it just doesn't seem as if Viviani can get over too many climbs, for some reason. I mean, dude isn't that heavy at all, but he seems to be more Cav like, in the sense that there's a lot of snap (for blowing people off his wheel), but not a lot of sustained output.

Contrast that to the likes of Nizzolo and Gaviria, both of whom can at least get over small hills (this include the likes of the heavier-set Griepel and Kristoff)


that's not a sleeper :p

The Movistar leadership will be interesting with Landa and Carapaz, assume it'll be another "figure it out on the road" situation.

Feck yes I can't wait. Roglic is on fire. It's hard not to tip the cap to him.

This is an old school, slow burn GT with no mountain action until stage 13 or so. Of course with the ITTs the contenders will have to stay sharp but it’s more or less setting up to see who can be the most economical leading up to final week and then come on good.

Week three is going to be awesome, just hope it isn’t muted, controlled racing until then.

I’m torn who to choose from. Think Nibali can put em on ropes in third week but might have too much ground to make up by then. I’d really like to see him win. TD has proven he can be good to the very end. Suspect it’s between him and Roglic, with the latter taking it if he can avoid bad day. Can’t look past Yates either. Don’t see Lopez being there quite yet.

I think Tom D has "last week pacing" down pretty well. Last year at the TdF if we recall, Roglic went nuts on that solo attack (including the downhill getaway), but he paid the next day (or was it two days later) at the ITT. With all the miles of ITTing, and Dumoulin's "never really off" (well aside from having to take a dump on the Stelvio stage in 2017), he'll just grind them down over 3 weeks.

Nibs will be full on for this. It's his jam, no other race matters and this is perhaps his last real shot unless he goes all Horner on us.
He's been solid so far this spring. Support is the issue.
I think the stages favor TD riding into the 3rd week and there's no doubt he's being dialed into this. His "Iack of form" so far isn't necessarily a bad thing and I see him and Jungels plowing along together.
I'm also looking forward to Carapaz rolling like a young Pistolero.

You obviously know a lot more than me on this topic. But I am curious what brings you to this conclusion.

If his power numbers were currently very high, would you still say this ?
Is it more experience, surrounding team or pure fitness ?

Carapaz, can’t forget him. This Giro is so stacked that 2/3 of the TdF podium will also be decided.

Lopez has loads of talent but is still young and not as experienced. He’ll only get stronger and more of a threat but think there are too many big riders lining up this year.

I know he is out, but would you have put Bernal as a stronger contender ? If so, why ? Raw talent, the team or maturity beyond his young age ?

tactical nous; rewatch Bernal during the wind-swiped stages of Paris Nice; always alert and on the front, patrolling, closing gaps, or driving small groups. He may be a willowy climber, but that physique belies a tactical guile most GC types lack


cyclingnews just came out with a list of "ambush stages", and I think quite a few stages in the first two weeks could qualify, as most are undulating. It really stretches the strategizing abilities of DSes when such an event occurs (not to mention that it makes our viewing more enjoyable)

I was just looking at the topos. These early stages are lumpier than I thought and look to give the right break a chance. I think we'll see some aggressive racing and it will be a challenge protecting GC and/or going for broke and the make up of the break should be super interesting.

Thanks

He is apparently firing on all cylinders after an extended training session back home.

All of the above. He is tactically astute, can TT well, climbs like a mountain goat and has the most dominant team in cycling.

A little side story that I’m interested in is Bora and their choice of Ackermann over Bennett. I remember reading about it in the off season and felt bad for Bennett considering the success he had last year at the Giro. Bora’s had a good year so far even with Sagan being off, just hope it works out for them and hopefully Bennett gets his shot at the Vuelta.

Yeah its a shame about Bennett. He was the best sprinter on his team so far this year.

Hey Guys, help me out - how can I watch it in the US?

flobikes.com is the fully legit non-VPN way to do it.

For the EU crew (or VPN) users the Wiggo show will be back for additional commentary. I believe Contador will be joining in as well. FYI Wiggo is picking Yates.

Apparently Bruyneel will be doing day by day predictions on Lance's podcast, the move.

I'm thrilled for that. Regardless of their pasts, Bruyneel in particular is one of the best ever grand tour tacticians. His commentary will be valuable.

 

I have friends on one of the teams and have spent lots of time with the staff (mechanics, masseurs, soigneurs)
Many have been there for a long time and therefore worked with Lance, Bruyneel, Contador, Nibali.....

There are two things that are unanimous. The most liked individual is Nibali. The most disliked, Bruyneel.

Now that is interesting. I dont have any direct knowledge of Bruyneel, but a few riders I know claimed Nibs is an absolute knob. Granted these were riders on opposing teams and didn't work with him so I have to take that for what its worth.

Also one more thing to add as a disclaimer: I wouldn't doubt the Bruyneel is an absolute **** just like Lance was. I still think they were amongst the best in a universally doped era.

Edit to remove some language. That isn't as popular in some places as it is here. Apologies.

I did notice a slight bias from the Italians :-) Also, most opinions came from staff, not riders.