dracs

I just think its a pity - so many cycling fans are missing out on enjoying an awesome tour and an attacking fearless performance because of the cynicism caused by other peoples actions. Enjoy it for now - time will tell if he is cheating. For the record, I don't believe he is - but I obviously have to allow for the possibility - even if in my opinion (based on many discussions I've had with people who know the guy) he is not. I am really hoping brailsford's suggestion yesterday will quiet some people down for a bit - but I fear it will not. Seems like a more than reasonable offer on his part - but may be difficult for WADA to accommodate in the short term.

Wish people would think. Here's some context. Some (not all) of the quicker times were on an ITT. Also note the upper road now has a smooth surface whereas it used to be pitted and rough. Michael Rodgers and others have confirmed favourable wind conditions (though with the switchbacks this obviously varies on the climb) NEW TOP 50 1. 2004: 55:51 Iban Mayo 23.10 km/h 2. 2004: 56:26 Tyler Hamilton 22.86 km/h 3. 1999: 56:50 Jonathan Vaughters 22.70 km/h 4. 2004: 56:54 Oscar Sevilla 22.67 km/h 5. 1999: 57:33 Alexander Vinokourov 22.42 km/h 6. 1994: 57:34 Marco Pantani 22.41 km/h 7. 1999: 57:34 Wladimir Belli 22.41 km/h 8. 2004: 57:39 Juan Miguel Mercado 22.38 km/h 9. 1999: 57:42 Joseba Beloki 22.36 km/h 10. 2004: 57:49 Lance Armstrong 22.31 km/h 11. 1999: 57:52 Lance Armstrong 22.29 km/h 12. 2004: 58:14 Inigo Landaluze 22.15 km/h 13. 1999: 58:15 Kevin Livingston 22.15 km/h 14. 1999: 58:31 David Moncoutie 22.05 km/h 15. 2004: 58:35 José Enrique Gutierrez 22.02 km/h 16. 2009: 58:45 Andy Schleck 21.96 km/h 17. 2009: 58:45 Alberto Contador 21.96 km/h 18. 2009: 58:48 Lance Armstrong 21.94 km/h 19. 2009: 58:50 Fränk Schleck 21.93 km/h 20. 1999: 58:51 Unai Osa 21.92 km/h 21. 2009: 58:53 Roman Kreuziger 21.91 km/h 22. 2002: 59:00 Lance Armstrong 21.86 km/h 23. 2013: 59:00 Chris Froome 21.86 km/h 24. 1994: 59:02 Richard Virenque 21.85 km/h 25. 1994: 59:02 Armand De Las Cuevas 21.85 km/h 26. 1994: 59:02 Luc Leblanc 21.85 km/h 27. 1994: 59:02 Miguel Indurain 21.85 km/h 28. 1994: 59:02 Roberto Conti 21.85 km/h 29. 2009: 59:03 Franco Pellizotti 21.85 km/h 30. 2000: 59:05 Marco Pantani 21.83 km/h 31. 2000: 59:05 Lance Armstrong 21.83 km/h 32. 2009: 59:05 Vincenzo Nibali 21.83 km/h 33. 1994: 59:07 Pascal Lino 21.82 km/h 34. 1999: 59:08 Tyler Hamilton 21.82 km/h 35. 1999: 59:08 Roberto Laiseka 21.82 km/h 36. 2009: 59:10 Bradley Wiggins 21.80 km/h 37. 2004: 59:12 Levi Leipheimer 21.79 km/h 38. 2004: 59:24 Michael Rasmussen 21.72 km/h 39. 2004: 59:27 Stéphane Goubert 21.70 km/h 40. 2013: 59:29 Nairo Quintana 21.69 km/h 41. 2000: 59:30 Joseba Beloki 21.68 km/h 42. 2000: 59:34 Jan Ullrich 21.66 km/h 43. 1999: 59:35 Txema Del Olmo 21.65 km/h 44. 1999: 59:43 Kurt van de Wouwer 21.60 km/h 45. 2009: 59:46 Jurgen Van Den Broeck 21.58 km/h 46. 2004: 59:47 Oscar Pereiro 21.58 km/h 47. 2006: 59:47 Denis Menchov 21.58 km/h 48. 2006: 59:47 Christophe Moreau 21.58 km/h 49. 2009: 59:49 Andreas Klöden 21.57 km/h 50. 2004: 59:50 David Moncoutie 21.56 km/h

think he meant the hairpin bend from the finish line!

tough bastard...

haha thought it but decided not to say it...

Some valid points - except who really believes Contador will be exceptional in the third week? I can't see it.

I like it - in a rude way.

Pino claim 15% less drag, 5% less weight... http://aerogeeks.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/13_pop.jpg?w=470&h=313 http://aerogeeks.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/15_pop.jpg?w=470&h=313 http://aerogeeks.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/16_pop.jpg?w=470&h=313

No its an all new bike. Lighter stiffer and more aero than the graal... It the same one Wiggo threw in the ditch at the Giro...

Hmmm I was keen to call out a Valverde conspiracy, but instead I have to go with option 3 above! I found a profile of the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco TT... It was just a tad hilly... http://www.procyclingstats.com/races/profilesmaps/2013-03/Vuelta-Ciclista-al-Pais-Vasco-Stage-6-ITT-1363982837.png So watch out for him on the stage 17 TT! On second thoughts - no more Hub predictions for me!

Ja he may have just a little extra freedom now as well so could be interesting. I based my bold prediction on the fact that he lost only 17 odd seconds to Tony Martin last time they did a TT in the same race - and there he also beat Porte, Contador etc. I don't think it was a particularly mountainous TT, so why the sudden drop in relative form...

Congrats!

So Quintana made me look stupid.

yup and this is his first TT in a GT since his wind tunnel work...

I wonder if 'Berto ia still suffering from TT "allergies" or will he put up a competitive time. As I said before Qunitana to beat the rest of the climbers... and probably 'Berto too...

Its actually not too bad if you get there during daylight they usually have an outsurance pointsman... Becomes a mess around sunset though. Other option is to take M1 split at Buccleugh then Woodmead and up the R55 - about 10 to 15 minutes from when you get on the offramp

I was on such a buzz this year after my first 70.3 I almost entered the full that night...

I'm in. Will decide the evening after the race if I will do the full or not...

Bolide I think...

100% you are right. Typed EBH but was thinking Stannard! Both key guys for him on the flat

EBH was a beast yesterday. The Froomedawg's prime bodyguard on the flat days.

http://asgsport.co.za/index.php/fulcrum-wheels/ Go to the source - defiantely still ASG.

2nd rest day then...

Good to know.

Interesting... As I said to Corvus in the other thread following a crash, I got sorted with 3 new spokes in a couple of days - but that was around Sept last yr so perhaps new agent since then...