Pro-cycling thread

it’s an elaborate surprise birthday present. Best theory yet

Or Kuss is not actually a nice guy but a psycopath who is holding back to make the other two look bad and that's where he derives his ultimate pleasure. He's been planning it for years.

And it’s just being handled so badly. Niermann says they didn’t have comms when Sepp radioed as they pulled away; Twitter says…

1 Attachment

Have heard from a very reliable source that Sep Kuss in in advanced contract negotiations with Soudal Quick Step next year where he will ride as super domestique for Landa to repay him for today

Doesn't mean anyone has to like or respect them for it.

Also there are gifts all the time in pro cycling. Even Jumbo Visma have indulged in them this season!

I think thats a cop out from the leadership. Either state clearly the seniority in the team - Rog is plan a, vingo backup and Sepp is the domestique and ride to that. Or, accept the strength of the team's position and support the jersey supported by Rog then Vin (whichever order). Either position holds unless/until someone cracks.

remember when remco was considered a serious threat? 😂

The Giro Della Toscana was good today. These later summer Italian races are always enjoyable.

Who??

Jumbo Instagram

Like regular Instagram, only bigger?

I'm just thinking of the poor movistar management. Why oh why did it not work out like this for their 'trident' of leaders?

This!
Imagine how boring this week would be if all of them were locked on time

What happens with TJV at the end of the season if new sponsors aren't sourced?

This is all an elaborate ruse to detract from doping allegations, isn't it?

Is there any chance that contract negotiations/renumeration would be massive if Kuss won, so JV would be happy if it happens but don’t want to back it 100%?

Jonas and Roglic are more likely to have GT win bonuses written into their contract.

The king of Angliru has spoken

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjmvsJkD9To

Fascinating, thanks

Just caught up. My guess is Rog was pissed V-man was allowed to go solo for a stage the other day. Rog therefore had his turn yesterday. V-boy does actually want Kusso to win and prob should have held back instead of tracking Rog, but maybe there’s something spicier going on between those two.

I think from this point they’ll both ride for Kussy. Not seen Roguelic’s interviews tho.

I just don't see how Vingegaard can say he wants Kuss to win after he follows Rog, just to then not contest the stage (though of course there are no gifts in pro cycling)

Pro cycling retains its team dynamic via gifting. Happens on the road, by sharing winnings and collaboration between teams. Odd myth that there are none. History is full of them.

Maybe to at least keep Rog in check, who for all he knew could have rode himself into the red jersey? V at least then maintains some control - I.e if it’s not kuss, it’s at least defo not gonna be Roguelic.

I dunno. Just my guess. V-bro seems like a nice guy.

(Oh and edit - I see your point re the stage win. Maybe cos he was trying to show he wasn’t in it for himself?).

"I deserve the support of the team. I'm not someone who often demands a lot, but I have learned that you have to stand up for yourself every now and then." - seems like not everything was well and good at TJV HQ

Charitable interpretation is V fine with K winning but R isn't, and V wants to keep him in sights just in case..

Its all really fascinating. I fully believe that Vingegaard can be a genuinely nice person while also being unable to help himself when the race is on. You have to have that dog in you if you're going to win the Tour twice.

I guess if Sepp could choose he'd far prefer two more Sepps as his 'domestiques' than these two

Kuss at the rear of the peloton bidon in jersey pocket just now ?