Pellizotti2 wrote:
Purito was a major disappointment in my eyes. Didn't do any work for Valverde or whoever their contemplated captain was, and still finished behind Contador, who attacked hard several times and then paced the group a lot on the final lap.
In fact, the plan was for Valverde to help Freire during the last lap. Now Valverde is saying, "damn, I could have won if I hadn´t waited for Freire", and Freire is saying "Damn Valverde, he didn´t help me as planned. I was left on my own". Not that it would have made much difference either way imo
Yeah, I've heard that as well. Really dumb plan if that's true (although it wouldn't surprise knowing De Santos). It might sound opportunistic, but I think we all knew that, coming to the Cauberg in a big group, Valverde should have been glued to Gilbert's wheel.
Aquarius wrote:
Too many cooks spoil the soup. Five leaders and two wild cards at the Spanish is never going to work, unless one of them is really superior to everyone (team mates and opponents - which is not case, whatsoever, when you have that many leaders).
This
It's been the case so many times through the sport's history, but so many moron coaches still insist on going with a million leaders.
The only logical thing to do here was, assing a guy to take care of Freire during the finish. Moreno for example. Then choose your leader (say, Valverde) and only call up people who will sign a written document agreeing to work for Valverde.
The preceding post is ISSO 9001 certified
"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
An entertaining worlds this was, with a great final day. The race was entertaining, with 2 pretty strong groups in the lead, before Gesink & Contador and friens decided to give it a go.
As a result, the Aussies, Germans and Belgians had to work hard, and, also thanks to a crash at the Cauberg, a smaller group in the last lap.
Gilbert was the strongest today, not only at the Cauberg, but also at the following 2 kilometres. Although I hoped for a Dutch medal (but I can be happy with the 5th for Boom, hope Qatar 2016 will be cyclocross in the desert for more than 50% of the lap ), I think the best rider won today. Also credits to EBH and Valverde for 2nd and 3rd, thinking this was the maximum for them today.
And of course: long live queen Vos!!!!!
I mean look at the Belgians . They had Boonen and Gilbert - 2 leaders + Van Avermaet who was a strong rider too and they refused to take Vanendert as well .And they won . Well Spain took Conta , Valverde , Purito , Freire , Sanchez, all of them and they only got a bronze medal . You just cat win with 9 leaders in a team.
Some weird tweets by Stybar. Anybody knows what he meant?
zdenekstybar they just all jump on my bike so let say my bike was today about 60times raped
36 minutes ago · reply · retweet · favorite
zdenekstybar I think the guys of the peloton were long time from their wife's and fall in love with my bike.
36 minutes ago · reply · retweet · favorite
Nice belgium team play..Boonen, Leukemans..and after that Gilbert power show.
Valverde..like I sayed at Vuelta. One of the best oportunist on the peloton..manages always take max. result out of it. Man who knows he's condition and has perefct intuition about finish line. Doper or not..this is talent.
Aquarius wrote:
Too many cooks spoil the soup. Five leaders and two wild cards at the Spanish is never going to work, unless one of them is really superior to everyone (team mates and opponents - which is not case, whatsoever, when you have that many leaders).
This
It's been the case so many times through the sport's history, but so many moron coaches still insist on going with a million leaders.
The only logical thing to do here was, assing a guy to take care of Freire during the finish. Moreno for example. Then choose your leader (say, Valverde) and only call up people who will sign a written document agreeing to work for Valverde.
Or just say fuck egos and choose a good team. If they were smart they probably would have brought Freire and one of J-Rod, Samu, and Valverde, and then put together a strong support team that would ride solely for those two without a thought for themselves. Flecha, Castroviejo, LL Sanchez, Zubeldia, Barredo, De la Fuente, Nieve, etc. There would be a lot of options.
Or just say fuck egos and choose a good team. If they were smart they probably would have brought Freire and one of J-Rod, Samu, and Valverde, and then put together a strong support team that would ride solely for those two without a thought for themselves. Flecha, Castroviejo, LL Sanchez, Zubeldia, Barredo, De la Fuente, Nieve, etc. There would be a lot of options.
Exactly, the only Spaniard to ride for the team today was Lastras, and he really wasn't of much use except when he was with the Contador group up the road. Spain was extremely dysfunctional this race.
So, last night with about 20km remaining, the TV I was watching malfunctioned and wouldn't turn back on. I was wondering if there are any videos of the last 10-20km or so?
Exactly, the only Spaniard to ride for the team today was Lastras, and he really wasn't of much use except when he was with the Contador group up the road. Spain was extremely dysfunctional this race.
What about Flecha? He was far more useful than Lastras if you ask me, pacing the Contador group together with Coppel for several laps.
Deadpool wrote:
Or just say fuck egos and choose a good team. If they were smart they probably would have brought Freire and one of J-Rod, Samu, and Valverde, and then put together a strong support team that would ride solely for those two without a thought for themselves.
I agree on your points, but I believe Contador played his role well. His attacks made the race hard, just like Spain wanted, and then he took several huge turns at the front of the race on the final lap.
Freire, Valverde, Contador, Flecha plus five more domestiques would've been the perfect team. I'd even leave out Freire, since he was just holding Valverde back, when Piti was clearly stronger.
Eden95 wrote:
So, last night with about 20km remaining, the TV I was watching malfunctioned and wouldn't turn back on. I was wondering if there are any videos of the last 10-20km or so?
