sonofdad wrote:
Not a response to Power13 specifically, but how do the unwritten rules apply in the case of Kruijswijk's crash?
I recall a few times in the past where someone involved in the GC fight crashed and everyone sat up to allow him to rejoin the group he was with. Wasn't Contador criticized for attacking when Schleck dropped his chain?
Any input?
I'm not seeing much criticism on cycling forums. Nibali had previously attacked and put SK in trouble as well as having dropped Valverde who was sitting third, ahead of him. If he waits, he lets Valverde catch up and potentially gives up a chance at a spot on the podium. Further, the race was on -- there was a stage and overall to be decided and who knows whether SK can even continue (indeed, he has cracked rib and won't decide till morning whether he continues).
Further, dropping a chain (Schleck) or getting handlebar caught in handbag (LA) are different that losing concentration while descending. Nibali's standard race tactic is to push hard on downhill and see if others can keep up. SK failed (sadly) in a basic race skill.
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It doesn't really matter what Phil is saying, the music of his voice is the appropriate soundtrack for a bicycle race. HTupolev