Solid racing but Haig not getting any time back on hard stages isn't a good sign for the final GC. Thought the short stage with multiple climbs will lead to some GC action, but that was minimal. Great stage win by Leemreize though. All points are welcome.
I guess my complaints about Skjelmose once again fueled him to come good and prove me wrong. Great day out for him with the stage podium and huge jump on GC. Almost even made it into yellow! I'm surprised between here and Colombia that Skjelmose has had such good rides from breakaways this year. I would think that his lack of stamina would really hurt him over the course of a full mountain stage, having to take turns himself and attack for mountain sprints. But it seems he actually does better in that environment than just pacing himself in the peloton.
Really way too much race left to make anything of this GC wise. In theory he should be our clear protected rider now in 2nd overall and wearing white, but I guess it was good that Gregaard was still plugging a long behind. White at least is in good shape now. But way too many mountain stages left for riders to crack big or have further breakaway shenanigans to make anything of his GC position or the time gaps.
Thanks for the exciting report!
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy
Big congratulations, Abhi and bbl! Feels likes historical win for Sony, but I could be wrong? And what goes for bbl… Difficult to imagine more critical writing about your team and Skjelmose. Some amazing days for him!
Happy to have both Lopez and Williams in the break, assuming JP worked for Williams before the split. At least I didn’t really fancy a top 5 seeing the competition, but he did very well to be strong in the finale there Another stage top 5, and great to see Willias active for the first time. Hopinghe tries his luck again if the next batch of mountain stages also allow riders like him breakaway appearance.
“...the secret of the Great Stories is that they have no secrets. The Great Stories are the ones you have heard and want to hear again. The ones you can enter anywhere and inhabit comfortably."
A. Roy
Stüssi the second worst GC rider on the stage and worst overall 11+ minutes down isn’t amazing to say the least. Would usually be a total disaster but who the fuck knows with this game version, he could very well make it in the break down the champs élysées at this point and take 20 minutes because the team of the yellow jersey are already too drunk on champagne. Congrats Abhi on the win, and bbl on SJ’s antics. Awesome to see a Thai rider in the yellow jersey, big moment for Asian cycling. He should be able to keep it for a few days as well unless he surprises up Mont Ventoux.
Having a Thai rider in the maillot jaune is definitely a big milestone for our project. I'm very delighted about that and it does make up for Hsu's no-show so far! I hope he can keep it a few days, at least until Mont Ventoux.
Another stage top 5, and great to see Willias active for the first time. Hopinghe tries his luck again if the next batch of mountain stages also allow riders like him breakaway appearance.
