Tour de France Stage 17 - Fine, I'll Talk about Doping

If everyone cheats is it really cheating or just a professional wrestling style sport? EPO is just vitamins for the pros

Phil’s arms look like aero handlebars

Jonas is the picture come to life of a man who has dedicated his entire season to winning this Tour. Every race he has done this season he was asked about winning stages and his answer was always that his focus was the TdF. Whatever needed to happen to get his form to peak for this race is the only thing he focused on. The man is very focused and determined and you see it every race at the start line, during the race, the cool down, in any training video TJV puts out. He also rides like he has both the confidence to win but also something to prove. As for Pogacar, he said he didn't eat enough today and what he did eat just sat in his stomach and his legs gave out. Today's time gap between Pogacar and Vingegaard has as much to do with Tadej bonking as it does Jonas being the stronger rider. It's not rocket science but people want to point fingers.

Doping can't help you zoom the corners and downhills. The bike handling on the TT by Jonas was amazing

Vingegaard said around a week ago to the Danish media, that this stage and perhaps also to a lesser extend stage 16 would be decisive of who was going to win the tour. It would seem that he was right. According to a Danish TV expert/former tour rider who was out there himself to get a "feel" of stage 16. he got passed several times by Jonas, who was out there doing the most difficult parts more than once, to be even more prepared. Pogacar on the other hand spend most of that day resting, and he has done no other time-trials this year, to prepare for this, unlike Jonas. Jonas is simply vastly more focused, better prepared and taking advantage of his lower weight and having refined his technique, leaving Pog's bike change and brute force behind.

Thanks. A favorite moment today was the fan offering a struggling rider a pizza. There hasn't been a lot of good news with fan interaction lately, but I thought bringing out a pizza was cool. And someone on the mountain held a sign reading "You're Nuts." For the actual race, I'm wondering what Alaphilippe is doing. I've seen him go on early breaks, do amazing descents, then go back. Wouldn't it be better if he did that later in the stages?

yeah, I thought it was almost inevitable seeing how often Tadej had to turn himself inside out just to get a couple seconds, while Jonas was wheelsucking, doing 2/3rds the power in those finishing straights and losing almost no time at all. This tour was two weeks of that track event where they keep doing trackstands and try to bait each other into going first and providing a draft. Fool me once, etc. Jumbo Visma were also rock solid, it felt like they were taking turns being the last guy to help Jonas up the climbs.

Thanks for a great and nuanced take Phil. What bugs me is that everyone just point at the fastest guy and yells ‘doping!’ in a knee jerk reaction. If Pogi is the fastest, he gets the flak. Now it’s Jonas. At least try to get the whole picture, all the other factors leading up to the difference on the road or it’s just silly. I’m glad you did.

Dude, thanks for that perspective. It's hard sometimes being a fan and living and dying with these athletes and then having the doubt creep in. Your take made me feel better. Lol, too much feels

Should also mention that Tagej didn’t have a hyper focus on Le Tour throughout the season like Jonas. Tadej wanted to win every 1 day race he entered and that’s just a different effort. Jonas I believe only entered in stage races and had 1 primary focus. I’m curious if Tadej will change his approach or if the hand injury affected way more than he let on and just does the same thing but without getting injured of course.

Jonas is 6kg lighter than the Pog...that's a lot. A lot of people bet on Pog winning this tour who have had their dreams/hopes dashed by a very well drilled Jonas & Team. The Pog's dominance is in question and Jonas being 26yo will only get stronger next year.

And today (stage 18)...showed the Jumbo tactic has worked, Pog blew up and Jonas didn't to do anything but ride his race

This is the best post race content each day Phil! Thank you for keeping it short & sweet. If I'm already watching a stage for 3 hours, a 40-minute (or 1 hour plus) recap is WAY too much

I just tune in to watch your dog live his best life.

Just had the conversation with my family where they ask: "Is it safe to fall in love with The Grand Tours again or will we have our hearts broken by finding out they are doping?!?!" 😂

Ayyye, this was great. First-time Tour viewer, first time watching your run-down. I learned a lot and will continue to watch. You're already a favorite!

You mention a few points I consider key about the modern era. First, we are not seeing "donkies" mix it up with the climbers and all-rounders. That was common in the super doping era. Secondly, we are seeing the big impact of large team budgets. The big teams have the strongest riders, the best equipment, the most focused training, the best food and logistics etc. The level of professionalism is very impressive.

As a cyclist that enjoys the sport, I follow several veteran/retired cyclist channels. And then this guy pops into my recs. I watched this and then I watched some others. This guy has definitely walked the walk. Which allows him to talk the talk. I look forward to future posts.

Phil! I just finished reading "Draft Animals" and enjoyed it immensely. I didn't know you were doing stage breakdowns until YT recommended your channel. I'm going to watch this one and the others now.

This is the best insight... plus the PUP!!! Thanks for these recaps Phil!