Friday File: TdF; Dishing up the Classics and my predictions, Key numbers and Classic Cool

Ag2R recon on les paves.




One day to go and cobbles/Muy du Huy
is on the menu...


I agree with Sean Kelly (winner of 4 of 5 monuments) on his prediction that the upcoming cobbles on stage 4 will be perilous, especially for the Fantastic Four. If the weather turns wet and windy, like last year, light weight's Quintana, Contador and Froome will 'not suit them.' Nibali would have the advantage in rotten conditions and ride like hell over the hell of the north cobble section to gain advantage before the mountains begin. It's always difficult to predict a race that's so unpredictable. The forecast is for sunny skies but that doesn't ensure an easy ride. Nibali will have it slightly better than the other three as it will be a day of hard fast riding. It will be to his advantage to gain time on the three climbers before the mountains start on stage 10 into the Pyrenees. Then we'll see who's really in form.

The previous stage will finish on the Muy du Huy and really favors Valverde, Martin and Rodriguez.

Stage 3 Antwerp-Huy 160km: Dan Martin will win in classics style.

My prediction, Stage 4 Seraing-Cambrai 223.5km: Sep VanMarcke will conquer his favorite cobbles.



The Fantastic Four: The battle will be in the mountains.













Before the storm,
The Gorilla at rest.















Before the battle begins, starting with the Ultrecht ITT, here's two from Le Tour past...


Classic Cool: 

As if the Badger knows only how to race.




Bring back the Michelin men on bikes!

1977 Tour.





When the dust finally settles, my prediction to win the 2015 Tour de France: 





The Fantastic One.


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