Giro d'Italia (with *SPOILERS*)

[Flying_Monkey]

indeed. take nothing away from Guardini. He really wanted that and did the business perfectly.

Indeed he did. Perfect timing. Apparently he's been getting it in the neck from the Italian press for being last in the GC. Sometimes there's nothing like a bit of criticism to spur you on that extra 10%...

 

[Strathlubnaig]

Managed to sneak off and catch the last 10km, good finish. Interesting day tomorrow, killer mtns and the points business to enjoy.

 

[Paul_L]

So, what do we think, Cav to carry on or pull out?

I'd like to see him pull out. Tour and Olympics prep more important than pride in completing the Giro.

 

[smutchin]

I'd like to see him carry on.

I wouldn't want to bet against Rodriguez winning at least one of the next two stages, but it's by no means certain and Cav is still in red until the end of tomorrow's stage at the very least.

Plus, even if he doesn't get to wear red on the ride into Milan on Sunday, he'll be wearing the rainbow stripes and that counts for a lot.

d.

 

[raindog]

I'd like to see him carry on.

+1

 

[Crackle]

He's 26 points ahead, is Rodriguez going to finish outside the top four in the next two stages, which is the only way he'll hold on. Another win for Rodriguez puts him six points behind, leaving not a lot of leeway for any kind of placement on the remaining stage (is there points for the TT?). I wouldn't be surprised if he left, otherwise he's hoping for fate to intervene.

 

[smutchin]

Whether or not there are points in the TT is academic - neither will be troubling the stage placings on Sunday.

d.

 

[smutchin]

Just a thought...

Where are the bonus sprints on the next two stages? If they come before the big climbs...

d.

 

[Noodley]

I reckon none of the stages yet to come will be worth watching.

 

[Paul_L]

Just a thought...

Where are the bonus sprints on the next two stages? If they come before the big climbs...

d.

it's a good thought. Tomorrow there's a cat 3 and a cat 1 before the intermediate sprint.

Saturday looks more promissing with a cat 2 and a couple of cat 3s but plenty of regroup time before the sprint point.

Maybe on reflection then he will stick at it.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

it's a good thought. Tomorrow there's a cat 3 and a cat 1 before the intermediate sprint.

Saturday looks more promissing with a cat 2 and a couple of cat 3s but plenty of regroup time before the sprint point.
Maybe on reflection then he will stick at it.

I think he'll stick at it. WIth the intermediate points from Saturday, he might just do it. But he'll really need them. Friday's... I don't think he has much of a hope there. Plus Rodriguez could finish high enough in the TT to pick up a few points. As I pointed out above, he's no longer as bad a tester as he used to be, and it's amazing how much better a rider can be when it's this important. Mind you, Cav might feel the same thing, and he's not terrible in the TTs at all, but this one is too long for him.

The bigger thing is the competition for the GC in the next two days though... these are going to be fierce!

 

[iLB]

Obviously it's very hard to control these things but Sky might unleash Henao and or Uran to help mop up the sprint points (intermediate or finish), or the right break could get away...

 

[Keith Oates]

Not a good day for Cav. To get the red jersey in Milan looks decidedly slim ATM but anything can happen. I still think that riding in the TdF after this is not doing him any favours for the Olympic race!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Nasty, nasty descent! Narrow road, hairpins, no barriers...

 

[smutchin]

Szmyd's blown!