It's just some of the pompous shite that was spouted about him during the Tour that still rankles a bit.
I don't recall that. I do think it's probably a lot easier to call what's going on in a race from the overview back at base rather than from the back of a moto charging between groups, but I think having someone doing that is a great idea. I think also Boardman has a slight advantage in that not yesterday (when he was commentating live) but generally (i.e. when we see him on GTs) he's summarising, which means he has the benefit of hindsight.
When we're discussing things here I often think you have to hedge what you're saying about with caveats. Yesterday was a good example; it would have been easy to call Majka for the win, and he'd have got it too had GVA and Fuglsang not decided 'stuff this lot, we're off'.
I think a lot of the difference between Boardman and Millar is what you'd expect; (relatively) youthful enthusiasm vs. the slower but more thoughtful assessment of someone who's spent a big chunk of his life thinking deeply about bike racing; and nothing wrong with either of those.
Anyway, I've wittered on about this too much as well now. I have to say I think commentary teams we've seen involving Millar, Boardman or preferably both are probably the best I can recall, and thank goodness we don't still have P&P.
Alaphilippe must be kicking himself for missing out there. A bit of tactical naivety and inexperience perhaps? Maybe that will come with time. GVA used to be the same, iirc.
Alaphilippe was never really in it, always looked like he was just off the pace and fighting to get just outside the medals...
It'd be interesting to know what was going on in that group. Naivety or legs, or a bit of both? I thought Alaphilippe was in with a chance had he realised it, but maybe he didn't have the legs. Some riders never seem to pick up tactical nous, but I'd guess with Alaphilippe it'll come with time. Still young. I don't think he's done that many classics either, which might have helped? Though he's had some good results in those he has done.
I also wonder how much information they were getting - did they know (understand) Majka was catchable? GVA certainly seemed to. I thought they had race radios this year, and I thought I saw mikes on one or two riders, but no-one seemed to be talking and the information going back to the commentary teams seemed to be very thin at times.
I wonder when we are going to stop saying that Nibali is the best descender in the peloton. On recent evidence, it is more like 'was' the best descender. There are several others who seem to be smoother and don't crash as often.
I hadn't noticed Nibali crashing excessively, just yesterday and the Tour, but I think he's a bit older and slower and there are good descenders coming through who have the banzai bravery of youth.
Millar, innit?
even if their rider ID was as good as Uncle Phil 
