Well yesterday was fun wasn't it? Today, I suspect will be less so. Either way, lets see what's in store.
Geraint Thomas is in the yellow jersey before stage 18 to Pau. This was a bit unexpected although he had won the Critérium du Dauphiné before the Tour de France. He’s in a great position after two demanding Pyrenean stages but he is very likely to enjoy some respite before the last two decisive stages of the 105th edition. Pau is kind of a must-have on the route but the city of King Henri IV is a bit too far away from the giants of the Pyrenees so none of them is on the menu today. Two scenarios seem possible on this transition stage: a breakaway is very likely to succeed like in 2012 with Pierrick Fedrigo. Last year it was a bunch sprint won by Marcel Kittel but coming from the north, before the Pyrenean stages. Another bunch gallop can happen but there aren’t many sprinters left, which means not many sprinters teams left to pull behind a breakaway, and green jersey holder Peter Sagan wasn’t unscathed after his crash yesterday
And the last 5km? Flat.
So, who's in the mix?
The Contenders: who’s left? Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) crashed yesterday and is sore but (hopefully) rides on, this could cost him. Arnaud Démare (Groupama-FDJ) has been struggling to meet the time cuts and could be rinsed today, his sprint in Valence last week after the Alps was hampered by his fatigue from the Alps and he’s been slogging across the Pyrenees. Which leaves Alexander Kristoff (UAE-Emirates) as the obvious choice with John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo), Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain-Merida) and Christophe Laporte (Cofidis) in the mix too. But the nailed-on sprint stages require big sprinter teams and today the balance could change, with few sprinters teams left and many teams without a win today this is a stage where a lot of teams will fire riders up the road. This in turn changes the balance of the stage if a bigger move can get clear.
Who to pick for the breakaway? It’s random pick but we need three strong rouleurs or finisseurs, the kind who won’t wait for the sprint today, nor be on team duty so Jasper Stuyven is out as he’ll be working for Degenkolb. So maybe Taylor Phinney (EF Education First-Drapac), Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott), Reinardt Janse Van Rensberg (Dimension Data), Magnus Cort Nielsen (Astana) and Lilian Calmejane (Direct Energie) if he can marshal his energy. Finally Nikias Arndt (Team Sunweb) has won bunch sprints too, often with his customary seated style.
Aaaand as ever, a look back to yesterday.
The grid.
Tough day for Sagan.
This guy has been brilliant all tour.
Grey mountains.
And of course, the victor.
And a pic stolen from the last thread, heck of a pic.
Not a day for the sprinters I predict. Sky will let a massive break go, someone will win from the last hill with a solo attack
Thanks again for these Luge. Its the start point of my day as the first coffee hits my system.
After yesterday I think Sagan is just there to finish now, possibly try and win in Paris, but he's achieved his main objective.
Bbc sport has a link to photos showing froome coming off his bike after being grabbed by a gendarme after the race, Twitter also showing photos of Thomas being grabbed by a 'fan' during the race. I hope sky survive.......
yeah, there's a phone video somewhere of Froome being "caught" by the copper - doesn't start until after he's on the ground though
Very anonymous grey overjackets being worn by him and his minder. Maybe, just maybe part of the problem - didn't see his team kit ?
alternatively, full team kit back through a pack of fans who've been on the beer all day and aren't beyond throwing punches at them even when the gendarmes are there and cameras on them......
I did see he had some kind of minder with him.
Cool stage bro’
For no other reason than this Tour needs to calm down a bit.
Frantic pace and fan fanatics have played thier part, let’s have a stage for a break and for someone whose not really shone so far yet.
Good call on Arnt, how about my favourites Diller and Küng? I reckon, after my stoic predictions, it will be either one today.
And for goodness sake, give Sky some breathing space to enjoy to Tour. The rides do deserve to be at the front, they have prepared immaculately and well mannered.
Lets see some fabulous countryside and some bikes hanging from tractors, kids whirling dervish in fields and pretty ladies waving the tricolour..
Keep up the good work lunge Sunday will soon be here. Great day yesterday (start excluded) but looking forward to a long break today and a win by some who deserves it. Not bothered who but would prefer it to be a lesser team or a rider winning there first tour stage. Its better for some of the glory to be spread around.
I am going for Yates today. He looked good until his crash the other day.
Sagan looked beaten up yesterday and there was even talk that he may not start today. I think he will start, but he don't sprint and will sit it out to try and recover for Paris. That leaves us very short of real sprint talent so I'll go with a Kristoff, Degenkob, Cobrelli podium
I did like Alaphilippe making a point of going to Yates during the stage and shaking his hand, classy thing to do.
Alaphilippe has been classy all race. Those actions earn him huge respect. Love the picture with Didi’s trident. I enjoyed yesterday’s stage, thought the tactics played out well, and am pleased for Nairo. But next-Nairo rode a blinder can’t wait to see how he TTs after three weeks of hard work. That will be his HC coming of age. What a proving ground for the most deserving white jersey rider not yet to wear the jersey. Bernal has been awesome all race
Rolling rest day, with Sonny for the win and Degenkolb on his wheel. I’d like Kristoff to win, but he’s not really been at the pointy end.
Sagan to save himself and finish. Repeat. Maybe have something for Paris. Maybe.
Yeah me to.
Did Sagan make the roll out?
Did Sagan make the roll out?
Yeah, just rolled out now.. bandaged but there
Small break with no-one we recognise in has edged out..
Just previous winners of Paris Roubaix and Flanders..;)
They're about to be gobbled up anyway.
Not sure Demare's deviation was totally kosher there
That picture of Didi and Alaphillipe is awesome. Have to see if there is a high res one somewhere on the web
Small break with no-one we recognise in has edged out..
The 2 Aussies are ones to watch (if it lasted) for next time