Pro-cycling thread

Strange how out-of-the-action he's been after his storming about in Cali. Hopefully this is the first of many.

The best Sky rider today was 61st. When was the last time they were so out of the GC action in a stage race, never mind a GT? That's got to affect how the team performs, so for Tao I think it's about learning how his body reacts to three weeks of racing.

It's interesting that Enric Mas is doing so well, him and Tao had a great battle in the Tour de Savoie Mont Blanc two years ago when they were u23 riders. Mas rode the Vuelta last year in his neo-pro season.

Assuming Yates can defend his lead today, and that is a decent if, surely it is unprecedented for all three GTs to be won by three different riders from the same country in the same year?

It is. And 2 out of 3 this year is not bad.

It's a mind-boggling possibility

Simon Yates looks fucking ridiculous in those sunglasses

Talk of the devil

I don't hate them. His helmet is fucking hideous though.

Tao needs some company

He has said he's not entirely happy with his performance in the Vuelta. Must be an odd one though - first grand tour with Sky and it's unlike any grand tour they've ridden in years.

Say what we will about the evil Valverde he reach over and shock hands at the start of the race. Which is pretty respectful to Yates.

DeGendt kwiato Nibali Majka all in the break.

Well he cheated but he still loves his mum.

Tao got company, and good company it is.

Oh dont get me wrong he def has a dodgy past just thought it was a nice gesture that's all.

How long before Aru blows up?

Aru has blown up 👍

Lasted longer than I thought.

It’s all going Pete Tong for Movistar.

Valverde kpowwwwwww

Valverde is a real sorry sight at the moment as he struggles to hold Quintana's wheel. Yates is now at 22 seconds with 2.8km to go.

Well played to Quintana for dropping back and helping him finish.

Awful season for Movistar really. The trident blunted at the Tour and now this, tumbling off the podium on the penultimate stage, and Quintana a shadow of himself.

Brilliant ride by Yates, boxed more cleverly than the Giro, chapeau.

5 GTs in a row for British riders

How many wins for Quick Step this season already? 65?

I'd say if he has genuine GC aspirations Mas should leave Quickstep but then he has just managed second.

He’s only 23, I can see some epic GC battles with Bernal in future.

Sergio Henao off to UAE, which comes as no surprise.

We'll never see that study on altitude natives now.