Giro d'Italia / Tour de France

[From Distant Shores]

I can understand why Wiggo feels uncertain in the rain but, in that case, I cannot fathom why he chooses to live in Lancashire.

Let's hope for a two week dry spell after today's rest day.

 

[Knockout Ned]

You'd think he'd be used to it.

Maybe they should spend a winter training camp in Wales, that'd sort him out!

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Big mountains today. Looks like Sky are coming out to play and are trying to rest control from Nibali's Astana team. Going to be fucking carnage.

 

[Sniffer]

Wiggins struggling to stay in touch on the final climb.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

He is going to lose a few seconds here at least. And that is why the giro is no good for Wiggins. The hills are too steep.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Great performance by Uran

 

[Knockout Ned]

He is going to lose a few seconds here at least. And that is why the giro is no good for Wiggins. The hills are too steep.

Couldn't agree more, he's been working on his climbing but I always felt these ramps wouldn't suit him.

Another big chunk of time lost with Nibali seemingly comfortable.

Shame Uran wasn't closer going into that stage, would have been very interesting seeing how Astana would react. Good riding.

Good long finish from Oss and the Latvian today too.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I enjoyed today even if nothing happened for gc. When Eurosport said they were close to the zoncolan the sadist in me wanted a finish on that hill

 

[Sniffer]

Wiggins suffering with a chest infection. If he has got an infection he's doing remarkably well as the last time I had one I couldn't move for a couple of days..

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I saw that. I also saw Cadel's interview at the finish of the first mountain stage and he sounded rough as fuck, coughing like he had altitude sickness. Think some bug is flying round the peleton.

I am hoping that the Galibier climb won't be neutralised over the weekend. They are still shifting snow off it at the moment.

 

[Knockout Ned]

Close one for the break today, 'comfortable' for Cavendish in the end.

Wiggins clearly struggling, chance of an abandon?

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I reckon so - he clearly isn't well and any chance of winning has gone

 

[Kenny]

I wish I could cycle up a Mountain with a chest infection as be classed as looking "a little bit fucked"

 

[Kenny]

Wiggins has pulled out due to illness

 

[Knockout Ned]

Wiggins has pulled out due to illness

Right decision, he still has chance to make something of his season if he looks after himself. Which he wouldn't be doing over the next week if he'd continued!

Evans versus Nibali for the next few days then, would love to see Cadel overhaul him but I think it's unlikely. May all be over by Sunday night on the Galibier...

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I think the Galibier might be neutralised, as might the summit finish tomorrow, due to snow. Advantage Cadel if that happens as I reckon he can take some time back from Nibali in the TT.

 

[Knockout Ned]

Galibier is sometimes closed all the way through to June, they knew this was coming so hopefully they're prepared and can make it happen.

Assuming no more snow on the way....

 

[Knockout Ned]

Scratch that...

http://road.cc/content/news/84137-col-du-galibier-giro-menu-more-snow-forecast-weekend

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Confirmed : no Sestriere today, no Mont Cenis or Galibier tomorrow. Fucking shame.

 

[Knockout Ned]

No live pictures either! (stage 14 at least)