Tour de France *LIVE* *SPOILERS*

[Jaybee]

Originally Posted by 82Picchio

And this year, Thomas crashed three times, likely affecting his racing, no?

The difference between Thomas 2019 and Froome 2018 is that Thomas' crashes didn't cost him time relative to any of his major rivals. Froome lost almost a minute in stage 1 last year and Thomas never gave it back. That's racing, them's the breaks.

As yinzerniner says above, Carapaz to Ineos is in the works for 2020.

[chiasticon]

Originally Posted by Elefantino

It was actually a Dura-Ace 9150 rear derailleur that broke on Matthews' Cervelo on the Champs d'Elysees.

Would have made for a better story if it were SRAM, though.

he's referencing this infamous moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQK0eyi-zBA

[beeatnik]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

They've also got Carapaz... is it possible that they split off one of the Froome/Thomas/Bernal trio to target the Giro and Vuelta along with Carapaz. Whoever this is might also come the Tour but be understood to be in a support role after having just finished the Giro or preparing for the Vuelta. Here's my completely speculative guess, which assumes that Froome is ready to ride a grand tour next July:

Giro: Carapaz and Thomas
Tour: Bernal and Froome, Thomas in support
Vuelta: Froome and Carapaz, Bernal in support.

They are remarkably stacked. Kinda seems like Thomas gets a raw deal in this scenario, since the Tour is the race where his particular skill set works the best. Whatever they do, they will do it better than Movistar. You can dislike them, but you can't deny that they are organized and competent at putting people on the top step of a stage race podium.

History (and physiology) are against Thomas and Froome. How old do those cats need to be before they're considered old. Thirty-three seems to be about right. Just ask Cadel (or Contador, even).

[Jaybee]

Originally Posted by beeatnik

History (and physiology) are against Thomas and Froome. How old do those cats need to be before they're considered old. Thirty-three seems to be about right. Just ask Cadel (or Contador, even).

Agree with this. I'm of the opinion that Froome has won his last race already. I just don't know how you keep a 4-time winner off the TdF roster if he's relatively fit.

[FlashUNC]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

Agree with this. I'm of the opinion that Froome has won his last race already. I just don't know how you keep a 4-time winner off the TdF roster if he's relatively fit.

Especailly if he's chasing history with #5 on the line. Tough to say he can't go.

[pdmtong]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

The difference between Thomas 2019 and Froome 2018 is that Thomas' crashes didn't cost him time relative to any of his major rivals. Froome lost almost a minute in stage 1 last year and Thomas never gave it back. That's racing, them's the breaks. As yinzerniner says above, Carapaz to Ineos is in the works for 2020.

Froome is really lucky he did not hit that pole head on last year.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1015616250909810688

[paulh]

The future's uncertain and the end is always near.

Let it roll.

[rustychisel]

Originally Posted by paulh

The future's uncertain and the end is always near.

Let it roll.

I heard what you did there. [Well, I woke up this morning and I got myself a beer].

[galgal]

Originally Posted by beeatnik

History (and physiology) are against Thomas and Froome. How old do those cats need to be before they're considered old. Thirty-three seems to be about right. Just ask Cadel (or Contador, even).

Yeah, a few won TdF at age 33, only 3 ( I think) at age 34, and only one over 35 yrs. But considering Froome’s special history and physiology, not to mention Skineos special team spirit, who can count him out.
Anyone know if Bernal will be at the Vuelta?

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Elefantino

It was actually a Dura-Ace 9150 rear derailleur that broke on Matthews' Cervelo on the Champs d'Elysees.

Would have made for a better story if it were SRAM, though.

Talking about Schleck and his 'sram' front der moment..

[BdaGhisallo]

Originally Posted by galgal

Yeah, a few won TdF at age 33, only 3 ( I think) at age 34, and only one over 35 yrs. But considering Froome’s special history and physiology, not to mention Skineos special team spirit, who can count him out.
Anyone know if Bernal will be at the Vuelta?

I'll be very surprised if Ineos send Bernal to the Vuelta. He's only 22 years old. One grand tour per season is enough for him.

[Elefantino]

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Talking about Schleck and his 'sram' front der moment..

I know but any chance to slam the fishing equipment is well taken.

[93KgBike]

This was by far the best TdF I've watched in years. In decades.

Every possible kind of cycling moment, except riding through the blizzard. I'm glad they didn't, but I'll bet the Badger chuckled at that! And more than made up for by Nibali's solo breakaway on the short stage. Chiapucci! what a ride!