Vuelta a España discussion (spoilers)

[Jaybee]

Originally Posted by mhespenheide

...I typed up a response, and then thought about it again.

I'm assuming you're being sarcastic here, right?

Of course. I think it's hilarious how closely this resembles the circumstances of Sepp's foray into rojo last year. Primary difference being that the riders chasing OConnor down won't be his teammates.

[LegendRider]

Originally Posted by saab2000

I don’t know that I think he hangs on to win, but he’s a rider with a very good resumé, with top ten places in GTs. I’m surprised they gave him that much rope, that’s all. I also wouldn’t be shocked if he won it, based on today’s stage. Of course, there’s a very long ways to go and anything can happen. Just pointing out that he’s not a nobody. He’s a very accomplished rider.

Totally agree. I'd like Sepp or Roglic to win, but a GT win for a French team -even with a foreign rider - would be a badly needed boost for French cycling. I have a soft spot for them for some reason.

[Jaybee]

thinking more about today's result-

If you have top 5 GC aspirations, one more player just got added to the mix. There are now maybe 12 guys with a realistic shot at top 5.

If you have podium aspirations and you're not a significantly better TTist than OConnor (could reasonably expect to get a minute back), you might really be sweating that spot.

Roglic, Almeida and Tiberi (and to a lesser extent Skjelmose) are still in a pretty decent position.

If I had to pick a podium after today, I'd go Almeida, Roglic, O'Connor

[rccardr]

Great ride today from Ben O’Conner. Inspirational.

Sadly, suspect that Decathalon will have difficulty supporting him for the rest of the race.

What’s the over/under on how many days he’ll wear the rosa?

[NHAero]

Kuss did a lot of work so Wout could take the stage. He's a mensch!

[novacyclist]

He did so that Wout will help later. I just hope he didn't burn any matches today for that.

Also, anyone have any opinions about Bob and CVV commentary? I like it. Both have similar expressions so you may miss the contrast but I like it.

[br0qn]

Originally Posted by NHAero

Kuss did a lot of work so Wout could take the stage. He's a mensch!

mvp today for sure

[weisan]

[weisan]

[weisan]

[reuben]

Originally Posted by NHAero

Kuss did a lot of work so Wout could take the stage. He's a mensch!

Visma's #1 GC/mountain rider was the only one able to help their sprinter over a Cat 2 climb and on the ensuing flat.

If this holds true, their #1 GC/mountain rider will have only a sprinter for help in the high mountains to come.

Doesn't bode well for Kuss.

And I didn't see any other team sending their GC hope to chase down a break for a sprinter. In fact, I can't remember ever seeing that happen.

[Jaybee]

Originally Posted by reuben

Visma's #1 GC/mountain rider was the only one able to help their sprinter over a Cat 2 climb and on the ensuing flat.

If this holds true, their #1 GC/mountain rider will have only a sprinter for help in the high mountains to come.

Doesn't bode well for Kuss.

And I didn't see any other team sending their GC hope to chase down a break for a sprinter. In fact, I can't remember ever seeing that happen.

Ironically enough, given the amount of support she receives in return, i think Demi Vollering is the only GC rider i've seen doing this (for both Kopecky and Weibes). But women's cycling has smaller teams, so everyone gets more jobs. And maybe that's the exception that proves the rule.

[Spdntrxi]

might have to wait till stage 12.. health check on Kuss and OConner

[reuben]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

Ironically enough, given the amount of support she receives in return, i think Demi Vollering is the only GC rider i've seen doing this (for both Kopecky and Weibes). But women's cycling has smaller teams, so everyone gets more jobs. And maybe that's the exception that proves the rule.

This is just a personal opinion from my couch, but I get the sense that Vollering does this in exchange for support in the races she targets, like the TdFF. Usually a hillier race which suits her talent.

1) there's nothing wrong with that
2) I could be wrong (again)

[NHAero]

Originally Posted by reuben

This is just a personal opinion from my couch, but I get the sense that Vollering does this in exchange for support in the races she targets, like the TdFF. Usually a hillier race which suits her talent.

1) there's nothing wrong with that
2) I could be wrong (again)

And she might have reason to ask herself why she has done this for Wiebes….