Paris-Nice (SPOILER}

[Flying_Monkey]

I wish I had been able to see that stage - looked like a monster finish. Anyway, great effort by Voigt for a big man, and I was very impressed with both Sagan (again) and David Millar...

As for the Spaniards, well, I wouldn't assume they are all dodgy. We know about Valverde though and Contador does seem implausibly (and predictably) strong...

 

[rich p]

Bertie wasn't quite as dominant as usual but strong enough. He's either not quite at top form or he messed up on the micro-dosing. It's early days but I'm pretty sure he'll get that sorted out with the medics before the big one.

 

[tigger]

Surely they all dope? So why are fingers only ever pointed at the top guys?

 

[Keith Oates]

A good performance by Contador and it bodes well for his chances in the TdF. Millar in 9th place now on GC, he will not get a podium place but he's putting up a good show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[raindog]

Surely they all dope? So why are fingers only ever pointed at the top guys?

I like to think nobody dopes, but it's not so much the "top guys" as the Spanish that come under alot of suspicion these days. If you follow all cycling news, you'll know why.
But I'm relatively new on here, so that's the last I'm saying on the subject.

Voeckler got stuck in yesterday didn't he?

 

[rich p]

Surely they all dope? So why are fingers only ever pointed at the top guys?

If you read a few of the books you'll find that it's not cheap and it's the top dogs who can afford it. It can be serious money involved.
As raindog implies the Spanish are felt to be reluctant to find any of their own guilty. See the fallguys for Operacion Puerto.

I was being a bit provocative though
Some of us find that Contador being the best climber and still beating Cancellara in the TTs a bit hard to credit!

 

[raindog]

Sagan again!!
He's only 20 FFS - what'll he be like in 2 or 3 years?

 

[mr Mag00]

thought roche may have fought back, but no

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Sagan again!!
He's only 20 FFS - what'll he be like in 2 or 3 years?

Banned? Only joking, at least I hope I am. He seems like the kind of incredible young talent (like Cav) who you really want to be clean (and cycling needs to be clean).

 

[Skip Madness]

I echo the Sagan sentiments - either he is stuffed to the face on PEDs or he is so good that he looks like he could dominate this sport like few ever have. Well, could be both. I really want to believe in him, though - what he is achieving is mind-boggling.

 

[raindog]

Surely a bit young to be on the juice? Or at least, on enough to be that remarkable. What's amazing is he's not scared of mixing it with the big names, and as Jalabert said this afternoon, he seems to have a good tactical mind for one so young.

 

[rich p]

He couldn't keep up yesterday on the steeper hill which is encouraging!

He was flat out on his back at the end so he really does put in 100%. My guess is that he's a clean, rare talent but that may be naive!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I agree with Rich. He's running on pure spunk and raw talent.

 

[Keith Oates]

He certainly is doing a good job in this race and looks as if he will be something special in the future. Contador is still in the best position to take the jersey fo GC, but again Millar was in the mix at the end and is still keeping 9th spot, which is a good performance for him as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[raindog]

Another great stage and a well deserved win for Tondo. This has turned out to be a bloody good Paris-Nice.
Berto only has a 14 second lead now which is plenty and yet at the same time not very much.