Modern cycling is faster all around | Tour De France 2024 Stage 14 | JB2
Jul 13, 2024
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Johan and hosts discuss the Tour De France, debating if Pogacar and Vingegaard are 'Not Normal', analyzing stage 14 challenges, breakaways, recovery, competition, strategic moves, and evolution of cycling speed and performance.
Timing and unity crucial for breakaway success on mountainous stages.
Strategic shift by UAE Team to control race dynamics with calculated attacks.
Balancing power output and weight critical for competitive advantage in professional cycling.
Deep dives
Stage 14 Breakaway Dynamics
The stage featured a challenging course with three big mountains concentrated in the last 80 kilometers. A breakaway, including strong climbers like Ben Healy and Mathieu van der Poel, took a long time to form due to various riders attempting to join. Despite initial efforts, the breakaway's advantage dwindled on the final climb, highlighting the importance of timing and unity for breakaway success.
UAE Team's Strategic Performance
UAE Team demonstrated a tactical approach by setting a strong pace on the climbs, particularly the Tourmalet, to control the race without exhausting themselves. Their decision to only attack on the last climb showcased a strategic shift from previous stages, focusing on the final climb to solidify their position. This calculated strategy allowed them to maintain dominance and control the race dynamics effectively.
Adam Yates and Tadej Pogacar's Race-changing Moves
Adam Yates' attack after receiving unexpected instructions from Pogacar revealed a planned deviation in race tactics, leading to a crucial gap that put pressure on other teams. Pogacar's subsequent attack capitalized on this move, showcasing a well-timed acceleration with tactical awareness. The continuous battle between Yates and Pogacar reflected a mental and physical challenge that ultimately influenced the stage outcome.
Implications of Performance Evolution and Future Stage Outlook
The podcast delved into the evolving performance metrics in cycling, citing improvements in equipment, training methods, nutrition, and recovery techniques as factors influencing faster times and enhanced capabilities. With a focus on future stages, including a challenging route with multiple climbs, the discussion highlighted the physical demands and strategic considerations that teams and riders must navigate to secure successful outcomes.
Vanderpool's Comments on Rider Health
The episode touched upon Audy Vanderpool's observations regarding the extreme leanness of riders in the peloton, raising concerns about the sometimes unhealthy appearances of cyclists. Johan shared his views, emphasizing the delicate balance between power output and weight in professional cycling, where meticulous calculations drive decisions on weight loss and power optimization. The strategic trade-off between power and weight is a critical aspect of high-performance cycling that riders carefully manage to achieve competitive advantages.
Johan discusses the fact that some people say Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard are "Not Normal". What does that mean? Also, Remco Evenepoel has a very legitimate podium shot if he can continue as he has been riding.
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