Here’s our thoughts for Monday:
1. As we predicted, this weekend’s stages at the Vuelta have separated the men from the boys–or have they? As it stands after today’s Stage 15 we have 6 riders within 1:54 of one another. Of those, Valverde, Sanchez, Evans, and Basso seem the most lilely to take the overall win thanks to their superior time trialing abilities. For my money, look for Evans to unleash some serious revenge on the others for not waiting for him to have his wheel changed following a flat tire in Saturday’s stage, thus costing him a minute on GC. Assuming of course that no one gains serious time on the last summit finish.
2. And speaking of Saturday, should they have waited for Cadel? Had he been in the golden jersey, yes. He wasn’t though, so they can technically claim they had no obligation. That said, was there really any reason not to have waited? He flatted near the top of a climb; they could have easily coasted for a bit, allowing him to regain contact before descending to Sierra Nevada. Also, they weren’t really chasing anyone and there were no contenders chasing from behind. Seems to me that Cadel’s reputation for being a bit of a brat might have caught up with him. Regardless, waiting would have been the most sporting gesture. Two wrongs never make a right–unless you’re talking about Danilo DiLuca.
3. Here’s perhaps the most overwrought Cyclingnews line ever: “As he basks again in Vuelta glory this Sunday eve–a fortnight before the World Championships–Cunego will surely now be starting to hear the dulcet tones of Switzerland’s siren worlds song.”
4. Paris-Brussels was won by Matthew Goss, a rider with a serious future in the Spring Classics. Romain Feillu took the win Sunday in Fourmies. Too bad the course for Worlds isn’t a bit flatter; he might have earned an invitation.
5. And speaking of Worlds, the Italian and German Worlds teams have been announced. No real surprises other than the fact that zee Germans apparently think this year’s race is being held in Zolder, Belgium.
6. Did you hear (courtesy of Cycling Quotient) that Garmin will not be renewing the contracts of Mike Friedman, Jason Donald, Kilian Patour and Blake Caldwell? Hans Dekkers (Landbouwkrediet) and Chris Sutton (Sky) are also leaving, along with several riders yet to be confirmed. Just thought you’d like to know.
That’s it for today. Hopefully you’re enjoying the waning days of summer.
What’s on your mind? The Vuleta? Worlds?
Share your comments below.
