Hellooooo? Anyone watching the Tour?

[Trek420]

Where's our usual excitement? The anticipation? The TE Pool? The snacks and beer? Jobob trying not to jinx anyone?

Who's watching? Anyone?

[madscot13]

I think Floyd broke my heart. Actually I don't think that he drugged up. I think his hip replacement and the usual treatment that follows did it.

[VeloVT]

I'm going to bed early tonight so I can be sure to tune it at 8:30 tomorrow morning!!!

I've been excited for two weeks!!! I'm going to have a hard time sleeping tonight :cool:.

Seriously, I'm pretty excited.

[Zen]

I thought it started tomorrow :confused:
I ate all the snacks anyway:D

[Eden]

I'll be off doing some racing of my own on Saturday and Sunday so Tivo has to keep the first stages for me - no spoilers without warning please!

[Kalidurga]

With no Lance, no Floyd, and no DZ, I dunno who to watch. Out of VeloNews' eight favorites (http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/79162/these-eight-favorites-will-battle-for-victory-in-the-2008), who will you ladies be rooting for?

[Eden]

I have no idea if they have any chances of winning, but my personal fav's on the list are Damiano Cunego (for whom I have little hope - he hasn't done much since his Giro win) and Frank Schleck - who seems like an all around nice guy, and his team CSC, is IMHO one of the best in cycling. They really know how to work together.

[LBTC]

Go, Cadel, go!!! :D

Got the PVR set! Yahooo!

H&B
~T~

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

Its started already? :P

[Running Mommy]

No Astana = no running family as loyal tour fans.
Yeah, I'm a Levi fan, and I am bitter!
Sad for Contador as well.
I would understand if Astana was the same team as years past, with the same mgmt etc. But they are the same in name only. What about the other teams who had disgraced riders last year?
It's sad, but I just can't watch. I'm going to miss it....
That being said,
GO Garmin/Chipotle!!!!

[crazycanuck]

Ahhh..Cadel...mmmm..

Fingers crossed Mr Evans can work some Aussie magic this year & win the yellow jersey! :D

At least you kids in the US/Canada can view it at a reasonable hour! It will start at 930pm or later Perth time which means i'll rely on the replays..

I'm not a huge fan of roadie stuff but i'll watch it if an Aussie's in the lead :)

[kelownagirl]

Tired of all the drugs and disappointment. They're all cheaters - even Lance. Not watching it any more.

[BikeMomma]

....Fabian Cancellara. He. Is. Specialized. Team CSC also has Carlos Sastre, Jens Voight, Stuart O'Grady, and Bjarne Riis for team manager. I'd say these guys will be a force. Maybe podium, but we'll see. It really is a toss-up this year. Hopefully clean too....but...dare we hope.

I must say how disgusted I am that Team Astana couldn't get in, especially after all the public outcry to let them race. Now them -- they would kick some tail.

I've got a hill ride in the morning, but you know the dvr will be recording everything!

~BikeMomma

[Kalidurga]

Well, Schmalz (http://www.velocitynation.com/article.aspx?ID=2366&CID=2) is watching, and that's enough for me.

[deedolce]

Carlos Sastre. I am watching it later, with club friends and a bbq, this early eve.

[sundial]

I'm gonna support the underdogs. I hope David Miller works some magic and wins a stage. We set the DVR so we can watch it commercial free.

[dachshund]

I'm gonna support the underdogs. I hope David Miller works some magic and wins a stage. We set the DVR so we can watch it commercial free.

Yeah, but don't miss the bike ads. :D

[KnottedYet]

I'm housesitting for a friend who has cable, so I can watch!

got up at 5:00 this morning (well, a little before, actually) and was glued to the TV until it was over.

I'm rooting for Garmin/Chipotle and Columbia. The commentators were saying that Columbia is going thru the same self-testing stuff Garmin/Chipotle is doing. I hadn't known that. Cool.

Two teams I can root for!

[7rider]

The Tour is on??? :confused:;)

Locally, we all with the BPVC have been glued to the USA Cycling 2008 Masters Road National Champ races (http://www.usacycling.org/events/2008/mastersroad/08MastersRRSched.pdf)in Louisville, KY and following results (http://www.usacycling.org/results/?permit=2008-1887)closely. A local gal and frequent rider with our group has podiumed twice (and DNF'd the tandem RR after wiping out in the rain :(). She totally rocks.

ETA: THREE PODIUM FINISHES!!! Yay! She just took 3rd in the crit today! WooHoo!!!

And, I'm a Levi fan, too. A little disgusted with the Tour organizers and the whole scene.

[Crankin]

Well, I'm watching because I like to watch cycling. I don't know a whole lot of the riders, but today's finish was exciting.
Maybe some new "stars" will appear.

[NJBikeGal]

Also rooting for the Arglye Armada!! :D

Although the new kits are pretty disappointing...and impossible to pick out in the peloton. They look too similar to Quick Step and AG2R. :rolleyes: Oh well... Go Garmin/Chipotle!!!

[janeho]

Hi
8.30 pm here in Britain now and Eurosport has an hours coverage every day from 9pm, so just time now to find a bottle of red and settle down infront of the telly.
For the first time for quite a while we have a bit of British interest to follow with Mark cavendish who won a couple of stages at the giro this year

[OakLeaf]

watching the recap right now. Amazing how hard Versus is pushing the angle of this being a New Day (and also that they do it in all the other sports too :rolleyes:). They must've really lost a lot of viewership. Not sure how much the commentary and those little... what do they call those little segments?... not sure how much good they'll do since only people who've decided to watch the Tour will see them.

[Lifesgreat]

Also rooting for the Arglye Armada!! :D

Although the new kits are pretty disappointing...and impossible to pick out in the peloton. They look too similar to Quick Step and AG2R. :rolleyes: Oh well... Go Garmin/Chipotle!!!


I WANT MORE ARGYLE ON THOSE KITS!!!:mad::mad::mad:

My old eyes can't tell them apart now. Plus, I really liked the design.

Rooting for the Argyle Armada as a team, rooting for Cadel individually. Like a moth to flame, I cannot not watch it (I know, poor sentence structure).

[sah]

Fabian is on CSC, they ride CERVELO.:o

[Popoki_Nui]

I'm watching today's recap now. I'm kinda hoping the TdF will rekindle my desire to ride; I've totally lost it, haven't been on a bike in a month and don't miss it a bit.

Well...maybe a little.....

We have a rider from right here in Victoria on the Garmin Chipotle team, so I'll be rootin'for them. :) Wish they were riding Cervelo's, though....:rolleyes:

[Zen]

very exciting finish indeed.
I don't know who those Team Columbia boys were at the finish but they were some big beefy looking dudes.

[Chicken Little]

I am sure you guys have discussed this, but why is there no women's Tour de France?

[Trek420]

There is one! It is smaller, not as long and obviously not as well covered by the press.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Grande_Boucle_Féminine_Internationale

There also was a woman who competed in the Giro de Italia, not the women's version (which there also now is one) but the mens Giro :cool:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=10230

[BikeMomma]

Fabian is on CSC, they ride CERVELO.:o

Yea - I was really mocking Bettini's commercials: "I y'am Paulo Bettini. I. Y'Am. Specialized." (Link: http://www.specialized.com/bc/home.jsp?a=b&minisite=10029&language=US)

That's what I get for posting so late in the evening (morning?), as not only did I mix up Fabian's Cervelo commercials with Paulo's Specialized ones, but I also spelled Bjarne and Sastre wrong. Triple DOH!

(Note to self -- do not post on TE after 1am, or risk being corrected by well-meaning folks like sah.)

AWESOME stage today, eh?

~BikeMomma

[elk]

no cable....:( so i check in online...
i've watched previous tours on DVD (netflix)...love it.

the Astana cut tix me off too....

plus i miss the excitement of knowing Lance is somewhere on that road....


Basso..Mayo..Ulrich....are personal faves....not even sure they;re in this year..

[DDH]

Tired of all the drugs and disappointment. They're all cheaters - even Lance. Not watching it any more.

I don't remember ever hearing anything about Lance cheating. Of course that's not saying much, cause I didn't pay much attention to it all when he was riding.

I can't believe that they are ALL cheaters, I have to keep some hope.
I'm sure there are some that want to make the sport honest and without so much contraversy, and that don't dope.

I'm just watching, not rooting for anyone, cause I don't know who to cheer on. They sure do have some nice bottoms and legs, I can say that about them. I can say this much for them, the most of them, have some really nice bottoms and legs. LOL:D

[Hot_Flash]

As some others have posted here, I too am rooting for Columbia(High Road) and Garmin Chipotle(Slippies). And, yes, as you can probably tell, I'm an American. :D

Elk, I don't have cable either this year, but I've found there are a lot of options for watching races live online. Durring the Giro I discovered a website that has all sorts of online coverage... live audio and video feeds, tickers, etc. for whatever the current race is. Through them I didn't miss a stage durring the Giro, and I'm watching one of their streams right now of the Tour Stage 2. :) Anyway, here is their link...

http://cyclingfans.com/

I hope that helps and you can watch now too.

[Velobambina]

Thor!!!!

[tulip]

Thor is awesome!

I'm rooting for a French win this year. I love the sport and I love the country, so I watch this year as I have since 1986. I'm so glad there are three days in Brittany, as it's my favorite part of France, and little known to folks in the U.S. (hint--go there and ride!). I was just there in May (again) with my bike and it's some of the best riding I've ever done.

Valverde has a good shot at the whole shebang, but he is moving out awfully early. But he has an amazing team so I wouldn't be surprised if he pulled it out at the end.

[dex]

Thor SMASH!

I <3 the Tour, though I'm disappointed my fave (Boonen) did something idiotic and got himself barred from the race.



Basso..Mayo..Ulrich....are personal faves....not even sure they;re in this year..

Retired (Ullrich), without a team (Mayo), or serving suspensions (Basso) on various levels of doping violations/allegations.

[VeloVT]

Thor SMASH!

I <3 the Tour, though I'm disappointed my fave (Boonen) did something idiotic and got himself barred from the race.


I'm mad at Boonen.

The last 5K or so of today's stage was SO exciting. I was on the edge of my seat.

[KnottedYet]

I love Schmalz's "man-crush" on Thor. Can't wait to read Tour Day Schmalz stage 2!!!

[elk]

Thor SMASH!

I <3 the Tour, though I'm disappointed my fave (Boonen) did something idiotic and got himself barred from the race.



Retired (Ullrich), without a team (Mayo), or serving suspensions (Basso) on various levels of doping violations/allegations.

well..I better get on the stick!!! (maybe if I quit obsessing about my h'bars, I'd pay attention to something else...:rolleyes:)

thanks, Hot Flash, for the link!

[Aggie_Ama]

We are watching thanks to the magic of DVR. I am rooting for any underdog or anyone wearing Argyle! I would love to see someone off the radar win and since they are off the radar I don't know who that would be. :p

Sorry Aussies, I don't like Cadel he just seems so arrogant. Of course it could be editing but they always have him talking about his rivals weaknesses instead of strengths. I did like when he had the side glancing mugshot last year. :D

[Kalidurga]

I love Schmalz's "man-crush" on Thor. Can't wait to read Tour Day Schmalz stage 2!!!

Between Thor's SMASH and Moreau in a break, Schmalz will have a field day with today's stage ;)

[Veronica]

I don't remember ever hearing anything about Lance cheating.

Lance's answer always seemed to be that he never failed a drug test.

I'd like to think that he didn't cheat, but the way he was SO MUCH better than his competition, will always make me wonder.

V.

[redrhodie]

This is a fantastic tour. I'm loving the no time bonus stages. I hate time trial stages (except for team time trials, which are awesome, and I miss) so less of them is a big plus. It's going to be fun to see what happens when everyone's fried in about a week. I bet this ends up being the fastest tour, with the fewest finishers. It's an open field. It's going to take a lot of heart to win this one.

Lance was so much better than everyone else because he knew how to use his team the best. He did not expend any unnecessary energy, he let George do all the work. He was a great time trialist, and a great climber. He was not Eddy Merckx, who could ride solo for an entire race and never see a teammate, or the peleton, for that matter, and win again the next day.

Lance also was big into gear improvements. He spent more time with mechanics and designers, improving everything he could to wear yellow, than any other racer. I'm not saying he didn't dope, but I'm saying, put him on a steel frame with down-tube shifters and toeclips, and he would be looking at Eddy's back like the rest of them did.

Anyone who isn't watching this tour because some riders doped is really missing an opportunity to see the most beautiful sport in the world. And, it's your sport. But if it really bothers you that much, then you shouldn't watch the Olympics (track and field, swimming, gymnastics) either, because I hear some of them doped, too. And baseball. Football. The stuff some basketball players do to dogs is ungodly, so that should be out, too. Maybe bowling is safe, but I wouldn't bet on it :rolleyes:.

[elk]

This is a fantastic tour. I'm loving the no time bonus stages. I hate time trial stages (except for team time trials, which are awesome, and I miss) so less of them is a big plus. It's going to be fun to see what happens when everyone's fried in about a week. I bet this ends up being the fastest tour, with the fewest finishers. It's an open field. It's going to take a lot of heart to win this one.

Lance was so much better than everyone else because he knew how to use his team the best. He did not expend any unnecessary energy, he let George do all the work. He was a great time trialist, and a great climber. He was not Eddy Merckx, who could ride solo for an entire race and never see a teammate, or the peleton, for that matter, and win again the next day.

Lance also was big into gear improvements. He spent more time with mechanics and designers, improving everything he could to wear yellow, than any other racer. I'm not saying he didn't dope, but I'm saying, put him on a steel frame with down-tube shifters and toeclips, and he would be looking at Eddy's back like the rest of them did.

Anyone who isn't watching this tour because some riders doped is really missing an opportunity to see the most beautiful sport in the world. And, it's your sport. But if it really bothers you that much, then you shouldn't watch the Olympics (track and field, swimming, gymnastics) either, because I hear some of them doped, too. And baseball. Football. The stuff some basketball players do to dogs is ungodly, so that should be out, too. Maybe bowling is safe, but I wouldn't bet on it :rolleyes:.

Amen, sister....
( :p if they're all doping then it's an even playing field...:D)

[smurfalicious]

I'm not saying he didn't dope, but I'm saying, put him on a steel frame with down-tube shifters and toeclips, and he would be looking at Eddy's back like the rest of them did.

Seeeee! This is why I upgraded from down tube shifters! I could never be the next Lance with those! Wait, are you dissing my beloved steel? The steel I love so much I plan to sleep with it at night?


Maybe bowling is safe, but I wouldn't bet on it :rolleyes:.

OMG have you seen The Big Lebowski? Those dudes are downing White Russians left and right! And I know it's true because a movie says so!

Here's a lovely, potty-mouthed rant about the current state of affairs: http://drunkcyclist.com/wordpress/2008/07/06/la-verde/

I understand about half of it, but love a good rant.

[crazycanuck]

Hey Amanada,

Many Aussies & Kiwis can come accross as arrogant but are quite sweet! ;):p

Cadel was on Enough Rope W Andrew Denton last year & he seemed quite down to earth..

I normally just follow the reports in The Australian & hope someone from downunder or Europe does v well or wins..I'm not a huge fan..

[short cut sally]

I work weekends, I made a point to wake up early on Sat. to watch the opening of the TdF.. got a phone call at the beginning of the race.."what ya doin?" "its opening day of TdF and I'm making a point to watch it"..you could hear crickets in the background. People don't get it. Had to come home from work Sat and Sun and wake my DH to ask..who won.. He gave me highlights..but not the same. We Will watch tonight, I can't wait..

I love watching the sport and just amazement of the talents of speed, climbing, and agility they have..with or without enhancements. I do agree that every sport has their dark side, unfortunatley the media doesn't seem to let the world forget about it when it comes to cycling..I agree with redrhodies comment in her last paragraph..

I would like garmin/chipolte or the new columbia/highroad to win. I think George should win something after all these years. Poor guy, worked so hard for lance and he remained in the shadow so to speak (in my opinion). I'm disappointed that there is no astana..they would've kicked butt!

[Kalidurga]

I've been listening to the live audio feed from Eurosport and one of the two announcers is about to put me to sleep. Does anyone know of another source of free, workplace-appropriate live audio feed for the Tour?

[mamaof5]

I always listened on OLN- now Versus (versus.com). You can listen to Phil there.

[Kalidurga]

Ironic. I watch the Tour on Versus every night, but I've never checked out their 'net coverage. Thanks, mamaof5, now I can really get my fill of Phil ;)

[Norse]

I have watched Le Tour religiously for many, many years and always enjoy listening to Phil. However, this year I decided to boycott the Tour as the best team and defending yellow jersey were not invited due to the actions of Vino and others who are not even on the team this year.

[OakLeaf]

Okay, I just logged into Le Tour's own site for the first time this year, and I'm finding it amazing that in the standings display, they've got Team Garmin/Chipotle listed as "TSL" and Team Columbia listed as "THR." How do they expect to attract new sponsors (to replace all the ones who pulled out) if they won't properly identify the sponsors EVERYWHERE their names appear? How hard is it to update the team name abbreviations?

I get that Columbia was signed at the last minute, but we're nearly a week into the event now people. It's one thing that they're wearing Highroad and Slipstream colors in the pre-recorded interviews that Versus is airing, it's a whole 'nother thing that the event's webmaster can't be bothered to change three keystrokes for the contemporaneous coverage... :mad:

[Hot_Flash]

Stage 10
http://www.letour.fr/PHOTOS/TDF/2008/1000/PROFIL.gif

I just wanted to bump this up since today is one of THE big stages.
And in case anyone is looking for live coverage online go to cyclingfans.com (http://cyclingfans.com/)

They're almost at the start of the first big climb! Enjoy!

[Kalidurga]

Stage 15: Yow! That was a heck of a race. Crashes, attacks, surprises, oh my!

[rij73]

Stage 15: Yow! That was a heck of a race. Crashes, attacks, surprises, oh my!

You said it! Very exciting!

[Kalidurga]

Is it too early for me to give huge props to Team Chipotle? It's not really a spoiler, they're just doing so danged awesomely at their first Tour :D

[rij73]

Is it too early for me to give huge props to Team Chipotle? It's not really a spoiler, they're just doing so danged awesomely at their first Tour :D

I agree. They are doing incredibly well... It's been a pleasure to root for them!

[VeloVT]

Sad for Oscar Freire...
:(

Very exciting stage though.

[Kalidurga]

Sad for Oscar Freire...
:(

Do you mean Oscar Freire (Rabobank) or Oscar Pereiro (http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/80467/) (Caisse d'Epargne)? (* Spoiler link, for those of you behind on race coverage *)

[pll]

That was an exciting stage yesterday. I like both Cadel Evans and Christian Vandevelde, they are both very sensible when interviewed. I have to wonder about the sponsor of the Silence Lotto team because they have to great riders and no depth to support them :mad:. McEwen has nobody to help him into position in the sprints, and nobody can stay with Cadel on climbs. With Cadel's last year finish, the sponsor could have invested in a better roster of domestiques (by contrast, CSC is a stunning team). So, at the end, it is best for Cadel not have the yellow jersey and keep close until the end.

I was reading the Spanish media this morning and Pereiro says he crashed against Robby Hunter, who was already on the ground. Pereiro's computer registered the speed at 56 km per hour at the crash. :eek:

[firenze11]

I watched what I could while I was away. I'm still such a newbie that I don't know names/faces/etc. but I really enjoy watching. This thread reminded me to find it now that I'm back home and there is a recap on OLN right now. Maybe that will help me get caught up.

[redrhodie]

I'm loving Johan Bruyneel's contribution to the broadcast. It's so great to really get inside the race.

Funny to hear Danny Pate's interview. You would have thought he came in dead last. Dude, you finished third in a Tour de France mountain stage. How bad can you be? Trust me, you don't suck.

[Possegal]

Funny to hear Danny Pate's interview. You would have thought he came in dead last. Dude, you finished third in a Tour de France mountain stage. How bad can you be? Trust me, you don't suck.

Did you hear Vaughters yesterday saying, in response to a comment taht Pate didn't look so good in the middle of the climb, that he doesn't know that Pate has ever not, not looked good. :) He said soemething like, I don't think Danny has ever been happy a day in his life. We cracked up, wondering if it meant he was the type who was always hard on himself, or was he a whiner. :)

[spindizzy]

Wish I had such good wit....even a dry sense of humour..

[BikeMomma]

Did you hear Vaughters yesterday saying, in response to a comment taht Pate didn't look so good in the middle of the climb, that he doesn't know that Pate has ever not, not looked good. :) He said soemething like, I don't think Danny has ever been happy a day in his life. We cracked up, wondering if it meant he was the type who was always hard on himself, or was he a whiner. :)
That was a funny quote -- then to see it played out in Danny's interview later was a crackup! Jonathan hit it right on the nose. :p

What was interesting is the winner (can't remember his name and too lazy to look it up), said that he felt at one point that Pate and the other guy (I'm bad) were way stronger than him and he was just hanging on at one point. That echos almost exactly what Pate said -- that the other two were way stronger than him and HE was just hanging on. Funny the two different perspectives in the same three-man breakaway!

Lovin' the Tour this year -- can't wait for Wednesday. You think a bomb went off yesterday, wait til Alp d'Huez. We're talkin Hiroshima, baby.

~BikeMomma

[PinkBike]

when i used to see danny pate destroying the field in all those domestic criteriums i thought he was an absolute monster. then i saw his interview and he's, like, built like a jockey!

i wish frank schleck could time trial, CSC is the best team around, poor cadel has no-one, CSC can gang up on him almost at will and attack-attack-attack. notice i said schleck not sastre - i have been disappointed too many times by carlos to get my hopes up (yes, i'm a cubs fan too).

i got a bumper sticker in the mail today that says "what would jens do?"

i am most impressed with ----- drum roll ------- cancellara. he is always up there taking pulls, do you see other TT guys doing that? millar? schumaker? dave z (were he there)? he's a big boy to be doing all this in the mountains! you go fabian!!

i truly thought stijn devoilder would make an impact in this tour. couldnt have been more wrong, eh?

cant wait til tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kalidurga]

dave z (were he there)?

Dave Z's at home with a brand-new baby boy and a broken vertabrae. I haven't seen anything about how he's recuperating from the accident at the Giro. Hopefully he's doing well.

Even though I knew today was a rest day, I almost automatically brought up the live coverage when I got to work this morning. Amazing how quickly the Tour becomes a habit ;)

[Aggie_Ama]

Dave Z has been showing a bit more of ability to climb in recent years, like last year's Giro. Cancellara is a beast though, between him, Jens and Suart O'Grady they can just shred the field. I am ready for tomorrow and then Wednesday!! No sleep for a couple nights (we record the stages).

[Zen]

Even though I knew today was a rest day, I almost automatically brought up the live coverage when I got to work this morning. Amazing how quickly the Tour becomes a habit ;)

I didn't know today was a rest day and watched the last ten miles.
didn't realize it until the finish when I say to myself "Hey ! This is a rerun!"

[Kalidurga]

Stage 16: I wasn't able to follow the live coverage due to some computer issues here at work, but I just checked the reports over at VeloNews...


:eek: :( :eek: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Can't wait to get home tonight and watch the re-cap.

[Kalidurga]

Just read this over at VeloNews (http://www.velonews.com/article/80597) (spoiler link, for those not checking today's results until later):


The Schleck brothers are extremely close... Frank replied, “Andy will win the Tour someday. He’s got the right head for it. He’s strong, but he lives like a puppy dog right now. He lives at home still and my mom babies him too much. Once he toughens up, he’ll win the Tour.”

That's just so cute :p

[Zen]

I've been watching Andy Schlek.
I see potential there. Something in his face.
And he's pretty cute too but I think his brother hit it spot on.

I heard an NPR news reader talking about KAY-dul Evans :rolleyes:

[Lifesgreat]

Maybe Danny Pate should be renamed Eeyore :rolleyes:

DD got his autograph at the Tour of CA. She is a growing, skinny 11 year old and is about his height. Later, I learned he was SO sick (the stomach flu was going through the peleton), but he still took the time to sign her program. I didn't know he was so ill or I wouldn't have let DD near him :eek:

What is Dave Z up to? Check out this article from the local paper (http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700243253,00.html).

[Kalidurga]

Maybe Danny Pate should be renamed Eeyore :rolleyes:

Aawww, poor Pate! ;)


What is Dave Z up to? Check out this article from the local paper (http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700243253,00.html).

Thanks for that link. Now I have to make sure I watch the Olympics!

[Zen]

it almost looks like he was trying to commit suicide (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPYpCYuUR0s).
No attempt to turn at all, just straight over :eek:

I saw Elvis!

[7rider]

I'm loving Johan Bruyneel's contribution to the broadcast. It's so great to really get inside the race.



Is it just me, or does Bruyneel look unbelievably bored every time he's on camera??? I love his insight, but geez, the guy looks like he's a million miles away (probably wishing he were in a team car, instead).

[SouthernBelle]

Bruyneel is probably thinking about what Astana could be doing in this field. I have to wonder that myself.

[arielmoon]

That was my thought too.



The course yesterday was incredible! Both scenic and scarey!

[Geonz]

I am bummed because there doesn't seem to be a way to follow the tour on my 'puter at work. Some years there have been cute little icons of bicycles on a virtual track... or even live video...

[Kalidurga]

Geonz, check out Yahoo! Sport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/cycling/livematch/239209.html). That link should take you directly to today's coverage. They've got the bicycle icons and there's a link for live audio (if you can wade through Sean Kelly's impenetrable accent to understand it).

[Norse]

Geonz, check out velonews.com.

After boycotting the first few weeks of Le Tour, I broke down yesterday - too much excitement with the Alps and so many guys bunched tightly together. Still, I wonder how different the dynamics would be if the strongest pro team, and defending yellow jersey, had been allowed to race.

[Kalidurga]

Still, I wonder how different the dynamics would be if the strongest pro team, and defending yellow jersey, had been allowed to race.

I dunno about that. It appears that the strongest pro team is racing, and is currently defending the yellow jersey. CSC has been amazing in the Tour this year.

[Norse]

CSC is clearly the strongest pro team at the Tour, but their main competition is not there so it's unknown which team may have been the strongest this year.

[tulip]

You can't judge the race by what it couldawouldashoulda been. It is what it is, and it is fantastic this year. If you are missing it, you are missing a great, great Tour.

[bmccasland]

I am in absolute awe that anyone can accelerate going UP the Alps.

And I can see me going head-over-tea-kettle missing a hairpin curve on the way down too.

[Possegal]

here is where my brother in law has been watching it online

www.justin.tv

http://www.justin.tv/kamtronistv <---------- i think that is the direct link.

[Possegal]

http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080722.wsptricco22/GSStory/GlobeSportsOther/home

interesting story - so the drug manufacturer of the new ESA intentionally labeled it with something for the purposes of easier detection for illegal use. interesting collaboration of us science geeks on the right side of the law, and the sporting federations. :)

i like the story of how ricco tried to evade testing and that lead them to say he put a target on his own back. so it seems it was more than just an abnormal pre-race test that had them following him.

[rij73]

it almost looks like he was trying to commit suicide (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPYpCYuUR0s).
No attempt to turn at all, just straight over :eek:

I swear I saw that in slow motion when it was happening. I think I even screamed. He did so well to stop himself. It was practically a vertical wall. Does anyone know how far his bike fell?

[Possegal]

it's the Alps, his bike is probably still falling. :) i just told a friend - come on, let's go, there is a $10,000 bike waiting for us somewhere at the foot of the Alps.

[Kalidurga]

Well, this is fairly disgusting, but not entirely surprising. The following tidbits have been included in today's live coverage at Yahoo! Sport (not a spoiler):


More breaking news from Reuters: French customs officers stopped and searched a car driven by Johnny Schleck, the father of riders Frank and Andy, during Thursday's 18th stage, witnesses said. Customs officers first stopped a press car with Luxemburg number plates and searched it 35km into the day's 196.5km ride from Bourg d'Oisans to St Etienne. They then stopped a second car, driven by Johnny Schleck, whose sons are riders from Luxembourg representing the CSC team on the Tour de France. We'll keep you updated when we hear more.



Papa Schleck update from Reuters. Looks to our untrained eyes like much ado about nothing: Johnny Schleck, who drives guests around for one of the Tour sponsors, was asked to step out of the car at a roundabout and was searched by a police officer. He was then asked to drive the car towards the other side of the roundabout, where the vehicle was searched by customs officers for 30 minutes. "We will search the car," a customs officer told Reuters without giving any further details. The car later continued on the stage course behind a customs vehicle towards Grenoble.



A quote from the custom officials who searched Johnny Schleck's car: "We were looking for doping substances but the check was negative so we let him (Johnny Schleck) go," a customs spokesman told Reuters.

Oy.

[Zen]

W T H?

[7rider]

Witch hunt.

[Kalidurga]

More from VeloNews (http://www.velonews.com/article/80683) (potential spoiler link, don't click on anything else while you're there):


Nothing found in search of Schlecks' father's car

By Agence France Presse
Posted Jul. 24, 2008
A car driven by the father of Tour de France stars Andy and Frank Schleck (CSC-Saxo Bank) was searched by French customs during the 18th stage, which began in Bourg d'Oisans on Thursday.

An official source in Grenoble later said that "no doping products or banned substances" were found during the long search, which took place at Vizille in the Isere region of the Alps.

Johnny Schleck, a former professional cyclist who raced with Belgian legend Eddy Merckx, was stopped along with another vehicle from the advertising procession that precedes the stage.

Several journalists and photographers witnessed the stop, at the 30km mark of the 194.5km stage. Customs chiefs for the region of Isere confirmed two Luxembourg-registered cars were stopped and searched.

"One of the vehicles was taken out of the public's view for a more thorough search," said a customs official. The other, being driven by a journalist, was allowed to carry on.

Johnny Schleck was driving a Luxembourg-registered vehicle for one of the advertisers linked to the race.


It would seem that performing exceptionally automatically makes one an object of suspicion now.

[Triskeliongirl]

Hmmm, is this even legal? Don't they have to have probable cause and permissions to search a vehicle, or can customs do whatever they want to a foreign vehicle???

There are official doping controls that are part of the race guys.

[arielmoon]

FRAK!! :eek:

I clicked to read that article and clicked again and saw who won today's stage!

*head desk*

why did I do that??? :confused:

oh well :p

[7rider]

It would seem that performing exceptionally automatically makes one an object of suspicion now.

Or maybe one is just a spry 23 year old. Geez...did young Andy look impatient at the top yesterday??? Like he was bouncing out of his saddle....looking back at his brother in the yellow..."C'mon, bro'....let's go! C'mon, c'mon. COME...ON!!! Will you hurry up, already!!!!! Geez...waddaya, worn out or sumptin'?" :p

[Kalidurga]

I clicked to read that article and clicked again and saw who won today's stage!

Oops! I went back and edited the post to specify that the link could lead to a spoiler. Sorry I forgot to do that originally, I do try to be considerate of folks who watch the coverage later in the day :o

[tulip]

Hmmm, is this even legal? Don't they have to have probable cause and permissions to search a vehicle, or can customs do whatever they want to a foreign vehicle???

There are official doping controls that are part of the race guys.

The laws are different than they are in the US. I don't know about searching cars, but any police officer can ask anyone for ID for any reason in France. It's never happened to me, but I always carry my national ID card with me, as does practically everyone. Which reminds me, I gotta get that thing renewed before I go back there.

[katluvr]

I agree, CSC is THE TEAM. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed that now Carlos Sastre (sp?) is the leader and will probably win. He has not really done anythign special (until yesterday) and it was just d/t the fact he had THAT team! I would of much perferred either of the Slchleck brothers or how about Fabian! He has looked SOOOOOOOOOOO awesome. Oh well...unless something really drastic happens I think we know how has won the tour. :(

[rij73]

It's not at all over... Cadel Evans is completely capable on a good day of taking over a minute-and-a-half out of Carlos Sastre over a 55km time trial. I think it is between those two.

[Norse]

Unless Sastre has "the TT of his life" or does something really "special" Saturday, Evans is my pick to win it all.

[katluvr]

Sure hope sooooo! I don't wnat it to be over, I hope it is close.
Poor Cadel....he hasn't had much team support, nor has Christain.
Just goes to show how much of a "team" sport cycling is in these grand tours!
Can't wait to get home, rewind, and see today's stage. (And listen to Paul and Phil!)

[arielmoon]

Oops! I went back and edited the post to specify that the link could lead to a spoiler. Sorry I forgot to do that originally, I do try to be considerate of folks who watch the coverage later in the day :o

Totally not your fault! I should have realized it could happen if I clicked around on the site! Your link was fine! I am a spaz! :D

[batsheva]

pretty cool of the Lampre boys to ride all together to the finished line with their injured team-member...

now THAT'S 'team cycling'!!

[Aggie_Ama]

I kind of like Sastre. He has a custom saddle that says "Papa Mejor". I just think that is so sweet, lots of men have kiddos but he is REALLY proud to be a daddy. The Schleck boys will probably both win the tour at some point, they are so young and so good. I believe Sastre hasn't done anything the whole tour because that was CSC's plan, he trained all year for the tour and then reserved every ounce of energy for Alpe D'Huez. Not as fun as fireworks but smart. Poor Cadel and VandeVelde didn't have anyone in the mountains. I think Christian could be in yellow is Garmin was just stronger, I still hope he could pull off a miracle and knock Kohl off the podium.

Another thing- could Kohl look anymore ridiculous climbing? The alien glasses and bobble head swinging freak me out. Even Paul commented on his riding style. Not nearly as funny as last year with Soler "That man cannot make riding a bike look good." or something like that.

[rij73]

Another thing- could Kohl look anymore ridiculous climbing? The alien glasses and bobble head swinging freak me out. Even Paul commented on his riding style. Not nearly as funny as last year with Soler "That man cannot make riding a bike look good." or something like that.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing... Also, (and believe me that I know this is mean and superficial) but he's just not an attractive guy. I wish he'd just get his teeth fixed! That's 90% of his look problem right there. I guess I'm just spoiled cause it seems like all these bike racers are so damn cute... :o But, really, his team seems to be okay in the funds department. They should get him a good dentist with part of the proceeds of the KoM prize.

[Aggie_Ama]

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing... Also, (and believe me that I know this is mean and superficial) but he's just not an attractive guy. I wish he'd just get his teeth fixed! That's 90% of his look problem right there. I guess I'm just spoiled cause it seems like all these bike racers are so damn cute... :o But, really, his team seems to be okay in the funds department. They should get him a good dentist with part of the proceeds of the KoM prize.


My husband keeps ranting about his teeth. It is mean but funny. He gets up and my husband shouts "Oh god the teeth again, what the heck is with those- ahhhhhhH!". I like how they say he is a chimney sweep in his off season. Does he really get paid so little or is he just bored?

[Kalidurga]

I like how they say he is a chimney sweep in his off season. Does he really get paid so little or is he just bored?

Perhaps he enjoys it. I can picture him looking like D-i-c-k Van D-y-k-e in Mary Poppins... "Chim-chiminey, chim-chim-cheroo"...

(I can't believe this board was going to *** the name of such an inocuous actor :rolleyes: )

[katluvr]

I was wondering if anyone would mention Kohl's teeth...maybe now that he's been inthe spotlight they will get them fixed. In one of the earlier stages one of the riders that won (or was close)--well his "teeth" looked a bit funny, then on the podium you could see he had braces. He probably just now can affort them. I think if you calculate the hours these guys put in and divide that by their pay...it ain't much unless you are Lance, Sastre, Cadel, or the like!

[Kalidurga]

This just in from VeloNews live coverage:


04:35 PM: What's for dinner?
Well, we know what the (remaining) guys on Saunier Duval will be eating. It appears that the team will be co-sponsored by the American Beef Council, the group responsible for promoting the consumption of American beef both in the U.S. and abroad.

So Saunier Duval-Scott becomes Scott-American Beef.



04:43 PM: Oooooo
Harold H writes in regarding the Beef team;
Does this mean they'll have a jersey on their jersey?


:D :D :D

[katluvr]

OMG---thanks for my "AM break at work" laugh!
I am now hearing moo-ing in my head on this one!:D

[Kalidurga]

Here's more:


04:50 PM: A moooooooving observation
Reader Jason B writes in to ask:
Is there any truth to the rumor that Scott-American Beef will soon be announcing a big signing for next year...Cattle Evans?


Oh man, that was awful

VeloNews' coverage can actually be quite entertaining :p

[7rider]

VeloNews' coverage can actually be quite entertaining :p

Grooooan!!! :rolleyes: :D

[arielmoon]

I second the groan :D

[rij73]

Wait a second! Is this beef thing for real??? If so, as a vegan, I guess I won't root for anyone on that team. You with me Ariel? ;)

[Kalidurga]

Yeah, I found the beef sponsorship interesting, too, especially in light of this article (http://www.slipstreamsports.com/2008/07/25/our-special-anti-inflammatory-diet) by the team chiro over at the Chipotle site:


So, our guys are eating very little wheat products (bread, pasta) and also very little red meat (which also has a pro-inflammatory effect on the body).

Guess this means the ex-Saunier-Duval/soon-to-be-Scott-Beef team is going to be one inflammatory crew.


(Sorry, couldn't help it , go ahead and groan again ;) )

[Trek420]

OMG---thanks for my "AM break at work" laugh!
I am now hearing moo-ing in my head on this one!:D

And here's the team jersey!

http://www.teamamericasdairyland.com/Team/bios/BetsyShogren.htm :D :p ;)

[Kalidurga]

And there's more! From VeloNews (no link this time, don't want anyone clicking where they shouldn't ;) ):


American Beef signs on as co-sponsor of Scott squad

By VeloNews.com
Posted Jul. 25, 2008
The former Saunier Duval-Scott team will continue as Scott-American Beef after the squad’s title sponsor announced Wednesday that it would leave professional cycling in the wake of a drug scandal at the Tour de France.

Italian rider Riccardo Riccò tested positive for a new version of the banned blood booster EPO after the stage-four time trial, prompting the team to pull out of the race last week. Both Riccò and his compatriot Leonardo Piepoli, who had won the prestigious Bastille Day stage but had not failed a dope test, were sacked last Friday.

Also signing on with American Beef, based in Chihuahua, Mexico, are the Vuelta a Chihuahua, the state government of Chihuahua and Tierratech, according to a press release issued Friday and signed by general manager Mauro Gianetti and team manager Joxean Fernández Matxin.

Scott-American Beef will race at the Clasica San Sebastian, and its management has also been in touch with Unipublic, organizers of the Vuelta a España, in an attempt to “clarify definitively the events which led them to leave the Tour de France and to lose their main sponsor,” the announcement continued.

"We consider that what happened at the Tour is sad but do not have to condemn the whole team, who always showed fair play,” said Ricardo Creel, president of American Beef. “Those who are guilty must be punished, but all other honest racers, as well as the whole staff of the team, must be able to end the season with complete peace of mind.”

Saunier Duval, part of a German company specializing in domestic heaters and air conditioners, was the second sponsor to turn its back on cycling at this year's Tour.

The first was Barloworld, which acted after Moises Duenas tested positive for the banned blood booster on stage four.

Shame on me for ethnocentrically assuming that American Beef was a U.S. company :rolleyes: Will this be the first Mexican-sponsored team in the Pro tour?

Trek, I'm picturing a jersey with a great big bull's head on it, horns and all. That could be intimidating to the other teams!

[7rider]

Will this be the first Mexican-sponsored team in the Pro tour?



What Pro Tour?

Didn't all the teams (save Astana) decide to pull out of the ProTour (effectively killing it)?
http://www.velonews.com/article/80207

[Kalidurga]

What Pro Tour?

Didn't all the teams (save Astana) decide to pull out of the ProTour (effectively killing it)?
http://www.velonews.com/article/80207

Dunno. That's one bit of news to which I haven't paid much attention. It's less interesting than a team being sponsored by cows on bicycles.





In case you couldn't tell, work's a bit boring today....

[Zen]

I can't get the chihuahua part out of my head

[Kalidurga]

Are you thinking dog meat, or chihuahuas riding on cows on bicycles?

Now you've got me thinking about the old Taco Hell commercials...

[ny biker]

All the teams pulled out of the Pro Tour. The teams at the TdF voted to do it, and then Astana said they would go along with the majority.

[rij73]

OK, now Scott-American Beef has to be the MOST ridiculous name for a pro bike team. I doubt those guys are downing many cheeseburgers no matter how much they ride...

[Zen]

Beefcake?

I'm really digressing, I know.

[malkin]

OK, now Scott-American Beef has to be the MOST ridiculous name for a pro bike team...


It seems like it would be worth a look at least!

[BikeMomma]

All of these new sponsors are making me hungry for some Mexican grub -- i.e. American Beef, Chipotle restaurant chain, etc. -- but alas, all of which would make me, after an hour or two, er....as Phil says....Leeky-gas.

Heh.
:D:p

~BikeMomma

[7rider]

Beefcake?

I'm really digressing, I know.

Ha! That's what I was thinking the first time I heard it.
But then.....I thought that was just me.
Maybe not. :o

[Trek420]

So, le Tour is over. Oh sure, there's tomorrow but nobody will challenge. I'll be enjoying the traditional breakfast, getting to get up at zero dark thirty and head over to Spazzdog's place for bagels, lox and cream cheese and watch the last day of the Tour.

What's the wrap up gals?

[VeloVT]

Waiter, waiter!
I'll take one order of beefcake, here, please! :D

(heck, why stop at one!)...

Ok, anyway, well, I will watch tomorrow's stage but sad that it will be anticlimactic. However, I actually found today's TT somewhat exciting.

[Kalidurga]

I know there's still the extended coverage to be shown on VS tonight, but is anyone else feeling withdrawal symptoms yet? I keep thinking about going in to work tomorrow and not pulling up a few live coverage sites as soon as I sit down at my desk. It's gonna feel strange to actually have to do some work in the morning, instead of goofing around following the stage and posting here :rolleyes:

[Zen]

Well, there's still Beijing :o
That should be interesting on many levels...

[Eden]

Next up - La Vuelta!

[Aggie_Ama]

I wish Versus could show all stages of the Vuelta like the Tour or the Tour of California. I mean who really watches Cage Fighting, Rodeo and Fishing. Okay wait my redneck cousins, brother in law and for fishing DH. But still! I need more wispy boys in lycra.

I tried to watch that cage fighting once (don't ask), all I did was laugh hysterically. There was something comical about the way they grab anywhere, I mean the guy had his head in the other guy's butt and his hand on his crotch. Seriously, is this more manly that cycling? Why because the bleed? Wait cyclists do that on occasion.

[Lifesgreat]

I wish Versus could show all stages of the Vuelta like the Tour or the Tour of California. I mean who really watches Cage Fighting, Rodeo and Fishing. Okay wait my redneck cousins, brother in law and for fishing DH. But still! I need more wispy boys in lycra.


I must confess: I watch bull riding :eek: But if I had to choose between cycling or bull riding, cycling wins.

[Aggie_Ama]

Well, I admit I enjoy it and used to watch it often with my dad. But still I want my cycling. :)

[KnottedYet]

I must confess: I watch bull riding :eek: But if I had to choose between cycling or bull riding, cycling wins.

I really like watching bull-riding.

[Popoki_Nui]

I know there's still the extended coverage to be shown on VS tonight, but is anyone else feeling withdrawal symptoms yet?


Oh yeah. Just finished watching the recap on OLN (Canada). I always get a little teary when le Tour is over, especially since OLN doesn't focus much on cycling and we rarely get to see other events. But I really enjoyed this year's TdF: it fired up my own flagging enthusiasm for riding, we had a local (http://www.ryderhesjedal.ca/)rider in le Tour, and the fact it was won on Canadian bikes didn't hurt, either. ;)

And the Olympics are only 11 days away!

edit: oh yeah...and I didn't hear Bobke say Tour Day France once.

[tulip]

All I can say is that it was a great Tour and I somehow managed to watch every stage, or at least parts of every stage.

I'm looking forward to the Vuelta, and the track racing at the Olympic velodrome.

[rij73]

Withdrawal symptoms, big time! :p

[arielmoon]

I think I will have withdrawal once I catch back up on my sleep!:cool:

I am also looking forward to the Olympics. I would love to see lady cyclists too!