Critérium du Dauphiné 2017 **Spoilers**

[Pale Rider]

One thing puzzles me as a recent convert to watching racing cycling.

I understand a criterium to be a short circuit race, often in a town.

Why is this race called a criterium when it's run over stages?

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

I wonder if people watching the tennis on Eurosport Player get little adverts popping up encouraging them to watch the cycling?

 

[brommers]

I think that de Gendt will change tactics now and become a GC contender.

 

[smutchin]

Demare made that look far too easy!

 

[brommers]

de Gendt is not a bad time trialer so I expect him to still be in yellow at the end of today

 

[brommers]

Looking at the profile and elevations the course is not entirely flat. The first 2.5km are at about 4% and later on there is a incline of 5% over 2km.

 

[smutchin]

Well, that was a bit of a stinker for Froome today, wasn't it? I don't think he's looked right at all so far this season but thought he might come good for the Dauphiné like he did last year.

I think that de Gendt will change tactics now and become a GC contender.

Will be interesting to see how he does on the tough mountain stages ahead. He's a strong climber but this is the first time he's ever held the lead in a major stage race, isn't it? So it's a real test of his temperament. About time he started living up to his potential though. I'm definitely rooting for him.

Sam Oomen (Giant-Sunweb) - won the Tour de l'Ain last year and just finished 9th overall at the Tour of California.

Finished 12th today, 50 seconds behind Porte, taking him up to 9th overall.

And another promising youngster, Pierre Latour, is in 11th - he won the white jersey at Romandie so is definitely worth keeping an eye on too.

 

[smutchin]

Bardet now 2.20 off the pace. Yates at 1.30, Dan Martin at 1.45, Chaves at 2.41. If any of those lot fancy their chances on GC they're going to have to do something pretty special in the mountains.

 

[Adam4868]

Porte i might have thought,but both contador and valverde both rode great TTs today.Bardet ? Needs to up is game before tour.I dont think id write froome off yet though,hes got some time to make back in the mountains which should be fun.

 

[smutchin]

Valverde did a great TT today and does look dangerous for the overall.

 

[Crackle]

Valverde did a great TT today and does look dangerous for the overall.

Boooooooo!!!

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

And another promising youngster, Pierre Latour, is in 11th - he won the white jersey at Romandie so is definitely worth keeping an eye on too.

He reminds Carlton of Hinault, just in case you missed him mentioning it over and over

 

[roadrash]

^^^^^is that what he said.... I hadn't noticed

 

[smutchin]

He reminds Carlton of Hinault, just in case you missed him mentioning it over and over

I was watching it with the sound off. Probably a good idea from the sound of it.

 

[roadrash]

its always a good idea when kirbys waffling on