Tour de France 2018 **SPOILERS**

[biking_fox]

You never know, it could all go to rat droppings for Sky tomorrow. I was chatting with my ride crony yesterday and we were speculating what would happen if, thanks to either tomorrow and/or the TT, there was maybe only a second or two between Dumoulin and either Froome or Thomas. Would they race the last day? Not one for the traditionalists, but it'd be epic.

I think like that they may not race. But perhaps if Tom was dropped, and it was a second or two between froome and Thomas, then there might be grounds for a 'friendly' race. but it's basically a flat sprint so I'm not sure it would actually change anything.

 

[Crackle]

This is the day they stop pretending and Froome goes for it from the penultimate descent or the top of the penultimate climb. Bluff over

 

[Beebo]

This is the day they stop pretending and Froome goes for it from the penultimate descent or the top of the penultimate climb. Bluff over

I agree that he has to go for it today. Lets see if Froome has the legs to make a decent attack, after the Giro.

The thing about the Giro was that Sky had nothing to lose, either win or bust. At TdF Sky have a yellow jersey to protect..

 

[BrumJim]

Or the day that Froome gets a minute and a half over GT, which leaves them to duel it out on the TT.
Only question is how Dumoulin fits into this. If he tries to follow Froome, knowing he can win some back on the TT, then he will be dragging GT with him.

 

[Deleted member 26715]

Only question is how Dumoulin fits into this.

I think there are 2 questions, agree with yours & add, what does GT's contract say

 

[smutchin]

There's also another question: Roglic? Will be interesting to see what he has up his sleeve for today. I didn't pick him in the punditry so he'll probably win the stage.

 

[Adam4868]

Froomes day I think,at least to try.Theres no way that he would settle for even second place without going for it.
If it all rests on the TT there's not much between them

 

[Crackle]

Just catching up on the news front and read that Gilbert finished the stage with a broken patella. How the flippety flip did he do that. mad.

 

[ColinJ]

This is one stage that I will watch live - anything could happen!

For what it's worth, I think that Froome will try to launch a savage long distance attack like the one he did in the Giro, and Thomas will glue himself to Dumoulin's rear wheel until the last few kms of the final climb. He will then try and escape everyone else and set off in pursuit of Froome. If he can't break free, he will ride up with the others. (Oh, and Thomas will be praying that Froome gains about 45 seconds on him to leave Froome in second place comfortably clear of Dumoulin, that is in second place comfortably behind Thomas! )

 

[smutchin]

Just catching up on the news front and read that Gilbert finished the stage with a broken patella. How the flippety flip did he do that. mad.

View: https://twitter.com/PhilippeGilbert/status/1022061942104567808

 

[uncle_adolph]

I can't see Froome doing a long distance attack. Personally, I think the first climb will be pretty neutral; pretty nervy with Sky waiting for the remnants of their team to arrive and the other GC guys being wary of doing something from so far out.

I reckon it will kick off over the last part of the second descent with riders trying to position themselves for the last climb. Someone (non-Sky) has to try and kick on from there and how successful this is will decide the race. It is then a question of whether both Froome and G can stay; if either of them is in trouble the other won't wait.

G could easily win the Tour today; on the other hand he could just as easily finish the day off the podium.

 

[ColinJ]

Gilbert - brave, but foolish!

 

[smutchin]

Sounds quite plausible.


View: https://twitter.com/daniellloyd1/status/1022052839235964928

 

[Beebo]

View: https://twitter.com/PhilippeGilbert/status/1022061942104567808

Ouch!
Hope he hasnt done any long term damage.

Gilbert - brave, but foolish!

 

[Beebo]

I like his World Champs Tattoo.
Classy if you have earned it. Naff if you are a wannabe.