I'm happy for Leach to get man of the match but I feel it's a bit harsh on Chris Woakes, 6 for 17 is not too shabby!
TBF I think Woakes was unplayable, all but. The catching was good and normal service resumed. Ireland needed England to continue their inconsistent form and play at their best... maybe the odd umpiring decision go their way, which upon review, didn't happen. It didn't happen and a tonking was what they got - a bit like us v City at Wembley.
Bizarre ! But the right decision for safety reasons . Bernal takes yellow it seems . As for the cricket - well what was the fuss !
Brilliant ride from both Bernal and Thomas. A real shame it was stopped as they had the tactics spot on.
It was predicted Alaphilippe might crack on this stage, he was lucky it was stopped or else could have found himself even further behind. Great spectacle, looking forward to tomorrow with all to play for.
He was getting a bit close when they were descending but certainly would have struggled on the final climb.
Poor old Julian Alaphilippe has been dropped off the back of the peloton, and may not even finish in the top three tomorrow.
The only saving grace for the French is that the winner is not a Brit. The wait for a French winner goes on...............
I am afraid that the inequality of funding is a large part of the lack of French winners. Ineos have a budget for this years race of €39 M whereas the best funded French team Groupama FDJ has a budget of €19 M. It is rather like comparing Man.City against Burnley and the quality of personal they can afford.
Blimey - dramatic race in Germany mainly due to the race meaning most of the drivers couldn't control their cars! Bad race for Mercedes for once...