Originally Posted by
Eric F
Looking forward to an exciting battle in the Pyrenees. Pogi is going to punch hard. If Jonas can keep riding the way he has been, he should be able to hold on, but any weakness, and things could flip in a hurry. Jumbo's losing two of their strong climbers may be problematic, but UAE hasn't really shown a lot of team strength on the climbs. Expect to see Jumbo lean even more on WVA and Kuss. The strongest team is probably Ineos, but it looks like they are missing a rider who can truly compete with Pogi and Jonas. Pogi is stronger in the TT, but probably not so much so that her can make up his current deficit.
J-V and UAE are both domestique-depleted. Ineos *could* take advantage if they have the right strategy and if Thomas is up for it. Presumably the scenario is that the J-V domestiques drive the pace in order to keep Pogacar from attacking, but when Kuss blows, Vingegaard will also be isolated. If at that point, Ineos needs to take over. If Yates and at least one other Ineos worthy (Pidcock) are there with Thomas at that point, they may be able to do something.