Paris-Nice (SPOILER}

[rich p]

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.

Agreed. Lots of good racing and maybe a sting in the tail? I think AC can cover any move by a contender and he must have learnt his lesson on bonking.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

And another podium finish for Sagan... nice to see Steve Cummings showing in the break too.

 

[Keith Oates]

Tondo will be well pleased with that win. Contador is still looking the favorite for the overall but today (Sunday) he will need to keep very alert to make sure he's not overtaken. I hope Millar can maintain his top ten position through to the finish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[raindog]

Lot's of pointy bits on today's profile, so we should get plenty of attacking - but who from?

 

[rich p]

Kicking off nicely and competetively on the Eze!

AC has just gone¬

 

[Keith Oates]

It seems that Contador is having to work hard to stay near the front of the catching group. I can only follow this on Cycling news and so can't actually see the action!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rich p]

AC is just about covering all the attacks but it's hard work. The others are all after a few seconds bonus

 

[Keith Oates]

Well Contador has made the top step but he had to work hard for that.
I'm off to bed now as it's 21.36 out here. Goodnight.

 

[rich p]

Night night, Keith, sleep tight

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Both young Sagan and the rather less young Millar couldn't sustain the effort on the final day though and slipped back a little. But Sagan has really impressed me.

 

[raindog]

What a great race this has been. Voeckler went a bit too soon, but I think that was because he looked over his shoulder and saw that bunch of maniacs bearing down on them.
Did anyone else see that gesture near the end from Sanchez to Valverde? Not much love lost there I think. Jalabert said that alot of people don't get on well with V, but I wondered if there was any special animosity between those two - anyone know anything?
Roche seems to be in pretty good shape and is obviously after a win somewhere or other.

 

[rich p]

What a great race this has been. Voeckler went a bit too soon, but I think that was because he looked over his shoulder and saw that bunch of maniacs bearing down on them.
Did anyone else see that gesture near the end from Sanchez to Valverde? Not much love lost there I think. Jalabert said that alot of people don't get on well with V, but I wondered if there was any special animosity between those two - anyone know anything?
Roche seems to be in pretty good shape and is obviously after a win somewhere or other.

Yes I saw hime shaking his arm but I wasn't sure what it meant. Valvpiti won't be around soon, will he, once his case gets the CAS?

 

[Skip Madness]

A compelling race, as ever. Maybe this and the Tour de France should swap places in the calendar.