Snorvey wrote:After yesterdays time trial (I don't know how today has gone - I watch it at night), it looks like Froome is in the driving seat for the Vuelta.
Did anyone see the time trial? On a close up it looked like Froome was bouncing his knees off the lower part of his bent upper arm. Maybe he needs a bigger bike, or maybe he gains some advantage from doing this (perhaps keeping a beat or something?)
So Froome could be the 2017 Tour and the Vuelta winner....I know it's not the same 'year' but he could take on the Giro next year and hold all 3 Grand Tour titles.
I think he might the only person ever to do this?
I watched it, but didn't notice his cycling style, it's probably just the most aerodynamic position so he has to put up with it.
You set me thinking, so I went and had a look...
It used to be
Vuelta
Giro
Tour
Merkx won (thanks wikipedia) the tour in '72, then the Vuelta and Giro in '73. I think that means he held all three at once.
Hinault won the Giro and Tour in 82, then the Vuelta in 83.
That's a short list. I mean, the list of riders who've done all three is short enough at six. Wonder if he will do the Giro? It's clear usually concentrates on the tour and the vuelta, but maybe the thought of winning all three...or if he wants to try and join the even shorter list of those who've won the tour 5 times.
I must say, I'm quite enjoying the Vuelta, only watching the highlights, but it seems a bit more random than le tour. I mean, I know there's not much for sprinters in it, but the first few days or the first week of the tour is usually just breakaway goes, gets caught with 5-10km to go, sprint finish. Just seems a bit more exciting. Though I think Froome has it in the bag, barring calamity.