Paris-Nice *Spoilers*

[smutchin]

Great riding from G but Betancur and Rui Costa both look in imperious form.

Top effort from Stybar too.

 

[raindog]

GT did well to hang on for 4th on that terrible ramp. Great riding from Betancur.

 

[Brightski]

G was strong as an Ox to hang on today

 

[The Couch]

And ..... Andy Schleck is still in it.
If he could improve a bit, he can still turn into a somewhat decent domestique
(like the water bringer or the one to absorb the wind for the first 100K)

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Betancur looking ominously good for someone who is still a couple of pounds over his race weight... Thomas did exceptionally well, but he seems to have the same issue as Wiggins (another ex-trackie, of course) with the very steep stuff. That hasn't stopped Wiggins from winning major stage races of course, but I wonder whether Sky would really go all out for Thomas in the same way...

After saying I wasn't that impressed with the parcours, I've enjoyed the last couple of stages. In theory at least, Thomas could still get the win if he gets time bonuses etc. However, in practice, I don't think the result is now any more in doubt than if it had been a longer mountain finish and Betancur had minutes instead of seconds over Thomas - assuming his team plays it sensibly on the final stage.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Thomas crashes!

 

[smutchin]

Down and out. Out of contention, anyway.

 

[raindog]

Betancur very solid - can't see anyone taking this from him tomorrow.

 

[smutchin]

Rui Costa looking strong but not as strong as Betancur. Nice win for Slagter.

Nibali seems spectacularly uninterested in this race.

 

[thom]

Slagter "The Butcher" finished that really well.

 

[Crackle]

Back to the balance bike for Thomas.

 

[thom]

Back to the balance bike for Thomas.

Yeah he's abandoned - back with pedals for MSR next week though.

 

[Crackle]

Yeah he's abandoned - back with pedals for MSR next week though.

Seriously I'm a little disappointed in him and a bit frustrated. He's plainly got the potential but this must be the third time or more I can recall, when he's fallen in a good position.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Seriously I'm a little disappointed in him and a bit frustrated. He's plainly got the potential but this must be the third time or more I can recall, when he's fallen in a good position.

Yeah, I agree. Poor descending skills seems to be another thing he shares with Wiggins...

I've been very impressed with Slagter at the start of this season.

 

[Keith Oates]

Wiggins downhill performance has dropped back after he fell and broke his collarbone which is understandable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!