Thanks Randmart. I had the ToC dvred, but I guess it didn’t record the tribute. I guess I was speaking from an americanist point of view
Thanks Randmart. I had the ToC dvred, but I guess it didn’t record the tribute
It way have been in the Preview show, not at the start of Stage 1 coverage
Agreed, he used to follow a race formula but that has gone out the window over years. Froome has definitely ridden with panache.
You may not understand the meaning of panache. Yes he wins but Froome is the anti-panache.
LOL. You may not follow GT racing closely.
To what trail and carl have said, and noting there are many specific examples, I’ll just ask you this:
What active rider has show more panache than Froome on Stage 19 of 2018 Giro?
My take on Froome is that he followed conservative Sky directions in the beginning of his career, but after he had success he started riding the way he wanted. I remember it starting with the downhill attack a three or four years ago in the Tour.
You may not understand the meaning of panache. Yes he wins but Froome is the anti-panache.
LOL. You may not follow GT racing closely.
To what trail and carl have said, and noting there are many specific examples, I’ll just ask you this:
What active rider has show more panache than Froome on Stage 19 of 2018 Giro?
My take on Froome is that he followed conservative Sky directions in the beginning of his career, but after he had success he started riding the way he wanted. I remember it starting with the downhill attack a three or four years ago in the Tour.
M vdP, of course 
but amongst Grand Tour contenders, Nibali. And that’s it, I think. Pretty lofty company, i’d say
amongst former riders, Contador
Plus he has the tactical noir to back it up, and is ruthless when blood’s in the water. He’s not an exciting interview but can’t say he doesn’t bring it on the bike.
Wonder what the bigger implications will be for Tour. While it hurts to have him out, it should make for a more wide-open GC battle instead of Ineos victory lap.
Likely broken femur per Brailsford.
“Open fracture of his femur” damn that’s got to hurt.
Plus he has the tactical noir to back it up, and is ruthless when blood’s in the water. He’s not an exciting interview but can’t say he doesn’t bring it on the bike.
Wonder what the bigger implications will be for Tour. While it hurts to have him out, it should make for a more wide-open GC battle instead of Ineos victory lap.
Chance for Dumoulin might be pretty good 
And perhaps Bernal as well. Those two couldn’t duke it out in the Giro, but now we get a delayed screening at the tour.
Hopefully Nibs gets his legs back under him and gives GC a go too.
Likely broken femur per Brailsford.
“Open fracture of his femur” damn that’s got to hurt.
… and NOT something you get over quickly; on several levels
Wonder what the bigger implications will be for Tour. While it hurts to have him out, it should make for a more wide-open GC battle instead of Ineos victory lap.
I think what makes it more interesting is that with Froome supposed to be there, there was somewhat of an agreement and understanding that Froome is the protected rider and that Bernal and GT have to line up in the Ineos Train order accordingly. With Froome out, does Bernal automatically concede team leadership and sacrifice himself accordingly just because GT won last year. Or when say Wout Poels (or whoever the last Ineos domestique is going to be this year) pulls off the front then Bernal starts looking around or riding “semi-tempo” to protect his own interests?
I think this might be the first year in a long time that Sky/Ineos is entering the tour without a 100% clear team leader. Even if Brailsford says that GT is the team leader…that’s kind of like Movistar saying Quintana is their team leader. It’s one thing to say it…it’s another thing if your team actually believes it and acts accordingly.
And I quote “Zzzzzzzzzâ€
Which one of you took their Froome Voodoo doll and threw him on the ground this am??
Even if Brailsford says that GT is the team leader…that’s kind of like Movistar saying Quintana is their team leader. It’s one thing to say it…it’s another thing if your team actually believes it and acts accordingly.
I dont think the 2 teams are on the same page with that kind of thinking. IMO if Brasilsford says something, that team will fall in line. That’s just how professional run they are imo (even if they disagree) and prepared for said event. If Brailsford is saying it’s X it’s because it’s the likeliest best chance. I dont think they play favorites, just because.
Agreed. GT and Bernal are both on long-term deals while Landa and Quintana are shopping for new ones. For the underdogs–and let’s face it, that’s everyone other than Froome and GT–it doesn’t hurt to have other teams wondering who is the protected rider.
That said, I think Landa gets a bit of an undeserved rap; he chirps but was the consummate teammate for both Froome and Carapaz when duty called.
I understand the love for Bernal, but he only has one Grand Tour under his belt. He is heir apparent, but has yet to show he is ready. In true Sky fashion, he needs to be a super domestique for his leader and ride away from said leader on one stage only to be called back shaking his head. Only then will he get the call.
that’s rich !
on another note - what’s up with Kwia ? really a poor TT
All of the Ineos boys seemed pretty shaken following the crash. Not surprised to see some poor TTs from them.
Froome is 34 I think. If what is being reported is true, I suspect that will be the end of his career. He’d be trying for a GT comeback at 36…
Froome is 34 I think. If what is being reported is true, I suspect that will be the end of his career. He’d be trying for a GT comeback at 36…
Yep, he shouldn’t have tried to get fancy with the Giro-Tour double until after he won his 5th Tour. This year was his last chance for #5 in my opinion.