Big shifts on the front of the bunch by Team Sky’s band of domestiques are certainly nothing unusual.
The huge engines of the likes of David Lopez, Xabier Zandio and the ever-improving Nathan Earle are simply the way the team works and looking at their success in recent years it is certainly a winning formula.
But are the British team pushing too hard? In terms of the race itself, there was no reason for Sky to lead the bunch. The onus was on Omega Pharma-Quickstep, and leader Michal Kwiatkowski, to dictate the pace of the peloton.
And the upshot of their efforts – while they should certainly be applauded – was Chris Froome becoming isolated in the run-in to the finish. Unable to do any chasing as Vincenzo Nibali went clear – well aware it would lead to his rivals attacking – Froome was left at the mercy of those around him.
Ultimately, he came through unscathed save for a handful of seconds lost at the finish. But did Team Sky show their hand too early? On the evidence of the single stage, the answer would have to be yes.
But the British team does not do anything without at least half an eye on the future. He may not be leading now, but if Froome is to defend his Tour de France title there will be a lot of pulling to come.
The same, indeed, is true of this race. Perhaps it was an error of judgement but don’t bet against them having plenty left in the tank as Froome targets the yellow jersey.
