Minor races 2018 (contains spoilers)

[roadrash]

and carlton kirbys dulcid tones

 

[brommers]

Oooh fab, I've recorded it for later! I generally only watch T of Dubai for the scenery...

Lovely sand and a rich diversity of wildlife, er ok just camels.

 

[roadrash]

and don't forget yesterdays turtle that the cameraman seemed to like more than the race

 

[bpsmith]

Let’s not forget the blue football pitches stadium too.

Chuffed to see Cav’s face when he stuck it to Nacer today. Major Cav fan. Hoping to see him overtake Merckx with TdF stage wins in the Summer. It’s a big ask though!

 

[brommers]

If Cav hadn't had sat up in stage 2 he would be race leader now.

 

[bpsmith]

Indeed. He did so quite visibly in stage 2. I just assumed he wasn’t at full fitness, but stage 3 saw him look stronger.

 

[brommers]

Indeed. He did so quite visibly in stage 2. I just assumed he wasn’t at full fitness, but stage 3 saw him look stronger.

He says that he regretted not finishing his sprint, as he new he would have finished second in that stage and has apologised to his team mates.
http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/r...opportunity-dubai-tour-stage-three-win-368671

 

[bpsmith]

He says that he regretted not finishing his sprint, as he new he would have finished second in that stage and has apologised to his team mates.
http://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/r...opportunity-dubai-tour-stage-three-win-368671

Amazing how age changes personality. You get a lot more balance with Cav these days. One or two nuggets of the old character there still though, which is good to read, like when he refers to the solid Quickstep team that he built.

 

[bpsmith]

One thing about Cavendish I've noticed is how he's always tended to be very vocal about being committed to and identifying with his team. I remember when he started with OPQS there was a race involving strong crosswinds and he said something like "well, we're a Belgian team, we're used to it, that's how we Belgians ride". He'd been with them for a grand total of 5 minutes at the time and all of a sudden he was Hercule Poirot and the Mannequin Pis rolled into one.

That’s a good thing though, surely? Can’t tell from your post whether that’s what you think too?

 

[smutchin]

Conor Dunne is in the break today, which is mainly interesting for his bike - the 3T Strada, fitted with a 1x groupset.

He's just gone pop on the climb, though, so there'll be no stage win. "Conor is done" - thanks Carlton.

ETA: Looking like a cracking finale though - one lone rider left from the break, 1.15 advantage with 6km to go. Smithy reckons he's got it in the bag, I'm not so sure.

 

[smutchin]

Ooh, that was cruel!

(the finish to the stage, not Dogtrousers' comments about Cav)

 

[brommers]

Watched it last night. I'm surprised that no one has commented on the interesting red and white electricity pylons. Not even Carlton.

Not everyone has the same hobbies as you

 

[bpsmith]

Ooh, that was cruel!

(the finish to the stage, not Dogtrousers' comments about Cav)

Very cruel indeed.

 

[rich p]

Viviani has hit the ground running in his new team. Cav was blocked in the finale so no chance in the melée.
Kittel seemingly off the pace again.
It's a classic year for a bunch of old and new sprinters, if you like that sort of sideshow.

 

[Slick]

Some great racing despite some of the most boring roads I've seen, and a worthy winner in the end.