THEMOVE Podcast: Tour de France Stage 17 | The Sir Wiggo & Johan Show
Release Date: July 23, 2025
In this engaging episode of THEMOVE, host Lance Armstrong delves deep into the intricacies of Tour de France Stage 17 alongside special guests Sir Bradley Wiggins and Johan Brunel. Offering a blend of expert analysis, insider perspectives, and riveting discussions, this episode transforms listeners from mere fans into true insiders of the world’s most iconic cycling race.
1. Introduction and Overview
The episode kicks off with Sir Bradley Wiggins and Johan Brunel setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of Stage 17, a 170-kilometer flattish route from Bolan to Valence with a few minor hills. The hosts emphasize the strategic importance of this stage in the broader context of the Tour de France.
Notable Quote:
- Sir Bradley Wiggins (00:34): "I'm the 2012 Tour de France winner, Sir Bradley Wiggins."
- Johan Brunel (00:38): "I directed my teams to nine Tour de France victories. Welcome to the Sir Wiggle and Johan show..."
2. Team Strategies and Performances
a. Ineos' Season Strategy
The discussion begins with an analysis of the Ineos team, highlighting a significant shift in their racing style throughout the season. Johan notes their adaptability and strategic maneuvers, particularly their recent victory with Arnsman.
Notable Quotes:
- Johan Brunel (00:00): "You have to say about Ineos, they completely changed their way of riding their racing style the whole season already."
- Bradley Wiggins (00:14): "Yeah, yeah, yeah. One of only a few teams to win stages in this race."
b. Israel Soudal's Arnsman's Victory
The conversation moves to Arnsman's commendable performance, marking a significant win for the Israeli team. This victory underscores the competitiveness and depth of talent within the peloton.
Notable Quote:
- Bradley Wiggins (00:34): "One of only a few teams to win stages in this race. I think there's 15 teams that haven't won a stage."
3. Jonathan Milan's Green Jersey Prospects
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Jonathan Milan’s impressive campaign for the green jersey. Johan and Bradley discuss Milan’s tactical prowess, his potential to win both the cyclocross jersey at the Giro and the points jersey at the Tour, and the critical role of his team, Little Track, in his success.
Notable Quotes:
- Bradley Wiggins (01:17): "Jonathan Milan pretty much consolidating green... he took as many points as he could today with a finish..."
- Bradley Wiggins (02:17): "He's on the verge of making history."
The discussion delves into how Milan's consistent performance and strategic points accumulation position him as a strong contender for the green jersey, potentially marking unprecedented achievements within the same year.
4. Impact of the Breakaway and Ineos' Action on a Category 4 Climb
Johan and Bradley analyze the dynamics of the breakaway during Stage 17, particularly focusing on Ineos' aggressive move on a Category 4 climb. They explore the possible motivations behind this strategy, debating whether it was a bid to control the race tempo, set up for a sprint, or simply maintain team morale.
Notable Quotes:
- Johan Brunel (05:01): "We see a lot going on in the peloton. Teams are pacing..."
- Bradley Wiggins (07:00): "What do you think they need to do?"
The conversation highlights the delicate balance teams must maintain between aggressive racing and conserving energy for crucial later stages.
5. Quinn Simmons' Role and Performance
A highlight of the episode is the in-depth analysis of Quinn Simmons’ exceptional performance. Johan praises Simmons for his relentless work in the peloton, controlling movements, and supporting his teammates, which has been pivotal in Little Track’s strategic successes.
Notable Quotes:
- Bradley Wiggins (15:26): "He's done the job that he came to the Tour to do..."
- Johan Brunel (16:12): "He's been in countless breakaways... the most valuable teammate for Little Track."
Simmons’ dedication and tactical intelligence are celebrated as key factors that could determine the outcome of the green jersey competition.
6. The Final Stage and the Crash
The episode takes a dramatic turn as Johan and Bradley discuss a significant crash that occurred near the end of Stage 17. They dissect the circumstances of the crash, its impact on the race dynamics, and the surprising resilience of riders like Tim Merlier who managed to stay upright amidst chaos.
Notable Quotes:
- Bradley Wiggins (17:58): "But you know, that crash happened right in the front, didn't it? Sort of eight riders back."
- Johan Brunel (18:32): "What a day for Milan. He's firmly in the lead now in the green jersey competition."
The crash not only reshaped the immediate outcome of the stage but also solidified Milan’s position in the green jersey race, setting the stage for upcoming challenges.
7. Stage 17 Trivia and Audience Engagement
In an interactive segment, Johan introduces a trivia question related to Stage 17, engaging listeners and encouraging participation. This segment not only educates but also fosters a deeper connection with the audience.
Notable Quotes:
- Johan Brunel (19:30): "Today's question is the Rome Valley. The location of stage 17 is known for peloton braking winds. What formation do riders form to try and combat crosswinds?"
8. Predictions for the Queen Stage and Future Stages
Looking ahead, the hosts provide a preview of the upcoming Queen stage, characterized by three Hors Catégorie climbs totaling 5,400 meters. They discuss the strategic moves potentially employed by teams like Visma, emphasizing the physical and tactical demands of such a challenging stage.
Notable Quotes:
- Johan Brunel (21:47): "This is definitely the Queen stage, right. This is the hardest stage."
- Bradley Wiggins (22:17): "What do you think they need to do?"
The conversation reflects on the resilience and strategic planning necessary to navigate the grueling climbs, with insights into how top contenders might approach the stage to secure their positions.
Conclusion
The episode of THEMOVE offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of Tour de France Stage 17, blending tactical analysis with personal insights from seasoned professionals. Sir Bradley Wiggins and Johan Brunel provide listeners with a front-row seat to the strategic maneuvers and unpredictable events that define the thrill of the Tour. Whether dissecting team strategies, highlighting standout performances like Quinn Simmons’, or analyzing pivotal moments like the late-stage crash, this episode epitomizes the depth and excitement that THEMOVE brings to cycling enthusiasts worldwide.
Note: Advertisements and sponsor messages present in the episode were omitted from this summary as per guidelines, focusing solely on the substantive content and discussions relevant to the Tour de France analysis.