Flying_Monkey
Recyclist
- Location
- Odawa
Very interested and surprised by Arashiro being up there in both stages so far... he's always been a talented rider who has never quite met his potential, but he seems to be showing something here.
La Vuelta al País Vasco (Tour of the Basque Country)
- Thread starter The Couch
- Start date
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Yep, I had noticed that as well. At least it's some good news for Europcar, because their other riders (except perhaps Coquard) haven't shown much this season
Brightski
Chronos Racing Team
- Location
- Cambridgeshire
I can live with that result 
Flying_Monkey
Recyclist
- Location
- Odawa
Good win for Matthews - he's just come off another win in Spain, so clearly coming into form. Arashiro was 6th, so the first 2 days were clearly no fluke.
Flying_Monkey
Recyclist
- Location
- Odawa
And a surprising win for Poels (because he was supposed to be a domestique for this one), which puts him above his team leader although the podium positions are still the same. Incidentally, Arashiro didn't lose anywhere near as much as one would have expected on a tough mountain stage like this, only a minute or so - I continue to be suprised and impressed by him in this race.
Having watched the last few stages on record and fast-forward, Tony Martin has been absolutely flying. Not only on the breakaway stage that he won either. He has been dragging the peloton along the valleys and up the hills in support of Kwiat. It makes you wonder what he could achieve if he didn't concentrate on stage wins and ITTs. Maybe not a top GT contender but Cancellara like in the Classics.
Yeah... cause that's what OPQS needs: another co-leader for the classics
You make a good point (of course), but I imagine they like it better that he focuses on winning TT(, stage attacks) and GC of 1-week-races...
Since they already will get more than enough share of the WorldTour points in the Classics, but have a harder time in the above.
(Although I assume they were/are hoping for more in this department with new hires De Gendt and Uran)
Froome with a view !
Regular
- Location
- Liverpool
Talking about Tony Martin he was referred to as a 'Basking Shark' by one of the commentators the other night while gulping down air, it was half three in the morning so maybe I imagined it ! 
thom
____
- Location
- The Borough
Yep. I wasn't sure where he he was going to fit into Sky's plans last few years but it looks like he's carving out a role this year.
smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
I so very nearly went for Swift in the predictor for today's stage but thought the lumps might be slightly too much for him. Fair play to the lad, he's developing into a classy rider.
Flying_Monkey
Recyclist
- Location
- Odawa
Simon Yates up 15th overall almost without anyone noticing too... unfortunately my man Arashiro finally lost touch and slipped back a bit yesterday.
Don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on the lad, and I mentioned it on another forum.
I liked the plucky but doomed attempt of Yates to get away on the last climb two days ago. Showed he has ambition.
There are some serious under-performers at this race though. Maybe ill, recovering from illness or sandbagging.
Mollema, Rui Costa, the Schlecks(obviously), Voigt, Riblon, Hejsedal to name but a few.
You have to admire Cuddles though for his never-give-up attitude in every race he enters
There are some serious under-performers at this race though. Maybe ill, recovering from illness or sandbagging.
Mollema, Rui Costa, the Schlecks(obviously), Voigt, Riblon, Hejsedal to name but a few.
You have to admire Cuddles though for his never-give-up attitude in every race he enters
