Giro 2025

[rjb]

Highlights being screened on Quest. Starting tonight at 7pm.
Local interest as Paul Double is riding his first grand tour for Jayco Alula, and his dad lives in our village (North Curry in Somerset).

[rjb]

That was a hectic start to the giro. 5 brits in the first heavily reduced group over the line. Paul Double 13th on his first tour start. What an introduction. Plenty more to come based upon todays opening stage.

[xerxes]

Does anyone know where to find a map of the overall route that is actually readable on a computer screen? (And don't suggest the official website!)

[mjr]

Does anyone know where to find a map of the overall route that is actually readable on a computer screen? (And don't suggest the official website!)

https://inrng.com ?

[xerxes]

Does anyone know where to find a map of the overall route that is actually readable on a computer screen? (And don't suggest the official website!)

https://inrng.com ?

Thanks, I can actually read the stage numbers!

[djnotts]

Didn't notice them changing to gravel bikes today....!
Van Aert got wheel sucking to a fine art. If I'd been the Mexican guy I'd have punched him.

[rjb]

Didn't notice them changing to gravel bikes today....!
Van Aert got wheel sucking to a fine art. If I'd been the Mexican guy I'd have punched him.

Wout argued that if he contributed he would disadvantage his team mate for the GC Simon Yates chasing behind. So while it appeared to be blatant wheel sucking there were other factors in play. Isaac DelToro was rightly aggrieved but that's bike racing. I'm sure his chance of revenge will come around in the future but it's certainly making things interesting. Everything to play for.

[djnotts]

I understand the reasoning but even so, it was bad form. The commentary I watched was amusing - van Aert was clearly cruising (dangerously close at points), often free wheeling, and it was obvious he'd have plenty "in the tank" yet much doubt was expressed whether or not he'd be able to come around at the finish.

[mjr]

I understand the reasoning but even so, it was bad form. The commentary I watched was amusing - van Aert was clearly cruising (dangerously close at points), often free wheeling, and it was obvious he'd have plenty "in the tank" yet much doubt was expressed whether or not he'd be able to come around at the finish.

To be fair, WvA did almost end up in the barriers on the final turn and said in his interviews that he was tired and misjudged the turn.

[Pendodave]

Not only the team-mate situation, but the UAE rider is/was very much in the GC race, whereas Wout is very much not. So both of them know that,ultimately, that is the most important objective for the UAE rider. So Wout has all the cards, UAE knows it, so while maybe bring a bit cheesed off, he'll 100% be understanding of the situation once he's cooled off a bit.
Stage hunters deliberately lose time early doors on tours specifically to get the flexibility that this provides.
And honestly, Wout has had such a tough time recently, and so often pulls more than he really ought to, he deserves the break.

[mattheus]

Didn't notice them changing to gravel bikes today....!
Van Aert got wheel sucking to a fine art. If I'd been the Mexican guy I'd have punched him.

Wout argued that if he contributed he would disadvantage his team mate for the GC Simon Yates chasing behind. So while it appeared to be blatant wheel sucking there were other factors in play.

Yes; the main factor being that this is a stage race, not a 1-day. (and quite rightly, Wout's win will rank below his monument wins. I suspect below his other classics wins, but I'm not sure ... )
If Isaac gets on the GC podium, and Wout only has the 1 stage to his name, who will have done better from this Giro?

Isaac DelToro was rightly aggrieved but that's bike racing. I'm sure his chance of revenge will come around in the future but it's certainly making things interesting. Everything to play for.

Was he aggrieved? Not in the interview I saw, but they do a lot of interviews!

[pjclinch]

And honestly, Wout has had such a tough time recently, and so often pulls more than he really ought to, he deserves the break.

This. Much as I like waving a flag for upcoming talent I really wanted Wout to get this.

Pete.

[Pendodave]

Have to say, I didn't see that coming, but chapeau, Simon Yates!
Quite an extraordinary stage, I'm curious to hear what explanations come out afterwards.

[xerxes]

Have to say, I didn't see that coming, but chapeau, Simon Yates!
Quite an extraordinary stage, I'm curious to hear what explanations come out afterwards.

Re Carapaz/Del Toro - I think they call it "cutting off your nose to spite your face" !

[pjclinch]

Must admit when Carapaz fist jumped at the bottom of the big climb, Del Toro followed and SY didn't that it was all over for him... So pleased to be proven wrong!

Tactics for UAE and EF are all very well to ponder, but on a climb like that it's more an individual's legs that will decide it. In any case IDT and RC rode a good race and IDT in particular has done himself proud. I wonder if he'll be back for redemption in a few years like SY?

Pete.