Cavendish v St Patrick's Hill (Tour of Ireland)

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 7:08 pm

So Guys, what do you reckon? Cavendish had an unassailable lead in the points jersey competition but decided to climb off before St Patrick's Hill in Cork and the race finish. Apparently he'd "finished his job for the week." Understandable? Disrespectful? Disappointing? Who cares, he's god on wheels?

Or non of the above.

Discuss.

(Had to start a thread about something, Will's gone awol

)

Arthur M · Post by **Arthur M** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:07 pm

A pity, in my opinion. If he had it in him to finish the Giro d'Italia then St. Patricks hill should not be impossible. Or at least ride as many of the 4 circuits as he can, so that at least he's tried to ride it, like other riders did. Whilst the points jersey in the Tour of Ireland may not be as prestigious as the points jersey in the Tour or the Giro, it was still something he would have won. Maybe he couldn't climb the hill, but I think he should have at least attempted it, not just pulled out before even trying.

Dr Dave · Post by **Dr Dave** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 8:10 am

Yes he's 'God on Wheels', yes it was disrespectful. Mind you it meant that Russ Downing won a jersey which few will feel wasn't deserved - really gutsy riding especially defending yellow on the last day.

dave c · Post by **dave c** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 8:37 am

From what I have read, he had a fairly bad crash on stage 3 and decided to retire the next day because of the injuries sustained.

Dave B · Post by **Dave B** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 12:42 pm

Dr Dave wrote:Yes he's 'God on Wheels', yes it was disrespectful. Mind you it meant that Russ Downing won a jersey which few will feel wasn't deserved - really gutsy riding especially defending yellow on the last day.

Seconded - Downing rode his socks off on the last stage, and gave a very good account of himself against the guys from higher-profile, bigger-budget overseas teams.

Dave

Andy J · Post by **Andy J** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 4:02 pm

He didnt want to be embarrassed by the fact the part time Pro's/ amatures can put him out the back on the climbs?

I would like to see Russ Downing get a ride on a bigger team, to see what he is really capable of.

Dr Dave · Post by **Dr Dave** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 4:20 pm

Andy J wrote:He didnt want to be embarrassed by the fact the part time Pro's/ amatures can put him out the back on the climbs?

I would like to see Russ Downing get a ride on a bigger team, to see what he is really capable of.

Shame he didn't get picked up when he was younger - and things went tits up for him last year. He's 30 now so not sure he'll get the chance to climb the greasy pole much further......