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News in October
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| Cossack |
Posted on 23-10-2014 09:11
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Domestique
Posts: 582
Joined: 16-07-2011
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Also please all remember that most likely cobbles made Quintana skip Tour last year. This stage together with Normandy crosswinds may cost him big time before the mountains start. This may actually animate the race in the mountains (provided that Quintana doesn't abandon on cobbled stage ofc).
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| Camacho |
Posted on 23-10-2014 09:37
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Neo-Pro
Posts: 342
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Another year without Col d'Aubisque... I don't know what to think... 
Edited by Camacho on 23-10-2014 09:37
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| Stromeon |
Posted on 23-10-2014 11:04
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3507
Joined: 06-10-2012
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Shonak wrote:
Stromeon wrote:
Profiles: (analysis to follow once I've calmed down and ceased facepalming)
Put simply: it's a disgrace. What we have here is the worst elements of the Tour combined with the worst elements of the Vuelta to form a complete and utter shambles. Quintana and Contador better try and animate the race otherwise we will have the most boring GT since Tour 2012.
Curious, exactly what elements? One stage has a dull vuelta-typical summit finish of ____/, which can be entertaining when they are limited. All others offer multiple challenges from the look on the profiles. La Toussouire looks cracking, good climbs and short length. And looking forward to Alpe d'Huez. 2011 was amazing.
Warning: Rant incoming 
The main cause for concern comes from the bizarre arrangement of TTs. It's been stated before many times, but to have just 14km of ITT is absolutely ludicrous. All the people saying that they don't mind there is a lack of ITT kms because they find ITTs boring are completely missing the point. It is necessary to have a balance of ITT and mountains to find the best overall rider in the race. Now it's good to vary the balance of a GT so that one year it slightly leans to climbers, the other to TTists, but it still has to be inside some basic parameters that ensure the race can either be won by a TT rider who climbs, or a pure climber, providing they excel at their respective disciplines. Look at the 2007 Tour for example: about 105km of ITT and 3 summit finishes, yet Rasmussen would have won had he not been pulled out.
And so for a climbing-orientated rider (eg Quintana) the TT losses have to be offset by gains in the mountains. Large TT losses = big gains that have to be made up in the mountains. Minuscule TT losses (such as will happen this year) = small gains that have to be made up in the mountains, meaning he will have to race less aggressively than if he had to make up more time. Then of course if a Froome comes along and takes say two minutes out of everyone in the TTs, then everyone has to respond and put pressure on him in the mountains, meaning potentially aggressive and exciting racing. But unless something extraordinary happens, that ain't gonna be the case this year.
This leads us nicely to the Alpe d'Huez 2011 factor. Alpe d'Huez was a great stage three years ago, but that was chiefly down to two factors:
- Contador had lost big time on an epic multi-mountain stage the day before, so needed to gain lots of time (3 minutes plus) on the favourites
- There was also a fairly long time-trial lurking the day after. Contador needed extra time on Evans (another minute) if he wanted to win.
So what's the problem this year? Well, there isn't an epic multi-mountain stage like the Galibier 2011 stage, and there isn't a long time-trial. So that's the two main factors gone. It may still be interesting, I'm happy to be open-minded about that, but don't get your hopes up.
So onto the mountain stages themselves. Pierre-Saint-Martin has caught the Vuelta disease that has spread over the border and is a pretty badly designed stage considering the wide range of options in the vicinity (Aubisque, Marie-Blanque etc). If you want a stage where you have the whole bunch arriving at the foot of the final climb and then a sprint up it, you've got Murs de Huy and Bretagne and Mende, on top of this, which is a Vuelta-esque overload.
Cauterets stage is actually quite good (apart from the fact it's the bloody Tourmalet again) - makes me think of Mortirolo-Aprica. Plateau de Beille stage, however, was a great opportunity to create a queen stage with many good climbs, instead, they've opted for a watered-down version (although every mountain stage could merit the term watered-down) - in fact they've even taken a detour to avoid fitting Col d'Agnes of Col de Latrape in between the Col de la Core and Port de Lers. Although Plateau de Beille is by nature very hard to link effectively with other climbs, this effort is pretty poor; its only saving grace is its length, notably absent later on in the race. Pyrenees overall are decent, but sorely lacking a descent finish.
That brings us to the Alps. Allos-Pra Loup combo looks good, and I'm quite happy with this stage, especially as it's in a region which is visited too little in the Tour. (although as before it could have been harder - lack of Col des Champs is a crying shame). St-Jean-de-Maurienne stage would be interesting in pretty much any other position in the race, but here in the middle of a swathe of uphill finishes it will probably suffer the same fate as the Le Grand-Bornand stage last year.
Now for the crowning moment of the Tour, we have some truly epic mountain stages. That's right, they're so epic that this year ASO couldn't even be bothered to design them, and instead copied stages from the far too recent past. And not only are they unoriginal, they're also criminally short. The queen stage of the race - 138km? I don't think so...
Contrary to what seems to be popular opinion here, the length of a mountain stage does not correlate to the number of attacks by the favourites. Short mountain stages can produce attacks, but so can long ones. The point is, that this race needs a queen stage. Galibier 2011. Alpe d'Huez 2008. Gardeccia. Pla d'Adet 2005 etc etc
And it doesn't have one.
Before I finish, I've just realised I almost forgot something. The TTT. Usually a beast that provokes a 'Kill it! Kill it with fire!' reaction in my thoughts in its usual manifestation, but this one... I am genuinely lost for words. We appear to have a first week which, although interesting (Cobbles! Yay!) seems to be designed to allow for the highest probability of crashes possible, so that it is made sure that teams will be at a depleted strength when this abomination appears on the horizon. We are faced with the possibility of the Tour de France being decided by which domestiques are able to stay on their bikes for the first week. Luckily the TTT is not too long, although did I mention there's an uphill finish? That's 10, if you're keeping count at the back.
Let me make it clear (if you're still reading at this point: congratulations btw) I'm not one of those people who automatically assumes that the race will be equally as terrible as the route, and no doubt come July I'll be caught up in the Tour hype whirlwind, but let me just say this: With a ridiculous and unbalanced route that appears to discourage aggressive racing, the spectacle will be somewhat diminished.
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| deek12345 |
Posted on 23-10-2014 13:38
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 2761
Joined: 13-06-2009
PCM$: 360.00
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baseballlover312 wrote:
Honestly I just hate watching TTs. They are boring as hell. So I'll accept it.
I agree longer they are the worse for me ,so I don't mind the route
Edited by deek12345 on 23-10-2014 13:39
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| SSJ2Luigi |
Posted on 23-10-2014 13:40
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World Champion
Posts: 11971
Joined: 21-07-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Cossack wrote:
Also please all remember that most likely cobbles made Quintana skip Tour last year. This stage together with Normandy crosswinds may cost him big time before the mountains start. This may actually animate the race in the mountains (provided that Quintana doesn't abandon on cobbled stage ofc).
I thought that Quintana skipped the Tour due to Valverde saying that he wants to lead the Tour |
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| SSJ2Luigi |
Posted on 23-10-2014 15:34
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World Champion
Posts: 11971
Joined: 21-07-2012
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Belkin has revealed they new jersey for next jersey together with the speed skating jersey which they collaborate with. warning though, it's really bright yellow 
https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/h...e=54B81BCF
any permanent eye damage is not my fault |
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| Riis123 |
Posted on 23-10-2014 15:40
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5075
Joined: 07-08-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Another reason the Belkin will be the laughingstock of the peloton. Yes! |
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| Jesleyh |
Posted on 23-10-2014 15:46
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 15274
Joined: 21-07-2012
PCM$: 200.00
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Riis123 wrote:
Another reason the Belkin will be the laughingstock of the peloton. Yes!
*throws bag of attention*
Nah, it's not the most beautiful jersey around, but at least they stand out. I guess. It's easier to recognise Kelderman now
Edited by Jesleyh on 23-10-2014 15:46
Feyenoord(football) and Kelderman fanboy
PCMdaily Awards: 12x nomination, 9x runner-up, 0x win.
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| Riis123 |
Posted on 23-10-2014 15:46
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5075
Joined: 07-08-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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SSJ2Luigi wrote:
Cossack wrote:
Also please all remember that most likely cobbles made Quintana skip Tour last year. This stage together with Normandy crosswinds may cost him big time before the mountains start. This may actually animate the race in the mountains (provided that Quintana doesn't abandon on cobbled stage ofc).
I thought that Quintana skipped the Tour due to Valverde saying that he wants to lead the Tour
I think it was management. They figured they would be in the conversation in all the GTs with that setup and basically the whole year instead of concentrating their powers in the Tour. |
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| SSJ2Luigi |
Posted on 23-10-2014 15:47
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World Champion
Posts: 11971
Joined: 21-07-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Jesleyh wrote:
Riis123 wrote:
Another reason the Belkin will be the laughingstock of the peloton. Yes!
*throws bag of attention*
Nah, it's not the most beautiful jersey around, but at least they stand out. I guess. It's easier to recognise Kelderman now
"I'm blinded by the lead group, guess Kelderman is still in it" or when he's not in the group "I can see the lead group, so Kelderman is dropped"
and that not even a joke, my right eye hurts like hell
Edited by SSJ2Luigi on 23-10-2014 15:51
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| Riis123 |
Posted on 23-10-2014 16:39
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5075
Joined: 07-08-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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CountArach wrote:
Riis123 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Well looks like Giro will once again hold all of my hopes of being the best GT of the season.
Yep, and you will once again be glued to the TV for 4 hours a day in July as always. Cut the crap
Well... that outburst was certainly justified 
EDIT: And Alakagom said it all. Mountains only really become interesting if there is a reason for people to attack.
I am betting that the same people who are now talking about how great the lack of TTs is are the same people who were saying that the cobbled stages this year were fantastic because they would mean that the TDF could truly determine who the best all-round cyclist was. Well TTs are a HUGE part of that, in fact they are the only way we have to determine who the best cyclist is at an individual level. That is what the essence of this sport should be.
Whatever, you know I am completely right though. If i gave you the choice whether to watch the Giro or the Tour, you would take the Tour 10/10 times despite what people have described as a historically bad route. |
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 25-11-2024 07:53
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Bot Agent
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| TimoCycling |
Posted on 23-10-2014 17:45
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Sprinter
Posts: 1765
Joined: 27-08-2012
PCM$: 200.00
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The new jersey's were awful at first sight, but in a few minutes they look fairly acceptable. Could be worse . I didn't expect anything else with 'yellow' sponsors. |
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| roturn |
Posted on 23-10-2014 18:15
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Team Manager
Posts: 22246
Joined: 24-11-2007
PCM$: 3900.00
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Haven`t seen it here yet.
Matthias Brändle (IAM) is going to do the hour record attempt next week on 30/10.
This came pretty surprising and I actually don`t think he will beat Voigt`s time. Then again I have no idea how much he did prepare on the track for this or if it`s a spontaneous idea, which then might also be an equipment issue. |
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| Dippofix |
Posted on 23-10-2014 19:12
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3906
Joined: 29-01-2013
PCM$: 300.00
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I have to say I actually like the new jersey. Nice design and liking the way the colours work together - the yellow isn't half as bad as you guys are making it out to be, IMO.
I liked the old Belkin jersey, but this actually seems like an upgrade. 
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 23-10-2014 19:38
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 16429
Joined: 27-07-2011
PCM$: 10438.70
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Oh my God that jersey is so disgusting! 
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| titleist82 |
Posted on 23-10-2014 20:19
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 754
Joined: 03-04-2007
PCM$: 1060.00
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i wonder if they will be forced to use a different shirt at the tour, as mercatone uno used to do in the 90s |
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| Gustavovskiy |
Posted on 23-10-2014 20:30
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Team Leader
Posts: 6036
Joined: 20-07-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Riis123 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Riis123 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Well looks like Giro will once again hold all of my hopes of being the best GT of the season.
Yep, and you will once again be glued to the TV for 4 hours a day in July as always. Cut the crap
Well... that outburst was certainly justified
EDIT: And Alakagom said it all. Mountains only really become interesting if there is a reason for people to attack.
I am betting that the same people who are now talking about how great the lack of TTs is are the same people who were saying that the cobbled stages this year were fantastic because they would mean that the TDF could truly determine who the best all-round cyclist was. Well TTs are a HUGE part of that, in fact they are the only way we have to determine who the best cyclist is at an individual level. That is what the essence of this sport should be.
Whatever, you know I am completely right though. If i gave you the choice whether to watch the Giro or the Tour, you would take the Tour 10/10 times despite what people have described as a historically bad route.
Absolutely, we're all hypocrites! They could race the Tour in May or September we'd all just skip classes/jobs in order to watch it. This guy is completely right. Guys fighting for a pink jersey - gayest thing ever...
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| sutty68 |
Posted on 23-10-2014 22:44
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 34654
Joined: 22-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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SSJ2Luigi wrote:
Belkin has revealed they new jersey for next jersey together with the speed skating jersey which they collaborate with. warning though, it's really bright yellow
https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/h...e=54B81BCF
any permanent eye damage is not my fault
Well none of there riders will be able to escape the peletons now |
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| CountArach |
Posted on 23-10-2014 22:48
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8290
Joined: 14-07-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Riis123 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Riis123 wrote:
CountArach wrote:
Well looks like Giro will once again hold all of my hopes of being the best GT of the season.
Yep, and you will once again be glued to the TV for 4 hours a day in July as always. Cut the crap
Well... that outburst was certainly justified
EDIT: And Alakagom said it all. Mountains only really become interesting if there is a reason for people to attack.
I am betting that the same people who are now talking about how great the lack of TTs is are the same people who were saying that the cobbled stages this year were fantastic because they would mean that the TDF could truly determine who the best all-round cyclist was. Well TTs are a HUGE part of that, in fact they are the only way we have to determine who the best cyclist is at an individual level. That is what the essence of this sport should be.
Whatever, you know I am completely right though. If i gave you the choice whether to watch the Giro or the Tour, you would take the Tour 10/10 times despite what people have described as a historically bad route.
I would actually pick the Giro every time. It is far and away the better country for cycling with far more interesting climbs and a far more passionate fan base.
And no. You are not completely right.
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| the_hoyle |
Posted on 23-10-2014 22:52
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7651
Joined: 28-05-2009
PCM$: 200.00
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titleist82 wrote:
i wonder if they will be forced to use a different shirt at the tour, as mercatone uno used to do in the 90s
Tinkoff didn't so I'm guessing the same for LottoNL
.: Manager of :.
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