Roglic on the Top Step?

Taking a look at some athletes over the past 2 weeks, Froome, Dan Martin and Roglic, plus a few others. Froome began the event rather modestly, performing a rather calm skillset, he has been more active over the last couple of stages. Working for Carapaz into the second climb of Stage 12, moving rather well, which is a good sign for next year. He dropped back for a water bottle, and for a moment I though he would crank it up and return to the front, and we would be treated to a Froome acceleration, but it was not meant to be. The TT will tell the tale, not particularly looking for the numbers, but the Pro-Hybrid.

Dan Martin, limited Bop during climbing, someone who patented this. So, very clear, active and decisive Pro-Hybrid seated and off saddle. Then I hear he had a sacral fracture just recently, not sure it’s fully healed, but those can be very painful. So, unclear whether the absence of the Bop is the result, though any hiking or rolling would be just as nasty. Then on Stage 12 the Bop is quite apparent in some instances on the final climb, plus the Pro-Hybrid, such a tough climb, but don’t know if/how these correlate with the terrain. Either way, he made his presence known, and kinda hoping he manages the podium. Hopefully, the Bop will be more or less gone, greater emphasis on the Pro-Hybrid may be more effective, and dust the Bop off for when it’s actually needed.

Last but not least is Roglic, wardrobe malfunction and all, has not shown any weakness. Skilled seated and off saddle, pro-Hybrid, this might seem like routine, but after the TdF no longer routine. Posturally (new word?) sound, good arms, shoulders performing their task. If the issues were going to show up, it would have been the final climb of Stage 12. Really good competition with Carapaz. Roglic has the big advantage on the TT even if his skill sets were to collapse (he has been on the TT bike briefly after each stage). Might not be a bad idea to re-accustom to the position, but it won’t help if the shoulders fail. He will be “rested” for the third week and there is just one climb left. Pencil Roglic in for the top step of the podium, Carapaz appears vulnerable on the TT.

This has been a terrific event! Plus the forests, moss on the trees, horses with winter coats, some moos, a Plaza de Toros, vultures, spectacular scenery! As the announcers pointed out, the closeups and camera work are much better than prior editions. Get to see a few more details this way. There are some advantages to limited spectators. Special mention to S Kuss, Mas and Gaudu.