Tour de France 2005 [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Adventure Girl

06-28-2005, 10:03 AM

I want Ivan Basso to win, and Bobby Julich and Jens Voigt to each win a stage. And I want CSC to win the TTT.

And I want Levi Leipheimer and Floyd Landis to finish in the top 5.I thought that when jobob roots for a rider, it's like the kiss of death! Good luck to anybody on her list!

My list
1. I am still undecided on the podium and winner.
2. I would LOVE for Floyd to win a stage.
3. I want the Posties/Discoveries to win the TTT! That train is a beautiful thing to watch!
4. I'd like Iban Mayo to make a good showing after last year's disappointment.
5. Can't wait to hear Bobke talk about "The Tore Day France"

jobob

06-28-2005, 10:04 AM

And as for spoilers, caligurl is right - if you really really don't want to be 'spoiled', then stay off the internet, don't listen to the radio, don't turn on the TV, and don't engage in conversations with anything beyond cats & dogs.

Methinks there's going to be a lot of interest in this year's tour so you might need to wear a Cone of Silence if you really don't want to know.

That said, posting 'spoilers' in the heading won't hurt - but I really hope there aren't any flame wars if anyone gets inadvertently 'spoiled' and has a hissyfit over it.

I'm having flashbacks to my figure skating fan days when the skating lists would erupt in mayhem and carnage if anyone inadvertently posted a spoiler <<...shudder...>>.

spazzdog

06-28-2005, 10:09 AM

I would like Lance to win, but what I'd like even more is for it to be a real battle between the supposed "top guns".

I want to see Ulrich live up to his potential and fight it out with Lance. I want to see George up there crossing swords with Kloden. I want to see some of the upcoming youth take the risks allowed and gve the fans a future well worth waiting for.

My dream podium: Lance, George and Levi

Predicted podium: Lance, Mayo (if he doesn't work against himself), Cunego

Predicted blow-up: Ulrich... he's just never learned to modify his style in order to take the big one from Lance.

jobob

06-28-2005, 10:11 AM

Yoo hoo, AG .....

:p :p :p :p :p :p

:D

Adventure Girl

06-28-2005, 10:11 AM

My dream podium: Lance, George and Levi
I would be happy, but this would NEVER happen!!

jobob

06-28-2005, 10:12 AM

Cunego won't be in the tour, he's getting over mono.

spazzdog

06-28-2005, 10:31 AM

OK... I'll replace Cunego with Thomas Voeckler as my dark horse for third.

So, my predicted podium: Lance, Mayo, Voeckler

You all can find the official startlists for all team in the TdF at http://www.cyclingstartlists.com/

Jo-n-NY

06-28-2005, 10:58 AM

I have been on the edge of my seat for weeks. Actually OLN, I think, is the only one that can cover it because they own the rights to the TDF. If I am wrong, then please correct me.

We switched to Direct TV from Cablevision just to get OLN, (hated the Cablevision monopoly anyway). I am enjoying all the shows that are on this week on OLN & Discovery.

After reading both Lances's autobiographies and most recently, his mothers, Linda Armstrong Kelly, I rest my case in saying the my respect for the guy just grew even more and yes, I want Lance to win a 7th because if he does, he will be so deserving of as his training goes well beyond most.

At the recommendation of another post, I read the articles in Outside magazine and today just began the book by Daniel Coyle. Info on the guy just seems to be endless and is getting addicting. lol

~JoAnn

SadieKate

06-28-2005, 11:27 AM

OLN had a live radio feed of the Giro. I don't know if they'll do one of the TdF.

http://www.mediazone.com/channel/cycling/jsp/index.jsp

emily_in_nc

06-28-2005, 01:01 PM

The only time of year I need TV - darn it!!! Anyone know of a web site that will have video? I'm willing to sit at the computer and watch it.

Mikki, I believe that OLN will do streaming video for the tour - I seem to remember them advertising it last year. It is an extra charge but not excessive, as I recall. Check their website (http://www.olntv.com/). Hope I'm right about this!

Emily

P.S. I'm rooting for Lance to win lucky number 7! The announcers on "Road to the Tour" last weekend seem to think he's in his best form ever and will be very hard to beat. I do hope it's not a romp, though. Would like to see it close and exciting, but with Lance prevailing in the end.

CorsairMac

06-28-2005, 01:10 PM

The only time of year I need TV - darn it!!! Anyone know of a web site that will have video? I'm willing to sit at the computer and watch it.

OLN did a live video for the Giro - total package was like $5.99 so I'm sure they'll do the same for the TdF.

You can also go to cyclingnews.com. Since France is ahead of us, the stage results will usually be posted mid-late afternoon our time.

as for spoiler - yes please either put it in the title or understand results will be discussed here. I just keep thinking of that poor guy over on bikejournal that posted a result unintentionally and was Lamblasted so bad he quit his membership. I can't imagine us doing that here - but we tend to take our TdF's very seriously! :D

as for mine:

Yellow: Lance

the rest: I'd like to see Ivan Basso on the podium somewhere, he's a tough kid. It'd be nice to see Levi place high, and Azevado place high and/or KOM. He placed like 6th last year and deserved it!!
I'd love to see Bobby and Paolo take some stages and get more of the recognition I think they deserve.
and of course I LOVE to see the Aussies in the green jerseys!!

and I'd like to see the Discovery boys win the TTT just for the sake of Discovery and their new sponsership but if for some reason they don't quite make it, my 2nd choice would CSC. They're a good team and deserve accolades!!

slinkedog

06-28-2005, 04:04 PM

Okay, who thinks Bobke's new sidebeurns are truly heinous? We were watching "Road to the Tour" the other day, and he looks like a werewolf. ;)

nuthatch

06-28-2005, 04:11 PM

Okay, who thinks Bobke's new sidebeurns are truly heinous? We were watching "Road to the Tour" the other day, and he looks like a werewolf. ;)

Totally!! I thought he had some sort of skin growth on the side of his head - what's he thinking down there in Durango?

I'm going to record every day and wean myself off the Tour slowly, Spazz. It will fill those long winter months on the rack, er, I mean trainer!

I want Georgie to win a stage. You know, someone as tall or taller than I am instead of those shrimpy boys. (At least someone who weighs as much as I do - or would that disqualify a rider??) :D

Nut "I'm so excited" hatch

Veronica

06-28-2005, 04:13 PM

... Bobke...looks like a werewolf. ;)

Yes, yes he does. AND I swear some of his facial expressions seem to deliberately make him look even more wolf like.

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/features/ride4roses/roll.jpg

I couldn't find any photos with just the sideburns. Okay - I got impatient.

V.

abarensfeld7

06-28-2005, 05:08 PM

My pick for winner = Vinokourov
Landis is gonna tank!
And Armstrong will get 3rd behind Vino and Ullrich. Sad.
But I think Discovery will reprise the Postal blue train in the TTT and win that stage.

jobob

06-28-2005, 08:42 PM

Yes indeed, Bobke's new, um, "look" is a trip.

And 'fess up, how may jaws dropped when Kirsten Gum showed up as a brunette ??? :D

- Jo "I likes to dish" bob

nuthatch

06-29-2005, 02:37 AM

And 'fess up, how may jaws dropped when Kirsten Gum showed up as a brunette ??? :D

- Jo "I likes to dish" bob

Yes! It was like a brown animal had crawled onto her head and died - so flat and dead-looking. I guess it's hard to strike just the right color to be taken seriously as a journalist (not toooo blond) and still have a bit of zing to your appearance - maybe she should try red?

profàvélo

06-29-2005, 05:15 AM

Last year, I was able to listen to the Tour live on this site, for free: http://www.eurosport.co.uk/
Sadly, it was not Paul and Phil doing the commentary, but the accents were lovely just the same. :)

Don't forget to check out the official Tour site: http://www.letour.fr/
(Visit the French site occasionally, even if you don't know a word of French...you can often figure it out anyway, and sometimes the French version has things that the English version does not.)

Also...anyone else going to actually be at the Tour? Specifically stages 15 (July 17), 16 (19th) or 17 (20th), or the rest day in Pau on the 18th?

emily_in_nc

06-29-2005, 06:49 AM

Okay, who thinks Bobke's new sidebeurns are truly heinous? We were watching "Road to the Tour" the other day, and he looks like a werewolf. ;)

Agreed! Watched Road to the Tour Sunday also and had to do a double-take to figure out what he had on his face! My dad had those in the 70s, but they were actually in style then...I guess Bob R is trying to bring those days back. After all, low-rise, flare jeans came back, why can't mutton-chops? :eek:

Emily

slinkedog

06-29-2005, 07:33 AM

Yeah, the '70's are definitely upon us once again. The boys in my daughter's class (she'll be a high school freshman in the fall) all look like Peter Brady with their hairdos. However, I must note that I never saw Peter Brady's boxers peeking out above the waistband of his pants/shorts/whatever. That's a fad I'll be glad to see go. Oh, and the girls in low-rise jeans with tops that don't make it all the way down so their bellies show. That's just wrong. :p

bikerchick68

06-29-2005, 09:58 AM

I heard that Bobke has a bet with a mtn bike racer and that's why the chops... not sure WHAT the bet is tho...

Cunego IS out and Simoni has been saying he may not ride without Cunego... sounds like he is afraid he'll get stomped again without the support...

I think it's gonna be:

Lance
Vinokourov
Basso

I think Ulrich will tank again somewhere along the way, but he's hot so who cares? :D
I would LOVE to see Azevedo win a mtn stage
Floyd taking a stage would be cool too!
And if Voeckler puts on a show like last year... wow! That kid deserved the Maillot Jaune!!!

I was on the Champs last year for the final day. On Sat I was walking along and saw Kirsten Gum with a team of camera people... I said hello, not knowing if she would just blow me off or what. She stood and talked for about 20 minutes about all the stages and some behind the scenes stuff and then took pics with me! She was incredibly kind, polite and fun! Also have pics of Phil Liggett from the final day... didn't get to cht with him tho... and then a newscrew filmed me... I think they were Swiss??? Anyway, they wanted footage of me in my American Flag Jersey!

aka_kim

06-29-2005, 10:11 AM

Ok, my SWAG...

Basso
Ulrich
Lance

(I still want Lance to win, though.)

And also Floyd, Levi, Bobby J, Vino, Kloden and Azevedo somewhere in the top 10.

jobob

06-29-2005, 11:03 AM

Cunego IS out and Simoni has been saying he may not ride without Cunego... sounds like he is afraid he'll get stomped again without the support...
hah, good call ! Simoni skips tour (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2005/jun05/jun28news)

bikerchick68

06-29-2005, 11:35 AM

ah... so the rumor is true then... I don't DISlike the guy... but I did find it amusing how he spouted a bunch of stuff about kicking Lances butt last year and how Lance isn't a "real" climber then he came in liek 138th or something... :rolleyes: he's a good rider but ya better be able to back the smack!

spazzdog

06-29-2005, 11:53 AM

OK grrls... neither Cunego or Simoni are riding.

The procisional start lists as of June 28 are at: http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2005//tour05/?id=startlist

Check your lineups...

spazz, putting on her "bookie" hat :eek:

taking bets here.... :confused:

nuthatch

06-29-2005, 11:58 AM

So, is anyone gonna play the Performance.com Fantasy cycling league for the Tour? Or is it too much of a guy thing? I thought I'd give it a go - you can win a bike!

Deanna

06-29-2005, 12:12 PM

The only time of year I need TV - darn it!!! Anyone know of a web site that will have video? I'm willing to sit at the computer and watch it.

Mikki,
Check the OLN-TV website. They offered a streaming video package of the Giro that was pretty reasonable. It didn't have any of the commentators you get on the "Cyclysm" but it also doesn't edit much out.

CorsairMac

06-29-2005, 12:18 PM

So, is anyone gonna play the Performance.com Fantasy cycling league for the Tour? Or is it too much of a guy thing? I thought I'd give it a go - you can win a bike!

I looked at it last year and decided it was either too much of a guy thing - or I SUCK as a director sportif!! :D

MightyMitre

06-29-2005, 02:51 PM

www.cyclingnews.com

for a minute-by-minute written report of every stage of the TdF. Coverage ususally starts about 2pm French time. Ideal if you're at work as you can dip in and out during the day.

Would love to see Basso up there, followed by Simone ( even though he's not riding) :p but they both put in such a good show at the Giro.

I too would love to see Ullrich live up to his potential but after seperating with Gabby ( partner of 11 yrs and his daughters mum) he's now got himself a new lady. I just wonder how all this might effect him.

Lance - blowing up totally in the mountains after picking up Jan's massive geared machine by mistake and finding himself unable to spin , so forced to grind it. I'd also like to see him loosing 8 minutes on the TT after hearing one of Sheryl's latest songs at the start and getting it stuck in the head, thus ruining his concentration. :p ;)

bikerchick68

06-29-2005, 03:10 PM

[QUOTE=MightyMitre
Lance - I'd also like to see him loosing 8 minutes on the TT after hearing one of Sheryl's latest songs at the start and getting it stuck in the head, thus ruining his concentration. :p ;)[/QUOTE]

HAHAHA! :D The love song she wrote for him sux! Blech!!! That alone could ruin the TT... ;)

spazzdog

06-29-2005, 05:09 PM

ME-OW grrls!

Remember, love is love. Apart from that, I'm thinkin' y'all aren't Lance fans...

I think Lance will pull this one out again... though I don't think it'll be easy. Too many gunning for him this year.

spazzdog

06-30-2005, 05:28 AM

Found this snappy little publication while wandering cyberspace.

The Jambon Report on The Daily Peloton, which is where the link will take you, is a daily piece throughot the tour. Right now he's giving a rundown of the "top" contenders.

Check it out: http://www.dailypeloton.com/displayarticle.asp?pk=8195

spazz-o-researching again

Jo-n-NY

06-30-2005, 06:16 AM

Thanks Spazz...just can't get enough info. The more the better.

~ JoAnn

RoadRaven

07-01-2005, 01:58 PM

I really really hope Lance will pull this off - but I agree with Spazz... it isn't gonna be easy with so many gunning for him, and the course itself has some very very tough legs in it.

Lance's character may be a bit prickly, and like any supreme athelete he has to be self-focused... but what an inspiration. What odds he has overcome.

Methinks Basso has become so popular because he has something rare in top cyclists who carry so little body fat and can look quite gaunt ... Basso is good looking

I'd really like Ulrich to come somewhere significant... if he is ok to start after popping his head into his training cars rear window!!!
I forgot who said it on the page, but critiqued Ulrich for not rising to the challenge of Armstrong and changing the way he rode. This is perhaps unfair on Ulrich - he rides the way he rides, and he has one a Tour... the truth is, sometimes there is someone a little bit better than you... and that someone for Ulrich is Armstrong.

bluezfire

07-02-2005, 03:40 AM

Hello ladies. I've been so busy lately and I've missed all the initial TdF talk, but I did so enjoy reading through all of your predictions and favorites. Since the time is HERE (YAY! This will be my 2nd year watching the Tour.), I thought I'd go ahead and put in my favorites.

I'll seriously be watching the following very closely:

Basso, Hincapie, Landis, Voeckler, and ARMSTRONG (of course)

As for my prediction of the overall winner, I am going to root for Lance. I feel, like some others of you, that he will pull off a seventh win - but not without a battle.

BIKEAWAY

07-02-2005, 04:17 AM

This is only my 2nd year watching racing but I am with you! I would like Hincapie to at least place in the top 3. I hope Armstrong wins but I am not sure if he can.
I take it that noone is Sheryl Crow fans here huh?? :cool:

spazzdog

07-02-2005, 05:18 AM

OK... I'm parked in my favorite chair, my VeloNews TdF Official Guide to my right, my laptop with my excel spreadsheet for tracking stats to my left (with all TdF sites up on explorer) and the TV tuned to OLN.

I'm ready...

spazzdog

3:17 Paris time and it looks like the OLN server has crashed... whoops! :eek:

Trek420

07-02-2005, 06:09 AM

move over spazz, I'm heading over to your place.

My Dishnetwork DVR recieiver's hard drive crashed yesterday. They are sending me a new one and looks like that'll arrive on Tuesday. Tuesday?!!

Even the nice customer service rep in Texas sympathised "Oh nooooo, you have to be able to watch my boy, Lance put the record away".

That's ok, after work today I'll head to the local bike shop and catch up on their big screen TV (the other shop, Spazz, or maybe Chris's). I'll keep up on the web at work today so if you're calling da' phone company and get put on hold I'm watching OLN
;) :rolleyes: :cool:

slinkedog

07-02-2005, 06:31 AM

Bobke has shaved the mutton chops! Hallelujah!!! :)

Okay, what's up with telling us that coverage will start at 5:30 a.m. PDT and it's 7:16 and we're still watching pre-game???? :mad: Blaine got up at 5:30. I slept 'til 6:30, thank heavens.

Gotta go to OLNtv.com and vote for my top 5 Lance moments. I already know which ones I'm voting for.

spazzdog

07-02-2005, 06:35 AM

The olntv.com server is still down... idiots! 4:21 PM in Paris.

I wish trautwig and the gang would shut the heck up and show the TT. I love lance and all, but I'd like to see the other riders too.

slinkedog

07-02-2005, 06:38 AM

Yeah, this really is kind of insane. There are many, many riders I'd like to see take their shot. How much build up can we endure?

Trek420

07-02-2005, 07:32 AM

spazzdog is "parked in my favorite chair, my VeloNews TdF Official Guide to my right, my laptop with my excel spreadsheet for tracking stats to my left (with all TdF sites up on explorer) and the TV tuned to OLN."

uh spazz, thought we were both training.

As soon as my reciever is back I'll watch the tube from the Cycleops.

yeah right, that'll happen.

Hey, I read that Lance took a fall too recently. Doesn't seem to have hurt him much or maybe less than Jan's.

spazzdog

07-02-2005, 07:37 AM

The day is young, my friend... the day is young.

OLN's TdF site is still down BTW... so much for "OLN's new look". Their new look currently sucks!

And if Trautwig & Friends don't shut up and show the TT I'm gonna shoot the TV.

spazz... getting irritated.

slinkedog

07-02-2005, 09:43 AM

WOW! Did Lance just deliver the major blow to Jan Ullrich or what? I have to admit that I'm a little afraid of Lance going after yellow in the first week. It sure puts a lot of pressure on his team to defend the maillot jaune for the majority of the Tour.

But I must say that Lance continues to amaze me.

spazzdog

07-02-2005, 10:12 AM

I don't know that he was going after yellow... that almost feels secondary. If he'd gotten it, great but I doubt he's gonna sweat the 2 seonds for long.

He WAS however, going after Ullrich... and I'd say he made a statement there :cool:

wingsonwheels

07-02-2005, 10:20 AM

You know that hurt Ullrich at least as much as the blow to that rear window...

MightyMitre

07-02-2005, 10:20 AM

Bugger! As an Ullrich fan that's not what I wanted to see today. If it's going to be the Armstrong Show all the way to Paris like it has been for the last 6 year you might need to wake me up every so often. ;)

Very good ride by Armstrong but you could see how fresh he looked when he came over the line. It must have been a delicate balance to make sure he didn't get that yellow jersey today and be under pressure to defend it right from day one. Hats off the the American CSC rider though - don't know him but what a great ride. :)

What an exciting race and what a great start to TdF 2005!! :) :)

slinkedog

07-02-2005, 11:18 AM

I don't know if Lance was gunning for yellow today... but if the Blue Train (now light blue) makes another statement in the TTT, Lance will most likely be in yellow in a couple of days.

MightyMitre

07-02-2005, 12:47 PM

Watch out for those CSC boys - rumour has it they're pretty hot in the TTT, as are Phonak. Looking forward to it. :)

emily_in_nc

07-02-2005, 02:01 PM

Whew, it was quite exciting seeing Lance catch Jan - he's never been caught in a TT before. I don't dislike Ullrich (and I love all his pink! :p ), but I have to root for Lance to get his lucky #7 before retiring. I'd love to see George H. on the podium with him, and aside from that, anyone else is fine with me. This tour is definitely Lance's to lose. Livestrong!

Emily

abarensfeld7

07-02-2005, 06:43 PM

hahaha wow looks like lance pulled a fast one on me.
i thought he was in poor shape.
RIGHT!
also---how awesome is it that an unknown american kid won the stage? hooray for the usa. take that, frogs. :P

Dogmama

07-02-2005, 07:02 PM

also---how awesome is it that an unknown american kid won the stage? hooray for the usa. take that, frogs. :P

LMAO!

No, not a lot of Crow fans on this board, I'm afraid. She's been around more than Lance's wheels. I'd be afraid of catching something, if I were him...

jobob

07-02-2005, 07:37 PM

I wouldn't say Dave Zabriskie is unknown.

He won a stage in last years' Vuelta a España ... but granted, he was riding for an obscure team called the US Postal Service at the time. ;)

This year, riding for CSC, he won a stage at the Giro d'Italia.

I think it was mentioned on OLN that he's the first American to ever have won stages in 3 consecutive Grand Tours. Bravo Dave!

take that, frogs. :P I'm a bit offended by that - can we do without the name calling ? Thanks.

- Jo.

SadieKate

07-02-2005, 07:46 PM

Zabriskie's not that unknown. He's had a couple of major stage wins and his face was all over the TV last year. You know that really fun USPS commercial where the boys are delivering mail by bike? When Floyd pops a wheelie Dave Z is the one who gets the close-up as he makes a wry face over Floyd's antics (I mean how many people can pop a wheelie on a road bike?).

Really great start to the tour. George, Bobby and Levi were right there in the thick of things. I'm rooting for Jan to make a come back. I'm sure hoping that his performance was due to the crash yesterday and he'll recover quickly. I'd love to see him and Basso really put up a fight. Tom Boonen and McGee also. I'd never seen McGee ride and boy do I wish I had his incredibly smooth form. Beautiful to watch. This tour should be fun.

MM_QFC!

07-02-2005, 07:47 PM

Wow! - Lance amazed me again today...I don't find it boring at all, sorry to those who disagree. It's a known and talked-about fact that Lance's planning and training is arduous and ongoing - he puts the work in and has fought for each win each year - some much tougher than others - and that's not even including his lil ol' bout with cancer and a 30% chance of surviving...but I give him huge credit for that. Nothing about the TdF is a given for him or anyone else and to see him overcome adversity time over time is damned impressive - to me anyway. I hope that his cycling rivals and soon-to-be successors rise up to the challenge and keep pushing to reach his level after he's off the road. Until then, they better be in the best shape that they can be and be willing to fight just as hard as he, in order to have any chance of taking it.
And...what's up with the officials "randomly" selecting ol' #1 for a surprise drug test yesterday afternoon, after each and every rider - including Armstrong - had been poked, prodded and tested already? They can test him all they want but, to me, they just keep getting increasingly more ridiculous, no?
What do you all think?

MightyMitre

07-03-2005, 02:11 AM

Wow! - Lance amazed me again today...I don't find it boring at all, sorry to those who disagree. ......

Nothing about the TdF is a given for him or anyone else and to see him overcome adversity time over time is damned impressive - to me anyway. I hope that his cycling rivals and soon-to-be successors rise up to the challenge and keep pushing to reach his level after he's off the road. Until then, they better be in the best shape that they can be and be willing to fight just as hard as he, in order to have any chance of taking it.

No - I don't think the Tour will be boring. That was me just b!tching yesterday because Ullrich didn't do very well. :rolleyes:

OK - TdF resolution.... I'm not an Armstrong fan, never have been and never will, however, I certainly admire his dedication and committment. Afterall, no one could win 6 Tours without being a bit special.

I've watched the TdF every year since 1997 and I s'pose it's kinda demoralizing to see just one person wipe the floor with everyone for 6 years in a row. Armstrong is so strong that some years it's made it look like no one else is even trying!

So... this is Lances last year and I'll do my best to not to slag him off- even if he does make mince meat out of my favourite riders. :p And I'll try to keep my posts positive. If I do feel I need to criticise him I hope it'll be balanced and fair and you'll let me know if you think it's not! :p

Anyway - here's to a great Tour and lets hope the rest of the peleton make Armstrong work for it. I'm sure he won't disappoint. :) :) :)

betagirl

07-03-2005, 04:12 AM

I'm with you MightyMitre with my opinion of Lance. I respect him as a truly great cyclist who has overcome such huge odds. But his personality is well, somewhat to be desired I guess. He's got a chip on his shoulder (self-admittedly if you read his first book). And while cancer changed him while he went through it, I'm not sure how much of the underlying personality was changed over the long run. I do agree with the drug testing BS. He's gone through a lot of doubt and other crap about his comeback, which is still reflected to this day with the scrutiny he goes under. I don't agree with that. When I was watching him yesterday it was like watching that angry young rider in his pre-cancer days. I hope he wins the 7th, but am sorta looking forward to a new face to wow us. I'm also a bit turned off by all the Lance fever in the US because I have to wonder if after he retires the enthusiasm for the sport will go back to what it was 10 years ago. Americans have short attention spans :D Then again, do you REALLY think he's going to retire? I have my doubts. He may not race in the Tour again, but I suspect he'll show up in some places.

With that being said I'm not rooting for Jan either. I'd like to see Ivan Basso give Lance a run for his money. And Zabriskie winning the stage is what's so great about watching the tour. I love to see the young guys on the podium almost not knowing what to do with themselves because it's such a huge thing for them to be there.

Just my 2 bits :)

swlsue

07-03-2005, 07:01 AM

Cool cool - I just turned the tV on - just in time to see the peloton catch the 3 off the front. Nothing like an exciting sprint finish!

aka_kim

07-03-2005, 08:37 AM

During the Giro, Dave Zabriskie was doing his own 1-question, on the bike, "interviews" with fellow cyclists that are hilarious. Check out davezabriskie.com (http://www.davezabriskie.com/pages/1/index.htm).

SadieKate

07-03-2005, 09:11 AM

That made my day. Now I know what Liquigas is. :eek:

Trek420

07-03-2005, 01:29 PM

Yeah, me too. made my day...ruined my lunch. :o

betagirl

07-03-2005, 02:45 PM

"The interview of the day with Trent Wilson of Selle Italia:

DZ: Trent if you could make a rubber band bracelet what would it stand for?

TW: Something to do with beer."

:D :D :D

spazzdog

07-03-2005, 07:00 PM

A couple of things (who knows, maybe more):

1) What's the deal with the Sheryl Crow bashing? If you wanna, that's OK and all, I guess, but I don't get it. They seem very happy with one another and in the end, isn't that the important thing? Yeah, I know... his ex-wife was there thru the recovery and had his children, etc, but people break up. It's life. Would you want to stay with your partner when the flame was... well, out or there was no common interest except the kids? how healthy is that?

2) Are there any French folks on TE? Why do the French hate Lance? This is not meant to incite French bashing, so be nice! He's an amazing athlete... is it because he's American and the U.S. and France aren't exactly huggy buddies these days? Opinions....

spazzdog - diving into the "controversial pool" once again...

(and does it irritate anyone else that you can't do spell check on your posts :eek: )

Veronica

07-03-2005, 07:14 PM

Why do the French hate Lance?

I'm not so sure they hate him. When he first popped onto the scene, I don't think he was especially respectful to the more senior riders or the traditions of the tour. That irked them. And, it's their race. They want a French cyclist to do well.

I suppose the only thing that bugs me about the Sheryl Crow stuff is that they NEVER interview any other cyclists' wives, girlfriends, etc. I don't think they ever interviewed his wife when they were married. It just seems crass to me. I'd rather hear how some of the "regular" wives deal with their husbands funky schedules, weird dietary needs, obsessions with gear, etc.

V.

jobob

07-03-2005, 07:52 PM

Why do the French hate Lance? That's painting with a mighty broad brush, don't you think?

Odds are the average Frenchman likes Lance I heckuva lot more than I do. :D

I tend to find questions like that an open invitation for French-bashing, which I find unfair - be it by GW Bush or by some Lance fan.

There's almost a Bush-like attitude amongst some Lance fans - if you don't basically worship the freakin' ground he walks on, there's something wrong with you - "if you're not with him you're against him". Which is the reason why I don't belong to the Cult of Lance - I refuse to be told who I must root for, and I'm tired of him and his yellow bracelets and his endless self-promotion and his superstar girlfriend shoved down my throat.

And as for Ms. Crow, V. hits the nail on the head IMO.

- Jo.

Dogmama

07-04-2005, 03:57 AM

Lance fan.

There's almost a Bush-like attitude amongst some Lance fans - if you don't basically worship the freakin' ground he walks on, there's something wrong with you - "if you're not with him you're against him". Which is the reason why I don't belong to the Cult of Lance - I refuse to be told who I must root for, and I'm tired of him and his yellow bracelets and his endless self-promotion and his superstar girlfriend shoved down my throat.
And as for Ms. Crow, V. hits the nail on the head IMO.
- Jo.

I think Lance is an amazing athlete and I admire him for his tenacity & hope he wins his 7th. I also know that he has lots of warts, he's difficult, childish and petulant. I don't own a yellow rubber band bracelet. Switch to my other favorite sport - pro basketball. Yup, they're amazing athletes with lots of warts too.

I don't particularly care about an athlete's persona. I admire them for their accomplishments, their passion for their sport and their willingness to endure hardship & pain to succeed. I like sports where I can see them sweat, see the determination on their faces. Maybe that's why golf never appealed to me :D

Double bump on V's comments on Ms. Crow. I'd love to hear from "normal" rider's wives/girlfriends. Ms. Crow is too cute for me. Her interview last night was so fake, "Oh, I'm still learning..." Well, honey, if you haven't learned by now ("1 year and 8 months...tee hee..") as they said in the movie Birdcage:

"Try more gum"

snapdragen

07-04-2005, 07:54 AM

I used to be a major Lance fan, but I guess I got kinda bored. I really wanted him to do some of the other races this year, and not concentrate on the Tour. I suspect his contract with Disco had something to do with the decision though. I admire the work he's done with the cancer community, and I think he's an amazing athelete.

I do wear the yellow band, more in memory of my best friend, who died two Christmases ago, than as a Lance fan.

Ms Crow - never liked her music, don't care for her. I do think it's silly to have the OLN boys fawning over her.

Crankin

07-04-2005, 08:40 AM

Spazz,

I saw your comment about Comcast at the beginning of this thread. When we got Comcast 2 years ago, it was right before the Tour. They lied and told us my town had OLN, which we didn't. After we called and complained and got lots of others to call Comcast, they put OLN on and it has remained. I read about this happening in other places, where cyclists annoyed the hell out of them and they put OLN on just to quiet them down. You could try this tactic, if you know others in Medford who want to keep the channel all year long.
Robyn

spazzdog

07-04-2005, 08:47 AM

jobob, you're right... that was a pretty (stupidly) general statement. Apologies...

I'll revise that to be the French sporting authority... it just seems kinda like harrassment.

As to Sheryl... she's a big name that's all. I mean they usually get Robin Williams up there as well. Celebrity privilege and all that.

spazz

snapdragen

07-04-2005, 08:50 AM

As to Sheryl... she's a big name that's all. I mean they usually get Robin Williams up there as well. Celebrity privilege and all that.

spazz

Yabbut - Robin Williams is funny, in a manic, bipolar sort of way........ :D Oh, he's also a kick-azz cyclist.

Trek420

07-04-2005, 09:54 AM

I've read that Williams has a bike stable to die for. There's a picture of him in one of my local bike shops where he went to get an Orbea, just one of a garage or two full of bikes.

wingsonwheels

07-04-2005, 11:40 AM

There's "form" and then there's sportsmanship -- he lost his third place to O'Grady today for "headbutting" him on the way in... I admire the fact that he can scuffle while riding at 45 or so mph, but really..

MightyMitre

07-04-2005, 11:54 AM

There's almost a Bush-like attitude amongst some Lance fans - if you don't basically worship the freakin' ground he walks on, there's something wrong with you - "if you're not with him you're against him". Which is the reason why I don't belong to the Cult of Lance - I refuse to be told who I must root for, and I'm tired of him and his yellow bracelets and his endless self-promotion and his superstar girlfriend shoved down my throat.

- Jo.

Thanks jobob - for saying exactly as I feel. As this is an American board I've always been aware that there's probably a lot of support for Mr Lance and I've never wanted to upset too many people or step on anyone's toes.

From a view slightly closer to France and having been to the Tour for quite a few years I wouldn't say the French hate Lance - in fact in recent years they've started to warm to him.
One thing they disliked initially was his lack of passion - winning for him was a job (as he's often said) and the French like to see some emotion. He came across as cold and detached.
Initially Lance's french wasn't very good and he refused to give interviews to French TV in French, which didn't really help either, but he later explained that he didn't want to speak French in case he made an embarrasing mistake or said the wrong thing. I've heard him do interviews in French recently so he's obvioulsy been learning.

DISCLAIMER; I'm not French so any corrections welcome and this is only what I've picked up as a very general French feeling, so I could be totally wrong. :p

As for Ms Crow - maybe the Crow-bashing was my fault. I was joking about Lance hearing one of her songs and doing badly in the TT, because he had it stuck in his head. Thing is - I didn't even know she'd done some new stuff - there's not much call for Crow over here, so I was just mucking about.

spazzdog

07-04-2005, 02:34 PM

MM- seems like a good explaination. I'll take it :D

I get curious is all, and have nothing against the French (love the food and the wine and the fashion).

The recent news about the ridiculous defamation suit and then the French athletic body's "random" pull of Lance's number for an additional pre-race drug test... it just has gotten old.

I also get it that this is the crown jewel of French sporting events and they haven't had a champion in years. I'm sure that gets them a tad testy. I appreciate all opinions from either side of the old pond :cool:

On McEwen's (not McGee) antics at the line: I'm glad he was "relegated". That was soooo blatently impeding some else's line. They should've taken a time penalty too.

From the UCI rulebook:

12.1.021 In stages races, all punishments and penalties shall count against individual general classifications. They may, depending on the gravity of the infringement, and if so decided by the Commissaires Panel, be applied to individual stage classifications.

If in the judgement of the Commissaires Panel, an infringement committed by a rider gives an advantage to the general classification by time of his team, a time penalty of 30 seconds shall also be applied to the team.

10.1.2 Stage Race
1st offence: relegation to the last place in his group, point 1st offence: relegation to the end of his field, point classification penalty equal to the points + 100 + 30" in general classification awarded to the first place of the stage, 200 + 30" in general class.

2nd offence: relegation to last place in the stage, point 2nd offence: relegation to end of stage + 100 classification penalty equal to the points awarded to + 1' in general classification the first place of the stage, 200 + 1' in general class.
3rd offence: elimination + 200 3rd offence: elimination + 200

spazzdog

betagirl

07-05-2005, 07:26 AM

Holy S***! Zabriskie totally wrecked. Hard. Poor guy, I feel horrible for him. You can see the pain from his road rash and just losing the jersey all over his face.

Ouch.

slinkedog

07-05-2005, 08:12 AM

No kidding! Poor Dave! That road rash looks to be very nasty. And how terribly humiliating, I'm sure. I hope he's feeling 100% again soon. I like that guy.

But, the Blue Train continues to rock on, even if the hue is a little lighter blue. I'm glad, however, that CSC still managed to finish as strongly as they did, in spite of Dave's crash. I almost wanted them to win... almost. ;)

jobob

07-05-2005, 08:20 AM

Today proved that CSC absolutely rocks.

jobob

07-05-2005, 08:34 AM

Today, those of us in whose only option to watch the tour is on the Only Lance Network were treated to a split screen image of Sheryl Crow grimacing in concern watching as Her Man crossed the finish line.

jobob's Gag Me rating: 5 spoons.

betagirl

07-05-2005, 10:08 AM

jobob, I second that and raise you 2 gag spoons.

Give me a break already.

MM_QFC!

07-05-2005, 10:41 AM

I agree - bad deal for Dave Z...only got the velonews updates at work so I didn't see his injuries as some of you did and I hope he can rest and recover to still have a strong ride.

chuckling about the "OLN" reference, jobob; you're so right...I wish they'd just stop all of the yammering on and on (and all of the freakin' Survivor and other OLN show commercials too - sheesh!) and just show the riding. Also, they and other press are the ones who fawn all over Sheryl, Robin Williams, even Arnold the governator when he was there a couple of years ago too. I think that I saw Kristen (former Mrs Lance) give a couple of interviews and she even had her own corner of the website for a while too. I doubt that she or Sheryl or others are doing anything other than responding to the press requests.
If the press would dig up interesting background on others - and there are lots of terrific personal interest stories to share, for sure - then we could all enjoy lots of additional and interesting viewing, no?

slinkedog

07-05-2005, 10:52 AM

I wonder if the same thing happens to the SO's of cyclists in other countries. Maybe in, say, Australia, they're all over Robbie McEwen's gf/wife/SO, or something like that. I don't know.

MM_QFC!

07-05-2005, 11:06 AM

I remember seeing McEwen with his son on camera on the last day...(his name is Ewan McEwen - i swear!@)...but Robbie's head-butting and then complaining about his penalty has had me put him on my sh@t list...for bad or no sportsmanship on that one...

MightyMitre

07-05-2005, 11:21 AM

Hee-hee - Jobob. Like the gag-o-metre reading! :D

Just to let you know though, OLN aren't to blame for this one. The split screen Crow/Lance was from the official French coverage that we get over here on Eurosport.

Glad they didn't have a split screen shot on poor David Zeds SO. What a bummer - and all the team had to just carry on while their man is left floundering on the deck. Ouch!

MM_QFC - shots of family and kids of the top riders is pretty much compulsory on the last day of the Tour. Personally, I love seeing the riders toddlers and kiddies on the podium looking a bit bewildered as to why daddy they're standing on a step in front of lots of people. :) :p

MM_QFC!

07-05-2005, 11:42 AM

I read a report that had Jens Voigt saying that Dave Z might have broken some ribs; hope that's not the case and I think he was well on his way to having a great tour, to add to his vuelta and giro rides.

Yes, MM, I'm used to seeing all of the family pics, etc. on the last day and also understand the actual tour is being broadcast by other than OLN. OLN gets the feed and then their guys (please someone make Al shut it???) add their commentary, etc.

What Lance has done in his career is historical and newsworthy, just as Eddy, Miguel, Bernard and all the other greats were, but it doesn't mean that there shouldn't be a healthy balance and variety in the coverage. The commentators seek out their interviewees and I think that they can do a better job of it, that's all; then it wouldn't be contributing to anyone's gag factor, right?!

fasteryet

07-05-2005, 03:14 PM

I know Al Trautwig is not the best out there, but consider that we in the US are now able to get cycling on TV. I think the OLN coverage is pretty good, although I have nothing to compare it to. As for Sheryl Crow, so what? If nothing else, perhaps people who aren't really cycling fans will watch because of her, and end up being fans.

jobob

07-05-2005, 04:47 PM

Just to let you know though, OLN aren't to blame for this one. The split screen Crow/Lance was from the official French coverage that we get over here on Eurosport. Oh my gosh, get out! :eek:

Well, that pretty much proves it, the French really do hate us :D :D :D :D :D

Glad they didn't have a split screen shot on poor David Zeds SO. What a bummer - and all the team had to just carry on while their man is left floundering on the deck. Ouch! I'm still verklempt. I hope this doesn't turn Z. into a head case (somehow, I suspect it won't, but you never know ).

Personally, I love seeing the riders toddlers and kiddies on the podium looking a bit bewildered as to why daddy they're standing on a step in front of lots of people. :) :p Tee hee, good one back at you, MM !

- jo "oh do not get me started on Al Trautwig" bob

snapdragen

07-05-2005, 07:04 PM

Oh! I loooove Al Trout!
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Sorry, overdid the pain meds again..... :p Bad hallucination there, thought you meant Trout Almandine.........

I finally saw poor Mr. Z's crash - poor guy. He looked so demoralized riding in all alone. Perhaps I should go to France and give him a hug?

otoh - Have you caught any of the shots of Thomas Volkler (sp?)? Still stickin' that tounge out while he rides! What a doll. Maybe he needs a hug too????

jobob

07-05-2005, 07:40 PM

Sorry, overdid the pain meds again..... Hmm, care to share?
Just got thru re-living the agony, complete with Al's dubbed-over commentary (adding his own deeply insightful spin on the events :rolleyes: :p ), and my head's a-pounding.

KkAllez

07-05-2005, 07:54 PM

I'll read all of the posts to this Thursday when I home from hospital....

however, today when Ben called to ask about the race and I told him about Zabriskie I could hardly choke back tears. What an awful thing to happen! My heart just ached for him.

BTW, after watching McEwen's behavior yesterday he is now my least favorite ridder/sprinter. Boonen's great big goofy smile though makes me laugh. :D

Bobby Julich being a Texan is a favorite rider for us to watch.

Of course, we are Lance fans all the way. I don't think any cancer survivor (such as myself) cannot help but root for Sir Lance. ;)

jobob

07-06-2005, 06:33 PM

a wee bit over a week ago, jo "you'd think I'd know better" bob (that's me!) naively posted:

I want Ivan Basso to win, and Bobby Julich and Jens Voigt to each win a stage. And I want CSC to win the TTT.
And I want Levi Leipheimer and Floyd Landis to finish in the top 5.
to which Adventure "wizeguy" Girl blithely responded

I thought that when jobob roots for a rider, it's like the kiss of death! Good luck to anybody on her list!
Well, that's my segway for the first installment of the jobob Kiss of Death Report.

"I want CSC to win the TTT".
Okay, it was close, but in true Kiss of Death fashion, my boys wrestled defeat from the jaws of victory in a most spectacular and heart-stopping style. I suppose it could have been worse, both Basso and Julich were behind Z. when he crashed, and they both barely avoided being another K of D statistic, but gee, the race is young, plenty of time for that :rolleyes:

current Kiss of Death score: 1 for 1

jobob, wondering how many of my picks will be in traction by the end of July :p

Trek420

07-06-2005, 07:37 PM

Jobob, this probably belongs in "OT the Taboos" but can we get you to predict 2008 election results? :cool:

Ok, the new DVR is here, I just set it up, I'll have OLN in 3-5 minutes. I have somewhat healthy snacks, a bike on a cycleops or the couch. I am ready for the Tour de Couch! :D

bikerHen

07-07-2005, 08:39 AM

This is the first year I've cared about watching the tour. It is very interesting, even though they are over doing the Lance thing! Being on the west coast, I can watch before work with my morning cup of coffee! I real enjoyed this AM watching that lone frenchmen at the lead. I was really pushing him on! I felt so bad for him when he slid into the barrier and then everyone else into him.

I have to add I am very impressed with the knowledge you gals on the site have about all the different riders, teams and strategies. To me, they are just guys on bikes. And I don't think I will ever figure out how the whole scoring thing works?! But it is fun and exciting to watch! :D

I was all pumped up for my AM commute after watching yesterday, only to get a huge nail in my tire a mile and a half from home. :mad: And no support team to jump out and throw on a new tire! :D

slinkedog

07-07-2005, 08:58 AM

Yeah, don't you just long for a team car every now and again... especially one loaded with incredibly expensive bikes for you to choose from??? ;)

Geonz

07-07-2005, 09:25 AM

CorsairMac

07-07-2005, 12:26 PM

"I want CSC to win the TTT".
Okay, it was close, but in true Kiss of Death fashion, my boys wrestled defeat from the jaws of victory in a most spectacular and heart-stopping style. I suppose it could have been worse, both Basso and Julich were behind Z. when he crashed, and they both barely avoided being another K of D statistic, but gee, the race is young, plenty of time for that :rolleyes:

current Kiss of Death score: 1 for 1

jobob, wondering how many of my picks will be in traction by the end of July :p

ahhhh my dear, Dear friend JoBob: Basso also crashed yesterday and had a flat today. (i'm trying to remember which days he had what issues so I may have these a tad out of order) I'd say the poor kid is just not having a very good start although CSC keeps bringing him back up to the front! Maybe you need to pick someone else and give poor Ivan a rest! :rolleyes:

CorsairMac

07-07-2005, 12:28 PM

Today was TOUGH here in the 'puter lab, where I don't have OLN (but hten, I don't at home either) and have to rely on "news flashes." Aaargh, getting a few words about "ahead by 23 seconds" and "crash!"
Last year OLN ran the audio live via INternet... wish I could find it this year...

cyclingnews.com does a "live update" during each stage. The page refreshes every 5 mins. For those unlucky enough to Not live on the west coast and get to see the whole stage Before work - I've been using that to basically get play-by-play coverage. It's not a live audio feed - but it's the closest I can get at work!

CorsairMac

07-07-2005, 12:30 PM

Bobby Julich being a Texan is a favorite rider for us to watch.

:confused: I thought Bobby was from Nevada??

spazzdog

07-07-2005, 01:21 PM

Nope! Bobby J was born in Corpus Christi TX.

spazzdog

07-07-2005, 01:52 PM

In case you left coasties haven't had a chance to see it yet.

What I will say is the last 10K is a edge-of-the-seat, heart-breaker and surprise ending all wrapped up into one heck of a unusual finish.

End of commentary (until you CA gals check in).

spazz

jobob

07-07-2005, 06:15 PM

Nope! Bobby J was born in Corpus Christi TX. and he grew up in Colorado. Lots of states can lay claim to him :D

Just like Dave Z., who came from Utah but now lives for part of the year in Be(z)rkeley California, so I'm told.

spazzdog

07-07-2005, 06:36 PM

Our little man Voeckler (from last year) really hit the wall today... he's 00:10:11 off the GC after stg6. I'm thinkin' we won't see any repeats of last yrs good fortune for him.

As for Mengin, the Frenchman that led from abt 30km to the end... man, was I rooting for him. Heartbreaker...

Sad to see a grown man cry. (phot0 from eurosport.com)

betagirl

07-08-2005, 09:59 AM

I agree, what a sad crash that was. Good crash today in the final sprint :D I liked the "YOU did it" "No no YOU did it" between the 2 guys.

emily_in_nc

07-08-2005, 05:45 PM

As for Mengin, the Frenchman that led from abt 30km to the end... man, was I rooting for him. Heartbreaker...

Me too...poor guy. I felt SO bad for him. I can only imagine how he must have felt after all his hard effort. Kinda like Zabriskie in the TTT. Sigh.... :(

Emily

emily_in_nc

07-08-2005, 05:52 PM

cyclingnews.com does a "live update" during each stage. The page refreshes every 5 mins. For those unlucky enough to Not live on the west coast and get to see the whole stage Before work - I've been using that to basically get play-by-play coverage. It's not a live audio feed - but it's the closest I can get at work!

My tour-watching strategy has been working out well. I get home from work around 5:45 to 6 pm and live in the eastern timezone, where OLN repeats the stage coverage from 5-7 pm daily. I judiciously avoid any tour info/coverage/spoilers during the day. When I get home, I change right into my cycling clothes which I've laid out downstairs in the morning, hop on the trainer, and ride along in the virtual peleton as I watch the coverage from 6 to 7 pm (I ride from 30-45 minutes). Missing the first hour, I rarely miss anything, as all the exciting stuff happens in the second hour.

Since I can't ride outside yet, this is working out well. Watching the tour makes those trainer miles go by quite a bit easier. After all, I know I'm not the only one suffering, and at least I can't CRASH! I speed up for the sprints too! :D

Emily

jobob

07-08-2005, 07:47 PM

News Flash: OLN Fires Phil Liggett

Failed to Meet Contractual Obligation to Mention Lance Armstrong Three Times Per Minute, Sources Say

Paris, July 5 (Fat Cyclist News Service) - Outdoor Life Network today severed its contract with Phil Liggett, a perennial favorite cycling announcer both in England and in the United States. A spokesperson for Outdoor Life Network said, "We regret having to let Phil go, but he knew the terms of our agreement when he signed on. Namely, he is required to allude to Lance Armstrong three times per minute, with at least one of those mentions being by name. Most importantly, at no point in time shall forty seconds ever elapse without a mention of Lance Armstrong."

"Today, sadly, Mr. Liggett broke the terms of that agreement. When David Zabriskie had his unfortunate accident today, Phil failed for 40 seconds to put it in the context of whether this would impact Lance Armstrong or whether Lance Armstrong would would have fallen, or asking what Lance Armstrong must be thinking about this accident right that moment."

When reached for comment, co-commentator Paul Sherwin said, "I had my 'Lance Stopwatch' going -- it's what we use to help remind us when it's time to mention Lance again.” Continued Sherwin, “When Zabriskie fell, Liggett started actually talking about how disastrous it was for the rider, instead of -- as is proper -- talking about this would affect Lance and how he would no doubt have words of advice on the proper way to ride a bicycle for young Zabriskie. When twenty seconds elapsed, I signaled to the timer. Then thirty seconds elapsed -- still no mention, so I made the sign of the Texas Longhorn, the code we use to signal that we need to immediately divert the conversation toward Armstrong. Still nothing.”

Visibly shaken, Sherwin finished, “After forty-five seconds, Phil managed to bring the conversation back round to Armstrong, but by then it was too late. OLN Security was knocking at the door, ready to escort Phil from the premises.”

Interviewed in his hotel room in Paris, Liggett looked like a man who has lost his best friend. “I’m a huge fan of Armstrong,” said Liggett. “I haven’t pretended to be impartial for years. But between Bob Roll and that marionette Al Trautwig, our Armstrong-centricism seemed pretty well covered, and I suppose I briefly let my guard down. I wonder what Lance Armstrong thinks about that?” Then, realizing the habit of mentioning Armstrong even when completely irrelevant was still with him, Liggett briefly looked melancholy -- which is the British equivalent of an American having a complete nervous breakdown.

OLN has moved swiftly to replace Liggett, putting former color-commentator Al Trautwig in his spot.

Said Trautwig regarding his promotion, “Lance Armstrong. Lance Lance Lance Armstrong. Armstrong Armstrong Lance Lance Lance Lance. Six-time Tour de France winner. Lance Armstrong Lance Armstrong, Lance Armstrong.”

“This is going to work out just fine,” said the OLN spokesperson.

:D http://spaces.msn.com/members/fatcyclist/Blog/cns!1pUmGvi9idWgOodsIbhHUOQA!288.entry

spazzdog

07-08-2005, 07:51 PM

jobob! you is a baaaaaad bunny wabbit!

spazz :eek:

snapdragen

07-08-2005, 07:51 PM

News Flash: OLN Fires Phil Liggett

You are so bad...... :p ;)

jobob

07-08-2005, 07:55 PM

nyuk nyuk nyuk

betagirl

07-09-2005, 05:34 AM

*giggle :D

CorsairMac

07-09-2005, 09:29 AM

JoBob: OMG that was Hilarious!! Thank you sooooo much for bringing tears to my eyes!!!!

Can I also add (like anyone could stop me! lol): Is it Just me or do the cameras not seem to be as - ummmmm - sensitive to the bikers nature breaks this year as they have been in the past? I believe even Phil and Paul are surprised as attested to yesterday when Phil made a comment about Lance moving off to the side of the road and wondering if it was a mechanical until it became Very Obvious what Lance had moved off for and poor Phil said - weeeellllll we'll take a short break here and rejoin the pelaton in a moment. (ok that was funny but come one guys - there are parts of cycling I just don't need to see on TV!)

I won't give it away but I just had to say:

Holy Cow!! The end of todays stage had me standing in my den Screaming at the TV!!! The dogs took themselves outside coz they thought they were in trouble and the cats all hid themselves until I had calmed down. I'll probably watch the expanded coverage tonight Just to see that again!!

nuthatch

07-09-2005, 11:17 AM

And that's why I like to listen to the live audio feed from EuroSport! Wonder who Phil and the boys are going to talk about next year??

Dogmama

07-09-2005, 01:20 PM

News Flash: OLN Fires Phil Liggett

Failed to Meet Contractual Obligation to Mention Lance Armstrong Three Times Per Minute, Sources Say

[/URL]

LMAO!!!! I'm such a sucker - I actually read a couple of sentences before realizing it was a joke...

....it was, right?....

Dogmama

07-09-2005, 01:26 PM

Mmmm, sounds like Lance is going to spank the Discovery team tonight! :eek:

Incredible finish, though. Wonder what happened to Gorgeous George? Wonder why Lance suddenly doesn't feel well? Maybe his girlfriend finally gave him a case of the...OK, no more Crow-bashing.

It looked like the group was teasing Lance into chasing them. Reminded me of how coyotes will run a dog - one coyote will get a dog to chase it and when it gets tired, another coyote takes over and it goes on until the dog can't run anymore.

Speaking of Lance - will they get him a hat that doesn't look like Donald Duck has taken up residence on top of his head? Gees louise....

spazzdog

07-09-2005, 05:01 PM

It's that direct feed from French TV. OLN has no idea what they're gonna get 'til it comes up on their monitor.

spazz

spazzdog

07-10-2005, 05:28 PM

OK... so stg 9 is done and gone. Unfortunately, so is Dave Zabriskie, poor guy. Today saw 5 riders abandon... we are down to 175 (from a full field of 189) to start on Tuesday. For the most part they've been crash victims, unable to continue on their battered bodies.

For those non-Lance fans, you'll be happy to know he's now in third, 2:30 down in the GC. CSC's Jens Voigt is in yellow.

Rasmussen's brilliant ride today yanked him up to 4th in the GC, gave him a stage win, a polka dot jersey and most combative rider.

And to that Georgie fan of ours... Mr. Hincapie fell from 2nd to 11th in the GC today. According to all the press, it was a planned Discovery move to let the jersey go today.

Tuesday (stage 10) finishes at the top of Courchevel and it doesn't look like it's gonna be as fun as the Mt Diablo rides :D

spazzdog

Trek420

07-10-2005, 09:14 PM

Spazz "According to all the press, it was a planned Discovery move to let the jersey go today."

Yeah, we meant to do that :cool:

RoadRaven

07-11-2005, 01:25 AM

Spazz "According to all the press, it was a planned Discovery move to let the jersey go today."

Yeah, we meant to do that :cool:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*picks self up off the floor, wanders off unable to think of anything to add to the discussion*

jobob

07-11-2005, 05:58 AM

according to Eurosport, Jan Ullrich went to a clinic Monday night for x-rays to see if he had any cracked ribs after his crash on St 9. The obligatory team spindoktors say he's OK and raring to go.

jo "one of those non-Lance fans" ;) bob

wabisabi

07-11-2005, 07:19 AM

Yes, I am already OD'd on L!. I felt fairly neutral before, but the incessant references and advertisements are just too much. I'm really sad to see DZ go, I thought he was refreshing and I am definitely a new fan, and CSC seems to be holding their own.

jobob

07-11-2005, 07:52 AM

It'll only get worse, I'm afraid - particularly if LA and Team Discovery run into any sort of problems, then the team spindoktors and the OLN toadies will really turn up the rah-rah meter.

The early morning live commentary by Phil and Paul is usually pretty good, but even they have been starting to lay it on a bit thick. Eh, they have to earn a paycheck and they have to keep OLN and Discovery Channel and Trek and Nike and all of LA's other sponsors happy.

But if it gets much worse I might need to move my computer into the living room so I can listen to the online commentary from Eurosport while watching the live video feed on OLN - the advantages of being an early riser on the West Coast. :D

RoadRaven

07-11-2005, 01:01 PM

Finally watched the whole of the last stage last night - what an awesome performance by Rasmussen... wow... but how will he cope with the rest of the tour... he rode all of that except the first 4 km... just stunning... I hope he still can win some more hill stages

Road - still want Lance to win in Paris - Raven

spazzdog

07-11-2005, 01:09 PM

I know Lance owns TailWind Sports (they manage Discovery team) and he owns a piece of Discovery Team... maybe he owns OLN??? Thus the "toadies" are actually butt-kissing sychophants trying to endear themselves to their boss :eek:

Anyway... I listen to Phil and Paul mostly. Bob Roll makes me laugh most of the time. My brain has learned to turn off the auditory sensors whenever Trautwig opens his mouth.

I love watching this race and since OLN is the only way I can currently, I'd listen to Anna Nicole Smith commentary if I had to (can you imagine!!)

I am going to the TdF viewing party breakfast thingy at the local BBQ place in the morning for stage 10. Watching (and eating) only for this one. Next Tuesday there's another one and I'll do the pre-ride before with a couple folks from bicyclegroups.com. Again, if any of you New England grrls are interested, to ride be at Redbones by 7 AM. If watching and eating 8:15 AM.
Call for reservations.

spazzdog

jobob

07-11-2005, 05:02 PM

I love watching this race and since OLN is the only way I can currently, I'd listen to Anna Nicole Smith commentary if I had to (can you imagine!!) LOL! I have to keep reminding myself that what we have now is waaaay better than the alternative. Must-quit-grousing!!

I am going to the TdF viewing party breakfast thingy at the local BBQ place in the morning for stage 10. Watching (and eating) only for this one. Next Tuesday there's another one and I'll do the pre-ride before with a couple folks from bicyclegroups.com. Again, if any of you New England grrls are interested, to ride be at Redbones by 7 AM. If watching and eating 8:15 AM. Sounds like fun !

Out here, Nora's Cafe in Palo Alto had TVs tuned to OLN last year and offered Tour specials. I haven't been by there lately so I don't know if they're doing it this year, but the website gives that impression. http://www.noras-cafe.com
mmmm...Mussells & French Fries ....mmmm

Jo "grumpy old woman" bob

betagirl

07-11-2005, 05:20 PM

My boy Ivan Basso moved up to 7th. :D I was SO bummed when DZ dropped out. He must really have been hurting from that crash. I plan on keeping an eye on him going forward.

What happened to Beautiful George? His A$$ got dropped. Along with the rest of Team Discovery. I still love him though. :D

I'm certainly on Lance overload. I'd still like to see him win 7, because that's just an awesome feat of athleticism. But I'm also rooting hard for Ivan.

slinkedog

07-12-2005, 08:30 AM

Well, the first mountain stage sure didn't fail to ratchet up the volume a little, did it??? WOW! That Rasmussen guy is a force to be reckoned with!

bouncybouncy

07-12-2005, 08:38 AM

Not only am I new to cycling but also to TdF...I watched last year with interest but this year I can't stand the thought of missing a day :p I even watched other TdF commentary shows yesterday to fill the void :o

Anyway, I have a question I simply can't find the answer to...

Why does everyone not like Trautwig? :confused:

I with you, Spazz, Bob is hillarious!

Geonz

07-12-2005, 09:09 AM

I want to know what a mullet is. One of the many "newsflashes " I was following ('til I found Eurosport's audio .. which was still running five minutes behind the text news) referred to the then-leader as a flying mullet... somethign to do with hair...
...but googling got me a little blurb about how the riders pulled off to pee and that the peloton slacked as "it is very taboo to ride hard when a big rider like Armstrong pulls over for a natural break. If you want to get yelled at by a veteran, try attacking while a man like Armstrong is tapping a kidney off the back.

Doing stuff like that will get you on lots of people's "flick list" in a hurry."

wish i could SEE it...

ACG

07-12-2005, 10:03 AM

LOL, sorry to anyone who has one etc. The picture in my mind is silly. A mullet is hair short in front, long in back, often worn by country western singers.

effulgent

07-12-2005, 10:19 AM

I want to know what a mullet is. One of the many "newsflashes " I was following ('til I found Eurosport's audio .. which was still running five minutes behind the text news) referred to the then-leader as a flying mullet... somethign to do with hair...
...but googling got me a little blurb about how the riders pulled off to pee and that the peloton slacked as "it is very taboo to ride hard when a big rider like Armstrong pulls over for a natural break. If you want to get yelled at by a veteran, try attacking while a man like Armstrong is tapping a kidney off the back.

Doing stuff like that will get you on lots of people's "flick list" in a hurry."

wish i could SEE it...

mul·let ( P ) Pronunciation Key (mlt)
n. pl. mullet or mul·lets
1. Haircut, formal hairstyle name "bi-level", defined by short layers in the front, and longer length in the the back of the head

Synonyms: Business in the front, party in the back; hockey head

http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2002/2002-05-01-cyrus.jpg

trigurl

07-12-2005, 10:48 AM

I always thought Billy Ray was kinda cute, till he opened his mouth :eek: That hairdo was once very stylish.

I admit I am NOT a LA fan BUT I will also admit I would like to see him win only b/c he is a great athlete. AFter reading an article on his ex-wife in Runner magazine, I decided he was not worthy of my "fanism". And now Sheryl wants to have kids with him? will he leave her too? Sorry, I won't go there again.

I wish I could see the TDF, no cable tho! so I read all the posts here to keep up with it, thanks ya'll.

bouncybouncy

07-12-2005, 11:09 AM

I never got the full story...so LA left [his wife]? He still seems to be involved with his kids (minus the tour) though... I guess I should read his book...in my free time *HUH!* Maybe during the next hurricane... :(
I am not too interested in celebrities but when they inspire so many little ones (and big ones for that matter) to get out and enjoy life I will overlook some of their faults...if everyone could do the same we may be able to live more in harmony!

Too bad for DaveZ...he looked like a good one to follow! Hope he makes it back next year!

BIKEAWAY

07-12-2005, 11:18 AM

Did anyone happen to see the interview with Lance when he was standing between the x and Sheryl? It was 2 days ago. First they took a picture of him and Sheryl and then they took a picture of him with his arm around the x....It was on OLN and that really threw me for a loop..3some????too many egos I think.. :eek:

RoadRaven

07-12-2005, 11:46 AM

I want to know what a mullet is. One of the many "newsflashes " I was following ('til I found Eurosport's audio .. which was still running five minutes behind the text news) referred to the then-leader as a flying mullet... somethign to do with hair...

A mullet is a hair-cut - very popular in the 70s here on men - short at the front and long at the back - usually went with looooong sideburns... dunno why it was called a mullet though, cause a mullet is a (tasty) fish!

...but googling got me a little blurb about how the riders pulled off to pee and that the peloton slacked as "it is very taboo to ride hard when a big rider like Armstrong pulls over for a natural break. If you want to get yelled at by a veteran, try attacking while a man like Armstrong is tapping a kidney off the back.

LOL... partner told us a story he'd heard during the current Tour commentaries about this guy a few years back (before all the riders wore headsets...) who, as soon as the one of the contenders pulled off to relieve himself and the pelaton slowed accordingly, took off as fast as he could. The whole pelaton was outraged of course and as soon as the contender was back, they began the pursuit...
However, the guy who attacked had waited til he was out of sight and then had jumped off his bike and had hid... as soon as the pelaton tore past in pursuit, he jumped back on his bike and sat in the back - apparently it was some half hour before word finally reached the front of the pack about what had happened.
Found it hilarious, but boy! if I had been in that pack, I would have been saying some pretty nasty things!

I have tried to avoid jumping into this Sheryl/Lance thing... but...
All of you know how obsessed one can become with cycling - imagine how it is for the elite of the elite... you have to be arrogant, single-minded and self-obsessed... relationships will always be difficult. Give the guy some credit - his children are still very important to him.

Give Sheryl some credit - she is very interested, she follows him, she doesn't need the exposure

Give Lance some credit - its been 18 months or so, and he is still with her... and if he stops pro-cycing, then a family with Sheryl may stand a better chance than his family who tried so hard to keep up with a man who was driven

Faced with a death sentence and what one believed to be an obligation to god because you avoided dying, wouldn't you all be equally driven? And wouldn't it put all of your close relationships to the test?

BIKEAWAY

07-12-2005, 11:56 AM

I agree with you. I really admire Lance and it is good that all three get along for the children. I loved Sheryl's music before and admire her for the life she led which wasnt so easy. She has also been very open about the depression she faces which is is what I face.
I give them all more credit because i would be really uncomfortable in that situation..

bouncybouncy

07-12-2005, 12:01 PM

I read an article in Runner Mag (maybe the same one Tri) and I could only have nothing but admiration for her (the "X") In fact it inspired me to go out for a run (my chosen sport before cycling) I understood her to be nothing but a sock & uniform cleaner for an outstanding athlete and when he was gone she realized what she could achieve! Now that she has overcome such a big obstacle I hope she doesn't hold any grudges or regrets (if there are any) towards her previous life. I have always believed that behind every great man/woman there is an even greater (but quieter) woman/man!!!! My parents are a perfect example and I love having them as role models above anyone else!

I have nothing against Sheryl (enjoy her music in fact) but being the extremely softie that I am I always hoped that when Lance stepped off the podium for the last time he and his wife would patch things up...for the kids too! :p

I also believe that next year we will all have a new hero...the next TdF hopeful...to chase

trigurl

07-12-2005, 12:41 PM

bouncy, probably the same article! it was a great one and she was very inspiring.

slinkedog

07-12-2005, 02:57 PM

Is the article available online? I'd like to read it!

snapdragen

07-12-2005, 04:45 PM

SadieKate

07-12-2005, 05:10 PM

Yes, we call you Princess Zippy but please don't use the TdF downhill speeds as a goal. 100 KPH? :eek: :eek: :eek:

I'm getting twitchy watching the replay and I even know the guy survives. We've done 62 mph on the tandem - once - and it isn't happening again if I have anything to say about it. :(

nuthatch

07-12-2005, 05:11 PM

Sheryl wants a family with Lance?!? How much sperm did the man freeze?

slinkedog

07-12-2005, 05:13 PM

There's a LOT of swimmers in one sample. :o

Veronica

07-12-2005, 05:53 PM

Yes, we call you Princess Zippy but please don't use the TdF downhill speeds as a goal. 100 KPH? :eek: :eek: :eek:

I need to work on my aero position. So far 41 is as fast as I've gotten on Fluffy. That descent sure looked fun. :D

V.

snapdragen

07-12-2005, 08:36 PM

There's a LOT of swimmers in one sample. :o

Yabbut, what's the shelf life of that stuff? :confused: :o

Bike Goddess

07-12-2005, 08:49 PM

Is this gossip about Cheryl or what?
Re the 3some- my philosophy is: We all breathe the same air, live on the same planet, etc. It would be nice if we could learn to get along together despite our differences. Good for all three of them. Perhaps they can be an example to others.

bouncybouncy

07-13-2005, 04:23 AM

What a climb!!! I am so happy Popovych made it back to the rest of the team...it was great to see him smile it off!!!

Now...what about that Michael Rasmussen :confused: Looks like one to watch....can't wait to see how he tackles those mountains today!

bikerchick68

07-13-2005, 11:26 AM

the most amazing thing to ME about Lance and Kik and their divorce is despite the amount of fame they have, I have never heard either one of them say one bad word about the other... not once. Just zero of the typical badmouthing of the ex... Quite the example for others on how to end a relationship IMHO...

being recently divorced I can personally tell you it takes effort sometimes to keep your mouth shut about the ex and not be negative... :eek: :D

On_yer_left!

07-13-2005, 11:45 AM

Being one who has seen all my relationships fail, I'm gonna keep my mouth shut. I hope they're ALL happy.

RoadRaven

07-13-2005, 12:48 PM

There's a LOT of swimmers in one sample. :o

Yabbut, what's the shelf life of that stuff? :confused: :o

We have taken sperm from our bulls, and used to use sperm from bulls overseas... it lasts seemingly indefinately in frozen in nitrogen tanks... years and years and years...

tailtamer

07-13-2005, 01:12 PM

Why does Vinokourov wear blue/yellow jersey and not the black/pink colors of T - Mobile ? Is it his national champion jersey or something ?

slinkedog

07-13-2005, 01:14 PM

Yes, he's the national champion of Khazakstan, or however you spell it. :)

jobob

07-13-2005, 07:19 PM

It's time for the latest installment of the jobob Kiss of Death report

http://www.team-csc.com/ny_index.asp?n_id=639

Voigt out of Tour de France
13.07 20:42

On Wednesday evening it was confirmed, Team CSC's Jens Voigt is out of the Tour de France after he finished 39 seconds ( :eek: ) out of the time limit in stage 11. Voigt, who on Sunday captured the yellow leader's jersey, has been ill with fever for the past few days.

"When I started in today's stage, I knew it was against all odds, but I still wanted to do everything I possibly could to continue. Kim Andersen gave me a lot of motivation during the stage, but in the end it just wasn't enough," said a disappointed Jens Voigt shortly after he was given the sad message by the race jury.

This means Team CSC is down to seven riders in this year's Tour de France. On Sunday David Zabriskie, who also had the yellow jersey earlier in the race, had to abandon, still in pain after his crash in the team time trial.

Damn, I'm good :(

SadieKate

07-13-2005, 08:15 PM

Can you give us a re-cap on your list? Who is left? :D

jobob

07-13-2005, 08:41 PM

Can you give us a re-cap on your list? Who is left? :D Harrumph!

No soup for you! :p

SadieKate

07-13-2005, 08:53 PM

I want Ivan Basso to win, and Bobby Julich and Jens Voigt to each win a stage. And I want CSC to win the TTT.

And I want Levi Leipheimer and Floyd Landis to finish in the top 5.Well, you're only down 2 of 6 and the tour is over half finished. Strange things have happened. Do you believe in miracles? :)

SK

PS - I would love to see any of these guys win a stage - most especially Bobby.

Trek420

07-13-2005, 08:55 PM

SadieKate "Can you give us a re-cap on your list? Who is left? :D"

she said she really likes that iratic SUV drivers with cell phones, that Karl Rove guy and that reality TV is here to stay!

RoadRaven says

"We have taken sperm from our bulls...."

uh, I don't wanna know

"and used to use sperm from bulls overseas... it lasts seemingly indefinately in frozen in nitrogen tanks... years and years and years..."

thank you for sharing ;-)

jobob

07-13-2005, 08:58 PM

eh, Bobby J's doomed. He'll probably get run over by the team car again this year.

Bjarne: " oops Bobby, terribly sorry, didn't mean to do that. Here, let me extend your contract. Care for a Cliff Bar? "

jo "grumpier and grumpier" bob

jobob

07-13-2005, 09:17 PM

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2005/tour05/?id=/riders/2005/interviews/alexandre_vinokourov_tour1105

When the winner of the eleventh stage of the Tour de France was asked if his victory today was a 'gift' from Lance Armstrong, the softly spoken Kazakh was a little taken aback. Gotta love that Lance-centric media.
Five spoons!

betagirl

07-14-2005, 04:09 AM

jobob! No rooting for my boy Ivan! :p

I was so bummed when he fell off of lance's wheel the other day.

jobob

07-14-2005, 06:18 AM

Ivan who? Never heard of the lad.

:D

spazzdog

07-14-2005, 07:15 AM

Stage 12 ate T. Boonen (dns), M. Beltran of Discovery (head injury in a crash), R. Hunter, A. Furlan, and N. Fritsch.

We're down to 162 riders allowed to start tomorrow. I wonder if anyone will be a non-starter?

Hey jobob! Any of the above guys on you KOD list :D

SadieKate

07-14-2005, 09:39 AM

Ivan who? Never heard of the lad.

:DGuess I should get that plain brown envelope out of the mail then. You won't want the pin-up porn from VeloNews. :p

wingsonwheels

07-14-2005, 10:39 AM

He was such a cutie. Also too bad about Beltran. Johan said he hit his head so hard he didn't know where he was...a few Kms down the road he'd fogotten he'd had a crash.

I have moments like that sometimes..

jobob

07-14-2005, 12:06 PM

nope, I cannot take credit for anyone's demise today :D

Happy Bastille Day, everyone!

jo "why yes I'd love another glass of Beaujolais" bob

CorsairMac

07-14-2005, 01:03 PM

Also too bad about Beltran. Johan said he hit his head so hard he didn't know where he was...a few Kms down the road he'd fogotten he'd had a crash.

I have moments like that sometimes..

yeah - I do to...and I didn't hit my head! :D

Dogmama

07-15-2005, 03:54 PM

spazzdog

07-15-2005, 05:07 PM

moments like... where you don't remember what you did 5 minutes ago??

DogMama, are you pullin' our collective legs :D

the other dog in da house - spazz

snapdragen

07-15-2005, 05:41 PM

Found this on another site - funny stuff. :D Look for Tour Day Schmalz...

http://www.nyvelocity.com/content.php?id=321

jobob

07-15-2005, 07:50 PM

OMG it's hysterical!

Some snippets:

Tour day Schmalz Stage 12

Lance: 'I gifted new dad Schmalz the win.'

Today is Bastille Day, so the French threw in a non-mountain stage to throw their boys a bone.

Voeckler is now the Lady Di of the peloton, they just keep taking shots of him no matter what he does. If Voeckler were to win today, there might be a new statue in the town square.

Pellizotti‘s porn perm may unseat Brochard’s Mullet as the new leader of the mauve jersey competition for tastiest hairstyle.

With a French win, France now lays back in bed and has a smoke.

Tour day Schmalz Stage 13

Valverde is abandoning, right now he’s doing the Iban Mayo ride of shame. I’m sure he’ll cherish having the footage of him slowly riding up to the team car.

They just asked why Saunier can wear yellow jerseys in the Tour, and the answer is simple, LeBlanc never expected them to be near the front.

Today’s dead boring breakaway chase brought to you by Sominex.
Paul Sherwin just read us his shopping list.

Flecha has taken the lead in the “why the hell do I always get chased?” jersey competition.

Triki Beltran had to abandon the race yesterday, that’s ok because he was suspiciously reluctant at the nightly Trek sing-alongs.

jobob

07-15-2005, 08:10 PM

Guess I should get that plain brown envelope out of the mail then. You won't want the pin-up porn from VeloNews. :p
And here I thought you were kidding !!! :o :D

But, who IS that fetching looking lad with the angelic smile and the reeeally nice b-b-b...bike! Never seen him before in my life :rolleyes:

Nevertheless, I'll display the pinup of whatshizname proudly in my office!

Thankyee kindly, SK!

- Jobob

( oh, Lee paid no mind that I was getting biker porn in the mail :D )

SadieKate

07-15-2005, 08:16 PM

Nevertheless, I'll display the pinup of whatshizname proudly in my office!I will claim total ignorance should there be a harrassment complaint at your office. Enjoy! :D

Dogmama

07-16-2005, 03:43 AM

moments like... where you don't remember what you did 5 minutes ago??

DogMama, are you pullin' our collective legs :D

the other dog in da house - spazz

Just having fun pulling your tails. I knew you'd "bite" Spazz!

Trek420

07-16-2005, 07:13 AM

Dogmama "Moments like what?"

maybe he's post-menopausal? what thread am I in?
;) :cool:

KkAllez

07-16-2005, 12:12 PM

cruziegirl

07-16-2005, 12:29 PM

Every year T-Mobile comes to the Tour saying the same thing - we will attack Armstrong and support whichever of us it the strongest. And every year they do the same thing. Jan rides monster gears churning along like a diesel while Lance sprints up the mountains. Vino goes spurting off the front and will win a stage but then pays for it for the next several stages. Kloden had the potential last year but nobody on the team really supported him. Do they support each other? Nope. Do they ever change their tactics? Nope. Doing the same thing but expecting different results - isn't that one of the definitions of insanity?

BUT, this is one very interesting Tour and that's exactly what I was hoping for. Go Lance! :D

emily_in_nc

07-16-2005, 02:06 PM

Ok, here is a change in conversation but what about Vino today? Did it just not completely piss you off that he came from behind, broke out in the front, only to have Kloden and Ullrich chase him down? Vino says the only other team he'd ride for is Discovery and I'm saying, "leave the dark side Vino!" I hope that he joins Discovery this winter. He would be a wonderful asset on the team. T-Mobile has too many chiefs and not enough indians.

I made the exact comment (chiefs/Indians) to a friend today about the pink team! I would love to see Vino come to Discovery. I've liked him since 2003 when he was wearing the pink and some kind of beaded necklace, and looked downright feminine! I thought that he had to be awfully secure not to care, and I admired that... silly, I know! :p

Emily

drplasma64

07-16-2005, 06:51 PM

This is the first year I've been following the TdF. I've looked at the website and they have these topo diagrams of each stage but no key to explain what the little numbers in green or red mean. I figured out the one that looks like a fork and spoon <grin>. But I have no idea what the numbers or HC might mean. I'm guessing it's some kind of categorization of the terrain, but I can't tell what exactly.

Any explanation or link to one would be appreciated.

RoadRaven

07-16-2005, 07:38 PM

Doing the same thing but expecting different results - isn't that one of the definitions of insanity?

Perhaps not insanity... but def stupidity

Just finished watching the tape with Stage 14 ... wow, Ulrich really showed he is still a contender... but yay, :D Lance is still showing he has this endurance... when everyone else seems to drop, he finds a little bit more. :)

But so pleased Totschnig one... wow... I almost cried with him, he was so emotional... he really deserved that win

jobob

07-16-2005, 07:47 PM

Michael Rasmussen is the only person in the world who can wear red & white polka dot shorts and still look skinny.

skibum

07-17-2005, 03:38 AM

But I have no idea what the numbers or HC might mean. I'm guessing it's some kind of categorization of the terrain, but I can't tell what exactly.

Any explanation or link to one would be appreciated.

The numbers and the term HC are the classification of the climbs. I got this explanation from another web site. The categories are assigned subjectively based on:

length of the climb
altitude difference from bottom to top
average (and steepest) grade
summit elevation
climb's position on the stage (early or late)
width and conditions of the road

After considering all these factors, the Tour's director sportif makes his recommendations after driving over the stage routes a couple of months before the race. Also, the Tour is supposed to be TOUGH, so what might be a Cat 2 climb in The Tour might be a Cat 1 in another race. The categories are supposed to be the riders' perceived difficulty on the climb, so the numbers given below are only a guideline.

Typically for the Tour, Category 4 is an easy, short climb.
Category 3 is the easiest "real" climb - ie, 5km at a 5% grade.
Category 2 is about as tough as you could ever see here in the states. (Something like 5km at a grade of 8-8.5%)
Category 1 typically a long climb (15 - 20+ km) at a not too steep grade - 5-6%.
Hors Category (HC) is long and steep. The altitude difference is at least 1000km and an average grade of 7% or more.

Adventure Girl

07-17-2005, 07:45 AM

Stage 15!!!!

I am a VERY happy Adventure Girl!!
:D :) :p :) :p :D

snapdragen

07-17-2005, 07:47 AM

George!

Quick, someone tie a string aroung AG's ankle before she floats to the moon. :D

spazzdog

07-17-2005, 07:57 AM

Was that a beautiful thing or what! Good for George!

And I REALLY loved it that young Rasmssen nipped Ullrich in the chamois... Ullrich; forever the bridesmaid... actually he's approaching becoming a guest at the wedding (chug-chug-chug). The man needs to learn to spin.

jobob

07-17-2005, 08:07 AM

George sucked the wheels of the breakaway the ENTIRE time, he never once contributed.

He absolutely did not deserve that win at all, IMHO.

You know darn well if the situation were reversed and the winner took advantage of George, instead of the other way around, there would be much wailing and gnashing of teeth and rending of garments and cries of "foul" on OLN and Al Trautwig would have had the bombast level turned up to levels heretofor unimagined. Oh, but that's different. :rolleyes: Nevermind.

Just another viewpoint. Obviously won't be a popular one.

- Jo.

Adventure Girl

07-17-2005, 08:19 AM

George sucked the wheels of the breakaway the ENTIRE time, he never once contributed.Oooh.... I didn't even think of that. The only thing in my mind was that he would be so strong in the end (having sucked the whole way). And with his sprinting strength and freshness, he had a good chance at the stage. I guess he doesn't really deserve the win if looking at today only. But I was considering his overall contribution and self-sacrifice over the years.

snapdragen

07-17-2005, 08:27 AM

I think the original plan was for him to hang with the breakaway, and be there for LA when he caught up. When it was realized LA wasn't going to catch up, well...you know the rest of the story.

Yay George!

jobob

07-17-2005, 08:29 AM

If he had contributed even a bit I wouldn't feel this way.

But the only time George was out front making any sort of effort was the last couple of hundred meters. It looked like he didn't even deign take a pull or two when he and Pereiro broke away (or should I say, when Pereiro broke away and George found a new wheel to latch onto), you could see Pereiro kept glancing over as if to say "uh, hello?" but George just sat back so of course George was fresh as a daisy at the finish.

Yeah, it's sport, but I somehow thought George was better than that.

drplasma64

07-17-2005, 08:36 AM

Typically for the Tour, Category 4 is an easy, short climb.
Category 3 is the easiest "real" climb - ie, 5km at a 5% grade.
Category 2 is about as tough as you could ever see here in the states. (Something like 5km at a grade of 8-8.5%)
Category 1 typically a long climb (15 - 20+ km) at a not too steep grade - 5-6%.
Hors Category (HC) is long and steep. The altitude difference is at least 1000km and an average grade of 7% or more.

That's exactly the kind of stuff I was looking for!

I must say that that race is really quite addicting...I started watching one morning, and now I have to watch every morning. Even my hubby is watching!

jobob

07-17-2005, 08:42 AM

Oops, my bad. Documented evidence that George actually did do a turn after all.

From the cyclingnews live commentary:

---

17:05 CEST 201km/4.5km to go
Caucchioli attacks the leaders! It's slightly flatter here, and he gets a gap. But Pereiro comes up to him at great speed, then Hincapie in the big ring. Boogerd and Caucchioli are together, just behind.

Hincapie does his first turn.

---

spazzdog

07-17-2005, 08:51 AM

jobob... that's all part of strategy of racing. Hincapie's job was to cover the break. The break just got to huge and it became instead an opportunity for George. At the line it's who is fastest... That's racing.

Periero got Most Combative which he really deserved.

spazz (not pickin' jobob. i know you know... wouldn't do that to a martini drinker :D )

jobob

07-17-2005, 09:03 AM

I'm sorry for all my ranting.

This is sport, a win's a win, tactics play a huge part and it couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy.

And we get more George photo ops :D

emily_in_nc

07-17-2005, 09:33 AM

jobob

07-17-2005, 01:57 PM

fun stuff and first-hand reports

http://velogal.blogspot.com/

http://velogal.smugmug.com/CYCLING

SadieKate

07-17-2005, 02:41 PM

I think what George did today was just good race tactics. Sort of like on Survivor - outplay, outwit, outlast. He was really not going for the stage win until he was told that Lance would not need him to hang back to help. I think he deserved the win because of his years of service to Lance, never being selfish, never trying to win a stage for himself. After all these years, this day is finally his. I had tears in my eyes when he crossed the finish line.

George, you rock! Well said, Emily. Ditto from me. Regarding George taking a pull: 1) he originally wasn't there to pull anyone but to slow them down or be there to pull Lance which means he had to conserve energy for that potentiality, and 2) what team do you think has been pulling the peloton over hill and dale all these days? Whatever team has the yellow jersey is doing the hard work day after day at the front of the peloton setting the pace and the others all suck wheel. Robbie McEwen and his fellow sprinters are winning because they don't take a pull at the front. I think once again, Discovery showed smarts and strength as a team.

That said, I'm really impressed with Jan this year. He always seems like a bridesmaid, but he is really hanging tough and not giving up. Too bad his team isn't working harder for him. They don't seem to work together as well as Discovery.

Jo-n-NY

07-18-2005, 05:53 AM

Yes, Emily, I also could not have said it better myself. For me, this has been one exciting tour to watch and I am so clad we switched from Cablevision to Direct TV to get OLN (well could have added OLN from Cable for even more $$, no way!).

Anyway, I also had tears in my eyes when he finished and I just read the NY Times to find out he grew up in Farmingdale which is just about 10 minutes from me. I knew he was from Long Island but not from a neighboring town. How cool!

Yes, Discovery is a well rounded team. They have body and mind. So far all is working to their advantage.

~ JoAnn

Trek420

07-18-2005, 08:59 AM

SadieKate said "I'm really impressed with Jan this year. He always seems like a bridesmaid, but he is really hanging tough and not giving up. Too bad his team isn't working harder for him. They don't seem to work together as well as Discovery."

yeah, what's with that? As he finished yesterday, his teammate in front of him who seemed to be looking back every second was that to make sure his captain DID NOT PASS HIM or to make sure he had Jan on his wheel, what's with that?

And can someone tell me why can't he spin? He's so strong, if could just spin he'd ride the legs off Lance.

Adventure Girl

07-18-2005, 09:12 AM

As he finished yesterday, his teammate in front of him who seemed to be looking back every second was that to make sure his captain DID NOT PASS HIM or to make sure he had Jan on his wheel, what's with that?That was Oscar Sevilla. I think (I HOPE!) Oscar was actually looking back to be sure that Mickael Rasmussen didn't catch Jan. Michael finished 4 seconds behind Oscar and Jan. Oscar was actually there to help Jan at the finish, and the two of them finished with the same time.

The T-Mobile non-team action that I was surprised about was in stage 14. Vino made a good effort to get away from the pack (which included all the elites -- Armstrong, Basso, Rasmussen, Ullrich, Kloden...). And Ullrich and Kloden were the ones to chase him down! I guess it COULD have been that were trying to join him, but it sure looked like it was self-defense rather than team support!

Jo-n-NY

07-18-2005, 11:09 AM

"And can someone tell me why can't he spin?"

In the book by Dan Coyle "Lance Armstrongs War" a former dr. of Lances touched on this subject about Jan and said: "Probably Jan has a different kine of fiber in his muscles, fast fibers that are able to work at higher tension and with higher lactic acid, so perhaps Ullrich is doing exactly what he should be doing. He has a very good trainer"

In my personal opinion, although Jan looks like one heck of a strong guy, he also is carrying much more weight than most of the other cyclists. That takes so much more energy. I think if he shead some of the weight, not necessarily muscle and continued to ride through the winter time, I think he also would be a difficult to beat.

This book gives much insite on many other riders, not just Lance. I believe Caligirl recommended it in a past thread. I apolgize if I got the wrong person.

~ JoAnn

RoadRaven

07-18-2005, 12:09 PM

Ah yes, poor Jan
I would like for him to do more and it has been great the last two stages to watch Basso, Ulrich and Armstrong ride together
And if Jan could climb a gear or two lower, he would have something to help stay when the other two have pulled away... he has always crunched the big gears and always will I guess

It really annoys me when I hear commentators saying things like Ulrich being the better rider. If he was he would be winning stages, or beating Armstrong. How can he be the better rider when he can crunch big gears admirably and stay in the pack and TT... but Armstrong can RR, TT, climb and sprint at the finish?

Trek, you're right, I'm sure if Ulrich had a better team he would probably be..be doing better... did you know they apparently don't even sit at the same table together? What does that do for a untied front on the road? I do admire Jan very much because despite two crashes, he has soldiered on uncomplaining... just got on with the job... very admirable indeed.

As for George's win? Who deserved it better? He has self-sacrificed himself for the team for years... and was preparing to do the same on that stage... if Lance had arrived then George would have taken him to the line and not expected anything himself. I am very pleased George won - and wasn't his interview afterwards super?

CorsairMac

07-18-2005, 01:38 PM

ahhh - George Did contribute to the breakway. Didn't any of you see the wonderful shot of George off to the side urinating on his bike??.....once again I guess the cameras wanted to focus on the Discovery guy without caring about his dignity!

oh.....and thanks to that lovely camera shot - I now have all my questions answered about male bathroom habits during a road race! :eek:

greenchick

07-18-2005, 01:43 PM

oh.....and thanks to that lovely camera shot - I now have all my questions answered about male bathroom habits during a road race! :eek:

I'm embarrassed to say it, but I'd been wondering about that very question myself :rolleyes: . But still -- on the bike, George? You couldn't'a managed somewhere off to the side?

CorsairMac

07-18-2005, 02:31 PM

ROFL - actually we had a thread here where our wonderful friend MM in England answered all my questions regarding that very ahh - situation!! I figure if you can't ask the question here where Can you eh??!! But I can't find it or I would've posted the link!!

As for stopping - he was in the breakaway.....no time to stop man!!! :p

spazzdog

07-18-2005, 04:55 PM

Remember grrls... boys gots "hoses". It's all in where they aim 'em.

As a former "dresser" of drag queens, I learned more than any woman should about when to hold 'em or when to fold 'em.

The only time in my life I've ever had "hose envy" (watchin' that censor) is when I'm out somewhere and need to winky.

spazz, a dog who needs to squat... no fire hydrants for me

snapdragen

07-18-2005, 06:25 PM

spazz, a dog who needs to squat... no fire hydrants for me

Oh, I dunno. I know a female triathelete who doesn't stop either :eek: Just stands and pees......I never did ask how often she buys new saddles. :D

latelatebloomer

07-18-2005, 06:55 PM

[QUOTE]As a former "dresser" of drag queens, I learned more than any woman should about when to hold 'em or when to fold 'em.

Gollygee, Spazz, I can't wait to see the rest of your resume!

spazzdog

07-18-2005, 07:05 PM

Nah! Most of it is boring corporate crap. That one was from my younger days.

I learned to pee "properly" pre-race (running) while attending a women's running camp in the rockies back in '96. It won't work with cycling shorts.

And now, back to the TdF...

Stg 16 looks interesting... scary climb about midway (HC) preceded by a Cat 1. Any bets grrls???

I'm liking Rasmussen to hang with Basso and Armstrong... Ullrich will get left behind again. Vinokourov will break and fall back, break and fall back, but not work for his team.

I expect a breakaway from a big bunch low on the GC... Wonder if Hincapie will cover it again.

spazz

jobob

07-19-2005, 07:25 PM

OK, now that first place is pretty much locked up :D anyone care to make any guesses, educated or otherwise, for second and third?

I dare not comment further lest I once again unleash the power of the Kiss of Death ...

skibum

07-20-2005, 07:52 AM

I think Basso has a pretty solid hold on 2nd place. The battle for 3rd should be interesting. I think it will come down to the ITT on Sat. Rasmussen is not known to be the best at the ITT but the chance for a spot on the podium could provide some extra motivation. Ullrich is a pretty strong time trialer and does not want to miss the podium for the 2nd year in a row. My money is on Ullrich. Of course, I'm biased... he's one of my favorite riders.

Hopefully, I haven't unleashed the Kiss of Death on Jan by saying that. I don't think I have jobob's powers but you never know...

slinkedog

07-20-2005, 08:20 AM

Yeah, I think Rassmussen came in dead last in the first ITT. I think that Jan will probably take 3rd.

bikerchick68

07-20-2005, 10:36 AM

rasmussen is doing his dangdest to not lose any more time prior to that time trial.. and Jan keeps attacking him to put the hurt on... he may be able to attack him better in the flats, but Rasmussen wants to podium BAD!

I think that final ITT is gonna be veeeery exciting... as long as it's dry and safe, I think Rasmussen is gonna have the hardest ride of his life if he wants to keep 3rd... and I think Jan will be pushing equally as hard... should be FUN to see!!!

Adventure Girl

07-20-2005, 10:58 AM

Yeah, I think Rassmussen came in dead last in the first ITT. I think that Jan will probably take 3rd.According to letour.fr, Rasmussen was 174th in the first ITT. He was 2 minutes, 6 seconds behind Jan. That was on a very flat 19km ITT. The final ITT is 55.5km, and has more climbing.

I don't think Rasmussen gave it his "all" on the first ITT. His goal at that point in the race was the polka dot jersey. I think he's probably as surprised as anybody that he's 3rd in the GC.

I think Jan will have his way with Mickael on stage 20. Jan is a very good time trialer. But if the GC standings don't change over the next few stages, that will be one exciting fight for the podium. I wonder if at the beginning of the Tour Jan would have any inclination that he would be racing against Mickael Rasmussen in stage 20...

spazzdog

07-20-2005, 07:08 PM

Yes, Rasmussen was 2:06 behind Ullrich... but now Ullrich is 2:49 behind Rasmussen. The TT course is shorter and if Rasmussen really pulls a corker, he might still stay ahead of Ullrich.

All the other top ten are even further down... so Ras, if he's a very good boy, may have his day.

jobob

07-21-2005, 07:06 AM

Looking at the GC after stage 17:

1 Lance Armstrong (USA) Discovery Channel 72.55.50
2 Ivan Basso (Ita) Team CSC +2.46
3 Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank +3.09
4 Jan Ullrich (Ger) T-Mobile Team +5.58
5 Francisco Mancebo (Spa) Illes Balears-Caisse d'Epargne +6.31
6 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Gerolsteiner +7.35
7 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) T-Mobile Team +9.38
8 Cadel Evans (Aus) Davitamon-Lotto +9.49
9 Floyd Landis (USA) Phonak Hearing Systems +9.53
10 Christophe Moreau (Fra) Credit Agricole +12.07

I'm going to go out on a limb here and predict that Rasmussen is going to give it his all but it won't be enough to even maintain top 5 - like AG said, he's definitely not a time trialer, he lost over 2 minutes to Ullrich over only 19k, and now we're dealing with over 55k in the final ITT. Maybe the adrenaline will carry Ras through, but I suspect that might go the wrong way for him and he could just as easily crack over that distance if he really tries to gun it.

In stage 1, Mancebo finished 1:23 behind Ullrich and 1:18 behind a certain American sporting a pale watery blue team kit. Mancebo will likely be gunning like mad to maintain his top 5 position, and I predict he will, barely.

Being veerrry careful not to wake the evil K of D genie, I predict the final outcome, numbering according to the placements from stage 17 above, to be:

1.
2.
4.
6.
5. [maybe 6. and 5. switched] Edit - nope, in for a penny, in for a pound. I'll stick with this order
3.

Adventure Girl

07-21-2005, 07:23 AM

1 Lance Armstrong (USA) Discovery Channel 72.55.50
2 Ivan Basso (Ita) Team CSC +2.46
3 Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank +3.09
In the first ITT (19k)
Lance beat Basso by 1:22
Lance beat Rasmussen by 3:12
Ivan beat Rasmussen by 1:50

In stage 20 (55K), They start 3 minutes apart.
Will Ivan pass Rasmussen?
I wonder if Lance has a chance close a 6 minute gap...

trigurl

07-21-2005, 07:45 AM

wait a minute, I missed the potty break, what happened :confused: :p

jobob

07-21-2005, 07:46 AM

In the first ITT (19k)
Lance beat Basso by 1:22
Lance beat Rasmussen by 3:12
Ivan beat Rasmussen by 1:50

In stage 20 (55K), They start 3 minutes apart.
Will Ivan pass Rasmussen?

I'd say, yes . Not to take anything away from Rasmussen, mind you, it's just that TT is such a specialized discipline - Basso (and all the other good/great time trialists) had to put a lot of training time into it. Not to mention odds are Rassumussen might not have a top-of-the-line uber TT bike - unless Colnago dug one up for him in the last few days.

I wonder if Lance has a chance close a 6 minute gap... Since, presumably, it's the very last TT Lance will ever do as a pro, I daresay we might be in for something special. :)

Adventure Girl

07-22-2005, 09:14 AM

Ok. I admit that I'm a geek. So in my geekly ways, I did a little projecting. I projected the ITT times of Stage 20 based on Stage 1 times (Stage 1 time divided by 19K, multiplied by 55.5K). I took these times and combined them with stage 19 times to project placement of the top 10 after stage 20.

Current position: Lance
Basso
Rasmussen
Ullrich
Mancebo
Leipheimer
Evans
Vinokourov
Landis
Pereiro Sio

Position after projected time on ITT: Lance
Basso (at 6' 57")
Ullrich (at 9' 16")
Leipheimer (at 11' 45")
Vinokourov (at 12' 45")
Rasmussen (at 13' 12")
Landis (at 13' 43")
Mancebo (at 14' 29")
Evans (at 14' 44")
Pereiro Sio (at 18' 47")

Useless information... :rolleyes:

SadieKate

07-22-2005, 11:54 AM

Useless information... :rolleyes:But think what it tells us about your personality! :D

Said from one geek to another, :p
SK

jobob

07-22-2005, 01:19 PM

I think that's great, but there you go. :cool:

SadieKate

07-22-2005, 01:29 PM

I think that's great, but there you go. :cool:What, AG's info or that we're geeks? :p

SK

Hey, you mean I can buy a bike or car without doing a 4 page spreadsheet analysis?

jobob

07-22-2005, 02:55 PM

:D yes to both

slinkedog

07-23-2005, 08:47 AM

Okay, can anyone have a worse race than poor Rasmussen did today? Oy vey, that kid had bad luck and rattled nerves. In the start gate, did you see how his hands were shaking when he adjusted his shoe strap? Well, experience is a good teacher. Hopefully he'll keep on keeping on and have better races in the future. I was very hopeful that he'd be on the podium tomorrow.

Looking forward to a nice parade tomorrow with no crashes!!

jobob

07-23-2005, 09:04 AM

Poor guy. You could tell he wasn't all that accustomed to the TT bike, and that was a tough, tough course.

Still, considering how much time he spent not moving forward :eek: , he did very respectably indeed !

jobob

07-23-2005, 09:13 AM

But, poor Rasmussen aside, that was one thrilling TT !!

Good for Jan to show what he's made of.

Needless to say I was squealing like a little schoolgirl and happy dancing all over the living room over Bobby's ride; Lee was, um, amused :rolleyes:

I'll forgive Vino for ultimately blasting Bobby out of the water, he's in contract negociations after all.

Looks like Basso tried a leeetle too hard in the beginning. Eh, there's next year, he'll only get better.

And Lance, whatcanI say. I was expecting something remarkable, as were we all I'm sure, and he delivered in spades.

emily_in_nc

07-23-2005, 12:56 PM

Wow, this stage had it all. Lance rode like a man afire, and I was so glad to see him get his stage win to end his 7th Tour (essentially). I was happy to see Jan give it his all and get onto the podium. I ached for poor Michael Rasmussen, though. I'd been rooting for him all along (gotta love an underdog), and to see him crash twice, change bikes several times, and still keep going, wow, he has my respect. I would have been a blithering idiot after all that! :(

Emily

SadieKate

07-23-2005, 02:17 PM

Poor Rasmussen. What a horrible day. I have to think that a TT bike was not the right one for him on such a technical course. And, once your concentration is blown it's all over.

Lance, of course, did his usual superb job, but I was just thrilled to see how well Jan, Bobby, Floyd, Levi and George did. Now, if Basso just hadn't started out quite so fast . . . way to go, jobob, you sent him a KOD, didn't you? :D

If Jan can keep his form next year, T-Mobile actually rides as a team rather than a collection of prima donnas, and Basso keeps working on his TT skills, we ought to have a large group of boys chasing that yellow jersey next year. It could get really exciting.

Dogmama

07-23-2005, 02:34 PM

I'm all for Jan next year. He really deserves it. I was surprised that Basso blew up - I would have thought he had more experience & would be able to judge his body a little better.

Dittos on Rasmussen - poor baby!! And having to wear that silly polka dot jersey on top of it all - can they find something more ridiculous for King of the Mountain? I think not.

Lance - what do you say? Except I still feel sorry for the kids. They seemed quite bewildered when he was on the podium & the whole Sheryl Crow thing stinks. He should have given the flowers, en masse, to his daughters. I can't imagine how it would feel being stuck watching the race with Daddy's girlfriend who is a dim bulb to boot. (Can you tell I'm PMS'ing Big Time here?)

jobob

07-23-2005, 08:03 PM

LOL Dogmama, don't hold back, tell us what you really think! :D

And nope, I re-fuse to take any credit for Basso's blowup, methinks that was his own doing. His time trialing is much better than last year so I'm not complaining, he still has a ways to go but he'll get there, and this time he hung on to 2nd place so I'm quite content.

I was a bit surprised about Levi, I would have thought he'd place higher in the TT. But it was a long three weeks.

Next year is going to be veeery interesting indeed.

MightyMitre

07-24-2005, 02:43 AM

LOL Dogmama - I mentioned to my hubby wondering how Kristen Armstrong(?) must have felt seeing her kiddies out for the day with Daddies New Woman.( meeeoowwww)
I notice Lance's mum was there too which was nice.

Actually, I thought it was quite cute to see the kids and it was nice to finally see a more relaxed side of Armstrong. Perhaps people might have warmed to him a bit more if he'd let us in a bit earlier in his career, rather than being so detached and aloof.

Today will be a momentus day as we see Lance ride for the last time in the Tour. I think it's a good thing he's finishing as for me, the Tour has gradually been getting more and more predictable and boring. As he won't be there next year is should be a scortcher and as a sporting event I think the Tour is in need of a breath of fresh air to capture people's imagination again and be a bit more unpredictable.

Finally, and I hate to admit this, but I caught myself being ever so slightly impressed by Armstrongs ride yesterday. To quote a friend of mine, he was riding that bike like he stole it! :D

Anyway, ramble over. Bye Lance and all the best for the future.:)

Dogmama

07-24-2005, 03:58 AM

LOL Dogmama - I mentioned to my hubby wondering how Kristen Armstrong(?) must have felt seeing her kiddies out for the day with Daddies New Woman.( meeeoowwww)
I notice Lance's mum was there too which was nice.

Ever notice how much Lance's women look like his mother? Hey, Mr Freud....I also wondered how Kiki must have felt. I've seen so many kids displaced because of the current Squeeze that I wish he would have left Ms. Crow along side of the road. But, then she might be in the booth with Bob Roll and I couldn't stand that. I'd have to get my TDF news from Jobob - our totally objective correspondent.

I admit to having tears in my eyes as Lance completed his last ride. Incredible career. Do you think he'll try to break the one hour record?

snapdragen

07-24-2005, 08:12 AM

I'm all misty eyed........all it took was Lance getting on the podium with his kids.

CorsairMac

07-24-2005, 08:52 AM

OK....is anyone else as mad as I am about the decision to award Vino the 5th place and knock Levi down to 6th??

I don't care that they decided to reinstate the time bonuses - I care that they decided to do it AFTER the race was over. After everyone had crossed the finish line. After everyone thought the GC was locked in and it didn't matter anymore except to make it home safe. I hope Levi and Gerolsteiner protest this and I hope the directors reverse their unfair and way-out-of-line decision.

I was so mad I was yelling at the TV and the poor dogs thought they had done something wrong. Too bad the directors couldn't hear me - I was even cussing in French!!

Corsair "I'm still mad can you tell?" Mac

jobob

07-24-2005, 09:30 AM

Darn straight I'm ticked. That was bizzare, bogus, bull-oney beyond words. :eek:

Have to admit, as Vino raced for the finish I was joking with Lee that gee, do you think the TMobile management maybe sort of neglected to mention to Vino that he'd get no bonus time for the win? Kind of one last thumbed nose from TMobile to Vino. Oh well, wrong again :rolleyes:

There are times when the K of D manifests itself in strange and mysterious ways indeed.

Although I cannot believe that Gerolsteiner will take this lying down - they have a truly legitimate protest here. IMHO of course.

jobob

07-24-2005, 09:43 AM

And now for the Funniest Moment of the 2005 Tour day France on OLN, brought to you by Paceline Chamois Butt'r:

During the post-race afterglow (er, recap) with Al, Bob, Paul and Phil:

Al Trautwig: "As we've counted down all the tour wins, what's your favorite?"

Phil Liggett: " Um, 1989. "

[ ...dead silence... ]

Al Trautwig, incredulous: " Of Lance's tours ????? "

Phil: "Oh. Right ..."

Dogmama

07-24-2005, 09:51 AM

There are times when the K of D manifests itself in strange and mysterious ways indeed.

What is K of D? :confused:

Veronica

07-24-2005, 10:02 AM

I don't care that they decided to reinstate the time bonuses - I care that they decided to do it AFTER the race was over. After everyone had crossed the finish line. After everyone thought the GC was locked in and it didn't matter anymore except to make it home safe. I hope Levi and Gerolsteiner protest this and I hope the directors reverse their unfair and way-out-of-line decision.

I'm hoping they decided to reinstate the bonuses before the end of the race AND that they told everyone - except the commentators obviously. :p Well I would have liked to see Levi get in the top five, Vino rode one heck of a race today and deserved the bonus. And he did it with no help from his team. I hate to see such a tremendous victory clouded by miscommunication.

V.

jobob

07-24-2005, 10:21 AM

It certainly wouldn't be the first time that OLN didn't get it right. :rolleyes:

In retrospect it could very well be that everyone knew the time bonuses would apply at the finish, and Vino chose to go for it and perhaps Levi didn't have it left in him to counter, or, didn't expect Vino to get the win.

In which case, then, good for Vino.

Hi V., welcome home. Bring some cool weather with you, perchance?

cindysue

07-24-2005, 04:10 PM

Veronica,

Do tell! How was your trip?

and, Welcome back!

Veronica

07-24-2005, 04:29 PM

Veronica,

Do tell! How was your trip?

It was FABULOUS! Gorgeous scenery, great weather, tremendous food. The North Umpqua trail is tough and not for anyone afraid of heights. I discovered I prefer "Death" to the left rather than the right, especially when I'm climbing.

Thom's been processing pictures and I've been doing laundry and repacking much of the day since we're off again on Tues. for a week with family in Maine. Hopefully we'll have the pictures ready and up on the web site tonight.

I am covered with bruises, scrapes and insect bites. I tried on the dress I'm wearing to my reunion and Thom asked me if they make leg make up. :p Yeah, probably, but I'm kinda proud of how beat up my legs look, 'cause I got back on my bike after each and every crash. (Only two REAL ones Jo - and no broken bones!)

V.

slinkedog

07-24-2005, 04:39 PM

Welcome back, V, well, at least for a day! I've missed hearing from you!

Sounds like your trip was quite the adventure! Can't wait to see those pictures. Have fun at your reunion... we did mine in June and it turned out to be really fun. I hope you guys have a great time.

Bustertb

07-24-2005, 05:02 PM

getting bumped down to 6th? Too bad it had to rain. It would have been much more exciting. Bye Lance. Thanks for the memories. Courage is Contagious.

wabisabi

07-24-2005, 05:47 PM

Could anyone decode the Armstrong speech for me? I do not at all understand his reference to 'those who don't think cycling is a sport...I feel sorry for them,' etc.? What is he talking about? I asked my guy cycling friends, and they said, variously, 'he is from Texas where all they talk about is football,' 'places like ESPN won't cover cycling,' were some answers. On my ride today I thought, maybe cycling is kind of too 'feminine' for gonzo sports guys; by this I mean that some of the best riders are kind of small and slight, they are riding bikes, much more fragile than SUVs--(OK, maybe this was a bonk induced thought!)

What do you all think?

spazzdog

07-24-2005, 06:27 PM

We had this same discussion going on on another forum, with me being all ranty & ravey... and then it hit me.

This is the rule as explained by race radio:

"Jean-Francois Pescheux, the Tour’s sporting director, has just announced that the time for the general classification of the final stage will be taken on the first pass of the finish line."

The operative statement is "time for the GC of the final stage". If you look at the stage results all riders were given the same finishing time. They only cancelled the 2nd intermediate sprint time bonus, not the finish time bonus, which they then calculated into the overall GC placement.

Levi's team should have been off the front to make sure Vino didn't win it... they should've helped anybody BUT Vino to win that stage. Somebody fell asleep in the team director car.

spazz