Yes that was an interesting start. Technical descent, crosswinds, etc. I enjoyed the stage.An unusual start to the Giro, with a short TT including a short KoM point and a relatively long downhill section. The winner reported to have hit around 100 Kph but he was using a 60 x 11 and averaged over 58 Kph for the TT course
Different countries. They are still planning on both G-W and Flanders. Organizers in Spain are still planning on having la Vuelta, or at least some of the stages. There are some mountain stages that many Spaniards have always believed would be changed, shortened, or cancelled due to weather. Also we're just over 1 week from la Vuelta starting and the host area where it starts is fully preparing for it with minimal to no fans in start and finish areas and on the mountains with the Civil Guard to enforce it. Also like most teams need the Tour, the Spanish teams need la Vuelta plus the Spanish govt has gone to more regional restrictions based on where the virus is worse.With Amstel and Roubaix cancelling, etc., I am starting to wonder whether they will even get to finish this race and have the Vuelta, Flanders, and other major races. It sounds like the virus spreading is heading in the wrong direction right as the traditional flu season kicks into high gear. :cryin:
Arnaud Demare is killing it in the sprints by the way. Dude looks like he might dominate the flat stages the rest of the way. I am also interested in seeing just how long Almeida can hold on to the pink jersey. He hasn't wilted much thus far.
I love the optimism, but my confidence in everything falling into place perfectly is 50/50. Unfortunately, this virus doesn't submit to human planning or needs. It's also everywhere at this point. Hoping for the best, but we'll see....Different countries. They are still planning on both G-W and Flanders. Organizers in Spain are still planning on having la Vuelta, or at least some of the stages. There are some mountain stages that many Spaniards have always believed would be changed, shortened, or cancelled due to weather. Also we're just over 1 week from la Vuelta starting and the host area where it starts is fully preparing for it with minimal to no fans in start and finish areas and on the mountains with the Civil Guard to enforce it. Also like most teams need the Tour, the Spanish teams need la Vuelta plus the Spanish govt has gone to more regional restrictions based on where the virus is worse.
We've had auto racing taking place without issues in many countries at this point. Granted a bit different, but NASCAR and Indy Car are going to finish their seasons. Remember G-W is taking place in 2 days on the 11th. No way it's getting cancelled at this point. Also the Belgium govt has already given special permission for Flanders and G-W to take place, even though they have put in place stricter restrictions. Spain has been doing restrictions based on number in each region. Also Paris-Tours is still racing this weekend. From what I've gathered Paris-Roubaix is being cancelled due to high Covid numbers in two areas it goes near which includes where it finishes.I love the optimism, but my confidence in everything falling into place perfectly is 50/50. Unfortunately, this virus doesn't submit to human planning or needs. It's also everywhere at this point. Hoping for the best, but we'll see....
I am sorry to hear it, but Yates just tested positive and has been removed from the race. I don’t know more than that yet. I am guessing some other MS riders and staff will follow.We've had auto racing taking place without issues in many countries at this point. Granted a bit different, but NASCAR and Indy Car are going to finish their seasons. Remember G-W is taking place in 2 days on the 11th. No way it's getting cancelled at this point. Also the Belgium govt has already given special permission for Flanders and G-W to take place, even though they have put in place stricter restrictions. Spain has been doing restrictions based on number in each region. Also Paris-Tours is still racing this weekend. From what I've gathered Paris-Roubaix is being cancelled due to high Covid numbers in two areas it goes near which includes where it finishes.
So far, the rest of the MS team and staff have tested negative. Maybe a radom heavy breathing idiot spectator. Who knows? Hope it is isolatedI am sorry to hear it, but Yates just tested positive and has been removed from the race. I don’t know more than that yet. I am guessing some other MS riders and staff will follow.
Probably lol. That’s good to hear it didn’t hit the whole team though. The race director has confirmed that rising infection rates in Italy could complicate things. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen.So far, the rest of the MS team and staff have tested negative. Maybe a radom heavy breathing idiot spectator. Who knows? Hope it is isolated
Thanks for the discreet heads up.Big news in the Giro after the rest day.
You pretty much hit the nail on the head.Yeah the race is really devolving into a series of one-day races, as the prospect of it never reaching the original finish appearing a possibility and riders/teams looking to get any sort of result from what is left. Doesn't bode well for the Vuelta.
This whole season requires an asterisk.