2011 tips

[yello]

With the beginning of the season getting ever closer and the tour only 178 days away, who's you're tip for 2011, who's going to stand out?

Sorry Rich, I read that as a reference to the TdF!

Montage: sprinters' jersey? Or points jersey?

Oldoradman: the "focus" because that was the question! At least, as I read it it was! That said, I agree that it has become a 'specialist' event. That's partly why I'm loosing interest. It's almost as if some riders train for it only and don't show (apart from as training exercises) in anything else. That's partly why I think one can pick names for the top finishers and ignore their performances elsewhere.

I really enjoyed the giro last year (and I didn't pay too much attention to it in the past). Several years back, I watched many of the classics on cycling.tv and enjoyed those too. Other than turning up to my local finish & departs (too experience the event itself) I really can't see me watching much of the TdF this year.

 

[oldroadman]

I've just re-read the previous posts and the only person to have mentioned the TdF was you, apart from Yello who said he wasn't going to pay it as much attention!!!

Then you are reading a different thread to me - the majority of comment is about TdF. Which may be the "biggest bike race in the world" - public view anyway - but is a major focal point inthe season. Along with the classics, worlds, Vuelta, Giro, Suisse, etc., etc., for those who (presumably including this forum's contributors) actually follow bike racing.

 

[montage]

Montage: sprinters' jersey? Or points jersey?

They are called intermeadiate sprints for a reason

 

[rich p]

Point taken - missed the crucial phrase!

I was reacting to being told what to think about, I suppose!

 

[yello]

They are called intermeadiate sprints for a reason

I'm not sure of your point in so much as it refers to my comments and later question. So let me approach it from a different direction.

The green jersey is for the points competition, no? With the removal of the intermediate sprint points, this competition becomes effectively another measure of stage finishes. Now that doesn't bother me in the slightest but some teams realise that favours others, so they are making noises to that effect. As are other folk (fans, commentators, etc) who'd prefer to see the points jersey remain with its broader remit than just stage wins; they see it as a measure of more rounded cyclist.

 

[MotorpointProCycling]

I'm quite excited at seeing how David Daniell does this year. He's only young, but has improved lots in recent years.

 

[montage]

I'm not sure of your point in so much as it refers to my comments and later question. So let me approach it from a different direction.

The green jersey is for the points competition, no? With the removal of the intermediate sprint points, this competition becomes effectively another measure of stage finishes. Now that doesn't bother me in the slightest but some teams realise that favours others, so they are making noises to that effect. As are other folk (fans, commentators, etc) who'd prefer to see the points jersey remain with its broader remit than just stage wins; they see it as a measure of more rounded cyclist.

If it is a measure of an all rounded cyclist, then I personally view it as something for the all rounders who can't climb so well as having a chance to win something. The KOM jersey is simple, it's designed for the best climber to win. If the green jersey isn't for the best sprinter, rather just there to give the all rounders something to do rather than fetch their team water bottles, then it's just a puppet jersey. It seems obviously designed for the sprinters, with the vast majority of sprint points being on the flat.....if it really were an all rounders jersey there would be more sprint points in hillier stages, halfway up hills and mountains etc

 

[oldroadman]

Yellow = Overall
White = Best young rider
Polkadot = best climber
Green = points (awarded at finishes, and previously at intermediate sprints) One for the sprinters.

There was even (some while ago) a "combined" jersey, aggregated by points for climbing, intermediates, finishes, placings. It was abandoned - you have to ask yourself why. Mainly, from reports, because the public and riders/teams were not bothered about it.
The current four are quite sufficient!

Therefore, yellow is the best all round, because he is able to climb, time trial, ride well on the flat stages, finish in the peloton. Green (points) is certainly not an all rounder award, and never was intended to be. And maillot a pois is for the mountain goats.

How hard is this?

 

[montage]

some other names which I noticed last season:
Mesciarelli
Valls
Ciolek

 

[Stange]

some other names which I noticed last season:
Mesciarelli
Valls
Ciolek

I reckon Cav will win the worlds, and I'm looking forward to seeing the new Columbian chap (Uran?) riding for Sky. Can't see Wiggins doing much though, hope I am wrong.

 

[yello]

I said 'more rounded' not 'all rounder'.

And that's 'more rounded' as opposed to 'one trick pony'! I'm sure people are familiar with the comments that Cavendish and the Columbia train has attracted over the years. If one considers those then it's easy to see a backdrop for the criticisms of the rule changes. I've even read one such that suggested the green jersey was being handed to Cavendish this year! Now, as I said, I personally don't give a shoot. Rule changes will often favour some over others, that's just the way of things. For me, last year was made (slightly) more interesting by Hushvold looking for points in the intermediates. That sort of thing is not going to happen this year. Good thing, bad thing or thing thing is for the individual to decide but I can see the reasoning behind the 'bad thing' interpretation. Can you?

 

[iAmiAdam]

IMO a sprint should be a sprint, between all the people who wish to attempt to win the jersey, not people who want to sweep up intermediate sprints.

 

[montage]

I said 'more rounded' not 'all rounder'.

And that's 'more rounded' as opposed to 'one trick pony'! I'm sure people are familiar with the comments that Cavendish and the Columbia train has attracted over the years. If one considers those then it's easy to see a backdrop for the criticisms of the rule changes. I've even read one such that suggested the green jersey was being handed to Cavendish this year! Now, as I said, I personally don't give a shoot. Rule changes will often favour some over others, that's just the way of things. For me, last year was made (slightly) more interesting by Hushvold looking for points in the intermediates. That sort of thing is not going to happen this year. Good thing, bad thing or thing thing is for the individual to decide but I can see the reasoning behind the 'bad thing' interpretation. Can you?

Oh I can see the arguments from both sides, just strongly agree with a particular side

 

[Noodley]

There used to be an Intermediate Sprints jersey as well in the mid-late 1980s, it was red.

 

[lukesdad]

Sorry but, the king of the moutains jersey is seldom won by the best climber.