roadrash
cycle chatterer
- Location
- sitting on the edge of wigan pier
bennet is stuck to Viviani like a limpet
Giro 2018 "contains spoilers"
- Thread starter Adam4868
- Start date
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So, that's the pre-amble out of the way. Tomorrow, the Zoncolan. Sunday, another day in the mountains. We'll have a pretty good idea of the winner of the Giro by Sunday evening. Zoncolan is awesome. It's a much bigger climb than Alpe d'Huez, and much steeper than Mont Ventoux.
Pundits are saying that Yates needs at least 90 seconds over Dumoulin before the TT. Zoncolan will break some riders, and losses of minutes rather than seconds are possible. Let's see what they've got!
Pundits are saying that Yates needs at least 90 seconds over Dumoulin before the TT. Zoncolan will break some riders, and losses of minutes rather than seconds are possible. Let's see what they've got!
Beebo
Firm and Fruity
- Location
- Hexleybeef
You’ll enjoy this article.
“Each rider locked in his own battle with slow death”
http://www.velonews.com/2018/05/commentary/monte-zoncolan-cyclings-hardest-climb_466442
Shadow
member
- Location
- edge of the south downs
Indeed...but could is the operative word. Today will certainly shake the GC up.
However, there is then tuesday's ITT and next friday and saturday might make a difference too.
This is all that makes this Giro a great race.
smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
Interestingly, Chaves got dropped on the small climb yesterday and finished last on the stage - a full five minutes behind the next-last rider, Mitch Docker, and 15 minutes behind Viviani.
Now, he's either very unwell or - what seems more likely - was taking it extra easy to keep his powder dry for today. Fully expect to see him dragging Yates up the Zoncolan as hard as possible until his legs explode.
A few other notable climbers took it easy yesterday as well, including Hugh Carthy and Joe Dombrowski, both finishing well behind the bunch. If those two aren't in the break today, I'll be very surprised. And Kenny Elissonde too - are Sky going to let him off the leash today in a bid to salvage their pride with a stage win?
Can't see the break winning today though - the GC battle will be too intense. Although it's tempting to take a punt... Hmmm... Is it too late to change my picks for the PTP?
(ETA: they're already 30km into the stage, approaching the first climb, so yes, probably is too late to change. No break has formed yet, but that first climb looks steep enough to encourage some attacks...)
Now, he's either very unwell or - what seems more likely - was taking it extra easy to keep his powder dry for today. Fully expect to see him dragging Yates up the Zoncolan as hard as possible until his legs explode.
A few other notable climbers took it easy yesterday as well, including Hugh Carthy and Joe Dombrowski, both finishing well behind the bunch. If those two aren't in the break today, I'll be very surprised. And Kenny Elissonde too - are Sky going to let him off the leash today in a bid to salvage their pride with a stage win?
Can't see the break winning today though - the GC battle will be too intense. Although it's tempting to take a punt... Hmmm... Is it too late to change my picks for the PTP?
(ETA: they're already 30km into the stage, approaching the first climb, so yes, probably is too late to change. No break has formed yet, but that first climb looks steep enough to encourage some attacks...)
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smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
The way Dumoulin was able to keep Yates in check at the Osimo finish suggests he's still got plenty in reserve. It will be very interesting to see how he copes with the Zoncolan today.
smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
Pedersen and Conti making the first bids for freedom on the climb.
smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
Gavazzi, Barbin, Didier, Pedersen, Mosca and Conti now with nearly four minutes lead.
Can't see a stage winner in this bunch. There are more climbs to come before the big one so maybe there will be secondary breakaways.
Can't see a stage winner in this bunch. There are more climbs to come before the big one so maybe there will be secondary breakaways.
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smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
On the uninterrupted live feed, we're now getting the joy of Kirby and Smithy doing their soundcheck. Riveting.
Beebo
Firm and Fruity
- Location
- Hexleybeef
I haven’t wrestled the remote control back so we are still watching the wedding
smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
I hear Amal Clooney has won the dress war. The bride's own dress is just "ok" according to the local royal correspondent.
smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
He's just been talking at length about the size of small chainrings they have fitted for the Zoncolan. I expect you're thoroughly drunk by now.
