Favorites ascending. Photo: Gruber Images.
As many of you know, I write a monthly column for Cyclist Magazine where I answer Dear Abby-esque questions, and the most recent query pertained to whether I consider the Tour the best race of the year, or whether it’s an over-publicized circus. The question made me realize something about myself: I have a weariness around the Tour de France not unlike a romantic whose heart has been broken one too many times.
The fact is, as much as I prefer a race like Paris-Roubaix or the Giro d’Italia to the mid-summer shit show that is the Tour de France, nothing gets my anticipation going quite the way the Tour does, which is undeniably the pinnacle of the season; all the classifications and stages are prestigious enough that racers of all sorts are all arriving at the start in peak form. There is a promise of hard racing from day one, but the first week consists mostly of me worrying about the big favorites crashing out. As soon as we get through that mess, my heart is usually broken on the first day in the mountains, when the favorite takes a decisive lead and the rest of the race is most about stages than the GC.
At least, these are the dreads of a man who lived through the Indurain and Armstrong eras of racing.
Nevertheless, the Tour always manages to seduce me, and this year is no different. Maybe this year, she won’t be such a cruel lover. And, maybe this year, I won’t make horrible picks in the VSP. Just maybe, just maybe. You know the drill; get your picks in by the time the clock goes to zero, and you get some swap options on the rest day. Good luck!
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View Comments
@Teocalli
I don't mind if Froome wins. I just don't get the tactics of Astana at the finish. Also I find it boring watching the Sky train crush everyone, so anything that makes for more competition is a good thing in my mind.
@Teocalli
This is smart tactics by Froome. He had the most to lose letting Bardet get the stage and time on him. At least in my mind. That's why I was so confused that Astana didn't come up with a better plan to take some time, especially as they had 2 riders in the small group.
@VbyV
For me the tactics would be for Fuglsang to attack the group, Aru forces Froome to chase, then once Froome catches Fuglsang, Aru attacks and gets away for the stage win.
0
I would admit that Movistar tactics seem to be a bit haphazard over the years. Queue Valverde's "support" for Quintana (not just this TdF). Though with Fulgsang's deficit not sure Froome would necessarily feel the need to cover him. I think Froome just saw the chance of the stage for himself if he could get the group chasing.
@Teocalli
Not doing that at all. I am merely pointing out that with final places being decided by a fraction of 1% of total ride time neutralizing the toughest climb for a significant time would benefit the leader.
Put another way, how much time could be gained or lost on a 10.3% gradient in a kilometer? How much if that kilometer was 14-15% (which parts of the climb are).
@Rick
So if the other contenders think that they should actually stop and wait, thereby neutralising the neutralisation?
@VbyV
This is situational. Your initial question was "Why didn't everyone sit on Froome's wheel?" The answer is two fold: Many were looking for the stage win and Froome had no incentive to chase alone.
My comment regarding sitting on Aru's wheel was offered in support of my stance that Froome had no incentive to pull the entire group along. When everyone was working together Froome took his pulls. His incentive was to get a few seconds in time bonuses and increase his lead, which he achieved. That is a significantly differnt situation than if the other riders all sucked his wheel.
One thing Froome has shown is that he is a real racer. Phil said yesterday's stage reminded him of 1989 when LeMond, Fignon, along with the other leading contenders sprinted for the line. Kudos to the bunch of them.
@Teocalli
Sorry if it wasn't clear. The other riders waiting IS the neutralization.
@Rick
It was absolutely clear. My point is that your logic applies if the other riders ride some way up the road slowly. If they actually stop, stationary, static, not moving along with whoever then the logic no longer applies.
@Teocalli
Fuglsang is only 1:37 down in 5th place. But I see your point.
@Teocalli
This conversation is excellent. I love trying to figure out the tactics of the races. As we have all heard before, the strongest guy wins the Tour, but tactics can at least make it interesting!