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2014 Tour Down Under (21 to 26 January)
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| Malkael |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:17
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Sprinter
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Spoiler What? No nominations? Alright then, I'll cover the cycling season. 
UCI World Tour - Tour Down Under
With the 2013 season firmly behind us, it is almost time to welcome in the 2014 UCI World Tour season. Our first stop is the state of South Australia, specifically Adelaide and the regions surrounding her, for the Santos Tour Down Under. What was once a race dominated by the sprinters, especially Andre Griepel, has transformed itself into a stage race with something for almost everyone.
With bushfires threatening the Barossa there is the distinct possiblity that Stage One of the Tour Down Under may be cancelled due to concerns over public health and safety. Currently the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting temperatures around the high 20's to low 30's (Celsius), which will be a relief to the riders after the heatwave that has been sweeping across the Australian Open in the Tennis.
With reigning champion Tom-Jelte Slagter not present to defend his title, though we wish him the best of luck with the impending birth of his child, the 2014 Tour Down Under will see a new Ochre coloured champion crowned at the race's conclusion in Adelaide.
-- General Classification Preview
-- Sprinters Preview
-- Stage One Preview
-- Stage Two Preview
-- Stage Three Preview
-- Stage Four Preview
-- Stage Five Preview
-- [url=pcmdaily.com/forum/viewthread.php?thread_id=32581&pid=851299#post_851299]Stage Six Preview[/url]
-- Official TDU Website
-- Pro Cycling Stats (PCS)
Edited by Malkael on 25-01-2014 14:44
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| Malkael |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:17
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Sprinter
Posts: 1697
Joined: 02-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Reserved for Race Preview, which will be updated throughout the day as I mess with formatting and all that jazz. Apart from that, feel liberated to post.
General Classification Preview
Understandably Simon Gerrans and Orica – GreenEDGE approach the 2014 Tour Down Under as the prime favourite. While the Victorian might not be the most prolific of winners among the pro peleton, but he has consistently shown an ability to successfully target specific races or stages and come away victorious. After failing to defend his crown in 2013, and with his eyes firmly set on reclaiming his title, the pressure will be on Orica – GreenEDGE to deliver.
Despite not being as renowned a name to some within the community as others, such as Robert Gesink for example, it would be foolish to discount the chances of Javier Moreno and Team Movistar. Ever since the Spaniards move from Caja Rural to Team Movistar he has shown a consistent ability to reach the level of fitness required to compete for the overall race victory. Should Moreno still be in contention for the Ochre Jersey by Stage Five, Old Wilunga Hill could yet again hold the keys to the Spaniard's fate.
Another Australian cyclist tipped to fight for the Ochre Jersey is, of course, Cadel Evans. The 2011 Tour de France winner's participation has been headline news in Australia, but whether or not he has the legs to outmanoeuvre the likes of Gerrans remains to be seen. BMC have brought a decent team with them in support of Evans with Ben Hermans and Amael Moinard, and Hermans may be another potential contender if BMC let the Belgian off the leash.
Meanwhile Team Sky have also brought some of their contracted “Aussie” contingent, with Richie Porte and Chris Sutton included in the squad. Geraint Thomas also returns after last year's ultimately unsuccessful crack at the 2013 Tour Down Under General Classification. The inclusion of both Porte and Thomas gives Team Sky multiple options, which may be just what the British team requires if they are to parachute Porte in to the Ochre Jeresy by the conclusion of the race. Despite looking in decent form at the Australian Road Nationals, the Tasmanian lacks the explosive kick of some of his rivals.
After losing Tom-Jelte Slagter's services to Garmin – Sharp, Team Belkin are looking to Robert Gesink for a second successive successful campaign at the Tour Down Under. Whether the Dutchman can deliver the performance being expected of him by some in the cycling community is a point of much debate.
While still traditionally regarded a contender for the Grand Tours, victory at the 2013 Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec has many wondering whether or not Gesink should focus more on the hilly classics. Early season form and fitness will be the largest concerns clouding the Dutchman, with this the earliest start he has had to a cycling season recently.
Lampre – Merida and Trek Factory Racing will be jokers in the pack when it comes to the General Classification, with Frank Schleck returning from a doping ban and Diego Ulissi proving to be a notoriously slow starter in 2013. Regardless, Alejandro Valverde's performance during the 2012 Tour Down Under has proven that it is not impossible for Frank Schleck to sew together a surprise victory. With debate still raging over whether or not Diego Ulissi have sufficient form or fitness to mount any sort of challenge.
The absence of Tom-Jelte Slagter from Garmin – Sharp's squad has given an opportunity to Rohan Dennis mount a challenge for the Ochre Jersey. However, a horrific crash during the Australian Road Nationals means the young Australian will be recovering from his injuries rather than being perfectly prepared for battle. A less than ideal situation for when your competition includes the likes of Gerrans, Porte and Evans.
Jan Bakelants will be hopeful of kick-starting his new career at Omega Pharma – Quick-Step with a stage victory at the 2014 Tour Down Under. However, after a strong 2013 season many believe the Belgian may be a prime contender for the overall victory. Form and fitness will once again be a determining factor, but on paper Bakelants has the ability to “mix it” with the likes of Gerrans over the hilly parcours.
Other rides to potentially keep an eye out for include Rory Sutherland of Team Tinkoff-Saxo, Lieuwe Westra of Team Astana, Maxime Bouet of AG2R Le Mondiale, and youngsters Matej Mohoric of Team Cannondale and Kenny Ellissonde of FDJ.fr.
The Sprinters - Men Wot Go Fast!
When it comes to the "fast men" it is hard to look past Andre Greipel for the sprints. The German has shown such consistency at the Tour Down Under through out his career that it is hard to see the "Gorilla" not winning a stage, even if his opportunities are growing increasingly limited. Alongside Greipel will be his always proficient sprint train, who despite the loss of Greg Henderson, should still function with mechanical precision.
After his performances at the Tour de France, many people seem to be favouring Marcel Kittel over Andre Greipel for the sprints. On paper I guess I can personally see why, but the fact still remains that it took Kittel and the Argos - Shimano (now Giant - Shimano) train a while to reach the same level as efficiency as the Lotto - Belisol train. Unless Marcel Kittel and Giant - Shimano can come out off the blocks firing, last season's slow start is hard to disregard.
Meanwhile, the pressure will be on Matthew Goss to perform after a dismal 2013 season, with Michael Matthew and Caleb Ewan waiting in the wings lurking dangerously. The Tasmanian will have the support of Michael Matthews, Daryl Impey, Luke Durbridge and Matthew Hayman in the sprints. With the opening stage of the 2014 Tour Down Under perhaps his best opportunity to nab a much needed stage victory, assuming the stage is not abandoned.
Despite being only 19, there is much expectation on the shoulders on young Australian Caleb Ewan to deliver in at least one of the sprint stages in the 2014 Tour Down Under. With a promising third placing behind Marcel Kittel and Andre Greipel at the People's Choice Classic, Ewan's chances of staging an upset are looking ever more likely. It will be up to Ewan to prove he can translate his form from the shorter People's Choice Classic to the harder longer parcours of the Tour Down Under.
Should some of the names above faulter, Elia Viviano could be in a prime position to pounce and claim a stage victory. While the Italian is not quite yet at a similiar level to Marcel Kittel, Mark Cavendish or Andre Greipel, on his day Viviano can still beat the rest of the competition to the line. Doubts exist over Viviano's form and fitness, however, he could banish these with a performance similiar to Kittel's at the People's Cycling Classic.
Other sprinters to keep a watchful eye out for include J.J Rojas or J.J Lobato of Team Movistar, Mark Renshaw of Omega Pharma - Quick-Step, Steele Von Hoff of Garmin - Sharp, Roberto Ferrari of Lampre - Merida, Graeme Brown of Team Belkin, Kevin Reza of Team Europcar, the Van Poppels of Trek Factory Racing and Jonathan Cantwell of Drapac Pro Cycling.
Edited by Malkael on 19-01-2014 11:27
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| Luis Leon Sanchez |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:23
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Team Leader
Posts: 5533
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The fires and heatwaves in Aus really aren't good.
My family went to Tasmania hile my dad was working there and we saw the devastation there and there were a few small fires at the time.
The heat wave as well is just ridiculous.
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| Alakagom |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:25
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World Champion
Posts: 10891
Joined: 19-11-2010
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Interesting fact: Caleb Ewan is favourite with the bookmakers to win on his debut at WT. At paddy power his odds were few days ago were 150/1 and now are 9/1( the favourite for stage 1) 
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 25-11-2024 09:57
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| Cycleman123 |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:26
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4478
Joined: 30-07-2012
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Because Ewan is much better than Greipel.
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| sammyt93 |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:26
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3634
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Luis Leon Sanchez wrote:
The fires and heatwaves in Aus really aren't good.
My family went to Tasmania hile my dad was working there and we saw the devastation there and there were a few small fires at the time.
The heat wave as well is just ridiculous.
the only good thing is they know how to deal with it as it is a regular occurance down there, at least I'm sure I hear about them every year.
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| SSJ2Luigi |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:27
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World Champion
Posts: 11971
Joined: 21-07-2012
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Luis Leon Sanchez wrote:
The fires and heatwaves in Aus really aren't good.
My family went to Tasmania hile my dad was working there and we saw the devastation there and there were a few small fires at the time.
The heat wave as well is just ridiculous.
fun science fact: you have trees in australia that have some kind of olie in their leaves to help to fire burn more
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| Alakagom |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:29
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World Champion
Posts: 10891
Joined: 19-11-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Cycleman123 wrote:
Because Ewan is much better than Greipel.
More to do with the fact Greipel and Kittel are likely not contest the stage with Menglers Hill near the end.
Edited by Alakagom on 18-01-2014 23:29
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| cio93 |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:31
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World Champion
Posts: 10845
Joined: 29-10-2007
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Remember the Crit is tomorrow 9:30am CET.
I hope there's a stream somewhere like it was the case the recent years.
Alakagom wrote:
Cycleman123 wrote:
Because Ewan is much better than Greipel.
More to do with the fact Greipel and Kittel are likely not contest the stage with Menglers Hill near the end.
A good early-form Greipel could survive if there is a rather moderate tempo.
If that stage is ridden at all, that is.
Edited by cio93 on 18-01-2014 23:33
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| Luis Leon Sanchez |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:33
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Team Leader
Posts: 5533
Joined: 12-06-2013
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I may be able to keep you updated, depending on tv coverage, not with video though.
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| CountArach |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:35
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8290
Joined: 14-07-2008
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SSJ2Luigi wrote:
Luis Leon Sanchez wrote:
The fires and heatwaves in Aus really aren't good.
My family went to Tasmania hile my dad was working there and we saw the devastation there and there were a few small fires at the time.
The heat wave as well is just ridiculous.
fun science fact: you have trees in australia that have some kind of olie in their leaves to help to fire burn more
A lot of trees here have their seeds spread and planted by bushfires and wouldn't be able to make new trees otherwise. Just a little fact there.
Does anyone know if the crit is televised?
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| Malkael |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:36
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Sprinter
Posts: 1697
Joined: 02-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Hopefully there is a stream for the Crit. If the official website and TV guides are to be believed, it doesn't look like it will be broadcast live on TV (in Australia anyway). So a stream will be my only option if I want to watch events unfold.
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| Luis Leon Sanchez |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:37
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Team Leader
Posts: 5533
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What time is it, WA time or AdelaideTime?
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| Cycleman123 |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:42
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4478
Joined: 30-07-2012
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I might be able to do a play-by-play sort of thing for the TdU for you guys.
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| SSJ2Luigi |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:45
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World Champion
Posts: 11971
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CountArach wrote:
SSJ2Luigi wrote:
Luis Leon Sanchez wrote:
The fires and heatwaves in Aus really aren't good.
My family went to Tasmania hile my dad was working there and we saw the devastation there and there were a few small fires at the time.
The heat wave as well is just ridiculous.
fun science fact: you have trees in australia that have some kind of olie in their leaves to help to fire burn more
A lot of trees here have their seeds spread and planted by bushfires and wouldn't be able to make new trees otherwise. Just a little fact there.
science is amazing 
Edited by SSJ2Luigi on 18-01-2014 23:46
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| Malkael |
Posted on 18-01-2014 23:52
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Sprinter
Posts: 1697
Joined: 02-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Luis Leon Sanchez wrote:
What time is it, WA time or AdelaideTime?
Today's Crit should start around 7:15pm Adelaide time according to the race website, or 7:45pm AEDT if I remember the time zone differences correctly.
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| TTtheGladiator |
Posted on 19-01-2014 00:09
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cio93 wrote:
Spoiler Remember the Crit is tomorrow 9:30am CET.
I hope there's a stream somewhere like it was the case the recent years.
Alakagom wrote:
Cycleman123 wrote:
Because Ewan is much better than Greipel.
More to do with the fact Greipel and Kittel are likely not contest the stage with Menglers Hill near the end.
A good early-form Greipel could survive if there is a rather moderate tempo.
If that stage is ridden at all, that is.
SBS should be streaming it on their cycling central page. A quick google should yield results. I'll be there live though, so don't have to worry about that 
Rumour is, the fire at Eden valley burnt up to Menglers, but they have that part under control. It started heading out towards Palmer, so thankfully away from Angaston etc. We'll see how it goes over the next couple of days.
When you can't decide between two options, flip a coin. Not because the result of the coin will choose for you, but because, in that split second before the coin lands, you'll know what side you want it to fall on. |
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| cio93 |
Posted on 19-01-2014 00:19
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World Champion
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TTtheGladiator wrote:
SBS should be streaming it on their cycling central page. A quick google should yield results. I'll be there live though, so don't have to worry about that
Yeah, I think that's where I watched it last year. Phil&Paul, right?
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| Malkael |
Posted on 19-01-2014 01:07
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Sprinter
Posts: 1697
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General Classification Preview completed. Anyone who reads through all of that deserves a cyber-cookie, heh.
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| Luis Leon Sanchez |
Posted on 19-01-2014 04:10
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Team Leader
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I have delayed coverage of the Classic from 12:30am (midnight) New ZealandTime. So at least it is something.
For the rest of the Tour I have highlights for 30mins of every stage early in the morning. But I can record and watch it later. So I can see the important parts of every stage.
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