Stage 10- spoiler

[John the Monkey]

If Evans wins in Paris, it could arguably be for lack of any real class competition! Which makes me think "lucky sod". But it's testimony to his consistency I suppose. What do you lot think?

Not been impressed with him so far - when Kirchen took the jersey, it felt like he and the team deserved it, somehow. I'm not sure if it's the coverage and commentary I'm watching, but he (Evans) just doesn't seem to be "there" somehow.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Well, it looks like it might be a good win for one of the lesser riders and then a massive scramble for time and points from the favourites behind. I still expect to see a massive attack on the last climb from Ricco, which will devastate the field.

 

[Tetedelacourse]

I'd really like to see that but I think he had his day yesterday. I predict a grinding climb where the Evans group will claw back the rest and finish in a bunch.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Blimey, it's all going crazy - I wasn't expecting Frankl Schleck today, but he might pull it off...

 

[Flying_Monkey]

But he's gone... has he? Come on, Frank, you could get yellow... but no, Evans gets it by wheel-sucking Vande Velde, by 1 second...

 

[marinyork]

1 second in it!!!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

That is everything I dislike about Evans summed up in that second. You have a heroic ride by Piepoli, Schleck and others, and Evans just does enough by following others...

 

[marinyork]

. Didn't think Schleck would do it but managed to take 1:49 out .

 

[Chris James]

I can't watch the Tour at work, but the 'newsflashes' bulletins on le tour website said that Evans dragged the chasing group up much of the final climb so your criticism sounds very harsh.

eg

17:28 - Evans At The Finish...
Evans has finished the stage 2’17" behind Piepoli.

17:21 - Menchov Moves Forward...
Evans has been leading his group most of the time for the last few kilometers. Menchov did more forward briefly but now it’s Evans again.

17:18 - Three 3km From Finish
Cobo continues to lead Schleck and Piepoli. They are 3km from the finish and one thing is virtually certain: Piepoli is preparing for a mighty attack. He’s been following his team-mate and the virtual leader of the Tour de France, Schleck, for the past two kilometers.
Evans is setting the pace for the next group (that’s 1’55" behind) and stuck in the middle of Schleck’s trio and Evans’ septet is Efimkin.

17:02 - Regrouping...
Evans has been caught by Sastre, Vande Velde et al. The surge didn’t last long and now Ricco is attacking.

17:01 - Evans Attacks!
With Kirchen climbing back near Evans group, the Australian has attacked. He has caught Astarloza.

16:56 - Evans Dropped
Evans is now out of the saddle and riding alongside Menchov and Sastre while Frank Schleck leads the stage under the 10km to go sign.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I guess I just don't like Evans.

You know at less than 40 seconds back, you've got to fancy Vande Velde a bit now too... Evans will have to do a hell of a job to hold on to that second. If he does, I'll respect him, but I still won't like him.

 

[4F]

I can guarantee that the break wont provide today's winner. If I'm wrong, then I'll get the brandy in for everyone on this thread after the finish

Cheers

 

[marinyork]

As is says there the panic surge Evans romped off when kirchen was getting close didn't last very long. The group he was he wasn't exactly lagging at the back nor do I particularly remember him right at the front for more than a couple of minutes.

 

[Keith Oates]

It seems to me that Evans will not hold onto the yellow jersey for long, though who will take it over, I'm not sure. Valverde is again found wanting, looks as if he will end up as another nearly man. Popovych also has not been doing the job he was supposedly employed to carry out. Interesting days ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Steve Austin]

Was that Evans playing the percentage game again? He may win the tour doing it, but damn is it boring.

 

[rich p]

The big shame is that Ricco is such a poor TT-er so he's not really in contention. He's aggressive and could shake it up but at the moment he's not a real threat, hence letting Piepoli and Cobo go away as he'd promised.
Chapeau to Frank Schleck tough for having a dig. I hope Frank can do some more damage to that wheelsucker Evans in the Alps and take the win.