I apologize if this was discussed yesterday in the post-stage spoiler thread. When Vino attacked at the end of the stage, was that a signal to the peloton (and T-Mobile) that he’s going for the win? I have a feeling that won’t be the last attack he forges.
RP
When Vino is in the mix you can expect a very animated race. He has loads of panache and plenty of desire; both Phil and I think he has an overall Tour win in him yet.
I am so looking forward to the mountains!
I agree…he’s extremely dangerous, and I’d be willing to bet that there’s plenty of people in the Discovery camp that also agree. I get the feeling that some of that “Jan is the man to watch” stuff out of LA & co. is just smoke aimed to keep T-Mobile’s leadership somewhat murky.
I’m keeping Vino off of my podium prediction only because I think that his aggressiveness will again be his downfall, especially without clear and complete support from his team. Will he manage to stay upright the whole way?
When Vino is in the mix you can expect a very animated race. He has loads of panache and plenty of desire; both Phil and I think he has an overall Tour win in him yet.
I am so looking forward to the mountains!
if Vino’s ever going to win a Tour, this is probably the one. he’s not the top time trialer or climber; he may have dropped Lance up Ventoux, but that was the Dauphine. Vino is a great attacker. this Tour is short on summit finishes and time trials, but it has a lot of stages where an attacker could get away…this is his chance.
It could also be that the team is letting up go away the last few km to try for a few stage victories to throw him a bone for working for Ulrich, and to also force Disco to make a decision on whether to chase. If he keeps knocking seconds off here and there, Armstrong may be forced to deal with him at some point.
GO VINO !!!
He is the reason the Tour should still be fun to watch. Along with Totschnig (right, Dan ?)
I am of the opinion that yesterday was really “right place right time” by that I mean that Vino was in position to take advantage of the crash and ensuing confusion/disorganization. If the crash had not happened I do not think he would have been in position for a time bonus. So in this case I think there was some luck/good fortune/planning on the side of someone else besides LA and team Discovery.
Not to take anything away from Vino … I think he makes things much more exciting.
I think it was a brilliant move. A lot may have gone into that decision, and I wonder where the order came from: The radio or from Vino’s own initiative. If what his, he has a clairvoyant sense of situational awareness.
He knew he had to roll the dice and was in the perfect place to do so: Wet terrain, dangerous, tight turns. With a degree of risk exposure and skillful riding he could have gained even more time than he did.
Most importantly: He was racing proactively. He was taking risks. He demonstrated panache.
Awsome. Who dares, wins. Good for Vino. I hope we see more of the protagonist in him.
I picked Vino to win from the start that guy is dangerous.
Absolutely. There may be too many chiefs on the team though…
Vino won’t win until Discovery signs him on next year ;-)!
Seriously, while he’s a great attacker and can win stages, and isn’t afraid to take on the big guns (Ullrich always seems to fail in this department, if you can call 4th place at worst a failure!), his impetuousness (sp?) is likely what will be his downfall. It’s not a one-day race where you can get away with this. Strategy does play a big role in the grand tours.
Of course, this coming from a guy sitting on his ass watching the tour with no hopes of ever getting to that level :)!
Chris