Interesting news from Team Ineos; Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome not in the squad to lead the Giro and Vuelta respectively. Bernal wil be the Tour leader, with Carapaz as No2 I would imagine.
Feels a bit ‘end of era’ but Brailsford typically unsentimental. Mind you Bernal and Ineos did not have a happy Dauphine so maybe Sky/Ineos are generally on the back foot this year. Brave to bet against them being ready come the Grand Depart of course.
I note Roglic and Dumoulin both expected to ride for Jumbo-Visma in the Tour although the former had a fall at the Dauphine. Very strong support squad too.
I was very surprised Thomas was left out, especially as Luke Rowe is in the team and he normally supports him. I hope he can go and win the Giro now, that would be great.
I don’t think Froomes form is there this year after last years crash but I reckon he will go for it next year with his new Israeli team…
Neither G or Froome impressive at all in Dauphine so not surprised. But agree it will be great to have ITV4 coverage back on - always a summer highlight
I think the Yates brothers…if both selected… will be the only British element with any potential.With Froome…G…Cav and Dowsett not riding GB will be thin on the ground.
Going to be a wide open Tour with so little racing days in everyone’s legs. Surprised Thomas has missed out, not surprised about Froome - DB has a long track record of being ruthless in the pursuit of victory but I don’t think this is their year. Quite fancy Alaphilippe to cause panic again - he’s a throwback to the days of panache and racing on feel which made me fall in love with the sport
Also it’s going to feel very strange watching at this time of year - my real interest in the season is February to mid April when the real men come out to play in Belgium…
So I was right, no Cav or Dowsett. Only Luke Rowe and Adam Yates to make any UK impact, stage wins for Yates . Hugh Carthy and Conor Swift hopefully will establish themselves in their teams.
Second win for Bernal in the end is my prediction. Will be a great race. Nice is a nice place to start!
Enjoyed watching Lizzie Deignan (Trek-Segafredo) take the La Course stage win today, and a very close win putting Marianne Vos (CCC-Liv) into 2nd place at a 1/4 bike length!
I assume this thread will run throughout the next three weeks… can I respectfully request no spoilers… in case some people only get to see the evening highlights?
(Trek-Segafredo) take the La Course stage win today, and a very close win putting Marianne Vos 
(CCC-Liv) into 2nd place at a 1/4 bike length!
