I'm looking forward to this - Susie and I went north from Agde through Sete and Palavas-les-Flots last year, and it was one of the few parts of the French portion of our ride that was enjoyable. We didn't go to Cap d'Agde, which is not the kind of town that you google at work........
Tour de France 2012 (with SPOILERS)
- Thread starter Flying_Monkey
- Start date
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It's not really that simple. The last day of competitive GC racing is an individual time trial, so no matter how things are lying at that point, both Wiggins and Froome should be going all out.
We know that although close, Wiggins has the slight edge in the TT, but it could be very interesting if for example Froome was sitting in yellow by 20 seconds over Brad, going out last and getting the time checks, to see what orders came over the race radio in the final km.
Do we think it's a possibility that should this be the case and Brad was virtual yellow, Froome might be asked to ease up and slot into second?
Personally I'd like to see both men fight it out over the TT and the best man wins... However it's a moot point at the minute until we know the standings on the start ramp
I get the impression that Sean Yates should leave the media stuff to Dave, or maybe the team bike washer.
Smokin Joe
Squire
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
Not a prayer.
The team would not issue that sort of order and if they did Froome's reply would make the Terry/Ferdinand spat seem very small beer.
Sean isn't very articulate at the best of times, but he's the DS and has to speak with the press. End of.
He does a quick interview every day in French through the car window sometime during the stage - he manages pretty well.
Strathlubnaig
Guru
- Location
- Alberta
Nice wee article by the other Millar here
http://www.cyclingnews.com/blogs/ro...-doping-speculation-and-froomes-climbing-legs
http://www.cyclingnews.com/blogs/ro...-doping-speculation-and-froomes-climbing-legs
Strathlubnaig
Guru
- Location
- Alberta
Yes, I think if it comes down to that situation then sky would be happy with any one of them winning overall, the goal seemed to be get a rider in yellow into Paris, not in particularly only wiggins.
cheers - always interested in seeing what Robert's got to say
U
User169
Guest
Belgian TV's just been having a giggle at the Sky "WAG-war"
Steve H
Large Member
- Location
- Brighouse in West Yorkshire
I'm struggling to see the Wiggins vs Froome thing as a real issue. I think they are both great riders and fantastic to have on the Sky team together. Wiggins is clearly in the lead and there is still a large element of risk ahead as they have many stages to get through before the race is over.
In the choice of:
1) have the whole Sky team protect the Sky lead by riding for Wiggins who is strong, has a good lead, and is one of the very best time triallers
Or
2) let Froome go off free because he has a chance of doing better in one or two stages, but at the risk of Wiggins losing some time on these stages
Personally I think it's a no-brainer decision at this stage. The whole team ride for Brad. In the final time trial where Froome has the opportunity to ride his heart out with no risk to Wiggins, again it is a no-brainer - he should, and he will be allowed to ride full pelt.
What Froome will be creating for himself, is a lot of respect. This will pay him dividends in the near future. There are going to be many races in the near to medium future where his team will ride for him.
In the choice of:
1) have the whole Sky team protect the Sky lead by riding for Wiggins who is strong, has a good lead, and is one of the very best time triallers
Or
2) let Froome go off free because he has a chance of doing better in one or two stages, but at the risk of Wiggins losing some time on these stages
Personally I think it's a no-brainer decision at this stage. The whole team ride for Brad. In the final time trial where Froome has the opportunity to ride his heart out with no risk to Wiggins, again it is a no-brainer - he should, and he will be allowed to ride full pelt.
What Froome will be creating for himself, is a lot of respect. This will pay him dividends in the near future. There are going to be many races in the near to medium future where his team will ride for him.
I do completely agree with you, but Froome has consistently stated that his job is to get Wiggo to Paris in yellow and he is supporting that, not chasing yellow himself.
You could at least make an effort RD. Put something on that you don't normally wear.
smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
Totally agree with this. Both men will be riding to win on the final time trial, no team orders.
And in that situation, Wiggo will win every time.
d.
smutchin
Cat 6 Racer
- Location
- The Red Enclave
Bouet, Dumoulin, Engoulvent, Ladagnous and Pineau in the break but not the Frenchman I plumped for... Pah!
I fancied FdJ for today, so I'll switch my allegiance to Ladagnous, though Dumoulin or Pineau probably favourite if the break stays away...
d.
thom
____
- Location
- The Borough
Apart from last year's Vuelta...
Or if he falls off his bike or punctures or Froome's girlfriend assaults Wiggo with a yellow flare...
