2013 Critérium du Dauphiné

[carbon29er]

Impressive performance from Sky and Froome.

 

It doesn't always make for entertaining TV but Sky's resolve to ride the bumps at their pace, ignoring any attacks, is something we've not seen too often in the past. The standard was to chase every attack, Sky has absolute confidence that the attacker will red line and pop. That must take huge courage to stick to when the likes of AC go up the road.

 

But as we saw here, they get a few metres and then drift back. In the old days everyone would follow and most would red line.

[jcza]

Impressive performance from Sky and Froome.

 

It doesn't always make for entertaining TV but Sky's resolve to ride the bumps at their pace, ignoring any attacks, is something we've not seen too often in the past. The standard was to chase every attack, Sky has absolute confidence that the attacker will red line and pop. That must take huge courage to stick to when the likes of AC go up the road.

 

But as we saw here, they get a few metres and then drift back. In the old days everyone would follow and most would red line.

 

Suspension of disbelief is key to enjoyment, just like in a Bond flick.

[HappyMartin]

Lots being said about Sky's tactics and how innovative they are. I agree it is unusual to see a team grinding climbers back but it is not new in terms of individuals. Indurain was a master at it, so was Ulrich.

 

Sooner or later a climber will get away and it will be fun to see the scramble when Sky realize he is not being ridden back and are then forced to ride after him.

 

So far we know what Sky and Froome can do. We have no idea of what AC can do or Rodriguez. Imagine those 2 go off up the road in the TDF and Sky have to chase them back. Could be interesting.

[nochain]

Great ride by Froome again...he really is looking good!He also seems to think he still has room for improvement so July will be interesting for sure.

 

I see lots has been said about sky here...just some of my thoughts.

Movistar,Katusha and Saxo had riders up there every day...they all looked strong on the climbs,they just did not have to take responsibility everyday but clearly Valverde Rodrigeuz and Conto has some very strong support for the mountains.

 

Froome with Sky is very much different than Wiggens and Sky.We have seen him many times over the last couple of years going one on one in the mountains with the GC guys.

He has also attacked from far out on he's own this year, if he believes he needs time he has no problem to go and get it in the mountains.

Most of he's wins come from time on the climbs...not the TT bike.

He has no problem to chase down any GC contender if he believes it is a dangerous move....we have seen him do this many times.

He loves to counter attack....not many riders today that can ride down a guy like him and then go straight past them.

 

Looking at all he's wins since Oman this year I think the way he rides is anything but boring.

Edited June 10, 2013 by nochain

[nochain]

.......and Talansky continues to impress, another great ride by the lad.

Yes I was surprised to see someone bridge to them.....there was lots of daylight with 500m to go so he must have been going very fast up that last section!

Garmin will be strong also I think because I see Hesjedal is looking strong at the TDS.

 

 

[Wez-O]

Froome actually made this victory look too easy. But for his unselfishness while trying to get Porte a stage victory, he would have won stage 7 as well.

[GrumpyOldGuy]

He loves to counter attack....not many riders today that can ride down a guy like him and then go straight past them.

 

Looking at all he's wins since Oman this year I think the way he rides is anything but boring.

 

Yeah, he was very impressive here at the Dauphine', no doubt about it.

 

......but, I still say 'Berto is sitting on some good form , he just has no need to show it.

.......but there are other issues which play into 'Berto's hands I think, a one week race as opposed to a three week grand tour, the stress of been a team leader in a big event, knowing whats needed to win ........all old hat to 'Berto, but I think still relatively new to Chris?

 

Realistically I reckon 'Berto only has to peak in 5 weeks time, (final week of the tour) so in that context he looks like he is on course, BUT, if Chris can hold this kind of form for another 5 weeks (or improve) then Yup, he will be formidable no doubt.

['Dale]

.......and Talansky continues to impress, another great ride by the lad.

 

Claimed podium.

He'll work well with Hesjedal who's also showing sharp form at Tour de Suisse.

[Spat]

This seems to be Sky's secret even last year with Wiggins, everybody was saying that they peaked way to early and they maintained that they would only peak in July, which seems to be what Froome is saying, I am huge Contador fan and also believe he will be up there in July, Froome has seriously impressed me though, and it will be interesting to see if he can in fact get stronger and still peak at the right time in the Tour.

['Dale]

'Berto dropped earlier on...

Oi

 

Undo this comment.

'Berto dropped back to help Rogers to maintain his 3rd place.

He ended in 4th.

 

 

[shaper]

Having watched the team performance, you can see that Sky has the team and you will need a team for the TdF, they showed it here. There might be attacks on the climbs, even if there is and there is a breakaway, the Sky team will limit the damage considerably and if needs be Froom has shown he can go it alone in the mountains and not only chase down a breakaway but attack himself as he seems to have plenty left at the finish line when others are just trying to get over the line. Froom could have gone on to win the stage but instead pulled his team mate over the line, was impressive!

Edited June 10, 2013 by shaper

[TiBones]

I think di Marchi has been too good - I bet my wife a hunnert bucks he will show up in wada's books before the TDF - flame suit on

 

['Dale]

I think di Marchi has been too good - I bet my wife a hunnert bucks he will show up in wada's books before the TDF - flame suit on

 

 

:-(

[TiBones]

Sorry 'Dale! This is from someone who has only ridden to 14000th odd place in the "Argust". I just see him two days in a row in the break and fighting for the win and think that he is shining too brightly. I hope that I am wrong and I acknowledge that I know from nothing. Just an impression.

['Dale]

Sorry 'Dale! This is from someone who has only ridden to 14000th odd place in the "Argust". I just see him two days in a row in the break and fighting for the win and think that he is shining too brightly. I hope that I am wrong and I acknowledge that I know from nothing. Just an impression.

 

Yeah.

Point taken.

 

Hope not, for the team environment's sake.

[igknot]

the Sky tactic of not chasing but grinding down attacks reminds strongly of time trialling tactics. Operate at one hair's width below the threshold. Dont go into debt and watch the others burn. Play the game where you are at your strongest