Bruno Armirail: Giro d'Italia favourites can't attack just for the sake of it

Bruno Armirail (Groupama-FDJ) crosses the line in Bergamo with his Giro d'Italia maglia rosa intact
Bruno Armirail (Groupama-FDJ) crosses the line in Bergamo with his Giro d'Italia maglia rosa intact (Image credit: Stuart FranklinGetty Images)

At Old Trafford, Manchester United supporters aren't shy about making their feelings known when they deem the current team isn't living up to the adventurous ideals of the club's history. The chant that tumbles down from the Stretford End is simple but to the point: "Attack! Attack! Attack!"

At times, the atmosphere at this Giro d'Italia feels like it could have been lifted directly from Sir Matt Busby Way during Louis van Gaal's tenure. A sizeable portion of the commentariat, in the press room and beyond, certainly seems disgruntled at the caution displayed by the overall contenders through the opening two weeks of the race.

Barry Ryan
Head of Features

Barry Ryan was Head of Features at Cyclingnews. He has covered professional cycling since 2010, reporting from the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and events from Argentina to Japan. His writing has appeared in The Independent, Procycling and Cycling Plus. He is the author of The Ascent: Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche and the Rise of Irish Cycling’s Golden Generation, published by Gill Books.