So, today was the first stage of the world's greatest bicycle race. This thread is for discussing the tour as it progresses. I'd like to know who you think:
1. Will win the Tour. 2. Will win the Green Jersey. 3. Will win the King of the Mountains. 4. Will get caught doping.
I think: 1. With the only time trial an individual one after the mountain stages, and more stages spent in the hills, the odds look to be swung in the favour of Contador or Valverde, rather than Froome, the defending champion. 2. Cavendish would be the main contender, but he dislocated his shoulder today, so could be out of the running. That leaves Sagan, Greipel, and Kittel, who all have their individual strengths, but I think Sagan's superior tactics might clinch it. 3. No clue. This is often one of the more open competitions, in my opinion. 4. Whoever you least expect.
I think it's too early to say who would win the yellow jersey. I would bet on a French to get the polka dot jersey this year. I also think Sagan could get the green jersey because he's much smarter than the other guys by winning many intermediary stages but I must say Kittel and his team look pretty solid so we'll see.
That's a shame what happened to Cavendish but he was a little reckless with his head butting business. Candelara almost pulled it off by coming out of nowhere and trying to win the first stage in the last couple hundred meters, that would have been cool if he had succeeded.
Nibali won stage 2 That was a nasty stage BTW with 9 climbs! Even though they were small mountains, it's always fun to watch them fight each other while climbing and suffering. Another thing I liked is when that old spectator with a camera learned his lesson. Next time he'll keep his distance when the racers pass by. Boom, there went the camera and the old guy! xD xD
So, Kittel won the stage won today, but I don't think he'll be able to win the overall points competition, as he can't match Sagan on climbs. Stage 5 (which has cobbles) should be the one where big gaps open up in the overall standings.
Stage 5 (which has cobbles) should be the one where big gaps open up in the overall standings.
Yeah and broken collar bones, wrists and ribs. I'm glad I don't have to do it because I've rode on cobblestone streets and the vibrations in your wrist are really annoying and painful, especially at high speed. I think it's a little kamikaze to include those in the TDF.
Anyway today's stage was incredibly boring, except for the last 5 minutes.
Wow today's race was a man's race. So much carnage! Froome is out of the Tour, Nibali wins the Yellow Jersey and what's is name again who won the stage? BTW,as anyone mentioned the hot podium babe who gives the green jersey? YUM! xD
Greipel wins the stage, team Sky lose another rider on another rainy day where many riders also crashed. There were quite a few groups on the road today which is unusual for a flat stage, usually they come to the finish line in a big group.
