Cycling

[Reg Smeeton]

What a stage, and what a ride by Nibali, aided by Fulslang and Westra.  Think Preudhomme, chucked that in specifically to fuck up Sky, and it worked a treat.

Nibali's now to throw away...

[horlock07]

I can see someone left field winning this tour the way its going, not sure who though!

Interesting after all the talk of cobbles Froome crashed out before they reached the pave, I assume his wrist was so fucked that he couldn't control a bike in generl.

Not sure what Sky's plan will be, I cannot see Porte being a contender but I could see Thomas winning some stages and possibly Nieve in the mountains so maybe best bet would just be to go for stages. I imagine Wiggins will be smiling, possibly the best outcome for him was not getting selected and this happening, maintains the myth as lets be honest he had no hope of winning it but as he isn't riding we will never know!

[horlock07]

Been out for a ride tonight and if I can spin 5 miles in before Saturday night will have managed a 100 mile week!

Now recovering with a high carb drink (Carlsberg) and the football!

[Samdy Gray]

I can see someone left field winning this tour the way its going, not sure who though!

Romain Bardet is only 2 minutes or so off of Nibali and he can certainly climb. Could be an outside bet.

Not sure what Sky's plan will be, I cannot see Porte being a contender but I could see Thomas winning some stages and possibly Nieve in the mountains so maybe best bet would just be to go for stages.

I guess Porte will get the protection from Thomas on the flat stages and Nieve/Kiryienka in the mountains.

[Reg Smeeton]

I can see someone left field winning this tour the way its going, not sure who though!

Outside of Nibali, then I reckon Michael Kwiatowski would be a decent punt....50 secs off Nibali atm.  can climb and TT.

Also OPQ, don't have to work for Cav...ok so most of them can't climb, so Kwiatowski, would have to do it himself, but Tony Martin isn't so bad leading into climbs, and Jan Bakelants could help.

[Bewster]

Talansky has to be a good bet after his win in the Dolphin.

I've seen Nibali crack on climbs so I think this is far from over

[Bewster]

and Ribble have 10% off deal at the mo

[Samdy Gray]

I've seen Nibali crack on climbs so I think this is far from over

Bert too.

Loved seeing him suffer yesterday. Couldn't even hold a wheel toward the end of the stage.

[Bewster]

Bert too.

except when he has had beef 

[Reg Smeeton]

Bert too.

Loved seeing him suffer yesterday. Couldn't even hold a wheel toward the end of the stage.

Bert now gone...the wet is chewing them up and spitting them out.

[Bewster]

Bert now gone...the wet is chewing them up and spitting them out.

Fractured tibia, fair play to him riding on after the crash

[Reg Smeeton]

Fractured tibia, fair play to him riding on after the crash

Yes...I'm not a fan of Contador, but it takes guts to get back on and give it a go. Fair play to Nibali though, he put down the hammer and showed who's boss.  I thought Rodriguez might have taken the stage, but he's just not quite back to his best yet, and can't see who is capable of attacking Nibali even in the high mountains.

[Samdy Gray]

Cracking ride from Purito, shame that he didn't have this form going into the Tour otherwise he'd be on the podium again no doubt.

Anyone else catch Sagan doing a no-handed wheelie up the last 20% section?

[Bewster]

Anyone else catch Sagan doing a no-handed wheelie up the last 20% section?

No ! Was this on the highlights on ITV4 or Eurosport.

I don't like Contador either but him being on form would have made it a closer and therefore better tour.

[Samdy Gray]

It was right at the end of the ITV4 highlights.