Mountain Bru

If you want to "simulate" racing, zwift races are a much better option. Once your brain switches to "this is a race" mode, they're a lot of fun, and can be brutal. Hardest I've ever pushed myself was in a zwift race. The drafting effect also does a good job of making you manage your power and stay in the bunch. But otherwise, basic intervals (5 x 5 minutes, 3 x 8 minutes, etc) are much better for actual training. Following that workout created by the GPX file would add a hell of a lot of fatigue to your legs for very little fitness/strength benefit.

UAE not being able to control the bunch (and Alpecin in yellow not even trying) actually makes the race more exciting. If Ineos were in the lead, they would just put their train on the front and we wouldn't get to watch every man and their dog having a crack at getting away and then being brought back. This kind of racing must be brutal for the riders, but it's great to watch

WVA attacks.... Drops everyone like they're under 7s. I wonder if he's just trying to get into yellow, or if in his heart he has GC ambitions.

Maybe they should let Tim DeClercq and Tony Martin jump in a car and go ahead so they can pull the truck out the way? Looks like a big problem though

Looks like it. At this rate, the time cut is also a concern.

Looks like there's some wet descents coming... Did Nibali make the "selection"? Otherwise Mohoric has good chances for a double.

Just turned on... Seems like I've missed some carnage. Roglic 2 minutes back? Gee 4 minutes back? No one controlling the pelo, just a free for all? No break, just constant attacks off the front? What did I miss? ????

Kruiswijk is still in the race, 8:14 back on GC. Been a shocking tour for TJV. So much bad luck.

I wish. Stuck in blue bull land ????

Definitely not implying shenanigans. It actually took me a while to figure out what you were implying I was implying. Was just an absolutely crazy stage to watch with so many unexpected performances. Usually stages like this are a snoozefest, so it was amazing to have some excitement.

Same same for WVA and MVDP in the break tomorrow? Just 100km shorter?

9:11 down.... I think his new role has gotta be "week 3 domestique for WVA"

Fixed it

He looked strong on the climb though, but I think the flat after the climb was too long for him to hold his advantage. He might be really dangerous in the mountains though

MVDP looks completely empty. How many more times can he empty the tank day after day.

Now MVDP and WVA working together. Carapaz looks like he's motoring, and will probably catch Van Baal soon. Mind blowing stuff.

WVA attacks with MVDP on his wheel!! Can't get over how crazy this stage is.

No one from TJV even waiting for him? All in for Wout and Vingegaard?

Carapaz attacks, no response

Roglic is mega cracking. TDF over for him

What am I watching????? MVDP and WVA, who contest and win bunch sprints, dropping Yates on a climb???? Roglic cracking on the back of a climb on stage 7 before the high mountains? Pogacar looks like he'll lose 5 minutes to WVA on a hilly stage?

Didn't see him there. Crazy stuff. WVA hasn't put in an attack yet.... I wonder if he's just holding wheels, or if he's planning on a big "one and done" attack on the steep stuff.

Shark in the water.... The man looks like he's ready to race today. Wouldn't be surprised if he closes the gap on the descents and ends up winning the stage

Ineos pacing... I guess they don't have anyone in the break, but why wouldn't they leave UAE on the front? I guess they're also worried about giving WVA a 10 minute lead.

Campenaerts cracks 1 minutes later.... Any other riders you want to give the kiss of death? ????