Tour of Britain 2012

[lyn1]

I kind of like seeing the domestic guys like Russ Downing and Kristian House taking it to the international superstars in the sprints and KOMs.
I was suprised to see Wiggins actually cycle back down the course to get Cav rather than just waiting for him to arrive (it wasn't shown on the highlights) I hadn't seen that happen before.

But with respect they are not doing that!
No criticism of those involved but the sprints (Pete Williams) and Mountains (Kristian House) jerseys have been uncontested. None of the big teams have shown any interest. I can't remember when either of those jerseys last saw anyone compete..probably day 2.

Maybe it's because of the 6 rider limit and the fact some big teams were down to 4 or 5 very early. As they have GC pretentions they cannot contest the secondary jerseys. In contrast teams with no GC contenders (all the Brit conti teams bar Endura and An Post) might as well pick something up as they are not at a level to shape the race, so are allowed to go in breaks that will inevitably be caught, but can at least shovel up points. So what is happening is that those jerseys can be gained by performing at a level below Premier Calendar quality, because at least there, they had Endura to beat. It was harder to get a sprint or mountains jersey in the Tour Doon Hame Premier than here.

 

[Rob3rt]

So when they talk about teams going for the GC what does it mean?

Winning overall.

 

[rich p]

But with respect they are not doing that!
No criticism of those involved but the sprints (Pete Williams) and Mountains (Kristian House) jerseys have been uncontested. None of the big teams have shown any interest. I can't remember when either of those jerseys last saw anyone compete..probably day 2.

Maybe it's because of the 6 rider limit and the fact some big teams were down to 4 or 5 very early. As they have GC pretentions they cannot contest the secondary jerseys. In contrast teams with no GC contenders (all the Brit conti teams bar Endura and An Post) might as well pick something up as they are not at a level to shape the race, so are allowed to go in breaks that will inevitably be caught, but can at least shovel up points. So what is happening is that those jerseys can be gained by performing at a level below Premier Calendar quality, because at least there, they had Endura to beat. It was harder to get a sprint or mountains jersey in the Tour Doon Hame Premier than here.

This is true. They're usually a sideshow but an entertaining one at least. remember JTL last year? It's a shame because it can enliven a dull day.

 

[thom]

So when they talk about teams going for the GC what does it mean?

It means they have a rider and team capable of winning the GC (ie. finish the entire race in the shortest time), meaning the team will execute tactics to protect their GC guy from unnecessary work, create opportunities for him to exploit his strengths relative to the rest of the field (like JTL today making a break on the hilly section to the end) and counteract efforts from other teams to attack their rider.
Usually the whole team will be involved in the tactics - the GC rider would not be able to win on their own.
Other teams might focus on winning flat sprint stages and have riders capable of a lead out train for a speed merchant to do 150m solo work at the end, or they may look to all-round riders to get in breakaways and try to win KOM points and indeed stages by holding off the peloton against the odds.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

It means they have a rider and team capable of winning the GC (ie. finish the entire race in the shortest time), meaning the team will execute tactics to protect their GC guy from unnecessary work, create opportunities for him to exploit his strengths relative to the rest of the field (like JTL today making a break on the hilly section to the end) and counteract efforts from other teams to attack their rider.
Usually the whole team will be involved in the tactics - the GC rider would not be able to win on their own.
Other teams might focus on winning flat sprint stages and have riders capable of a lead out train for a speed merchant to do 150m solo work at the end, or they may look to all-round riders to get in breakaways and try to win KOM points and indeed stages by holding off the peloton against the odds.

Thank you very much indeed.

 

[tigger]

Edmundson looked pretty handy in the highlights. Good to see him have a go

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I really enjoyed today's stage.

 

[Basil.B]

After watching the Vuelta, I'm finding the TOB a bit dull!

 

[thom]

I was suprised to see Wiggins actually cycle back down the course to get Cav rather than just waiting for him to arrive (it wasn't shown on the highlights) I hadn't seen that happen before.

Did he really do that ?! Bonkers - I thought that was specifically banned. I thought even if your team mate was punctured 10m behind you, you were supposed to dismount and walk back. Maybe it's different if you have sideburns.

 

[The Central Scrutinizer]

My admiration for wiggins has gone down a notch on this TOB.
His cannot care attitude is not pleasing but i do wish him well from his "stomach bug".
Anyway thanks to the lesser well known riders for still making the TOB enjoyable.

 

[Slaav]

Please have nobody take offence but when someone asks;

"What is GC?" or "What does GC mean?" etc, I am not sure simply stating 'General Classification' is an appropriate answer

OK, further down, it was explained fully but a newbie asking the question 'may' be slightly put off by a flippant or short answer - thought we were all inclusive?

And apologies if I am being a little precious on this

On the ToB, I too am slightly perplexed by Sky's attitude to the race? Are they there to parade or race? Luke Rowe appears that he could have won the damn thing! Imagine that, 2nd Pro season and winning the ToB? (Watched Road to Glory last night - think my facts are correct) and Cav could easily have mopped up 4 stages by now.

Sky really could have dominated the race and showcased GB cycling at a level unseen in Britain. Now that would have been a coup surely?

Or just not worth bothering about? And I was amazed that Wiggo went BACK fro Cav? Why? If Cav isnt even trying (yes, I know....) then why send Wiggo back as a Domestique and then not even try to drag him up again as they did in the Tour?

Oh well; still watching!

 

[rich p]

Did he really do that ?! Bonkers - I thought that was specifically banned. I thought even if your team mate was punctured 10m behind you, you were supposed to dismount and walk back. Maybe it's different if you have sideburns.

He only went back about 10metres Thom and then spun round again, chatting to the motocam guy. All a bit odd.

 

[rich p]

Please have nobody take offence but when someone asks;

"What is GC?" or "What does GC mean?" etc, I am not sure simply stating 'General Classification' is an appropriate answer

OK, further down, it was explained fully but a newbie asking the question 'may' be slightly put off by a flippant or short answer - thought we were all inclusive?

And apologies if I am being a little precious on this


Oh well; still watching!

Yeah, you are One person explained what GC meant and someone else explained what General Classification meant!
No, I'm not offended

 

[thom]

He only went back about 10metres Thom and then spun round again, chatting to the motocam guy. All a bit odd.

That's outrageous rich p, I think I'm going to complain. Strip him of his TdF title !

 

[rich p]

That's outrageous rich p, I think I'm going to complain. Strip him of his TdF title !

On reflection, he may have been looking for a discreet spot to relieve himself due to his stomach bug