Guimard thinks Contador mechanically doped...

frenchfighter

Saying it is odd he changed bikes so many times.

Another guy who needs to get real.

One reason for changing bikes other than mechanical issues could be to have lower gearing for the climb.

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/8703/ ... talia.aspx

calvjones

A stupid notion true, but it is odd how much both Canc and Bertie have changed bikes this year.

There has to be virtually no downside to riding a climbing whippet-bike on the flat bits surely? 50-11 or even 50-12 would be high enough to keep up?

mz__jo

Guimard has done enough mechanical doping in his time (particularly as a manager) to have a good idea what he's talking about. He would probably admit however that a lot of it is in the mind and I somehow don't see Canc or Bert needing that sort of prop.

SunWuKong

I can't see Contador doing this pharmaceutical doping is enough for him to win.

Monty Zoncolan

A strange accusation I thought. By changing bikes regularly you'd be drawing attention to yourself and making it easier to get caught.

prawny

Just a thought, do they weigh the bikes before or after the stage?

And do they weigh them all, or just the one they start/finish on?

Pokerface

prawny wrote:

Just a thought, do they weigh the bikes before or after the stage?

Both/neither.

The weighing of road bikes doesn't happen all that often but can be done if the commissaires want either before or after a stage. The mechanics will be responsible for making sure they are the correct weight.