OT - TDF stage 16 (Wednesday)

Submitted by jmblue on July 17th, 2012 at 10:08 PM

So, after a dull stage 15 and a rest day (and the departure of F. Schleck), it's hopefully time for the some race-related fireworks. The course for Wednesday promises to offer them:

If Bradley Wiggins is to have the jersey snatched away, it's realistically going to have to happen today or Thursday. The question: when to attack?

The first HC climb is a familiar one, the Col d'Aubisque:

It's not the steepest peak but quite long and offers few chances to catch a breather.

Following a gradual descent, the Tourmalet makes its appearance:

Following a "mere" Cat. 1 climb up the Col d'Aspin comes the final climb of the day:

Finally, a pretty steep descent to the finish. We know about Nibali's descending skills . . . can he start descending with time to spare?

MGoBoard

Other

Needs

July 17th, 2012 at 10:45 PM ^

On the one hand, the organizers went somewhat easy on the riders by putting the two HC climbs in the initial half of the course, but putting them back to back (particularly with the brutal Tourmalet second) has the potential to crack any rider that's having a bad day. Wiggins has the best team, by far, but there's only so much a team can do to haul a racer up a 17 km climb. And if someone cracks on the Tourmalet, it's a long way to the finish.

Joined: 08/05/2008

MGoPoints: 11632

July 17th, 2012 at 11:24 PM ^

Somehow everything Johan Bruyneel gets involved in turns into a chemistry experiment

Joined: 02/18/2010

MGoPoints: 916

wolpherine2000

July 17th, 2012 at 11:50 PM ^

...what will remain of RSNT after this tour.

Joined: 07/10/2009

MGoPoints: 8828

stephenrjking

July 18th, 2012 at 12:18 AM ^

Wasn't too promising before today, anyway--they're not paying wages and Johan doesn't look long for the cycling world. Frank's positive is just the icing on a very ugly cake. This year has been one long disaster for the Schlecks.

Joined: 03/15/2012

MGoPoints: 20143524

stephenrjking

July 18th, 2012 at 12:22 AM ^

Should be fun to watch things unfold today or tomorrow. The stage could be completely predictable, with group of favorites finishing together (the break will likely feature Pierre Rolland collecting KOM points in his duel for the jersey, but his GC position means he will not be allowed to get too far away).

Or it could go haywire like the climb to La Toussiere. I hope so.

Joined: 03/15/2012

MGoPoints: 20143524

jmdblue

July 18th, 2012 at 8:30 AM ^

will keep me from watching until probably 10 tonight, but looking forward to it then and the whole prime time coverage tomorrow.

It seems Wiggins doesn't try to catch the wheel of every valid attack. Rather he counters with steady work with the help from his great team (and teammate Froome). Whether Nibali, Evans and Gilbert work together or not over the next couple days, the effect will be the same.... Regular attacks from qualified competition with in an effort to crack Wiggins. Does he change tactics and try to stay with each attack or does he continue to ride Sky's race?

Looking forward to it.

Joined: 12/01/2010

MGoPoints: 8655

wolpherine2000

July 18th, 2012 at 10:09 AM ^

...about Michelob Ultra as I usually do about RO*TEL in September.

Joined: 07/10/2009

MGoPoints: 8828

CLord

July 18th, 2012 at 10:57 AM ^

The only way I could ride my bike up those hills was if I was on steroids.

Joined: 09/11/2011

MGoPoints: -6341

jmblue

July 18th, 2012 at 6:28 PM ^

Chapeau to Voeckler for that performance. I wonder if he can keep the jersey tomorrow. Last time he was spent by his effort winning it and finished way back the next day. Will Europcar ride for him or Rolland tomorrow?

Good effort by Nibali. Going one-on-two is pretty tough. I wish Froome and Wiggins weren't on the same team. This would be really dramatic if they were rivals.

Joined: 11/07/2008

MGoPoints: 102715