At the same time, Astana picks the non-aero Gallium Pro over the aero nitrogen pro and gets 4th @ 22 seconds back.

Future TTT's should be interesting with TvG and Woods in the mix too. They should be like Cannondale circa 5 years ago when they could TTT really well.

I am super excited of this team and think the model could really be the way forward. We've been in the fold now for a few months and I can say that they have embraced both a newfound technical/marginal gains approach to things while simultaneously looking at the sport from a more holistic and fun sort of way, much of which isn't just about cycling. The riders are more excited to be here than any team I've worked with in quite a while, it just feels like something really cool is happening, not too different from how the early CSC days felt, and quite different from really all of the other modern teams.

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Keep an eye on Danny Martinez. Kid has a very bright future.

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Jim Manton / ERO Sports

I have yet to see Woods put in a decent TT. I was hoping JV got him a TT bike for Xmas. I think TTs will be his stage race weakness.

That's a good point. I was thinking about his incredible aerobic engine, and not his actual results. Hopefully he's getting some tough love in the TT department.

Agreed. Young Mr. Martinez is a future GC contender I think.

I will say that Whelan kid impressed the hell out of me in Australia too. Rode out of his skin for the team.