Volta ao Algarve *SPOILERS*

[Flying_Monkey]

I think he would have to be very well 'prepared' to stand a chance. (Was your choice of that word deliberate?)

I don't think you can possibly use the word 'prepared' any other way in cycling. And actually, since I don't think Sky are doing so, I don't think he has a chance today. And if he does hang on to the overall, I may have to revise my opinion about Sky.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frenzlV0hrA&list=UUPN6oE8XaeEEDOk3mCU_rrQ&index=2

 

[Flying_Monkey]

And, yes, Henao didn't have a chance - Martin destroyed the field - over a minute ahead of the next rider. I wonder with this race whether having such a relatively long TT makes the race essentially all a prelude to the final stage TT - basically nothing much mattered apart for the overall from the final day.

 

[Strathlubnaig]

And, yes, Henao didn't have a chance - Martin destroyed the field - over a minute ahead of the next rider. I wonder with this race whether having such a relatively long TT makes the race essentially all a prelude to the final stage TT - basically nothing much mattered apart for the overall from the final day.

I agree. Long TT's can nullify a lot of the efforts in the stages to quite a degree, last years TdF was perhaps a case in point. I am not a big fan of ITTs in stage races really, and where they exist I think they should be short or very hilly affairs.

 

[montage]

I agree. Long TT's can nullify a lot of the efforts in the stages to quite a degree, last years TdF was perhaps a case in point. I am not a big fan of ITTs in stage races really, and where they exist I think they should be short or very hilly affairs.

Stage races should be won by all rounders I reckon, and TTs make the climbers go on the attack, making the race a great watch.

Fantastic TT by Uran, coming in above some pretty decent TTs - Chavanel for example. Definitely going to see him on the podium of something big in the future. Heano showed he still has a way to go regarding development - but from what Froome has been saying he sounds on top climbing form. I just hope team sky find a way to keep these guys interested and remaining in the team!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I agree. Long TT's can nullify a lot of the efforts in the stages to quite a degree, last years TdF was perhaps a case in point. I am not a big fan of ITTs in stage races really, and where they exist I think they should be short or very hilly affairs.

Not sure it's quite the same. 2 or 3 TTs out of 20 stages, is a much smaller ratio than 1 in 4. And the thing is that there was only really one stage in the VaA that was mountainous enough to generate any splits in the field and that wasn't big enough to balance the final TT at all. Not so with the TdF.

 

[Strathlubnaig]

Not sure it's quite the same. 2 or 3 TTs out of 20 stages, is a much smaller ratio than 1 in 4. And the thing is that there was only really one stage in the VaA that was mountainous enough to generate any splits in the field and that wasn't big enough to balance the final TT at all. Not so with the TdF.

Fair comment, though I would prefer to see one ITT and one TTT instead of the two long-ish ITTs (as well as the wee prolog) in a GT myself.

 

[rich p]

I agree. Long TT's can nullify a lot of the efforts in the stages to quite a degree, last years TdF was perhaps a case in point. I am not a big fan of ITTs in stage races really, and where they exist I think they should be short or very hilly affairs.

I take your point but Wiggins was the best TTer and also in the top 3 climbers at the TdF.

 

[Rob3rt]

I am happy to see Martin win, he is one of my favourite riders in the peloton.

 

[smutchin]

I take your point but Wiggins was the best TTer and also in the top 3 climbers at the TdF.

Wiggo's climbing ability has always been underrated. He was one of the best climbers in the 2009 Tour as well, even without the Sky team to blitz the opposition. He can even sprint a bit too. He's a genuine all-rounder. He (and his team) "nullified" the opposition in all departments in last year's TdF, not just the TTs.

d.

 

[montage]

I am happy to see Martin win, he is one of my favourite riders in the peloton.

Really? He's possibly the most boring, personality and riding style wise. EBH interviews are boring as well - but his riding style more than makes up for it.

 

[Strathlubnaig]

Apologies, forgot one is not allowed to be crtical of sky and co here.
Anyway, great quote from Kimmage ...

"You're Sergio Henao. You finish the final stage (time trial) of the Volta Algarve in the YJ with your face covered in snot and sweat ..you've beaten Sylvain Chavenel, the French TT champion, by 4 seconds. And you lose the race by over 3 mins! You don't even finish top 10! Not sure about you, but if it was me I'd be on my second bottle of red by now"

 

[thom]

Not sure about you, but if it was me I'd be on my second bottle of red by now"

Is that a new euphemism for blood doping ?

 

[Rob3rt]

Really? He's possibly the most boring, personality and riding style wise. EBH interviews are boring as well - but his riding style more than makes up for it.

Yeah, don't know why really, he can be rather drab, seems like a worker though!

 

[400bhp]

His TT'ing is poetry in motion.

A beautiful style, just looks effortless.