shova1

Just when I thought Pogacar was a freak of nature in cycling parlance, along comes a 19yr old who will in all likelihood surpass even Pogi's achievements! The evolution of human biology is staggering.

Hautacam fastest times Year Winner Time 1994 Luc Leblanc 35:20 1996 Bjarne Riis 34:40 2000 Lance Armstrong 36:19 2008 Leonardo Piepoli, Juan Jose Cobo 37:28 2014 Vincenzo Nibali 37:21 2022 Jonas Vingegaard 36:34 2025 Tadej Pogačar 35:08

Freedom Challenge seems to regularly coincide with severe winter conditions. Got to feel for the riders this week.

Stage 20 will be fascinating to watch for this very question. At times I thought he burned matches unnecessarily which could come back to bite in the latter stages. That said, he has also ridden with maturity beyond his years & experience at this level.

Masterclass ride by Adam yesterday bringing UAE into contention leading into a much needed rest day for the peloton. Much suffering lies in wait from tomorrow, climbers to show their mettle....who will be in red come the weekend I wonder. Will Ben hold on, or see his near 4min lead evaporate?

What a ride by Ben O'Connor! How did the GC favourites let him get away in the break? Anyway, will be interesting to see if he can take red to Madrid.

Huge respect to all the riders, finishers or not! Obviously a huge achievement to those who did. The leader coming in under the 48 hour mark & others not that much more - surely superhuman!! Once all the pain subsides & circulation is in good working order again, the smile on the face will remain! Well done

Bugger, Rog has such bad luck with crashes! These last few days could have dished up a mouth watering contest from Rog for red.

Pretty sure Ineos are plotting an ambush, probably Thursday, but may test the waters tomorrow or Wednesday if the lads are feeling good.

These back markers are made of tough stuff; physical exhaustion, sleep deprivation & the stress of a cut off....

So sorry Vetseun! Heal up, there'll be another opportunity 💪

Er, looks like HJ is actually 1km up the road from KB.......

Quite stupendous that KB is over 500km in! This in under 24 hours ????

The hub sure is a changin. Friday's used to be about fighting, now that the fighting 'clubs' are being 'cancelled' It's about tears & nostalgia. Thanks for sharing Gen, I too, am battling to let go of attachment to the home shared with my deceased wife, so completely identify. Now where is that tissue box.....