Pro-cycling thread

Ritchie Porte getting gastroenteritis before the Vuelta, he just can’t catch a break...

Lots of excitement about the start of the Vuelta today then?

I'm excited. I think there are more than a few riders out for redemption and a few that know that this is a good chance to get on the podium. Id love to see kwiato win it. Quintana has the most riding on his shoulders thou and really needs to get this. Porte just had rubbish luck but maybe he can break this curse this tour but he has already admitted that he is no where near his best by a long shot. Amazing chance for Tao GH to repeat his efforts in the Dauphine.

Kwiato Nibbles not sure who I'd want 3rd be cool if Dennis could pull something out the bag thou.

I’m hoping Pinot goes well

Pinot is a good bet too actually. Actually just re read the start list. I hope Benoot does well too. Fuck me I sound like Kirkby picking name after name.

Speaking of that him I guess itv will only do highlights this year?

Eurosport the home of cycling. 16:50 start time 17:01 your program will start shortly...

That castle at Malaga looks amazing.

Not sure the Spanish cameras are going to show much of Tao's ride but he's off!

Crazy picking a winner this year. So many coming back from illness or injury. Feels like a wide open race. Imma pick Uran because I like his hair and he is plucky. Also he is due GT win after 3 second places.

We should have a sweepstake

Good run by Tao just 4 seconds off, 8th on the stage. Bungled that last corner a bit cost him a second or two.

Presumably everyone has a much better and cooler thing to do on a bank holiday weekend than watch the Vuelta. I think Tao is going to join Eurosport post race.

Good run by Kwiato. That last corner is a bit dodge.

Wow Kwiato

Sasha Baron Cohen just started

It's like the giro all over again good ride by Dennis.

That skinsuit is much better than then American one.

Of course it is.

I’m hoping Pinot goes well

Too hot for him surely. Would be nice to see him podium though.
Kwiato has no chance, surely.

Zakarin on the deck already

The 2019 worlds are in Yorkshire. Who sets the course: local organisers (British cycling?) or the UCI?

It's loosely based on an episode of Last Of The Summer Wine, with some input from the UCI.

Prologue; each team splits into groups of four, each group has to pilot a wheeled bath through Holmfirth high street.

It's hard going back to Carlton Kirby after enjoying the Tour with Ned.