Tour talk -- Spoiler alert

[ny biker]

He said, repeatedly, that if he wasn't the one who would be "chosen" on Radio Shack's team, that he would work for the leader. Now, he's saying he just wants to win a stage. I'm sorry, but that's just plain selfish. He's got enough yellow jerseys. Why not go out with a little class?

They have no leader for GC. Levi is not up to the task and that's been obvious for a long time. So they shifted strategy and are going for team classification and stage wins.

It's not unusual for a team to shift strategy over the course of a grand tour when they find plan A not working out, whether due to injuries, illness, bad luck, etc.

[ny biker]

Anybody else notice that the sheep that nearly took out Contador was wearing Saxobank colors?

Has this race every been called on account of weather? I can't imagine careening down that descent into a cloud bank and not being able to see more than fifty feet or so down the road. Holey moley.

Roxy

Sometimes they will shorten or reroute a race if the weather is bad, especially in the mountains.

[7rider]

They have no leader for GC. Levi is not up to the task and that's been obvious for a long time. So they shifted strategy and are going for team classification and stage wins.

It's not unusual for a team to shift strategy over the course of a grand tour when they find plan A not working out, whether due to injuries, illness, bad luck, etc.

Yeah, but I think they want to protect Levi's Top-10 placement.

[ny biker]

Yeah, but I think they want to protect Levi's Top-10 placement.

Too late for that...

But Chris Horner is now 8th. He is The Man.

[arielmoon]

LOL Zen!

Great stage today. I really wanted Andy to open a gap but AC really stuck like gum on a shoe.

LOL at the sheep crossing!

Great day for Chris Horner! He, Kloden, and Lance really trying to lock up the team competition.

I had the assistant farm manager and farm vet calling me every 1o minutes to get an update. At least I wont get in trouble for watching at work!!

[7rider]

Too late for that...


Dam.
:mad:

Haven't seen the results yet...
But, geez, Levi is my Man of Perpetual Frustration.

[Bike Chick]

If anyone happened to walk by my front door during the last fifteen seconds of that race they would have thought I was having wild sex with a man named Andy.

Too funny!!!!

[Cait]

After today I feel like there should be a strict "must wear pants" rule for spectators.

[bmccasland]

After today I feel like there should be a strict "must wear pants" rule for spectators.

Ah, yes. I had an appliance tech in my house, was talking to him, could see the TV, and blurted out OMG! :eek:

[ny biker]

Dam.
:mad:

Haven't seen the results yet...
But, geez, Levi is my Man of Perpetual Frustration.

Yeah. I think he's better suited to 1-week stage races than 3-week races.

Also -- from the sponsor's point of view, Lance in a break/Lance winning a stage is worth more than anyone else on the team finishing top ten in the GC. Like it or not, Lance gets the TV time and press photos that makes the sponsorship pay off.

[buffybike]

All those crazies in neon g-strings were cracking me up. Too funny.

I was so excited in the last 30 minutes, I felt like I could throw up. Good thing I was alone in the house so no one could hear me yelling, "Go Andeeeeeee!!! You can do it!!!!!!! Come on! Go! Go! Go!!!!!" All the while waving my arms, of course.

[Zen]

Who is that guy sitting next to Andy at the press conference?
The team director?
He would make a good bouncer.

[redrhodie]

Who is that guy sitting next to Andy at the press conference?
The team director?
He would make a good bouncer.

Yeah, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bjarne_Riis and he won the tour, once upon a time.

[channlluv]

Do you think Contador pulled up at the end there, though? Paul or Phil one kept saying that he would never have taken that win from Andy or the crowd would have turned on him (again), as if he could have taken the win if he'd wanted to. Their comments just left me wondering. It kind of tempered my joy for Andy, although I'm really pleased for him.

And has anyone ever done a study on the effect that the fans have on the riders climbing steep inclines like that? I didn't see anyone slapping Andy, but Contador got several slaps in the arm and on the butt as he rode through. All that noise, people jumping in your path, and then the motorcycles blaring their horns right behind you...how in the world do they concentrate enough to climb that mountain?

Roxy

[Zen]

My best guess is that Berto wanted to attack but really didn't have it in him. Andy would have given him a run for his money.
He let Andy win for the goodwill.

It will come down to the time trial.

[berkeley]

He let Andy win for the goodwill.



This.

I think AC could have taken Andy if he wanted to.

[Aggie_Ama]

The fans on mountain stages are always nuts, especially when the Basque get out in the Pyrennes. They take their cycling spectating to extremes! The guys dressed the Borat style Unitards weren't nearly as bad as the guys with their butts just hanging out because they dropped their drawers! The sheep were funny, they looked like "WHAT DID WE JUST RUN INTO????" :eek:

[Zen]

Those weren't sheep. Those were fans in sheep suits.

[azfiddle]

I don't think that any screenwriter could have scripted a more nail-biting finish than Schleck and Contador in the last stretch!

[Catrin]

I don't think that any screenwriter could have scripted a more nail-biting finish than Schleck and Contador in the last stretch!

So which one made it first?!?!?! You have me on the edge of my seat!


/really should have gone to the Tour party at my LBS last night... *&#(# 4 am alarm on workdays...

[Dogmama]

I definitely think AC could have smoked Andy. I think the little spurt he did at the end was meant to prove that exact point. I agree that AC's value would have plummeted if he had smoked Andy. More than a bike race is at stake here. Commercial endorsements pay big $$.

[Deborajen]

Given that Contador sat on Andy's wheel for nearly the entire climb, well, yeah, he probably could've smoked Andy. Between Andy's comeback after the dropped chain, his doing nearly all the work in this last climbing stage, and his winning two stages (even if one was possibly a "gift" from Berto), Andy's proven himself worthy to win the Tour, whether he does or not.

I just hope he doesn't give up.

[channlluv]

With only two days to go, I seriously doubt he'd give up. He'd have to totally crash out to quit at this point.

Roxy

[MM_QFC!]

Yeah, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bjarne_Riis and he won the tour, once upon a time.

yeah, but it was years later that he admitted he wasn't a clean rider:

"...on May 25, 2007 Riis issued a press release that he also had made "mistakes" in the past,and in the following press conference confessed to taking EPO, growth hormone and cortisone for 5 years, from 1993 to 1998, including during his victory in the 1996 Tour de France. Riis said that he bought and injected the EPO himself, and team coach Walter Godefroot turned a blind eye to the drug use on the team. Riis was removed from the official record books of Tour de France,but in July 2008 he was written back into the books, along with additional notes about his use of doping."

[malkin]

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz...What's up with that?

[redrhodie]

yeah, but it was years later that he admitted he wasn't a clean rider:


Yeah, I read that, but since it was Jan Ullrich who came in second, I figure the playing field was level. ;)

Good on Cav today! And, he was sick.

I wonder what's up with Andy at the doc's car. That's doesn't look good.

[carinapir]

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz...What's up with that?

I know, right? Is the movie really that bad that they have to pimp it at the TdF? Hollywood needs to give it a rest.

http://c0013434.cdn1.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/x2_20dc9d4

[ny biker]

I know, right? Is the movie really that bad that they have to pimp it at the TdF? Hollywood needs to give it a rest.

http://c0013434.cdn1.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/x2_20dc9d4

Eh. I'm not caring one way or the other. Sometimes show biz types visit. No big deal. Maybe Alberto got a thrill from it.

If they're publicizing a movie to people in France, then the TdF would be a logical place to reach a huge audience. Meanwhile the Tour sponsors and team sponsors get that much more publicity, too.

[Catrin]

Jens gives a tour of his hotel room:

http://video.saxobank.com/video/686516

"it's like a hard shell.... around chaos"

LOL

I loved the sleeping shirt - he loves his family :) Also really liked the chaos comments - but others have already quoted them.

[Dogmama]

Robin Williams used to follow Lance around, but he never climbed on the podium with him. It's a publicity stunt. Bleech...

[ny biker]

The whole tour is a giant publicity stunt. I have a magnet and a drawstring bag that my friend got from the publicity caravans when she went to the tour last year. She and her husband brought home all kinds of stuff. It's a giant 3-week international publicity stunt.

But it pays for the race.

[Zen]

I want a musette bag

[KnottedYet]

Robin Williams used to follow Lance around, but he never climbed on the podium with him. It's a publicity stunt. Bleech...

Robin Williams is a wild bike nut. The dude seriously loves riding. You can see him sometimes riding across the Golden Gate. (the dude is also SERIOUSLY hairy!)

Don't know that I've ever heard Cameron Diaz or Tom Cruise did much riding. Is the new movie about bikes? (I'm looking for the connection here)

[Cait]

I want a musette bag

Agreed. I looked them up on ebay but it just wouldn't be the same. They do have quite a few though if anyone else is interested.

[Blue_Fedora]

{snip}
Don't know that I've ever heard Cameron Diaz or Tom Cruise did much riding. Is the new movie about bikes? (I'm looking for the connection here)

They're media-whores and there's nothin BUT cameras at the TdF.
(I'm assuming their new movie is opening in Paris this weekend)

[Zen]

It's some kind of action movie. I don't think it did too well here. I don't even remember what it was called.
"Hurry, Run Fast!" Yeah, that's it.

[Zen]

"I can eat 21 energy gels and a deep fried turkey without throwing up."

I imagine Andy was rather puzzled at the concept of a deep fried turkey.

I love that ad but I don't remember what they were advertising.

[pll]

Contador's bike does not seem well fitted to him? He slides forward in the saddle and every 4-5 seconds, he pushes back. I have never tried a TT bike, but wasting energy on pushing back in the saddle cannot be good. Not a long enough side shot of Schleck for me to compare, though...

[Zen]

:(
I suppose it was no surprise, but still...

I has a sad :(

[redrhodie]

:(
I suppose it was no surprise, but still...

I has a sad :(

Me too.

[kermit]

Damn, was really hoping Contador would get beat! That carbon saddle was killing him...ssssssoooooo slippery!

[malkin]

Contador always rides like that push-push-push-Hop push-push-push-Hop.


39 seconds...less time than it takes to pick up a dropped chain
*sigh*

But Contador on the podium was clearly shaken up; the pistola didn't even look cocky.


I think that fried turkey ad is sponsored by Specialized, but it sells Andy. :)

[Thorn]

39 seconds...less time than it takes to pick up a dropped chain
*sigh*

Yep....and, when Schleck crested the climb that day he was only 15-ish seconds back....Cantodor made up another 30-ish by following a good descender down the mountain.

Methinks Schleck will come back stronger next year. But they keep comparing his # of white jerseys to Ullrich of the "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" fame. Hopefully that side of the comparison won't hold.

[tctrek]

I love Andy... and it's obvious he got some time trial tips from his team mate, Fabio. Maybe next year he will be better on the TT and finally beat Contador.
p.s. I adore Fabian Cancellara even though I know he'll never win the tour, he's still my fav rider.

[channlluv]

*sigh*...Fabian.

Roxy

[Zen]

p.s. I adore Fabian Cancellara even though I know he'll never win the tour, he's still my fav rider.

I couldn't admire him more. Did you see his face when he was working for Andy on the Tourmalet?

[tctrek]

I couldn't admire him more. Did you see his face when he was working for Andy on the Tourmalet?

They don't call him Spartacus for nothin'! He's a beast.... the purdiest beast in the tour.

[tctrek]

Here he is winning the TT today!
11634

[ny biker]

I couldn't admire him more. Did you see his face when he was working for Andy on the Tourmalet?

Did you see him nearly come to a dead stop when he finally cracked? I'm amazed they don't just fall over sometimes.

BTW, I read Chris Carmichael's column on pezcycling (not to be confused with his column on facebook/master the shift and his column on bicycling.com -- I give him credit for being able to find multiple things to write about every day -- anyway as I was saying) and he thinks Andy is improving and has a real shot to unseat Contador next year. Of course much can happen between now and then but if they're both healthy, it could be an amazing showdown. Something to look forward to. In the meantime, Andy needs to hit the wind tunnel, since his position is clearly less aero than Alberto's.

[Veronica]

Would Andy have won, if he hadn't had chain issues? Too bad we can't check it out in an alternate reality. That would be a great episode for Fringe. :D

Veronica

[ny biker]

Would Andy have won, if he hadn't had chain issues? Too bad we can't check it out in an alternate reality. That would be a great episode for Fringe. :D

Veronica

You could also wonder how things might have been different if Frank had been there so they could tag team Contador in the mountains. Maybe next year...

[redrhodie]

Also, kudos to Alberto. Despite all the controversy, he grew on me this tour. It was an excellent tour, they are excellent rivals. I'm sad it's over.

[loopybunny]

I feel terrible for Andy. I really thought he'd win this year.

I'm surprised though that Contador didn't have a better time trial. Funny little sprint he had there at the end... after the finish line. What was that?

I'm a little bummed that Levi and Chris didn't do better in the time trial, but quite pleased that Chris held onto his 10th place. Incredible season for him. Such an amazingly positive guy. He's living proof that positive energy and working your butt off will pay off. He's such a talented and respected rider.

[ny biker]

The guys who went toward the end apparently has some major cross/head winds that the earlier riders did not have to contend with. That's why their times were all so much lower than the better time trialists who were lower down in the GC. I think that combined with the flatness of the course worked against Contador's strengths and made him really work for it.

BTW this was Levi's comment on twitter afterwards: "Felt like a kite out there today, had to use my super strong upper body to fight the bike. #sarcasm."

[Zen]

Also, kudos to Alberto. Despite all the controversy, he grew on me this tour. It was an excellent tour, they are excellent rivals. I'm sad it's over.

Yes. I was moved by his display of emotion at the end.

[buffybike]

Yes. I was moved by his display of emotion at the end.

+1...bittersweet, maybe?

[loopybunny]

BTW this was Levi's comment on twitter afterwards: "Felt like a kite out there today, had to use my super strong upper body to fight the bike. #sarcasm."

Heard an interview with him on Bicycle Radio a year ago and they asked him how much he could bench press. He responded, "Is that the one where you lift the weights over your head?"

He also said he doesn't do any gym work on his upper body. Or really any gym work period. I think the only upper body workout he gets is picking up his little dogs and his bikes.

[channlluv]

You'd think Lance would hook him up with that Core Performance workout he does. It's pretty awesome.

Roxy

[Trek420]

I think the only upper body workout he gets is picking up his little dogs and his bikes.

I think picking up one of his bikes is barely a wrist curl :rolleyes:

[denda]

What did you think about Radio Shack's jersey "stunt" today?

[pll]

What did you think about Radio Shack's jersey "stunt" today?

It was very clumsy in its execution. They could have cleared the jersey change with the race organizers. Could have also done special jerseys with the team colors (just different print), if the jersey color mattered in the rules. They made me roll my eyes.

[pll]

Yes. I was moved by his display of emotion at the end.

I was moved, too. Makes you realize the amount of pressure these riders face. Contador reported not to have slept the night before the TT and to having stomach pain (all sounds like stress).

[Zen]

What did you think about Radio Shack's jersey "stunt" today?

Since you asked...

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Asshat.jpg

[Veronica]

I really liked the jerseys. I thought they were classy and I liked their names being on them. I think Lance truly is into his cause and getting his message out. Cipollini used to come out in weird costumes all the time and just got fined for it.

Veronica

[Zen]

But it is (supposed to be)TEAM Radio Shack, not Team Lance

[redrhodie]

Sadness. It's over. Goodbye, Paris.

[Veronica]

But it is (supposed to be)TEAM Radio Shack, not Team Lance

http://cdn-community2.livestrong.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/8/9/c8366ccf-36b3-4ee7-89c1-3d107010846d.Large.jpg

And what logo do you see here?

Veronica

[pll]

I'll suffer from TDF withdrawal! <until La Vuelta (http://www.lavuelta.com/)>

[Zen]

I think it's Lance grabbing the spotlight one more time.
i think we all know about his organization by now.

[/Lance]

[berkeley]

But it is (supposed to be)TEAM Radio Shack, not Team Lance

But Radio Shack and Livestrong are partners - you can even donate to Livestrong in Radio Shack stores.

I don't understand any negative sentiments against a charitable organization but I guess it takes all kinds.

There was something seriously funny about watching professional bike riders fiddling with safety pins on the side of the road! lol

[Zen]

I don't understand any negative sentiments against a charitable organization but I guess it takes all kinds.

That won't be tolerated.Not by me, anyway.

It's fairly obvious my comments were not directed toward a charitable organization

[berkeley]

That won't be tolerated.Not by me, anyway.

It's fairly obvious my comments were not directed toward a charitable organization

The whole point of that jersey move was to promote the Livestrong cancer awareness. And you posted an "*** hat". Maybe I misunderstood.

Besides, even if it is "all about Lance", he's uses his fame for good. Which is more than like 99% of the other household names can say for themselves. Livestrong/LAF has a good charity rating, so I'm ok with silly stunts if it helps raise funds. They probably got more publicity with the mess up, anyway!

[Eden]

I really liked the jerseys. I thought they were classy and I liked their names being on them. I think Lance truly is into his cause and getting his message out. Cipollini used to come out in weird costumes all the time and just got fined for it.

Veronica

They did the same thing last year - different jersey on the last day - had big yellow bands on it or something. They got a fine and that was the end of it. I think Lance just paid it and felt it was worth it for the publicity (as Cippo did often - and his TT costumes were just plain outrageous for the fun of it rather than to make any specific point....). I don't think they expected it to be such a big stink this year. I thought the jerseys were nice too and I think the organizers were a bit uptight today.

3 cheers for Petacchi! He had such a bad run of luck for a while - broke his kneecap, lost his place with his *amazing* lead out team because of doping allegations (from which he was eventually cleared), bounced around to several teams and never really had the same phenomenal success he had for so long. I figured he was probably done - too old to contest the young pups in the sprints anymore, but he showed a lot of grit this year. I was stoked to see him win the green.

[Skierchickie]

I thought the black jerseys were great - way better than their regular ones. Very cool. I think I like them better than any of the other kits in the tour this year.

I didn't actually hear Lance talking about Lance - I heard him talking about cancer research, which was the clearly stated goal at the outset with Team Radio Shack. It was about raising awareness.

I know a lot of people don't like him, and you aren't required to, but who has done anywhere near as much to promote awareness of the U.S. cycling program? Or won as many TDFs? People who never knew bike racing existed are into it now. How is that bad? Personally, I have a lot of respect for him.

On another note - I thought Contador & Schleck's fake attack on the peloton today was really cool! :D I didn't like Contador, but he's grown on me since The Incident the other day - if Andy can forgive him and be buddies with him, who am I to hate the guy? :rolleyes:

Go Andy! Just WAIT until next year!

[IFjane]

On another note - I thought Contador & Schleck's fake attack on the peloton today was really cool! :D I didn't like Contador, but he's grown on me since The Incident the other day - if Andy can forgive him and be buddies with him, who am I to hate the guy? :rolleyes:

Go Andy! Just WAIT until next year!

*like* oh wait.....this isn't FB....

Still, I agree! I also agree about the jerseys - great stunt, great way to get publicity for cancer research/awareness.

[Blue_Fedora]

While I'm certainly not a Lance "fan" and he and I would not see eye-to-eye on a great many topics, I do have tremendous respect for his athleticism, riding ability, competitiveness, mental-acuity and ability and willingness to use his "celebrity" for something good. He's not required to give anything back... really none of us are... but he absolutely has given back! I can think of no other rider in the modern era who has singlehandedly done more for the sport of cycling.

[Trekhawk]

I always enjoy watching the tour and and feel a little sad when it ends. At least now I will get some decent sleep.

Great to see Petacchi make it to Paris and in green.:)

[Zen]

*like* oh wait.....this isn't FB....


i KNOW!
I can't tell you how many times I've wished for that option here :p

[Bike Chick]

I'm sad to see it over and disappointed Andy wasn't in yellow but there is next year. Andy's such a neat kid. Did you hear him say how he was sad inside because his brother wasn't there but that he kept a brave face and didn't let it show for the team? Contador is a champion though.

I'm not a big Lance fan but will have to give him credit for raising awareness and funding for cancer research. He seems to be as passionate about that as he is cycling and I respect him for it.

[ny biker]

But it is (supposed to be)TEAM Radio Shack, not Team Lance

Honestly, there would be no Team Radio Shack if Lance had not come out of retirement. Just like there would be no Team Astana if Vino hadn't decided to take charge and get his friends to start a team. But now that they exist and are having a good season, I hope they're able to continue for a while. They have some very talented young riders in the pipeline.

I did think TRS should have known enough to get permission to change the jerseys, but I guess since they've done it before (as have others) they figured they would just have to pay a fine and be done with it. And if you can hit another rider with your front wheel and not be DQ'd, then who would expect you'd get kicked out of the race for changing your clothes.

I read that the UCI is donating the amount of the fine to a cancer-related charity.

I was so bummed to be watching the news on TV this morning instead of Phil and Paul.

[redrhodie]

I was so bummed to be watching the news on TV this morning instead of Phil and Paul.

It feels like the day after Christmas, and I didn't get what I wanted.

Next year!

[Crankin]

I am having TdF withdrawal a little worse this year. Not really sure why, but do know that I saw much more of it this year than in the past.
It's also a sign that summer is going by :mad:.

[withm]

Honestly, there would be no Team Radio Shack if Lance had not come out of retirement. Just like there would be no Team Astana if Vino hadn't decided to take charge and get his friends to start a team. But now that they exist and are having a good season, I hope they're able to continue for a while. They have some very talented young riders in the pipeline.

I did think TRS should have known enough to get permission to change the jerseys, but I guess since they've done it before (as have others) they figured they would just have to pay a fine and be done with it. And if you can hit another rider with your front wheel and not be DQ'd, then who would expect you'd get kicked out of the race for changing your clothes.

I read that the UCI is donating the amount of the fine to a cancer-related charity.

I was so bummed to be watching the news on TV this morning instead of Phil and Paul.

I guess they went by the "it's easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission" route.

But I can see the TDF officials seeing the jersey swap as a hijack of the TDF agenda to promote Livestrong and that Lance Armstrong would be pulling something over on them.

But really, what's the difference between promoting Livestrong, Nissan, Radio Shack, or any or the other sponsors listed on the team kits?

Suffering withdrawal but still wanting to watch stage 2. Hmm I wonder how long us Tour Tracker viewers get access to watch the stages?

[ny biker]

Jens arriving in Paris: "It's a goose bump situation."

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/reactions-from-the-tours-20th-stage

Good for Chavenal for being named most combative. I enjoyed seeing him win. I also saw a great picture of him and Pineau jumping on their hotel beds after finished in yellow and polka dots for the first time.

[ny biker]

I guess they went by the "it's easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission" route.

But I can see the TDF officials seeing the jersey swap as a hijack of the TDF agenda to promote Livestrong and that Lance Armstrong would be pulling something over on them.

But really, what's the difference between promoting Livestrong, Nissan, Radio Shack, or any or the other sponsors listed on the team kits?

Suffering withdrawal but still wanting to watch stage 2. Hmm I wonder how long us Tour Tracker viewers get access to watch the stages?

There was already huge Livestrong promotion throughout the tour. Look at the Nike chalkbot messages every day. And it goes back years, to the first yellow wristbands when pretty much every guy in the peloton wore them.

I'm wondering if the issue was more to do with the fact that it was a major design change. Previously I think their changes were minor and the overall kit was still recognizable. But this year it was totally different.

Speaking of designs, I vote for the yellow jersey podium girls as having the best dresses. They actually had 2 different styles and I liked them both. Green was okay but the shape was too a-line for me. Young rider dresses were too plain and ordinary (little black dresses). Stage winner outfits were designed by someone who does not know how to make a woman's hips look attractive, and the polka dot dresses were fun but whack.

Also, not sure if anyone noticed but the American podium girl from last year was back again this year, doing the young rider thing.

Also also, it was good to see that the person with the chalk board on the motorbike was a woman this year, for the first time. I wonder what that job is like.

[Cait]

Good for Chavenal for being named most combative. I enjoyed seeing him win. I also saw a great picture of him and Pineau jumping on their hotel beds after finished in yellow and polka dots for the first time.

I was so happy to hear this. I became a big fan of Chavanel and Quick Step this tour. I was hoping for a higher team classification though.

[katluvr]

Yes, very sad...no TDF to go home and anxious grab remote to DVR!!
I admit I watch very little of last stage except the end.
I think I knew Contador would win...I just didn't want to admit it. He is good. He seem to have tried harder near the end to present more of an image of a generous winner. Andy just needs to learn to time trail better or find a way to really get ride of Alberto on those mountains. Wonder what it would of been like if Frank could of been there with him.
I was very happy that Chris Horner had a good tour...10th...I bet he was happy with that.
I will miss Jens and Fabian!
I will miss it all! Guess I just have to get out there and ride myself!

[arielmoon]

Yes, tour withdrawal is setting in for me.... waaaaaaaah

[ny biker]

Looks like Fabian and the Schlecks are planning to ride the Vuelta this year. No Contador, though.

[Blue_Fedora]

Glad to hear Frank will be riding the Vuelta. Something to keep me going for a little while :)

[Bliss]

Wow, things just keep getting worse for Lance.

I wonder if Bruyneel and all of the Radio Shack team has to show up for this hearing...


UCI Opens Proceedings Against RadioShack Over Kit

http://www.bikeworldnews.com/2010/07/26/uci-opens-proceedings-radioshack-kit/

[withm]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/07/2010_tour_de_france_-_part_ii.html?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed5

This link takes you to the photos of the last 10 stages. There is also a link to the 1st 10 stages. Incredible photography!

[arielmoon]

I just love Andy. I will be rooting for him and Frank in the Vuelta!

http://www.cyclingnews.com/blogs/andy-schleck/from-school-renegade-to-tour-star

[Possegal]

How can you not love Andy. This pic he posted on his Twitter feed cracks me up!

http://tweetphoto.com/35393709

[ny biker]

How can you not love Andy. This pic he posted on his Twitter feed cracks me up!

http://tweetphoto.com/35393709

I saw that -- loved it.

BTW, f_cancellara is now on twitter. He's done two criteriums this week.

[Bike Chick]

Two crits? Wouldn't you think they would take some time off?? Fabian's my hero. He's awesome. And Andy? Well I just want to give him a hug and bake him a pie. He's adorable.

[ny biker]

A TdF finale video from Nissan/Master the Shift.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tId1zl1wdJo

Shut up, body!!!

[berkeley]

http://www.jensvoigtfacts.com/

Click on the pictures. Heee. :P

[Aquila]

I read today that Contador will be joining the new version of Saxobank, and that Andy and Frank Schleck are off to create a new team from Luxembourg.

Looks like Cancellara will be pulling Contador up the big hills next year. If the Schleck team is as strong, there's going to be one heck of a race!

Here's a link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/aug/03/alberto-contador-saxo-bank

[redrhodie]

http://www.jensvoigtfacts.com/

Click on the pictures. Heee. :P

This one's my fav:

"Jens no longer has a shadow because he dropped it repeatedly until it climbed into the Saxo Bank team car claiming a stomach ailment and retired." :D

[TrekTheKaty]

Two crits? Wouldn't you think they would take some time off?? Fabian's my hero. He's awesome. And Andy? Well I just want to give him a hug and bake him a pie. He's adorable.

Yeah! Thank goodness Lance retired because my new boy is Andy! Sorry Levi. Good luck, though.