Giro d'Italia 2013, 4th-26th May - [Spoilers]

[Get In The Van]

Sky can sit at the front and pace things all they want, Nibbles just needs to sit right behind them and save energy then blitz them on the downhills.

I agree that all Nibali has to do, but now hes possibly got 2 new GC contenders to deal with with Uran and Henao, Evans seems to be riding well at the moment too, so does he match Wiggo and let the other Sky riders go? same with Evans, Nibali has the upper hand at the moment but I still think Sky have a slightly better long term view.
As I said earlier makes for good racing and viewing for the tv punter

 

[Flying_Monkey]

unless Nibs crashes, falls ill, or gets attacked by a swarm of hornets it's all over - the Giro just got really boring.

More boring that watching Team Sky defend a 3 minute lead after the ITT for the next two weeks? I don't think so.

 

[raindog]

More boring that watching Team Sky defend a 3 minute lead after the ITT for the next two weeks?

Where did I suggest that?

 

[jowwy]

Nibali going to take that pink off before the end? I don't think so...

who's to say that nibs wont punture or crash - also there is still another tt left. so its still all to fight for me thinks.

 

[Scoosh]

Where did I suggest that?

No one is saying you did say that.

It is simply a comparison being made.

 

[raindog]

No one is saying you did say that.

It is simply a comparison being made.

All right, let's put it this way. Most people, including me, predicted Brad leading by a couple of minutes after today's TT and Nibali clawing that time back by attacking in the mountains, followed by a showdown in the final uphill TT, where I think Nibs would have beaten Brad. As it is, can you now see anyone successfully taking time out of Nibali to win the race? If anything, he'll probably extend his lead. So, which scenario is more boring?
Don't worry, I'll still be watching though.

 

[RussellZero]

Rumour mill on twitter (not that I believe such things, but David Walsh is asking the question) saying that Wiggo may have the same stomach bug that is doing the rounds. It would certainly explain a thing or two. If he's not up for it tomorrow they should let the Columbians off the leash to go for it.

Don't think so, this came from wiggo's post race interview on the team sky site:


“I think I rode it pretty well," he continued. "I was a bit ruffled after the bike change and didn’t get the best out of myself on that technical part of the course. It was a bit damp still as well so I was a bit cautious – especially after crashing yesterday. But from Pesaro onwards I really got into my stride and I think physically I was as good as I’ve ever been. But it is the way it is. We’ll deal with it now, but I’m pleased at the same for Alex Dowsett. It’s a brilliant start to his Grand Tour career."

 

[tigger]

What a great TT course today, it had absolutely everything. I'd love to ride that, it's probably nearly as good as the Peak District ;-)

Well I think Wiggins comments above are fair and sum it up. On a positive we have a Brit right in the mix for a podium at the Giro! Lets hope there's still a lot to play for in a weeks time. Nibali is clearly in amazing form but its not over yet by a long way. I wouldn't bet against someone taking time out of him on some mountain stages and the uphill TT. Wiggins for one has done this before.

 

[StuAff]

Nibali certainly looks strong, it was a missed opportunity for Wiggo today (or less of a recovery than it could have been), but far too early to call it just yet, particularly with Cuddles, Hesjedal, Gesink and all still in the mix.

Boring? Anything but.

 

[Peteaud]

If it just got boring i will go and watch some exciting cricket.

Still a long way to go and anything can happen.

 

[Slaav]

Nibali certainly looks strong, it was a missed opportunity for Wiggo today (or less of a recovery than it could have been), but far too early to call it just yet, particularly with Cuddles, Hesjedal, Gesink and all still in the mix.

Boring? Anything but.

I cannot wait fro tomorrow! I don't envisage this as boring by any stretch......

Sky have probably the strongest team by some way. That leaves them with possibly too many options. WHich will they go for?

Mmmmm.....

 

[tigger]

Boring? Anything but.

Indeed. 5 riders from different teams with around a minute between them. Strong teams too and some top draw seasoned leaders. I'm expecting some fireworks.

 

[Crackle]

Nibali 4th, I'm shocked, shocked I tell you. I didn't see it but someone tell me his tt'ing style has improved out of sight?

 

[400bhp]

Nibali 4th, I'm shocked, shocked I tell you. I didn't see it but someone tell me his tt'ing style has improved out of sight?

He clearly has, however:

From watching today it's clear that the TT was won and lost on the technical stuff. Nibali was far far stronger going downhill and Wiggo absolutely battered the final 30km. He took a minute and more out of most of them.

Interesting too that Evans had a blinder. He was (IIRC) over a minute away from 1st place at the bottom of the final climb but nailed it.

It's nowhere near over this.

 

[Noodley]

Nibali 4th, I'm shocked, shocked I tell you. I didn't see it but someone tell me his tt'ing style has improved out of sight?

Yep, he has been focusing on his TTing - he beat Contador earlier this season IIRC, can't remember which race but fairly sure he did...