Pro-cycling thread

Oof. Just caught up with the highlights. What a finish.

I guess Cav's skillset does suit a short stabby climb, great to see how much heart he rides with. Love the story of him turning up to a handicap race in Manx, where they all absolutely hammered it.

^ sounds ace. Link to details?

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cavendish-feeling-good-ahead-of-tour-de-france-after-strong-nationals-display

That was flipping excellent. Great racing!

So much heart in Cav's effort. Thrilling race.

Thanks for the link.

Sky team looks very strong. I didn't expect to see Porte.

You flatter me, Sir.

He only rode half the Giro.

I know - from what I read it sounded like he wasn't going to the tour. Great for Sky that he is. Arguably 5 riders who could go top 10 on GC if they were riding for themselves.

Froome, Porte, Thomas, Stannard, Poels, Roche, Rowe, König, Kennaugh in case anyone was wondering

Oh the chat's moved to the TdF thread. Fair enough.

Best hair 2014/15. Doesn't lie.

http://inrng.com/2015/07/team-sky-budget-finances/

Interesting reading if only for the fact it mentions Sky letting Porte go to BMC.

Telegraph cycling podcast seem to be reporting that as fact recently too.

Is it the right move for him? He's going to be behind TvG but maybe he realises he's not going to successfully lead a team at the TdF for anybody. Might give him another tilt at the Giro though.

I've no idea what his goals are, even. TBH I find it hard to understand the decisions behind probably 80% of what happens in pro cycling, from in-race tactics to predictions to selection to transfers.

Goals are probably: earn some cash, ride my bike, be the new Cadel.

Think he'd probably like to have his pick of GTs as leader. Not sure he'll get that at BMC with TvG, not straight away at any rate. He's basically failed in his GT ambitions at Sky anyway, so maybe a change of team could force a change of luck. I reckon he deserves a bit more luck at least.

Ready to Fight - Muax feat. Da Gorilla (formerly known as André Greipel)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=128&v=QBr-gamddds

33/1 on dowset winning first stage is mental

Keep it thread, yo

http://www.lfgss.com/conversations/254612

He won't win though. He might get close.

6-1 top 3

Yeah I dunno if he'll go top 3. I was going to put £10 on him each way, it's a good bet.