Tour of Qatar **SPOILER**

[rich p]

Their DS was quoted today (before the stage) as saying that the only thing he thinks they messed up was Stage 4 when they let Cav get caught behind the split in the bunch, which lost him (and Sky) the chance of an overall win. I don't think Sky were trying to work with a traditional train in this event and today was just bad luck for Cav, nothing else.

They not only let Cav get caught in the second group but, when it was only 20 seconds down, Flecha, Eisel and Stannard were driving the first group along. Tactically inept. It was baffling to all , especially the Eurosport commentators.

It would have been an ideal race to try out the train that they have been banging on about perfecting in Mallorca recently. If they didn't want to use a train it seems like a missed opportunity, unless they wanted to know that Cav doesn't need one.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

They not only let Cav get caught in the second group but, when it was only 20 seconds down, Flecha, Eisel and Stannard were driving the first group along. Tactically inept. It was baffling to all , especially the Eurosport commentators.

It would have been an ideal race to try out the train that they have been banging on about perfecting in Mallorca recently. If they didn't want to use a train it seems like a missed opportunity, unless they wanted to know that Cav doesn't need one.

+1. Ever measured and diplomatic, it is always interesting to listen carefully to what Kelly didn't say, contradicting Harmon directly a number of times by stating Cav scored largely on his own so far, to me, what Kelly was saying was where the *bleep* was the train?!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

It would have been an ideal race to try out the train that they have been banging on about perfecting in Mallorca recently. If they didn't want to use a train it seems like a missed opportunity, unless they wanted to know that Cav doesn't need one.

It certainly would have done. I couldn't tell you if what they were doing was deliberate in general or just an early-season failure. Mind you, if you are going to fail (the two stage wins notwithstanding) and rethink, now is the time to do it, not in the middle of the classics or a GT... early season success often has nothing to do with what happens later.

 

[rich p]

It appears that this race was radio-less which may explain stage 4's cock-up. Did Eisel et al think Cav had made the split?

 

[Speicher]

+1. Ever measured and diplomatic, it is always interesting to listen carefully to what Kelly didn't say, contradicting Harmon directly a number of times by stating Cav scored largely on his own so far, to me, what Kelly was saying was where the *bleep* was the train?!

I thought the commentary was with Harmon and Smith.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I thought the commentary was with Harmon and Smith.

You are of course right!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

It appears that this race was radio-less which may explain stage 4's cock-up. Did Eisel et al think Cav had made the split?

Is Eisel or Flecha the road captain? Whoever it is, in the absense of a radio, it's their job to make sure Cav didn't get gapped, or got back on if he did.

 

[Speicher]

You are of course right!

I shall put this diplomatically. It is much easier, I think, to listen to Brian Smith, than listening to Kelly. I also like Magnus Backstedt, when Harmon and Backstedt can stop laughing.

 

[rich p]

Is Eisel or Flecha the road captain? Whoever it is, in the absense of a radio, it's their job to make sure Cav didn't get gapped, or got back on if he did.

I read that Eisel was upset at the outcome which implies that he felt himself cu;pable. Strange that it happened bcause he is clearly Cav's trusted lieutenant but maybe just human error and easy for me to be critical from the armchair.

 

[Edge705]

Ive been impressed with Peter Sagans progression in the past 12 months he'll be one to watch and I cant help thinking if Griepel wasnt ill if he would of taken a couple of stages I think he's gonna be the closest to cevendish this season if he can lose a little top end weight his power to weight ratio will up a few notches but it seems cavendish is a freak of nature 1500 watts plus to the finish line when you think back to Zabel and how long he went on for cavendish could end up one of the greats by the time he reaches his twilight years

 

[Keith Oates]

Cav had a nasty fall in stage 6 but did finish the stage and race. I hope it's not something that will interfere with his overall preparations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!