Wiggo

purch

Generali wrote: »

Something we can say from observation is that Froome didn't spend the whole time in the mountains in front groups. He gained time some days and lost it on others.

He spent every day in the mountains in total control of the race. When he lost time it was on a flat stage, when the grand tour experience of Contador gave him the chance.

Froome appeared to want to dominate all his rivals, and show who was boss. What he did to Contador on Aix 3 Domaines and Ventoux was humiliating to a former "great" champion, and it was really only the Saturday stage to Semnoz where Froome allowed Qunitana and Rodriquez to take any time out of him.

It is probably not a good comparison, but Froome looked almost "Armstrongesque" in the way he always seemed to want to take every second he could out of his rivals, when it was clear that he was destined to win anyway. I think the way he humbled Contador was not necessary.

angrypirate

michaels wrote: »

We have some good knowledge on this thread. Were Froome's power output levels in the 'unlikely without artificial enhancement' category as seems to be being suggested by his detractors?

His power data from the past 3 days was analysed by L'Equipe and it has been offered to WADA to analyse too. L'Equipe have had several specialists help them look at the data and have found no abnormalities and say its consistent with Froome being clean. His performance up Mont Ventoux is described as up there with cyclists who have been done for doping (very similar ascent time to Lance Armstrong), but still over 3 mins slower than the fastest time ever recorded.

I believe he is clean. I also believe all dopers should be banned for life.

angrypirate

purch wrote: »

He spent every day in the mountains in total control of the race. When he lost time it was on a flat stage, when the grand tour experience of Contador gave him the chance.

Froome appeared to want to dominate all his rivals, and show who was boss. What he did to Contador on Aix 3 Domaines and Ventoux was humiliating to a former "great" champion, and it was really only the Saturday stage to Semnoz where Froome allowed Qunitana and Rodriquez to take any time out of him.

It is probably not a good comparison, but Froome looked almost "Armstrongesque" in the way he always seemed to want to take every second he could out of his rivals, when it was clear that he was destined to win anyway. I think the way he humbled Contador was not necessary.

I dont think he intended to "humble" Contador. I just think he wanted to win. It was Quintana who pushed Froome to his maximum and deliver what he did.

Contador is a cheat and has a win at all costs mentality. His tour de france victory was taken away for him failing a drugs test. He shouldnt even be racing in my opinion. Anyone notice on the Alpe D'Huez stage how Contador stopped and changed bikes shortly after the annoucement that bikes would be weighed at the end of that stage?

Thrugelmir

angrypirate wrote: »

Anyone notice on the Alpe D'Huez stage how Contador stopped and changed bikes shortly after the annoucement that bikes would be weighed at the end of that stage?

Froome changed bikes during the 2nd time trial. To a different type of bike.

Contador switched bikes yesterday as well.

angrypirate

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Froome changed bikes during the 2nd time trial. To a different type of bike.

Contador switched bikes yesterday as well.

Whats your point here? He went from a road bike to a TT bike. Road bike a lot better for climbing, TT bike better for going fast (down hill and flat). No weigh in was annouced, this was pre planned and even expected and a number of riders took this approach.

Alpe d'Huez day was the most altitude gained in any one stage. Being underweight in that stage gave you the most to gain (potentially). Also that was the only stage where the officials announced half way through the stage they would be weighing a number of them (6.8kg min). Shortly after they announced this, Contador switched bikes to an identical bike. Contador had 5 mins to make up to Froome is second position was under threat.

It is perfectly legal to change bikes. However, I just find it coincidental that a man who has cheated before switched bikes shortly after a weigh in was announced.

chewmylegoff

Saying there was no need to humiliate Contador is a bit like suggesting that if England are 3-0 up in the ashes after 3 tests they should stop trying so hard because it would be a bit nasty to beat the Aussies 5-0. Crush them into the dirt.

vivatifosi

Generali wrote: »

Well you were right that Wiggo wasn't on the podium. Froome, Britain's favourite Kenyan, was though! He may have the winning of a couple more TdFs (or Vuelta/Giro) in him too.

I wondered if the fact Froome grew up riding a bike at altitude may have helped. Same with the young Columbian. Then I remembered last year's winner was a secret Belgian...

Beautiful ending to the tour though, it was like a tourist infomercial for Paris.

Thrugelmir

angrypirate wrote: »

Whats your point here?

Merely pointing out that all team leaders are allowed 2 bikes to be carried on their team cars. Nothing in the rules to say that their bikes have to be identical.

Thrugelmir

vivatifosi wrote: »

I wondered if the fact Froome grew up riding a bike at altitude may have helped.

Dave Brailsford's vision is what has put British cycling on the map.

vivatifosi

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Dave Brailsford's vision is what has put British cycling on the map.

Brailsford is amazing. Sky's money probably helped a bit too. Oh, plus, what was it the French said at the Olympics - our wheels were too round.