PCM.daily banner
11-04-2025 13:15
PCM.daily
Users Online
· Guests Online: 60

· Members Online: 2
Ezeefreak, SotD

· Total Members: 163,956
· Newest Member: Borus67
View Thread
PCM.daily » Pro Cycling Manager 2006-2020 » Pro Cycling Manager 2011
Page 4 of 6: 123456
 Print Thread
[Story] Tour des Nations
Marcovdw
Top  #61 Print Post
Posted on 19-12-2017 16:46
STAGE 14

Profile:
photouploads.com/images/c6da4d.jpg


Race:

photouploads.com/images/f1493e.jpg

A stage from Guillestre to Digne-les-Bains sounds like a medium mountain stage at least, but no. We carefully avoid the hills and take a short and flat route through the valley. Which sprinter feels best after the past mountain stages?

photouploads.com/images/256652.jpg

The initial breakway attempt was made in increments. First there were five, then there were eight followed by another two riders. Later three more would be added, and then another three to add up to final total of sixteen riders. The most notable name is that of Thomas Voeckler, who is cheered on by his home crowd.

photouploads.com/images/c6bb19.jpg

But the breakaway was reeled in by the peloton, who considered it too dangerous for this short stage. Instead we get three different groups up the road now. The leader is former yellow jersey Sep Vanmarcke, who also takes the intermediate sprint. One minute behind him is the duo of Božic and Vakoč, both remains of the original break. And one further minute behind is, we missed him in the previous stages, Niki Terpstra.

photouploads.com/images/8bf5e3.jpg

Inside the peloton Bouhanni takes fifth place at the intermediate ahead of Greipel in the dress rehersal for the actual sprint. Both men have managed to survive the mountains, unlike their leaders Demare and Kittel. Maybe there can finally be a functional sprint train.

photouploads.com/images/702ba8.jpg

The weather is on and off today. Dry periods are interrupted by heavy rainfall, as Boasson Hagen experiences first hand when his tire lost grip which caused him to crash.

photouploads.com/images/e40628.jpg

He's not the only one though. Ulissi could also use a lesson in bike handling.

photouploads.com/images/6b6e40.jpg

With just 12 kilometers to go, this stage has really flown by, Vanmarcke holds 90 seconds to his three chasers, who have united their strenghts in order to try and catch the Belgian. The peloton is also close behind, at 45 seconds behind the three, with the pace being set by Germany and Norway.

photouploads.com/images/d52fc4.jpg

At 5 kilometers to go Vanmarcke is still ahead. The other three have been caught by the steam trains.

photouploads.com/images/1d0c6d.jpg

König and Roche try a desperate attempt to ride away from the peloton. Arndt is the front locomotive for team Germany, with Degenkolb now used as leadout for Greipel. Gaviria seems best positioned on his wheel.

photouploads.com/images/841f47.jpg

Heartbreak for the Belgian, since he's caught within sight of the kite for the final kilometer. Degenkolb now leads the pack with all remaining sprinters in line behind him.

photouploads.com/images/f93130.jpg

Greipel wants to prove a point to his manager regarding the first stages. He starts his sprint with amazing power, Gaviria seems to be the only one with an answer so far. Bouhanni and Kristoff have to come from far behind.

photouploads.com/images/d95708.jpg

Suddenly Cort Nielsen finds a gap between the rivals and does not hesitate for one second, he goes for it. Greipel has been a bit too confident and is starting to fade away, while Gaviria seems to not have it in him as well. Can we see the Dane as a surprise winner today?

photouploads.com/images/495e05.jpg

Yes we can! Magnus Cort Nielsen causes a minor upset today by winning the fourteenth stage! Gaviria comes home in second ahead of Bouhanni, Kristoff, Greipel, and an anonymous Peter Sagan.

Classifications:

Stage:

photouploads.com/images/507534.jpg

RankNameTeamTime
1Magnus Cort NielsenDenmark2h59'18
2Fernando GaviriaColombias.t.
3Nacer BouhanniFrances.t.
4Alexander KristoffNorways.t.
5André GreipelGermanys.t.
6Peter SaganSlovakias.t.
7Greg Van AvermaetBelgiums.t.
8Dylan GroenewegenNetherlandss.t.
9Sonny ColbrelliItalys.t.
10Zdenek StybarCzech Republics.t.

Spoiler

General:

No changes obviously, although Vincenzo Nibali did finish eleventh today!
RankNameTeamTime
1Vincenzo NibaliItaly52h45'19
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain+ 1'31
3Jakob FuglsangDenmark+ 1'57
4Tom DumoulinNetherlands+ 2'43
5Wout PoelsNetherlands+ 2'50
6Warren BarguilFrance+ 3'01
7Robert GesinkNetherlands+ 3'10
8Nairo QuintanaColombia+ 3'13
9Rigoberto UránColombia+ 3'44
10Alberto ContadorSpain+ 3'50

Spoiler

Points:

We have a tie at the top, but Peter Sagan has won two stages compared to Kristoff's one and is therefore still the leader.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Peter SaganSlovakia173
2Alexander KristoffNorway173
3Fernando GaviriaColombia105
4André GreipelGermany81
5Alejandro ValverdeSpain76

Spoiler

Mountains:

No mountain points on offer despite being in the vicinity of the Alps. Rui Costa has nothing to fear for the coming stage as well.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Rui CostaPortugal73
2Nairo QuintanaColombia42
3Lawson CraddockUnited States41
4Richie PorteAustralia40
5Chris FroomeGreat Britain38

Spoiler

Young rider:

If nothing changes in the GC, nothing changes in the young rider classification for Bob Jungels.
RankNameTeamTime
1Bob JungelsMixed Europe52h49'52
2Louis MeintjesMixed Rest of World+ 3'09
3Julian AlaphilippeFrance+ 6'07
4Marc SolerSpain+ 10'04
5Adam YatesGreat Britain+ 10'37

Spoiler

Team:

And the lead in the most boring classifications of all still belongs to the Netherlands.
RankTeamTime
1Netherlands157h13'10
2France+ 1'21
3Colombia+ 5'49
4Italy+ 8'16
5Great Britain+ 9'58

Spoiler

Combativity:

Despite not being part of the original breakaway and not winning the stage, he gave the peloton a good run for their money.
Sep Vanmarcke

Final words:

Spoiler
Manager of Minions
 
sutty68
Top  #62 Print Post
Posted on 19-12-2017 18:09
Nibali looking in a strong position Wink
 
Marcovdw
Top  #63 Print Post
Posted on 21-12-2017 18:27
STAGE 15

Profile:
photouploads.com/images/755f12.jpg


Race:

photouploads.com/images/39046e.jpg

We're still under the shadow of the Alps but it's time for another flat stage. The breakaway might get a free pass this stage, so watch out for some hungry attackers.

photouploads.com/images/6c6f57.jpg

The names in today's thirteen man breakaway: Van Baarle, Brammeier, Carpenter, Dillier, Gołaś, Haas, Lutsenko, Maikin, Naesen, Rojas, Tybor, Valgren and Voeckler.

photouploads.com/images/73f01e.jpg

The most notable moment from the break was a puncture for Lutsenko, but everyone else waited for him and things went on as they were. The gap to the peloton is nearing 10 minutes, with Portugal and the Mixed European squad taking charge. Punishment riding because they missed the breakaway?

photouploads.com/images/ea50b8.jpg

Naesen wins the intermediate sprint for the points. With 50 kilometers to go the gap is 11 minutes, it appears the break has this one in the pocket.

photouploads.com/images/9aca96.jpg

Under 20 to go and the rain is coming down from the skies. The Frenchman and the Dutchman, Voeckler and Van Baarle, are the first to make a move. Who will respond?

photouploads.com/images/a2119e.jpg

No one yet. With ten kilometers to go they are just under a minute away. Rojas and Gołaś do most of the chasing but they don't seem able to make the catch, with the rest looking at each other and sticking out a helping hand.

photouploads.com/images/f3baae.jpg

After turns from Valgren, Naesen and Dillier twenty seconds have been cut off. But still there seems no real answer to the two leaders.

photouploads.com/images/219d6e.jpg

Voeckler won't take over anymore, Van Baarle will have to lead him out towards the finish. This little impasse has brought the chasing group even closer but not close enough.

photouploads.com/images/74d656.jpg

At the last turn of the race, 600 meters to go, Voeckler makes his move around the outside and leaves Van Baarle to bite his dust. Rojas, arguably the best sprinter from the chasing group, is approaching fast. Maybe he can catch the Dutchman but the win is gone.

photouploads.com/images/efe179.jpg

After Barguil won the eleventh stage, we have another French winner in the name of Thomas Voeckler! Van Baarle barely beats the others for second, where Naesen used Rojas's slipstream to beat him to third. Fifth place goes to Maikin.

photouploads.com/images/b0c6e0.jpg

Greipel won the sprint for fourteenth place and two points for the green jersey ahead of Bouhanni. Unfortunately a crash occured in the middle of the pack. Riders involved are Bennett, Gallopin, Haring, Kudus, Thomas, Adam Yates and Woods. Since it was in the final three kilometers, they won't lose any time to the peloton.

Classifications:

Stage:

photouploads.com/images/8f5700.jpg

RankNameTeamTime
1Thomas VoecklerFrance4h32'51
2Dylan Van BaarleNetherlandss.t.
3Oliver NaesenBelgiums.t.
4José Joaquín RojasSpains.t.
5Roman MaikinRussias.t.
6Nathan HaasAustralias.t.
7Michał GołaśPolands.t.
8Alexey LutsenkoMixed Rest of Worlds.t.
9Michael ValgrenDenmarks.t.
10Matthew BrammeierIrelands.t.

Spoiler

General:

Those in the break posed no threat to Vincenzo Nibali.
RankNameTeamTime
1Vincenzo NibaliItaly57h26'02
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain+ 1'31
3Jakob FuglsangDenmark+ 1'57
4Tom DumoulinNetherlands+ 2'43
5Wout PoelsNetherlands+ 2'50
6Warren BarguilFrance+ 3'01
7Robert GesinkNetherlands+ 3'10
8Nairo QuintanaColombia+ 3'13
9Rigoberto UránColombia+ 3'44
10Alberto ContadorSpain+ 3'50

Spoiler

Points:

Peter Sagan took one point in the intermediate sprint today, and now leads by one point.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Peter SaganSlovakia174
2Alexander KristoffNorway173
3Fernando GaviriaColombia105
4Oliver NaesenBelgium86
5André GreipelGermany86
6Alejandro ValverdeSpain76
7Vincenzo NibaliItaly71
8Rui CostaPortugal64
9Zdenek StybarCzech Republic62
10Nacer BouhanniFrance62

Spoiler

Mountains:

Two people who weren't even in the rankings before this stage took the few points today, so no threat for Rui Costa
RankNameTeamPoints
1Rui CostaPortugal73
2Nairo QuintanaColombia42
3Lawson CraddockUnited States41
4Richie PorteAustralia40
5Chris FroomeGreat Britain38
6Ilnur ZakarinRussia32
7Philip DeignanIreland25
8Robert KiserlovskiMixed Europe22
9Vincenzo NibaliItaly21
10Tony MartinGermany21

Spoiler

Young rider:

Lutsenko moves into the top ten. A few more breakaways and he can challenge Bob Jungels.
RankNameTeamTime
1Bob JungelsMixed Europe57h30'35
2Louis MeintjesMixed Rest of World+ 3'09
3Julian AlaphilippeFrance+ 6'07
4Marc SolerSpain+ 10'04
5Adam YatesGreat Britain+ 10'37

Spoiler

Team:

With someone from the Netherlands in the break to counter France they were always going to keep this lead.
RankTeamTime
1Netherlands171h07'27
2France+ 1'21
3Spain+ 12'54
4Colombia+ 13'41
5Poland+ 14'56

Spoiler

Combativity:

French jury and a popular figure winning the stage:
Thomas Voeckler

Final words:

Spoiler
Manager of Minions
 
Ad Bot
Posted on 11-04-2025 13:15
Bot Agent

Posts: Countless
Joined: 23.11.09
IP: None  
Marcovdw
Top  #64 Print Post
Posted on 22-12-2017 18:05
STAGE 16

Profile:
photouploads.com/images/33bd79.jpg


Race:

photouploads.com/images/d340ce.jpg

Starting in the rain and next to a field full of sunflowers, it's time for the sixteenth stage. Standing out from the profile is the climb at the end, the legendary Mont Ventoux.

photouploads.com/images/22d3c4.jpg

Five attackers early in the stage. Barta, Foliforov, Oliveira, Pauwels and Tratnik.

photouploads.com/images/ad10b6.jpg

Three more riders join the breakaway, they are: Dombrowski, Geschke, Schär. The gap is out to three minutes already, with Italy setting the pace in the peloton.

photouploads.com/images/06856a.jpg

Strangely no challenge for the five points at the category two climb. Dombrowski is eleventh in the mountain classification and could rise up the ranks. Oliveira could help defending it for his teammate Costa. There are fourty points awaiting at the finish, double points on a HC climb.

photouploads.com/images/463ff2.jpg

No challenge as well between Kristoff and Sagan at the intermediate sprint when there were quite some points still on the table. The latter will therefore likely remain the owner of the green jersey unless the Norwegian transforms in a superstar climber.

photouploads.com/images/a743cb.jpg

Far away from the lunar landscape, Landa launches an early attack. He's outside the top twenty and not an immediate threath to the top, but he might be eyeing on the stage win or the polka dot. The gap he needs to bridge is eight minutes, but we've seen crazier things.

photouploads.com/images/6c28cb.jpg

Earlier in the stage Keukeleire crashed an had his bike destroyed by a Mavic car. Now it's Kangert who lost control over his bike on the slippery surface and fell down. His teammate Kiryienka would crash two turn later. The gap to E1 is 8'30, with Landa six minutes behind them.

photouploads.com/images/5176a3.jpg

Fuglsang, number three in the GC, missed a turn and landed in a ditch! Absolute drama for Team Denmark, who send the entire team back to assist him.

photouploads.com/images/606775.jpg

The break rode through Bédoin, which can only mean one thing: the Mont Ventoux is here! Foliforov is very quick to attack, as if he had planned here all along. Landa is not far away from the break and looks a big threat to the stage victory with the peloton still seven minutes away. Fuglsang a further three minutes behind and unlikely to close the gap before the finish.

photouploads.com/images/e3e03c.jpg

With just over 10k to go, Foliforov was brought back by his former mates who have now been joined by Landa. The peloton now at 5 minutes.

photouploads.com/images/d56e7a.jpg

An attack at the front of the peloton, it's Dumoulin! The first to react are Jungels, Zakarin, Majka and Contador with more to follow for sure.

photouploads.com/images/694da3.jpg

Also an attack in the break. Dombrowski tries to create a gap, which seems to work with help from Landa and Pauwels who go to the chase. The remaining breakaway riders are scattered all over the place.

photouploads.com/images/0aa46a.jpg

Dumoulin and his entourage were not strong enough to keep pace. Porte is next on the list to attack, with Contador trying again and Bardet giving it a French touch. Once Froome also joins the stream GC-leader Nibali jumps on his wheel in defense.

photouploads.com/images/65303b.jpg

Quintana missed the attacks by his nearest rivals and tries to compensate for his error in judgement. Dumoulin is amongst those on his wheel, having recovered from his earlier attack.

photouploads.com/images/40f859.jpg

The yellow jersey group is picking up some remains of the breakaway. Nibali remembers the best defense is to attack, to which Froome seems to respond with ease, the rest has to dig deeper.

photouploads.com/images/736cb6.jpg

Oliveira and Tratnik are the next to be caught, with Froome using this opportunity to counter-attack. Nibali does not respond immediately, allowing Bardet, Contador and Quintana to rejoin on his wheel.

photouploads.com/images/e650ee.jpg

Back at the front Dombrowski and Landa have left Pauwels behind. They still hold a good three minutes over the likes of Froome, meaning there's a good chance these two will battle it out for stage victory. Barta, Foliforov and Geschke might be able to hang on to fourth to sixth place.

photouploads.com/images/3bbb7f.jpg

Froome is back with Nibali and the rest, with Porte and Pozzovivo also having joined, the latter could do some work for the yellow jersey. The pace is not very high, which even allows Oliveira to remain in touch after being caught from the breakaway. A bigger group is about 40 seconds behind.

photouploads.com/images/5999ee.jpg

The group yellow jersey swallows the group Geschke and is being caught itself by the group behind, mainly thanks to Dumoulin who used his engine to close the gap.

photouploads.com/images/8c0ba4.jpg

With the finish line in sight, Dombrowski is close to the breaking point and can't follow Landa anymore. This is the moment the stage was won. But the Americans aren't leaving with empty hands, their star will receive the combativity award of the day. Pauwels is down a minute and will likely hold third, with the peloton three minutes behind.

photouploads.com/images/2691db.jpg

Ding ding, round two ladies and gentlemen. It's Quintana who attacks and gets an immediate response from Nibali and Froome. In fact the original attack has re-emerged because Bardet, Contador and Porte can follow.

photouploads.com/images/64e962.jpg

But Quintana cracks! Contador cracks! Nibali attacks Froome! Bardet is riding strong today! So many things happening at once I can't keep up!

photouploads.com/images/92c2fc.jpg

Mikel Landa joins a list of legendary names with his victory at the top of the Mont Ventoux! Dombrowski will cross the line in second, Pauwels in third. And now back to the action!

photouploads.com/images/aa32de.jpg

Nibali outsprints Froome for fourth and remains in the yellow jersey. Behind them, Bardet sixth, Quintana seventh. Contador, Porte and Úran complete the top ten.

photouploads.com/images/b525f4.jpg

Fuglsang looks very beat down. He crosses the line in 83th, losing ten minutes and dropping out of the top ten in the GC as a consequence. We hope for him that he didn't sustain any lasting injuries from his crash and has an attacking spirit for the Pyrenees.

photouploads.com/images/251c5e.jpg

Finally we have to mention Tybor, who crashed into a "spectator" uphill. We suspect on of those idiots in a mankini ran alongside him and touched him, causing him to lose balance. Nevertheless he finished the stage and is OK by the looks of it. The culprit has been arrested and will face a jail sentence for crimes against cycling and fashion.

Classifications:

Stage:

photouploads.com/images/c506c3.jpg

RankNameTeamTime
1Mikel LandaSpain4h34'12
2Joseph DombrowskiUnited States+ 24
3Serge PauwelsBelgium+ 1'41
4Vincenzo NibaliItaly+ 2'14
5Chris FroomeGreat Britains.t.
6Romain BardetFrance+ 2'25
7Nairo QuintanaColombias.t.
8Alberto ContadorSpain+ 2'43
9Richie PorteAustralia+ 2'57
10Rigoberto UránColombia+ 3'07

Spoiler

General:

Vincenzo Nibali looks more and more unbeatable every stage.
RankNameTeamTime
1Vincenzo NibaliItaly62h02'28
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain+ 1'31
3Nairo QuintanaColombia+ 3'24
4Tom DumoulinNetherlands+ 3'45
5Alberto ContadorSpain+ 4'19
6Warren BarguilFrance+ 4'34
7Rigoberto UránColombia+ 4'37
8Robert GesinkNetherlands+ 4'50
9Wout PoelsNetherlands+ 5'13
10Thibaut PinotFrance+ 5'20

Spoiler

Points:

No challenge at the intermediate, still green for Peter Sagan.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Peter SaganSlovakia174
2Alexander KristoffNorway173
3Fernando GaviriaColombia105
4Oliver NaesenBelgium86
5André GreipelGermany86

Spoiler

Mountains:

All his competitors are closing in, is Rui Costa getting a bit nervous?
RankNameTeamPoints
1Rui CostaPortugal73
2Mikel LandaSpain58
3Chris FroomeGreat Britain54
4Joseph DombrowskiUnited States53
5Nairo QuintanaColombia50

Spoiler

Young rider:

Gaining ten seconds on number two, still a resounding lead for Bob Jungels.
RankNameTeamTime
1Bob JungelsMixed Europe62h09'14
2Louis MeintjesMixed Rest of World+ 3'19
3Julian AlaphilippeFrance+ 9'30
4Adam YatesGreat Britain+ 10'47
5Marc SolerSpain+ 11'45

Spoiler

Team:

The tables have turned as France is the new leader!
RankTeamTime
1France185h00'43
2Netherlands+ 1'07
3Spain+ 8'44
4Colombia+ 12'27
5Italy+ 14'34

Spoiler

Combativity:

For coming close to the win after a long attack:
Joseph Dombrowski

Final words:

Spoiler
Manager of Minions
 
Marcovdw
Top  #65 Print Post
Posted on 23-12-2017 18:46
STAGE 17

Profile:
photouploads.com/images/87df5b.jpg


Race:

photouploads.com/images/6b383f.jpg

We leave the Alps for real now, and move along the Mediterranian Coast from Istres to Narbonne. It's a very flat stage which will be targeted by sprinters, since after this there are only two chances for them. But tomorrow is a rest day, after which we head to the Pyrenees, so we might see a break who can take advantage of the peloton who wants to take it easy.

photouploads.com/images/d1baa6.jpg

We get an enourmous breakaway of fourteen riders, who all think they can win today's stage. Albasini, Arashiro, Van Baarle, Bak, Gerrans, Gołaś, Kump, Maikin, Mullen, Naesen, Rojas, Saramotins and Vakoč. A lot of strong riders and names we have seen before in a breakaway.

photouploads.com/images/f73c05.jpg

With 90 kilometers to go there was absolutely no effort from the peloton to keep them in check. With ten minutes, some sprinters teams decided to put a man forward but it's obviously too late. Italy doesn't have to do anything, Nibali can sit back and relax.

photouploads.com/images/26e509.jpg

With 20 kilometers to go the gap was still nine minutes. Which of these fourteen will receive the lovely kisses from the podium girls and eternal fame in their hometown?

photouploads.com/images/ff004a.jpg

The cooperation between the two lads is good and they quickly built out half a minute.

photouploads.com/images/fe4c29.jpg

The dance is opened by Bak and Mullen. Another duo which tries to get away, do we remember what happened two stages ago?

photouploads.com/images/933e7f.jpg

To continue the similarities, the rest of the breakaway can't catch them and we will see another sprint-à-deux. This time Bak leads out Mullen, which means the latter should win given gthe history. But results from the past do not guarantee the future.

photouploads.com/images/5905fd.jpg

And in this case it's a different story. Lars Ytting Bak is too strong for Mullen and wins stage sixteen here in Narbonne! Rojas finishes in third after he was fourth two stages ago. Albasini and Gerrans complete the top five.

photouploads.com/images/55507e.jpg

Greipel wins the sprint for fifteenth and the solitary point for the green jersey. His leadout Degenkolb finishes right behind him. Only G. Bennett, Haring and Kudus were dropped from the peloton, which could be a sign of injuries.


Classifications:

Stage:

photouploads.com/images/8648c6.jpg

RankNameTeamTime
1Lars Ytting BakDenmark4h30'23
2Ryan MullenIrelands.t.
3José Joaquín RojasSpains.t.
4Michael AlbasiniSwitzerlands.t.
5Simon GerransAustralias.t.
6Michał GołaśPolands.t.
7Oliver NaesenBelgiums.t.
8Petr VakočCzech Republics.t.
9Brent BookwalterUnited Statess.t.
10Yukiya ArashiroMixed Rest of Worlds.t.

Spoiler

General:

Easy day for Vincenzo Nibali
RankNameTeamTime
1Vincenzo NibaliItaly66h38'25
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain+ 1'31
3Nairo QuintanaColombia+ 3'24
4Tom DumoulinNetherlands+ 3'45
5Alberto ContadorSpain+ 4'19
6Warren BarguilFrance+ 4'34
7Rigoberto UránColombia+ 4'37
8Robert GesinkNetherlands+ 4'50
9Wout PoelsNetherlands+ 5'13
10Thibaut PinotFrance+ 5'20

Spoiler

Points:

No points for the top two, Peter Sagan still in green.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Peter SaganSlovakia174
2Alexander KristoffNorway173
3Oliver NaesenBelgium108
4Fernando GaviriaColombia105
5André GreipelGermany88

Spoiler

Mountains:

No point along the road for Rui Costa to pick up.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Rui CostaPortugal73
2Mikel LandaSpain58
3Chris FroomeGreat Britain54
4Joseph DombrowskiUnited States53
5Nairo QuintanaColombia50

Spoiler

Young rider:

Bob Jungels is so attached to his white jersey, rumour has it he even sleeps in them.
RankNameTeamTime
1Bob JungelsMixed Europe66h45'11
2Louis MeintjesMixed Rest of World+ 3'19
3Julian AlaphilippeFrance+ 9'30
4Adam YatesGreat Britain+ 10'47
5Marc SolerSpain+ 11'45

Spoiler

Team:

No Frenchman in the break, and the Netherlands did put one in, so they take their lead back after one day.
RankTeamTime
1Netherlands198h44'07
2France+ 4'27
3Spain+ 7'37
4Colombia+ 16'54
5Italy+ 19'01

Spoiler

Combativity:

Up to third in the points classification after being in the break so many times deserves an accolade:
Oliver Naesen

Final words:

Spoiler
Manager of Minions
 
Ollfardh
Top  #66 Print Post
Posted on 23-12-2017 18:50
Oh look, the Germans won a spint Smile
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
 
Vali
Top  #67 Print Post
Posted on 23-12-2017 20:38
Even in pcm Rojas is completely incapable of winning. Pfft
Credits to the_hoyle for my avatar.
 
Yellow Jersey
Top  #68 Print Post
Posted on 23-12-2017 23:23
Ollfardh wrote:
Oh look, the Germans won a spint Smile


Can't underline how much of a bitch PCM is being to Germany :lol:
i.imgur.com/0AnUFRM.png



Le Duo

Echelons


Ciao Michele.
 
Marcovdw
Top  #69 Print Post
Posted on 24-12-2017 11:00
@Ollfardh/Yellow Jersey - It turns out they can win ... fifteenth place Pfft
@Vali - I'm still kicking myself for not making a Rojas finished fourth joke on stage 15. Embarassed
Manager of Minions
 
Marcovdw
Top  #70 Print Post
Posted on 24-12-2017 15:38
STAGE 18

Profile:
photouploads.com/images/dfba1b.jpg


Race:

photouploads.com/images/c786f9.jpg

A day in the eastern part of the Pyrenees. Three category one, a category two and a category three climb on the menu today. And a lot of rain forecasted.

photouploads.com/images/a10bb7.jpg

The first attempt to form a breakaway consists of the following names: Bakelants, Foliforov, Gonçalves, Lutsenko, T. Martin, Mezgec, Nordhaug and Valgren. Dombrowski and Kiryienka would join later.

photouploads.com/images/b0883d.jpg

Nibali considered this group a threat and put his team to the front to chase them down. They do so just before the first mountain sprint, the Col de Port, which is won by Craddock ahead of Pauwels and Martin. These three would allow themselves to be caught again in the downhill.

photouploads.com/images/b68023.jpg

At the following category three climb, the roles are reversed when Pauwels beat Craddock to the two points.

photouploads.com/images/d030d7.jpg

In the end, these six people were allowed to form the morning, perhaps early afternoon, breakaway: Foliforov, Gonçalves, Cink, Elmiger. Matthews, and Mamykin.

photouploads.com/images/d9cdbc.jpg

Looking at the battle for green: Sagan extends his lead by a further two points over Kristoff. Afterwards, Arashiro and Lutsenko, both part of team Mixed Rest of World, decide to do a couples time trial and see if they can make it to the breakaway.

photouploads.com/images/5bfbc7.jpg

He crashed on his way to the Ventoux, today he's looking to redeem himself: Jakob Fuglsang. He attacks on the Col de l'Arrech. The breakaway including Lutsenko is three minutes up the road with Arashiro just behind.

photouploads.com/images/cb98ba.jpg

Bardet also wants to make up some lost ground and attacks on the downhill of the next climb, the Col de la Core. Fuglsang has managed to join the breakaway, Arashiro has dropped back to the peloton after his mission was accomplished. Gap four minutes.

photouploads.com/images/9423c2.jpg

The next to attack, on the Col de Latrape, is Majka. Elmiger has been dropped from the breakaway, with Bardet taking his place there.

photouploads.com/images/6919b4.jpg

Fuglsang takes the points at the Col de Latrape. Is this what he's aiming or now since a good GC classification seems down the drain?

photouploads.com/images/696ba0.jpg

Well, then this wouldn't really help. The whole breakaway has been caught on the slopes of the final climb of the day: the Col d'Agnes.

photouploads.com/images/ac4e35.jpg

But by the side of Contador, Fuglsang won't give up and attacks. They are joined by Mollema, Porte and Quintana.

photouploads.com/images/fa6262.jpg

Clearly Quintana is the strongest and soon enough he found himself in the lead all by himself. Froome is attacking from the peloton, needing 90 seconds to reach the coveted yellow jersey. We wonder if his interview from yesterday has given him a moral boost.

photouploads.com/images/606380.jpg

Nibali quickly realised his jersey might be in danger and goes in pursuit. Great Britain immediately put someone on his wheel in the person of Adam Yates. D. Martin also joins the group.

photouploads.com/images/ed9d2d.jpg

Quintana is the first to cross the Col d'Agnes. Froome is thirty seconds behind him, with Contador and Nibali thirty seconds further down. Then is a group of Fuglsang, Porte and Zakarin. The other favourites are another half minute behind.

photouploads.com/images/949207.jpg

With his superior downhill techniques, Froome closes the gap to the Colombian. Their two chasers are also making up ground. The other groups seem to be losing some time.

photouploads.com/images/be1772.jpg

With only 5 kilometers to go two becomes four, as Contador and Nibali join the first group. These four will battle for the stage victory and the boni seconds will be the only changes in the GC between them.

photouploads.com/images/d9ecd8.jpg

The yellow jersey is the first to start his sprint, to the surprise of the others. He immediately creates a bit of a gap.

photouploads.com/images/a2f130.jpg

And that's his second stage win in the yellow jersey! This is the race of Vincenzo Nibali thus far! Quintana, Froome and Contador finishs second, third and fourth.

photouploads.com/images/d6c9e8.jpg

Zakarin wins the sprint for fifth ahead of Porte and Fuglsang. They lose 55 seconds. At one minute and twenty seconds comes the next group, where Dumoulin sprints to eight but drops a place in the GC from fourth to fifth.

photouploads.com/images/32e2da.jpg

The biggest losers of the day however are his teammates, Gesink and Poels. Both lose over four minutes and drop of of the top ten.

Classifications:

Stage:

photouploads.com/images/367d29.jpg

RankNameTeamTime
1Vincenzo NibaliItaly4h52'44
2Nairo QuintanaColombias.t.
3Chris FroomeGreat Britains.t.
4Alberto ContadorSpains.t.
5Ilnur ZakarinRussia+ 55
6Richie PorteAustralias.t.
7Jakob FuglsangDenmarks.t.
8Tom DumoulinNetherlands+ 1'20
9Thibaut PinotFrances.t.
10Mikel LandaSpains.t.

Spoiler

General:

Winning two stages in yellow, no one can call Vincenzo Nibali's lead undeserved.
RankNameTeamTime
1Vincenzo NibaliItaly71h30'59
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain+ 1'37
3Nairo QuintanaColombia+ 3'28
4Alberto ContadorSpain+ 4'29
5Tom DumoulinNetherlands+ 5'15
6Thibaut PinotFrance+ 6'50
7Rigoberto UránColombia+ 6'53
8Warren BarguilFrance+ 7'10
9Ilnur ZakarinRussia+ 7'39
10Richie PorteAustralia+ 8'21

Spoiler

Points:

One point at the intermediate sprint more for Peter Sagan to extend his lead to two points.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Peter SaganSlovakia180
2Alexander KristoffNorway178
3Fernando GaviriaColombia112
4Oliver NaesenBelgium108
5Vincenzo NibaliItaly105

Spoiler

Mountains:

Froome and Quintana are moving in, but Rui Costa remains the leader for another day.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Rui CostaPortugal73
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain62
3Nairo QuintanaColombia60
4Mikel LandaSpain58
5Joseph DombrowskiUnited States53

Spoiler

Young rider:

Bob Jungels just sticks to the wheel of Meintjes in order to not lose time.
RankNameTeamTime
1Bob JungelsMixed Europe71h40'21
2Louis MeintjesMixed Rest of World+ 3'19
3Julian AlaphilippeFrance+ 9'30
4Adam YatesGreat Britain+ 10'27
5Marc SolerSpain+ 16'11

Spoiler

Team:

Despite disappointing rides by their riders, the Netherlands still lead somehow.
RankTeamTime
1Netherlands213h28'11
2France+ 3'41
3Spain+ 5'31
4Colombia+ 14'28
5Italy+ 16'55

Spoiler

Combativity:

Out of the riders in this breakaway attempt this was the most active:
Alexander Foliforov

Final words:

Spoiler
Edited by Marcovdw on 31-12-2017 18:22
Manager of Minions
 
Ripley
Top  #71 Print Post
Posted on 25-12-2017 09:49
Great reporting, great screenshots, great "silly" interview answers, very impressive Wikipedia-like summaries. Shame about Fuglsang's crash.
 
Marcovdw
Top  #72 Print Post
Posted on 25-12-2017 11:19
Ripley wrote:
Great reporting, great screenshots, great "silly" interview answers, very impressive Wikipedia-like summaries. Shame about Fuglsang's crash.


Thanks, yeah Fuglsang's crash is definitely a bummer to him and the race, but I hope he goes on the attack in one of the next stages Wink
Manager of Minions
 
Marcovdw
Top  #73 Print Post
Posted on 26-12-2017 11:29
STAGE 18

Profile:
photouploads.com/images/dfba1b.jpg


Race:

photouploads.com/images/c786f9.jpg

A day in the eastern part of the Pyrenees. Three category one, a category two and a category three climb on the menu today. And a lot of rain forecasted.

photouploads.com/images/a10bb7.jpg

The first attempt to form a breakaway consists of the following names: Bakelants, Foliforov, Gonçalves, Lutsenko, T. Martin, Mezgec, Nordhaug and Valgren. Dombrowski and Kiryienka would join later.

photouploads.com/images/b0883d.jpg

Nibali considered this group a threat and put his team to the front to chase them down. They do so just before the first mountain sprint, the Col de Port, which is won by Craddock ahead of Pauwels and Martin. These three would allow themselves to be caught again in the downhill.

photouploads.com/images/b68023.jpg

At the following category three climb, the roles are reversed when Pauwels beat Craddock to the two points.

photouploads.com/images/d030d7.jpg

In the end, these six people were allowed to form the morning, perhaps early afternoon, breakaway: Foliforov, Gonçalves, Cink, Elmiger, Mamykin and Matthews.

photouploads.com/images/d9cdbc.jpg

Looking at the battle for green: Sagan extends his lead to two points over Kristoff. Afterwards, Arashiro and Lutsenko, both part of team Mixed Rest of World, decide to do a couples time trial and see if they can make it to the breakaway.

photouploads.com/images/5bfbc7.jpg

He crashed on his way to the Ventoux, today he's looking to redeem himself: Jakob Fuglsang. He attacks on the Col de l'Arrech. The breakaway including Lutsenko is three minutes up the road with Arashiro just behind.

photouploads.com/images/cb98ba.jpg

Bardet also wants to make up some lost ground and attacks on the downhill of the next climb, the Col de la Core. Fuglsang has managed to join the breakaway, Arashiro has dropped back to the peloton after his mission was accomplished. Gap four minutes.

photouploads.com/images/9423c2.jpg

The next to attack, on the Col de Latrape, is Majka. Elmiger has been dropped from the breakaway, with Bardet taking his place there.

photouploads.com/images/6919b4.jpg

Fuglsang takes the points at the Col de Latrape. Is this what he's aiming or now since a good GC classification seems down the drain?

photouploads.com/images/696ba0.jpg

Well, then this wouldn't really help. The whole breakaway has been caught on the slopes of the final climb of the day: the Col d'Agnes.

photouploads.com/images/ac4e35.jpg

But by the side of Contador, Fuglsang won't give up and attacks. They are joined by Mollema, Porte and Quintana.

photouploads.com/images/fa6262.jpg

Clearly Quintana is the strongest and soon enough he found himself in the lead all by himself. Froome is attacking from the peloton, needing 90 seconds to reach the coveted yellow jersey. We wonder if his interview from yesterday has given him a moral boost.

photouploads.com/images/606380.jpg

Nibali quickly realised his jersey might be in danger and goes in pursuit. Great Britain immediately put someone on his wheel in the person of Adam Yates. D. Martin also joins the group.

photouploads.com/images/ed9d2d.jpg

Quintana is the first to cross the Col d'Agnes. Froome is thirty seconds behind him, with Contador and Nibali thirty seconds further down. Then is a group of Fuglsang, Porte and Zakarin. The other favourites are another half minute behind.

photouploads.com/images/949207.jpg

With his superior downhill techniques, Froome closes the gap to the Colombian. Their two chasers are also making up ground. The other groups seem to be losing some time.

photouploads.com/images/be1772.jpg

With only 5 kilometers to go two becomes four, as Contador and Nibali join the first group. These four will battle for the stage victory and the boni seconds will be the only changes in the GC between them.

photouploads.com/images/d9ecd8.jpg

The yellow jersey is the first to start his sprint, to the surprise of the others. He immediately creates a bit of a gap.

photouploads.com/images/a2f130.jpg

And that's his second stage win in the yellow jersey! This is the race of Vincenzo Nibali thus far! Quintana, Froome and Contador finish second, third and fourth.

photouploads.com/images/d6c9e8.jpg

Zakarin wins the sprint for fifth ahead of Porte and Fuglsang. They lose 55 seconds. At one minute and twenty seconds comes the next group, where Dumoulin sprints to eight but drops a place in the GC from fourth to fifth.

photouploads.com/images/32e2da.jpg

The biggest losers of the day however are his teammates, Gesink and Poels. Both lose over four minutes and drop of of the top ten.

Classifications:

Stage:

photouploads.com/images/367d29.jpg

RankNameTeamTime
1Vincenzo NibaliItaly4h52'44
2Nairo QuintanaColombias.t.
3Chris FroomeGreat Britains.t.
4Alberto ContadorSpains.t.
5Ilnur ZakarinRussia+ 55
6Richie PorteAustralias.t.
7Jakob FuglsangDenmarks.t.
8Tom DumoulinNetherlands+ 1'20
9Thibaut PinotFrances.t.
10Mikel LandaSpains.t.

Spoiler

General:

Winning two stages in yellow, no one can call Vincenzo Nibali's lead undeserved.
RankNameTeamTime
1Vincenzo NibaliItaly71h30'59
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain+ 1'37
3Nairo QuintanaColombia+ 3'28
4Alberto ContadorSpain+ 4'29
5Tom DumoulinNetherlands+ 5'15
6Thibaut PinotFrance+ 6'50
7Rigoberto UránColombia+ 6'53
8Warren BarguilFrance+ 7'10
9Ilnur ZakarinRussia+ 7'39
10Richie PorteAustralia+ 8'21

Spoiler

Points:

One point at the intermediate sprint more for Peter Sagan to extend his lead to two points.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Peter SaganSlovakia180
2Alexander KristoffNorway178
3Fernando GaviriaColombia112
4Oliver NaesenBelgium108
5Vincenzo NibaliItaly105

Spoiler

Mountains:

Froome and Quintana are moving in, but Rui Costa remains the leader for another day.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Rui CostaPortugal73
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain62
3Nairo QuintanaColombia60
4Mikel LandaSpain58
5Joseph DombrowskiUnited States53

Spoiler

Young rider:

Bob Jungels just sticks to the wheel of Meintjes in order to not lose time.
RankNameTeamTime
1Bob JungelsMixed Europe71h40'21
2Louis MeintjesMixed Rest of World+ 3'19
3Julian AlaphilippeFrance+ 9'30
4Adam YatesGreat Britain+ 10'27
5Marc SolerSpain+ 16'11

Spoiler

Team:

Despite disappointing rides by their riders, the Netherlands still lead somehow.
RankTeamTime
1Netherlands213h28'11
2France+ 3'41
3Spain+ 5'31
4Colombia+ 14'28
5Italy+ 16'55

Spoiler

Combativity:

Out of the riders in this breakaway attempt this was the most active:
Alexander Foliforov

Final words:

Spoiler
Manager of Minions
 
Marcovdw
Top  #74 Print Post
Posted on 27-12-2017 13:02
STAGE 19

Profile:
photouploads.com/images/194236.jpg


Race:

photouploads.com/images/876324.jpg

The biggest news before the start is the abandonment of Greg van Avermaet due to illness. With 172 riders remaining we set course from Bagnères-de-Luchon to the ski station of Peyragudes.

photouploads.com/images/0f26ec.jpg

Four men got clear on the Col de Mente: T. Martin, Bakelants, Roche and Poljański. This is also the order in which they crossed the category one climb.

photouploads.com/images/f0fda5.jpg

The final two places go to Craddock and Pauwels. If you remember back to last stage they were battling each other as well. Both are still well behind Costa who has held the polka dot jersey for a while now.

photouploads.com/images/5ad2e6.jpg

It seems Martin has his eye on the mountains classification as well, since he takes the second category Col d'Ares.

photouploads.com/images/d850e6.jpg

A duo attack just before the top from Chaves and Poels. The latter is only a minute away from the top ten in the GC. The breakaway is four minutes clear.

photouploads.com/images/126ab8.jpg

Landa has already won a stage, on the legendary Ventoux, but seems hungry for more. He attacks on the flat part between the Col d'Ares and the Port de Bales. Italy seems to allow it.

photouploads.com/images/371e8b.jpg

A gruesome looking picture of Thomas who crashed while riding just ahead of Froome. Gołaś and Kump crashed earlier in the stage and have to fear the time limit. 2'30 to Landa, 3'30 to Chaves/Poels, 4'00 to E1.

photouploads.com/images/ccef6d.jpg

Seven leaders on the Bales, with the peloton four minutes behind. Thomas returns, with Italy setting the pace.

photouploads.com/images/4575be.jpg

Bakelants and Martin have been dropped, no chance at 20 points on this HC climb for them.

photouploads.com/images/4b4f41.jpg

It's also over for Poljański who can't follow the increase in pace. Landa is the first to cross the mountain and by that, becomes the new leader in the mountain classification. Whether or not he'll wear the jersey at the end of the day depends on what happens on the next climbs. The four leaders have increased the gap to five minutes.

photouploads.com/images/00d778.jpg

Another crash in the downhill, this time D. Martin fell victim to the slippery tarmac. He is eleventh in the GC but might also fall down the rankings after today.

photouploads.com/images/a4f5c8.jpg

Roche was the last standing of the original breakaway but when we hit the Peyresourde, it was quickly over for him. The remaining trio leads by 4'30 over the peloton, the riders in between have been caught.

photouploads.com/images/901a06.jpg

On his way to what seems more points for the mountain classification and another stage win is Landa. His attack brings out absolutely no response from either Chaves or Poels, who are looking at each other.

photouploads.com/images/ff1210.jpg

When the peloton crosses roughly the same spot, Froome attacks. As if he selected this place during recoinnasance. Fuglsang, Quintana and Dumoulin are awake and follow him. Nibali remains quiet for now.

photouploads.com/images/6deed8.jpg

Only when Contador starts to chase he feels the need to respond. Zakarin is following on his wheel.

photouploads.com/images/f1d59b.jpg

Some more people made the jump and everything kinda regrouped. When Roche was caught, Nibali used this moment to time his attack, but Quintana pulls him and the rest back together.

photouploads.com/images/6f4145.jpg

A strong effort from Chaves up front, who rode back to Landa. However, the latter takes the ten points for the mountain classification. Poels looks like he's riding backwards, as he's caught by the group of favourites. Dumoulin and Quintana attack from there, and Nibali puts his teammate Aru at the front to chase. The other riders in this group are Contador, Froome, Pinot, Porte, Pozzovivo and Zakarin.

photouploads.com/images/2f970c.jpg

A mad descent by Nibali where he manages to create a gap going into the final climb. With three kilometers to go the gap to the front two is less than 90 seconds.

photouploads.com/images/26c31b.jpg

With 1.5 kilometer to go they can see them. This works like a red rag to a bull for Froome, which causes him, Nibali and also Quintana, Dumoulin and Aru to ride away from the rest.

photouploads.com/images/1b5761.jpg

500 meters later and Landa only has a marginal lead to Froome who has a little gap to the others. Chaves has dropped back to aid Quintana, and Porte has made it back to the group from behind.

photouploads.com/images/574c5c.jpg

But the Spaniard holds off to take his second stage win, and the polka dot jersey. Mikel Landa is the strongest of the day! Nine seconds behind him Froome takes second place and six bonus seconds.

photouploads.com/images/b11713.jpg

The last for bonus seconds go the Quintana. Behind him, in the same time, are Aru, Nibali and Dumoulin. They lose an additional nineteen seconds to Froome, who reduces the gap to 1 minute and 12 seconds. Chaves and Porte finish seventh and eight.

photouploads.com/images/5afaa0.jpg

The next group contains Contador with Zakarin and Pozzovivo. He has just enough margin to defend his fourth place, but he sees Dumoulin approaching to within ten seconds.

DNF's of today: Van Avermaet (did not start), Gołaś, Kump (both crashed), Baska, Bellan, S. Bennett, Bodnar, Božic, Brammeier, Canecky, Carpenter, Dunbar, Dunne, Haring, Korsaeth, Maikin, Mugerli, Mullen and Shilov.

Classifications:

Stage:

photouploads.com/images/369ee9.jpg

RankNameTeamTime
1Mikel LandaSpain4h17'37
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain+ 9
3Nairo QuintanaColombia+ 28
4Fabio AruItalys.t.
5Vincenzo NibaliItalys.t.
6Tom DumoulinNetherlandss.t.
7Esteban ChavesColombia+ 45
8Richie PorteAustralias.t.
9Ilnur ZakarinRussia+ 1'06
10Domenico PozzovivoItalys.t.

Spoiler

General:

25 seconds lost, Vincenzo Nibali's lead is getting thinner.
RankNameTeamTime
1Vincenzo NibaliItaly75h49'04
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain+ 1'12
3Nairo QuintanaColombia+ 3'24
4Alberto ContadorSpain+ 5'07
5Tom DumoulinNetherlands+ 5'15
6Thibaut PinotFrance+ 7'41
7Ilnur ZakarinRussia+ 8'17
8Richie PorteAustralia+ 8'38
9Rigoberto UránColombia+ 8'54
10Warren BarguilFrance+ 9'41

Spoiler

Points:

Most likely a two way battle between Peter Sagan and Kristoff on the two remaining flat stages.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Peter SaganSlovakia180
2Alexander KristoffNorway178
3Vincenzo NibaliItaly121
4Fernando GaviriaColombia113
5Oliver NaesenBelgium108

Spoiler

Mountains:

New leader: Mikel Landa.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Mikel LandaSpain98
2Rui CostaPortugal73
3Chris FroomeGreat Britain70
4Nairo QuintanaColombia68
5Lawson CraddockUnited States54

Spoiler

Young rider:

14 seconds lost by Bob Jungels today, still leads over three minutes.
RankNameTeamTime
1Bob JungelsMixed Europe76h02'50
2Louis MeintjesMixed Rest of World+ 3'05
3Adam YatesGreat Britain+ 8'34
4Julian AlaphilippeFrance+ 10'22
5Marc SolerSpain+ 18'53

Spoiler

Team:

Netherlands still lead, somehow.
RankTeamTime
1Netherlands226h29'57
2France+ 56
3Spain+ 2'07
4Colombia+ 9'15
5Italy+ 10'02

Spoiler

Combativity:

Only one name pops into mind today:
Mikel Landa

Final words:

Spoiler
Manager of Minions
 
Aquarius97
Top  #75 Print Post
Posted on 27-12-2017 13:20
#FreeLanda!! Pfft
Manager of [MG] Repsol - Netflix


pcmdaily.com/files/Awards2016/newmember.png
pcmdaily.com/files/Awards2017/newmanager.pngpcmdaily.com/files/Awards2017/improved.png
 
Marcovdw
Top  #76 Print Post
Posted on 27-12-2017 23:15
Aquarius97 wrote:
#FreeLanda!! Pfft


I'm sure Froomey won't agree this time Pfft
Manager of Minions
 
Marcovdw
Top  #77 Print Post
Posted on 27-12-2017 23:20
STAGE 20

Profile:
photouploads.com/images/2df331.jpg


Race:

photouploads.com/images/fffa4d.jpg

The final mountain stage, but the best has been saved for last. Col du Marie Blanque, Col du Soulor, and finally the Col du Tourmalet.

photouploads.com/images/f00e0d.jpg

The first two attempts did not succeed. Let's see if this attempt on the slopes of the first categorised climb of the day can succeed.

photouploads.com/images/7e33b3.jpg

It can, and consists of the following twelve names: Albasini, Barta, Chernetskiy, Foliforov, Gilbert, Gonçalves, Kiserlovski, Mamykin, Roche, Roglic, Talansky and Woods, who won the stage to Super Besse.

photouploads.com/images/236601.jpg

A crash on the downhill. Henao touched the guardrail and is down. De Gendt with some serious skills avoiding the incident.

photouploads.com/images/49b4d1.jpg

If there was an award for unluckiest rider in the tour, George Bennett would be a nominee for the amount of times we've seen him crash. Vakoč also went down in an unrelated accident. Arashiro (twice), Felline and Tratnik all picked up a puncture. The gap to the leaders is three minutes.

photouploads.com/images/f527cd.jpg

Also unlucky this race is Fuglsang, but since his crash we've seen him with an attacking mindset and does so again today. He attacks near the foot of the Soulor. The gap he needs to bridge is four minutes.

photouploads.com/images/c833f8.jpg

Heavy rainfall in southern France today. But it doesn't stop people from attacking. Bardet, Chaves, Majka, Mollema. They are between fifteen and twenty-five minutes down on Nibali so there is no immediate danger.

photouploads.com/images/b44502.jpg

Twelve plus one is thirteen. Fuglsang has made his way to the break. He also takes the category one mountain sprint. The four attackers are about 3 minutes behind, the peloton at 5.

photouploads.com/images/c0156d.jpg

A crash inside the breakaway! It's Philippe Gilbert! Other riders who went down during the last minutes were Kwiatkowski, Mendes, Tybor and former yellow jersey Vanmarcke.

photouploads.com/images/c69c6b.jpg

Great Britain and Italy control the pace in the peloton. Mollema has had enough of his adventure and let himself be reeled in. Chaves/Majka are only a minute up the road, Bardet/Gilbert two minutes and the peloton four.

photouploads.com/images/d20ec3.jpg

The pace increased, leaving only Bardet as in-betweener. The breakaway is only two minutes ahead now and looks unlikely to battle for the stage win.

photouploads.com/images/006ea8.jpg

The dance by the favourites is opened by Quintana, with assistance from Froome and D. Martin.

photouploads.com/images/0aea85.jpg

Most of the breakaway has been caught, only Foliforov and Fuglsang remain ahead. Froome attacks again, with Nibali closing in from behind with Contador, Pinot and Porte.

photouploads.com/images/f43241.jpg

A big group reunited with 10 kilometers go, around thirty riders and no noticable absentees. Fuglsang remains the only rider ahead, but his gap is non-existant.

photouploads.com/images/40aaae.jpg

When he finally awoke from his dream, and was caught, Porte thought he could ride away, but is immediately followed by Quintana and Nibali.

photouploads.com/images/b1c928.jpg

Froome takes the command and brings the four back together. Then Nibali attacks himself and the others have no answer.

photouploads.com/images/851770.jpg

Then Quintana goes, and Porte has to chase him. Martin looks like he's making contact with the rear of this group as well. And if anything, Froome looks very weak today!

photouploads.com/images/2dec80.jpg

With three kilometers to go Froome, by the side of Pinot, manages to catch his main rival Nibali again. However, Quintana is a long way up the road and might even smell second place overall.

photouploads.com/images/226d9d.jpg

Nibali sees Froome's troubles and wants to give him the decisive blow. Only Porte can remain on his wheel.

photouploads.com/images/30cbed.jpg

Under the flamme rouge and Quintana is pretty much sure of the stage win. Nibali and Porte have a bit of a gap to group Froome, there will be some time differences today.

photouploads.com/images/2caeb1.jpg

And the victory on the Col du Tourmalet goes to Nairo Quintana! Nibali outsprints Porte for second, and now we start the stopwatch.

photouploads.com/images/cc8597.jpg

Landa comes from nowhere to finish fourth and defend his polka dot jersey against Quintana, who now moves into second place there. Martin lead Froome over the line, but he lost one minute and one second to the Italian, barely hanging on to second place as well. Race over?

Talking of race over literally, Tybor didn't make the time cut today after his crash. This means Slovakia is down to one rider, but in all fairness they were always a one man team.

Classifications:

Stage:

RankNameTeamTime
1Nairo QuintanaColombia5h12'36
2Vincenzo NibaliItaly+ 48
3Richie PorteAustralias.t.
4Mikel LandaSpain+ 1'26
5Daniel MartinIreland+ 1'43
6Chris FroomeGreat Britains.t.
7Ilnur ZakarinRussias.t.
8Tom DumoulinNetherlandss.t.
9Alberto ContadorSpains.t.
10Thibaut PinotFrances.t.

Spoiler

General:

One minute and one second won by Vincenzo Nibali to put him even firmer into yellow.
RankNameTeamTime
1Vincenzo NibaliItaly81h02'22
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain+ 2'13
3Nairo QuintanaColombia+ 2'32
4Alberto ContadorSpain+ 6'08
5Tom DumoulinNetherlands+ 6'16
6Richie PorteAustralia+ 8'40
7Thibaut PinotFrance+ 8'42
8Ilnur ZakarinRussia+ 9'18
9Rigoberto UránColombia+ 10'27
10Mikel LandaSpain+ 10'45

Spoiler

Points:

No more mountain stages, just the battle between Kristoff and Peter Sagan.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Peter SaganSlovakia180
2Alexander KristoffNorway178
3Vincenzo NibaliItaly138
4Fernando GaviriaColombia116
5Oliver NaesenBelgium108

Spoiler

Mountains:

His final dash was important to Mikel Landa to remain in the polka dot jersey.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Mikel LandaSpain118
2Nairo QuintanaColombia108
3Vincenzo NibaliItaly83
4Chris FroomeGreat Britain82
5Rui CostaPortugal73

Spoiler

Young rider:

Losing another minute today, is Bob Jungels bottling it?
RankNameTeamTime
1Bob JungelsMixed Europe81h18'42
2Louis MeintjesMixed Rest of World+ 2'04
3Adam YatesGreat Britain+ 10'16
4Julian AlaphilippeFrance+ 14'05
5Marc SolerSpain+ 22'51

Spoiler

Team:

France has taken the lead back from the Netherlands.
RankTeamTime
1France242h15'22
2Spain+ 2'46
3Netherlands+ 5'11
4Colombia+ 6'08
5Italy+ 11'27

Spoiler

Combativity:

Two breaks in a row, despite not making it to the end, still a great spirit in the race:
Nicolas Roche

Final words:

Spoiler
Manager of Minions
 
Marcovdw
Top  #78 Print Post
Posted on 28-12-2017 18:43
STAGE 21

Profile:
photouploads.com/images/5ea0d6.jpg


Race:

photouploads.com/images/324cf7.jpg

After three days of climbing we get a flat affair today. For the sprinters who have survived this might be the final preparation for the Champs-Elysées. But the last few of these stages have gone to a victorious breakaway.

photouploads.com/images/a52ebb.jpg

The original breakaway, whose names I won't bother to give, was caught just ten kilometers before the only categorised mountain of the day. With the classification nearly settled in Landa's favour, you might think it doesn't matter.

photouploads.com/images/e15dc6.jpg

And it doesn't actually, because the one point goes to Stybar, who now doubles his tally to two points. Ironically, he wore the polka dot jersey for a week.

photouploads.com/images/0b97ac.jpg

He went on to be part of the breakaway, together with Arashiro, Benoot, Deignan, Haas, Lopez, Mamykin, Niemiec and Valgren.

photouploads.com/images/19c0a2.jpg

No rain today, yet Anacona crashes. The breakaway is going strong and already has four minutes with the peloton unwilling to chase them.

photouploads.com/images/64c13a.jpg

Up front Niemiec takes the intermediate sprint uncontested, but the real battle is for tenth place. It is won by Kristoff ahead of Greipel and Sagan. With this result the Norwegian and Slovakian are exactly tied again, with the latter leading by countback.

photouploads.com/images/c76ffb.jpg

After the sprint Italy took control of the peloton again and the gap increased to a quarter of an hour. The breakaway has this one in the pocket.

photouploads.com/images/1fe011.jpg

However, unlike previous stages, we don't see some riders who don't want to wait for a sprint. We are heading towards a bunch sprint of nine, no eight. I see Deignan is being dropped unfortunately.

photouploads.com/images/668c29.jpg

The front of the train heading into the sprint is Lopez, which is not the place you want to be in. Stybar and Niemiec are on his wheel and look the strongest so far.

photouploads.com/images/57e94d.jpg

Into the final corner and Lopez is done for. It looks like we have a three way battle for the win. Arashiro on the left, Stybar in the center and Benoot on the right.

photouploads.com/images/0ffdbf.jpg

And the winner is Zdenek Stybar! After losing a sprint-a-deux on stage two he now finally wins a stage. Arashiro second, Benoot third, Niemiec fourth, Haas fifth.

photouploads.com/images/6c486f.jpg

Nine and a half minutes later, Kristoff beats Sagan for tenth by a narrow margin. It is enough to retake the green jersey after twelve stages, by one point!

Classifications:

Stage:

photouploads.com/images/bb0d8c.jpg

RankNameTeamTime
1Zdenek StybarCzech Republic4h45'19
2Yukiya ArashiroMixed Rest of Worlds.t.
3Tiesj BenootBelgiums.t.
4Przemysław NiemiecPolands.t.
5Nathan HaasAustralias.t.
6Miguel Angel LopezColombias.t.
7Michael ValgrenDenmarks.t.
8Matvei MamykinRussias.t.
9Philip DeignanIreland+ 3'23
10Alexander KristoffNorway+ 9'33

Spoiler

General:

Is two minutes enough for Vincenzo Nibali to lead after the time trial?
RankNameTeamTime
1Vincenzo NibaliItaly85h57'14
2Chris FroomeGreat Britain+ 2'13
3Nairo QuintanaColombia+ 2'32
4Alberto ContadorSpain+ 6'08
5Tom DumoulinNetherlands+ 6'16
6Richie PorteAustralia+ 8'40
7Thibaut PinotFrance+ 8'42
8Ilnur ZakarinRussia+ 9'18
9Rigoberto UránColombia+ 10'27
10Mikel LandaSpain+ 10'45

Spoiler

Points:

Alexander Kristoff takes back the green jersey by a mere point.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Alexander KristoffNorway191
2Peter SaganSlovakia190
3Vincenzo NibaliItaly138
4Zdenek StybarCzech Republic127
5Fernando GaviriaColombia123

Spoiler

Mountains:

10 points available at the arrival tomorrow, so it's not safe yet for Mikel Landa.
RankNameTeamPoints
1Mikel LandaSpain118
2Nairo QuintanaColombia108
3Vincenzo NibaliItaly83
4Chris FroomeGreat Britain82
5Rui CostaPortugal73

Spoiler

Young rider:

Benoot moving to seventh, but still half an hour behind Bob Jungels.
RankNameTeamTime
1Bob JungelsMixed Europe86h13'34
2Louis MeintjesMixed Rest of World+ 2'04
3Adam YatesGreat Britain+ 10'16
4Julian AlaphilippeFrance+ 14'05
5Marc SolerSpain+ 22'51

Spoiler

Team:

Stupid France, who lost the lead to Colombia because the latter had someone in the breakaway.
RankTeamTime
1Colombia256h56'33
2France+ 3'25
3Spain+ 6'11
4Netherlands+ 8'36
5Italy+ 14'52

Spoiler

Combativity:

Part of a lot of breakaways this race, so he deserved one of these:
Matvei Mamykin

Final words:

Spoiler
Manager of Minions
 
AbhishekLFC
Top  #79 Print Post
Posted on 29-12-2017 03:57
GC done and dusted? Mostly! Nice Green Jersey fight going on. But Sagan always wins right Smile
Man-Game: Philips
[Finished] PCM 14 Story: Movistar - Climbing Kings
pcmdaily.com/images/mg/Awards2021/helpful21.png

pcmdaily.com/images/mg/Awards2020/moty.png
pcmdaily.com/images/mg/Awards2020/mghq1.png
pcmdaily.com/files/Awards2019/forum%20thread.png
pcmdaily.com/images/mg/PCMdailyAwards2018/fantasycyclingseason.png

pcmdaily.com/files/Awards2017/riderstory.png
 
Marcovdw
Top  #80 Print Post
Posted on 29-12-2017 11:28
AbhishekLFC wrote:
GC done and dusted? Mostly! Nice Green Jersey fight going on. But Sagan always wins right Smile


I think whoever finishes ahead on the Champs-Élysées will win, and Sagan has never won there Wink
Manager of Minions
 
Page 4 of 6: 123456
Jump to Forum:
Login
Username

Password



Not a member yet?
Click here to register.

Forgotten your password?
Request a new one here.
Latest content
Screenshots
Peloton
Peloton
Tour de France 2014
Fantasy Betting
Current bets:
No bets available.
Best gamblers:
bullet fighti... 20,376 PCM$
bullet df_Trek 19,174 PCM$
bullet Marcovdw 17,445 PCM$
bullet jseadog1 15,052 PCM$
bullet baseba... 11,139 PCM$

bullet Main Fantasy Betting page
bullet Rankings: Top 100
ManGame Betting
Current bets:
No bets available.
Best gamblers:
bullet Ollfardh 23,290 PCM$
bullet df_Trek 17,320 PCM$
bullet Marcovdw 16,900 PCM$
bullet jseadog1 15,000 PCM$
bullet baseball... 8,032 PCM$

bullet Main MG Betting page
bullet Get weekly MG PCM$
bullet Rankings: Top 100
Render time: 0.93 seconds
Copyright © 2006-2023


Powered by PHP-Fusion Copyright © 2025 PHP-Fusion Inc
Released as free software without warranties under GNU Affero GPL v3