Tour of Romandie

Jumbo really not at the races this week. I thought Kuss would relish the chance to lead the team but really struggled yesterday. Brightest note for them was young Leemreize putting in a solid weeks work. Hopefully he will become known for his riding rather than for being the first rider disqualified for using the super tuck position! 

They were talking on the commentary today as if it wasn't going to ahead at all - or at least not finish up the col.

Hadn't seen that.  Any reason given?

I presume it was the pressure that mounted when he was compared to WVA by a top cycle race analyst.

I had him in Standard and Purist.

Haha, I jinxed him! Felt a bit sick according to his team & took no risks with Giro upcoming. Also in both my teams & probably scuppered my tilt at the TdR purist title! 

Kung and Hirschi screwed my chances.  7th in the end.  Time to stop selecting Hirschi methinks.

Hirschi maybe overhyped after last season. Probably more a rider for one dayers and single stages rather than purist competition. Bevin pulling out did for me.

I'm fairly sanguine. As late as possible seems right one of the most terrible things is getting up late and missing the deadline then finding out the race doesnt actually start for another half hour.

yep I would say as late as possible but understand the issues that may bring. Maybe go with about 30min before as a compromise?

I usually try and set mine up to be about 15 mins to half an hour before roll out.

I would say as late as possible, but fully understand the difficulty of ever changing start times. I perfectly illustrated the dilemma by bringing in Lutsenko late this morning, only for his DNS to be announced after the deadline. Very annoying but we just have to accept that it can't be perfect....... I'll just go off now and swear a lot in the garage! 

I considered Lutsenko...... and loads of other riders.  Generally not had much idea of how today will work out.

Pretty much did nothing in the end.

I usually do my changes the night before as I struggle to gaurantee much time in the morning.  Does mean I have been a regular victim of late COVID withdrawls.

Aye...that losss of time yesterday was tempting for certain, he could have had a very big day in the break. I just brought in Izagirre and Woods...my dither was Woods or Kelderman. I don't think Woods will get much rope at only 25 seconds back though, if any. 

Yes, big gamble on Lutsenko that backfired. With 10 minutes freedom, I felt he could go on a mission & hoover up a stack of bonus points today.... ah well. Leaves me a GC rider or two down on most other players. I'll be rooting for the break today! 

Oh hell. You do better than most for those types of picks as well...usually.

It's knowing when to gamble and when to go safe and bank the GC points that is the real skill. Am generally happy to throw one wildcard in for this type of stage...... if it wasn't Lutsenko I would have put Suter in or even Pellaud so I can't complain about my luck too much! Just wish I had got those GC riders in now.......

It is easier when the GC has formed properly.  If it makes you feel any better, the only change I made was Suter.  He isn't in the break today..... maybe tomorrow?

It is reassuring that I'm not the only one! I did notice last year that we often end up with virtually the same team - great minds and all that! 

Doing almost nothing has maybe worked out for me.  Got the podium and 2-6 on GC.

If I had made another change it was going to be Colbrelli out.  So often less is more with transfers!

Brilliant. Might be a stage win for you. More...a win worthy of note by Colbrelli....that was a tough climb to get over and needs remembering. Is he in the Giro?