The  weather conditions for the Tuesday night TT ended up better than predicted. The breeze faded down to almost nil.   

I had to change the course to the newly annointed Tag Rd/New Boston Road course due to road repairs being conducted on several of the TT course roads (Moore and Mud Mill).  It appears that Chestnut Ridge is about to have some work done it as well.  We will  be on Tag Road for at least a couple more weeks.  The Tag Road course has about 200 ft of climbing over 10.3 miles vs about 100 ft of climbing over 10.0 miles on our main course.  

Seven TTers showed up to tackle the new course.    Alex continued his strong FMT performances  by maintaining a speed of 25.34 mph (only .25mph off of his 2 yr best speed done 2 weeks ago on the orig course).  Pretty darn good considering the extra 10ft/mile of climbing on Tag course.  Mariana took FWT honors with a speed of 20.53mph.  She was cautioned by her coach to not ride 100% effort as part of her training plan.  What!  Okay. We'll let that slide.   See below for the results.

If you haven't been keeping up on the Tour so far, the next 3 days should prove to be very exciting.  

A HUGE day today... a full 130 miles with two massive HC climbs !   Col d'Izoard (almost reaches 8,000ft) and the Col du Galibier (almost hits 9,000 ft ! ).   The only thing that could lessen the impact of the stage is the fact that it doesn't end at the Galibier... there will be about 11 miles of downhill at the end that may allow anyone that lost time on the climb to gain it back.  

Tomorrow is a very lumpy profile with an uphill finish that's not too difficult. I see this stage as one that may see a breakaway rider go for the win.  Someone from the original GC group that has had a disappointing Tour so far. 

While there may be a reshuffling in the top 5 over the next two days, Saturday's final mountain top finish to Val Thorens could be an explosive battleground for the podium positions.  It's a relentless 20 mile climb that averages 5.5% grade.  

Will Alaphilippe hang on or fade away as many think?  He'd better figure out his tactics or he is sure to lose the Maillot Jeune. 

Is Pinot really the strongest rider now?   He seems poised to take one of the podium spots.

How will the Geraint Thomas / Bernal relationship hold up?   Thomas is the team leader?  What if he falters?  Will Bernal work for him if he is feeling strong?

Will Movistar project pain on the peloton by trying to set up Landa or Quintana (yawn) for a stage win?

Enjoy the beautiful weather!

Brian

TT Directeur 

315-727-1458