Stage 3 is a bit of a toin coss insofar as the winner's concerned. It's a very interesting stage, with a few category 3 climbs, and a quite significant (around 6%) ramp leading to the final and level finish.
The favorites for the stage win, with the bookmakers, are the sprinters who can climb a bit, and I'd be foolish to say they can't win. (Dagenkolb, Mathews and Sagan are among those favs.)
I think that the G.C. guys will make a move on the final ascent, and Valverdi is a prime candidate, but there is so much up for grabs that I think it will be hotly contested. Phillipe Gilbert, who is among the favorites, is in good shape and is well suited to this sort of contest. So is Cancellara and Tom Boonen, the latter having shown some ambition in the previous stage.
If Carlos Bettancour is in good enough shape, and much would have to be taken on trust, then he is equal to winning such a stage.
I've had a quid on Boonen at 100/1 with Ladbrokes, but I tend to be influenced by big odds, so don't think this is based on knowledge.
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skinny
1 month ago
Straight Male, 77
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well thanks fer that meats, I'll bear, or is it bare, in mind if I choose to continue. Someone would prefer if I don't, but then they don't need to read it. I will write if any one person tells me they wish to hear my opinion, and of course I'm passionate about this sport, therefore I'd love an excuse to share my opinion. It's also true that I'm likely to point readers to a stage winner at humungous odds. (only relevant to those among us who like a wager)
I don't advise betting, but I might advise where best odds might be found.
And just by the way, Nacer Bouhanni won stage 2 ... told ya!
I don't advise betting, but I might advise where best odds might be found.
And just by the way, Nacer Bouhanni won stage 2 ... told ya!
The Vuelta a Espana, Spain's equivalent to Le Tour de France, has just begun, and stage 2 takes place this afternoon.
I submitted a daily opinion during the Tour and wondered if anyone had an interest in reading similar contributions relating to the Vuelta. I'll be happy to write a snippet or so each day, and include my humble selection for the daily stage win, just so long as there's someone wishing to read it. So do please give me a nod if you wish me to continue.
Stage 2 is a day for the sprinters, which is standard fare in grand tours.
This is fairly straightforward, only the wind can cause trouble today, although for the win there's a very technical and fast finish.
Nacer Bouhanni is a worthy favorite, he's the fastest in the race, and is who I think will win this stage barring mishaps.
Classics riders like Cancellara and Gilbert, maybe Boonen too, are capable of jumping clear at the 880m mark and trying to hold on, but this is unlikely unless there's some disruption behind.
I submitted a daily opinion during the Tour and wondered if anyone had an interest in reading similar contributions relating to the Vuelta. I'll be happy to write a snippet or so each day, and include my humble selection for the daily stage win, just so long as there's someone wishing to read it. So do please give me a nod if you wish me to continue.
Stage 2 is a day for the sprinters, which is standard fare in grand tours.
This is fairly straightforward, only the wind can cause trouble today, although for the win there's a very technical and fast finish.
Nacer Bouhanni is a worthy favorite, he's the fastest in the race, and is who I think will win this stage barring mishaps.
Classics riders like Cancellara and Gilbert, maybe Boonen too, are capable of jumping clear at the 880m mark and trying to hold on, but this is unlikely unless there's some disruption behind.
So the Vuelta a Espana is due to set off tomorrow, the final grand tour of the pro cycling season.
Chris Froome, according to his twitter page, took a tumble from his bike (yet again) while checking out the route for the opening team time trial. He states quite clearly that he is uninjured, but to fans and punters looking to support him this is hardly encouraging.
The race route seems tailored to suit him, with two individual time trials on fast, rather than mountainous courses. Froome will take upwards of 2 minutes advantage on his main competitors for the overall victory on the time trials. (providing he can stay upright)
Chris Froome, according to his twitter page, took a tumble from his bike (yet again) while checking out the route for the opening team time trial. He states quite clearly that he is uninjured, but to fans and punters looking to support him this is hardly encouraging.
The race route seems tailored to suit him, with two individual time trials on fast, rather than mountainous courses. Froome will take upwards of 2 minutes advantage on his main competitors for the overall victory on the time trials. (providing he can stay upright)
A drinking buddy said to me t'other day "I love August, start of the season". I had to think about it, and he was referring to the football season. I, on the other hand, and a big sports fan, began to think of the Vuelta and of the impending American football season, and of gettin kids ready for back to school stuff of course.
Once upon a time the month of March would have excited me as the start of the trout fishing season and the beginning of the flat racing year.
Do we all have certain favorites that spring to mind when a certain month comes around?
Once upon a time the month of March would have excited me as the start of the trout fishing season and the beginning of the flat racing year.
Do we all have certain favorites that spring to mind when a certain month comes around?
Most organized "gang bangs" appear to have a commercial element attached to them. In my own experience a genuine gang bang has been a rather more spontaneous affair.
If you are not known to many on the site I would suggest attending a social in order to meet others, and therefore be verified as a genuine couple. Being on cam in the chatroom is another way to get known; no need to be naked or naughty, just verifying that you are here as a couple and are interested in meeting people.
There are a few couples who enjoy bukkake and or gang bangs, and simply arrange their own meetings, usually advertising in "lets meet up", and often booking a hotel room for the purpose. Such an ad' will draw response from a number of guys, and perhaps some will be genuine enough.
best of luck.
If you are not known to many on the site I would suggest attending a social in order to meet others, and therefore be verified as a genuine couple. Being on cam in the chatroom is another way to get known; no need to be naked or naughty, just verifying that you are here as a couple and are interested in meeting people.
There are a few couples who enjoy bukkake and or gang bangs, and simply arrange their own meetings, usually advertising in "lets meet up", and often booking a hotel room for the purpose. Such an ad' will draw response from a number of guys, and perhaps some will be genuine enough.
best of luck.
This question gets raised time and again, in some format or other, and often the thread will deviate as it moves along.
No.1 turnoff is likely to be a question of hygiene rather than appearance.
As said so often, by me at any rate, the glint in the eye and the wicked curl of the lip often do more to turn me on than anything else. Nevertheless I do admire a pretty face, a size 8 to 10 figure and an amazingly cute bum. Slim hips and a smaller boob size are plus points... and of course saying "yes" as and when required is crucial.
I don't have to find someone especially attractive in order to have sex with them. ( I have been known to get a tongue lashing for this one.) On the other hand, I don't actually aim to meet anyone from this site with the intention of having sex with them.
No.1 turnoff is likely to be a question of hygiene rather than appearance.
As said so often, by me at any rate, the glint in the eye and the wicked curl of the lip often do more to turn me on than anything else. Nevertheless I do admire a pretty face, a size 8 to 10 figure and an amazingly cute bum. Slim hips and a smaller boob size are plus points... and of course saying "yes" as and when required is crucial.
I don't have to find someone especially attractive in order to have sex with them. ( I have been known to get a tongue lashing for this one.) On the other hand, I don't actually aim to meet anyone from this site with the intention of having sex with them.
As I suggested earlier, good idea to go to a naturist beach where nudity is encouraged and permitted. If, on the other hand, you attend a "naturist" venue, you will more than likely find that nudity is mandatory.
A number of people, who prefer to be without clothing as much as is possible, prefer to be known as naturists. Such people tend to consider those who take a more opportunistic approach to getting naked, as and when it suits them rather than as a lifestyle, as nudists.
Call it what you will, it amounts to being naked amongst others.
A number of people, who prefer to be without clothing as much as is possible, prefer to be known as naturists. Such people tend to consider those who take a more opportunistic approach to getting naked, as and when it suits them rather than as a lifestyle, as nudists.
Call it what you will, it amounts to being naked amongst others.
to enjoy being watched while naked is very common among men. There have been posts from time to time on the subject. A recent post raised the topic of guys being "caught" wanking, or just erect, by the hotel chambermaid.
If you have a desire to be watched then go to a place where it's permitted. Naturist beaches in fine weather are always popular. Here in Brighton we have Bristol Gardens Health Spa, which is a naturist venue. I've never visited, but I know people who enjoy going there. Then of course there are numerous clubs for those who are more adventurous, and then lots of men only saunas, or there are adult cinemas which tend to cater principally to men.
If you have a desire to be watched then go to a place where it's permitted. Naturist beaches in fine weather are always popular. Here in Brighton we have Bristol Gardens Health Spa, which is a naturist venue. I've never visited, but I know people who enjoy going there. Then of course there are numerous clubs for those who are more adventurous, and then lots of men only saunas, or there are adult cinemas which tend to cater principally to men.
Cycling fans will be familiar with "The Devil", otherwise known as Didi Senft, the character in devil's costume who awaits the riders at mountain top finishes.
It's been reported that the reason Didi gets less television exposure recently is because he has attracted sponsorship from outwith the official sponsors of the events. Nevertheless he is still in attendance, not only at Le tour, but at many major races throughout the year; he's actually a genuine fan of the sport.
Google will point you, if you have an interest, to many articles and interviews relating to Dieter Senft and his many exploits. Just by the way, he also makes very large bicycles.
It's been reported that the reason Didi gets less television exposure recently is because he has attracted sponsorship from outwith the official sponsors of the events. Nevertheless he is still in attendance, not only at Le tour, but at many major races throughout the year; he's actually a genuine fan of the sport.
Google will point you, if you have an interest, to many articles and interviews relating to Dieter Senft and his many exploits. Just by the way, he also makes very large bicycles.
I don't like text speak either, and I'll delete text messages without reading them at times, but i do luv words, and playin wiv them's fun. The only reason for using words is to communicate, therefore if they are clearly understood then that's fine by me.
Just by the way, I fink "fort's an o.k. word, though not one I use m'self, unless I might be referring to a particular fortress.
Just by the way, I fink "fort's an o.k. word, though not one I use m'self, unless I might be referring to a particular fortress.
It is worth noting that certain erection enhancing substances can also cause the male to be less sensitive, and therefore he will find it more difficult to climax.
I was once asked to test horny goat weed, supposedly an aphrodisiac, and what it did was cause me to question what actually is an aphrodisiac? Now certain substances will have a different effect upon different people, but horny goat weed caused me to become very sensitive and to reach an orgasm very easily. As you might realise this is not the effect many men would be looking for. I hasten to add that this was just a little testing of the substance, and in no way was it a scientific study. My doctor was nevertheless pleased to have a heads up, so to speak.
I was once asked to test horny goat weed, supposedly an aphrodisiac, and what it did was cause me to question what actually is an aphrodisiac? Now certain substances will have a different effect upon different people, but horny goat weed caused me to become very sensitive and to reach an orgasm very easily. As you might realise this is not the effect many men would be looking for. I hasten to add that this was just a little testing of the substance, and in no way was it a scientific study. My doctor was nevertheless pleased to have a heads up, so to speak.
It really is dependent upon the moment, and upon the partner(s) involved, whether or not kissing will take place. Some people prefer not to when they are having sex with someone they don't really know. Very often men don't like to kiss other men, but seem quite happy kissing a woman. I'll kiss just about anyone if they wish to be kissed, but I'll probably only really enjoy kissing a woman who I really fancy.
Stage 21 is always the stage which the sprinters consider their annual championship race, and as before Marcel Kittel will start a shade of odds on to win in what is usually a fairly straightforward bunch sprint, if such a thing is possible.
Marcel Kittel is the fastest sprinter in the peleton and could prevail yet again.
Andre Greipel is the second best, and at 7/1, he's probably more likely to carry my pound.
Kristoff's in terrific form, but he'll need luck to get over the top of the big two.
Sprints always get messy at some point, and often a small each way wager can be rewarded with big odds available.
Tinkoff have declared that their veteran sprinter Daniele Bennati can win, as he did in 2007, but I would be surprised if he made the first two.
Peter Sagan isn't as fast as the favorites, but he's tremendously strong and in great form, and has a knack of forcing his way onto the right wheel in the closing stages, thereby getting a tow onto the podium. It was considered that Sagan would have won a stage, to accompany his green jersey, by this point, and as such might have allowed his leadout man Elia Viviani to contest the sprint. As I've said before, Viviani is potentially quicker than Sagan, and might be knocking on the door if he's allowed his head.
David Cimolai is another rider, at huge odds, with a big result in him.
Let's hope for dry conditions and a truly run contest, which will tell us more about, or confirm, the pecking order among the sprinters.
I'm really curious to see how Coquard can perform at the end of such a race.
Finally:
I hope my humble offerings have been of interest to some of you. Like all sports fans, I've enjoyed sharing my thoughts and opinions with you.
...an afterthought: this is thought to be Jens Voigt's final appearance in the great race; expect Jens to take off in front at some point, even if it's just as a salute to the fans on the Champs Elysees.
Marcel Kittel is the fastest sprinter in the peleton and could prevail yet again.
Andre Greipel is the second best, and at 7/1, he's probably more likely to carry my pound.
Kristoff's in terrific form, but he'll need luck to get over the top of the big two.
Sprints always get messy at some point, and often a small each way wager can be rewarded with big odds available.
Tinkoff have declared that their veteran sprinter Daniele Bennati can win, as he did in 2007, but I would be surprised if he made the first two.
Peter Sagan isn't as fast as the favorites, but he's tremendously strong and in great form, and has a knack of forcing his way onto the right wheel in the closing stages, thereby getting a tow onto the podium. It was considered that Sagan would have won a stage, to accompany his green jersey, by this point, and as such might have allowed his leadout man Elia Viviani to contest the sprint. As I've said before, Viviani is potentially quicker than Sagan, and might be knocking on the door if he's allowed his head.
David Cimolai is another rider, at huge odds, with a big result in him.
Let's hope for dry conditions and a truly run contest, which will tell us more about, or confirm, the pecking order among the sprinters.
I'm really curious to see how Coquard can perform at the end of such a race.
Finally:
I hope my humble offerings have been of interest to some of you. Like all sports fans, I've enjoyed sharing my thoughts and opinions with you.
...an afterthought: this is thought to be Jens Voigt's final appearance in the great race; expect Jens to take off in front at some point, even if it's just as a salute to the fans on the Champs Elysees.
Stage 19 went to Navardauskas, after a very strong and enterprising ride saw him jump clear of the ensuing mayhem at the front of the peleton. More crashes, but I didn't notice any serious injuries this time.
I've never seen so many weary riders at this stage of a grand tour. This time trial, at 54km. is a tough one, and might well be the last straw for some riders. There are 164 riders left in the race at the moment, and most have only one ambition, to finish the race.
The Test:
Tony Martin, if fit and well, is really in a league of his own in this type of contest, and he certainly seems to be as healthy as anyone else. There is a danger that Tony might put up such a strong performance that some riders won't make it home in time, and therefore be eliminated.
Only the T.T. specialists, and those at the top of the general classification will ride this as hard as possible. (those struggling to survive too, obviously, but they don't enter calculations insofar as the podium's concerned.)
Vincenzo Nibali is by far the strongest rider at this stage of the race, and I expect him to be well up the finishing order.
Luke Durbridge is one of just a few time trial specialists in the event, and would expect to challenge for a spot on the podium.
Tom Dumoulin and Tejay Van Garderen can be expected to go well, so can the Sky boys Kirienka and Thomas. Westra, Tuft and Jan Barta, as well as Michael Rodgers are likely to give it a go.
My personal pick for a place without Tony Martin in the contest is team mate Michael Kwiatkowski, who showed no interest yesterday, in a stage which appeared to suit his skills. Of course it could be that he's just not feeling great, thus making my selection worthless. I read up on the team news on Twitter, but they tend not to reveal any weaknesses.
Enjoy.
I've never seen so many weary riders at this stage of a grand tour. This time trial, at 54km. is a tough one, and might well be the last straw for some riders. There are 164 riders left in the race at the moment, and most have only one ambition, to finish the race.
The Test:
Tony Martin, if fit and well, is really in a league of his own in this type of contest, and he certainly seems to be as healthy as anyone else. There is a danger that Tony might put up such a strong performance that some riders won't make it home in time, and therefore be eliminated.
Only the T.T. specialists, and those at the top of the general classification will ride this as hard as possible. (those struggling to survive too, obviously, but they don't enter calculations insofar as the podium's concerned.)
Vincenzo Nibali is by far the strongest rider at this stage of the race, and I expect him to be well up the finishing order.
Luke Durbridge is one of just a few time trial specialists in the event, and would expect to challenge for a spot on the podium.
Tom Dumoulin and Tejay Van Garderen can be expected to go well, so can the Sky boys Kirienka and Thomas. Westra, Tuft and Jan Barta, as well as Michael Rodgers are likely to give it a go.
My personal pick for a place without Tony Martin in the contest is team mate Michael Kwiatkowski, who showed no interest yesterday, in a stage which appeared to suit his skills. Of course it could be that he's just not feeling great, thus making my selection worthless. I read up on the team news on Twitter, but they tend not to reveal any weaknesses.
Enjoy.
Nibali took stage 18 with some authority, and pretty much put a seal on the overall race victory.
Majka rode strong again, finishing in third place, to clinch the King of the Mountains prize.
Stage 19 is a "flat" stage, just a tad over 200km, but nevertheless a bit lumpy through the last 15 or so kilometers. the last 4km are flat, but quite technical in parts. The last climb is short, but steep enough to cause problems and spark some action, then downhill to the finale is on narrow roads.
The sprinters will target this stage, and their teams will work together to keep a leash on the breakaway. For most riders this is a last chance of a stage win, so there will be lots of action. Sagan will try to ensure a furious pace through the final climb, in order to drop the fast boys. The puncheurs will launch an attack at any time, and the sprint trains will be trying furiously, provided the roads are dry, to keep tabs on everyone.
Omega Pharma is full of riders who will wish to try their luck here. Tony Martin, (not likely to go in the breakaway as it's the time trial saturday) Terpstra, Bakelandts, and Kwaitkowski are all capable of getting involved. Then they have a sprinter in Trentin who has already delivered on this tour.
Sagan will start favorite, but I think if it comes to a sprint someone will be too fast for him.
I've opted for Chavanel in previous stages, and I think this finish plays to his strengths. Whether anyone will get a sufficient gap off the final short climb, and be able to hold the pack for 4km. remains to be seen.
Bear in mind that Team Sky are still chasing a stage win, and without a sprinter they will look to get someone in the break. Maybe time for Thomas to step up, although Kirienka and Eissel are both strong riders.
The finish will be exciting for sure.
Majka rode strong again, finishing in third place, to clinch the King of the Mountains prize.
Stage 19 is a "flat" stage, just a tad over 200km, but nevertheless a bit lumpy through the last 15 or so kilometers. the last 4km are flat, but quite technical in parts. The last climb is short, but steep enough to cause problems and spark some action, then downhill to the finale is on narrow roads.
The sprinters will target this stage, and their teams will work together to keep a leash on the breakaway. For most riders this is a last chance of a stage win, so there will be lots of action. Sagan will try to ensure a furious pace through the final climb, in order to drop the fast boys. The puncheurs will launch an attack at any time, and the sprint trains will be trying furiously, provided the roads are dry, to keep tabs on everyone.
Omega Pharma is full of riders who will wish to try their luck here. Tony Martin, (not likely to go in the breakaway as it's the time trial saturday) Terpstra, Bakelandts, and Kwaitkowski are all capable of getting involved. Then they have a sprinter in Trentin who has already delivered on this tour.
Sagan will start favorite, but I think if it comes to a sprint someone will be too fast for him.
I've opted for Chavanel in previous stages, and I think this finish plays to his strengths. Whether anyone will get a sufficient gap off the final short climb, and be able to hold the pack for 4km. remains to be seen.
Bear in mind that Team Sky are still chasing a stage win, and without a sprinter they will look to get someone in the break. Maybe time for Thomas to step up, although Kirienka and Eissel are both strong riders.
The finish will be exciting for sure.
I've never had any cringeworthy crush. I always fancied really attractive women, not necessarily downright beautiful, even as a boy, and having a crush was something from way back. I saw the Debbie Harry pic, so they all get older. They were good looking gals in their day. I did have a crush, as a 22 y.o., on a married woman whom I'd never actually met, but she did become the 1st mrs. skinny.
Very often a crush is only really going to exist when we don't actually know the other party, so celebs generally fit that bill.
These days it's just lusting after, keeping it simple. Pick a celeb to lust after, ok I'll go with Megan Fox as the first to spring to mind, but I'm not fussed, there's plenty to choose from.
Very often a crush is only really going to exist when we don't actually know the other party, so celebs generally fit that bill.
These days it's just lusting after, keeping it simple. Pick a celeb to lust after, ok I'll go with Megan Fox as the first to spring to mind, but I'm not fussed, there's plenty to choose from.
The final day in the mountains ... stage 18
Well Majka was indeed granted sufficient lead on stage 17, with a strong breakaway, and had the good form to hold on. This was no mean feat, only the riders at the very top of the general classification managed to gain any time on him on the final climb.
For the rest of the field, Nibali apart, it's becoming like a boxing match, with different riders looking wearier at the end of each round. Yesterday was the turn of Peraud to come out best of the rest. Bardet is still showing excellent form, after losing time the other day he attacked yesterday and made a brave effort to hold an advantage, the end result not really doing justice to his efforts.
Today really revolves around the King of the Mountains competition once again. Majka has a 31 point lead, and will seek to consolidate that. If he finishes in the top 6 on the final climb he wins that prize. Mathematically both Nibali and Rodriguez could beat him, but neither is likely. If he crosses the first big climb in first or second place he's then unbeatable, and I suspect that this, with the assistance of both Rodgers and Roche, will be the days first tactic.
It's a short stage, just over 145km., but it's anything but easy. around halfway the riders face the notorious climb of Col du Tourmalet, then a long descent is followed by another really hard climb to the finish.
I suspect the break will be allowed to cross the toumalet with around 3 minutes advantage, but they won't be an organised group by this time, and once again it will take a really strong and in form rider to hold off the pack. Yet again Majka has a chance, but yet again the odds on offer are single digits. (Nibali is 2/1 at best) Michael Rodgers is on offer in a place at 66/1, and I think that's tempting for my shilling. Of the other outsiders, probably Riblon could do something on a day like this. Whenever there's climbing of this magnitude to be done the names of Chris Horner and Joachim Rodriguez come to mind, however both have been in the wars of late, and neither has yet shown themselves to be in top form, although with Rodriguez it's really just a race fitness issue. When the breakaway leaders come within reach, I expect Nibali to go on the attack, and probably only Pinot and Peraud will be able to follow. It'll be an exciting day for sure.
Well Majka was indeed granted sufficient lead on stage 17, with a strong breakaway, and had the good form to hold on. This was no mean feat, only the riders at the very top of the general classification managed to gain any time on him on the final climb.
For the rest of the field, Nibali apart, it's becoming like a boxing match, with different riders looking wearier at the end of each round. Yesterday was the turn of Peraud to come out best of the rest. Bardet is still showing excellent form, after losing time the other day he attacked yesterday and made a brave effort to hold an advantage, the end result not really doing justice to his efforts.
Today really revolves around the King of the Mountains competition once again. Majka has a 31 point lead, and will seek to consolidate that. If he finishes in the top 6 on the final climb he wins that prize. Mathematically both Nibali and Rodriguez could beat him, but neither is likely. If he crosses the first big climb in first or second place he's then unbeatable, and I suspect that this, with the assistance of both Rodgers and Roche, will be the days first tactic.
It's a short stage, just over 145km., but it's anything but easy. around halfway the riders face the notorious climb of Col du Tourmalet, then a long descent is followed by another really hard climb to the finish.
I suspect the break will be allowed to cross the toumalet with around 3 minutes advantage, but they won't be an organised group by this time, and once again it will take a really strong and in form rider to hold off the pack. Yet again Majka has a chance, but yet again the odds on offer are single digits. (Nibali is 2/1 at best) Michael Rodgers is on offer in a place at 66/1, and I think that's tempting for my shilling. Of the other outsiders, probably Riblon could do something on a day like this. Whenever there's climbing of this magnitude to be done the names of Chris Horner and Joachim Rodriguez come to mind, however both have been in the wars of late, and neither has yet shown themselves to be in top form, although with Rodriguez it's really just a race fitness issue. When the breakaway leaders come within reach, I expect Nibali to go on the attack, and probably only Pinot and Peraud will be able to follow. It'll be an exciting day for sure.
Well we were in the mix on stage 16, with Michael Rodgers taking the win from Tommy Voekler, and Team Sky's selected rider finishing third.
Stage 17 seems a tad more straightforward.
Majka and Rodriguez and De Marchi have been saving themselves for this monster of a day in the mountains.
I cannot see any scenario other than these three get into the breakaway and try to win the K.O.M. points. However, unless the breakaway has enough strong riders it will find it difficult to last and take the win. This is further muddied by the fact that, of the three, Rodriguez is superior by quite some way, however he's not yet on top form, and Majka looks the only one who might, if given enough leeway, have the form to hold on.
Nick Roche saved himself today, (he hasn't actually seemed at his best) but I expect him to join Majka in the breakaway and work the team game. Katusha don't really have a climber who can help Rodriguez.
Majka is at short odds to win this stage, but I think it will come down to the main contenders. Nibali could win, but doesn't have to. Thibot Pinot has looked the strongest of the others, with Valverde flagging slightly today, although not losing time. (never discount Valverde on a mountain top finish)
With Majka at too short odds I might favour Pinot for the win. Chris Horner, if recovered from his own ailments which weren't revealed at the time, might actually jump into the breakaway, and riding up these mountains would be easy for him if anywhere near fit.
so the skinny pound's being split between Pinot and Horner.
It'll be a monster day .... enjoy.
Stage 17 seems a tad more straightforward.
Majka and Rodriguez and De Marchi have been saving themselves for this monster of a day in the mountains.
I cannot see any scenario other than these three get into the breakaway and try to win the K.O.M. points. However, unless the breakaway has enough strong riders it will find it difficult to last and take the win. This is further muddied by the fact that, of the three, Rodriguez is superior by quite some way, however he's not yet on top form, and Majka looks the only one who might, if given enough leeway, have the form to hold on.
Nick Roche saved himself today, (he hasn't actually seemed at his best) but I expect him to join Majka in the breakaway and work the team game. Katusha don't really have a climber who can help Rodriguez.
Majka is at short odds to win this stage, but I think it will come down to the main contenders. Nibali could win, but doesn't have to. Thibot Pinot has looked the strongest of the others, with Valverde flagging slightly today, although not losing time. (never discount Valverde on a mountain top finish)
With Majka at too short odds I might favour Pinot for the win. Chris Horner, if recovered from his own ailments which weren't revealed at the time, might actually jump into the breakaway, and riding up these mountains would be easy for him if anywhere near fit.
so the skinny pound's being split between Pinot and Horner.
It'll be a monster day .... enjoy.
