I posed the question because Froome didn't seem to be able to stay with Aru over the last 300-400 yards of the climb to the finish the other day.No.
This is classic stress testing of the Maillot Jaune and his team.
Sky also had Kwiatowski in the middle group (a classic set for a
potential bridging move - I was surprised Froome did not try) .
Aru and his team reminds me of Greg Lemond and ADR in 1989.
They have a potential winner but a far weaker team than their
rivals. If one of Froome or Landa are not blown away decisively
in the mountains, he will be subject to tandem attacks every day
in the mountains.
It's rare to see Froome lose time in that manner to a rival; I wondered whether he might have been struggling and the nod was given to Landa to race to pick up time for himself (which he did).
However, I think Froome answered any doubts emphatically in regaining yellow yesterday.
There is no doubt he has a far superior team. If he is in decent shape, then it will take something special from Aru or Bardet or Martin to dislodge him.
Wednesday and Thursday in the Alps should be interesting, especially a summit finish on the Col d'Izoard.


