Just seen it - that last 50 metre power is back - that's what's making the difference. That and the instinct he's always had to detach from the leadout and find the best wheel. That sprint was a mess - and this time two months ago, Cav would have been far enough back to get caught up in the carnage behind. This isn't a false dawn - he's back. Just have to hope that the Epstein Barr hasn't affected the top end too much. He can definitely win GT stages again - though need to see him against a class field to see where he is really.
Just seen it - that last 50 metre power is back - that's what's making the difference. That and the instinct he's always had to detach from the leadout and find the best wheel. That sprint was a mess - and this time two months ago, Cav would have been far enough back to get caught up in the carnage behind. This isn't a false dawn - he's back. Just have to hope that the Epstein Barr hasn't affected the top end too much. He can definitely win GT stages again - though need to see him against a class field to see where he is really.
The confidence is back too ... which is essential for him, he needs to believe.
Just seen it - that last 50 metre power is back - that's what's making the difference. That and the instinct he's always had to detach from the leadout and find the best wheel. That sprint was a mess - and this time two months ago, Cav would have been far enough back to get caught up in the carnage behind. This isn't a false dawn - he's back. Just have to hope that the Epstein Barr hasn't affected the top end too much. He can definitely win GT stages again - though need to see him against a class field to see where he is really.
Cmon Leroy, dont do this to me... Dont give me hope!!
Noticed there arent many Mountain Stages in the Tour this year, is it one that'll favour the Sprinters more?
Just seen it - that last 50 metre power is back - that's what's making the difference. That and the instinct he's always had to detach from the leadout and find the best wheel. That sprint was a mess - and this time two months ago, Cav would have been far enough back to get caught up in the carnage behind. This isn't a false dawn - he's back. Just have to hope that the Epstein Barr hasn't affected the top end too much. He can definitely win GT stages again - though need to see him against a class field to see where he is really.
Cmon Leroy, dont do this to me... Dont give me hope!!
Noticed there arent many Mountain Stages in the Tour this year, is it one that'll favour the Sprinters more?
Not really. There are a couple of grippy stages straight away in Brittany, which could be enough to soften the sprinters up so that the next two (pan flat) are messier than usual - which would suit him. There's another sprint stage after the TT, but then three bastards before the rest day. Stage after the rest day should be a bunch sprint, and then after the Ventoux stage there are a couple more - so probably six stages overall for sprinters.
It's a moot point anyway, Bennett is the man - no way Lefevere will run the risk of taking Cav as backup, IMO, because there's too much risk it'll cause unrest in the team. Better to send him to the Vuelta if they're going to send him to a GT.
Just seen it - that last 50 metre power is back - that's what's making the difference. That and the instinct he's always had to detach from the leadout and find the best wheel. That sprint was a mess - and this time two months ago, Cav would have been far enough back to get caught up in the carnage behind. This isn't a false dawn - he's back. Just have to hope that the Epstein Barr hasn't affected the top end too much. He can definitely win GT stages again - though need to see him against a class field to see where he is really.
In his post race interview I think he said (he was wearing a mask so couldn’t hear too clearly) that the confidence is back, rather than the swagger. Which echoes what you’re saying. For me watching racing is 40% more enjoyable when Cav is in contention. He more than anyone got me interested back in 2009/10. It’s his passion for the sport that shines through.
Just seen it - that last 50 metre power is back - that's what's making the difference. That and the instinct he's always had to detach from the leadout and find the best wheel. That sprint was a mess - and this time two months ago, Cav would have been far enough back to get caught up in the carnage behind. This isn't a false dawn - he's back. Just have to hope that the Epstein Barr hasn't affected the top end too much. He can definitely win GT stages again - though need to see him against a class field to see where he is really.
In his post race interview I think he said (he was wearing a mask so couldn’t hear too clearly) that the confidence is back, rather than the swagger. Which echoes what you’re saying. For me watching racing is 40% more enjoyable when Cav is in contention. He more than anyone got me interested back in 2009/10. It’s his passion for the sport that shines through.
That's the thing that always pisses me off with the 'Cav's finished, why is he sullying his legacy, he should have retired at the top etc'
None of them have ever ridden a race, let alone won one. They have no clue what it's like to love racing - I actually fear for Cav when he retires, because he loves it so much. I wouldn't be surprised to see him trying to replace it with something similar - he's already big mates with Cal Crutchlow, and being from the IOM, I reckon hell end up on the TTs 😬
Whatever - I've got ultimate man-love for someone who is so obsessed he'd probably end up rattling round Nat B races if it gave him the chance of racing and winning
Just seen it - that last 50 metre power is back - that's what's making the difference. That and the instinct he's always had to detach from the leadout and find the best wheel. That sprint was a mess - and this time two months ago, Cav would have been far enough back to get caught up in the carnage behind. This isn't a false dawn - he's back. Just have to hope that the Epstein Barr hasn't affected the top end too much. He can definitely win GT stages again - though need to see him against a class field to see where he is really.
Cmon Leroy, dont do this to me... Dont give me hope!!
Noticed there arent many Mountain Stages in the Tour this year, is it one that'll favour the Sprinters more?
Not really. There are a couple of grippy stages straight away in Brittany, which could be enough to soften the sprinters up so that the next two (pan flat) are messier than usual - which would suit him. There's another sprint stage after the TT, but then three bastards before the rest day. Stage after the rest day should be a bunch sprint, and then after the Ventoux stage there are a couple more - so probably six stages overall for sprinters.
It's a moot point anyway, Bennett is the man - no way Lefevere will run the risk of taking Cav as backup, IMO, because there's too much risk it'll cause unrest in the team. Better to send him to the Vuelta if they're going to send him to a GT.
certainly hope he gets a GT after the awful three years he’s suffered
Yes.... But... Ewan was almost binned in the sprint and didn't contest it. He's head and shoulders above Cav and Merlier. If Bennett is injured, however, Cav is in form and a better bet than Ballerini - provided he sticks on Morkov's wheel rather than trying to freelance. Expect salary would be the sticking point - he'll be under an absolutely massive amount of pressure to win if Quickstep take him - and I think Lefevere knows that and wouldn't want to take him on an entry level salary.
Still, whatever happens, it's great to see him win against good class of opponent.
Yes.... But... Ewan was almost binned in the sprint and didn't contest it. He's head and shoulders above Cav and Merlier. If Bennett is injured, however, Cav is in form and a better bet than Ballerini - provided he sticks on Morkov's wheel rather than trying to freelance. Expect salary would be the sticking point - he'll be under an absolutely massive amount of pressure to win if Quickstep take him - and I think Lefevere knows that and wouldn't want to take him on an entry level salary.
Still, whatever happens, it's great to see him win against good class of opponent.
Entry level salary definitely the issue but has already stated he will talk to Cav about it.
Yes.... But... Ewan was almost binned in the sprint and didn't contest it. He's head and shoulders above Cav and Merlier. If Bennett is injured, however, Cav is in form and a better bet than Ballerini - provided he sticks on Morkov's wheel rather than trying to freelance. Expect salary would be the sticking point - he'll be under an absolutely massive amount of pressure to win if Quickstep take him - and I think Lefevere knows that and wouldn't want to take him on an entry level salary.
Still, whatever happens, it's great to see him win against good class of opponent.
Entry level salary definitely the issue but has already stated he will talk to Cav about it.
Do the riders have to be on a certain salary to enter the Tour then?
I noticed Cav said in one article that he was on a minimum contract and that if he went to the Tour they'd have to re-negotiate but I presumed that was on the basis of Cavendish wanting more if they wanted him there
Minimum contract for UCI World Tour teams, not for specific races.
His only chance to win in the TDF is the third or fourth stage. Ewan will be too dominant after that and I'm afraid a 26 year old recovers better for the third week: notwithstanding he's hugely better in the mountains than Cav ever was. Coupled with the second rank sprinters like Colbrelli and Nicozolo looking in phenomenal form, you're taking a guy who's got two chances and possibly won't make it to the first rest day. Would love to see it, but can't imagine Lefevre would make that decision.
Minimum contract for UCI World Tour teams, not for specific races.
His only chance to win in the TDF is the third or fourth stage. Ewan will be too dominant after that and I'm afraid a 26 year old recovers better for the third week: notwithstanding he's hugely better in the mountains than Cav ever was. Coupled with the second rank sprinters like Colbrelli and Nicozolo looking in phenomenal form, you're taking a guy who's got two chances and possibly won't make it to the first rest day. Would love to see it, but can't imagine Lefevre would make that decision.
Agreed ... and yet I have a suspicion that he may well make that decision
It's a puzzler for Pat. Does he take a sprinter who has a legit shot at two stages in the first week, knowing that he'll most likely be cooked by the first rest day anyway, even if he does make it into week 2... Or does he take Ballerini - who will definitely make it round, but has less chance of a sprint win than Cav, even if he's got more stages to have a go at?
If course, he probably doesn't give a shit really - DQS aren't a grand tour team, despite flirtations with it. It's the classics they care about, and whilst it's nice for free hen to have Alaphillippe, Evenepoel and (until this year anyway) Almeida as GC riders or stage hunters extraordinaire, I get the feeling it's just a bonus for him. That's why I think Cav might have a chance of going.
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Noticed there arent many Mountain Stages in the Tour this year, is it one that'll favour the Sprinters more?
It's a moot point anyway, Bennett is the man - no way Lefevere will run the risk of taking Cav as backup, IMO, because there's too much risk it'll cause unrest in the team. Better to send him to the Vuelta if they're going to send him to a GT.
None of them have ever ridden a race, let alone won one. They have no clue what it's like to love racing - I actually fear for Cav when he retires, because he loves it so much. I wouldn't be surprised to see him trying to replace it with something similar - he's already big mates with Cal Crutchlow, and being from the IOM, I reckon hell end up on the TTs 😬
Whatever - I've got ultimate man-love for someone who is so obsessed he'd probably end up rattling round Nat B races if it gave him the chance of racing and winning
Either way his Indian Summer continues
Came second in a photo finish the other week and has won once more again today
Won against better Sprinters compared to the Tour of Turkey as well
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/mark-cavendish-coy-on-tour-de-france-inclusion-after-belgium-tour-stage-win
Still, whatever happens, it's great to see him win against good class of opponent.
I noticed Cav said in one article that he was on a minimum contract and that if he went to the Tour they'd have to re-negotiate but I presumed that was on the basis of Cavendish wanting more if they wanted him there
His only chance to win in the TDF is the third or fourth stage. Ewan will be too dominant after that and I'm afraid a 26 year old recovers better for the third week: notwithstanding he's hugely better in the mountains than Cav ever was. Coupled with the second rank sprinters like Colbrelli and Nicozolo looking in phenomenal form, you're taking a guy who's got two chances and possibly won't make it to the first rest day. Would love to see it, but can't imagine Lefevre would make that decision.
If course, he probably doesn't give a shit really - DQS aren't a grand tour team, despite flirtations with it. It's the classics they care about, and whilst it's nice for free hen to have Alaphillippe, Evenepoel and (until this year anyway) Almeida as GC riders or stage hunters extraordinaire, I get the feeling it's just a bonus for him. That's why I think Cav might have a chance of going.
But Mark Cavendish is going to the Tour!!
How am I going to get to see the majority of Stage 3 & 4? Let's hope GCN saves the day wherever I am.