It’s our last Tweets of the Week until, well, whenever cycling starts again or something interesting and funny happens in the off season. We’re seeing red as the final podium of the 2020 Vuelta took the stage in Madrid on Sunday. We look back and forward (all at the same time) and we have a gruppetto going over cobbles. Before you start, though, thanks for making this compressed season so fun – and thanks for always giving me great material for Tweets of the Week. #StaySafe
Thanks for the memories
Even taking into account the two scares he had – Angliru and 3km to the finish on Saturday’s penultimate stage – Primoz Roglic looked in control for almost the entire race. He took stage wins (4!), hunted down bonus seconds, snuck in second on sprint stages … and all with the sportsmanship we have come to expect from him. Chapeau Primoz!
The wafer thin margin for the win in Madrid. Pascal Ackermann pips Sam Bennett to the post.
Second on the podium, Richard Carapaz breaks free and dances for his fans. He looks so lighthearted and carefree! Love it.
The surprise of the podium, Hugh Carthy rode smart, rode hard and was rewarded. What might next year bring?
Dan Martin was another rider who rode hard the whole Vuelta. It was a great race with great racers. His fourth place finish and stage win were fan favourites.
Now THIS is mind-blowing.
An idea whose time has maybe not come yet.
Season mini-wrap up
Neal’s poll has ended and Roglic got 49% of the vote. Next would be his teammate Wout Van Aert, with 35%. Pogacar, 10% and hardly any Alaphilippe fans, 6%. I couldn’t agree more with Tricky.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
After 11 years, Chris Froome has now left Sky/Ineos for Israel Start-up Nation. Must be a bittersweet feeling.
Ian Stannard unfortunately was forced to retire due to arthritis. It’s always so sad when a rider has to retire before he’s ready.
Contract extensions, but nothing for Cav.
Changing of the guard?
The Gruppetto
In the old ‘more money than sense’! club
>New fan klaxon< ‘Is cycling always like this?!’ Well, Richard … Yes. And it’s always personal to a fan, as we can see by the replies he’s received.
Ha!
Just to whet your appetite for sometime next year (hopefully)