Mntboy

I suspect that he is there to support both Chaves and Yates for the stage win. Chaves at the moment in order to help him save some energy, doing the same for Yates later on. However it is nice to see him up the road!

On day like today where there is the possibility of gaining loads of KOM points DQS could opt for a different stratagem regarding the ISP. Have Sagan in the break but have guys Jungels and Alaphillipe in there as well. Jungels could do a lead out for Alaphillipe with the aim of beating Sagan in the sprint, which is highly probable seeing that Alaphillipe does possess a decent sprint and climbs better than Sagan as well. Once that's done then JA can fully concentrate on snapping up KOM points. Today will be an interesting day, regardless of what tactics get used in the various classification battles!

Ah well they'll make claims about the image of cycling and the need to be a sportsman and a good role model for kids et cetera et cetera.......... Still one does need to give a bit of leniency towards them being human beings and being allowed to express their feelings about stuff like this. Where's Moscon or Bouhanni when you need them!!!!!

WvA apparently flipped the bird at Sagan. Not sure if there is photo or a video clip of it though. Edit: Grammar

The right decision was made here ito sprint safety (rider responsibility). I still need to be convinced however that the UCI is going to make sure that organisers are held accountable if they are the ones who err. Something which the Jakobsen incident highlighted for me is that the UCI might not be entirely up to the task.

I can imagine. I just think back to the Hunter days and how proud we were of him. It must be pretty similar I'm sure.

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh Noooooooooooooo!!!!!! That crash did look pretty bad. Sad to see him out the race.

I'm willing to bet Irish cycling fans are going bos over Bennett's win today and I wouldn't blame them. A wonderful win for a wonderful athlete.

Yeah, I think most people would be. As WvA stated the TdF seems bigger than the sport. And Ireland has a strong concection with the TdF because of Kelly and Roche so it'll mean so much more for him because of that as well. This will be a very special moment in Sam's life!

And his first ever TdF stage win to go with his record 22 second places which he shares with his fellow Irishman Sean Kelly and Peter Sagan.

Extremely. And very nervy as well!!!

It would've started late June, around the 25th iirc. The bulk of the race would still have been in July.

That would have to be their major consideration on whether to include this or not. Afaik this year's course would've been raced in July regardless of Corona. Open to correction about that though.

Mmmmmmmmmm They have done it before. And that's also a tricky crossing even on four wheels and an engine. Does make for awesome viewing.

Just an interesting point to consider is that this stage is crossing two bridges crossing the Bay of Biscay, which is notorious for it's winter storms. I know it's only early autumn there but there's every chance that the wind could freshen up from slightly annoying to strong with heavy gusts although quite unlikely given the time year. Today may very well not be as straightforward as it looks on paper especially if the weather does decide to pick up. Some more information on the Bay of Biscay: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_of_Biscay

As did Danny T when he was at MTN Qhubeka back in the day. That didn't last long but good memories from his time chasing the Dots. Another guy that could potentially launch a bid for the Polka Dots is Zakarin. The Polka Dot comp hasn't ignited yet, as you pointed out and it is something to look forward too when it does eventually. As for the concern; I think most people would like to see someone who can actually climb or is known to be a good climber winning it. I know I see it as comp for the Non GC contenders who climb well, like Zakarin. Perhaps others see it in a similar way/fashion?

I agree that the current holder of the Mailliot a Pois isn't a very good climber and it is quite likely that he'll lose it at some point. However I don't think that it'll be a Columbian that'll win it. Almost all of them are either going for GC or are working for a GC contender. Personally I quite fancy a French winner. Pinot needs to salvage his Tour ditto Alaphilipe. Don't be too surprised if one or even both of these gentlemen make a good go of it especially now that they are 100% out the GC race.

All very interesting in view of the weight limit that the UCI has. Obviously the aim is to be as close to that limit as possible without going under it. Those Black with Celeste Bianchi's are rather pretty though.

I wouldn't be too surprised to find out that this kind of reliability also played a part, albeit a small one, in Team JV's decision to make use of these wheels. Would loved to have been a fly on the wall when they discussed this. It would give a fascinating insight into the teams mentality regarding bike tech.

I'll just tell the seller that you'll vouch for me![emoji6][emoji6][emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787]

Weirdly enough I have never purchased anything off of the hub. Did try and flog one of my previous bikes here before selling it to a friend. However I can see how it could be a problem! [emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787]

One of the better photos I've taken out at sea.

I work as a seafarer and more specifically as an Able Seaman. I work on Offshore Supply vessels. I don't always get to ride when I am on contract but if I do it's usually in the onboard gym or the bridge and this only if the ship has a stationary bike. Otherwise when I am home I can ride when I want and so lunch time rides do occur especially if I had a slow start to my day.

Especially if you view this year's results through the lens of what he had to overcome just to get to the startline. Nevermind finishing first as often as he has. One knew that WvA is a special talent but this has underlined just how good he actually can be. Also the talent level of the rest of the younger generation is just ridiculous. Road cycling is having a bit of an golden age with these youngsters.

I'm probably perhaps one of the few hubbers that can have a lunch ride given my profession. That said I don't rack up the kind of impressive numbers that Pogacar did with this particular ride. He really is quite incredible!