18-07-2016, 00:30
Thanks, Snooty. I just noticed that too just before I logged on here. RIP Carol Boardman.
Today's stage was won by a Colombian, but not the one who needs to start doing something positive. This one was Jarlinson Pantano who outsprinted Rafal Majka of Poland after Majka had been involved in just about every move during the day. At one time the breakaway had consisted of 30 riders, but they were gradually split up by various attacks. The peloton rolled in over 3 minutes behind the winner, although they had earlier been as much as 8'30" behind.
The biggest gain of the day is in the Polka Dot jersey race where Majka scored heavily - 3 firsts and 3 seconds - without much opposition to lead De Gendt by 37 points and Navarro by 58 points.
Stage 16 tomorrow is quite complicated to predict because there are too many contenders who had a relatively easy day today. Although it is fairly flat, it has an intermediate sprint and a Category 4 climb in the last 40km but not much else of note. However there is a short, sharp uphill section just before the cobbled (slippery if wet!) finish in Berne which could sap the energy of a few fancied sprinters. Berne is the home of Fabian Cancellera, who is riding in his last TdF. Is he saving himself for a final flourish? Mark Cavendish rides for Dimension Data, a South African team. Tomorrow is Mandela Day and they won the equivalent stage last year with Steve Cummings, who could also be considered. Unless Chris Froome is saving himself for The Alps, he is also in the mix. Personally I think it's time Peter Sagan showed his face again and he is the aggressive type of rider who might take this stage by the scruff of the neck and make it his.
Today's stage was won by a Colombian, but not the one who needs to start doing something positive. This one was Jarlinson Pantano who outsprinted Rafal Majka of Poland after Majka had been involved in just about every move during the day. At one time the breakaway had consisted of 30 riders, but they were gradually split up by various attacks. The peloton rolled in over 3 minutes behind the winner, although they had earlier been as much as 8'30" behind.
The biggest gain of the day is in the Polka Dot jersey race where Majka scored heavily - 3 firsts and 3 seconds - without much opposition to lead De Gendt by 37 points and Navarro by 58 points.
Stage 16 tomorrow is quite complicated to predict because there are too many contenders who had a relatively easy day today. Although it is fairly flat, it has an intermediate sprint and a Category 4 climb in the last 40km but not much else of note. However there is a short, sharp uphill section just before the cobbled (slippery if wet!) finish in Berne which could sap the energy of a few fancied sprinters. Berne is the home of Fabian Cancellera, who is riding in his last TdF. Is he saving himself for a final flourish? Mark Cavendish rides for Dimension Data, a South African team. Tomorrow is Mandela Day and they won the equivalent stage last year with Steve Cummings, who could also be considered. Unless Chris Froome is saving himself for The Alps, he is also in the mix. Personally I think it's time Peter Sagan showed his face again and he is the aggressive type of rider who might take this stage by the scruff of the neck and make it his.
Cabbage is still good for you