Vuelta a España 2012 (with spoilers)

[rich p]

The longer this Vuelta goes on the more stupid those people who claimed Froome should have been leader ahead of Wiggo at the TdF look...

I'm sure he'll have his day in Paris, but he's not ready yet IMO

I rhink we have to cut him some slack due to the heavy programme and effort he has put in. Valv.Piti only had a couple of efforts in the TdF, JRod didn't do it and Dirty Bertie was lazing around in Marbella.
I think he's been a bit tactically naive in this race if that's what you mean.

 

[Strathlubnaig]

Do you not get problems with rust?

I use the carbon on days like this.

 

[Strathlubnaig]

The longer this Vuelta goes on the more stupid those people who claimed Froome should have been leader ahead of Wiggo at the TdF look...

I'm sure he'll have his day in Paris, but he's not ready yet IMO

I am not so sure, he is still high in the GC and is putting in a good effort, and no doubt following the instructions of the team ds as far as strategy, gie the lad some credit.

 

[400bhp]

Great racing to come whatever the end result.

 

[smutchin]

Which particular results had you in mind?
Valverde didn't ride that TT.
Jrod didn't ride that TT.
Froome erm didn't ride that TT.

The result I had in mind was Contador whupping the ass of all the TT specialists on a hilly, technical course. Was I mistaken to draw the parallel? Hmm? Well, was I? Has the evidence of today's stage proved me wrong?

d.

 

[zimzum42]

I rhink we have to cut him some slack due to the heavy programme and effort he has put in. Valv.Piti only had a couple of efforts in the TdF, JRod didn't do it and Dirty Bertie was lazing around in Marbella.
I think he's been a bit tactically naive in this race if that's what you mean.

That's what I mean, yes, I don't think he's strong enough in the head yet...

 

[rich p]

That's what I mean, yes, I don't think he's strong enough in the head yet...

In that case we're in full agreement! (And Strauss has resigned!)

 

[zimzum42]

In that case we're in full agreement! (And Strauss has resigned!)

It's Loudon time!

 

[lukesdad]

The result I had in mind was Contador whupping the ass of all the TT specialists on a hilly, technical course. Was I mistaken to draw the parallel? Hmm? Well, was I? Has the evidence of today's stage proved me wrong?

d.

That might depend on what he was being told, he would have had the time gaps. Does he want red yet ? Does he want to hold something back ? Who knows.

 

[perplexed]

I'm struggling to see anything but Froome going backwards from here on in. Within the first few km yesterday, from his posture on the bike, I thought "Nope, not gonna happen, he looks totally spent..."

 

[raindog]

I'm struggling to see anything but Froome going backwards from here on in.

Well, at least that will mean his own special 57 page thread in TheClinic will fizzle out.
(at least for the time being)

 

[rich p]

I'm struggling to see anything but Froome going backwards from here on in. Within the first few km yesterday, from his posture on the bike, I thought "Nope, not gonna happen, he looks totally spent..."

He did look rough in the TT but I think that's his riding style (or lack of). He was still 3rd finisher albeit not taking time out of AC. I still have a lingering hope that he'll be stronger on the longer climbs but it may be a vain one.

 

[smutchin]

David Harmon just mentioned that the steepest part of today's final climb is 30%.

OMFG.

d.

 

[Nearly there]

Froome looks out of this

 

[smutchin]

Wow, that looked vicious. Short but bloody sharp.

Froome did OK but no way he was going to stay with Rodriguez and Contador. Nice one, Purito!

d.