Jed19

Isn't that the most despicable sentiment you ever heard expressed? I bet that statement makes Froome all warm and fuzzy towards him, eh?

This Sir Wiggo is frigging unbelievable, Isn't he?

ColnagoC40

While neither of them are perfect, I don't judge either and respect their achievements. I did not find the sentiment despicable? It's just the British way of saying if anything happens to Froome, he is available for the team. I believe he went as far as saying he willing to support Porte in that case. The latest statements from Froomey about Brad being "weak" and what is in his book does not help either. Anyways, I don't judge either of them and respect what both have achieved.

asharx

Go Contador Go!

jyl

They clearly don't get on, do they?

No-brainier to leave Wiggins off the TdF team. Interesting that he's been cleared by Sky to race track events this year.

ColnagoC40

Here is a more detailed report of what Wiggins actually said. Personally, I think he handled that pretty well and is aware that he has to behave towards getting into a new team for another TDF.

Sir Bradley Wiggins will not ride in Tour de France and could leave Team Sky - Telegraph

cruiserhead

here's a direct link to the article:

jyl

Wiggins's Tour de France absence opens door further for Orica-GreenEdge | Cycling News

Read this and tell me how it makes sense.

I don't think it does.

Wiggins wants to medal in Rio. Which means he needs to ride lots of track, be at track weight, win enough to make the UK team, in 2015. That seems incompatible with being a GC guy.

Also, Wiggins has said he wants to ride more classics, like another shot at Paris-Roubaix. Also not wholly compatible with being the team's GC man.

I think OGE should go for a younger GC guy, or two.

By the way, I like Wiggins including all his prickly dickish-ness, and he's got his place in cycling history. He may not ultimately win the most TdFs for the UK but he won the first one. Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon, who was the second anyway? Add the Olympic golds and that is a heck of a career there. I'd like to see him try for a classic rather than try to chase pint sized Columbians up the mountains.

ColnagoC40

Based on Froomey's team mates peformances, Criterium-du-Dauphine, closest team mate sits at 17 at 2 1/2 minutes behind, next sits 67 at 11 minutes behind in Stage 2, he really needs better support for the TDF. Porte has been dropped pretty early.

If Brailsford is smart, he would have a come to Papa talk with his two boys and get them to work together in the TDF.

Interesting times, I believe it is a bit early to write off Wiggo for the tour, even though Froomey is displaying top form.

eja_ bottecchia

It is amazing to read people on this board calling out Wiggins as a prima donna or a "crying girl."

Wiggins' palmares speak volumes about his ability and his toughness on the track and on the road.

I am not a Wiggins' fan, and I certainly don't like Sky, but he is an excellent rider who, at age 35, still has a lot of riding left in his legs.

I'd like to see all the armchair critics here take him on for a lap or two around the track...

Jed19

Sure eja, I am one of those critics you are referring to. And I am sure I can't keep Wiggins wheel (lol). The issue for me is his attitude. He was not the best GC rider on that SKY 2012 TdF team, and he knew it. He was the anointed team leader, and that was good enough for me. However, he sucked Froome's wheel over the mountains to win that tour. And then to refuse to pay Froome his share of the bonus just spoke volume about the guy.

Good cyclist? Sure. Classy guy? That one is kinda dicey.

ColnagoC40

If you were the team leader, ahead in the GC, good TT and you have team mates that are paid to support you, some of them close to your ability, would you fall in love with the one who is a bit better on the climbs if he decides he wants to steal your glory?

Or, would you prefer a team who does not work together and each rides for his own interests?

Caretaker

Maybe, then maybe not. Still he managed to take 2 minutes from Froome over the 3 ITTs that year.

CrankyOne

I think Wiggo's problem is that he isn't hungry enough, doesn't want it bad enough. Possibly the same issue with TJvG. HOWEVER, Wiggo might be hungry enough to see Froome eat something to make for an interesting race.

patrickgm60

Neither Froome nor Wiggins are looking their best, Contador having his way with CF on Stage 8 of CdD, and Sir Bradley currently lying in 56th place after 3 stages in Tour of Switzerland. Interesting thought: What if Team Sky is irrelevant at TdF this year?

sprince

I think they use up their riders by over training them. Now they are running out of fresh meat (Wiggo is not one to be pressured into over training, or anything else for that matter). Would not be a bit surprised if they fail to podium.