Pro Cycling Thread 2023

Bear · 17 Aug 2023 at 16:11

Wonder what on earth is going on at Ineos, Tao GH, Martínez, Sivakov, Tullet and potentially Rodríguez. Looks like they are losing a load of their young talent with little in the way of signings to replace them. I know there are rumours that they are trying to sign Evenepoel but I would have thought as he is under contract, Lefevre would kick up an absolute stink unless a large sum of money was going their way but even then that doesn’t leave QS in a very good state as a team.

SoliD · 17 Aug 2023 at 20:17

Surprised Rodriguez hasn't been announced yet considering he was one of the first to be talked about leaving until his performance at the tdf. and with the exception of Tao although he only really came good this year after 2 years of mediocrity I'd say most of the riders have been a bit disappointing. Sivakov brought in to win gc or be that last mountain domestique and barely done it, same with martinez apart from last year's giro, tullett not really seen much of him, but as a smaller rider be interesting to see what he does. Think they're big time interested in remco or Pog if they can buy out either contract and no doubt trying to budget accordingly for that and the support they will require.

One More Solo · 20 Aug 2023 at 14:42

Catching up on Watts Occurring. Going to be honest and say Luke Rowe calling climate protesters dickheads when he rides for the biggest greenwashing outfit going is not a good look.

SoliD · 20 Aug 2023 at 16:49

Haha yeah thought exactly the same. If that was in the heat of the moment can understand it but saying it a week after the event not too clever.

AndyCr15 · 27 Aug 2023 at 17:10

Vuelta TTT was interesting... last few teams riding in VERY dark conditions. Is there a reason they planned it so late in the day?

SoliD · 28 Aug 2023 at 08:20

Because its better for TV ratings...

AndyCr15 · 28 Aug 2023 at 08:29

If that was the case, why do all other stages finish so early in comparison?

SoliD · 28 Aug 2023 at 20:06

AndyCr15 said:
If that was the case, why do all other stages finish so early in comparison?

Because it's safer to run a short tt in a city centre apparently at that time of night. Not accounting for the fact it may not have horrific weather and therefore no light. Ie stupidity. Not the first time a vuelta tt has had an evening Stert and ran out of light because the weather was less than ideal.

Junglist · 30 Aug 2023 at 16:49

Remco already has a big lead over Jonas (hey, if i supported him heavily in the tour I should do the same here!) but only 11s over 2nd place in the GC.

SoliD · 31 Aug 2023 at 15:03

That time difference can evaporate ridiculously quickly at this vuelta. Sounds like his team might have some sickness too.

Junglist · 31 Aug 2023 at 15:10

I'm following a text update. Soudal chasing the breakaway? I'll try and catch the last climb but it'll be a sneaky one on my desk at work

Junglist · 31 Aug 2023 at 16:04

Rog just dropped the sandbags

UTmaniac · 3 Sep 2023 at 13:26

Tour of Britain live on ITV4, breakaway just started first stage categorised climb.

robj20 · 3 Sep 2023 at 13:38

Wondered what all the cones along the local roads were this morning. Glad I was out and about before it.

Junglist · 8 Sep 2023 at 16:24

Jonas likes hills doesn't he.

How are TJV so strong?!

SoliD · 8 Sep 2023 at 20:55

Junglist said:
Jonas likes hills doesn't he.

How are TJV so strong?!

I can't help but be highly suspicious of anything they're doing. No team has been this dominant unless under the influence of some sort of PED. it may be that what they have found is not currently illegal but give it a few years and it'll be banned.

One More Solo · 10 Sep 2023 at 08:43

I’ve no doubt they’re pushing the boundaries and Vingegaard’s trajectory is pretty nuts but the other side is they’ve got loads of money and have spent it wisely. Bit like Sky a few years ago, they have domestiques who would be genuine GC contenders in other teams (as Kuss is showing currently).

The interesting thing is what happens when riders leave JV - I can’t think of many high profile examples yet but it would be interesting to see how their careers go afterwards.

Junglist · 12 Sep 2023 at 16:26

I wouldn't mind being a fly in the Jumbo Visma bus tonight.

Bear · 12 Sep 2023 at 16:33

Junglist said:
I wouldn't mind being a fly in the Jumbo Visma bus tonight.

If I was Kuss I would be ****** off if my team mates attacked me, although Kuss looked like he was starting to run out of juice. G called it saying that Jonas and Rog didn’t come to the race to potter around to protect Kuss so expect Kuss to be attacked by them

edit: looks like they wanted to get the win for NvH as he was involved in a car crash with his pregnant wife.

Junglist · 12 Sep 2023 at 17:59

Even if going for the win for their team mate. That’s one way to attack it