TDF tactics for stages 17 & 18 what will they be for the top riders?

Triathlon Forum
1

TDF tactics for stages 17 & 18 what will they be for the top riders?
Will Levi and Evans be looking for time bonuses?

2

There will be early breaks of non contenders, and any bonuses left are going to Boonen, Zabel, and all the other green jersey contenders…

3

So, any real change may occur after the tt?

There will be early breaks of non contenders, and any bonuses left are going to Boonen, Zabel, and all the other green jersey contenders…

4

I’m wondering how close the times would have to be after the ITT to see a GC race on stage 20 (Sunday), vs. the traditional parade for GC.

We all remember the 8 seconds for LeMond whatever year that was, but that year the final stage was an ITT, not a sprint-finish road race.

Hmm… If Contador and/or Leipheimer are inside of, say, 15 sec, will the Disco train try to ride the Chicken’s legs off on Sunday?

5

So, any real change may occur after the tt? \

Of course anything can happen, but traditionally this is what happens when someone has such a big lead…Now that the teams have conceded the yellow, they will fight for their own podium spots, so unless 2nd thru 10th all get in a break with the yellow behing, other teams will chase for their shot at a podium or high place finish…ANd most of Rabobank will be in tact on a flatter stage for any chase too. And let us not forget that the sprinters believe that these are theri stages, so they will fight to keep it all together too…

6

I’m hoping that someone decides to break with tradition…

7

I’m hoping that someone decides to break with tradition… \

It’s possible, but look at what price. You get out there where every team + Rabobank is chasing you, and if you really are a contender for podium, what are you doing to your TT on Sat??? It will be a good day for minor guys to get a stage win, the leaders will all be marking each other…