Tour turmoil for INEOS Grenadiers: How can they turn their luck around in the final week?
CyclingMonday, 15 July 2024 at 18:21
INEOS Grenadiers is no longer the dominant team it once was in the Tour de France. In the previous decade, they crushed the competition, but now they seem to be on the receiving end of the blows. Former Tour winner Egan Bernal is currently struggling, while Carlos Rodriguez, the team leader, shared his thoughts on the first two weeks during the rest day.
The British team has faced its fair share of challenges, there is no point in denying that, with Tom Pidcock returning home due to Covid-19, and both Geraint Thomas (also Covid-19) and Egan Bernal (not in top form) not feeling their best. The Colombian, who won the 2019 Tour de France, lost 41 minutes on Sunday, dropping from 13th to 21st in the GC.
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Rodriguez determined to entertain the spectators in final week of Tour
Team leader Rodriguez finished eighth but dropped from fifth to sixth place in the GC. How does he feel about it? "I feel good. We've been racing hard for fifteen days, so the body adjusts due to the intense competition. I'm curious how I'll feel on Tuesday when I get back on the bike, but for now, I'm enjoying the rest day."
"I have to be happy with my performance. I rode well and competed with the other top riders. Sunday may not have been my best day in this Tour, but I'm still satisfied. It wasn't a bad day, and I gave it my all," expressed the Andalusian regarding his day towards Plateau de Beille.
So what will the final week bring for the team? "We have to take it day by day and keep giving our all. Hopefully, a good result will come at the end," says the calm Spaniard. "I want to thank everyone for the support I've received. I appreciate it very much. Hopefully, I can still provide some entertainment in the last week of the Tour."
Il Lombardia 2024
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Latest Comments
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024
- This is not a gravel race. UCI fail, from the surface they are on to team tactics. In what country was the first "gravel race" in what country is the most popular gravel race? Go with the race model that created the discipline.
Barnes127411-10-2024 - And don't forget he has now won 4 of the big 10 races (Grand tours, Monuments and WC/OG) in one year with a chance to make that 5. (5 has only been done once before)Joostmehrtens05-10-2024