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2019 Tour de France

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I'm changing the title to 2019, I think Thump got a little ahead of himself. 8D

I will also miss Paul more than I'll miss Froome and Cavendish, never liked either of those riders.

Surprise win for Groenewegen's teammate after that nasty crash early in the final sprint. He only had a few seconds to realize he's no longer a lead-out man and had a chance beat Sagan to the line.
 
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They used a graphic yesterday to demonstrate how the sprint might finish up which was one of the coolest uses of animation I have seen. They were little bicycle holograms that they could drag back and forth. Worth keeping an eye out for.

Also thrilled to see that Phil came back - I didn't know that was going to happen. Although, he was getting confused a few times last year and Paul had to keep him straight. Hope it works out. But not the same.
 
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This has been an excellent tour. With two competitive stages left, there are 4 guys that look like they could win it - that hasn't happened in over 50 years. Frenchman Alaphilippe has a lead of 1:30 over 22-year old Bernal, 1:35 over defending champ Geraint Thomas, 1:47 over Kruijswijk, and 1:50 over Frenchman Pinot.

A Frenchman hasn't won since 1985, and Alaphilippe is not the typical climber that can win the tour. He's built more for hilly, intermediate stages. But since he won the jersey on an intermediate stage, and re-took it an another almost 2 weeks ago, he has defended it valiantly, even surprisingly winning the individual time trial to extend his lead.

Today's and tomorrow's stages have uphill finishes, which allow an individual attack to more likely succeed. Bernal gained 32 seconds yesterday, but Alaphilippe was able to negate what Geraint Thomas had gained on the final climb with a rapid descent, which is something he does very well. The questions are how much Bernal has left after yesterday's effort, how soon Pinot will attack on the final climb today and tomorrow, and whether Alaphilippe will have a teammate with him most of the way on the final climb each day.

They need to take the time today and tomorrow, since Sunday will be a non-competitive, ceremonial ride into Paris, until they crank up the sprint on the Champs Elysses, although the peloton will all get the same time on Sunday's stage, barring a catastrophe for the overall leader.

I hope Alaphilippe holds on, or that Pinot makes a huge effort to win it. I'm tired of Team Sky (now Ineos) dominating the event, winning 6 of the last 7 stages. But they are not as strong this year, and without the lead they (Bernal and Thomas) have to attack, instead of just following the main threat and using teammates to chase down any dangerous attacks.
 
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BB73 said:
This has been an excellent tour. With two competitive stages left, there are 4 guys that look like they could win it - that hasn't happened in over 50 years. Frenchman Alaphilippe has a lead of 1:30 over 22-year old Bernal, 1:35 over defending champ Geraint Thomas, 1:47 over Kruijswijk, and 1:50 over Frenchman Pinot.

A Frenchman hasn't won since 1985, and Alaphilippe is not the typical climber that can win the tour. He's built more for hilly, intermediate stages. But since he won the jersey on an intermediate stage, and re-took it an another almost 2 weeks ago, he has defended it valiantly, even surprisingly winning the individual time trial to extend his lead.

Today's and tomorrow's stages have uphill finishes, which allow an individual attack to more likely succeed. Bernal gained 32 seconds yesterday, but Alaphilippe was able to negate what Geraint Thomas had gained on the final climb with a rapid descent, which is something he does very well. The questions are how much Bernal has left after yesterday's effort, how soon Pinot will attack on the final climb today and tomorrow, and whether Alaphilippe will have a teammate with him most of the way on the final climb each day.

They need to take the time today and tomorrow, since Sunday will be a non-competitive, ceremonial ride into Paris, until they crank up the sprint on the Champs Elysses, although the peloton will all get the same time on Sunday's stage, barring a catastrophe for the overall leader.

I hope Alaphilippe holds on, or that Pinot makes a huge effort to win it. I'm tired of Team Sky (now Ineos) dominating the event, winning 6 of the last 7 stages. But they are not as strong this year, and without the lead they (Bernal and Thomas) have to attack, instead of just following the main threat and using teammates to chase down any dangerous attacks.
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Agree.

They say the yellow jersey gives you wings which has proven out by Alaphilippe. Guy has has ridden his guts out!

I look for Bernal or Pinot to win it. I think today is the day Alaphilippe cracks.
 
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108 degrees on the road yesterday, race stopped due to hail and snow on the road today.

Bernal was wise to attack when he did, if he had waited until the last climb of the day, he wouldn't have taken the yellow jersey since that climb was after the race was stopped today.
 
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This stops a stage.

This didn't. (ok, it was the Giro but still)
Aldo_Moser%2C_Giro_d%27Italia_1965.jpg
 
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Just give them mountain bikes and send them on their way.

It actually could be an interesting stage. The 5 guys within 2 minutes just go hell bent for leather for 30 miles. It is essentially an uphill time trial.
 
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