back to his best form and is motivated. This will be a very important test, he is in the lead of the race and INEOS is likely to control most of the day, but with such a small gap back to Primoz Roglic it won't be easy to deal with the pressure.
Primoz Roglic - The Jumbo rider is in the perfect position, and on this day can make a difference. I reckon the mammoth mountain stages won't favor him much however he is in good form, and with Sepp Kuss who should be able to provide good support in this terrain. It will be a test, he shouldn't risk too much, but in the final climb there is room for attacks and differences.
João Almeida - Almeida will be in his terrain with the very long ascents. The final week is where I expect him to make his moves but every second matters and he will nevertheless attack if there is the opportunity. He will have to be cautious in the descents, and this will also be an important day to see how UAE is committing to their leader.
In this terrain it'll be a matter of survival for some, and form testing for others. Andreas Leknessund and Aurélien Paret-Peintre are still riding within the best at this point and this will be a key day to understand if they can fight for the Top10. I would put Eddie Dunbar and Thibaut Pinot in a similar position as they are not at this point Grand Tour specialists - although I reckon their biggest obstacle will be the final week.
Hugh Carthy will likely try to take back positions after a rough first week, Lennard Kämna will be hoping to be past his illness and be ready to fight for a Top5, and Bahrain will have a better look on which of their riders can remain in the battle for the top places. Damiano Caruso has so far looked very good and will love this terrain, Jack Haig and Santiago Buitrago are wildcards to be seen.
As for the breakaway, it does stand chances in this day but it won't be easy. It's a day of pure high mountain climbing and only a very strong climber can take it. Jay Vine and Brandon McNulty are two clear cards to hint at on such opportunity, Ilan van Wilder and Lorenzo Fortunato spent quite a lot today in the breakaway but tomorrow will have a day that suits their climbing abilities better.
Prediction Giro d'Italia 2023 stage 13:
*** Geraint Thomas, Primoz Roglic, João Almeida
** Damiano Caruso, Hugh Carthy
* Lennard Kämna, Jack Haig, Santiago Buitrago, Jay Vine, Brandon McNulty, Lorenzo Fortunato
Pick : Geraint Thomas
ASIDE - great write-up but my choice would be Primož; I'll be hoping for Joäo to pull off the upset, though, and keep my Velogames wishcasting alive one more day.
******************
PREVIEW | Giro d'Italia 2023 stage 13 - First day in the Alps sees three massive climbs and expected GC chaos
The Giro d'Italia reaches the Alps, at long last! Stage 13 has suffered last-minute route changes, but it is still a fierce day that will set significant differences among the riders battling for the overall classification.The Giro d'Italia will head into Switzerland in the 13th stage for a high-mountain final at Crans-Montana. This is perhaps the most challenging day of the race. It may be contested with stages 16 and 19, however, this being the first of the three gruesome mountainous days it will be key for the overall classification, and surely expose weaknesses within some of the GC riders.
Estimated start and finish times for Giro d'Italia stage 13: 11:00-17:15CET (NOTE - 5am - 1115am EDT)
Stage 13: Borgofranco d'Ivrea - Crans-Montana, 200Km
(elevation profile)
The first 60 kilometers of the stage are mostly flat, but what follows is an absolute monstrosity. There are about 5000 meters of climbing in 140 kilometers, beginning with the Col del Gran San Bernardo. Initially this was the Cima Coppi and a climb with an added 6 kilometers of tough gradients and extreme altitude. Now it is no longer because of the buildup of snow, but it remains a difficult challenge nevertheless. 29.5 kilometers in distance, 5% average gradient.
Col du Grand Saint Bernard: 25.9Km; 5%; 112 km to go
This is an insanely hard climb. Most will know it as the ascent to Verbier where Alberto Contador has in the past put in a much-discussed performance, however here the riders reach the village and keep climbing. Many switchbacks until that point, but then it rises into the Alpine. The final 6 kilometers average almost 10% and it's summit lies at almost 2200 meters of altitude.
Croix de Couer: 15.5Km; 8.6%; 60 km to go
The descent is equally technical, just as steep but even longer. The riders lose a whole 1700 meters in altitude, a mental difference. Through the Rhône valley then the run-up to the final ascent is pan-flat. There won't be much fight for positioning as the race should be split to bits at this point, and the climb is long and very constant.
The 13.1 kilometers into Crans-Montana don't see many gradient variations, with a steady 7% present most of the climb. However in total the climb has 15 switchbacks and most of them are in the first half. This could be called an explosive climb but at this point of the stage it's a test for survival. Gaps will easily be made and I would say early in the climb.
Crans-Montana: 13.1Km; 7.1%
The Weather
Low temperatures up the mountains. It won't be an easy day to deal with, possibly some southern wind high up but this time around that won't prevent attacks, the most important factor will be to put on the jackets at the top of both passes otherwise the next few days may be very complicated.
The Favourites
Geraint Thomas - INEOS have set their foot. Today they had the opportunity to put other teams under pressure with De Plus and Arensman but chose not to. An all-in for Geraint Thomas, the Welshman is back to his best form and is motivated. This will be a very important test, he is in the lead of the race and INEOS is likely to control most of the day, but with such a small gap back to Primoz Roglic it won't be easy to deal with the pressure.
Primoz Roglic - The Jumbo rider is in the perfect position, and on this day can make a difference. I reckon the mammoth mountain stages won't favor him much however he is in good form, and with Sepp Kuss who should be able to provide good support in this terrain. It will be a test, he shouldn't risk too much, but in the final climb there is room for attacks and differences.
João Almeida - Almeida will be in his terrain with the very long ascents. The final week is where I expect him to make his moves but every second matters and he will nevertheless attack if there is the opportunity. He will have to be cautious in the descents, and this will also be an important day to see how UAE is committing to their leader.
In this terrain it'll be a matter of survival for some, and form testing for others. Andreas Leknessund and Aurélien Paret-Peintre are still riding within the best at this point and this will be a key day to understand if they can fight for the Top10. I would put Eddie Dunbar and Thibaut Pinot in a similar position as they are not at this point Grand Tour specialists - although I reckon their biggest obstacle will be the final week.
Hugh Carthy will likely try to take back positions after a rough first week, Lennard Kämna will be hoping to be past his illness and be ready to fight for a Top5, and Bahrain will have a better look on which of their riders can remain in the battle for the top places. Damiano Caruso has so far looked very good and will love this terrain, Jack Haig and Santiago Buitrago are wildcards to be seen.
As for the breakaway, it does stand chances in this day but it won't be easy. It's a day of pure high mountain climbing and only a very strong climber can take it. Jay Vine and Brandon McNulty are two clear cards to hint at on such opportunity, Ilan van Wilder and Lorenzo Fortunato spent quite a lot today in the breakaway but tomorrow will have a day that suits their climbing abilities better.
Prediction Giro d'Italia 2023 stage 13:
*** Geraint Thomas, Primoz Roglic, João Almeida
** Damiano Caruso, Hugh Carthy
* Lennard Kämna, Jack Haig, Santiago Buitrago, Jay Vine, Brandon McNulty, Lorenzo Fortunato
Pick : Geraint Thomas
ASIDE - great write-up but my choice would be Primož; I'll be hoping for Joäo to pull off the upset, though, and keep my Velogames wishcasting alive one more day.
cheeseypoof
Footballguy
Pure luck!!! I’m a very casual observer of the TDF. First foray into the Giro. Just picked guys I recognized.Chesseypoof is positioned pretty well with Roglic leading the team. I'm done unles Almeida can get in the lead.I have only 4 riders left
you've in good company - same # as Alpecin-Deceuninck, one more than SQS
I should be fine provided GC Kuss becomes a thing (lopped 6 minutes off today, my rider of the day lol)
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I don't understand UAE....
Just days after penning a contract extension with UAE Team Emirates, Jay Vine questioned the team and said “I don’t care” about finishing in the top 10 in the general classification at the Giro d’Italia. The Australian had hoped to target stage victories in Italy, but has so far been tasked with protecting Joao Almeida. Almeida is third in GC heading into the first major mountain test on Friday.
and
Davide Formolo’s attacks raised more than a few eyebrows in the Eurosport commentary box during Stage 12 at the Giro d’Italia. Formolo, who is expected to be a key lieutenant to UAE Team Emirates colleague Joao Almeida in the mountains on Friday, was spotted pursuing the most unlikely of chases – with Sean Kelly particularly unimpressed at the Italian’s ignorance of the bigger picture.
Just days after penning a contract extension with UAE Team Emirates, Jay Vine questioned the team and said “I don’t care” about finishing in the top 10 in the general classification at the Giro d’Italia. The Australian had hoped to target stage victories in Italy, but has so far been tasked with protecting Joao Almeida. Almeida is third in GC heading into the first major mountain test on Friday.
and
Davide Formolo’s attacks raised more than a few eyebrows in the Eurosport commentary box during Stage 12 at the Giro d’Italia. Formolo, who is expected to be a key lieutenant to UAE Team Emirates colleague Joao Almeida in the mountains on Friday, was spotted pursuing the most unlikely of chases – with Sean Kelly particularly unimpressed at the Italian’s ignorance of the bigger picture.
Nick Vermeil
Footballguy
Real glad I don’t have money on this thing.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
19 out of 22 teams voted to circumvent the stage due to weather. Another full day of rain, this time I’m a stage with 4500m of climbing, and we might only have 50 riders by the time they get to Rome.
As far as I understand it, and Ineos/Thomas brought the riders came together to discuss this stage. They agreed that after the brutal weather in the previous stages, a 200km race with 4500m of climbing in the rain would be too hard for the majority of the peloton. To paraphrase Thomas, they felt it was necessary to make this stage easier if you want to get to Rome with more than 50 guys.
They took a vote and 19 out of 22 teams wanted a shorter stage. They proposed skipping the the Croix de Coeur, but the organization said that's not possible due to the logistics and the road closure permits. So they comprised and agreed on starting the stage from the foot of the Croix de Coeur. Start at 15.00 CEST
***************
GCN+ showing the team cars & buses have arrived at the new start line but scarcely have any bikes. Cold af and they're sending them out without a warmup?
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BobbyLayne
Footballguy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
I'm still confused (so is GCN+, r/peloton and Giro twitter) but the tl;dr version is the three massive climb originally had 600m of climbing lopped off bc of avalanche concerns (reducing the stage from 5100m climbs to 4500m.) Yesterday and this morning, the compromise became eliminating the first Cat 1 climb. Riders had asked for the second Cat 1 (steepest climb, most technical descent) to be taken out but probably couldn't work out which tunnel could be utilized (or if you believe #girotwitter organizer RCS told CPA, the riders union, to piss off.)
Half the teams beside the bus on stationary bikes, half of them took a warmup ride in the opposite direction. 600m rollout coming up in 15 minutes.
You wanted chaos? We got chaos.
***************
Bummed about Mads but don't blame him. Completed his GT trilogy, Milan is still the fastest man in the world (IMO) even if he does look like he's battling his bike.
***************
GCN+ just sent their young male field reporter (the one always babbling incoherently at the finish line each day) to the first 100 meters of the eliminated descent and it's about 2m wide, snow on both sides, water running off 1/3rd of one side, and oh look at this the road is crumbling. Not seeing the issue here guys....
Half the teams beside the bus on stationary bikes, half of them took a warmup ride in the opposite direction. 600m rollout coming up in 15 minutes.
You wanted chaos? We got chaos.
***************
Bummed about Mads but don't blame him. Completed his GT trilogy, Milan is still the fastest man in the world (IMO) even if he does look like he's battling his bike.
***************
GCN+ just sent their young male field reporter (the one always babbling incoherently at the finish line each day) to the first 100 meters of the eliminated descent and it's about 2m wide, snow on both sides, water running off 1/3rd of one side, and oh look at this the road is crumbling. Not seeing the issue here guys....
Jaysus
Good times!
NGL that would have been fun to watch
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
'twas kind of hoping for a tour bus rally race to the start line....
go look at that video I posted this morning from the Stage 20 TT (Dutch journalist) - you'd think it was the Appalachian trail. 18" deep runoff cutouts filled in with soft black tar, piles of falling rocks, overgrown forest - not sure any bus could get up it, can barely fit a car. how they getting the riders off the mountain and down to Rome?
my team's shredded so more chaos = more entertainment, keep the hits coming RCS.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Jack Haig dropped early
Jay Vine supporting Almeida by almost immediately going out the back, thanks buddy
Jay Vine supporting Almeida by almost immediately going out the back, thanks buddy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
The Cycling Dane YT channel doing live commentary if you’re looking for non/GCN+ coverage
