As far as Contador not being on form, the DS for this race said after the TT that they were actually trying not to win the race overall, they did not want to defend the jersey, use up too much energy in the mountains...they seem to be purely interested in getting Contador some time in the big mountains...Last year the team had something to prove as they were not allowed in the Tour, but this year they are putting all the eggs in one basket again it would seem.
Although I don't see the point of continuing that debate, I do see now that he's waiting. The replays that I saw showed it from a different angle and a tad later where it seems like Valverde cracks, then looks back, sees Szmyd and accelerates again.
But from that angle, yes, no doubt that Valverde waits for Szmyd.
Eh guys, you're really annoying (at least for some of you).
When I read this thread, all I see is a-3-page-argument about something everything but important.
Didn't watch the replay, but what I can say is that neither Contador nor Evans are wheelsuckers, but I mean, why would you kill yourself on the middle of a 1-week stage-race, two weeks before the Tour ?
I'm fed up of useless debate about Evans, Contador...
Why not speak actually of the race, and not about something that won't have any importance.
As for stage, seems like it was interesting, and if Valverde let Szmyd win the race, that's classy.
As for Szmyd, that's great to see someone really humble win so prestigious stage. I think it's an achievement for the old Polonese.
Well done Sylvester.
Looking forward to next stages, starting tomorrow with short stage, with uphill sprint I hope.
"I love him, I think he's great. He's transformed the sport in so many ways. Every person in cycling has benefitted from Lance Armstrong, perhaps not financially but in some sense" - Bradley Wiggins on Lance Armstrong
