Stage 1 » San Lorenzo › Mare Sanremo (17.6k) - Team Time Trial
12 months on from the amazing start of the Giro in Ireland, we are in San Remo for a team time trial. No Cipressa or Poggio on this flat profile though. The big favourites will be hoping for a better start than befell Dan Martin when he crashed out on a manhole cover. Sky pipped Orica in Romandie but it's unlikely they'll be able to muster the same firepower here.
Katusha's time trial was disastrous last year in Belfast, losing 1min33 to Orica Greenedge. They'll be hoping to put up a better showing this year and will be pleased with their 3rd place finish at Romandie.
Katusha's time trial was disastrous last year in Belfast, losing 1min33 to Orica Greenedge. They'll be hoping to put up a better showing this year and will be pleased with their 3rd place finish at Romandie.
As I said on the preview thread I can see Orica targeting the leader's jersey again by winning the TTT and then setting Bling up for a challenge for a number of the early stages. I do think Tinkoff look a bit overpriced at 12/1 with Betvictor but the problem is I expect them to come 2nd or 3rd and it's win only
As I said on the preview thread I can see Orica targeting the leader's jersey again by winning the TTT and then setting Bling up for a challenge for a number of the early stages. I do think Tinkoff look a bit overpriced at 12/1 with Betvictor but the
They're very short now, but after catching some insider interviews, OGE are my Late Mail Special for this -- they are hugely motivated, have trained well over the course for the past two days, and they're team is essentially made up of a group of TT specialists -- they should win this quite well!
They're very short now, but after catching some insider interviews, OGE are my Late Mail Special for this -- they are hugely motivated, have trained well over the course for the past two days, and they're team is essentially made up of a group of TT
It was quite evident how well OGE would go when AST was on top when they crossed the line, after having ridden in a very ragged manner compared to how OGE would eventually ride, and did -- they're so disciplined with how they assemble their line that it was clearly worth a few bonus seconds, and was. TCS rode well -- advantage Contador for the overall!
It was quite evident how well OGE would go when AST was on top when they crossed the line, after having ridden in a very ragged manner compared to how OGE would eventually ride, and did -- they're so disciplined with how they assemble their line that
A masterclass from OGE yesterday. They're so good at this you get the feeling that they even plan who they want to put over the line first. Gerrans is in the leader's jersey but there's every chance it will be in Bling's hands already this time tomorrow. Griepel is a just favourite tomorrow, people have been questioning his form but I think it's been decent.
A masterclass from OGE yesterday. They're so good at this you get the feeling that they even plan who they want to put over the line first. Gerrans is in the leader's jersey but there's every chance it will be in Bling's hands already this time tomor
nugget -- if you're going to take the time to comment, you might show respect for all of MC's great work for this forum, to make your comment on the correct thread. Aru has nothing to do with stage one, moreover Aru's perceived keenness is a nothing comment since all the GC riders have some measure of keenness. I mean, is the forum meant to decipher that you are keen on Aru? If you are than perhaps you might select the correct thread to inform the forum of your view and stimulate some discussion. Otherwise you risk becoming a clown comment-maker and one with a distinct lack of respect.
nugget -- if you're going to take the time to comment, you might show respect for all of MC's great work for this forum, to make your comment on the correct thread. Aru has nothing to do with stage one, moreover Aru's perceived keenness is a nothing
Just surprised to see Aru sprinting for the line, leading his team home. (Trying for the pink early, hence keen) Not to mention Astana with the 3rd best time on the stage, whereas even though Tinkoff came 2nd on the stage Contador was seen dangling off the back of the team for a lot of the stage. All this with Aru missing preparation time due to "dystentery".
That's why I commented Aru looked keen, I thought some others might of picked up on it too and had an opinion. I see Aru did shorten up in the gc market after stage 1. But if you feel Aru had nothing to do with stage 1 and it was a nothing comment maybe you should just keep it to yourself instead of cluttering up the thread with negative dribble.
Just surprised to see Aru sprinting for the line, leading his team home. (Trying for the pink early, hence keen) Not to mention Astana with the 3rd best time on the stage, whereas even though Tinkoff came 2nd on the stage Contador was seen dangling
Didn't see the first half of the TTT due to a family birthday meal but did notice it when I rewatched the stage. I guess you can't blame Aru for wanting to come over the line first and take the maglia rosa in his first tour, he must have known Astana had set a decent time. It's interesting though. Who knows how to prepare for a 3-week Grand Tour better than Bertie? If you've got serious aspirations of wearing pink at the Arc of Peace in Milan at the end of May is it better to be at your very peak at Day 1, and possibly burn half a match trying to nick maglia rosa in Stage 1 or leave a bit to work on and have to hang on a bit in the TT but then grow into the race over the first week which should get you bang on by the time we get into the decisive stuff in 7/8 days time?
Not saying I have the answer to that but clearly two different approaches taken by the two. Wonder if the Astana, Etixx and Sky might now try and test Bertie on some of the early stages like 4 and 5? If so, and those stages are taken quickly it could also have an impact on which type of riders can hang on to the bunch and be there at the end.
Didn't see the first half of the TTT due to a family birthday meal but did notice it when I rewatched the stage. I guess you can't blame Aru for wanting to come over the line first and take the maglia rosa in his first tour, he must have known Astana
Fair enough, didn't mean to be negative, just thought we might continue the GC discussion on the preview thread, but I can follow the chat with it being on multiple threads -- my apologies mate.
Fair enough, didn't mean to be negative, just thought we might continue the GC discussion on the preview thread, but I can follow the chat with it being on multiple threads -- my apologies mate.
That's alright. I agree with mc, business as usual for Alberto, takes time on all his rivals and spends minimum energy doing so. Interesting from Aru, considering he finished on the podium here last year, maybe he's not riding with the overall podium in mind this year? or he might have really good form, who knows? too early to tell
That's alright. I agree with mc, business as usual for Alberto, takes time on all his rivals and spends minimum energy doing so. Interesting from Aru, considering he finished on the podium here last year, maybe he's not riding with the overall podiu