Questions I have moving into the next two mountain stages.
1. Last year saw Tadej coming off injury and a rest period into the race, but did not “ride into form” during the race. Instead the pattern was “lost time in first half, came back and took a stage win and time (similar to Jonas) but then lost lots of time in end.” No one is talking about this pattern, instead suggesting dominance and good training will lead to fatigue because it was in a grand tour (most train in week blocks).
2. Last year Jonas and team very aggressive in first half of race. Perhaps led to Tadej fatigue in second half. But UAE riding this way is viewed as “desperate” and irrational.
3. It appears both Tadej and Jonas are doing better numbers than ever. But everyone is predicting Jonas numbers to get even better based on … simply because they are later in the race and because first race back after horrific crash?
4. Historically every mountain stage Jonas has taken time on Tadej has been set up by his team’s assault on the race, ie Sepp, Primoz, and Wout. So how does he set it up this year? Rely on Tadej and team accidentally going too hard? How does the saying go.. fool me once…?
5. Everyone has pointed out the mistakes Tadej has made. But has anyone put a value on what he has learned by trying many different options, some working and some not? Seems like he has learned a lot about his competitors and himself in the first half of the race while maintaining over a minute lead.
6. Is it harder to drop someone than to claw back? Which is a better indication of ability?
I am on the couch, not in the race so these questions I have that I feel few are talking about. Worth thinking about and discussing.
Global Head of Communications at Invacare | BA (hons) Marketing with Languages
2moAmazing first day. Huge congrats to all you super riders - power chair users, handcyclists, those with power assists and all other cyclists who joined Ian’s Ride for the first day. 🙌🏻