Junior Tour of Wales

[oldroadman]

I got myself over the border and had a look at the last stage. The way those young riders were racing there's not a lot to fear for the future. I managed to see quite a few bits with some rapid driving and satnav help, the style of attacking racing, good team tactics, all looked good with well coached riders working properly for their leaders. The Welsh seemed to be setting tempo every time I saw the riders, in defence of the yellow jersey, and the last climb, all 6 km of it, could have decided the race but all the time a well protected leader was in the front. Looking at the reports today I'd say if these young men continue to develop there is not a lot to fear in the future. GB being top nation just seems to have inspired people, long may success continue if that's what it does.

 

[jowwy]

I followed the race yesterday morning for a few miles up into merthyr - looked good with all the cars, huge peleton and one lone attacker up towards bavistocks roundabout

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Meanwhile over at the Tour de l'Avenir there's a certain young Aussie, Caleb Ewan, who seems to be a good prospect. ORM, you couldn't pop over to France and check him out, could you?

 

[oldroadman]

Meanwhile over at the Tour de l'Avenir there's a certain young Aussie, Caleb Ewan, who seems to be a good prospect. ORM, you couldn't pop over to France and check him out, could you?

I've got the car, passport, all I need is the ferry money and wine allowance....
Have heard about several young riders, who seem to be making a bit of an impact. We'll have to see what the sport directors think about some stagieres or late contracts. The problem is that there are a lot of good experienced pros without contracts yet, so neo-pros will need to be flying to get looked at for 2014. It's not just division 1 (EE and V-Soliel) going, economics is hitting div 2 and 3 teams, and sponsors are hard to come by even at domestic level in many countries. Naturally enough the natives are first to be looked at, although Aussie/Kiwi riders are considered if only for commitment of coming to the northern hemisphere, and British riders have become well regarded in the past few years.

 

[resal]

Haven't been to the Tour of Wales for a while. Last time I was there I had to help out with a bit of impromptu marshaling due to lack of marshals at a couple of junctions. I hope it was better this year.

I do know that some of the vantage points some people use to watch it involve looking at it over huge distances. Some people have unbelievable eyesight.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Meanwhile over at the Tour de l'Avenir there's a certain young Aussie, Caleb Ewan, who seems to be a good prospect. ORM, you couldn't pop over to France and check him out, could you?

It's been Ewan vs. Zabel in every sprint stage. Almost like old times... BTW, the British are leading the team competition and Simon Yates is in 4th.