Silly TdF musings... [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

slinkedog

07-18-2007, 03:51 PM

1. One thing that I've noticed is that the back of Euskatel's shorts make the guys resemble plumbers. That unfortunate peach-ish half circle just above the tush was a bad idea, imho.

2. Okay all you ladies over 40: Does anyone else thing that Linus Gerdemann looks like Jimmy MacNichol (big brother of Kristy MacNichol)?

3. As a girl reared on Tours including Lance, I'm having a hard time getting my head around the general chaos of this year's Tour. I guess it's a different universe without Le Boss.

That's it. Haven't been around much lately and felt the ned to share with people who care about the Tour! :)

jobob

07-18-2007, 04:04 PM

Al Trautwig doesn't annoy me nearly as much as he used to. How odd.

teigyr

07-18-2007, 04:09 PM

1. One thing that I've noticed is that the back of Euskatel's shorts make the guys resemble plumbers. That unfortunate peach-ish half circle just above the tush was a bad idea, imho.

Those shorts are a horrible idea. Even though I know that it's just their shorts, it looks like their shorts are riding down.

It has been a chaotic tour.

slinkedog

07-18-2007, 04:12 PM

Al Trautwig doesn't annoy me nearly as much as he used to. How odd.

You're mellowing, Jo!! ;)

Visual proof of the Jimmy/Linus resemblance:

http://lavender.fortunecity.com/flamingos/404/jimmy2.html

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Linus_Gerdemann_43_HEW_Cyclassics_2005.jpg

slinkedog

07-18-2007, 04:16 PM

Those shorts are a horrible idea. Even though I know that it's just their shorts, it looks like their shorts are riding down.

.

Exactly. Whoever designed that uniform needs a hand-slap.

Eden

07-18-2007, 04:21 PM

I thought the same thing about the Euskatel shorts :p plumbers indeed, but I think those awful yellow with crotch outlining black shorts on the Saunier-Duval guys are worse!

Zen

07-18-2007, 04:21 PM

I don't know about the resemblance thing but Linus ( I have started saying "Leeenus") looks like he should be modeling for CK.

I think it's been a great Tour.
Borat, dog crashes, you never know what you're gonna see :D

SadieKate

07-18-2007, 04:25 PM

Nobody should wear head-to-toe polka-dots after their 4th birthday.

http://survey.cyclingnews.com/photos/2007/tour07/index.php?id=/photos/2007/tour07/tour078/lctm_tdfs8_043

slinkedog

07-18-2007, 04:26 PM

SK, I agree 100%. I can't imagine but that the get-up puts some guys off from trying for KOM. :)

teigyr

07-18-2007, 04:27 PM

Nobody should wear head-to-toe polka-dots after their 4th birthday.

http://survey.cyclingnews.com/photos/2007/tour07/index.php?id=/photos/2007/tour07/tour078/lctm_tdfs8_043

I've often though that if I was King of the Mountains I would have to request a different jersey. Then again for the fact I even think about the possibility of being King of the Mountains means that I might be delusional :o

slinkedog

07-18-2007, 04:29 PM

I've often though that if I was King of the Mountains I would have to request a different jersey. Then again for the fact I even think about the possibility of being King of the Mountains means that I might be delusional :o

LOL! You and me both! :)

Eden

07-18-2007, 04:31 PM

another separated at birth?
Oscar Freire
http://www.rabobank.nl/images/freire_oscar_155756.jpg
Dr. Frank-n-furter (Tim Curry)
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Cinema/2636/t-book.jpg

SadieKate

07-18-2007, 04:42 PM

Oh no! Please DO NOT photoshop Oscar into another "kit."

I long for the old days when they wore their team shorts with whatever jersey they'd earned. I don't mind the polka-dots on the jersey, but the shorts?

Nooooo. Give 'em to that Borat-wanna-be.

Zen

07-18-2007, 05:33 PM

another separated at birth?
Oscar Freire

Dr. Frank-n-furter (Tim Curry)

That's a good one.

Bobroll is driving me nuts with his "Tour Day France"
Surely he can pronounce "duh"

I wonder who thought up with that pokey dot ensemble?

Eden

07-18-2007, 05:47 PM

That's a good one.

Bobroll is driving me nuts with his "Tour Day France"
Surely he can pronounce "duh"

There's a story behind that....... Now of course I certainly can't convey it quite like Bobby in person, but..... when he used to race in France (so he says) the French waiters wouldn't bring them any water, because their pronunciation wasn't perfect - they'd pretend to not understand, so he and his teammates decided that since no matter how hard they tried they still got flack they'd just quit trying and murder the French language as much as possible. Still, that's no reason for it to not drive you nuts.

Zen

07-18-2007, 05:55 PM

I'd like to see Bobroll replaced by Dave Z.
Vot game pleh?

crazybikinchic

07-18-2007, 08:23 PM

Thank you Eden!!! Those yellow shorts are terrible. Are they trying to display the weiner area????:D

Zen

07-18-2007, 09:02 PM

It's what Schmalz calls a "crotch heart"
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/BICYCLEcrotchheart.jpg

RoadRaven

07-19-2007, 01:12 AM

OK... the Aussie guy (Matt someone-or-other) who does the introduction and round up to the stages, before and after Phil and Paul have done their thing really bugs us.

Not all of you will hear it, but Aussie gals may have heard this guy.

He cannot say Cancellara... he says Cancerella!!! ARRRGGGHHH!!!

And I gotta join the vote to redesign those skin-colour-on-the-tush shorts!!!

7rider

07-19-2007, 02:49 AM

It's what Schmalz calls a "crotch heart"
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/BICYCLEcrotchheart.jpg

Looks more like a widow's peek! ;)

Aggie_Ama

07-19-2007, 04:02 AM

We have a non-cyclist housemate at the moment, the other night she saw the KOM and said "What the hell, that poor guy should not be wearing that." We laughed so hard as we tried to explain it was an honor, she wasn't buying it. I think she thought he had done badly or something. :p

I love Phil's "Leeky Gas". It really sounds like a medical condition that should be looked into. :eek:

margo49

07-19-2007, 04:52 AM

Julian Dean's diary on Thor losing his (Julz's) wheel at the finish of Stage 6:

"In any case I would have got Thor in a good position if he'd been on my wheel, which he wasn't anyway, so none of it really matters"

Good kiwi reasoning!

Jo-n-NY

07-19-2007, 05:02 AM

Yea, I read somewhere that they put that black crotch on the yellow shorts not to confuse it with the person wearing the yellow jersey. That usually has a complete different kit for the tour, but went this way this year.

Not only do I agree it is horrible looking but I still have to take a double take when watching the tour not to confuse "the yellow jersey" with one of these guys.

Imagine, someone got big bucks to come up with this idea, ugh

~ JoAnn

Kalidurga

07-19-2007, 05:49 AM

Vot game pleh?

Thank you, Zen, I was trying to figure out a way to type that and get the effect across.

I keep musing on what's up with DZ. He was so eager to be part of the Tour this year, but man, he's struggling! Still has that wacky sense of humor, though, so still gotta love him. I'd rather see DZ replace Al Trautwig. DZ and Bobke together would be too much fun :D

IFjane

07-19-2007, 06:14 AM

Thank you, Zen, I was trying to figure out a way to type that and get the effect across.

I keep musing on what's up with DZ. He was so eager to be part of the Tour this year, but man, he's struggling! Still has that wacky sense of humor, though, so still gotta love him. I'd rather see DZ replace Al Trautwig. DZ and Bobke together would be too much fun :D

Agreed, Kali! Personally, I get a kick out of Bob. Let's replace Al instead.

mimitabby

07-19-2007, 06:19 AM

SadieKate

07-19-2007, 07:16 AM

Jo-n-NY

07-19-2007, 07:24 AM

oh, they made it sound that way. Thank you for the clarification. Well, I guess someone likes the Castelli design. Too each their own I guess.

~ JoAnn

li10up

07-19-2007, 07:52 AM

When Linus was on the podium blowing a kiss (BTW men should NOT do that!) I thought he looked like and had similar mannerisms of Michael Jackson.

newbiechick

07-19-2007, 09:33 AM

Thank you everyone for affirming my hatred of the polka dot jersey. My husband and I joke about this all the time ... he actually likes the jersey ... and he's a pretty masculine guy! I think it's hideous! Yuch!

The black crotch reminds me of a photo someone posted on this site some time back ... I can't remember exactly ... I think the kits were white with red crotch. Whatever it was, every one of them looked like he might has well have been wearing saran wrap ... it left nothing to the imagination.

I, for one, am loving this Tour. This is only my 3rd year watching (got turned on to cycling when I met my now-husband three years ago). I am really enjoying the unpredictability of it. I loved watching Linus (Leee-nus) win that stage ... loved Cancellara those first few days (he's a doll!) ... strangely sort of loved sharing the pain during all the crashes ... the only thing I'm struggling with is watching Vinokurov ... I went into the Tour rooting for him and it's been so hard to see him struggle. bummer!

Anyway, it's fun sharing Tour reflections with others here! THanks!

Shelley
aka newbiechick

limewave

07-19-2007, 09:36 AM

I find myself hypnotized by the "crotch heart" when I"m watching the tour. I just can't help it. So glad I'm not the only one who finds this disturbing. I've been too embarassed to bring it up with DH.

It's what Schmalz calls a "crotch heart"
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/BICYCLEcrotchheart.jpg

Tri Girl

07-19-2007, 09:41 AM

I find myself hypnotized by the "crotch heart" when I"m watching the tour. I just can't help it. So glad I'm not the only one who finds this disturbing. I've been too embarassed to bring it up with DH.

Hypnotizing- indeed! I brought it up to DH a few days ago- he said it distrubed him too, cuz he found his gaze going "there" far too often. :p Then again, I'm the kind of wife that will point out big chested women for DH to look at (usually because it's a ridiculous sight).

I thought the dog getting hit was soooo sad the other day. :( Poor thing didn't know what was going on- just got pummeled and walked away. Did you see that tire bend like a taco- freaky! I hope he didn't have any internal injuries. Now the spectators that jump in the road- I wouldn't mind (or feel bad) if they got hit. Idiots!

spazzdog

07-19-2007, 10:10 AM

I'm wondering if the supposed "clean" status of this years participants is the reason for the chaos.

The biggies aren't having those "heroic" performances of past years, and the youngsters and previously unseen, who have the youthful juice, are having good showings.

Thoughts...?

spazz-a-wonderin'

RoadRaven

07-19-2007, 11:26 AM

Oh, yip, along with "Cancerella" and the naked butcrack shorts, I meant to agree with you all about the crotch heart, it is disturbingly mesmerising.

Aggie, agree with you on Phils's "leaky gas" too... I kinda like that.

And I love watching for all the amazing "bike sculptures".... that TV on the side of the ride with people on trainers.... the bikes bedecked with flowers hanging up through a village... the tower to the sky of bikes "beaded" together...

Just amazing.

RoadRaven

07-19-2007, 11:42 AM

I'm wondering if the supposed "clean" status of this years participants is the reason for the chaos.

I def think thats part of the interest... I did start a thread a few days back wondering if this was the first "almost clean" tour as the stages seem to run over estimated times

Fredwina

07-19-2007, 11:45 AM

when I first saw the Euskatel kit, my thought was that rider's jersey was too short and the top of his bibs were showing
I think having big arrows pointing to you-know-where would have been less distracting than SD current's kit. It's almost as good as the Polish national team's shorts:p
The French camera folks have been doing an amazing job at capturing the local flavor, both with scenery and the bicycle art (My understanding is all the video is shot by France television, and then the approriate language commentary is added)
Also, anyone notice that "Vino" appears to be wearing a helmet that's two sizes too small. Wonder if Specialized will come out with an XXL model?

limewave

07-19-2007, 11:54 AM

Does anyone know how the ladies get selected to be Podium Girl? I would LOVE that job.

Geonz

07-19-2007, 12:08 PM

VeloVT

07-19-2007, 12:17 PM

My sister saw LInus on the podium and said, "I didn't know they let girls ride!" (The pink prob'ly helped.) Then we pondered the possibilities of somebody trying to pull a "national velvet" scenario...

hee hee hee... that'd be awesome. (Coming from someone who had major horse lust as a child and read/watched National Velvet many times).

I have to say the whole podium girls thing bothers me. As an (athletic) girl I find it kind of patronizing. Until women's pro cycling attains the same status as men's, and women riders get "podium men" anyway.

wonder if they had to audition, and what the process was like? essay contest or photos in a bathing suit? and how many there are -- are there like 12 for every town or do they travel...

limewave

07-19-2007, 12:24 PM

hee hee hee... that'd be awesome. (Coming from someone who had major horse lust as a child and read/watched National Velvet many times).

I have to say the whole podium girls thing bothers me. As an (athletic) girl I find it kind of patronizing. Until women's pro cycling attains the same status as men's, and women riders get "podium men" anyway.

wonder if they had to audition, and what the process was like? essay contest or photos in a bathing suit? and how many there are -- are there like 12 for every town or do they travel...

Ooooh. Podium men. I like that!

I guess I'm just not much of a feminist. The Podium Girl thing doesn't bother me. Of course, I was thinking that the podium girls were cyclists themselves that were given the honor of attending the TdF VIP style. I didn't realize they were just schmalzy models.

spazzdog

07-19-2007, 12:47 PM

Podium girls requirement: "Shampoo commercial" silky hair, must look devine in canary yellow

Fredwina

07-19-2007, 12:51 PM

I find this site (and the article) to a be a little sexist at times, but:
http://pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=5088&status=True

slinkedog

07-19-2007, 12:59 PM

Oh, and Vino's shades look like something my five year old would pick out from the toy store. I'm sure they're probably very nice and functional glasses, but they look like they came from the five and dime!! :p

PscyclePath

07-19-2007, 01:09 PM

And then there's Podium Girl Gone Bad... (http://www.podiumgirlgonebad.com/)

http://www.podiumgirlgonebad.com/images/pggbsleep.jpg

Pedal Wench

07-19-2007, 01:12 PM

Ooooh. Podium men. I like that!

I guess I'm just not much of a feminist. The Podium Girl thing doesn't bother me. Of course, I was thinking that the podium girls were cyclists themselves that were given the honor of attending the TdF VIP style. I didn't realize they were just schmalzy models.

Just schmaltzy models.

As an aside, when the Tour De Georgia was setting up, they sent a note to my (women's) cycling club looking for podium girls. Ummm... not sure what the organizers were thinking, but no one applied.

teigyr

07-19-2007, 01:13 PM

limewave

07-19-2007, 01:29 PM

I find this site (and the article) to a be a little sexist at times, but:
http://pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=5088&status=True

That article has shattered my dream for becoming a podium girl. I now believe it to be demoralizing :(

csr1210

07-19-2007, 01:47 PM

Enjoying this thread, but still hoping for a picture of the "plumber" kit!

I'm not much of a feminist, but the podium girls thing does irritate me. Why do the guys need this as a reward/perk/whatever? :confused: I like the idea of podium "boys" for equal treatment,:D but in reality, I wouldn't want some ramdom guy kissing on me if by some major miracle I should someday win something!:rolleyes:

teigyr

07-19-2007, 01:55 PM

Am not finding a plumber picture from the back. Will try a bit harder though!

I realize that the Podium Girl thing is sexist but I think I understand it a bit. Granted the Tour has a lot of pomp going on but I was a volunteer at a mountain bike race once. I did a lot of jobs and then had to hand out awards at the end. I was in shorts and my hair was in a ponytail so it was hardly glamorous. I had no idea WHAT to do but everyone who placed was so proud that I started kissing them on their cheeks as I handed them their award. They were muddy and I was definitely NOT podium girl quality but it just seemed the thing to do. For the women racers I'd kiss them on the cheek if they didn't seem awkward about it :D

Zen

07-19-2007, 01:56 PM

Podium girls requirement: "Shampoo commercial" silky hair, must look devine in canary yellow

Although I do look divine in any color my hair will never be described as silky.
I find the podium girls (it gags me to make me say podium girls) highly offensive. When I think we started back with Susan B. and still have that kind of rot to contend with, will it never end? but that's a whole 'nother thread.

I did an image search for the Euskatel kit to no avail. It was only pictured from the front :p

csr1210

07-19-2007, 02:11 PM

I realize that the Podium Girl thing is sexist but I think I understand it a bit. Granted the Tour has a lot of pomp going on but I was a volunteer at a mountain bike race once. I did a lot of jobs and then had to hand out awards at the end. I was in shorts and my hair was in a ponytail so it was hardly glamorous. I had no idea WHAT to do but everyone who placed was so proud that I started kissing them on their cheeks as I handed them their award. They were muddy and I was definitely NOT podium girl quality but it just seemed the thing to do. For the women racers I'd kiss them on the cheek if they didn't seem awkward about it :D

But that sounds nice -- you were a part of organization and called on to congratulate the winners -- which it sounds like you did beautifully and sincerely. I wouldn't mind be congratulated in that kind of manner. You were not purposely recruited based upon sex and physical attributes to be "eye candy" (for lack of a better word at the moment). I would say you were much MORE than podium girl quality! Sorry, I'm not expressing this very well, but hopefully yall get what I mean:)

five one

07-19-2007, 02:59 PM

I did an image search for the Euskatel kit to no avail. It was only pictured from the front :p

In the image gallery for Stage Nine on versus (http://www.versus.com/tdf) there is a photo from "behind". It does merit a double take.

SadieKate

07-19-2007, 03:30 PM

ACK!! SPOILER ALERT! :eek: :eek: :eek: :) :eek: :eek:

RoadRaven

07-19-2007, 06:04 PM

Here's a great one from Stage 11 commentary... talking about an attack as a tactic...

Paul said: "That was a great attactic"...

What a great Sherwinism! I think that has to become a "real" word!

Trekhawk

07-19-2007, 06:30 PM

ACK!! SPOILER ALERT! :eek: :eek: :eek: :) :eek: :eek:

Sorry!!!
I didnt think there was anything in that article that would spoil it for anyone.
Other than DZ fans I guess.
Sorry!!!!

SadieKate

07-19-2007, 07:38 PM

Ah, we'll forgive you. :D

Trekhawk

07-19-2007, 08:39 PM

Ah, we'll forgive you. :D

Phew - thats a relief.:D

crazycanuck

07-19-2007, 10:02 PM

I just wish i could stay awake long enough to even watch a few min of the TDF..It's on at about 930pm my time (umm about 5am?? Vancouver time) & am not staying awake that long!

I'd like to be able to get up at 415am to go swimming or on a long bike ride...

C

Kalidurga

07-20-2007, 03:19 AM

Despite fraternizing with podium girls being a no-no, didn't George Hincapie marry one...?

newbiechick

07-20-2007, 06:02 AM

I realize that VCR's are dinosaurs and we might be the only people who still have one, but ...

my husband tape's the live broadcast every morning and then we watch it in the evening, skipping all the ads. DH prefers the on-the-spot commentary of Phil and Paul ... and we cut the viewing time by zipping past the commercials.

Anyway, just an idea for those who can't stay up late to watch the evening broadcast.

And adding my two cents on the commentators ... the first time I watched the Tour three years ago I found Bob Roll so annoying. Now I think he's an absolute stitch; can't imagine the Tour without him. And I love Phil and Paul ... all the "poor old so-and-so" and "spot of bother" and "angry peleton" and "argy-bargy." I think they're great fun. Not sure why Al is even in the picture ... and I keep thinking that one day he and Phil are going to get into a knock down-drag out. A year or two ago, there was so much tension between them that even I was uncomfortable.

Shelley
aka newbiechick

Zen

07-20-2007, 06:43 AM

I have a VCR and no plans for anything else:cool:

snapdragen

07-20-2007, 06:46 AM

Despite fraternizing with podium girls being a no-no, didn't George Hincapie marry one...?

Yup, and they have a cutie of a daughter too. I guess whatever trouble he got into was worth it!:p

li10up

07-20-2007, 06:52 AM

li10up

07-20-2007, 06:53 AM

Yup, and they have a cutie of a daughter too. I guess whatever trouble he got into was worth it!:p

No trouble for him but she lost her "job."

snapdragen

07-20-2007, 07:45 AM

Did anyone see the short piece they showed on Bob back in "the day?" He looked good. I thought it was hilarious when he thought he was going to win the TdF stage sprint and his foot came unclipped and as he lost he got off his bike, picked it up and slammed it to the ground. He is such a "caveman." I love him!!:cool:

Yes! That was great!

No trouble for him but she lost her "job."

Can you see it? Hmmm.....podium girl job....Georgie H......podium girl job......Georgie H. How to choose......:rolleyes:

Nokomis

07-20-2007, 07:47 AM

Fredwina

07-20-2007, 08:02 AM

another really bad short design is Liquigas with Chevrons on the Front middle panel.
They had a little featurette on Vs this morning on the Hincapies. not sure if tit will make tonight's show as they were having problems with the Video feed from the tour and P&P were sound like it was something they had pre-recorded for that situation.

Kalidurga

07-20-2007, 08:15 AM

Did anyone else catch the full frontal shot a few stages ago? :eek: My DH was howling at the TV! Camera was focused on a small group, but off to the right of the screen this poor chap sat up for a nature break & pulled himself out in full view ~ shocking that wasn't caught for as long as it was on screen. Pretty sure he was in yellow... unfortunately I don't remember the exact stage or even the name - was far to suprised to take note.

I saw that, too, and was speechless for a moment before cracking up! It was a Saunier Duval rider, but of course I wasn't looking at his face to see who it might have been :rolleyes: I kept wondering if the camera guy realized what he was catching, or if he did it on purpose, like the recent photo of the peloton lined up on the edge of the road.

sundial

07-20-2007, 08:32 AM

I think I saw a guy taking a break too.

I'm wondering why Lance isn't a commentator. Maybe because he signed a contract with Discovery?

Trekhawk

07-20-2007, 08:39 AM

I think I saw a guy taking a break too.

I'm wondering why Lance isn't a commentator. Maybe because he signed a contract with Discovery?

Not sure about Lance but after listening to the Horner diaries I think Chris would be perfect for the job when he retires from cycling.:)

SadieKate

07-20-2007, 08:43 AM

Lance is part owner of the Discovery team. Might be a trifle odd to have an owner commentating.

Trekhawk

07-20-2007, 08:48 AM

Has the Discovery team found a new sponsor yet??

Ninabike

07-20-2007, 09:31 AM

Did anyone see the short piece they showed on Bob back in "the day?" He looked good. I thought it was hilarious when he thought he was going to win the TdF stage sprint and his foot came unclipped and as he lost he got off his bike, picked it up and slammed it to the ground. He is such a "caveman." I love him!!:cool:

Yes, did see that. My DH couldn't believe it when he saw Bob throw his bike down. Bob said his foot came out AND his chain came off so he couldn't even pedal with one foot - and against the slowest rider in the Tour! Bob was quite an "intense" guy and obviously disappointed in the lack of physical support the team had. Their spare parts were "locked up"!!

li10up

07-20-2007, 09:50 AM

amymisk

07-20-2007, 10:40 AM

I totally missed the full frontal, probably fell asleep.

I just love Bobke. I think he is hysterical.

Kalidurga

07-20-2007, 11:20 AM

Oh man, I gotta see that...anyone know what stage it was?

I think the full-frontal was on either Tuesday or Wednesday, one of those two stages. I have no idea when during the stage it ocurred, though. And I don't remember actually seeing any "equipment", just shorts tugged down reeeal low. I think they got the camera off of him just in time ;)

RoadRaven

07-20-2007, 11:31 AM

NOPE! I did not seen any bare/d bits!
Ah well, I have my own cyclist in my house - think I can cope :p

OK... just back to the Podium Girls... I had always thought/assumed that each town got to choose from their own. I have never realised that it was the same girls for each jersey - but the link is saying that each jersey has one set of girls that do the whole tour, isn't it?

In that case, from a purely travel point of view - what a great way to see France!

But until there are Podium Boys I find the whole matter bizzare (in fact, it would make more sense to have no Podium girls or boys...) just as I do the stupidity of having girls in bikinis walk around a boxing ring between bouts with the placards identifying wish bout it is!!! Sexist nonsense...

Hey, just musing as I write (and I can cause this is a musing thread...) what about kids from local schools or local bike clubs? They would be thrilled, the crowd would be thrilled for the kids, and it would just make more sense to have children part of it and be encouraging young cyclists, than be encouraging contortionists!

RoadRaven

07-20-2007, 11:38 AM

I think I saw a guy taking a break too.
I'm wondering why Lance isn't a commentator.

Um... you want Lance to comment on the nature breaks????:D

Road~cheeky~Raven

li10up

07-20-2007, 11:39 AM

I'm not too big on the whole podium girl thing either but I don't mind the kissing. From my understanding that is just part of the culture over there...just their way of greeting one another. Here in the U.S. I met a woman who was from somewhere over there (can't recall right now) and instead of shaking my hand she kissed me on both cheeks. It was actually kind of cool in a way. I felt so European...plus it's a real ice-breaker.

mekira

07-20-2007, 11:47 AM

and have you noticed that depending on where the winner of the jersey comes from, the number of kisses vary (in France 3 kisses, in Spain - I think - 4 kisses) Here in Quebec it's 2 kisses (one on each cheek) :D

sundial

07-20-2007, 11:52 AM

Um... you want Lance to comment on the nature breaks????:D

Road~cheeky~Raven

Um, well, no--not that part. :p

I cheered for Alexander Vanikourov when he sprinted with his 80+ stitches. :)

sundial

07-20-2007, 11:53 AM

Ok, what if someone gets diarrhea? How is that handled? :eek:

RoadRaven

07-20-2007, 12:07 PM

I cheered for Alexander Vanikourov when he sprinted with his 80+ stitches. :)

Oh yeah!!! Me too!!! What a great "attactic"!

Astana as a whole are very impressive... with such a shaky start with two of their key p[layers and crashes, they have really shown they will not be pschyed, and will not chuck in the towel.

I am well impressed with their determination and heart.

Ok, what if someone gets diarrhea? How is that handled?

I like to think for that they get off and find a bush!

sundial

07-20-2007, 12:31 PM

Does anyone else think about Bobke's hands as he talks? Does the thought cross your mind about how he honk's a woman's horn?

Nokomis

07-20-2007, 01:21 PM

Does anyone else think about Bobke's hands as he talks? Does the thought cross your mind about how he honk's a woman's horn?

omg that gave me the best ab workout all day.. rofl
so true

sundial

07-20-2007, 01:53 PM

Glad I could oblige. :D

There's something about Bobke. :D

slinkedog

07-20-2007, 02:42 PM

Ok, what if someone gets diarrhea? How is that handled? :eek:

They call it LiquiGas. ;)

No, really, guys end up abandoning the Tour because of diarrhea. No fun on a bike.

Zen

07-20-2007, 03:59 PM

Did anyone see the short piece they showed on Bob back in "the day?" He looked good...

What happened?
He just does not appeal to me visually or otherwise.

Kano

07-20-2007, 05:31 PM

So, depending on what time of day I watch, there's this guy in a green jersey:

Tom Bone-in
or
Tom Boone-in

Anyone know what this kid's name really is?

Karen in Boise

Eden

07-20-2007, 05:39 PM

So, depending on what time of day I watch, there's this guy in a green jersey:

Tom Bone-in
or
Tom Boone-in

Anyone know what this kid's name really is?

Karen in Boise

Keep an eye out for the Specialized commercial featuring him- I think he says his own name in it, and is unlikely to say it wrong.....

Kano

07-20-2007, 05:51 PM

Oooh, that's right Eden! I forgot about that!

"I'm Tom, and I am Special-ized!"

So, I'm watching, sort of, as I read the forum -- can't really see the TV from this desk, but...

I think the guy who's not Bob, I think he might actually be saying "Leaky Gas" instead of Phil's version!

Karen in Boise

Zen

07-20-2007, 06:04 PM

the guy who's not Bob...
:D :D :D :D :D

That would be Big Al as I like to call him. He loves it when I call him that:p

It's REALLY windy there! I can't imagine riding in that. I've had a fear of riding in the wind ever since I got blowed over trying to out-sprint a storm . Storm won.

McDeb

07-20-2007, 09:10 PM

I can't believe that my first post here is a link to a photo of that Saunier Duval rider caught in a "private moment". But since it seems to be a popular subject, here you go:

http://www.tdfblog.com/2007/07/cant-a-guy-get-.html

:eek:

I promise my next post will be a little more G-Rated. :) Love this forum. I've been lurking for awhile.

By the way - I totally agree about the Euskaltel-Euskadi plumber shorts, the crotch heart distraction, and that Bobke rocks. :p

RoadRaven

07-23-2007, 02:54 AM

OK... His name is Matt Keenan... the Aussie commentator that fills in on our coverage around Phil and Paul's coverage... the one I referred to earlier that always... ALWAYS... talks about this guy in the tour called Cancerella...

Well, tonight he said a classic - the start of stage 15 (not a spoiler) but any of you that get his coverage...

Watch for him talking about the reaction of Salvadelli, or the peloton to Salvadelli (promise, no spolier here) a few kms in.

He is talking about the reaction of the cyclists... he says instead "eraction"

Classic, huh?

short cut sally

07-23-2007, 07:14 AM

Bobke is my favorite commentator. Love the smile and all those hand gestures he uses so frequently. I did see the blurp they did on him when he was a tour rider, where the chain fell off and he threw the bike down and explained how there was really no team supports like there is now. He had some wild hair in his day, and he even was laughing at his own clips. I've enjoyed the scenery, the commentators, and the vintage clips and pictures they show. The only problem i've had is seems like as soon as it gets down to like 13 miles or less to go, a commercial comes on and I fall asleep, so I have to wait till the next night to see who finished where. After reading this thread, i've had to pay attention to the "details" of some of the riders kits now..thanks girls..:D

Kano

07-23-2007, 08:19 AM

This morning, Phil referred to the Brazilian guy, "Marie Oh Fisher" -- think that's right? :rolleyes:

Zen

07-23-2007, 10:58 AM

I can't believe that my first post here is a link to a photo of that Saunier Duval rider caught in a "private moment". But since it seems to be a popular subject, here you go:

How do they do that and continue to pedal without making a mess of things?

I remain alone in my utter dislike of bobroll. Especially as someone who would throw his bike.

Kalidurga

07-23-2007, 12:20 PM

How do they do that and continue to pedal without making a mess of things?

That's what makes them pros ;)

I remain alone in my utter dislike of bobroll. Especially as someone who would throw his bike.

Have you ever read any of Bobke's books about his days racing mtb and his intro to the Tour? No, wait, you might actually like him even less if you did... though I loved him even more! Wacky stuff :D

roadie gal

07-23-2007, 01:40 PM

Another thought on those silly yellow shorts: You'd think the guys would want their "Look at my Peepee" arrow pointing UP rather than down, wouldn't you?

maryellen

07-23-2007, 01:50 PM

DrBadger

07-23-2007, 02:47 PM

<<I remain alone in my utter dislike of bobroll.>>

Zzencentury, you are *not* alone in your dislike of Bob Roll. I can't stand him. I want Phil and Paul announcing, not Bob Roll. Every year I'm tempted to write the channel and ask them to change the coverage . . . but I don't do it.

If you watch, or tape, the live morning coverage of the Tour on Versus you will get Phil and Paul commentating, and you only have to listen to Bob Roll for the pre-race stuff. I think that it works well.... watch the live broadcast for pretty much race only coverage and Phil and Paul, watch the "expanded coverage" in the evening to get some Phil and Paul, lots of Bob Roll, and other interviews and such.

Personally, I get a kick out of Bob Roll, but I can see why some don't like him.

Eden

07-23-2007, 05:28 PM

So Rasumussen's nickname "chicken" has been supplying a pretty good stream of (lame so sorry, lame :D ) amuzement for us....

Rasmussen's teammates - chicken tenders
Rasmussen tired - fried chicken
Rasmussen in the pack - chicken sandwich
Rasmussen break away - chicken flying the coop
Rasmussen's muzette - chicken feed

oooohhh that's bad - anyone care to add.....

Kalidurga

07-23-2007, 05:42 PM

Eden, you provided the biggest laugh I've had in days :D Those are (yes, lame, but still) hysterical!

I wonder how Menchov would feel about being referred to as a "chicken tender" ;)

Zen

07-23-2007, 06:41 PM

I'm out of the loop. How did Rasmussen get to be a chicken?

And what is wrong with these spectators crowding the cyclists? That must be so irritating. I think there should be a vehicle that precedes the riders with big outrigger arms on each side.

Eden

07-23-2007, 07:02 PM

Apparently there's a Danish cartoon character that is a chicken - Rasmussen being so skinny has been compared to the cartoon character (I've also heard him called skinny chicken and chicken legs...)
I've heard that nicknaming in the peleton is pretty common and you don't get to choose your own nickname... I think is more rare that we, the spectators, get to know what the nicknames are.

Rasmussen dancing on the pedals - funky chicken
Rasmussen's TT performace last year -........ chicken (I'll let you guess :p )

oh - as far as nicknames go - you know Manuel Beltran, even the commentators call him Tricky sometimes. Well its not because he is a good tactian. Apparently Tricky is the Spanish Sesame Street name for Cookie Monster - seems Beltran has a sweet tooth....

slinkedog

07-23-2007, 07:06 PM

I shudder to think what sort of nickname I'd earn were I in the peloton. :o

Lifesgreat

07-23-2007, 08:01 PM

My 70+ year old parents are now hooked on the Tore Day Frantz. It is fun to explain what is going on. :D

Love or hate Bob Roll, I think the following story is neat:
In _It's Not About the Bike_ Lance talks about Bobke. He was the one who rode with Lance at his "training camp" when he was set on quitting cycling. Lance had just dropped out of Paris-Nice when Craig Carmichael called Bobke and asked him to come to Boone, NC and ride with Lance. It rained and rained and they rode and rode. That's when/where Lance decided to continue to ride.

BikeMomma

07-23-2007, 09:25 PM

Rasmussen's TT performace last year -........ chicken (I'll let you guess :p )
Shredded chicken?:D

Rasmussen trimming his uni-brow: Plucked chicken
When he's angry, Rasmussen probably gets in a really 'fowl' mood.
Rasmussen with a sunburn: Bbq chicken
Rasmussen in the winter: White chicken
- or perhaps rather -
Rasmussen in the winter: Frozen chicken
Rasmussen when he was younger: Spring chicken
Rasmussen full on pre-race pasta: Stuffed chicken

...oh, this is way too much fun! Anyone else? :)
~BikeMomma

Eden

07-23-2007, 09:56 PM

Shredded chicken?:D
~BikeMomma

I was thinking something more on the lines of a male only activity......

Rasmussen in the mob of reporters - grilled chicken
Rasmussen in the Polka Dot Jersey - chicken a la King

why did the chicken cross the road? He was being chased by a con(ta)dor
bwaaaa haaa haaaa

BikeMomma

07-23-2007, 10:26 PM

I was thinking something more on the lines of a male only activity......

Rasmussen in the mob of reporters - grilled chicken

why did the chicken cross the road? He was being chased by a con(ta)dor
bwaaaa haaa haaaa
LOL!

An echelon of Rabobank riders: Chicken wing
A gift in a porta-pottie left by Rasmussen: chicken shxt!! :p

Tricky Beltran's girlfriend: Tricky's Chickie

~BikeMomma

wannaduacentury

07-24-2007, 03:31 PM

Leeky Gas ~ cracks me up every time.

I totally agree with the orange shorts - such a bad color placement.

Did anyone else catch the full frontal shot a few stages ago? :eek: My DH was howling at the TV! Camera was focused on a small group, but off to the right of the screen this poor chap sat up for a nature break & pulled himself out in full view ~ shocking that wasn't caught for as long as it was on screen. Pretty sure he was in yellow... unfortunately I don't remember the exact stage or even the name - was far to suprised to take note.

I'm very happy to watch the police throw spectators out of the way this year. We cheer each time we see that - Well done!!

I watched stage 14 and toward the end when pedestrians were running alongside the riders, there was a shot of this guy in a g-string and nothing else running along-at least it showed only his backside:p -- I cracked up- thinking Who are these people?? he looked like he came out of a cave too :D Jenn

Flybye

07-24-2007, 05:06 PM

Chicken sticks - I'll just leave the explanation to your imagination.:eek:

snapdragen

07-24-2007, 05:47 PM

I watched stage 14 and toward the end when pedestrians were running alongside the riders, there was a shot of this guy in a g-string and nothing else running along-at least it showed only his backside:p -- I cracked up- thinking Who are these people?? he looked like he came out of a cave too :D Jenn

It wasn't this guy was it?:eek:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lbjtTBA-TwE

Tuckervill

07-24-2007, 06:35 PM

No, thank goodness! oy.

Thong guy was really well built, and we only saw him from the rear as he ran beside the riders. But he was in the shot for a really long time.

Since then I've been paying way too much attention to the spectators, and there are quite a few men hanging around wearing nothing but a Speedo. You'd think there would be women in bikinis as well, but I haven't noticed any.

Karen