Professional Cycling For the Fans - Whoa ... Froome is actually stronger than his "leader"

Must have the Sky brass stressing a bit. The Froomster definetly made a statement today. And Wiggins looked so vulnerable without him during said statement. The Froomster, on the other hand, looked almost invincible, so much so that he had to be reigned back in via team orders. Embarassing ... if you are Wiggins.

Surely Wiggo must love the terms of his signed contract .... LOL.

I loved nibali's commentary afterwards. Any mention of wiggins was followed by froome carrying wiggo. Especially when nibali gave the two the final stare down before his second attack knowing that froome would reel him in but wiggins was suffering. Not to take away from wiggins as he is in great form but I wish it was a role reversal between the two.

Must have the Sky brass stressing a bit. The Froomster definetly made a statement today. And Wiggins looked so vulnerable without him during said statement. The Froomster, on the other hand, looked almost invincible, so much so that he had to be reigned back in via team orders. Embarassing ... if you are Wiggins.

Surely Wiggo must love the terms of his signed contract .... LOL.

No, Wiggins and the team knows that Froome is a better climber than Bradly is. But Wiggo is a better at ITT. So this is a gamble. Froome does seem to have a edge with endurance and recovery to Wiggo. Imagine if Froome improved just 1 percent. He would perhaps be as dangerous in a GC as Contador. If Froome had not punctured in an earlier stage he would probably only be down about 30 seconds.

The issue with Froome and perhaps his frustration is that if allowed to go on his own during the last 10k of the big climbing stages he would possibly put enough time on Wiggins to beat him. But it's nice for Sky to have two individuals out in front because it's easier for two people to shoulder the pressure of the yellow jersey during the race. The kind of racer Wiggins is. He will likely have to wear the yellow jersey for the rest of the race because he is not explosive enough in the big climbs to take major time on anyone. So he can't afford to loose it to anyone but Froome and that be only a couple of seconds.

Froome looks great - he gets the respect of the whole world for being the best GC rider out there and he still gets props for being a team player. He's a stronger climber than Wiggins and he may be almost as good at time trialing. After all, he came in second on Monday. If it weren't for the time he lost in stage 1 and his self-restraint, he'd be winning now.

But his time will come. Some other year.

It's pretty exciting to have two guys, Sagan and Froome, in their first tours, showing such explosive talent. I'd love to see Froome and Contador go head to head next year, presuming Contador can get his form back.

Ooh, just realized, we got Froome vs Contador in the Vuelta no?

I can't believe Froome is willing to give up his opportunity to win the Tour de France. Clearly...it's crystal clear...that Froome is by far and away the best GC rider in this race. Next year, you are gonna have AC back, Andy Schleck (though his TT'ing is a joke) who will be riding with Frank, and a host of other guys who can win the race. To just say "some other year"...it's not that simple. He could win the race, you do it. Screw orders. You don't think he could find a team if he wins the tour?

All of a sudden, I'm back into this race, after being lulled to sleep for so many days! Wiggins had better pray he doesn't have a bad day. One bad moment, Froome is gonna pounce. I bet it happens.

I think Froome and van Garderen should be unleashed! Loyal as they are, their Captains are holding them back from some truly amazing results! BTW, glad to have seen Wiggo pat Nibali on the back while crossing the line....no more bad blood.

I can't believe Froome is willing to give up his opportunity to win the Tour de France. Clearly...it's crystal clear...that Froome is by far and away the best GC rider in this race. Next year, you are gonna have AC back, Andy Schleck (though his TT'ing is a joke) who will be riding with Frank, and a host of other guys who can win the race. To just say "some other year"...it's not that simple. He could win the race, you do it. Screw orders. You don't think he could find a team if he wins the tour?

All of a sudden, I'm back into this race, after being lulled to sleep for so many days! Wiggins had better pray he doesn't have a bad day. One bad moment, Froome is gonna pounce. I bet it happens.

Dream on. Froome has made it 100% clear that he is not going to pounce on Wiggins. Unless Wiggins gets eliminated by a crash or something similar, Froome is just the best domestique in France.

Dream on. Froome has made it 100% clear that he is not going to pounce on Wiggins. Unless Wiggins gets eliminated by a crash or something similar, Froome is just the best domestique in France.

If Wiggins has any kind of bad day, and Nibali et al gap Wiggins, Froome will go. I have no doubt. It's entirely up to Wiggins. If Wiggins can hang with the elite riders, you are right. But if Wiggins has a bad day like Evans, and is behind the race, Froome is not gonna ride like Teejay. He's not letting the 2011 Vuelta happen again, regardless of how much Sean Yates yells at him. He'll bolt away from Wiggins, and right past everyone else. I hope it happens. Sky is so boringly robotic. Their racing, their interviews, everything...stiff Brits! Unleash Froome and he'll put 6 minutes on the field by the end.

I don't think so. Wiggins has about 2 1/2 minutes on Nibali and is better at time trials. If Nibali drops Wiggins, Froome is going to stay with his team leader, pull him up the mountain if he has to, and thereby limit the damage.

There was a report about the wives and girlfriends of the SKY riders on Twitter. wiggins wife did not include Froom in the congratulations on the twitter messages . And Froom wife noticed

found it
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/12/tour-de-france-tension-simmers-on-twitter/

Now we have drama

I had a hard time explaining to a friend (who doesn't follow pro cycling) how the team mate of the guy winning the race is the strongest rider in the race. Froome will have have fun picking his new contract and team for next year, cha-ching!

I had a hard time explaining to a friend (who doesn't follow pro cycling) how the team mate of the guy winning the race is the strongest rider in the race. Froome will have have fun picking his new contract and team for next year, cha-ching!

Froome signed a new three-year contract with Sky after the Vuelta. That doesn't make it impossible for him to move, but Sky pay better than pretty much anyone else at the moment, which is why they have such a super-strong bunch of domestiques.

It's actually quite usual for the up-and coming star to support a rider weaker than himself. Think Riis and Ulrich, for example. Froome's time will come.

It was one day.

It was one day.

Not for Froome. He has had a few great days.

But in a way the position he is in is his own fault. He is 2 minutes back because he got caught in a crash early, not becaseu he set the tempo in the mountians and blew up.

That he made that early mistake counts against him twice. The actual time and the team confidence.

Personally I think the team should give him a bit more freedom late in stages. Depending a lot on how Wiggins is feeling and what other riders are there. (including teh non-contenders for the teams of contenders).

Of course it is far easier to be more agressive when you are just a fan.

He is 2 minutes back because he got caught in a crash early.

No, he punctured too late to be able to get back on. The crash in the subsequent stage wasn't a problem, it was within the last 3km.

Not for Froome. He has had a few great days.

But in a way the position he is in is his own fault. He is 2 minutes back because he got caught in a crash early, not becaseu he set the tempo in the mountians and blew up.

That he made that early mistake counts against him twice. The actual time and the team confidence.

Personally I think the team should give him a bit more freedom late in stages. Depending a lot on how Wiggins is feeling and what other riders are there. (including teh non-contenders for the teams of contenders).

Of course it is far easier to be more agressive when you are just a fan.


Sky has a lot invested in winning the tour. Froome winning stages does not factor into that. In fact, it can be argued it could very well hurt that goal.

It's pretty exciting to have two guys, Sagan and Froome, in their first tours,

This is actually Froome's second run at the Tour.
Rode for Barloworld in 2008.

Definitely his French coming-out-party though.

The bottom line is Wiggins has 2:23 on Nibali, and Froome has :18 on Nibali. Most agree barring some major incident the race for GC is all but done. What purpose would there be in messing with that now?

If Froome isn't called back, Froome becomes Nibali's domestique instead of Wiggins.

The queen stage is Stage 16, just a few days away. Froome could easily make up 2 minutes if he were unleashed and held his form.

This year is his big chance. AC will be back next year dominating the race until 2018.

The bottom line is Wiggins has 2:23 on Nibali, and Froome has :18 on Nibali. Most agree barring some major incident the race for GC is all but done. What purpose would there be in messing with that now?

Glory, plus the fact that no one knows what the future holds. A lot of things could happen to Froome that would keep him from returning to the Tour int he shape he is now. Remember LeMond's hunting accident?

If I was in Froome's place, I would be looking out for myself. Contador did it to Armstrong a couple of years back.

Glory for who Team Sky? They are already 1 & 2. If you mean individual glory by going rouge I doubt he does that.
I think Armstrong did it to Contador not the other away around, as AC was the team leader.


Glory, plus the fact that no one knows what the future holds. A lot of things could happen to Froome that would keep him from returning to the Tour int he shape he is now. Remember LeMond's hunting accident?

If I was in Froome's place, I would be looking out for myself. Contador did it to Armstrong a couple of years back.

Contador did it to Armstrong a couple of years back.

In everyone's mind but Armstrong's, Contador was the team leader.

Froome will do what he's paid to do. Especially since he will know better than anyone that he may not be able to beat Wiggins even if he tried. Riding solo, with Sky against him rather than with him? Good luck with that.

If Froome isn't called back, Froome becomes Nibali's domestique instead of Wiggins.

So I can understand why Froome would sit up and wait when he got the call on the radio, but why in the world would Nibali wait with him? Either Wiggins was coming back pretty quickly anyway or Nibali was suddenly impersonating Evans.

did you see the way Froome looked back? It was a 'huh, I had no idea I did that' look. I have no doubt Wiggins could have matched the shift in tempo, but the plan at that point was steady to conserve energy for later in the race. Froome misread something and got called back. It's a non story.

did you see the way Froome looked back? It was a 'huh, I had no idea I did that' look. I have no doubt Wiggins could have matched the shift in tempo, but the plan at that point was steady to conserve energy for later in the race. Froome misread something and got called back. It's a non story.

Sorry, but hahahahahahaha! :lol:

"I had no idea I did that"??? Seriously? Right, because you get out of the saddle and race past everybody for 20 seconds in a total blackout. Tempo, tempo, tempo BANG ATTACK RAAAAAAWWWWWRRRRRRR tempo tempo tempo...what just happened to me? Happens all the time, I know. Reality is that look was a direct result of Sean Yates screaming in his earpiece to slow down and wait for Wiggins.

Plus, I have no doubt Wiggins could NOT have matched the tempo, because he was left in the dust. He himself admits he can't ride like that, so unless you know something Wiggins doesn't, your statement is incorrect. Clearly Froome is stronger and could very well win this race if he was "allowed". His loss in any TT would easily be padded by the crushing he would put on any other GC rider, especially Wiggins, on a KOM finish.

Yeah, again. As I said, you're wrong. He clearly thought Wiggins was with him. If you think he deliberately attacked Wiggins you're missing the entire narrative. Sky is about Wiggins winning the tour. End of discussion.

No, he punctured too late to be able to get back on. The crash in the subsequent stage wasn't a problem, it was within the last 3km.

My bad on crash. By early I meant early in the Tour not early in a stage (which I think you would have infered if we were talking face to face and could keep people straight better).

Yeah, again. As I said, you're wrong. He clearly thought Wiggins was with him. If you think he deliberately attacked Wiggins you're missing the entire narrative. Sky is about Wiggins winning the tour. End of discussion.

Or he thought others would chase him and Wiggins could catch their wheels while others worked harder. If a team can get that to happen it serves them far better than setting tempo and all the team leaders sitting on wheels.

If Froome has the mental strength of a Leader, he hasn't shown it yet, if today's L'Equipe interview is to be taken anywhere near face value.......

If Froome has the mental strength of a Leader, he hasn't shown it yet, if today's L'Equipe interview is to be taken anywhere near face value.......

Does this story (http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12401/Froome-says-he-wants-Sky-to-ride-for-him-in-2013-if-theres-a-hilly-Tour.aspx)have the gist of that interview?

1. I have no doubt Froome knew he was leaving everyone behind, including Wiggins.
2. Froome seems to think Wiggins will pay him back by supporting him next year. Fat chance. I see no reason to think Sky will support someone other than the defending champion next year, assuming Wiggins wins.

I wouldn't have said this a day or two ago, but: Froome knew exactly what he was doing when he took off, though I'm sure he would not have done it if he believed it would jeopardize Wiggin's position.

With actions like leaving a slightly weakened Wiggins in the dust on a huge mountain, and statements like those in today's press, Froome is obviously gunning to be a GC rider next year.

If Sky signals to Froome that they won't back him as a GC rider in the next week, then I'm sure some other team will give him a chance. Other teams will also certainly be making offers to Boasson Hagen and Rogers soon.

Wiggins is going to have a very tough time fending off Contador, the Schlecks, Hesjedal, Nibali, LL Sanchez and Froome next year. Maybe Wiggo ought to swallow his pride next year and work for Froome instead.... :D

I wouldn't have said this a day or two ago, but: Froome knew exactly what he was doing when he took off, though I'm sure he would not have done it if he believed it would jeopardize Wiggin's position.

With actions like leaving a slightly weakened Wiggins in the dust on a huge mountain, and statements like those in today's press, Froome is obviously gunning to be a GC rider next year.

If Sky signals to Froome that they won't back him as a GC rider in the next week, then I'm sure some other team will give him a chance. Other teams will also certainly be making offers to Boasson Hagen and Rogers soon.

Wiggins is going to have a very tough time fending off Contador, the Schlecks, Hesjedal, Nibali, LL Sanchez and Froome next year. Maybe Wiggo ought to swallow his pride next year and work for Froome instead.... :D


Is this possible with Froome's contract with Sky?

I am fairly new to watching the Pro scene. Is it typical for a team to defend the champ at next years TDF or go for the stronger rider assuming there is one?

Is this possible with Froome's contract with Sky?

I am fairly new to watching the Pro scene. Is it typical for a team to defend the champ at next years TDF or go for the stronger rider assuming there is one?

The defending champion is supposed to defend the yellow. It's part of its mystique. However if the defense falls apart as the tour unfolds then it would be OK to switch to a stronger rider.

I dunno, I kinda hope Froome jumps ship. It'd be a great tour Froome vs Wiggins vs Contador vs Ryder vs Nibali.

Let's not forget, when Lance a lot of people had a cow over the prospect of Astana supporting him over defending champ Contador.

Let's not forget, when Lance a lot of people had a cow over the prospect of Astana supporting him over defending champ Contador.

Contador wasn't defending champion. That was Carlos Sastre. Contador won 2007.

I dunno, I kinda hope Froome jumps ship. It'd be a great tour Froome vs Wiggins vs Contador vs Ryder vs Nibali.

Me too. That would be awesome, but unless the route has a bunch of TT's, Wiggins is in 4th or 5th of that group.

Here's the cyclingnews article quoting L'Equipe:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/froome-i-could-win-this-tour

Me too. That would be awesome, but unless the route has a bunch of TT's, Wiggins is in 4th or 5th of that group.

Here's the cyclingnews article quoting L'Equipe:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/froome-i-could-win-this-tour

Word is the 100th edition of the tour is going to be old school...all the big climbs will be included. Maybe only one ITT.

Is this possible with Froome's contract with Sky?

I am fairly new to watching the Pro scene. Is it typical for a team to defend the champ at next years TDF or go for the stronger rider assuming there is one?

Generally teams go with the best and most conservative chance.

Smart teams can switch the plan if a rider is not performing well.

Miguel Indurain in 1991 and Jan Ulrich in 1997 did not start the Tour as their team leaders.

Word is the 100th edition of the tour is going to be old school...all the big climbs will be included. Maybe only one ITT.
If they really wanted to go old school, they'd do 2500km in 6 stages with no mountains, fixed gear steel bikes, no teams, make riders carry their own repair gear, and bar riders from receiving any assistance. Actually, that could make for a good race... :D

I still don't think Froome could beat Wiggins head to head this year, but clearly he thinks he could.

I still don't think Froome could beat Wiggins head to head this year, but clearly he thinks he could.

Correct, but he is the one climber that comes close enough to Wiggins in the TT.
It would be a tight battle for sure.

If they really wanted to go old school, they'd do 2500km in 6 stages with no mountains, fixed gear steel bikes, no teams, make riders carry their own repair gear, and bar riders from receiving any assistance. Actually, that could make for a good race... :D

And I believe that drafting was considered a form of support.

As far as TTs go it was more common ot have more than 2 than to have less. I wonder how today's riders woul dhave viewed multiple stages in a day.

Word is the 100th edition of the tour is going to be old school...all the big climbs will be included. Maybe only one ITT.

Well, then according to Froome, Wiggins et al will be "at his service". Let's see how that works out for him.

I still don't think Froome could beat Wiggins head to head this year, but clearly he thinks he could.

You're in the vast minority who thinks he could NOT beat Wiggins. It's so plainly obvious he could. I'm just hoping for that one little crack in Wiggins' climbing, and BANG, over. Only 2 more days to see it though...he may hang on.

You're in the vast minority who thinks he could NOT beat Wiggins. It's so plainly obvious he could. I'm just hoping for that one little crack in Wiggins' climbing, and BANG, over. Only 2 more days to see it though...he may hang on.It certainly isn't "plainly obvious". So far, Wiggins has looked in no difficulty at any time. He didn't respond to Froome's "attack"", no. But he hasn't responded to any of the others, either, except by marginally increasing his cadence and reeling them back in over a few hundred metres or so. We'll never know whether he could have done that to Froome, but my guess is that he probably could - at least to the extent of limiting his losses to less than he would be likely to gain in the TTs.Wiggo has been in awesome form all year, and looks better than ever at the moment. It's by no means clear that Froome could take him.

plainly obvious?

This from a guy who thinks that if the team leader of the strongest team in the race shows 'one little crack' a LT is going to be allowed to ride away and make up a 2+ minute gap for the win.

All right before a TT that plays in the leader's strengths.

yeah, ok.

plainly obvious?

This from a guy who thinks that if the team leader of the strongest team in the race shows 'one little crack' a LT is going to be allowed to ride away and make up a 2+ minute gap for the win.

All right before a TT that plays in the leader's strengths.

yeah, ok.

I recall someone talking abotu Froome riding tempo and doing a lot of work and then afterwards recovering and coming back to the group. And thsi was evidence that Froome was stronger than Wiggins.

That and a couple of displays of speed.

Now if does show Froome is strong. But to me what this shows is the other side of the coin of respect.

If Evans or Wiggnas has a mechanical in the vast majority of siutuations the other will wait. Actually at this point Froome will likely get that respect also. But Froome and Tejay do not have the flip side of respect. If Wiggans or Evans show any weakness others will attack and keep going. Not so for Froome and Tejay. If they show weakness there will be no reaction. It is others that are the main concern. (Actually Froome may be getting the filp side of respect now. If he is weak others may attack, but I'll bet not as quickly as they would Wiggans).