Pro-cycling thread

He’s full of confidence, isn’t he? The course suits him too, none of the time trials are long and flat, in fact all three have a significant climb in them, and the mountain stages suit his style of racing.

He’s also the most recent GT winner in the field.

He’s also the most recent GT winner in the field.

Interesting. The last GT winner is Dumoulin from 2017.

Yates, vuelta 2018?

After Yates, yes.

Well it’s not a total surprise. Before Yates it was 4 grand tours in a row for Sky and neither Gee nor Froome are bothering.

Cannondale choice of 56-38 chainrings going well LOL

but they took it on a test ride and its was all working fine....
right.

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Lads flying.

Great to see TGH up there.

Top ride by Lopez too. Expected him to ship plenty today.

Perfect start for Yates, gained time on all his rivals bar Roglic, and leaves Jumbo-Visma with the jersey to manage.

Yes, Lopez definitely did well today. I think a lot of people are underestimating him ahead of the race, he was on the podium in two GTs last year and is a year older and stronger.

It'll be interesting to see if Roglic can get rid of the jersey. The closest sprinter to the maglia rosa is probably Sam Bennett, but he's 1'40" back, so isn't going to get it even if he wins the next five stages. Jumbo-Visma will have to let a break go in the hope that none of the sprinters' teams are prepared to chase, which looks difficult given the number of sprint stages in the opening week.

Anyone else just want anyone but Yates to win?

Oui

Why?

He doesn’t seem to inspire any fans, not sure why.
Generally exciting, attacking racing, would be good to see him have some redemption for the capitulation in 2018

In interviews he's incredibly dull, but as a rider he's a full blooded racer. I'd hate to race against him, he's unpredictable and has a knack for knowing when to attack decisively.

Roglic makes Yates sound like the peloton's Alan Bennett.

Anyone but Yates for me.

Completely superficial reasons, which is awful. His manner, riding style, interviews and glasses mostly. Probably a huge amount due to his glasses.
@andyp and @Acliff are completely right ofc, he's thrilling to watch race. I feel like his redemption came in the vuelta, it'll be good if he gets a good challenge in Italy.

Was Zakarin overgeared on that SRAM single ring rubbish?

Carapaz looking like a good top 5 bet again.

That's Sean Bennett not Sam

I think Yates is great.