Paris-Nice *SPOILER*

[Flying_Monkey]

Millar is likely down for all 3 grand tours again this year. Perhaps that's why?

I guess if he is going to be operating as a 'super-domestique' for one, two or all of these, he will be keeping his head down right now.

 

[raindog]

We have a breakaway on in this stage, and it's De Gendt again! But the more likely candidate for overall in the group is Thomas Voeckler, who all th eohter big names are not going to want to let get away, or at least not too far away.

We have some lumps again today, but not enough to make a difference. It should end in a sprint again. Voeckler's in fine form isn't he?

 

[Keith Oates]

It's good to see a break hold on to the end and Thomas Voeckler put on a good performance to get the win. To see De Gendt regain the jersey is something I did not expect but he is doing very well in this race!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I wasn't surprised by Voeckler taking it, and he will be looking seriously at building on this, but De Gendt is proving to be a really entertaining rider in the 'never say die' tradition of escape artists.

 

[raindog]

Isn't he just? What a gutsy rider. He says climbs of 6% or 7% are OK for him but he's struggling with 10% so he'll probably drop back today, but he's OK at TTing so will target a top ten place on general. I really like the bloke. With the Ricco affair a few weeks ago people were saying Vacansoleil had become a "none-team" but they seem to be doing pretty good with this guy.
Here's today's profile - should see some attacking for serious overall contenders.

 

[oldroadman]

Isn't he just? What a gutsy rider. He says climbs of 6% or 7% are OK for him but he's struggling with 10% so he'll probably drop back today, but he's OK at TTing so will target a top ten place on general. I really like the bloke. With the Ricco affair a few weeks ago people were saying Vacansoleil had become a "none-team" but they seem to be doing pretty good with this guy.
Here's today's profile - should see some attacking for serious overall contenders.

Hmm, a day of suffering! KOM action on the first two cols, recovery/regroup, probably with a break up the road, through the middle section (apart from the autobus), more action/regrouping until the foot of the Col de la Mure, then all hell breaks loose because there's not much descending before the final climb to finish. A day where the GC will go on it's head! Glued to the TV this afternoon, those last 50/60km should be good. I'll be wishing I was young again, and there, then glad not to be when the last climb starts..!

 

[raindog]

Any FPs? I think I'll go with Vino today.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Any FPs? I think I'll go with Vino today.

That's already looking a good bet. There's always Sanchez (LL). I still think Voeckler will be fancying his chances.

 

[raindog]

My FPs are always pretty crappy but this week has been a real low point for me.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Yeah, and I went with the wrong Sanchez. Kloeden is someone I always seem to forget...

 

[rich p]

Kloden winning a sprint! Hmmmmm!

 

[raindog]

Right, off to spectate tomorrow. You'll recognise us - a group of three blokes somewhere on the climb, and everytime the chopper goes over I'll give it the V sign.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I've just watched the end of this, and it wasn't so much a sprint win for Kloeden as Samuel Sanchez losing it by appearing to completely underestimate how far there was left at the end.

 

[oldroadman]

I've just watched the end of this, and it wasn't so much a sprint win for Kloeden as Samuel Sanchez losing it by appearing to completely underestimate how far there was left at the end.

Spot on, Sammy was moving much faster in the last few metres, and badly mistimed the effort. Starting his effort 10 metres earlier might just have squeezed the win. Still, fair play to Kloden, he went for it and succeeded.

 

[iLB]

sanchez also appeared to apply the front brake in the sprint