Tour de France 2017

That's all. A lot easier said than done though, especially without the assistance of team mates. Froome got 7th yesterday because Kwiatkowski got him into a great position, then he had the legs to make the top ten.

He gave up yellow deliberately yesterday, knowing that he will be able to lose further time on the TT. This means his credibility will be damaged, which means in his next GT, he might be able to get some time without being so closely marked. Then he'll have the leaders jersey when he's got a stronger team to support him.

It's obvious when you think about it.

How many days in yellow now? Funny when that could be described as below par.

This is his 7th day in yellow I think.

But he's shown a vulnerability that wasn't visible before.

Yeah, I realise it isn't a small feat but he's been eating off everybody else's plate for the last few days... Surprised he didn't do the same yesterday, as crowded as it was at the front of the peloton...

I think Sky this year has been a study in how to best use your entire team in a GT. If Froome wins he owes even more than usual to his teammates and the DSs.

Still hoping Uran might spring a surprise or two.

But he's shown a vulnerability that wasn't visible before.

this is an interesting article..

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cycling/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-2017-chris-froome-winning-over-oncehostile-crowds-20170714-gxbt6o.html

Today looks like it could be fun going in to rest day, should be a break away/ non-GC day but Quitana says he wants to make time up today although yesterday said he was tired, Contador is stage hunting and Bardet is the local and apparently AG2R have been busy reconning the course

I'm sure there were boos for Froome at the finish of Stage 12 in Peyragudes though.

perhaps but I was interested in this:-

Roche believes Froome's opposition has to think outside the box tactically this year in light of the strength of the Briton and his teammates.

Froome's main rivals should have gained some confidence on Thursday's steep finish to stage 12 where he could not match their pace and lost 22 seconds.

"They have to start inventing things, otherwise you are going to go to sleep before Paris," Roche says.

Roche believes teams must seize opportunities on all fronts, from racing for the overall classification to winning stages.

"There is only one tour every year and a lot of teams haven't won anything," Roche says. "The cake is not being evenly distributed. Some people are eating the same cake every day. Sponsors want a bit of visibility, and they don't just want it on television with riders being caught before the finish. They want results. So it's very important, the next days."

I doubt Froome is ever going to be popular with the French. He might get to Gallic indifference or even grudging respect but not a lot more.

First shock of the day: de Gendt isn't in the break

Barguil out front again. What a Tour he's having so far.

Enjoying this chat Michael Hutchinson is having on age and reduced race days per year extending careers

happy 35th Andre. You will have to wait until this time next week for your present

Aru aru aru where are you

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Correction: de Gendt is now. He's also contesting the intermediate sprints, as well as seemingly going for polka. Not entirely sure what he is up to.

Pinot got a nice slingshot back to the group from his team car just now. Looked like they were going to shunt the car ahead for a moment...

does Tony Martn, know the train timetable in this valley?

gotonygotonygotonygo

until the cat 1

Katusha have the Slayer CD on the radio

Is there a crossing do we know?

I hope Tony's got this

Raining bloodbags?

AG2R rampage!