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taffyboiy
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Joined: 16 Apr 2008
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 Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 1:39 pm Post subject: Intermediate sprints in the mountains |
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Given that none of the main green jersey contenders will be anywhere near the front at the end of mountain stages, can we expect to see them in breaks and hoovering up points in the intermediate ones, before being caught later on and finishing at the back.
Much as I'd like to see Gilbert, Rojas and Cav set off on a break, can anyone who knows better than me point out why that wouldn't be a good strategy? Or confirm that it would?  |
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DenHaag
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Joined: 24 Aug 2008
Posts: 3078
Location: Northumberland
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| Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 2:11 pm Post subject: Re: Intermediate sprints in the mountains |
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| taffyboiy wrote: |
Given that none of the main green jersey contenders will be anywhere near the front at the end of mountain stages, can we expect to see them in breaks and hoovering up points in the intermediate ones, before being caught later on and finishing at the back.
Much as I'd like to see Gilbert, Rojas and Cav set off on a break, can anyone who knows better than me point out why that wouldn't be a good strategy? Or confirm that it would? |
I might be wrong but I don't think they're having them on proper mountain stages this year.
Last edited by DenHaag on Wed Jul 13, 2011 2:12 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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De Rosa
World Champ
Joined: 04 Dec 2002
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| Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 2:12 pm Post subject: |
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| Didn't Hushovd ride off the front in the mountains a few years back to hoover up some points versus Cav? |
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highlandpro
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taffyboiy
Cat 2 Groupie
Joined: 16 Apr 2008
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| Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 2:20 pm Post subject: |
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I remember him doing that - mainly to make a point because Cav had moaned about Hushovd getting him disqualified or something - but it was thought to be highly unusual.
There weren't many points available in the intermediate sprints back then, but we're seeing the sprinters charging for the minor-placings points in the middle of flat stages this year, so I just thought that they might as well maximise that by getting in the break. It's not as if they'll be wrecking their chances of the stage win... |
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DenHaag
E, Gold
Joined: 24 Aug 2008
Posts: 3078
Location: Northumberland
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| Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:07 pm Post subject: Re: Intermediate sprints in the mountains |
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| DenHaag wrote: |
| taffyboiy wrote: |
Much as I'd like to see Gilbert, Rojas and Cav set off on a break, can anyone who knows better than me point out why that wouldn't be a good strategy? Or confirm that it would? |
I might be wrong but I don't think they're having them on proper mountain stages this year. |
I was wrong. They all have a sprint. Mostly before the first big climb, so earlier in the stage. Wish I was off work tomorrow.  |
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taffyboiy
Cat 2 Groupie
Joined: 16 Apr 2008
Posts: 44
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| Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:17 pm Post subject: |
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So there we have it. If I was Rojas, I'd be trying to get the Green jersey by motoring off in the break, winning the intermediate sprint (20 points or so?), then backing off till the peloton arrived, and cruising round the end of the stage with them, safe in the knowledge that none of the other green jersey contenders would pick up anything at the end...
I guess the question really should be - is it worth trying that, knowing that your rivals' teams will try and haul the break in before the intermediate sprint? |
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DenHaag
E, Gold
Joined: 24 Aug 2008
Posts: 3078
Location: Northumberland
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| Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:35 pm Post subject: |
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| taffyboiy wrote: |
So there we have it. If I was Rojas, I'd be trying to get the Green jersey by motoring off in the break, winning the intermediate sprint (20 points or so?), then backing off till the peloton arrived, and cruising round the end of the stage with them, safe in the knowledge that none of the other green jersey contenders would pick up anything at the end...
I guess the question really should be - is it worth trying that, knowing that your rivals' teams will try and haul the break in before the intermediate sprint? |
These stages can be mental at the start. Can't see anyone dangerous being allowed to get away, same as GC? Will be interesting to see if any break can/allowed to get away if it's an early sprint. My guess is that it won't be too different.
Eurosport coverage starts at 11:00 am tomorrow. |
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