Presumably because the narrow climb last year contributed to the motorcycle running into Van Avermaet as he began his charge. https://youtu.be/xZa1gjVDU60?t=4
Hopefully, the coverage will be much improved and less Spanish chaos than last year. It was in the same league as Stage 2 of this year's Tour of Yorkshire.
Note there is no clock running on the finish line gantry. There was no rush of passing media motorcycles to photograph the winner, or team car present, as they were held up by the crash. Hence, Yates uncertainty.
Zakarin is in the Katusha team after being taken off the plane to Rio at the last moment.
With heavy legs still to recover from the TdF, will the steep final climb suit fresher contenders like Wellens, Kwiatkowski, or Contador?
Four months, not three, counted from when he stopped racing (rather than when it became public or when the ban was imposed). He started, and unlike many, finished the foul weathered Tour of Poland that ran during the TdF.
Originally Posted by cmq2: “Four months, not three, counted from when he stopped racing (rather than when it became public or when the ban was imposed). He started, and unlike many, finished the foul weathered Tour of Poland that ran during the TdF.”
Well he's a northerner, so used to bad weather
I notice the Ride London world feed up, is there something going off today ahead of the main race tomorrow?
Originally Posted by grassmarket: “There are various events today including a para race, junior races and a women's race which will be on BBC at 18:00 and Eurosport at 17:00”
There are two - count 'em two! - live races on the Bike! Channel next week. Starting Monday, the Tour of Utah. Starting Tuesday, the Vuelta a Burgos from Spain.
Originally Posted by grassmarket: “There are two - count 'em two! - live races on the Bike! Channel next week. Starting Monday, the Tour of Utah. Starting Tuesday, the Vuelta a Burgos from Spain.”
they're a bit amateur when it comes to promoting........I've been on the website and can't find any mention of either of those races
the TV schedule pages for Monday and Tuesday are blank as well......
Not a classic edition of the race but the TV coverage was great. They maintained pictures except for the short sections of the narrow climbs with heavy tree cover. New clean sharp graphics as well.
Unsurprising that Valverde plays his usual tactic, scuppering the chase by refusing to work with Gallopin.
Good compensation for Mollema after his nosedive in the last couple of stages of the Tour
I thought the TV pictures were a bit scratchy.......quite a bit of pixellation and jumpy picture, but I suppose that's not uncommon on live coverage when it goes up and down dale and through woods etc, basically on any bike race.
Originally Posted by grassmarket: “Blimey, Kirsten Wild is massive compared to the other girls. Never mind, Trotty will show her what the Omnium is all about!”
A bit like Greipel then. Maybe Trott has a perfect lead out woman like Cav found at this year's TdF.
Though it may mean more competition for the medal places as Wild is formidable, so Trott will have her work cut out with Edmondson and Hammer also amongst the favourites for gold.
The woman at the finish line telling people to slow down is really annoying me now, hope it isnt being picked up by the commentators mics and go on into the race.