Switzerland, judging from how their startlist is shaping up.
Re Switzerland, the Tour has been spoilt a bit by it having been decided to re-route stages 6 and 8, because of winter conditions up the passes Nufenen-Furka-Susten. On the one hand I'm surprised the decisions to re-route have already been made. The decision about stage 6 (Nufenen) was made a couple of days ago, the decision about stage 8 (Furka-Grimsel-Susten) about a week ago, although the stages don't actually take place until 11 and 13 June respectively – the weather could still warm up appreciably in between time, allowing the opening of the passes. But on the other hand I'm surprised these passes were at all included in this year's Tour, considering it is starting 5-10 days earlier than usual. Currently Susten isn't anticipated to be open before 25 June and in normal years, Nufenen and Furka wouldn't be open before Susten. Grimsel is also still closed, although it typically opens in late May.
What I am however still looking forward to is stage 7. A TT which goes up and over a pass (Oberalp) must be a novelty, at least I can't remember a TT like that before. Roughly 650 m climbing over 12 km, then 600 m descending over 11 km.
Thanks for the really excellent info. I hadn't heard a thing, although I know a German poster who is normally right up to speed on the TdS. I will let him know and appear superior for once! More climbs being cancelled seems to be this year's equivalent of last year's Covid races cull. I'm totally fed up with it already.
As for the Dauphine: I wonder whether having timed today's stage finish for the middle of the Giro TT, is a case of cutting off one's nose to spite the UCI's face? Of course it might just be the ASO being aloof, or even stubborn.
"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
As for the Dauphine: I wonder whether having timed today's stage finish for the middle of the Giro TT, is a case of cutting off one's nose to spite the UCI's face? Of course it might just be the ASO being aloof, or even stubborn.
If anyone's interested Brent van Most held on from a break that went after a few km to take the win with Colbrelli leading in the bunch 25" behind. Clement Venturini completed the top 3.
I didn't watch and had to look up the results. The top 80 were on the same time as Colbrelli including all the likely GC contenders. Not sure if there were crashes as there were some big time losses further back with last rider Ian Garrison losing over 23 minutes. Suspect it was just taken too hard up the climbs as there was a group just under 15 minutes down that included Jakobsen (second last) and Pedersen.
How heavy is the Froomester at the mo? Last photo I saw he looked back to his old Barloworld shape.
He says he's down to 69kg now. 67kg was his glory days' weight. I don't know how much metal is still in him.
Wasn’t he saying he’d gained a bit more muscle too from all the rehab.
I’m not expecting much from him here and I guess he’ll be a bit part at the tour at most then maybe do the Vuelta too for the miles? I guess his hope is that eventually he regains some form to at least be towards the front end.
I don’t doubt his motivation at the moment but you’d wonder about that if he completes this season does another off season and is then still continuously getting dropped next spring. It was a horrific crash though so recovery is a huge unknown.
I have Dauphine Live on France 3 TV, but I do like to watch ITV4 Highlights too. I set the recorder last night for 'Criterium Dauphine ITV4 10pm'. This morning discovered the one hour recording was 55 minutes of Roland Garros. Looks like that's gonna throw a spanner in the works for me all week!
I had the same problem but managed to record the following itv programme and it was in that time slot - realised why I never watch cycling on ITV if Eurosport is an alternative.
I've worked it out, If I'm chromecasting, leave the app, then re-enter (to have a lot ok at the stage map for example) it switches to no-commentary mode for some reason...
We're in danger of confusing passion with incompetence
- @ddraver
I've worked it out, If I'm chromecasting, leave the app, then re-enter (to have a lot ok at the stage map for example) it switches to no-commentary mode for some reason...
Could be the most popular hack / glitch of all time!
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However, this has to be the poorest Dauphine line up in years.
Anyhow, today's stage. Using La Flamme cos as usual, the ASO's profiles are shiite.
On the one hand I'm surprised the decisions to re-route have already been made. The decision about stage 6 (Nufenen) was made a couple of days ago, the decision about stage 8 (Furka-Grimsel-Susten) about a week ago, although the stages don't actually take place until 11 and 13 June respectively – the weather could still warm up appreciably in between time, allowing the opening of the passes.
But on the other hand I'm surprised these passes were at all included in this year's Tour, considering it is starting 5-10 days earlier than usual. Currently Susten isn't anticipated to be open before 25 June and in normal years, Nufenen and Furka wouldn't be open before Susten. Grimsel is also still closed, although it typically opens in late May.
What I am however still looking forward to is stage 7. A TT which goes up and over a pass (Oberalp) must be a novelty, at least I can't remember a TT like that before. Roughly 650 m climbing over 12 km, then 600 m descending over 11 km.
I will let him know and appear superior for once!
More climbs being cancelled seems to be this year's equivalent of last year's Covid races cull.
I'm totally fed up with it already.
As for the Dauphine: I wonder whether having timed today's stage finish for the middle of the Giro TT, is a case of cutting off one's nose to spite the UCI's face?
Of course it might just be the ASO being aloof, or even stubborn.
I feel like it matters less than it used to
It's due to the French Open tennis
I didn't watch and had to look up the results. The top 80 were on the same time as Colbrelli including all the likely GC contenders. Not sure if there were crashes as there were some big time losses further back with last rider Ian Garrison losing over 23 minutes. Suspect it was just taken too hard up the climbs as there was a group just under 15 minutes down that included Jakobsen (second last) and Pedersen.
Let their careers actually finish first. Cav had three years in the wilderness. And he's not done it at big races yet.
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I’m not expecting much from him here and I guess he’ll be a bit part at the tour at most then maybe do the Vuelta too for the miles? I guess his hope is that eventually he regains some form to at least be towards the front end.
I don’t doubt his motivation at the moment but you’d wonder about that if he completes this season does another off season and is then still continuously getting dropped next spring. It was a horrific crash though so recovery is a huge unknown.
I set the recorder last night for 'Criterium Dauphine ITV4 10pm'.
This morning discovered the one hour recording was 55 minutes of Roland Garros. Looks like that's gonna throw a spanner in the works for me all week!
Bliss!
- @ddraver
- @ddraver
Lukas looking lucky.
- @ddraver
Froome still not able to stick with the bunch. Dropped again.
6km to go with a 1km climb to do
- @ddraver
Some GC fidgeting behind
- @ddraver