GrumpyOldGuy

Had to feel sorry for Dennis, he really put his back into it today. I was a little disappointed today, it was hardly very exciting, but well done to Froome, he did what he had to and frankly he had to take yellow today. Rodriquez was a disappointment, but he always has a bad day somewhere and maybe today was it, hope so, theres not much time left and he is way down on GC. Never write 'Berto off, he did a big jump today to 13 position from 34th yesterday and the race aint over, I am almost 100% certain he will try again. I also Fancy Valverde for a good result come month end, always ready to attack and try, just like 'Berto he takes the racing to the other riders and his form looks very good right now.

- Clever.......but on another note, just look how tiny Santambrogio is, looks like a pre pubescent child.

Should be an interesting day today, gonna make sure my Nespresso is all fired up and I have a suitable selection of Rusks available for the final climb. On paper its made for a guy like Rodriquez, or even 'Berto maybe if he is recovered, SKY will definitely try and neutralize the front and protect Froome, but I hope someone has a go, Please..........! http://grassyknolltv.com/2013/criterium-du-dauphine-libere/profile-05.jpg

Oh, Okay, well there we go,........ simple answer.

I tend to agree, I find it odd when 85 kg riders go storming up mountain passes ahead of 50 kg flyweights, just as I find it odd when 50 kg flyweights leave 85 kg bruisers on the road in time trials, so maybe its just a sign of concentrating on what you are good at, and pinning your hopes there, in a normal world its not likely you can be a great climber and a great ITT specialist.

Hmm, bad day for 'Berto indeed. .......but seen in perspective, anything could have happened, physically or mechanically, just have to wait to hear, I am sure they will issue a statement. Great ride by young Dennis tho, didn't see that coming.

Cant be flatter.! http://grassyknolltv.com/2013/criterium-du-dauphine-libere/profile-04.jpg

Yeah, should be, the weather is great as well, but I also see reports Martin is sick, or under the weather at least, so maybe not at his best - will have to see I guess. Did you see the route the ITT follows today, looks like a "flatliner".

Hmm, bit of a boring stage today I thought. Reminded me of the usual first week in the TDF. Anyway, looking forward to tomorrow, I wonder if David Veilleux can hold off the onslaught from the GC contenders.? Realistically he has 2 minutes (okay 1;57) and its short 30 odd kms, not impossible in my opinion, now that will be a good result for him and Europcar. As for the stage win, my guess is Tony Martin, but I'll be rooting for 'Berto.

Flecha made a dash yesterday as well, didn't amount to much but I like his spirit, would be nice to see him take a stage.

Hmm, could be I guess Sync, but I would think unlikely,.. if 'berto had been sitting at the back I would agree. There is talent, but not a lot and maybe not of the caliber needed, Nicki Sorenson is way past it and I haven't even seen Chris, maybe he will appear when we hit the big mountains, I hope so, Michael Rogers and Paulhino should by rights be capable, but they appear to be drifting out at the first sign of an incline.

The sound is poor, especially near the end where it seems like Mathew has to shout just to be heard over the loudspeakers. Seems like the production is done on a bit of a budget.

Good stage yesterday I thought. OPQ put the peleton under some pressure on the last climb and quite a few names were shelled out the back. This is also a significantly better SKY squad than Sir Wiggins had to support him at the Giro, they just look more cohesive and better motivated, compared to the lackluster mob we saw a few days ago at the Giro. Saxo failed to impress once again and were conspicuous by their absence from the front of the peleton during the last climb, 'berto looked quite comfortable but I am sure he would have enjoyed the comfort of having at least one team member around him.

Yah, he is a strong possibility, but great little climber, not sure he can handle a solo get away attempt himself like a Contador or a Valverde, but agree, he is a good possibility.

Fair enough comment jcza, on paper they are certainly the hot favorites, but things can be a little different on the road , personally I like Valverde's form as well, and Movistar is a strong team, better than Saxo anyway.

Indeed, the lad was full of determination, Mathew Keenan was definitely talking him up for a spot in the TDF.

Hmm, I would say there are 5 riders easily capable of winning, Froome, Contador, Valverde, Rodriguez and Evans, then, not yet knowing who exactly is riding there are outside chances for at least another 4, Fuglsang, Sanchez, Hesjedal and Szmyd. So I think its far from the two horse race everyone is suggesting.

- I didn't know it was that much, I understood it was around 3 Million, but Yah,... I guess its a big persuader.

Indeed, he may, sad as that is to say. 'Berto can most likely look after himself in the mountains, BUT if due to a weak team he is left exposed in the cross winds say for example, or is unable to get his food and drinks, or a lead back after a mechanical or any of a hundred issues, its game over for him, and that would be really unfortunate in my opinion.

Hmm, sounds a bit rich to me,............ says who.? Oh, Yeah, Mr Sutton, his team principle, makes sense.! I guess the other 5 odd red hot favorites dont count then.?

Yeah, marvelous ride by the young Lad, he gave me some "hold your breath" moments on those downhill switchbacks but he was determined, and just powered away. Super little team Europcar, sadly I thought I heard Mathew Keenan say they are looking for a new sponsor next year, I hope not, they have some wonderful talent which needs a place to develop.

Not much. I said many posts back, I have no doubt 'Berto is up to the job, Saxo however leaves me cold. Personally I have no idea why 'berto stays on here at Saxo, for a team which is "supposedly" built around his aims of grand tour wins, they are looking hopelessly inadequate. In my mind Riis is a marginally later model dinosaur to Bruyneel, and we can see the results of that now in both teams who are struggling for results. 'Berto, I hope, will look for a new team for 2014.

Yah, he doesn't get a lot of credit here but in my view he is a fine rider, his Palmares proves that.

That would be unfortunate, I think he deserved the opportunity to defend his Jersey, I dont think he could win again, but he is still the jersey holder and he deserves the right to defend it,........ I cant say the SKY media releases are comforting.

Didn't they say he was just sick when he pulled out of the Giro.? Something like "Its due to an illness, not form or something like that."? I dont recall Dave saying anything about his knee.