Professional Cycling - Stage 13: Miramas - Montpellier

Stage 13 - Miramas - Montpellier, 173,5km

This stage is ideal for the sprinters. Most of the GC contenders will be happy just to relax in the middle of the Peloton, and rest up for Saturday's brutal riding.

Vinokourov seems determined to find a way to get back into contention. If he can sneak off the front on this stage, he will be tempted. But, it is unlikely the contenders will let Vino get very far ahead before they would go after him. So, it will be another "play day" for the contenders while the sprinters entertain the crowd.

This is a classic transition stage. I'm looking for a failed break and bunch sprint.

Thor gets his stage.

McEwen

Thor will finally get one.

Do you think that McEwen is correct when he says that he does not expect a field sprint? His reasoning is that QuickStep no longer will help Lotto chase down breaks, so does not think that this will play out as a typical sprinters stage, but rather probably be won by a breakaway?

Vino? This could be a good stage to "soften" up Disco, by making them chase on a flat stage before the mountains.

McEwen... He will be reinvigorated that Boonen is gone.

I'm not so sure that the sprinters teams will quit being lazy ;)
Those hills might intensify that
Bunch or breakaway? I don't know... what do you alll think?

Sprint finish, just like stages 2 and 3. Who will win, well wity Boonen gone I can not say for sure...

McEwin

Thor...

Big Maggi :D

Thor will finally get one.
Yep.

Do you think that McEwen is correct when he says that he does not expect a field sprint? His reasoning is that QuickStep no longer will help Lotto chase down breaks, so does not think that this will play out as a typical sprinters stage, but rather probably be won by a breakaway?

Vino? This could be a good stage to "soften" up Disco, by making them chase on a flat stage before the mountains.

Yep, expect one of the T-troika to join in and force Lance to chase the breakaway.

Yep, expect one of the T-troika to join in and force Lance to chase the breakaway.

Ok so who do you have go out. If you put Ullrich or Vino out there then Disco and CSC are going to run them down. Not to mention that sending those guys on a break could tire them out more than the chasing group,leaving them vulnerable on the weekend. Kloden is the only one that I would see as a viable attacker. I think Lance will give at least a little time to him as I dont think Klodens form is up to snuff with the Pyrenees looming.

So who is the "man" on the T-mobile team? Is it still Jan or is it Vino? Jan is the better time trialer for sure so his overall GC contention sits better than the rest of his team. But Vino is a better climber and has at least shown some moxy when it comes to matching up with Lance.

If you are TMob and have repeatedly said that Jan is your man, you send Vino on an early-ish breakaway. Disco has to work on a day when they would otherwise chill. When they catch, you send out Klodie

Not sure how much support CSC is going to provide.

If you are TMob and have repeatedly said that Jan is your man, you send Vino on an early-ish breakaway. Disco has to work on a day when they would otherwise chill. When they catch, you send out Klodie

Not sure how much support CSC is going to provide.

Basso is not as far behind and stronger in the mountains. It's not due or die time for CSC yet. Besides, CSC doesn't have 3 riders that will force Lance expend himself on keeping them in sight.

Ok so who do you have go out. If you put Ullrich or Vino out there then Disco and CSC are going to run them down. Not to mention that sending those guys on a break could tire them out more than the chasing group,leaving them vulnerable on the weekend. Kloden is the only one that I would see as a viable attacker. I think Lance will give at least a little time to him as I dont think Klodens form is up to snuff with the Pyrenees looming.

So who is the "man" on the T-mobile team? Is it still Jan or is it Vino? Jan is the better time trialer for sure so his overall GC contention sits better than the rest of his team. But Vino is a better climber and has at least shown some moxy when it comes to matching up with Lance.

The GC escapee is not going to be alone- there will be the sprint teams/riders and a few others trying to breakaway and win the stage. A gamble any the three might even get lucky with and snare the yellow tommorrow on if Disco isn't able to cover. And if Disco succeeds in covering, they may be spent for the weekend.

Probably less likely Vino since he may still be recovering from Wed.

McEwen has to have this to think of green again. With Boonen abandoned, he romps.

McEwen
Hushovd
O'Grady

McEwen

Horner is in the Break, McEwen says he thinks Davitimon is tired, so they wont really chase, its up to the others...

Yes, Horner is in the Break, but so is Flecha.... damn.

So how far will Disco let this break get out there? Horner is the highest on GC by quite a bit of time and is 15:22 back from Lance....they are out there almost 9 min now, doesn't Disco have to start thinking about controling that gap?

Also I am a little confused about yesterday's race tactics by CSC and TMo. Both teams had riders that Lance would never bother with in the breakaway....why waste their energy when they will need it to support their main riders later?

Edit: Well just as I post that the race report says that Lotto and Lampre and spooling up the peleton and have the break back in to 7:35.

Also I am a little confused about yesterday's race tactics by CSC and TMo. Both teams had riders that Lance would never bother with in the breakaway....why waste their energy when they will need it to support their main riders later?




I was wondering about that too. Any of you strategists have some insight into these tactics?

Thanks
f

Unfortunately it looks like the bunch aren't going to let the break go. They are already reduing their advantage with too many clicks still to race. Darn I'm hoping Chris Horner will get a lucky break somewhere and get some kind of stage win or high placing.

Valverde withdraws due to knee pain. What a shame. He was having quite a ride.

Also I am a little confused about yesterday's race tactics by CSC and TMo. Both teams had riders that Lance would never bother with in the breakaway....why waste their energy when they will need it to support their main riders later?


I didn't see Disco making any real effort to reel in the break. They were at the front simply to keep the pace high enough to hold things together.

I didn't see Disco making any real effort to reel in the break. They were at the front simply to keep the pace high enough to hold things together.

Right that is why I don't get why CSC and TMo would send those guys up the road. If it isn't going to pressure Disco, why waste the energy?

Valverde withdraws due to knee pain. What a shame. He was having quite a ride.

I too was disappointed to hear that. But he will be back.

I didn't see Disco making any real effort to reel in the break. They were at the front simply to keep the pace high enough to hold things together.


That's kind of my question. Why would CSC, or Tmob send one of their guys up the road that they know Disco won't chase? He will expend a lot of energy that could be used in later stages to pull Basso along the flats leading up to a climb, or pull him up the first part of a climb a la the Disco's, no? Disco's have no desire (and/or won't tolerate) to send anyone up the road as they all conserve to protect Lance later. It seems sending someone up the road might be a waste of energy if they're not prominent enough to be chased. Voigt is now out after his break. He blew up (I know, he was ill too) and he could have been useful to pull Basso on a break at the begining of a climb and drop off for the next CSC guy. I guess I'm also asking why nobody else tries to pull the group along to break riders like Disco. Is no other team capable of trying this tactic?

I know it's not that simple, but if someone could enlighten me it'd be appreciated.

Thanks
f

It's a chance teams take. Putting a rider in a break obviously puts a lot of stress on the rider. Managers know though that there are nine other riders on the team who should be able to help their GC guy later.

Sometimes managers will include a guy simply so that the team has representation in the break. They may even tell their rider to do as little work as possible.

It would be pointless for Disco to send a guy up the road. They're in it for the GC win only. For teams with no real decent GC opportunities, sometimes a break and a chance at a stage win is all they have.

What a shame that Valverde has quit the race. He has shown tremendous talent in his first Tour de France. Many talented young riders are just not physically strong enough for the Tour. Three weeks of racing, including day after day of brutal riding in the mountains, is a huge physical challenge, far more physically wearing than even the hardest one day races.

Valverde's name belongs on that rather short list of younger riders who MIGHT be the "next Lance Armstrong". Some folks are saying "the 2006 Tour will be boring without Lance". Instead, fans ought to be excited about this new generation of Tour riders who are just beginning to develop their full potential.

Go Chris!!

Horner has a real chance... I really, really hope he gets it.

Damn!

Man, I am listening to it on the live audio, I want to see that finish!! sounds liek a good sprint

Did Stuey get enough to take the green jersey? I'm not sure how far ahead Hushovd was in points...

It's a chance teams take. Putting a rider in a break obviously puts a lot of stress on the rider. Managers know though that there are nine other riders on the team who should be able to help their GC guy later.

Sometimes managers will include a guy simply so that the team has representation in the break. They may even tell their rider to do as little work as possible.

It would be pointless for Disco to send a guy up the road. They're in it for the GC win only. For teams with no real decent GC opportunities, sometimes a break and a chance at a stage win is all they have.

I can understand other teams but I don't understand CSC and TMo. They are clearly in it for the GC and they don't have 9 other guys right? The team is 9 total so other than the lead guy there are 8 guys so you send one of them up the road and now you are down to 7. In CSCs case they have lost at least 2 riders so that makes the support for Basso 6 and if you send one up the road only 5. Just doesn't make sense to me. TMo is another story. They have 3 GC guys so then there are only 6 helpers to begin with (though Kloden clearly dragged Jan's butt in the other day so maybe he is resigned to be a helper), I am not sure if they have lost anyone yet but if they have the number of helps is dropping fast.

Today's race is just another reason why flat stages are as or more exciting than mountain stages.

Now that was the type of finish I like to see. McEwen just smoked 'em :D Why did not Chavanel and Horner take off just a bit sooner? Seems they tried to play the odds and lost.

:beer:

I can understand other teams but I don't understand CSC and TMo. They are clearly in it for the GC and they don't have 9 other guys right? The team is 9 total so other than the lead guy there are 8 guys so you send one of them up the road and now you are down to 7. In CSCs case they have lost at least 2 riders so that makes the support for Basso 6 and if you send one up the road only 5. Just doesn't make sense to me. TMo is another story. They have 3 GC guys so then there are only 6 helpers to begin with (though Kloden clearly dragged Jan's butt in the other day so maybe he is resigned to be a helper), I am not sure if they have lost anyone yet but if they have the number of helps is dropping fast.


I'm with you. Didn't want to keep bugging tho.
f

Anyone know why Didi Senft, the German guy who dresses like the devil, was in green today?

Go Lance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, Chris!

Soooooooooooo close!

Valverde's name belongs on that rather short list of younger riders who MIGHT be the "next Lance Armstrong". Some folks are saying "the 2006 Tour will be boring without Lance". Instead, fans ought to be excited about this new generation of Tour riders who are just beginning to develop their full potential.

Yeah, I think it could be very exciting. I mean think what 2002, 2003, and 2004 (and possibly 2005) would have been without Armstrong. And there are even more up and coming great riders now. The next few years could hold some great Tours.

What an exciting finish! The peloton caught up at the very last minute. McEwen is clearly better than Thor, so it will be a shame if the whole head butting incident costs him the green.

The other shame is that another great young rider is out of the Tour. I was looking forward to seeing Valverde in the mountains this weekend, but it just wasn't meant to be. Look at all the young talent that's gone so far: Zabriskie, Boonen, and now Valverde. Let's hope nothing happens to Rasmussen (not all that young, but new to the scene). The Tour just takes it's toll. Hopefully these guys can learn, get stronger, and make it to Paris next year.

Suppose you've been wondering where i was? :D



You must forgive our jingoism, but for years and years and years and years, all we had was Phil Anderson, and when he won that stage in 1991 it was the first thing he'd done in the Tour for a long time. Then, we suddenly had O'Grady getting into yellow, THEN, we had McEwen and Cooke regularly winning stages!!!

Imagine that: after all those years of not much, we suddenly had sprinters regularly winning stages!!!!
We couldn't believe it!! :eek:

Ok, you Yanks had a big dry spell before LeMond, but you've had it pretty good since then. :p

Today's race is just another reason why flat stages are as or more exciting than mountain stages.
I disagree

If I may state the bleeding obvious: :)

Bunch sprints are obviously exciting, but mountain stages can be very dramatic.
Didn't you think the other day was cool when Armstrong was without his team mates, and
was been attacked by everyone? That was cool!

What about when we thought Rominger was gunna crack Indurain in the mountains in 1993(?) ?
That was probably my favourite Tour since we started getting coverage in 1990.

The boring stages are obviously the ones where a small bunch of no-names who are 45 min down in the GC get a 15min breakaway and the peleton does nothing to catch them. SNORE!!

Lance... or how to lead GC without winning a single stage... I know, I know, what I'm saying is stupid but being this the first bike race I watch I just thought Lance was so famous because he actually came in first... that is in front of the other racers.

Just ignore my ignorance...

Current points standings:

1 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Credit Agricole 164 pts
2 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Cofidis, Le Credit Par Telephone 150
3 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Davitamon-Lotto 142
4 Robert Förster (Ger) Gerolsteiner 84
5 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) T-Mobile Team 81
6 Peter Wrolich (Aut) Gerolsteiner 79
7 Gianluca Bortolami (Ita) Lampre-Caffita 75
8 Allan Davis (Aus) Liberty Seguros-Würth 73
9 Baden Cooke (Aus) Française Des Jeux 73
10 Bernhard Eisel (Aut) Française Des Jeux 71

It's a three man race again. :)

Looking at the remaining stages, McEwen can definitely come from behind to win this. There are two attainable intermediate sprints before the first little mountain of stage 14. Those will be HOTLY contested tomorrow. On stage 15, there are two intermediate sprints before the Col du Portet d'Aspet, and those will be fiercely contested too. Stage 16, there's a doable sprint before the mountains early in that stage and another after the Col d'Aubisque that they won't get to before the peloton.

Stage 17 is a pancake ready-made for the sprinters. Two intermediate sprints and the finish line. That could be a decisive stage, and I like McEwen's chances there. Stage 18 is rippled and ripe for a breakaway. Two intermediate sprints, and I like O'Grady's chances there. Stage 19 should be a great stage. While it looks to favor a breakaway, I think the sprinters will edge it out, because they will need that finish line badly. Can't wait for that. Stage 20 is an ITT. Stage 21 is on the Champs-Élysées.

Two Aussies and one Viking? Thor's my man. He will win by single digits though. The sprint in Paris could be spectacular.

Lance... or how to lead GC without winning a single stage... I know, I know, what I'm saying is stupid but being this the first bike race I watch I just thought Lance was so famous because he actually came in first... that is in front of the other racers.

Just ignore my ignorance...

Well he (and his team) won the Team Time Trial and he should win the final ITT as well barring a mechanical or injury/illness. There are also a couple of big climbing stages left he could win so don't put it past him. On the other hand it would be odd for him to win his final tour without an individual stage win thus giving him no race wins for the season.

Anyone a fan of McEwen's "swerve all over the road in the last 100 meters" tactic? ;)
Look to the left, swerve right, to make it look incidental ;)