Tour de France 2017

am a bit worried for the podium girls today

Who will supply the johnnies?

So will Sky start chasing this break? current timings would have them losing yellow?

Not seen the break, but assuming they let it go because they didn't see anyone being a threat in it, they won't waste any energy chasing it down to save yellow for G.

It's been a nice bonus, but Sky of all teams will be ruthlessly focused on the long plan

The break won't stay away. BMC seem to fancy Porte's chances today (and why not) so have taken on responsibility for keeping the break in check.

I'd love to see Porte in yellow because Sky wanted to lose it/saw no need to keep G in it, while also seeing Porte as a safe holder. And then struggling to get him out of it.

I doubt Sky see Porte as a safe holder. Voeckler would be the ideal man for that.,

I've put a 33/1 bet on Eddie B

Break has to be chased down because Gilbert is in it.

Surely they'd rather avoid 2 and a half weeks of the pains of defending the maillot. Not to mention press conferences, doping control etc. Not saying they want Porte to have it, but it will be a burden at this early stage. Regardless, he's a bit far back on G and Froome.

From the Tickers it looks like the break is pushing hard, a short sharp climb at the end so could be interesting, could be a surprise today, I'm probably wrong though!

Why would that matter?

+1 Not sure today will be significant yet.

Alot of effort put in by BMC, Im sceptical of Porte being able to keep the yellow if he gets in it.

They'll get eaten up on the climb unless one of them manages something super-human.

Cue Gilbert jumping free and soloing to victory.

The peloton will accelerate into the foot of the climb, then race up it. The break will be tired after spending all day out front, they won't have enough of a gap to fend off the chase.

Froome and Thomas would have to have a spectacular off day to lose the jersey to Porte today.

or BMC burn the majority to get porte in the jersey. You reckon its not possible?

Because he's in virtual yellow on the road right now.

Anything is possible, but Porte has 30 seconds to make up on a 6 km climb, which Sky are hitting fresh. I can't see it.

Millar just used "criterion" correctly as the singular. So nice to have a well educated nice boy commentating.

Sarcasm aside, I am enjoying Ned and Dave.

Pretty sure Boasson Hagen is in virtual yellow with 16 seconds.

Oh yeah, I totally forgot big Eddie.

Same comment.

I don't think Sky are giving any fucks about who's got the yellow jersey tonight

I bet G does.

He knows it's not worth them wasting energy chasing just so he can have another glory day.

Sucks for him, but it's a team game.