Paris - Nice (*Spoiler*)

[smutchin]

Tomorrow's finish will be another kettle of fish though.

Today's stage might just shake things up a bit. There appears to be a sprint on the early part of the final climb, which could be interesting - wonder if Wiggo and/or Valverde will try to pick up a few sneaky bonus seconds there.

d.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I'd love to see Uran let loose on something mountainous in the future - considering he was in the top 10 of the tdf until that chest infection hit - didn't he perform well in some of the classics last year?

The young Colombian, Henao, who Sky signed for this season will be even better than Uran...

 

[smutchin]

Anyone fancy Tejay van Garderen to do something special today?

d.

 

[raindog]

On FR3 they've just shown Jalabert's famous 14th july win at Mende in 1995. Anyone remember that one?

I think Brad might take a bit of a pounding today, that's a very nasty final climb.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I think Brad might take a bit of a pounding today, that's a very nasty final climb.

Certainly a difficult one to do his even paced reeling in thing on if some serious attacks are launched... but if he's going to have a hope at the GTs he is going to have to master these kinds of climbs.

 

[raindog]

I've ridden up the hill they're on now!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Porte has been doing an amazing job!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

But awesome attack by Westra, Wiggins has to fight back now.

 

[Scoosh]

Too late !

 

[rich p]

Westra wasn't even heavy breathing. Impressive indeed.

 

[smutchin]

Wow, what a finish!

Both Wiggins and Westra must be kicking themselves now - Wiggo for not realising Westra was a threat soon enough, and Westra for easing up near the line.

Looked like Sky got the tactics exactly right, though. Superb job by Porte. Bodes well for the bigger races to come.

d.

 

[raindog]

Very impressive control up front from Porte and Brad, and superb win for Westra. Impressive riding all round there - that's a killer climb.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I've ridden up he hill they're on now!

Respectissimo! It looks a complete monster.

 

[raindog]

Respectissimo! It looks a complete monster.

Not the last one, the one about 8ks before Mende where Veuchelen sprinted for the GPM points. He'll be in the climber's jersey tomorrow.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Westra is going to be a serious threat on that mountain TT on the last day.