Thanks for all the kind words concerning the reports. It's a big pleasure doing them
But even while reporting, it's frustrating to see how the AI works at times, ignoring great sprinters or giving them wrong leadouts. For example, Festina did a perfect job on stage 3, but did absolutely nothing on the other stages. Why?
And one thing the sprint AI must definitely improve at is timing. I guess Degenkolb could have won at least 3 stages with the perfect leadout he had, but the timing was sometimes just horrible. He was leading at some time on the first four stages, taking the win only once.
All in all, it was a cool race to follow - but as knockout, I missed the wind and therefore at least the possibility of echelons. Of course, it was great for the sprinter teams, but strong flat riders definitely weren't worth a lot otherwise.
Simply no one went for another rider pre race with Holloway not being on the favorite list!
And even post stage 5 only 2 managers went for him, which was less than two other riders at that point!
Not a lot of trust in him it seems, therefore he kind of dominated more than most others did here including prime Swift, who of course also rode for Qatar specialist Vesuvio back then.
@dubbledekker @SN
Is it really the first post Schleck GC for your team and to go back earlier the first non Schleck GC since Swift? In that case you should never have sold your top sprinter to me.
