[Baynative]

Bike Ping

It's funny how sport is like life. We plan and predict, but we don't know what's happening until it happens.

Some interesting discussions are surely going on at team meetings tonight. With Richie Porte so far down in the GC, TJ might be the new team leader for BMC.

Contador has also slipped well down int he classification and could probably make it up with a strong mountain performance. But I don't think he can shake Nairo Quintana and he has to endure some long road stages coming up - team or no team to help him it isn't fun riding injured when you know your only objective is to hang on.

It's early and I don't know the potential of some younger riders, but the odds seem to be falling in Nairo's favor right now.

[Baynative]

Bike Ping

Another paradox that struck me watching the last 60k of today's long stage is how climbers and GC contenders can recharge to an extent by taking advantage of the protection offered by their domestiques within the peloton. But, at the same time their teammates, the unsung heroes, are using valuable energy stores that they are going to need when the road tilts up.

This truly is one of the greatest events in sports.