Froome dropped on first stage of Dauphine
 

Interesting. I would think he'd have a good enough idea of his fitness to know not to put himself in this position. Or maybe he's strictly following a build up training program?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBjiRspuc0o

It's too hard to say right now whether froome getting dropped is just part of his build-up as planned, the results of a permanent setback from his injury last year, or the result of a difficult season navigating fitness during a pandemic.

If I had to guess, I'd say he won't have the fitness to contend in the tour de France, but I hope I'm wrong.

Might want to consider changing the title of the post to avoid giving the spoilers up front ;)

But yes surprising.. maybe part of the bigger plan.

He doesnt look like in stress, he looks fresh. U have chances that the dude is just riding it to just put some miles and get back racing pacemaking.

In the previous race he pulled like a madman before being dropped.

Many of these riders do not train, they straight forward go race by race and using that to get in shape. That doesnt mean that he is really behind, u have to consider the dude got an accident aswell.

Gentle training day.

He's just racing himself into fitness. I should know, I'm an expert at that - I've been racing myself into fitness for the last 30 years. I'll let you know when I finally get there.

He is either just finito/done post body crunch/recovery, or playing TDF possum. We will know early Sept I suppose..


I expect he can never recover to form from his last crash. So that probably means he will.

But Bernal is the teams Star, Vo2/max is like 88 or something, sick if true..

Froome finished in the time cut. He'll be fine. He will stick to his training plan. The fact that Castroviejo was with him just means that the team is quite aware of his fitness.

Lanternerouge went over his power numbers on youtube earlier this week. Froome looks good but not in top form.

If he times it to be at peak by the 1st set of mtns of the tour, or even second.... Popcorn awaits.


If I am right about my finito/done theory, it will have just been a lucky guess.

You don't need to save your popcorn. Have it when you're ready. ;) Will he win the TdF? I doubt it. Will he help Bernal? Yes.

There are a bunch of unknowns in a Grand Tour. It's 3 weeks as opposed to 1, 3, or 5 days. Froome has the sauce. There are only a few other riders who have won who are riding, and two are on his team. Nibali might be the only other one, and he's in it for stages, I'd guess.

Here's that lanterne rouge link... worth the watch if you're ok with him nerding out on the numbers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T-rtLIyI94&t=0s

LOLZ

:p:p

Why would he help Bernal? He's leaving at the end of the year and the team's made clear who the new show pony is.

Because he riders for the one team that rides as a team. All depends on what the team plan is.

Jeff

Well, he has a contract and the DS determines what the overall plan is.

Froome also seems to have a hard time staying on the bike anymore. That will end his TDF early.

As far as Helping Bernal with the end of contract pending. Froome's age and potential future leadership position, yada.

Why burn the Bernal bridge with a hamstringing?

No?


Not to mention his own future signings if his rep is to pull that sheit.

He is a pro and I can see him totally not wimping out of supporting role as needed.