But hey, as nothing was attempted during the first 2 mass start stages which were designed so (the organiser hadn’t planned for such bunches to arrive: the rule was not 3-seconds minimal split), perhaps some loonies will attempt some big thing tomorrow just to keep on annoying me. 🤣
Anyway, I’d pick Kooij first as you did, then I’d venture Fretin. Then in any order Groves, Pedersen, Strong, Bennett.
I know Bennett did a good place on Tirreno–Adriatico (once), yet I still don’t trust him to really perform elsewhere than on small French races.
Do we suppose Van Aert will sprint?
Hmm, I didn’t list Aular who finished 3rd twice, so may keep sprinting, for points at least. But is the cyclamen jersey an achievable goal for a rider who never finished a Grand Tour (it is only the second GT he starts)?
About points, perhaps the bunch will try to play the points of the first intermediate sprint this time, before letting go a sacrificial breakaway of Italian Proteams? It happens before km 40, after a mostly descending false flat profile reaching sea side and sea level for the intermediate sprint, apparently. Anyway, if they want to, it looks very doable.
There are 12 + 12 + 50 points to take tomorrow (Pedersen has 54 so far).
Same opinion for me.
But hey, as nothing was attempted during the first 2 mass start stages which were designed so (the organiser hadn’t planned for such bunches to arrive: the rule was not 3-seconds minimal split), perhaps some loonies will attempt some big thing tomorrow just to keep on annoying me. 🤣
Anyway, I’d pick Kooij first as you did, then I’d venture Fretin. Then in any order Groves, Pedersen, Strong, Bennett.
I know Bennett did a good place on Tirreno–Adriatico (once), yet I still don’t trust him to really perform elsewhere than on small French races.
Do we suppose Van Aert will sprint?
Hmm, I didn’t list Aular who finished 3rd twice, so may keep sprinting, for points at least. But is the cyclamen jersey an achievable goal for a rider who never finished a Grand Tour (it is only the second GT he starts)?
About points, perhaps the bunch will try to play the points of the first intermediate sprint this time, before letting go a sacrificial breakaway of Italian Proteams? It happens before km 40, after a mostly descending false flat profile reaching sea side and sea level for the intermediate sprint, apparently. Anyway, if they want to, it looks very doable.
There are 12 + 12 + 50 points to take tomorrow (Pedersen has 54 so far).
I forgot Magnier among my (ample) list of sprinters.
Blimey… My ample list wasn’t ample enough! 😆