Cycling Betting & Discussion.

[Tonji]

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Lumpy stage tomorrow, looking like a stage hunters opportunity.

http://www.oddschecker.com/cycling/tour-de-france/stage-11/winner

Difficult won to pick, especially after a rest day, riders often under perform after a day off.

I've a few names in mind, but awaiting some hints & info hopefully from the Press conferences.

First drafted short list, 20 names ...

[Tonji]

Cancellara toddles of home, one off the list.

Gerrans extends contract with OGE, extra incentive to get a win tomorrow?

[Tonji]

Been liking the form of Greg Van Avermaet. With the option of making the break, going long, or waiting in a reduced sprint, 33/1 EW looks decent. (Baldfred offer 4 places). Betty has a few quid available top 3 10/1.

[Tonji]

With Contador out, Tinkoff will be now looking for stage wins. Rogers or Roche? I'd be inclined to go with Roche, he's been a more attacking rider in recent years, his form is strong after winning Route du Sud. Those that can 50/1 EW with Baldfred.

[Tonji]

Nibali's thoughts today:

"The Tour is not over, not by a long way," he said. "There are still a lot of stages to go before the finish. Anything can happen, there can surprises every day and there are big rivals like Porte and Valverde. They're the toughest ones.
 
"We've got to stay calm, stay tranquillo and study the situation. When something seems easy, sometimes it can get very difficult. I'm tranquil because the team is solid. So far we've managed the race well so far.
 
"For sure I've got to watch Pinot and Bardet, they've a bit behind but not by that much. On yesterday's stage Kwiatkowski gained more than four minutes at one point and that's an example of what can happen. They're all well prepared to do well at the Tour. I'll never underestimate anyone. I did that at the Vuelta (in 2013), we underestimated Horner, and he went on to win.
 
"My lead is good but if I can increase it, I'll do it. I don’t honestly remember the name of the next mountain finish but why not there?
 
"These first 10 days have been hard; there was no prologue, no transfer days. We're here at the rest day and I think it's important for everyone at the race.
 
"I don’t think they'll sit and wait. Valverde is here to do the GC and so is Porte. Richie is a good rider but it all depends on how he is going. He was good at the Dauphiné and worked hard for Froome. The day that Contador got the jersey, he did a massive turn and there were only four of us left on his wheel. That's how strong he is."
 
"I'm not happy about what happened to Alberto and to Chris. Starting the first climbs with them both in the race would have been better and more spectacular for everyone.
 
"The level was very high here and I felt good yesterday; we rode to win and I'm genuinely sorry for Alberto and Froome, they both sacrificed time to be at their best for the Tour. But there are other rivals here and its not only about the last two big winners, there are lots of important riders.
 
"This is the Tour de France and crashes are part of the game. I was behind Alberto on the descent. He'd overtaken me. I don’t know what happened, maybe he hit a hole or a stone but he went down hard and I tried to avoid him. I kept two metres between him and me and so avoided the worst.
 
"To be honest the stress of the race has been the hardest thing. On the stage with the pavé it was hugely stressful to stay at the front and avoid the crashes. Fortunately I had good support from the team. Even having yellow eased the stressed because we raced at the front."

[Tonji]

Last of my three bullets for tomorrow (may add one more tomorrow morning!)

Tom-Jelte Slagter. Garmin will be after stage wins with Talansky suffering from crash injuries & out of GC contention. Slagter was great in the hilly Classics this year & the stage has similarites. Quoted in the Dutch press that he has been given the green light to hunt for a stage win. Again 50/1 EW available in places.

[Tonji]

With Contador out, Tinkoff will be now looking for stage wins. Rogers or Roche? I'd be inclined to go with Roche, he's been a more attacking rider in recent years, his form is strong after winning Route du Sud. Those that can 50/1 EW with Baldfred.

Go Nico...

[Acidmouse]

With Contador out, Tinkoff will be now looking for stage wins. Rogers or Roche? I'd be inclined to go with Roche, he's been a more attacking rider in recent years, his form is strong after winning Route du Sud. Those that can 50/1 EW with Baldfred.

Go Nico...

this should be a fun finish.

[Tonji]

dammit his chance gone...

[Tonji]

bugger x 3.

TJS, attacked, but never really had the legs. Roche probably mistimed his attack, but a decent effort. GVA 7th in the sprint 

[BorntoBubble]

[Tonji]

Cool photo, when was that? Last year at the Tour?

[Tonji]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0Ml8yz5B-c&list=UUuTaETsuCOkJ0H_GAztWt0Q

Pretty busy this week, but hopefully have time to look at this stage 14 on Saturday in the High Alps.

[MahoganyVic]

Starting to feel a bit sorry for Sagan after today. Reminded me of Cav in the World Road Championships last time. Not sure why he didnt pursue Gallopin the second time he attack mind you, unless he had simply run out of energy

[Tonji]

Starting to feel a bit sorry for Sagan after today. Reminded me of Cav in the World Road Championships last time. Not sure why he didnt pursue Gallopin the second time he attack mind you, unless he had simply run out of energy

Too talented for his own good!

Tactically he's getting found out, not surprising in one so young. It took ages for Cancellara to find a way to win. Not really helped being in a weakish team, although Cannondale did a decent job today. He really needs a stronger team with other riders that can finish off a race also, so he is not the only option come the final of each stage. Think he may be on the move next season.