mugwump said:

How did nobody see this coming?

https://www.velonews.com/events/giro-ditalia/no-hollywood-ending-as-remco-evenepoel-runs-out-of-gas-at-giro-ditalia/

I think the consensus was, that nothing would be a surprise  

I am not budging from my "snoozer of a Grand Tour" proclamation but I do think Bernal taking off the black jacket to reveal the Pink Jersey was #looksharp in the extreme.

yeah, DQS really screwed this one, Almeida even had a good ride today, but now they have mostly nothing

Jules said:

I am not budging from my "snoozer of a Grand Tour" proclamation but I do think Bernal taking off the black jacket to reveal the Pink Jersey was #looksharp in the extreme.

Agree. Was impressive as it obviously lost him some time.

He later explained in the post race interview that winning a stage while wearing the jersey is special, he doesn't want to take it for granted, and wanted to honor the jersey and the moment. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-aFrc9lBk0

Without a serious time trialist breathing down his GC neck, he could afford the time loss.  Especially since he's looking the strongest by far.

(btw, kidding about no one seeing Remco's fall coming.  Somehow it escaped much of the press though)

^absent a bad crash or truly dramatic 'jour sans' it looks pretty forgone at this point. Yawn.

Aaah, Houston... we are beyond 6w/kg for 40 minutes and leaving the stratosphere... advise when docking with the ISS should begin.

Anyone notice who paced Hugh Carthy in atop the steep Sega di Ala climb for EF?

Bettiol has been super consistent all race

Jules said:

I agree with you on both counts @mugwump; Horner's omissions with regard to Lance seem par for the course at this point. I do think Almeida is at the "fuck it" stage of his contract and just looking to show off in the hopes of a contract where he has more runway. Frankly I'm not sure he's wrong, but the "show" he is putting on is a big "figuaccia" (I'm certain I spelled that wrong).

I'm very interested to see where Almeida lands after this Giro.

I think Almeida will be fine. He had a stunning ride today, literally dropping Yates and Bernal.

Simon/Adam Yates doing a reverse 2019?

eloy said:

I think Almeida will be fine. He had a stunning ride today, literally dropping Yates and Bernal.

Agreed! That's why I'm interested. Super domestique or second-tier Grand Tour contender? Movistar seems to like that type...

He did finish 2nd in the Italian TT champs  in 2019

Mark Taylor said:

He did finish 2nd in the Italian TT champs  in 2019

Yes.  And he's won time trials against strong fields as well.

Maybe there's something about him that people underestimate.

Bettiol showed to his home tour ready to race. It is fun to watch.

(caveats for doping)

this race is exploding right now!!

Ineos road that to perfection ,IMHO

Mark Taylor said:

Ineos road that to perfection ,IMHO

Agree, and Bernal did pretty good too. But safe to say that he is not the strongest rider in the race anymore.

Note that Almeida had once again a spectacular ride.

Yates to take 3 minutes on the TT. 

Tomorrow’s stage could be very interesting if Bernal is indeed coming unglued

I’m thinking he’s just riding with in his limits , everyone else had there jersey undone and pulling faces 
Caruso had the ride of the day for me 

Mark Taylor said:

I’m thinking he’s just riding with in his limits , everyone else had there jersey undone and pulling faces 
Caruso had the ride of the day for me 

I think I agree, obviously they opened a gap to both Caruso and Bernal..., all the top riders were all all in, Caruso felt to me was the guy who had to dig just a tad deeper than the rest.

I wouldn't say Bernal is coming unglued. His ride two days ago was chalked up to the bad legs after the rest day, and today it kinda showed that maybe that wasn't it. His form could be moving in the wrong direction. Bernal is not the strongest anymore, but likely more than strong enough to win the Giro with the 2:30+ margin he has now.

I also wouldn't underestimate today's Yates' effort, chances that he can come out tomorrow and do similar or better are well... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Would say something similar on Almeida, but DQS leadership decisions made sure that his form at over 8 minutes, is now all but irrelevant. 

Someone buy Martinez many beers. That guy has earned all of them 

Loved that they had to wait for him a couple of times again on the descents , the speed he took those up hill corners🔥

today was a beautiful stage, what a gorgs race!