Cycling Betting & Discussion.

[vegaslover]

Haven't seen any of the cycling on tv this week. It's on at bad time for me. Been too busy with house move stuff to even look at the markets, but who the hell thought Contador was 16/1. Woulda snapped that if I saw it.

I reckon Contador holding a bit back for TdF, he loves the game play of cracking riders in climbs

Froome looks to have his measure at the moment. But over three week Grand Tour...., we'll see. I'd still have Froome as strong favourite.

the last 5km, vegas.

Cheers Tonji
Froome looked very good, like he didn't panic when Contador went and just reeled him in.

I'm with you, Froome is an outstanding favourite for TdF.
Though I think Contador underestimates him. He had his number at the ?vuelta last year, but Froome was shot from the TdF

Think that 9-2 looks a bit of value, obv better e/w prospects now wiggo not riding

[Tonji]

Tour De Suisse starts tomorrow.

Was hoping to see Tejay Van Garderen at 3/1 but only see 365 with 9/4. Probably needs the win if BMC are to back him ahead of Evans in the TdF.

Rui Costa, last years winner, & having a solid season should be a firm top 3 with a decent team around him.

Ryder Hesjedal @ 40/1 could be value, but we are in the dark on how well he has recovered from his Giro illness. If he some how has top form that price will look a steal.

Was hoping to find a way to back Simon Spilak, but the stages don't have any decisive uphill finishes. Think he'll be looking for a stage win & top 5 overall. I missed 16/1, now 9/1 & not so attractive.

Always rivalry between French riders ahead of TdF, & Thibaut Pinot will be up to his normal attacks in the mountains. He'll be especially motivated with Voeckler winning a stage today.

Bauke Mollema could be a decent shout for the third podium spot. Blanco have sent a strong team in support so are expecting a good performance.

[Tonji]

Some interesting comments on why we should not read too much on how the riders perform in the Dauphine.

[Tonji]

Ryder Hesjedal @ 40/1 could be value, but we are in the dark on how well he has recovered from his Giro illness. If he some how has top form that price will look a steal.

Real life stuff has been occupying most of my time, so missed a lot of Tour de Suisse. Noticed that Hesjedal crashed out yesterday whilst looking good for the overall win. Some luck he's having! Hope he's recovers well enough for the TdF.

[Tonji]

Cavendish, Greipel, Kittel & other sprinters start today in Ster ZLM in Holland. The fast fat boys warming up ahead of the TdF.

[TightEnd]

a tipster friend of mine has given me these for Le TOur

Points Classification:
Peter Sagan 2.2 PaddyPower

Podium Finish:
Richie Porte 4.5 Bet365

team classification

saxobank 18/1

overall winner

contador 4/1

jakob fuglsang 400/1ew

green jersey

cavendish 13/8


thoughts please

[Tonji]

a tipster friend of mine has given me these for Le TOur

Points Classification:
Peter Sagan 2.2 PaddyPower

Podium Finish:
Richie Porte 4.5 Bet365

team classification

saxobank 18/1

overall winner

contador 4/1

jakob fuglsang 400/1ew

green jersey

cavendish 13/8


thoughts please

Hi Tighty,

Not done any real in depth research yet but...

Sagan for points classification I'd have Sagan just ahead of Cav, a two hores race, no one else will be close. Essentially Sagan has more scoring opportunities (a better all rounder) over the three weeks. Cav price based a lot on the Giro performance & British money. Sagan has targeted the points/green jersey & I'd have him odds on & Cav even money. Note of caution though, I'm expecting the sprints to crazy & frantic affairs this year (they nearly always are!), with some fast & organised sprint trains. Crashes likely.

Porte podium, not a bad shout. He's good mates with Froome, often train together in Nice & closely match each other. Froome the better climber & Porte a stronger time trialist. If the Sky team are working particularly well & dominating the race in the mountains they can engineer a 1/2. Also, if Froome were to crash out etc, he's a standout podium spot.

Team class, frankly not sure. Many still not fully confirmed & injuries & illness are all possible with two weeks or so until the start.

Contador, 4/1 is decent value if you can get it. Has looked below his best mostly, but always seems to be at 100% come the big races.

Fuglsang, Astana I think have confirmed him as lead rider, but Janez Brajkovič is a better option imo. Top 10-15 at best for me.

[Tonji]

Stage 7 Tour De Suisse.

Click to see full-size image.

Dan Martin FTW 15/2 & Simon Spilak 25/1 EW. Both have been profitable this year for me.

[Tonji]

The grand départ in Corsica is now less than two weeks away. 

[Tonji]

Full OPQS squad announced.

Cavendish
Chavanel
Kwiatkowski
Martin
Pineau
Steegmans
Terpstra
Trentin
Velits

Kwiatkowski should be one of the favourites for the white jersey.

[Tonji]

Fuglsang, Astana I think have confirmed him as lead rider, but Janez Brajkovič is a better option imo. Top 10-15 at best for me.

Fuglsang had a high speed crash in training over the weekend. Apparently will be ok for the TdF, but not ideal preparation.

[Tonji]

Argos-Shimano confirm a sprint lead squad. A well drilled team, Marcel Kittel, particularly, and John Degenkolb will be in the mix for the sprint stages.

[Tonji]

Noticed Betvictor go 2.8 Sagan. Out of line particularly as I see Sagan favourite against Cav, & most of the bookies have moved that way.

http://www.oddschecker.com/cycling/tour-de-france/points-classification

[Tonji]

Blanco announce team.

Mollema
Gesink
Boom
Ten Dam
Leezer
Nordhaug
Tankink
Vanmarcke
Wynants

No Bos or Renshaw, so have ditched any attempts for the sprint stages. Bauke Mollema is the lead man after strong ride in Tour de Suisse. Robert Gesink given free role & less pressure to produce a top overall finish. Good move.

[Tonji]

Cannondale confirm their team. Built around Sagan with the prime aim of winning the green jersey, but also to win yellow in stage 2 or 3 & hold for the week. Moreno Moser as second lead rider.