Minor Stage Races 2016 **may contain SPOILERS**

[Berk on a Bike]

I thought it was good to see Thibaut Pinot challenging Nibali on the Green Mountain stage. Nibali showed him who was boss in the end, though.

It was Romain Bardet, not Thibaut Pinot.

 

[Asa Post]

An enjoyable Ruta del Sol, with a cracking final stage.

I do like the way Valverde rides. It's a pity that I have a lurking doubt about his bonio fidos.

 

[Berk on a Bike]

It was quite a weekend for the big names. Nibali wins in Oman, Valverde takes the Ruta del Sol and Dirty Bertie takes the last stage of the Volta ao Algarve (but can't stop Geraint Thomas taking the GC ha!).

 

[fimm]

It was Romain Bardet, not Thibaut Pinot.

Damn. Wrong up and coming French rider. (Or am I even more muddled about who people are than I think I am?)

 

[Berk on a Bike]

Damn. Wrong up and coming French rider. (Or am I even more muddled about who people are than I think I am?)

Nope, you're right. Both young, French GC riders.

 

[400bhp]

An enjoyable Ruta del Sol, with a cracking final stage.

I do like the way Valverde rides. It's a pity that I have a lurking doubt about his bonio fidos.

But tactically very astute.

BMC rode themselves into the ground on the TT. Stupid tactics IF their goal was to win, which perhaps is wasn't.

 

[Strathlubnaig]

Great to see Tommy V take a stage in Provence in a bit of an echappée

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Great to see Tommy V take a stage in Provence in a bit of an echappée

He is a better rider than some people give him credit for.

 

[Strathlubnaig]

He is a better rider than some people give him credit for.

I always like how loyal he is to his team, what's that been now like 15 years maybe ?

 

[Crackle]

Anyone read about Arnold Fiek in the GP Lugano. crashed 12 metres down into the lake and was rescued by a boat! Holy cow!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Anyone read about Arnold Fiek in the GP Lugano. crashed 12 metres down into the lake and was rescued by a boat! Holy cow!

Here's the story:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ger...2-metre-fall-into-lake-during-gp-lugano-race/

Also in unfortunate injuries this week, Eduardo Sepulveda, one of my favourite up-and-coming climbers, was hit by a race barrier that was caught by the wind near the end of La Drome Classic, and was left unconscious with a fractured scaphoid, radius, broken teeth... he'll be out for a few months:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/sepulveda-out-for-three-months-after-being-hit-by-barrier/

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Sam Bennett wins stage 1 of Criterium International

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

And Thibaut Pinot wins the TT at Criterium International

FDJ have transformed themselves this year. A French Tour de France champion in the next few years?

 

[Crackle]

And Thibaut Pinot wins the TT at Criterium International

FDJ have transformed themselves this year. A French Tour de France champion in the next few years?

They seem to be taking it seriously don't they. TT performances have transformed incredibly.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

They seem to be taking it seriously don't they. TT performances have transformed incredibly.

Geniez was 3rd and Roy 9th in the TT. Amazeballs.

<Wanders off to see what price Pinot is for winning the tour this year...>