TDF 2017: Stage 5-Vittel - La planche des belles filles 160.5kms *Spoilers*

TheBigBean

There's only one subject of conversation on commentary.

above_the_cows

What are the English commentators saying? The Dutch commentators on Eurosport are going with the opinion of the other sprinter's they've interviewed and now they've said that that is the end of it.

takethehighroad

But what is the opinion of the other sprtiners they've interviewed?

TheBigBean

Above The Cows wrote:

What are the English commentators saying? The Dutch commentators on Eurosport are going with the opinion of the other sprinter's they've interviewed and now they've said that that is the end of it.

Lots of things that shouldn't stray from the stage 4 thread!

larkim

I wonder if Sky's performance in the TT is leading to a false sense of complacency about Froome and his progress since the Dauphine. Putting dimpled skinsuits to one side, G's win and Froome's margin of difference ahead of the rest of the GC contenders were definitely a "surprise", so perhaps they lucked into something in the bike setup for their team which had a disproportionate impact on the outcome.

Similarly, Froome didn't look mightily strong at the uphill drag at the end of stage 3.

I wouldn't be surprised to see either no time gaps in the GC this afternoon, or Froome bested by at least one viable contender today.

blazing_saddles

Above The Cows wrote:

What are the English commentators saying? The Dutch commentators on Eurosport are going with the opinion of the other sprinter's they've interviewed and now they've said that that is the end of it.

Brian Smith had a right old rant about Sagan yesterday.
Today it's a back track to relegated yes, DQF no.

Degenkolb and Kittel a bit non-committal, although "hair" said that it sends a message.

Robbie McEwen is currently on the blower to ITV.
Also back tracted. This is a step too far. Bad jury decision. No elbow contact.
Also, Demare different because nobody crashed.

dinyull

larkim wrote:

I wonder if Sky's performance in the TT is leading to a false sense of complacency about Froome and his progress since the Dauphine. Putting dimpled skinsuits to one side, G's win and Froome's margin of difference ahead of the rest of the GC contenders were definitely a "surprise", so perhaps they lucked into something in the bike setup for their team which had a disproportionate impact on the outcome.

Similarly, Froome didn't look mightily strong at the uphill drag at the end of stage 3.

I wouldn't be surprised to see either no time gaps in the GC this afternoon, or Froome bested by at least one viable contender today.

Personal opinion is they were keeping their powder dry at the dauphine. Think someone posted on here that on the the straights during the TT Froome was 2-3kph faster than Porte, so don't think setup was the sole reason behind their results.

And on stage 3 didn't Froome finish right up there, well ahead of Porte and Bertie who both made concerted digs?

FocusZing

Beautiful wide canals, bet wiggins would...

Flâneur

winner, some information not from the merry go round of S4.... maybe

Richmond Racer 2

Blazing Saddles wrote:

Above The Cows wrote:

What are the English commentators saying? The Dutch commentators on Eurosport are going with the opinion of the other sprinter's they've interviewed and now they've said that that is the end of it.

Brian Smith had a right old rant about Sagan yesterday.
Today it's a back track to relegated yes, DQF no.

Degenkolb and Kittel a bit non-committal, although "hair" said that it sends a message.

Robbie McEwen is currently on the blower to ITV.
Also back tracted. This is a step too far. Bad jury decision. No elbow contact.
Also, Demare different because nobody crashed.

Smith contradicting himself?? Say it aint so

Right, ES commentary team, can we pls crack on with this stage. Please and thank you.

Richmond Racer 2

FocusZing wrote:

Beautiful wide canals, bet wiggins would...

boney elbows too

TheBigBean

I think prologues are rarely indicative of much in a three week race. I have also thought that Froome has been a bit undercooked all season, so today's stage will be interesting.

The thing is I'm not sure who else has any form.

Richmond Racer 2

TheBigBean wrote:

I think prologues are rarely indicative of much in a three week race. I have also thought that Froome has been a bit undercooked all season, so today's stage will be interesting.

The thing is I'm not sure who else has any form.

I really think LRP has the form

yourpaceormine

Quite enjoying how ITV4 are filling the rolling along, not much happening on the racing front time. Yesterday they discussed TT clothing, today Mick Bennett on how the ToB is planned and organised.

On the whole I think ITV4 commentary team are doing really well since they ditched P&P. Eurosport upped their game during the Giro, how are they doing with the TdF (I'll always take the anybody but Kirby option)?

blazing_saddles

48.1kph average.
Not really sure why they are going at it hammer and tongs, given today's stage is the hockey stick, with a bit of a kink.

TheBigBean

Richmond Racer 2 wrote:

TheBigBean wrote:

I think prologues are rarely indicative of much in a three week race. I have also thought that Froome has been a bit undercooked all season, so today's stage will be interesting.

The thing is I'm not sure who else has any form.

I really think LRP has the form

There's still that big question over whether he can survive three weeks without a mistake / bad day. He didn't manage a week of the Dauphine which brings us to the dark horse: Fuglsang

above_the_cows

God this thesis is boring!

Richmond Racer 2

TheBigBean wrote:

Richmond Racer 2 wrote:

TheBigBean wrote:

I think prologues are rarely indicative of much in a three week race. I have also thought that Froome has been a bit undercooked all season, so today's stage will be interesting.

The thing is I'm not sure who else has any form.

I really think LRP has the form

There's still that big question over whether he can survive three weeks without a mistake / bad day. He didn't manage a week of the Dauphine which brings us to the dark horse: Fuglsang

Sure. But on the pure question of form - as opposed to, dunno, mental fortitude, luck etc - I think he has that...

Richmond Racer 2

Blazing Saddles wrote:

48.1kph average.
Not really sure why they are going at it hammer and tongs, given today's stage is the hockey stick, with a bit of a kink.

The Rich Fantasy in a nutshell

Richmond Racer 2

This finish is one of me fav sights in pro cycling. When the winner pops up at the top with that forest backdrop....

above_the_cows

Richmond Racer 2 wrote:

This finish is one of me fav sights in pro cycling. When the winner pops up at the top with that forest backdrop....

salsiccia1

Richmond Racer 2 wrote:

This finish is one of me fav sights in pro cycling. When the winner pops up at the top with that forest backdrop....

Like this, you mean?

Vino'sGhost

lol the riders are being eaten

Richmond Racer 2

Salsiccia1 wrote:

Richmond Racer 2 wrote:

This finish is one of me fav sights in pro cycling. When the winner pops up at the top with that forest backdrop....

Like this, you mean?

well not THAT one obvs

blazing_saddles

A Muster cheese maker.

salsiccia1

Richmond Racer 2 wrote:

Salsiccia1 wrote:

Richmond Racer 2 wrote:

This finish is one of me fav sights in pro cycling. When the winner pops up at the top with that forest backdrop....

Like this, you mean?

well not THAT one obvs

salsiccia1

That shot is amazing - like a 4 team TTT at the front

blazing_saddles

Kirby on Eurosport.
ITV going on and on about the ToB in monotone.

dinyull

David Millar??? Monotone??? Say it ain't so...

yourpaceormine

A river cruise looks quite appealing.


#mustbegettingoldortheadvertsarereallyboring #whendoestheracingproperbegin?