It’s an odd one this. We all love the underdog, and the unexpected, yet at the same time we want to see the star men perform at the highest level. So for two of the favourites to crash out* before the race really gets serious, for me that diminishes the event somewhat. Not saying it’ll make it easy for Nibali, as if cycling round the whole of France and up those hills would ever be easy, but you know what i mean. I want to see all the big boys, all in peak condition, racing properly and not for it to be decided by weather and bad fortune.
* I know he’s not out, but it doesn’t look good and even if he can get back into contention how much does he burn to do it and what’s the longer term impact. Even if it is a rest day tomorrow.