Giro d'Italia (with *SPOILERS*)

[Flying_Monkey]

I don't know whether Rodriguez could have responded or not, but he certainly didn't continue to contest it when Rabottini went round him. It was the right result for the stage, and both got what they wanted.

 

[musa]

So, did Rodriguez gift the win? After watching it several times I'm not so sure now.


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YKWO0ARkig

I thought he slightly laid off the gas when Rabottini took the inside line

 

[toby123]

Slight change of subject, can Cav possibly win the Maglia Rossa?

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Slight change of subject, can Cav possibly win the Maglia Rossa?

If he wins Stage 18, it's possible. But only if Rodriguez doesn't mop up enough points in the mountains. And if Stage 16 is won, as seems likely, by a breakaway that's irrelevant to Rosa or Rosso...

 

[thom]

If you look at the profiles, you get the impression that what has happened so far is a mere taster.
Stages 14 & 15 had 3Km ascent each.
Stage 17 will have 4.2km of up bits
Stage 19 will have 4.5 km
Stage 20 has 5.8 km, with the Stelvio over 2km on it's own.
Bonkers.
I think the the riders that excel on these last stages can a bit different to those have already did well in the mountains, particularly if the weather changes for the better.

 

[andrew_s]

I think the the riders that excel on these last stages can a bit different to those have already did well in the mountains, particularly if the weather changes for the better.

The current forecast is for snow, so it could be they don't go up the Stelvio

 

[thom]

The current forecast is for snow, so it could be they don't go up the Stelvio

Oh bu**er. My personal plans are to be cycling around Andermatt this weekend. I hope it's localised precipitation...

 

[iLB]

“Rabottini beat me fair and square,” Rodríguez said. “I thought I would be dropping him, but he kept right behind me.”​

 

[smutchin]

If he wins Stage 18, it's possible. But only if Rodriguez doesn't mop up enough points in the mountains. And if Stage 16 is won, as seems likely, by a breakaway that's irrelevant to Rosa or Rosso...

I can't help thinking that Rodriguez must like the look of today's stage - seems well suited to him - so perhaps a breakaway won't be allowed to succeed?

I guess he couldn't really hope to gain more than a handful of seconds on his main rivals, but the win bonus could prove handy later...

d.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I can't help thinking that Rodriguez must like the look of today's stage - seems well suited to him - so perhaps a breakaway won't be allowed to succeed?

I guess he couldn't really hope to gain more than a handful of seconds on his main rivals, but the win bonus could prove handy later...

d.

I think Rodriguez and all the main GC contenders will be saving their strength today.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

And at this rate, it seems like the break is going to get there pretty much unchallenged. The peloton seem to be totally unconcerned.

 

[smutchin]

Yes, on reflection, I expect you're right.

d.

 

[Paul_L]

good to see the world champion isn't excempt from a bit of water carrier duty!

Looking like a dull old stage, where the breakaway will be left to sort it out amongst themselves. Sounds like today is the rest day "easy ride" they didn't get in on the rest day/

 

[smutchin]

good to see the world champion isn't excempt from a bit of water carrier duty!

And now riding at the head of the peloton. Good lad.

d.

 

[Strathlubnaig]

FFS !! Someone DO something !